HyperLocal(s)

This magnetic ray of chaos, smiles and energy was an easy interview. Proud of both his history as a Marine and present as a DJ and Toys for Tots Coordinator, he brought an energy that was undeniable.

 Listen as this Chicagoland transplant talks about his unique upbringing with a two year high school sabbatical in Japan, using athleticism to shape his diligence and work ethic, surviving and thriving during bootcamp and beyond, the urge and disappointment of never  becoming a drill instructor, getting his MBA, opening a DJ business and mobile tailgating set up and becoming a famous icon at Illini games. On Thursday, December 11, Ceasar, along with the WCIA team, will be behind the WCIA building (509 S. Neil St.) accepting unwrapped kids' toys for the youth in our community. These youth may otherwise be overlooked this holiday season if it wasn't for the contributions from Toys for Tots. 

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 sweetest vet answered my texts when I needed emotional support, encouragement and someone to say, "You are doing the right thing."

 Listen as Bloomington native and University of Illinois graduate, Dr. Mary Laptew talks about her background in veterinary medicine, knowing your strengths and weaknesses and all things end-of-life animal care. When is the right time to put your animal "down," what are the options for end-of-life services, what does each scenario look like and how do you navigate a couple on different sides of the issue? If you want to know you are making the best, toughest decision for your fur and human family, listen to this ep. 

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 prayers have been answered. My dream has come true. Not email, nor text was answered. A good old-fashioned drop by was what it took to win an interview with the elusive, Thad Morrow.

 Listen as this Jacksonville, IL native talks about his love for all things Italian, living and studying abroad, falling madly in love with European culture, getting a chance in the restaurant business, culinary school, cubicle life, Mario Batali, starting restaurants, closing restaurants, managing staff, having a son, burnout, going corporate and finally finding his happy, little sweet spot in Champaign-Urbana. What a treat for me to interview this talented, mysterious and endlessly interesting chef.

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.

He wanted to make sure he wrapped up his podcast under the honest reality that most recovery stories don't play out the way his did. The stats tell a much different outcome. Through years of struggle and working the program, Jay shares the recovery years. 

Listen as townie Jay Ramshaw returns to talk about the years after he quit drinking. Jay describes the work; the program he adopted, the help he received and the help he gave. He knows and appreciates that everything he has good in his life today, is because of this turning point he made at the young age of 19! Learn about his coping mechanisms, his approach to sharing his lifestyle with others, being the sober one at the party, how he will approach drinking with his three children and finishing college in a much different way than it started. Want to donate or attend the event Jay is speaking at and support those in recovery and needed help? Visit givebutter.com/JSjBfi

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.

Thomas Holmes, a guest from April 2023 episode #72, wanted to promote an upcoming event featuring a keynote speaker that has been on my interview list for quite some time. This combination of recovery and giving back and makes for a compelling interview of storytelling and awareness.

 Listen as Thomas, from the Chicago projects, mixes with townie, Jay Ramshaw, to talk about their upcoming event, Milestones & Miracles: A Recovery Happens Celebration on November 20 from 6 to 8 at Hyatt Place in downtown Champaign. Jay provides a personal story of recovery while Thomas outlines the purpose behind the event. Igniting the addiction, the explosive early years of binge drinking, the ripple effects on family, friends and teammates, the rock bottom and getting help. I knew Jay way back then and am proud to know him even better now, healthier, happier and dedicated to his sobriety and helping others. Want to donate or attend event and support those in recovery and needed help? Visit givebutter.com/JSjBfi

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.

I needed a confidence boost. She was there for what I needed when I needed it most. I was tickled to see her public, professional persona matched her warm and friendly demeanor in person.

 Listen as this Chicago suburbanite talks journalism schooling, why TV news, stories she will never forget, a familial workplace, mentoring the next generation, losing public anonymity, taking criticism then and now, hair, makeup and wardrobe, feeling pride and comfort in her career trajectory and how to end RBF. The tips, tricks and overarching advice of giving myself grace while adding the video component to my always audio podcast, will forever be appreciated and remembered. 

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.

I am adding video podcasting to my repertoire of podcast mediums. This is in addition to just the audio version. Kitchen-Table-Studios turned professional- recording-studio. 

Elevate. Progress. Change. Difficult. 

During this transition, I have banked a batch of episodes in the new studio. The infrastructure and powers that be aren't quiteeeee ready. Any. Day. Now. this new launch will happen. If you want to listen to the audio version as normal, NOTHING will change for you. However, if you want to WATCH the full-length podcast, that option will now be available. In the meantime, stay with me and listen to these still relevant recordings of the HyperLocal(s) Podcast...

By the time October 31st comes around it can feel like you've already been tricked and treated a dozen times. You're pooped, and your costumes are looking worse for the wear. This Halloween was no different—eventful would put it mildly.

 Listen as my husband and "Tales From Two Townies" interrupter talks creeping it real in our Halloween costumes, not breaking character in his Freddy Kruger ensemble, when your kiddo's costumes go from cute to scary/sassy, the family costume era, getting "dress down day" at a uniformed school wrong and what it is like for a mom to have too many brain files open and finally the story of the stolen skeleton and the "peaceful transaction" between two pissed parents, the perps and the Champaign, Urbana AND University of Illinois Police Departments. The most celebrated Harrington holiday was scary but merry!

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.

Best friends committed to their skills and each other. 

 Listen as these Gilman/Onarga BFFS discuss their small town upbringing, being different in a homogeneous environment, first time they met, trajectory of their friendship, two different skill sets, training, working together, breaking out of a confined space, opening a business together and living and breathing the body adornment space. These two have high expectations for their work and the clients they see. Pride and a masterful level of artistry go into each of their client's work.  

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 didn't have to say "yes" to my request of coming on the pod. She does not need or want the recognition. I believe as a personal favor and to highlight the efforts of the United Way, she gave me her time and voice. Through this interview, you get a clearer picture of the position Hope plays in our community. Literally and figuratively. 

 Listen as this Missouri-grown Midwesterner talks about the surprising scope of the Fighting Illini community, the change in trajectory the Illini programs have seen since they came to town, being a college athlete then vs. college athletes now, raising little ones, talking Illinois sports, philanthropy, teamwork in a marriage, from the corporate world to "SAHM," befriending new Illini wives and  misconceptions. Hope is about as down-to-earth as one gets, someone you want to be friends with. Grateful for the easy conversation and the opportunity to get to know her better. 

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.

Another palette cleansing episode to refresh the soul. Alyssa is all things food and drink in Champaign-Urbana. I've lived here my entire life, and I learned more in under an hour than I have in a decade of adulting from this human sparkler.

 Listen as this Orlando, FL transplant talks living in the biggest tourist trap in our nation, maintaining anonymity while testing area restaurants, the changing donut scene, donut as a primary food group, local favorite eating categories, how to politely and publicly review food and beverage, the grit and determination it takes to be in the restaurant business, farmer's markets, payment and freebies and finally the ins-and-out of writing for the popular local media resource, Smile Politely.

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.