This week we look back at 40 years on the local airwaves with Mark Kiesling, who just retired as senior news anchor at the local ABC affiliate, WSIL-TV. On this, the 20th episode of “Squared Up,” we discuss the public’s reaction to the surprising news, ask Mark to recall some stories from his long career, and hear his secret to remaining at peace despite circumstances. We also share some new images from Tower Square and a photo from a Halloween party that Bill and Monica attended. 

In our 19th edition of the “Squared Up” podcast from Swinford Media Group, Bill ponders why so many races on the upcoming ballot are uncontested. Tom talks about his friend – who parted ways with a local TV network affiliate after decades – and the complications of being corporate-owned. Monica has thoughtful contributions on both topics, despite the fact that she believes she has a bug in her ear. Our trio then shares other foreign objects that have lodged in their ears, noses and heads. 

In our 18th edition of the “Squared Up” podcast from Swinford Media Group, Monica and Bill share memories of Fred Huff, a beloved haberdasher and local historian. They also discuss the value of good educators and ask you to share the name of a favorite teacher. Among other topics, there are updates from Tower Square and we tease what our couple will wear to a Halloween party. Can you guess? Jump in the comments and thanks for following “Squared Up!"

Bricks are now being laid in the parking/pedestrian areas to finish renovations of Tower Square Plaza! Bill and Monica share their excitement and discuss some recent viewer and listener responses and ponder another excerpt from the “He Said, She Said” book.

In the 16th episode of the Swinford Media Group’s podcast, based on Marion’s Tower Square, we update you on some coming events and recap some of the top news locally. Also, what popular songs have you misheard? Monica, Bill and Tom laugh their way through some crazy, messed-up lyrics. 

Construction around Marion’s Tower Square is really starting to come together and Bill and Monica bring an update. Monica shares more from the “He Said, She Said” book and her trip to visit family out east. She also cautions listeners about trusting Bill with their childhood traumas, such as ventriloquist’s dummies. And then everything screeches to a halt after Monica runs out on her co-host. Also, Tom gets his own camera!

September 7th will be the 20th anniversary of Veterans On Parade and it will also introduce a new way to honor our veterans: “Freedom Sings!” Find out how you can participate as professional songwriters pair with a select group of war veterans to tell their stories in a concert on Tower Square. Also, speaking of the square, Bill and Monica discuss some of the features being installed in new crosswalks that will make it safer for pedestrians. 

Did you know that Bill is a country crooner who performs using a pseudonym? Watch and find out where he is performing on stage this weekend. Also, Bill and Monica discuss a great new restaurant find in the region, a trip to a local spillway, their visit to two fireworks shows and some other recent events and news.

In this Independence Day version of the “Squared Up” podcast, hosts Bill and Monica run down the options for fireworks locally, discuss some scams being perpetrated by some door-to-door sales people and talk about the problem that loud music causes older ears when dining out. They also share another segment from “He Said/She Said."

In the eleventh episode of Swinford Media Group’s “Squared Up” podcast, hosts Bill Swinford and Monica Daniels hear from two followers of their podcast. One of them is a big fan, the other one sets Monica straight on what Chicago contributes to our local economy. They also discuss the cool new “Medians of Refuge” on Marion’s Tower Square” and discuss another excerpt from the “He Said, She Said” book.