Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg talks to Jolene and Craig Goeard about moving from Colorado Springs to Peoria and how they fell in love with the community. They started the "UpStage Theater" here in Peoria at the Grand Army Reserve Hall, which offers more of an intimate experience for viewers. 

Their first show (a dinner show) is coming up on Friday December 12th, Saturday December 13th, Friday December 19th, Saturday December 20th, and Sunday December 21st! The show is "A Very Dicken's Murder", which is an original show they created! 

This passionate theater couple also talks about how they met and their intensive theater background!

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Greg talks to Carole Ward about her adventures to places you shouldn't go and why she's passionate about helping people who are hurting. She goes by herself and is an inspiration to different communities around the world. 

She mentions how the first place she went was Uganda - 23 years ago! She now lives there, while continuing to travel for presentations, story telling, and helping others! She mentions where her faith and fearlessness comes from and how she ended up visiting Peoria!

Check out her documentary, "Send Me Where No One Wants To Go" and find more information about her and her stories on www.favorintl.org 

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Greg talks to Priscilla Slaughter, Director of Development at W.D. Boyce Council about their upcoming annual "Distinguished Citizen Award" on Saturday December 13th from 5:30-7:30 PM at Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center. 

Advanced Medical Transport will be receiving the award because they are an extremely important part of this community with Priscilla mentioning how they go above and beyond for our scouting units and their dedication has proven time and time again! They have that distinct leadership and outstanding service towards the Scout Oath and Law. 

For more information and tickets, go to www.wdboyce.org

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Greg talks to Dave Johnson of Pearl Technology about how East Peoria's emergency system being hacked is not actually what happened...he dives into the app "Code Red" and explains what it is, how the app itself got hacked, and the timeline of when this began. He mentions how the new name of the app is called "Code Red by Crisis 24" and if and what the East Peoria people should be worrying about. He also mentions an upcoming online information session about password managing on Wednesday December 10th from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. For more information, check out Pearl Technology on Facebook!

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Greg talks to Chris Setti of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council about the importance of small businesses in our community and how enthusiasm makes them unique, along with dining, retail, and entertainment. They are very important to the backbone of our community and have a true economic impact, plus the value of shopping provides individuality compared to other name brands or larger corporations. He mentions how it's important to always look local first!

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Greg and Dan talk to Wendy Thomasson, Executive Director of the Peoria Ballet Company, and Ian Thatcher, Artistic Director, about the company’s 60-year legacy and the profound impact it’s had on the local community. They discuss the growth in students and studios over the years, the importance of introducing movement and dance at a young age, and how the Ballet continues to nurture creativity and discipline.

They also highlight their upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker”, scheduled for December 13th and 14th at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater at the Peoria Civic Center - a cherished holiday tradition that promises to delight audiences of all ages (doors open at 6:30 PM, show begins at 7:30 PM each night).

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Greg and Dan talk to Doug Cruitt of Distillery Labs, along with sisters Larkin and Willa, who will be showcasing and selling their artwork at Distillery Labs’ First Friday event - a community celebration that brings together local artists, creators, and young talent for an inspiring night of hands-on creativity. This family-friendly event is TONIGHT from 5–8 PM at Distillery Labs in downtown Peoria!

Larkin and Willa share the story behind their creative business, “Pretendly,” and how their imaginative ideas grew into a project they now get to share with the world. Visit www.pretendly.fun to explore more of their artwork and inventive minds! Doug highlights the girls’ curiosity, creativity, artistic drive, and emphasizes how important it is to encourage children to keep creating, dreaming, and expressing themselves.

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Greg and Dan talk to Coach Brian Wardle from Bradley University about their recent basketball game, breaking down the highs and lows and how those moments shaped the team’s performance. He explains why consistent play and sustained high effort are crucial for long-term success. Coach Wardle also reflects on how today’s society has lost touch with the true spirit of being a fan and why showing real emotion, passion, and support matters now more than ever.

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Greg and Dan talk to Dr. Brian Curtis of OSF Healthcare about the recent flu virus outbreak spreading across parts of Europe and Asia, an unexpected surge that has health experts paying close attention. Dr. Curtis explains why getting the flu vaccine is still one of the best ways to protect yourself and others, and he shares helpful habits and preventative tips for staying healthy throughout cold and flu season.

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Greg and Dan talk to Major Heath Sells, Central Illinois Area Commander of the Salvation Army, about the growing needs in our community and the reality that nearly 20% of Peoria residents are living at or below the poverty line.

He explains why so many families are struggling right now, how the need continues to rise, and why giving - no matter how small - creates an immediate and meaningful impact. Major Sells also shares the work the Salvation Army is doing every day and the many ways the community can step in to help.

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