Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan talk with Suzy Walker-Cortez and Bruce Moore of Bikers Against Street Hunger (B.A.S.H.) about the 35th Annual B.A.S.H. event, happening this Saturday September 19th. They look back at how the event got its start more than three decades ago and how its mission has continued to grow, bringing the motorcycle community together to help fight hunger throughout Central Illinois. They preview what attendees can expect from this year’s event, discuss the impact the money raised has on the community, and share the incredible passion and generosity of the local biker community when it comes to helping people in need.

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Greg and Dan talk with Chris Setti, CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, about the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and the work underway on the new 2026–2030 five-year plan. He explains how CEDS serves as an intentional roadmap for economic growth across Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Mason, and Logan counties, and how community input gathered through The Big Table helps shape priorities for the region’s future. He also reflects on the progress made under the previous five-year plan and discusses why the process continually begins and ends with input and collaboration from the people who live and work throughout Greater Peoria.

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Greg and Dan talk with Dave Johnson of Pearl Technology about the growing conversation surrounding artificial intelligence and whether it may be time to “put the brakes” on how quickly the technology is advancing. He separates some of the sensationalism surrounding AI from what the technology can and cannot actually do, while explaining the importance of understanding its limitations. He also discusses how developers work to keep AI systems contained and controlled, the concept of AI misalignment and what it means when an AI system’s behavior or goals don’t fully match what humans intended, and why safeguards are increasingly important as the technology becomes more powerful.

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Greg and Dan talk with Gene Olson, Director of Airports for the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria, about his firsthand experience working in airport operations on September 11, 2001. At the time, Olson was Director of Operations at Evansville Regional Airport, and he recalls the morning of the attacks, receiving calls from air traffic control, and the unprecedented decision to halt air traffic across the country. He walks through what it took to shut down airport operations, secure runways and terminals, sweep the building, and respond as the aviation industry faced a situation unlike anything it had experienced before. He also reflects on how airport security and procedures changed in the aftermath and how long it took for many of the new rules and systems travelers know today to take shape.

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Greg and Dan talk with Scott Corsaut, Chairman of the Greater Peoria Honor Flight Board, and Robbie Mathison, owner of Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, about the 10th Annual Armed Forces Celebration Day, happening Saturday, September 12 from 5–11 p.m. at Pour Bros. in Peoria Heights. The annual event brings the community together to celebrate and support veterans and active-duty military members while also raising awareness of resources and services available to veterans throughout Central Illinois. They preview what attendees can expect, discuss what reaching the event’s 10th year means to the community, and share why supporting those who have served continues to be personally meaningful to them.

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Greg and Dan talk with former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, one of the featured speakers at today’s 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. He reflects on his own memories and experiences surrounding September 11, 2001, and how the attacks changed the country. He also shares his thoughts on America’s role in leading through diplomacy, the importance of unity and public service, and why the lives lost and sacrifices made that day must continue to be remembered by future generations.

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Greg and Dan talk with Eddie and Tracy Sutter about their deeply personal connection to September 11, 2001—the day their twin babies were born. They recall the events of that morning, what they remember seeing and hearing as the attacks unfolded, and the emotions of welcoming two new lives into the world on a day marked by unimaginable tragedy. Now, 25 years later, they reflect on that unique mixture of joy and heartbreak and the reminder that even during the darkest moments, life goes on.

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Greg and Dan talk with Peoria Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger about today’s 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, happening at 10 a.m. at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Chief Sollberger, who is serving as honorary chair of the ceremony, reflects on the emotions he experienced on September 11, 2001, when he was just three years into his career as a firefighter, and what was happening within his own fire department as news of the attacks unfolded. He discusses the instincts firefighters develop through their training, the desire to step forward and serve when others are in danger, and what draws people to the profession in the first place. He also addresses criticism firefighters sometimes face and shares his perspective on the commitment, sacrifice, and responsibility that come with the job, while honoring the first responders and nearly 3,000 people whose lives were lost 25 years ago.

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Greg and Dan talk with Dr. Brinda Mehta, Director of the Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute at OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois, and Amanda Marcanio, Program Manager with OSF HealthCare, about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of helping children not only get through treatment, but thrive during and after it. They discuss what children and families experience, advancements in treatments and support services, and the difference between cancer and non-cancerous blood disorders.

They also preview the inaugural Dinking for a Cure Pickleball Tournament, happening Saturday, September 19 from 7 a.m.--2 p.m. at Glen Oak Park in Peoria. The tournament features men’s, women’s and mixed doubles divisions for adults and youth, with registration at $40 per team. Beneficiary: OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute and Paint the Town Gold. 

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Greg and Dan talk with Major Anita Sells and Tami Shawgo about “Hope Has An Army,” the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Annual Fundraiser, happening Thursday, October 1 at Venue Chisca in Peoria. The evening begins with doors opening and a silent auction at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m. and the evening program. They discuss what guests can expect from the evening and how attendees often leave feeling inspired by the stories and mission behind the Salvation Army’s work. Most importantly, funds raised by the Women’s Auxiliary stay local and support Salvation Army programs serving people throughout the Tri-County area.

For more information, visit www.sapeoria.org 

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