There are some people who have the gift of teaching, and Anna is one of them. She is soft, kind, warm and structured. I loved listening to her gratitude and appreciation for being a mom and for the other parents that entrust her with their children. 

 Listen as this South Side Chicago mom, wife, teacher and preschool leader talks all things kids, potty training, learning through play, child loss at 7-months pregnant, being a grandma, new school year anxiety, separation anxiety, the importance of saying goodbye, "Covid kids" entering kindergarten, marrying young, having trouble in school, further education later in life, the importance of fine motor skills and staying in shape for your kids. This conversation is a deep breath before the hustle and crawl of the coming weeks. 

Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops!

Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

These three talented, confident and hardworking young men join me for an impromptu podcast where we talk on a personal level about the game of football.

 Listen as these tropical transplants: Jer'Zhan (Johnny) Newton of the Washington Commanders and Denzel Daxon of the Dallas Cowboys, both former Illinois defensive linemen,  talk with Jershaun (Shauny) Newton, freshman quarterback for the Fighting Illini squad. The juxtaposition of perspectives and age is highlighted within these stories of two NFL athletes and one athlete who is just beginning his college career. Nice smiles, hair, the draft, kids in football, the familial connection and starting the game later in life are just a few topics touched on. I couldn't stop smiling while interviewing these young stars. Can't wait to watch you all this fall!

Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops!

Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

Talk about a champion of both physical and mental growth. Emily is the epitome of discipline, control and practicing what you preach. The world of natural bodybuilding is layered and admirable.

 Listen as this Carbondale gal talks about the fascinating world of bodybuilding, prepping your body for competition, earning pro status, posing, the world of steroid use and natural competitions, reintroducing your body to a norm after competition, trauma and disordered eating and exercise, adding tools to your toolbox, letting go of control, certifications, playing macro Tetris, art and art therapy, putting puzzles together for others, being a coach and being coached. She has learned how to turn life's hurdles into pivot points for changing courses while adding goals and challenges. Emily is a champion of both physical and mental growth. 

Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops!

Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

 This trio is a community-driven powerhouse of commitment and dedication to kids and the game of football. 

 Listen as this mix of townies and transplants talks about youth football in our community, the popularity peak in the late 80s/early 90s, the fade out in the early 2000s and the rise again as Champaign-Urbana and surrounding towns build and strengthen youth football teams to participate in "the ultimate team sport," their personal experience in college-level football, feelings behind their own children playing football, safety concerns and guidelines and why playing contact football at a young age imprints important safety techniques and finally why we believe there is no other youth sport that fosters development six days a week, two hours a day like this extraordinary program of heart, mental toughness and physical strength.

Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops!

Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

 Champaign County Court Appointed Special Advocate's (CASA) representatives stop by to passionately and compassionately explain why the kids in our community need CASA to to be their voice.

 Listen as Candi, a townie and CASA volunteer, and Laura, a Peoria transplant and Director of Development, talk about how they attach themselves to the child abuse and neglect cases in Champaign County, the wide and vast volunteer base that makes up the majority of their workforce, how the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) and CASA differ and align, why this is an organization worth dedicating time and money to and the numbers CASA are able to help in our area. Without volunteers like Candi and staff like Laura, our community would lack the resources needed to support the little ones in our area that need an advocate supporting them.
 

Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops!

Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

My husband and I download this non-stop season of life.
 
 Listen as my husband and the "Tales From Two Townies" most requested, returns to talk wrapping basement construction, "stolen" haybales, parent failures, having "the talk" as kids and with our own, the neighborhood car chase and accident, In Retrospect: A HyperLocal(s) Project, teaching Science Olympiad, tree troubles, having a dramatic child, challenging your kid to get uncomfortable, the deal with choosing the same side of the bed and Andrew's dysfunctional handyman process. Thank you for listening to our beautiful mess.

Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops!

Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

What a local treasure. Champaign-Urbana is so very lucky to have someone who cares about creating, maintaining and improving beloved businesses in our community.

 Listen as this Michigan/Florida transplant talks about her commitment and ownership to five touchstone businesses in our town, Central Illinois Bakehouse, Espresso Royale Cafes, Martinelli's Market, Pekara Bistro and Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery, exceptional customer service, intentional sourcing and producing, considering her and her team as problem solvers over farmers and last, but certainly not least, champion cheese talk and a word from her son.

Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops!

Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

The introductions go wayyyy back to Franklin Middle School then Central High. Two of the four Cornett sisters, Amanda Overmyer and Jodi Davis, join me for a look back, snapshot of the present and glimpse into the future. 

 Listen as these Champaign natives talk sisterhood, family dynamics and roles, unexpected blessings, midwest mannerisms vs. southern hospitality, why Jodi will forever be mad at Amanda, parenting styles, career choices, kids "now and then," public schools, kids leaving the nest and keeping connected across state lines. If you want a feel good catch up peppered with laughter, this is it. 

Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops!

Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

Coming in fresh from a day of summer school, this fixture at Central High School takes me through the trajectory of his teaching and coaching career.

 Listen as this small town Iowa farm kid talks farming, "kids these days," technology, the longevity of his career at our local high school, the approach of empty nesting, travel baseball, emotional coaching vs. skills coaching, bringing a team together, a frustrating end to the season, your own kid letting go of the sport you love, 500 wins and shedding tears vs. anger. I feel so grateful to catch Mr. Staab after such an epic season. You're leaving a legacy.

Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops!

Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.

Busy, kind, funny and self-deprecating. Jess stayed cool, calm and collected under pressure as the definition of a multi-tasking mom unfolded right in front of me in order to get the job done.

 Listen as this Chicago-area transplant talks micropreemie, losing a twin, infertility, the endless NICU stay, taking home "the sickest, smallest baby at Carle," trach life, regrets and therapy, COVID isolation, long-term challenges, sharing her family's story publicly and the decision not to monetize, getting to kindergarten in a public school, the decision to have another child and non-profit work. This is what a superhero looks like. 

Thank you so much for listening! However your podcast host of choice allows, please positively: rate, review, comment and give all the stars! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, share and ring that notification bell so you know when the next episode drops!

Also, search and follow hyperlocalscu on all social media. If I forgot anything or you need me, visit my website at HyperLocalsCU.com. Byee.