Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan talk with Bradley University Baseball Head Coach Justin Dedman and pitchers Calen Scheider and Robert Sanford about GO Day, the annual community event in Downtown Peoria, and how Bradley Baseball gets involved and connects with the community. Dedman, who is entering his second season leading the Braves, also discusses the team’s fall season and upcoming home games on October 8 and 10. Scheider and Sanford share their perspectives as players, their baseball backgrounds, what fueled their passion for the game, and where they hope baseball takes them in the future. Scheider is a sophomore right-handed pitcher from Gilberts, Illinois, while Sanford is a senior right-hander from Carrollton, Texas. He also breaks down what each pitcher brings to the mound, highlighting their individual skills and development as Bradley looks ahead to the next season.

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Greg and Dan talk with Connie Davis, Founder and Executive Director of SAMS (Stray Animal Midway Shelter), about the organization’s history and mission of reducing the number of animals euthanized in Central Illinois by finding pets loving homes. She previews the annual Woofstock, happening Sunday, September 20 from noon–4 p.m. at the Kickapoo Sportsman’s Club. The dog-friendly outdoor event features live music from the West MacQueen Street Band, vendors, food trucks, activities, a silent auction, raffle and more. Connie also introduces listeners to Penelope, a special dog who is still looking for her forever home and has become the shelter’s longest resident.

For tickets and more information, visit SAMS Rescue’s Woofstock page

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Greg and Dan talk with Dave Johnson of Pearl Technology about the growing amount of fear and misinformation surrounding artificial intelligence and why, despite everyone seeming to have an answer about AI, those answers are not always accurate. He addresses alarming claims that AI is “evil” or actively plotting to harm humans, explaining why attributing human characteristics such as morality, intent, or malice to today’s AI can create a misleading picture of the technology. He discusses where AI actually stands today, the concept of recursive self-improvement and what increasingly rapid advances could mean moving forward. He also talks about growing anxiety surrounding AI, concerns involving China and the global AI race, and the important distinction between AI and artificial general intelligence, or AGI. He also previews an upcoming AI-focused event at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on Monday, September 28 from noon–5 p.m., designed to bring people together to better understand the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence and what its advancement could mean for the future.

For more information on the upcoming event, visit Pearl Technology.

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Greg and Dan talk with Ken Zurski, traffic reporter for WMBD, about the recent NBC4 news helicopter crash in Los Angeles, which killed aerial journalist Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and a person on the ground. He explains how hearing about the tragedy immediately brought back memories of his own experience surviving a small plane crash many years ago after the aircraft’s engine quit. He recalls what happened in those frightening moments, what ultimately saved him, and how that experience shaped his perspective on aviation safety. Ken also discusses some of the differences between airplanes and helicopters during an emergency and why the recent tragedy brought those memories flooding back.

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Greg and Dan talk with Clark Kellogg, longtime CBS Sports college basketball analyst and former NBA player, about coming to Peoria for “Hope Has An Army,” the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Annual Fundraiser, happening Thursday, October 1 at Venue Chisca. He also reflects on his own journey, the importance of his faith throughout his life and career, learning to see the bigger picture, and the message he hopes to share with those attending the event. The fundraiser supports the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and its work serving people throughout the Peoria area.

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Greg and Dan talk with Marie Morris and Kisha Woods about the upcoming Pathways to Success Women’s Conference, happening Friday, September 18 from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria. The annual conference brings women from across Central Illinois together for a full day of leadership, professional development, networking, shopping with local vendors, and opportunities to connect. Marie and Kisha preview this year’s keynote speaker Brittany Richmond, along with breakout sessions featuring Cindy Byrd, Megan Couri, and Dr. Ashley Hammond, and an early-bird leadership panel featuring several local women leaders. They also discuss this year’s theme, “Let’s Get Real: Not Perfect, but Authentically You!”, and the importance of letting go of the pressure to be perfect, embracing who you truly are, and leading with authenticity and confidence.

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Greg and Dan talk with Diana Klein of the Wheels O’ Time Museum about wrapping up another season, which runs May 1 through October 31, and the special events still ahead before the museum closes for the year. Diana highlights LEGO/Robotics Day on Saturday, September 19, featuring the museum’s “Bricks in Motion” LEGO display, local robotics and technical teams, demonstrations, and hands-on building opportunities. She also previews the museum’s annual garage sale and fundraiser on Saturday, September 26, along with the popular Fall Festival on Sunday, October 11 from noon–4 p.m., when the museum comes alive with blacksmithing, folk music, classic vehicles, fire equipment, demonstrations, trains, and more.

For more information on the museum and upcoming events, visit Wheels O’ Time Museum.

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Greg and Dan talk with Rick Blanco, founder of Casoblanco Creative, about his extensive background in the entertainment and creative industries, including work connected to major brands such as Disney, Xbox, and Mattel. He shares how those experiences shaped his career and fueled his passion for creating immersive entertainment. He also talks about his longtime love of Halloween and how that passion inspired Casoblanco Creative, a business focused on bringing imaginative experiences and concepts to life. Rick previews plans for a Halloween takeover at Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery beginning October 15, explaining what a “takeover” involves and how he plans to transform the space and create a unique experience for visitors. He also shares why he chose to move to Peoria, what he enjoys about being part of the local community, and his hopes to bring more creative entertainment experiences to the area.

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Greg and Dan talk with local author Patricia Nimmo about her book Diary of a Mad White Woman, a humorous and sometimes sarcastic collection of observations about the ups, downs, and everyday experiences of life. Patricia shares what inspired her to write the book, highlights a couple of its chapters, and reflects on her outlook that there are eventually “more yesterdays than tomorrows” and why that perspective influences her writing. She also discusses where readers can find her books and previews her appearance at Between the Lines, Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center, an author event bringing readers and writers together to celebrate books, storytelling, and the creative process.

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Greg and Dan talk with Mridu Chandra, Director and Producer of the historical documentary Saund vs. Cochran, about the remarkable true story behind the film. She discusses what first drew her to this largely overlooked chapter of American political history, the extensive research behind bringing it to the screen, her background and experiences as a filmmaker, and what comes next for her. She also previews tonight’s 6:45 p.m. event at Bradley University, where audiences will get an early look at the documentary and learn more about the history behind it.

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