Squared Up

In this, the 60th episode of “Squared Up” from Swinford Media Group, our podcast couple evaluates their relationship for Valentine’s Day and after 6 months of marriage. Bill wants to know, do they really share and share alike? As always, Tom weighs in on that and many other topics including the planned patriotic drone show, rodeo and concert at Mtn. Dew Park.  “Squared Up" is based on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza and keeps you up to date on the happenings in Marion, the region and behind the scenes at Swinford Media Group. Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew,” or “Hometown Heat,” or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

From Swinford Media Group, our “Squared Up” crew talks about drone video capturing and the way it is being used to cover the news and the newest developments in the region. Also, we say goodbye to the Grand Goats, discuss some upcoming events and discuss the Chamber of Commerce awards dinners being held this month and next. “Squared Up" is based on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza and keeps you up to date on the happenings in Marion, the region and behind the scenes at Swinford Media Group. Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew,” or “Hometown Heat,” or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Marion (IL) Mayor Mike Absher brought some challenging words to the 58th episode of “Squared Up”: “Quit talking and start doing.” He discusses a few of the key people and actions that have turned Marion into one of the highest per-capita retail sales powerhouses in Illinois. Included is a story about a day when – with no plan or materials in place – a group of volunteers and students transformed a neighborhood, causing a national leader in community renewal to pay the young people of Marion a huge compliment. “Squared Up" is based on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza and keeps you up to date on the happenings in Marion, the region and behind the scenes at Swinford Media Group. Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew,” or “Hometown Heat,” or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

In this 57th episode of “Squared Up,” our hosts give a Christmas Trivia Quiz. Are you up to the challenge? Play along! Also, Bill tells a story about an attempt someone made to steal his van (!) and the looniness that ensued because of it. Our hosts also tease a Swinford Media Christmas Eve special you can watch. “Squared Up" is based on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza and keeps you up to date on the happenings in Marion, the region and behind the scenes at Swinford Media Group. Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew,” or “Hometown Heat,” or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

In this 56th episode of “Squared Up,” we discuss how to stay healthy for the holidays and look back on another cold night at the Very Merry Marion Christmas Parade. “Squared Up" is based on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza and keeps you up to date on the happenings in Marion, the region and behind the scenes at Swinford Media Group. Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew,” or “Hometown Heat,” or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

In this 55th episode of “Squared Up,” we meet Derek Wall and learn what motivates him to feed hundreds in Marion each Thanksgiving Day “Squared Up" is based on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza and keeps you up to date on the happenings in Marion, the region and behind the scenes at Swinford Media Group. Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew,” or “Hometown Heat,” or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

In this 54th episode of “Squared Up,” we get a look at a version of producer Tom Mann in some old photos that we’ve never seen before. Also, Monica’s back just in time to watch Bill devour a cupcake and reminisce about when he cut his hair and shaved his beard. We also preview the upcoming Very Merry Marion Christmas Parade, set for November 30. “Squared Up" is based on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza and keeps you up to date on the happenings in Marion, the region and behind the scenes at Swinford Media Group. Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew,” or “Hometown Heat,” or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

In this 53rd episode of “Squared Up,” Sophia Swinford fills in for Monica and talks about her life, friends, TikTok’s and future plans. Also, special guest Byram Fager of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation stops by to talk about his organization’s work and some new projects. “Squared Up" is based on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza and keeps you up to date on the happenings in Marion, the region and behind the scenes at Swinford Media Group. Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew,” or “Hometown Heat,” or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

In this 52nd episode of “Squared Up,” Bill, Monica and Tom talk to their friend Darla Harms of the Salvation Army. Did you know that, in 2024, 1,580 children and 380 homebound seniors received Christmas gifts, over 20,000 food parcels were distributed, more than 700 senior citizens received food commodities, 1,800 diapers and hygiene packs were provided to families in need, 400 households benefited from utility assistance, 160 families avoided eviction through rental support, nearly 10,000 articles of clothing were distributed and assistance was provided to more than 100 families impacted by fire or tornado disasters – all because of the generosity of Southern Illinoisans through the Salvation Army? The organization’s annual Red Kettle Campaign will kick-off on Tower Square on Friday, Nov. 7. “Squared Up" is based on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza and keeps you up to date on the happenings in Marion, the region and behind the scenes at Swinford Media Group. Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew,” or “Hometown Heat,” or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

In this 51st episode of “Squared Up,” Monica talks about the ringing in her ears and Tom tries his best to diagnose. We learn of her love for dolphins and then our couple gets down to business talking about the latest downtown and around the area. “Squared Up" is based on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza and keeps you up to date on the happenings in Marion, the region and behind the scenes at Swinford Media Group. Subscribe to Swinford Media Group on YouTube so you don’t miss a single episode of “Squared Up,” “Coaches at Crown Brew,” or “Hometown Heat,” or listen to the podcasts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!