Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan speak with Patricia Nimmo, a local Peoria author, about her newly released book Tails of the Cat and the Bookstore.

Patricia shares the inspiration behind her charming and imaginative story, which follows the adventures of a clever bookstore cat navigating life among shelves of stories and curious customers. The book celebrates the magic of books and the special bond between animals and people. 

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Greg and Dan speak with Brian Curtis of OSF HealthCare about the differences between shingles and poison ivy—two very different conditions that are often confused due to their similar rash-like symptoms.

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Greg and Dan speak with Stacy Peterson, Communications Director for the City of Peoria, about the upcoming “Great Neighbor Appreciation Cookout,” taking place on Thursday, July 17th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

This free community event is part of a broader campaign to celebrate and strengthen neighborhood connections across Peoria. Attendees can enjoy complimentary food, face painting, a balloon artist, bounce houses, yard games, and a variety of valuable local resources—all designed to bring the community together in a fun and engaging way.

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Greg and Dan speak with Connie Moser, President of the Pekin Park Concert Band and President of its Executive Board, along with Eric Mills, President of the Fogelberg Foundation of Peoria, about the upcoming “Living Legacy” tribute event taking place Sunday, July 27th at 6:30 PM at the Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Center in Mineral Springs Park.

The event will honor the life and legacy of the late Lawrence P. Fogelberg, a beloved music educator and conductor who served as the leader of the Pekin Park Concert Band for 35 years. Known affectionately as the “Leader of the Band,” Lawrence made a lasting impact on generations of musicians and the Pekin community. He is also the father of the late singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg, whose iconic song “Leader of the Band” was written in his father’s honor.

A highlight of the evening will be the performance of a special musical composition by renowned composer Robert Sheldon, dedicated to Lawrence P. Fogelberg. The piece will be performed by the Pekin Park Concert Band, one of the ensembles that Lawrence once led with great passion and precision.

The “Living Legacy” event promises an evening filled with powerful music, heartfelt tributes, and cherished memories, celebrating a man whose influence continues to resonate through both music and community.

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Greg and Dan talk with Matt Bartolo, Business Manager and President of the West Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council, about the role union contractors play in strengthening the Peoria community.

Union contractors make up nearly 90% of the construction workforce in the Peoria area, playing an essential part in building and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps the region thriving.

Bartolo highlights three key pillars that set union contractors apart. First and foremost, he emphasizes the people, skilled union workers who not only bring high-quality craftsmanship to their work but are also deeply involved in and committed to their local communities. Second, Bartolo credits the contractors themselves, whose leadership and investment in union labor make projects possible. Their commitment to safe working conditions, fair wages, and long-term sustainability ensures the trades remain strong for future generations. Third, the Council is a policy-driven organization that advocates for responsible labor practices, workforce development, and equitable opportunities in the trades. 

The Council also offers comprehensive health and welfare benefits for workers and their spouses, reinforcing their commitment to the long-term well-being of their members. One of their core missions is to ensure that every member can look forward to retiring with dignity, knowing their years of hard work are valued and supported.

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Greg and Dan talk with Jim Shadid, President of Bradley University, as he celebrates his first 100 days in office. Shadid shares his early reflections on the role, emphasizing a deep appreciation for the overwhelming support and enthusiasm he's encountered from both the Bradley and greater Peoria communities. He notes that what surprised him most is just how many people are eager to help, contribute ideas, and be part of something transformational.

At the heart of Shadid’s leadership vision is a strong focus on community engagement and the student experience. He stresses that Bradley University is deeply rooted in its commitment to creating a meaningful, connected, and enriching environment for students both on and off campus. Enhancing life on campus or creating new ways for students to get involved is central to this mission. Shadid is committed to developing a premier student experience that prepares young adults not only for academic success but also for life beyond college.

A key challenge facing Bradley, according to Shadid, is enrollment. He is actively exploring innovative strategies to increase student interest and involvement, while ensuring the university remains accessible, dynamic, and forward-thinking. Recruiting and developing students who are prepared to thrive after graduation remains a top priority under his leadership.

