Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan talk with David Houseworth, Northern Tazewell Fire Chief and co-chair of the September 11 Remembrance Ceremony Committee, about Washington’s annual September 11 Remembrance Ceremony, taking place Sunday, September 6 at 4 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Helicopter in Washington Park. He discusses what attendees can expect and why remembering the lives lost and sacrifices made on September 11 remains so important to the Washington community, especially as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks. He also highlights this year’s special guest speaker, U.S. Air Force Major Heather “Lucky” Penney, an F-16 pilot.

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Greg and Dan talk with Sasha Volyanyk, Mark Rein, and Dr. Steve Hamon about the ongoing war in Ukraine and what daily life looks like for Ukrainians more than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Sasha, who is based in Ternopil, Ukraine, offers a firsthand perspective on what he and his family have experienced, how people have adapted to living through years of war, and the challenges of determining what information is accurate amid misinformation and propaganda. Mark and Dr. Hamon also discuss their involvement in humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, with Mark having completed multiple humanitarian mission trips to the country, and the group reflects on the resilience of the Ukrainian people and efforts to help families and children build a future despite the ongoing conflict.

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Greg and Dan talk with Marisa Pfoff and Emily Whitaker of the River City Construction Foundation about the 3rd Annual RCC Foundation Bags Tournament – Tourney for the Trades, happening Friday, September 25 from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The two share all the details on how to register a team or become a sponsor and what participants can expect, including bags, live music, food trucks, raffles, prizes, and plenty of friendly competition. Most importantly, they discuss the mission behind the event: raising money to strengthen local high school trades programs and provide resources and opportunities for the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Last year’s tournament raised more than $50,000, and organizers are hoping to make an even bigger impact this year.

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Greg and Dan talk with Los Angeles Queens Manager Eric Young Sr. about being part of the historic inaugural season of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL). The former MLB All-Star discusses the passion and determination he's seen from the Queens, connecting with fans, and enjoying the experience as the new league establishes itself. He explains why he approaches coaching these women with the same expectations and intensity he brought to Major League Baseball and also discusses why the WPBL is beginning with four teams and playing its inaugural season in Springfield, Illinois, and what it means for the players and coaches to be making women's baseball history. He says Springfield has been incredibly welcoming and supportive as the league takes its first steps toward building something for the future.

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Greg and Dan talk with Amy McCoy, Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, about the 54th Annual Pekin Marigold Festival, happening September 9-13. She previews what visitors can expect throughout the celebration, including live music, returning festival favorites, family-friendly activities, food, vendors, and plenty more happening around Pekin. She also highlights the Taste of Pekin on Wednesday, September 9, which helps kick off the festivities with local food and flavors before the main festival weekend. Amy explains why the Marigold Festival continues to be such a special Pekin tradition and how its wide variety of events means there's truly a little something for everyone. The festival itself dates back to 1973 and was created to honor Pekin native Everett McKinley Dirksen.

For more information and tickets, visit Pekin Marigold Festival.

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Greg and Dan talk with chef and restaurateur David Burke about his impressive career and the passion that has driven him from his early days in the culinary world to becoming one of the country’s most recognized chefs. He reflects on his beginnings, the creativity behind his cooking, and some of the major accomplishments that have built his résumé. He also previews his upcoming “Beat Burke” culinary competition at Mt. Hawley Country Club in Peoria this October, where Burke will go head-to-head with a local chef in a live, friendly cooking showdown. The Beat Burke format combines dinner and entertainment as chefs create dishes in front of guests, putting their creativity, flavors and presentation to the test.

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Greg and Dan talk with Chad Taylor, Operations Manager, as he celebrates an impressive 30 years in radio. He looks back on where he grew up, the different places his career has taken him, and his first impressions of Peoria. He also shares his extensive background in the music industry, some of the successes and memorable experiences he's had along the way, and how his passion for music and radio has shaped his career over the past three decades. 

You can catch Chad weekday afternoons on 106.9 The Mix and connect with him on social media at @chadtaylorradio!

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Greg and Dan talk with Peggy Jacques, Executive Director of the Graceland Center for Purposeful Aging, about the upcoming “Celebrate Generations, Peoria!” intergenerational mural project, happening Thursday, September 3 and Thursday, September 10 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. She explains the importance of connecting younger and older generations, why the painting is divided between two evenings and scheduled in 30-minute shifts, and how everyone can participate regardless of artistic experience with the paint-by-number design. A light dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. each evening before painting begins. 

For more information or to RSVP, visit Graceland Center for Purposeful Aging or call 833-503-7773.

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Greg and Dan talk with videographer and business owner Chris LeCrone of Chris LeCrone Media about his journey as a Peoria-born-and-raised creator and how his passion for cameras and technology eventually led him into drone videography. He shares how he got his start creating and posting videos on social media and why he enjoys showcasing Peoria from a perspective people may not always get to see. He talks about his love for the area, the variety of things to do throughout Central Illinois (especially outdoors) and how his work allows him to highlight the community through creative visuals. 

Check out Chris and his work at Chris LeCrone Media

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Greg and Dan talk with Chris Setti of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council about the recent passing of longtime Peoria City Councilman Eric Turner and the impact he had on the community. The conversation also turns to the strength that comes from diversity among Peoria’s residents, customers, businesses, and industries, and why having a diversified economy can help create a stronger and more resilient region. He also discusses the importance of continued investment in Greater Peoria, noting that businesses and individuals are more likely to invest in communities that are already demonstrating growth, confidence, and a willingness to invest in themselves.

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