Random Acts of Knowledge

During the ebbs and flows of pandemic conditions almost everyone has seen a disruption in their routine. For those who use workout facilities, they’ve had to contend with a lack of access to the gym. For others, staying at home has meant less overall activity and more trips to the refrigerator.

One workout devotee offer tips for working out without a gym, for first timers and for those who are looking for a replacement for a facility.

View the transcript here.

You like listening to podcasts but have you ever thought about making one?

Kerry Urquizo and Erika Ingloria, focus on true crime and subcultures with their podcast "Behind the Sugarcane."

The pair discuss their inspiration for creating their own podcast and offer tips to those who want to start a podcast themselves.

View the transcript here.

Welding is a skill that a farm kids in Central Illinois used to pick up as a necessity. Today, professional welders are in-demand, with a shortage in the workforce. But although the casual practice of welding has dwindled, there is a new application for the skill: artistic expression.

A welding pro and instructor is teaching a new group of students with a new type of class: Yard Art.

View the transcript here.

The Coronavirus pandemic has created a great deal of upheaval not only on our personal lives but on the economy and financial markets.

Many, who planned to retire in 2020, 2021, or 2022 are a little unsure if they should continue with their retirement plan.

In this podcast episode, a financial coach discusses some key elements to consider when looking to retire, in the near and not-so-near future.

View the transcript here.

The history of voting in the United States doesn’t reflect a lot of inclusion.

Even after the passage of the 15th and 19th Amendments were passed, efforts were still made to keep black citizens and female citizens away from the polls.

Two panelists discuss how modified voter suppression techniques that date back to the Jim Crow era are still being used to keep people from voicing their vote.

View the transcript here.

Runners are often pushing their bodies to improve their performance. But mental preparation, and even mental “practice,” can help athletes of all stripes to reach a new level.

Running coach Ty Wolf discusses how using mental techniques can help runners overcome barriers and achieve new goals.

View the transcript here.

It might not seem like it, but when you are stuck at home it might be the perfect time to start planning travel. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the brakes on excursions both domestic and international. But it also provides an opportunity to re-think where we might go (when we can) and how to plan for the trip.

An experienced travel vet explains how some planning ahead can help you take the vacation of your dreams on a budget.

View the transcript here.

Selling a house is a major life event. Any seller wants to get the maximum dollar and get it quickly. What some realtors know is that little things can make a difference when it comes to selling a house.

Staging the home for sale can be the best way to help prospective buyers picture the property as their home. Realtor and designer Adrianne Cornejo shares some tips and tricks for sellers to keep in mind before showing a house.

View the transcript here.

Ayurveda is an ancient practice with historical roots in India. Practitioners of Ayurveda seek a healthy body and mind by finding an internal balance, following the direction of the natural world.

Ashlesha Raut is a Vaidya, or Ayurvedic Doctor.  She discusses the basic principles of Ayurveda and how some of the most basic activities like sleep and diet can lead to an imbalance of holistic health.

View the transcript here.

A challenge to the Central Illinois ecosystem has been a dwindling number of Monarch butterflies. These migratory creatures play an important role in the ecosystem. Identifying changes in the local habitat is key to the survival of Monarchs.  

A large part of restoring the environment for Monarchs to survive is educating the public on the need to cultivate milkweed, a plant that has been demonized for a tendency to pop up in corn fields.

Heartland Community College educator Julia Ossler discusses Monarch research, and how science education -- beginning with kids -- can make a difference in solving environmental problems.

View the transcript here.