HyperLocal(s)

What a doll. I could literally picture her day-to-day baddasery while working alongside a crew of men. The constant battle to prove herself, learn the most and be her best while keeping her femininity hidden behind neon work shirts and ponytails. 

 Listen as this Villa Grove gal talks about her family history in iron working, how her parents met in the industry, college vs. the trades, the proud concept of being in a union, changing her earrings to keep some of herself in her masculine work uniform, the protection and camaraderie she gets from fellow iron workers on the job site, her genuine love of welding and metal and the creativity she hopes to build from that and where she is now in her apprenticeship and the places she wants to go in that trade. She has a blinding smile and a sweet disposition. Don't be fooled, however, she can hold her own. Stature and femininity will never determine her incredible strength and ability. 

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.

From afar, I've seen his comments and likes. His support. I asked him to tell his story, as I had a hunch there was one there. 

 Listen as this Michigan transplant, born Edward John King, talks disordered eating, working at a non-profit, decades of sobriety, codependency, mental health struggles, the unwanted hand-me-downs that come with a family of alcoholics, childhood trauma and being homeless. Higher education, exercise and a ton of self-reflection and work have helped right his ship. Each day he makes a choice to stay sober, exercise and stay focused on his own health and wellness. His honesty, sweet nature and vulnerability made him so incredibly likeable. Thanks for listening, Cedar. Keep rowing.

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.

On one of our MANY road trips this summer, in the wee hours of the morning, we talk and talk and talk about everything and nothing.

Listen as my husband and "Tales From Two Townies" segment producer talk more basement sewage problems, stress, the Illinois Football NIL deal,  the band no one has ever heard of, the disaster of a camp drop off, Andrew's unfulfilled dreams of becoming a comedian while workshopping bits and finally listener complaints about the podcast content.

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.

Some call him polarizing, some call him an honest fan, an Illini expert and a media personality, he is entertaining, well spoken and not afraid to state his opinion. 

 Listen as this Urbana native talks podcasting, his professional background in radio, his unique hair routine, teaching at a local public middle school, the state of modern kids, taking and responding to criticism and finally writing a book, "The 200 Level." In the book, "Carp," documents an Illini fan's journey. He is not afraid to say what's on his mind. It's refreshing to hear from someone who takes feedback and criticism from an obviously passionate fan base, the Illini community. However, he knows that's what makes our community special—the fire behind the fans. You can hear about his recent project, and you can find out his predictions on the football and basketball seasons.

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.

A reunion, an interview a reflection on the moment I want to forget and the moments she will never forget. Working in the Emergency Department is full of the good, the bad and the ugly. The heroes that work the floor deserve more accolades than this podcast could possibly provide. Still, thank you. Thank you for all you do. 

 Listen as this Champaign townie talks out her climb to local Emergency Department (ED) educator. Fellow Central grads discuss late nights, department camaraderie, our personal ED interaction, maintaining empathy, decompressing, learning under her mom's experience and her mom's honest conversations when Lizzy told her she wanted to become an ED nurse. It's not a job for anyone and everyone. It takes a special person. Lizzy is it. Special, compassionate, efficient, knowledgeable and sparkly. 

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.

More than a year ago I emailed this local business owner. Since the inception of HyperLocal(s) I wanted her to come on the podcast. I wanted to tell her what an imprint her family's business made on my childhood. Thankfully, my email made it to the top of her inbox, and we were able to sit down and talk shop.

 Listen as this Urbana made mother of two, wife of one, talks about the inception and evolution of a Champaign-Urbana touchstone. Art Mart. Courtney shares the familial female badassery that knocked down norms when women wearing literal and figurative pants weren't exactly celebrated, the difficult, yet necessary, move from Urbana to Champaign, parking woes, the famous cookies and croissants, having to shut the computer down and put on your mom hat and my amazement at how damn good she looks for her age.

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.

Articulate and sweet and obviously loved, Michelle has been through it. However, she has been through it with her high school sweetheart by her side. 

 Listen as this Centennial High School graduate talks not having prescription coverage during kidney failure, a close circle raising more than $70,000 to help pay for prescriptions, undergoing three kidney transplants, not being able to have biological children and not grieving that fact, doubling her body weight, using surgery and weight-loss drugs to lose that weight, accepting and appreciating the tools available to get help, providing resources to those who need financial guidance and last, but not least, supporting the art community. Michelle is a muse to her artist husband and those around her. Her perseverance and appreciation for love and life is unmatched. She was a privilege to meet and interview.

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.

She's a mom at my school, and I didn't even know it! Maybe I need to open my eyes more, look up in the hallway and make an effort to know the parents around me. Many of us are so much more than what we see on the surface. Not only are we balancing the biggest job of raising kids, but some of us are keeping massive companies thriving, a family legacy alive and a mindset of both progression and tradition.

 Listen as this Southern Illinoisan talks about the importance of challenging yourself, how volleyball goes from sport to business, marrying an Abercrombie model and professional beach volleyball player, the utility of a stay-at-home husband, homeschooling and running the 5th generation of furniture stores. Most commonly known as Ashley Furniture, Ellen walks us through the evolution and success of this now household name. Glad to meet you, Ellen, you are a shining example of how to create a balance between professional and personal success.

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.

Unexpected. This interview was an honest conversation about what I take for granted. It's a luxury for most—growing up in a place where opportunity is abundant. Dalitso came to the states for an education with few directions and not enough money to house and feed himself.

 Listen as this born Malawian moves himself from Africa to the Midwest in search of an education. This higher education experience would be very hard for him to get from his homeland. He isn't given the correct prep instructions before heading to the states, leaving him homesick and financially at a disadvantage. He would depend on the kindness of those around him to house and feed him as he completes his education and works his way into the nonprofit and public service space. A coincidental meeting of a fellow Malawian, a job at the Regional Planning Commission and an adoption of a healthy lifestyle round out this interview. 

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 gal is 100 percent good, authentic and sweet. She is a ray of light. If you come in contact with her in or outside of the Emergency Department, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. I do!

 Listen as this Galesburg transplant made her way slowly but surely to Champaign-Urbana where she has planted her roots and grew her family. Married to a physician, she and her husband are able to share war stories from their daily experiences at neighboring hospitals. Sarah shares tales of the Emergency Department, why she left and returned and how she balances a young family and a emotionally and physically demanding job. The Emergency Department has always been a place that both scares and fascinates me. Its doors see tragedy, addiction, poor choices and bad luck. Old and young, rich and poor, chronically ill or tragically afflicted, no one can avoid the necessity of care our local Emergency Departments provide. The people that work within their walls are admirable. The ones that forge through their day with grace and patience, like Sarah, are heroes.

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.