Shadid also highlights his open-door philosophy and commitment to being visible and engaged within the community. He makes it a point to personally respond to individuals who reach out with ideas or concerns, and he is quick to connect with those looking to help solve problems or improve the campus experience. He is eager to lead Bradley toward a future shaped by innovation, inclusivity, and a clear strategic roadmap. Shadid is optimistic about the direction Bradley is heading and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead

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Greg and Dan talk with Jodi Brown of the KB Strong Foundation, and wife of the late Kevin Brown, a beloved coach and educator who passed away in 2019 after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma is an aggressive and fast-growing form of brain cancer that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is currently one of the most complex and deadly forms of cancer, with no known cause or cure. Treatment options are limited, and survival rates remain low, making awareness and research critically important.

In honor of Kevin’s legacy and in recognition of National Glioblastoma Awareness Day on July 16th, the KB Strong Foundation is partnering with the OSF Cancer Institute to host a community-focused event aimed at raising awareness, inspiring hope, and driving forward the search for answers.

This event is more than just a gathering—it’s a testament to resilience, unity, and the power of community support. What began as a local effort in Peoria has now grown into a nationally recognized movement, connecting families, researchers, and advocates across the country.

Together, they stand strong—for Kevin, and for the countless others affected by Glioblastoma.

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Greg and Dan speak with Bruce Huber, the lead instructor for the Tire Rack Street Survival Program, about an upcoming hands-on driving course designed specifically for young drivers ages 15 to 21. The one-day course will take place on either September 13th or 14th at the Caterpillar Building in Mossville, Illinois.

This nationally recognized program is focused on teaching real-world driving skills that go beyond what is offered in traditional driver’s education. Participants will use their own vehicles to better understand how their car responds to emergency situations, including sudden braking, evasive maneuvers, and accident avoidance. One of the key benefits of the program is its one-on-one coaching model. Each student is paired with a trained, in-car coach who guides them through each exercise, helping them learn safe, defensive driving techniques. A major cause of teen driving accidents is simply lack of experience—something this program aims to address head-on. This course is a valuable investment in safety.

The cost of the course is $125 per participant. Registration can be completed at www.streetsurvival.org.

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Greg and Dan are joined by D.A. Points, a proud Pekin native and seasoned PGA Tour professional, to discuss the ongoing Junior Open taking place this week at the historic Pekin Country Club. The tournament, which began Tuesday and concludes on Thursday, serves as a valuable platform for aspiring high school golfers to showcase their talent, gain exposure to college scouts, and potentially earn athletic scholarships.

Points shares insights from his own professional journey and emphasizes the importance of grassroots tournaments like this one in shaping the future of the sport. As a three-time PGA Tour winner with a long-standing commitment to youth development and golf education, Points remains deeply connected to his hometown and continues to support the next generation of athletes.

The Pekin Country Club itself has undergone a meaningful revitalization under new ownership, with efforts underway to restore its legacy and enhance both its facilities and community presence. This tournament marks an exciting chapter in that resurgence, bringing competitive spirit and local pride back to the course.

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Greg and Dan sit down with Jenni Davis, the Communications Director for the Peoria-area libraries, to discuss an exciting new development—a $167,000 grant aimed at enhancing local library services. This grant, which is part of a larger initiative to strengthen library systems across the region, will fund a variety of improvements, including significant technology upgrades, facility enhancements, and increased access to educational resources. The grant underscores the importance of libraries as community hubs and their role in fostering literacy, lifelong learning, and digital literacy.

In addition to the grant, Jenni highlights the "Thinking Money" event, hosted every Tuesday at the Peoria Public Library in downtown Peoria. Designed for children ages 5 to 9, this interactive program introduces young minds to the fundamentals of financial literacy, such as saving, budgeting, and making informed spending choices. By creating an early foundation for financial education, the library hopes to instill lasting skills that will serve children well into adulthood. Jenni also discusses the library's introduction of "Playaway Launchpads," a tool that combines educational apps with kid-friendly tablets to enhance learning in a fun and engaging way. These advancements, made possible by the grant, are transforming the Peoria libraries into a more vibrant and resourceful space for both children and adults.

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