Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan talk with Brian Wardle, coach of the Bradley Braves Basketball team, about how the team has been improving, finding new ways to win, tightening up on defense, and developing key players. They also preview the BIG GAME versus Illinois State University tomorrow at 1:00 PM at CEFCU Arena!

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Greg and Dan talk with legendary broadcaster Chip Carey about the upcoming St. Louis Cardinals Caravan on Friday, January 16th at Embassy Suites. Doors open at 5:00 PM, and the event begins at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $3 and available at the door.

Chip shares that he has been with the Cardinals for four years and reflects on how baseball has shaped his family for over 80 years - fulfilling dreams for him and now continuing with his children. They discuss the pride of St. Louis, the current state of the Cardinals team, and the strength of the franchise.

Fans continue to keep the team exciting and hopeful, and everyone is looking forward to the upcoming season!

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Greg and Dan talk with Dr. Andy Morgan, creator of the Penguin Project, which has been running for 22 years and originally started here in Peoria with his wife. They discuss the upcoming performance of “Aladdin Jr.” at the Eastlight Theatre on January 16th, 17th, and 18th.

This is a shortened version of the Broadway musical. Dr. Morgan explains that there are now 64 Penguin Project programs across the country and highlights how communities are excited and supportive because these programs give kids a chance to embrace their confidence and creativity.

For more information and tickets, visit www.eastlighttheatre.org

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Greg and Dan talk with Andy Knapp about the brand-new debut of the Peoria Boat, RV, and Vacation Show happening January 17th from 10 AM-8 PM and January 18th from 10 AM-4 PM at the Peoria Civic Center! The event is designed for Illinois outdoor enthusiasts who love boating, camping, RV travel, and more.

Andy highlights the variety of marina vendors, RV vendors, and other outdoor-related exhibitors who will be there including fishing gear, ATVs, and additional recreational products.

Tickets for the general public are $6, and $4 for seniors and veterans. For more information, visit www.boatrvandsportshows.com

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Greg and Dan talk with George Stelluto, conductor of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, about their upcoming performance “Voices of the Nation” on Friday, January 23rd at 7:30 PM at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater in the Peoria Civic Center.

George shares details about the performance, expresses appreciation for the extensive work musicians and staff put into every production, and explains how the show is a celebration of the people, places, and spirit of America. He also highlights featured composers including John Williams and Michael Torke.

For more information and tickets, visit www.peoriasymphony.org

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Greg and Dan talk with Brian Katulis from the Middle East Institute about current events in Iran, where citizens are expressing anger over the spiraling economy and recession. Brian explains how Iran has historically leaned toward the West and has shown interest in democratic models, but the question remains: how could such a transition realistically unfold?

They also discuss the potential global impact if Iran were to become a democracy — noting that it could be transformative, but only if a fundamentally different Iran emerges.

Brian additionally highlights his upcoming podcast episode, Taking the Edge Off the Middle East, releasing January 20th on Spotify and Apple!

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Greg and Dan talk with Gerard Weigand, owner of UFS, about the history of the organization and the family legacy behind it - with a touch of nostalgia - noting that UFS has now been around for 61 years! Gerard also highlights their upcoming ribbon-cutting grand opening event tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14th at 2:00 PM at North Point Shopping Center in Peoria.

They discuss how the world has changed in the way we buy goods and how that shift has impacted their organization and the retail market as a whole. Gerard shares how people are always searching for great deals and explains the process behind sourcing items and negotiating them.

UFS stands for family, community, and preserving its legacy. For more information, visit www.ufsdeals.com!

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Greg and Dan talk with Marty Wombacher, creator of the popular blog Meanwhile Back in Peoria, about relaunching one of his past projects, A Guy Walks Into 365 Bars. It’s been 15 years since he last did it - originally during his time living in New York and the very first bar he visited back then was Mike’s Tavern in West Peoria!

This time around, Marty will be visiting bars throughout Peoria, Pekin, Chillicothe, and other areas across Central Illinois. He also shares what kinds of bars are his favorite and why.

For more information and to follow his journey, visit: www.martywombacher.com

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Dan Diorio talking with Seth Kaller, Curator of the Promise of Liberty Exhibition at the Peoria Riverfront Museum! 

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Dan talks with Chris Setti of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council for a wide–ranging discussion - starting with a fun recap of Chicago and Peoria sports culture, and moving into how local businesses are positioning themselves through expansion, relocation, and long-term planning. Chris emphasizes that certainty is a major factor for companies making investment decisions. They also explore the growing role of data centers, including how the new Pekin data center came about, its current due diligence phase, and why both companies and communities must be prepared to answer tough questions during the evaluation process.

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