Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan talk with Kyle Varnold and Shawn Payne about the upcoming 4th Annual Saint Brigid Fest on Saturday, February 7th from 5-10 PM at St. Mark’s School.

They share the personal stories that led to the creation of this event and why it’s so meaningful to them. The festival celebrates St. Brigid of Kildare with Irish food, drinks, music, dancing, raffles, and more!

Tickets are $20 at the door.

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Greg and Dan talk with David Commanday of the Heartland Festival Orchestra about the upcoming “Behind the Music – Music, Medicine, and the Mind” performance on Thursday, February 5th from 5:30–8:00 PM.

David shares details about the story behind the performance and why audiences connect so deeply with the pieces. The program blends singing, live music, and personal storytelling, including reflections on experiences during COVID, all with the goal of bringing the community together through shared experiences and healing.

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Greg and Dan talk with Amy McCoy, Chief Mike McCoy, and Mike Rundle about the upcoming documentary premiere of “One Crazy Idea,” celebrating the 45th anniversary of the St. Jude Memphis to Peoria Run on March 11th at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. There will be two showings: 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM.

They share the history of the fundraiser, which began about 47 years ago with just 19 participants and has grown to 2,800 participants last year. The documentary aims to tell the story, celebrate the journey, and inspire more people to join the run each year.

At the heart of both the documentary and the fundraiser is supporting the children of St. Jude.

Tickets can be purchased at www.stjuderuns.org

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Greg and Dan talk with Amber Moore about the upcoming Chillicothe Chocolate Tour on February 14th from 11 AM – 3 PM - a perfect Valentine’s Day activity for couples.

The ticket includes access to 20 different locations within a three-block radius, featuring a wide variety of desserts such as chocolate pretzels, hot chocolate, truffles, chocolate cheesecake bites, chocolate wine, and more!

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at City Hall (Monday–Friday) or Gilmore’s Sports Bar!

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Greg and Dan talk with Chris Setti of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council about how different generations function in the workplace and how work patterns are changing. They discuss how today’s workforce values flexibility, especially among younger generations, which is making traditional career paths and schedules more non-linear.

Chris explains how shift work and scheduling are evolving based on these patterns and changing expectations. The conversation centers on two key approaches moving forward: either teaching younger generations how traditional systems work or modifying workplace structures to better fit how people work today.

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Greg and Dan talk with Dave Johnson of Pearl Technology about the bots people unknowingly argue with on social media, recent high-profile hacks involving companies like Delta and how modern cars are essentially computers on wheels.

He breaks down how bots shape online conversations, what these hacks mean for everyday people, and why increased technology in vehicles raises new concerns around cybersecurity and data protection.

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Dan talks with Heather Himstedt, Vice President of Busey Retail Banking, about concerns surrounding pennies no longer being accepted at some stores. She explains what customers can do with their pennies and confirms that banks will still accept them and will continue to provide pennies when customers cash checks.

She notes that while it’s unclear if or when policies may change in the future, banks are being proactive by keeping pennies available, especially for customer needs, while minimizing excess for businesses. Heather reassures customers that while some people are fearful, for now everything is fine, and Busey remains committed to supporting and serving its customers—including continuing to take pennies.

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Dan talks with Ambrose McCall of Hinshaw Law Firm about social media law and current legal challenges. They discuss how companies get involved in social media cases, what corporate rights are when it comes to online platforms, and what is covered under the First Amendment.

Ambrose also explains communications law, censorship, and regulations, and dives into how Grok (X’s AI) has become a major case currently in the spotlight.

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Dan talks with Steve Houlihan of Benjamin F. Edwards about how the strength of the dollar impacts the average American and what the firm is projecting for the year ahead. He explains current market conditions and shares that 2026 is off to a strong start, with expectations pointing toward a solid and promising year.

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Dan talks with Jim Chilsen, Head of the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), about how the organization advocates for citizens and the community. He explains that their current focus is on Illinois American Water, where customers are frustrated with continuously escalating water bills.

Jim details how the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) makes decisions on these bills and why CUB’s involvement is crucial to protect the community and ensure fair rates. He emphasizes that this is a serious problem that requires action and advocacy.

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