Off The Beaten Podcast

Off The Beaten Podcast

By Dion McGillSociety & CulturePersonal Journals
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Off The Beaten Podcast episodes

  • Veterans Day 2025

    In this heartfelt solo episode of Off The Beaten Podcast, host Dion McGill reflects on his military service in Afghanistan in honor of Veterans Day. He shares personal stories about his early reluctance to embrace the veteran identity, the bonds he built with Afghan soldiers, and the lessons he learned about shared humanity. McGill also explores the dangers of xenophobia and the enduring importance of solidarity, invoking the words of Fred Hampton. The episode closes with McGill’s reading of the St. Crispin’s Day speech, a moving tribute to camaraderie, sacrifice, and the unseen journeys of those who serve.

    00:00 Introduction and Veterans Day Reflection
    01:48 The Decision to Record an Episode
    02:43 Revisiting Military Service Stories
    07:14 Joining the Army: The Early Days
    11:40 Deployment and Training Challenges
    18:01 Life in Afghanistan
    22:36 Memories of PRT Sharona and Bo Bergdahl
    23:25 Dealing with Injury and Taking Responsibility
    24:26 Life on the Base with Afghan Soldiers
    25:49 Cultural Exchange and Learning
    28:16 Reflections on Shared Humanity
    34:00 Fred Hampton's Legacy and Modern Reflections
    42:36 Veterans Day Reflections and St. Crispin's Day Speech
    48:53 Outro and Final Thoughts
     
    Thank you for listening. This was so fast, I didn't worry about all the social media stuff, but I will get back to that soon!
    51 min
  • #75 - Talking Poetry and Life w/ Ydalmi Noriega

    Hello Friends!

    For this episode I had the opportunity to sit down with Ydalmi Noriega. Ydalmi is a Chicago transplant, as well as the Vice President of Programs and Engagement for the Poetry Foundation. After recently being labeled as a person who is redefining what poetry looks like, I had to sit down and pick her brain about her journey, and about the wide world of poetry. Enjoy! 

     

    Resources:
    • Hispanic Executive: Ydalmi Noriega Is Redefining What Poetry Looks Like in America
  • Block Club Chicago: Words of Wonder Literary Festival Bringing ‘The Best’ Creatives To The South Side Saturday

    • Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter

    Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app.

    Follow OTBP on Social Media:

    Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say?

    Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (708)465-1590

    Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms. 

    You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

     

    1 hr 3 min
  • #74 - Reflecting on Pride Month

    Hello Friends!


    While sitting and reflecting, it dawned on me I hadn't ever done an episode about Pride Month, which is a pretty big deal here in Chicago, so I took some time to reflect on some memories that tightly correlate in my head with the LGBTQIA+ community.  It's story time!!!

    Resources: 

    • Fatal Violence Against The Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community in 2022 
  • LGBTQ Community Speaks Out Following Deaths of Two Chicago-Area Black Trans Women
  • State Representative Kelly Cassidy
  • Aurora Pride Parade 2022 Draws Hundreds After Almost Cancelled Over Revoked Permit Controversy
  • History.com: The Stonewall Riots
  • History.com: How The Mob Helped Establish NYC's Gay Bar Scene
  • Full Moon Over The Stonewall: Howard Smith's Account of the Stonewall Riots
  • City Cast Chicago: Remembering Mama Gloria
    • 45 min
  • #73 - Taking Action In The Wake of Tragedy: Robb Elementary School

    Every time another school shooting or mass shooting happens, I am approached by people asking, "What can I do? What can we do?"  

    So I wanted to take a moment to offer some actionable steps you can take in the face of this tragedy.  

    State: 

    UPDATE: Governor Pritzker has signed HB 4729, which will fund a statewide public awareness campaign to promote safe firearm storage. It's effective date is January 1, 2023. Feel free to send him a thank you!!!

    Springfield

    Office of the Governor

    207 State House
    Springfield, IL 62706
    Phone: 217-782-6830 or 217-782-6831

    Chicago

    Office of the Governor

    James R. Thompson Center
    100 W. Randolph, 16-100
    Chicago, IL 60601
    Phone: 312-814-2121 or 312-814-2122

    Contact the Governor Online

    Federal:

    Reach out to your congressmen and let them know you want to see action now to prevent tragedies like the one in Uvalde Texas and that failure to do so could greatly impact your support of them in future elections. 

    Congress: Find your Members

    Education & Resources
    • Giffords: Courage to Fight Violence
  • Radiolab Presents: More Perfect - The Gun Show, WNYC
  • The Trace: Investigating Gun Violence in America
    •  
    Supporting Strong Communities
    • Changing the Beat of Mental Health: Amplifying Our Voice, Communities United
     
    Support and Prevention
    • Talking to Your Children about Tragedies in the News, Lurie Children's Blog
  • Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting, American Psychological Association
  • Terrorism and Violence, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
  • Healing Circles
  • Talking to Children about the Shooting, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
  • Helping Youth after Community Trauma, Tips for Educators, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
  • Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen, Program for Prevention Science, University of Colorado at Boulder
  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
  • Firearm Safety Toolkit
    •  
    Research
    • Policies to Reduce Gun Violence in Illinois: Research, Policy Analysis and Recommendations, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
  • Public Health On Call Series: Gun Violence Prevention, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
  • Chicago Firearms Report, UChicago Urban Labs
  • Lurie Children's infographic on firearm data in Illinois

    •  

    20 min
  • Memorial Day 2022: Poetry and Remembrances

    Saying "Happy Memorial Day" always feels weird to me. However, allow me to offer my sincerest gratitude to all those who have loved ones you are remembering today.  I offer my thoughts on Memorial Day, and some of my favorite poetry that commemorates this day. 

