In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Steve Reiter—broadcast veteran, podcast co-founder, and nonprofit founder—for a conversation that spans professional reinvention, devastating loss, and the quiet power of loving well. Steve, whose career has included leading production for internationally syndicated programs and helping launch what became the largest rollout in radio history, begins by sharing the three words that anchor his life: create, connect, and grow. Those words, shaped in part by the influence of his late wife Elizabeth, have become a compass guiding his work, relationships, and personal evolution.

Steve recounts the pivotal seasons that formed him—from moving to Colorado on a leap of faith to building a high-profile broadcasting career, only to be fired during a season of intense professional strain. But the heart of this episode centers on Elizabeth’s serious health issues, and the crucible moment when doctors warned she might not live to see their youngest son graduate. Determined to live without regret, Steve made a daily commitment to love her to the best of his ability. That resolve was tested in 2020, when Elizabeth was hospitalized during COVID-era visitor restrictions and ultimately died alone after weeks in isolation. Her death became the catalyst for Steve’s advocacy work to secure visitor rights for patients—so no family has to endure what his did.

The conversation turns tender as Steve reflects on single fatherhood, raising two teenage sons through grief, and redefining what healthy masculinity looks like today. He speaks candidly about apologizing to his boys when he falls short, modeling emotional growth, and the vulnerability of loving children who are “the last pieces of her left on this planet.” From grief counseling to anime nights and track meets, Steve shares how intentional presence—and humility—became his blueprint for fatherhood.

Finally, Chris and Steve explore faith, deconstruction, and community in a polarized culture. Steve describes refining his beliefs down to a simple core: love God, love yourself, and love others. He also shares the transformative impact of “Holy Smokes,” a global brotherhood built around friendship, conversation, and authenticity. At its core, this episode is about choosing connection over division, vulnerability over anger, and love over fear. Through heartbreak and rebuilding, Steve’s story is a testament to the power of listening, the necessity of brotherhood, and the lifelong work of becoming a better man.

ILLUMENATE is a podcast that tells the stories of men with good hearts, open minds, and a desire to make the world better for everyone — not just them and theirs. More info: https://illumenate.substack.com/about

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Jonathon Jacome, a college undergraduate who operates at the intersection of business, engineering, and community impact. Despite his young age, Jonathon brings a depth of reflection shaped by family, mentorship, and lived experience. From the very beginning, he makes it clear that his motivation is rooted not in conventional success, but in legacy—opening doors for others, creating access to education, and helping people believe that opportunity is within reach, especially for those who are too often left out of the conversation.

Jonathon shares his personal journey growing up as the oldest of three brothers in Chicago, a role that instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility early on. He reflects on formative moments with his family, elders, coaches, and mentors that shaped his worldview, including lessons about leadership, accountability, and humility. A major turning point came when a diagnosis of appendicitis ended his path toward college football recruitment, forcing him to let go of an identity he had built for years. That disruption ultimately redirected him toward the Gies College of Business, entrepreneurship, and a clearer sense of purpose centered on education and service.

Throughout the conversation, Jonathon offers a thoughtful definition of what it means to be a healthy man today—one that balances physical discipline with emotional awareness, confidence with kindness, and ambition with integrity. He speaks candidly about emotional intelligence, setting boundaries, and the importance of communication, accountability, and presence in relationships. Drawing from his Latino heritage and lived experience, Jonathon emphasizes the power of language, culture, and representation in helping others feel seen, valued, and capable of imagining a future for themselves.

The episode closes with a reflective lightning round that reveals Jonathon’s core values: authenticity, honoring family, and service. He discusses the challenge of letting go of a “Superman mentality,” the necessity of slowing down, and why there is no rush to greatness. His advice to other young men is both grounding and hopeful—protect your character, take your time, embrace the hard work, and remember that everything truly worthwhile takes patience. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about status or speed, but about impact, consistency, and showing up for others along the way.

