Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan talk with Dave Johnson of Pearl Technology about Flock Safety cameras, what they are, how they work, and the law enforcement agencies and communities using them to help identify vehicles and assist with investigations. He also discusses Axon’s Fusus platform and explains the growing role of artificial intelligence in analyzing and organizing information. He also shares how these tools can be used responsibly to help law enforcement protect people and communities.

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Greg and Dan talk with former Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis about the passing of longtime Peoria City Councilman Eric Turner over the weekend and the legacy he leaves behind. He reflects on the 22 years the two served together, sharing memories of working alongside Turner and discussing his dedication to public service, his commitment to Peoria, and the impact he had on the community throughout his many years of leadership. The conversation honors Turner’s life, his service to the city, and the lasting influence he had on the people and community he represented.

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Greg and Dan talk with Bradley University Men’s Basketball Head Coach Brian Wardle about the Braves’ newly released schedule and what he likes about the matchups ahead for the 2026–27 season. He breaks down some of the teams Bradley will face, what goes into the scheduling process, and how the schedule can help prepare the Braves for conference play. He also introduces fans to this year’s new-look team, sharing insight into the players’ personalities, highlighting some of the talent on the roster, and discussing how the group is coming together. He says it’s an exciting time for Bradley Basketball and encourages fans to get involved, feel the energy, and support the Braves throughout the season.

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Greg and Dan talk with Renae Kerrigan of the Dome Planetarium at the Peoria Riverfront Museum about the recent lunar eclipse and the museum’s special viewing party, which brought out around 140 guests to experience the celestial event together. She also shares details from her recent research trip to Nome, Alaska, where she joined a team of scientists studying how increased beaver activity is changing Arctic landscapes. She explains how beavers create ponds that can alter surrounding ecosystems, what researchers are learning about those environmental impacts, and why studying these changes is important. She also reflects on her love of teaching all areas of science and how the trip gave her the unique opportunity to become the student herself and learn alongside other scientists.

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Greg and Dan talk with Jeff Huebner, Marketing Chairman for Peoria Irish Fest, about the annual Peoria Irish Fest, kicking off tonight and running through Sunday on the Peoria Riverfront. He breaks down how the festival works and highlights the wide variety of activities available throughout the weekend, from live Irish music and dancing, vendors, and plenty of activities for kids. He explains why the festival is truly family-friendly -- kids 12 and under receive free admission and shares how Irish Fest brings people together for music, culture, and friendship. The weekend also includes the annual Liturgy for Peace and Justice on Sunday morning, with music beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m.

Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the festival!

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Greg and Dan talk with John Morris, President and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum, about a major new gift supporting the museum’s Every Student Initiative (ESI). The Barton Family Foundation has been involved with ESI since its beginning, providing early funding that helped launch the program, which gives Central Illinois students curriculum-connected museum experiences and has since expanded its reach. He discusses the newly announced $5 million endowment gift, the largest gift in the museum’s history, and how it will help secure and expand educational opportunities for generations of students throughout Peoria and the surrounding region. He also reflects on the program’s growth, the importance of doing good in the community, and the museum’s hopes to reach even more students in the years ahead.

He also previews We Remember: Stories from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11 opening next week!

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Greg and Dan talk with local author Jodi Zacovic about her children's books Everyone Has an Angel and her newest book, Sylvie’s First Angel Assignment. She shares the deeply personal inspiration behind her writing following the loss of her granddaughter, Sylvie, and how Everyone Has an Angel became an important part of her own healing journey while offering children and families a message of faith, comfort, and hope. She also discusses Sylvie’s First Angel Assignment, which follows Angel Sylvie as she receives her first heavenly assignment and explores themes of kindness, patience, love, and helping others. She reflects on using her books to help families navigate loss, connect with one another, and find hope during difficult moments.

To learn more about Jodi and purchase her books, visit Jodi D. Zacovic’s official website.

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Greg and Dan talk with Bradley University President Jim Shadid about the start of the 2026–2027 academic year and the excitement surrounding the first days back on campus. He discusses getting construction projects cleaned up and ready in time for move-in, how decisions surrounding campus improvements are made, and the positive energy he's felt from students returning to Bradley. He also highlights the university's two new majors in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, along with new initiatives surrounding women's athletics that have already received an overwhelmingly positive response. 

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Greg and Dan talk with Ambassador Francis Rooney about the latest tensions between President Donald Trump and Canada, including tariffs and the growing trade dispute between the two countries. Rooney shares his perspective on the Trump administration’s broader foreign policy approach, how current trade tensions could affect relationships with longtime U.S. allies, and what he believes may happen next. He also discusses the importance of diplomacy and maintaining strong international relationships during an increasingly complicated period in global affairs. 

You can also check out his book, The Global Vatican: An Inside Look at the Catholic Church, World Politics, and the Extraordinary Relationship Between the United States and the Holy See, which draws on his experience as ambassador. Follow him on Instagram @repfrancisrooney

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Greg and Dan talk with Msgr. Gray about the upcoming beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and what beatification means within the Catholic Church -- the formal recognition of a person as “Blessed,” one of the final steps on the path toward sainthood. He discusses the power of prayer, Sheen’s remarkable life and legacy, and the journey that has led to this historic moment. He also previews the Beatification Mass on September 24 at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, where tens of thousands of people are expected to gather for a worldwide celebration of Sheen’s life and faith. The celebration then returns to Peoria on September 25 with Masses, special events, and the inaugural Sheen Awards Gala at 6 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center, honoring individuals who continue Sheen’s legacy through faith, media, and evangelization.

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