    Resources:

    • In Flanders Fields by John McCrae
  • The St. Crispin's Day Speech from Henry V
  • Military Times - Honor The Fallen: SGT Joshua Harris
  • Military Times - Honor The Fall: SSG Jason Vasquez
  • SGT Simone Asia Robinson 33rd IBCT Memorial
  • St. Crispin's Day Speech by the Cast of 'Band of Brothers'
  • Poem: The Answer by Lt. J. A. Armstrong 

    • Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter

    Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app.

    Follow OTBP on Social Media:

    Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say?

    Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (708)465-1590

    Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms. 

    You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

    Cover Photo by Alicia Schemel

    22 min
  • A Tale of Two Chicagos and Curfew

    Hello Friends! Recently, following an evening of violence that left one youth dead, Mayor Lori Lightfoot instituted a ban on youth at Millennium Park after 6pm Thursday - Sunday. She also moved the citywide curfew for youth from 11pm to 10pm. I had to offer my thoughts. 

    Resources:

    • Lightfoot sets earlier citywide weekend curfew
  • 16-year-old boy shot dead in Millennium Park had big plans for his family and for his music 'if I make it to 21'
  • Lightfoot's curfew rollback clears committee amid opposition from all sides
  • Chicago Institutes 10pm weekend curfew for minors after violence downtown
  • The Marshall Project: The Curfew Myth
  • A Lollapalooza Loophole in Lightfoot's Curfew To Crack Down On Crime Has Youth Asking: Who Is Downtown For? 
  • Chicago History Museum: What is Redlining? 
  • Twitter: Ald. Andre Vasquez, Political Account

    • Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter

    Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app.

    Follow OTBP on Social Media:

    Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say?

    Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (708)465-1590

    Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms. 

    You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

     

    19 min
  • #70 - Off The Beaten Podcast Has Moved!
    Hello Friends! Breaking News! Off The Beaten Podcast has moved. No longer am I in the Woodlawn community. I have moved a few miles northwest to the Englewood community and so far I am loving it.  Hear about this development, as well as my recent camping excursion. Lots going on!!!
    Resources:
    Kusanya Cafe
    Imagine Englewood If…
    WeGrow Chicago
    Englewood Branded
    Azteca Movers
    Kankakee South KOA Holiday
    Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter
    Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app.
    Follow OTBP on Social Media:
    Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser
    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say?
    Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (708)465-1590
    Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms. 
    You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast
    15 min
  • #69 - Cookies Are Everything w/ Leah Tibbs of Cookies and Conversations

    Hello Friends! This episode I indulge in my sweet tooth while visiting with Leah Tibbs, owner of Cookies and Conversations, a small black female owned business I became a fan of during the pandemic. Cookies and Conversations brings people together in conversations while baking and indulging in super yummy cookies! 


    This episode was recorded in the kitchen of Cookies and Conversations, which was super exciting. Be sure to check C&C and let Leah know OTBP sent you! 

    Resources:

    • Cookies and conversations
  • French Pastry School
  • Documentary: Kings of Pastry
  • Beena David Episode
  • Side Practice Coffee
  • Vanille Patisserie
  • Semicolon Bookstore
  • Lemonade Land
  • Crema Shop
  • Lacuna Lofts
  • Garrett’s Popcorn

    • Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter

    Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app.

    Follow OTBP on Social Media:

    Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say?

    Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (708)465-1590

    Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms. 

    You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

    53 min
  • #68 - Off The Beaten Podcast Went To France Y’all!!!

    Hello Friends! Finally Off The Beaten Podcast has come back!  It was a long cold winter, but we've come out of hibernation and kicking off Season 4 by bringing you up to speed on one of the more significant adventures I've had since I last posted. 


    This episode I talk a little bit about my fellowship in the University of Chicago Civic Leadership Academy, and more specifically, our global practicum to Paris France. We've gone international, and I drop a few tips and lessons for you travelers that I picked up on my adventure abroad. 

    Resources:

    • 2022 UChicago Civic Leadership Academy 
  • Lime Prime
  • Le Paris Noir
    • Le Paris Noir Instagram
  • Le Paris Noir Twitter
  • Le Paris Noir Facebook
  • Kévi Donat Twitter
  • American Library in Paris
  • Conseil D'Etat
  • Le Academic du Climate
  • Ghostly Podcast - 87: Most Haunted - Chicago Water Tower
  • Nerdcage Live
    • The Batman spoiler discussion 
  • Side Practice Coffee

    • Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter

    Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app.

    Follow OTBP on Social Media:

    Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say?

    Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068

    Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms. 

    You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

    23 min
  • #67 - A Chat With Cade Kamaleson of Chicago Eco House

    Hello Friends! I've been sitting on this episode forever, and I'm so excited to get this episode out, and what more perfect time, when people will be getting flowers and wreaths to decorate their homes for the holidays, as well as honey to sweeten your various holiday teas.


    This episode I had the pleasure of chatting with Cade Kamaleson, program officer of Chicago Eco House, a local flower farm located on the south and west sides of Chicago. This is a great conversation, and we talk about all of the awesome work the organization is doing.  Listen and Share! 

    Resources:

    • Chicago Eco House
  • Southside Blooms
  • Chicago Reader Article on Chicago Flower Farms
  • WTTW: On South and West Sides, Business is Blooming for Eco-Friendly Florist 
  • Youtube: Can YOU Fix Climate Change?

    • Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter

    Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app.

    Follow OTBP on Social Media:

    Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say?

    Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068

    Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms. 

    You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

    34 min

About Off The Beaten Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Hosted by Chicago native and Army veteran Dion McGill, Off The Beaten Podcast uncovers the coolest stories and people you didn’t know you needed. From artists and…