You can learn more about and connect with this episode’s guest at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-jacome-5b6400250/

ILLUMENATE is a podcast that tells the stories of men with good hearts, open minds, and a desire to make the world better for everyone — not just them and theirs. More info: https://illumenate.substack.com/about

Four mothers share honest reflections on guiding boys through identity, emotion, and manhood in a complex world.

In this special episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick widens the lens on masculinity by inviting mothers into the conversation. Joined by Frida Daniels, Dayspring Fowler, Sarah Leino, and Nicole Rhea, Chris explores how boys experience growing into men long before they can articulate it—and how mothers uniquely witness, shape, and protect that development. Rather than assigning blame or responsibility, this episode centers on listening, learning, and honoring the lived experience of raising boys in partnership with families, fathers, and communities.

Each guest brings a distinct perspective shaped by geography, culture, and family structure. Frida shares her experience immigrating from Venezuela as a single mother, rebuilding community while raising an emotionally expressive and empathetic son. Dayspring reflects on parenting three boys at different developmental stages, navigating confidence, comparison, and resilience. Sarah speaks candidly about divorce, small-town community support, and watching her sons grow into independence. Nicole offers insight from raising teenage boys while balancing work in social media, single motherhood, and the critical influence of coaches and mentors.

The panel dives deeply into the hopes and fears of raising boys today—especially around empathy, confidence, emotional expression, and social pressure. Conversations touch on middle school challenges, bullying, standing up for others, and the pervasive influence of social media. The mothers discuss setting boundaries around technology, fostering open communication, and modeling values rather than enforcing rules alone. Throughout the episode, a recurring theme emerges: boys thrive when they feel seen, trusted, and emotionally safe.

Ultimately, this episode is a testament to hope. From small acts of kindness and advocacy to moments when sons echo the values they’ve been taught, these mothers reflect on what reassures them that their boys are becoming thoughtful, grounded men. Moms of Boys is a powerful reminder that masculinity is shaped early—not just by cultural messages, but by daily conversations, consistent love, and the courage to let boys feel deeply while growing strong.
Note: Due to connectivity issues, Nicole was unable to connect for the second half of the episode.

ILLUMENATE is a podcast that tells the stories of men with good hearts, open minds, and a desire to make the world better for everyone — not just them and theirs. More info: https://illumenate.substack.com/about

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Howard Milton, Chief Development Officer for Fighting Illini Athletics, to explore a life shaped by gratitude, generosity, and deep reflection. With more than 26 years in philanthropy and over $500 million raised in support of higher ed athletics, Howard shares how his personal journey—from growing up in a working-class, single-parent household to becoming a leader in fundraising—has informed his sense of purpose and his desire to bring joy to others.

Howard opens up about the mentors and moments that changed the trajectory of his life, including the profound impact of a family who believed in him enough to help him attend college. He recounts the unlikely, almost serendipitous path that led him into fundraising at the University of Illinois, a career that initially intimidated him but ultimately became a calling. Throughout the conversation, Howard reflects on faith, gratitude, and the belief that the universe—or God—often places us exactly where we need to be.

The discussion also dives deeply into what it means to be a healthy man in today’s world. Howard speaks candidly about vulnerability, the importance of slowing down to think, and the challenge men face in a society that expects them to always have the answers. He shares how shedding long-held insecurities and assumptions has allowed him to live more authentically, and why consistency, kindness, and presence matter more than titles or success.

Finally, Howard reflects on pride, legacy, and growth—particularly as a husband and father of three. He emphasizes raising kind children, cultivating meaningful male friendships, and continuing his own spiritual exploration as he moves through midlife. This episode is a thoughtful, honest, and inspiring conversation about purpose, integrity, and finding joy in a rapidly changing world.

You can learn more about and connect with this episode’s guest at: https://fightingillini.com/staff-directory/howard-milton/12

ILLUMENATE is a podcast that tells the stories of men with good hearts, open minds, and a desire to make the world better for everyone — not just them and theirs. More info: https://illumenate.substack.com/about

Rich Excell spent three decades in investment banking and hedge funds, living and working in five countries across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. before “settling down” as a finance professor at the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In this conversation with host Chris Tidrick, Rich traces how his early motivations were driven by classic pursuits—money, power, prestige—and how he slowly came to realize that his deepest sense of happiness and purpose comes from helping others. Now in his seventh year of teaching and leading multiple academies, he sees his work in the classroom, mentoring students, and serving his community as the most impactful chapter of his career.

