Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Dan talks with JD Dalfonso from the Discover Peoria Communications Bureau about the Illinois Music Education Conference (IMEC), taking place in Peoria from January 28th-31st. He explains how the event benefits the community, including the urban landscape experience, smooth traffic flow, and hotel occupancy that is 80% higher throughout the region.

IMEC has been hosted in Peoria for over 30 years and provides incredible music education while Discover Peoria ensures the attendees have everything they need. He highlights how this annual event is a major success for Greater Peoria.

For more information, visit https://ilmea.org/imecintro

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Dan talks with Gene Olson, Director of the Peoria International Airport (PIA), about how - despite major winter storms impacting the East Coast - PIA has maintained a normal flight schedule with minimal issues. They discuss how severe weather has led to thousands of flight cancellations nationwide and explain the aircraft deicing process, which can sometimes cause delays and result in missed connecting flights.

Gene also shares helpful travel tips for passengers, including checking the weather at connecting airports, understanding when rebooking may be necessary, and planning ahead during winter travel. While airline travel at PIA remains in high demand, Gene notes that conditions nationwide can vary greatly depending on location and weather.

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Dan talks with Brian Katulis of the Middle East Institute about the current situation in Iran. 

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Dan talks with Chris Setti of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, Josh Wray of the Pekin Economic Development Council, and Mary Burress, Mayor of Pekin, about the new data center coming to Pekin.

They address the pushback and negativity surrounding the project, explain what the data center means for the community, discuss potential impacts on electricity prices, and highlight how the development will bring real jobs and real economic investment to Pekin. The conversation also focuses on the idea that while people may be afraid of change, growth and progress often require embracing it.

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Dan talks with Dave Johnson of Pearl Technology about scam factories and how people are often deceived into working there, only to find themselves trapped. Dave explains what happens behind the scenes in these operations, noting that hundreds of thousands of people are involved worldwide.

He discusses the quotas workers are forced to meet, how their meals, safety, and living conditions often depend on whether potential victims respond, and sheds light on the harsh realities many of these workers face.

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Greg and Dan talk to Justin Dedman, head coach of the Bradley Braves Baseball team, along with players Luke Skinner and Drew Politte, as they gear up for Opening Day on March 24th.

Coach Dedman highlights the players’ skills, leadership, and growth, while Luke and Drew share their Bradley experiences, passion for baseball, future goals, and what they’re most excited about for the upcoming season. Coach Dedman also emphasizes how much young fans look up to the team and how the Braves continue to make a positive impact throughout the community.

For schedules, tickets, and more information, visit www.bradleybraves.com

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Greg and Dan talk with Taylor Cole from the Cuddles with Kindness organization about how the nonprofit began and the inspiration behind its mission. Taylor shares her personal experience as a pediatric patient when she was younger and explains how receiving a stuffed animal during a difficult time brought her immense comfort. That moment helped shape the organization’s goal: providing comfort and kindness to children experiencing trauma and hospital stays.

She also highlights the upcoming 17th Annual Cuddles with Kindness Valentine’s Day Drive, which partners with local organizations and businesses to collect stuffed animals for children in hospitals. The community is encouraged to get involved and donate.

For more information, visit www.cuddleswithkindness.org

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Greg and Dan talk with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is running for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, about the recently passed Home Affordability Act. He explains that nearly 75% of homes are currently unaffordable, especially for young people, and discusses how upfront costs like down payments and closing expenses are the biggest barriers to homeownership. Congressman Krishnamoorthi shares his efforts to address the issue through solutions such as fixing tariffs, offering tax credits, and encouraging other lawmakers to take action to make housing more accessible.

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Greg and Dan talk with Dave Snell, the longtime voice of the Bradley Braves, about a huge milestone - his 1,470th broadcast during the recent game against Indiana State. They reflect on the last time Bradley faced Indiana State, Dave’s very first broadcasting season back in 1979–1980, and what has become the longest relationship between a radio station and a college basketball program. Dave shares his passion for the game and why broadcasting Bradley basketball is still just as fun and meaningful after all these years.

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Greg and Dan talk with Nate Mescher from Uftring Chevrolet about protecting your vehicle during extreme cold weather conditions like the ones we’re experiencing now. They cover battery health, how cold temperatures can affect alternators, the importance of warming up your car before driving, and maintaining proper tire pressure.

Stay warm and drive safe!

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