Rich walks through his remarkable journey: moving to Japan at the peak of its stock market in 1990, working through Europe’s exchange rate meltdown, the Mexican “tequila crisis,” the Asian financial crisis, the bursting of the tech bubble, the global financial crisis, and finally stepping into academia just in time for COVID. Each seismic disruption forced him to adapt quickly, sharpen his thinking, and build a deep well of experience that he now draws on in his teaching, podcasting, and writing. He talks about how living abroad, raising kids overseas, and repeatedly rebuilding in new places made him more open-minded, adaptable, and less rattled by uncertainty.

The conversation also explores Rich’s personal evolution as a man, husband, and father. Married for over 30 years with three adult children, he reflects on getting engaged in a rush to move to Singapore, raising kids overseas, and the grounding role his family played while working in high-pressure financial environments. Rich and Chris dive into what it means to be a “healthy man” today—finding balance between career, family, faith, and community; resisting the one-dimensional “finance bro” stereotype; and helping young men avoid chasing careers solely for status or money. Rich shares how his students now come to him less for help with class content and more for advice on life choices, values, and career paths—and how his own shift from self-focus to other-focus has been a decades-long journey fueled by faith and hard-earned mistakes.

Rich opens up about his core values, why his favorite emotion is quiet contentment, and how impatience is his biggest struggle. He talks about the golf course as his happy place, but one that constantly teaches him about expectations and resilience. Rich describes male friendship as an extension of family—men who will drop everything for one another—and admits that his greatest vulnerability now is watching his adult children make their own choices without being able to protect them like he once could. He closes by sharing his simple framework for joy and offers encouragement to men who feel lost in a rapidly changing world: start with faith, focus on serving others, and let your own fulfillment follow from there

You can learn more about and connect with this episode’s guest at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richexcellcfa/

ILLUMENATE is a podcast that tells the stories of men with good hearts, open minds, and a desire to make the world better for everyone — not just them and theirs. More info: https://illumenate.substack.com/about

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris welcomes Melbourne-based digital creative and storyteller James Burke, who shares a deeply honest exploration of mental health, masculinity, and the pursuit of an authentic life. James opens up about growing up feeling like an outsider, wrestling with societal expectations of what a “successful life” should look like, and the profound shift that happened when he and his wife began openly discussing their mental health struggles long before it was common or comfortable. Realizing that vulnerability could be a doorway to connection—not isolation—became a driving force in James’s work and personal philosophy.

James’ story unfolds through formative experiences shaped by his marriage, fatherhood, and a career rooted in media and creativity. He shares candidly about his wife’s long-term anxiety disorder, her difficult pregnancies marked by severe perinatal and postnatal anxiety and depression, and the painful season when friends who lacked understanding withdrew their support. These challenges ultimately forced James to confront his own mental health, leading to a diagnosis of situational depression and the beginnings of his own therapeutic journey. His experiences eventually inspired him to produce a mental health podcast within the faith-based nonprofit world, giving countless others permission to share their own stories.

A central theme of the conversation is James’s redefinition of masculinity. He describes the generational messages he inherited—stoicism, self-reliance, emotional suppression—and contrasts them with what he now sees as essential for healthy manhood: emotional intelligence, relational depth, and the courage to lean on others. His reflections on male friendship are particularly moving, especially the story of how shared adversity forged an unbreakable bond with his best friend. Their experiences—navigating mental health crises, premature births, stay-at-home fatherhood, and the dark moments that accompany them—created a friendship grounded in emotional honesty, empathy, and unwavering presence.

James also discusses his evolving relationship with faith, noting how stepping away from institutional church unexpectedly strengthened his spirituality. He speaks to the tension many modern Christians feel between inherited doctrine and lived experience, and how embracing nuance, equality, and authenticity reshaped his understanding of what it means to live out his beliefs. The episode concludes with practical, heartfelt advice for men struggling to find their place in a rapidly changing world: look inward first, take responsibility for your growth, allow yourself to be vulnerable, and build the inner foundation that makes everything else feel more grounded and purposeful.

ILLUMENATE is a podcast that tells the stories of men with good hearts, open minds, and a desire to make the world better for everyone — not just them and theirs. More info: https://illumenate.substack.com/about

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with ItsLuke—digital creator, co-host of the Find Out podcast, and self-described “internet’s anger translator.” Luke shares how he went from software engineer and farm kid in the middle of nowhere to building a massive audience online, driven not by clout, but by a deep sense of moral obligation and a seriously overdeveloped compass for right and wrong. He talks about the moment a viral video about his dad and free school lunches convinced him to go “all in” on content that mixes humor, profanity, and pointed political clarity.

Luke opens up about growing up online, how debate culture and creators like Steven Crowder nearly pulled him into the alt-right pipeline, and the exact moment he realized it wasn’t about “rational disagreement” but about hatred. That realization pushed him in the opposite direction, shaping the way he now speaks out about injustice and calls out bad actors with a directness that has actually helped people change their minds. He shares stories about DMs from former Trump supporters who credit his no-nonsense rants with shaking them awake.

Chris and Luke dig into modern masculinity and the way big “masculine influencers” twist legitimate desires to protect and provide into paranoia, aggression, and fear. Luke contrasts that with his own definition of a healthy man: someone who takes care of people’s mental and physical well-being, takes out the trash when his partner is sick, helps a stranger on a scorching day, and doesn’t confuse empathy with weakness. He talks about the importance of shared values in male friendships, the unexpected depth of community he’s found at the gym, and how suffering through hard work—whether insulating an attic or doing farm chores—built the bond he has with his family.

The conversation also gets vulnerable as Luke describes how his girlfriend refused to accept emotional walls and insisted on a relationship built on honesty and openness. He shares how he manages the constant flood of political chaos in his feeds, why physical movement and screen-free time are non-negotiable for his mental health, and how he fights off despair by focusing on the change he can make. Luke closes with a message to men who feel lost in a rapidly changing world: stop taking criticism of “men” as a personal attack, stop being a shitty man, and start with the basics—respect, empathy, and the willingness to help. The bar is low, he says, and life is simply better when you choose to be a good person.

You can learn more about and connect with this episode’s guest at: https://linktr.ee/ItsLuke7

ILLUMENATE is a podcast that tells the stories of men with good hearts, open minds, and a desire to make the world better for everyone — not just them and theirs. More info: https://illumenate.substack.com/about

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris Tidrick sits down with Tim Fullerton—digital strategist, entrepreneur, and co-host of the Find Out podcast—for a conversation that moves beyond politics and into the heart of purpose, identity, and masculinity. Tim shares how his lifelong drive to “leave things better than he found them” has guided him through careers in politics, advocacy, and digital media—from Oxfam and the Obama campaign to creating viral movements that challenge the cultural narrative around men. What unfolds is a portrait of a man motivated by mission, empathy, and the pursuit of growth.

As Tim reflects on his career, he recalls what it was like joining the Obama digital team—feeling like an outsider walking into a room of giants—and how that experience shaped his confidence and his calling. He also shares how his early work at Oxfam experimenting with MySpace became one of the first examples of social media activism, connecting online engagement to real-world impact long before “digital strategy” was a profession. Through each chapter, Tim’s story reveals a throughline of curiosity, courage, and a willingness to evolve.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Chris and Tim discuss masculinity—how the cultural script has changed and how too many young men are being misled by toxic online influences. Together, they unpack what healthy masculinity looks like today: empathy, kindness, accountability, and the courage to lift others up. Tim speaks candidly about fatherhood, the pressures men face to “be strong,” and how community and emotional openness can be the antidote to isolation and extremism.

By the end of the episode, the discussion becomes a call to action—for men to show up differently, for society to create more spaces for connection, and for everyone to rediscover joy, even in uncertain times. Whether you’re rethinking your own purpose or just looking for a spark of hope, this episode reminds us that growth is possible, community is powerful, and empathy might just be the most radical form of strength.

You can learn more about and connect with this episode’s guest at: https://substack.com/@timfullerton

ILLUMENATE is a podcast that tells the stories of men with good hearts, open minds, and a desire to make the world better for everyone — not just them and theirs. More info: https://illumenate.substack.com/about

In the premier episode of Season 2 of ILLUMENATE, the guest is the host himself, Chris Tidrick. Known for his thoughtful approach to male vulnerability, leadership, and purpose, Chris launched this podcast to explore what it means to be a good man in today’s world. His work—on the mic and on the page—continues to resonate with listeners navigating their own journeys of growth, connection, and authenticity.

Chris steps into the spotlight for a rare and revealing conversation. Answering the most frequently asked question from Season One—“When will you do an episode about yourself?”—Chris is interviewed by his very first four guests: Bill Kirst, Jason Kolaczkowski, Steve Walker, and Eddie Francis. Together, they reverse the format and take Chris through an emotional and introspective AMA (Ask Me Anything), followed by the signature Illuminate lightning round.

Chris opens up about a fractured relationship with his grandfather that influenced his decades-long departure from the church, and the long, winding path that ultimately brought him back to faith. In a moving exchange, he reflects on the importance of finding a spiritual home that aligns with his values, and how community and curiosity—rather than rigid belief—became central to his worldview. The conversation also explores Chris’s approach to leadership, as he shares a personal story of professional rejection that ultimately reignited his passion for his current role. Through that experience, he found deeper clarity in the kind of leader he wants to be: one who blends empathy with accountability.

The episode doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. Chris gets candid about insecurity, anger, and how social anxiety shaped much of his early life. He also speaks to the profound impact of male friendship and vulnerability, reflecting on what Season One taught him, especially from his guests of color who offered raw insights into what it's like to navigate the world as Black men. The conversation moves with grace from vulnerability to laughter, curiosity to clarity, all centered around one unshakable theme: we are better when we connect, when we ask questions, and when we do the hard work of showing up—together.

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Dr. Mel Fenner, an HBCU leader, technologist, and community builder whose journey from small-town Mississippi to the heights of higher education leadership is rooted in purpose, authenticity, and service. With over 20 years of experience in IT and a deep belief in mentoring and legacy-building, Mel brings a heartfelt and thoughtful perspective.

Mel shares how his drive stems from seeing others grow—whether his own children, younger colleagues, or student employees. He reflects on his early exposure to science and technology, nurtured by supportive parents and rare but transformative opportunities. His career path has taken him from help desk technician to Deputy CIO, including impactful roles at institutions in Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, and the University of Illinois. Each move required risk, courage, and a strong sense of curiosity. Now at Lincoln University—the first degree-granting HBCU—he brings his wealth of experience to help uplift a historically significant institution.

A key theme of this conversation is Mel’s personal deconstruction and growth, especially in embracing his full, authentic self. For years, he felt compelled to wear a professional mask, shaped by internalized pressure and external expectations. But in recent years, particularly during his time at Illinois, Mel found the confidence to lead with his true voice. He credits this shift to both his spiritual growth and his willingness to invest in personal development through reading, reflection, and challenges like 75 Hard.

Mel also opens up about the role of community in his life, from his close bond with his sister to the lifelong brotherhood found through Kappa Alpha Psi. He speaks on the importance of male friendships as spaces of accountability and vulnerability, and how he helps make the world a better place by solving problems before they escalate. Ultimately, Mel’s story is one of risk embraced, identity reclaimed, and purpose lived out loud. His life is a testament to the power of intentionality and legacy—and the joy of raising others up along the way.

ILLUMENATE is a podcast that tells the stories of men with good hearts, open minds, and a desire to make the world better for everyone — not just them and theirs. More info: https://illumenate.substack.com/about