In the tenth episode of Swinford Media Group’s “Squared Up” podcast, hosts Bill Swinford and Monica Daniels describe a recent visit to her hometown in central Illinois, when Bill met members of her family for the first time. How did it go? Watch and find out!

Should Southern Illinois split with Chicago? Squared Up co-host Monica Daniels seems to advocate the move when asked about ballot referendums to consider a state of Southern Illinois. Monica (who is not a fan of Chicago or the Cubs) and Bill Swinford consider the state of their state along with updates on local events and downtown progress.

In the eighth episode of Swinford Media Group's "Squared Up" podcast, co-host Bill Swinford discloses a major breakup. In the process, he tells the story of his relationship with Monica Daniels. Also, differences in the male and female brain are discussed. As usual, updates from local events are shared along with an update on Tower Square construction. Finally you, the audience member, is asked to respond to a question: In this day and age, is it inappropriate to wink at someone you hardly know?

In the seventh episode of Swinford Media Group's "Squared Up" podcast, Bill Swinford is joined by the podcast’s director, Tom Mann, who shares stories from his years documenting the brave work of firefighters, both locally and around the country. He also tells us about an impressive firefighting museum in his hometown of Memphis, Tenn., and a project he is currently doing to give visitors an immersive experience. Plus, Bill gets to wear a fire helmet!

In the sixth episode of Swinford Media Group's "Squared Up" podcast, Bill Swinford and Monica Daniels recount the history of HerrinFesta Italiana, review the experience of live-streaming Marion’s high school graduation in a pouring rain and debate the proper use of a thermostat in the summer time. What temperature is yours set on? Let us know in the comments.

In the fifth episode of Swinford Media Group's "Squared Up" podcast, Bill Swinford and Monica Daniels discussed recent news in downtown Marion, previewed upcoming local events, and highlighted content from Swinford Publications. They are joined by a special guest, Rocio Williams, who is originally from Mexico City and moved to Marion after marrying her husband, Russ. Together, they run a ministry called "Churros & Chocolate." Rocio shared insights about their ministry and her Spanish culture.

In the fourth episode of Swinford Media Group’s “Squared Up” podcast, Bill Swinford and Monica Daniels catch up with City of Marion Chief of Staff Cody Moake, who is marking five years in his position in the mayor’s office. They also talk about Artificial Intelligence and listen to a “Squared Up” song created by AI. Finally, they ask your opinion about restaurant drive-thru experiences. Do you want it your way or their way?

In the third episode of Swinford Media Group's "Squared Up" podcast, Bill Swinford and Monica Daniels mark the 15th anniversary of the May 8, 2009, “derecho” storm and share personal memories. In addition, they preview some of the stories to be found in this week’s editions of The Marion Star, Herrin Independent and Carterville Courier, as well as some of the features in the May edition of the Southern Illinois Sports Connection. They give the Caramel vs Carmel poll results and play “Top My Joke,” where they ask you the audience to submit a better joke than Bill tells (don’t worry, that won’t be hard to do).

In the second episode of Swinford Media Group's "Squared Up" podcast, Bill Swinford and Monica Daniels give insight on the Oasis Sports development designed to draw millions in tourism dollars to the region. Bill talks about a recent trip to the Southern Illinois Airport and the hosts recount a visit to a new business on Marion’s square. They also have another question to pose to the audience and share ideas for this coming weekend. And don’t miss the harrowing tale of Bill’s encounter with an angry flock of pigeons. Share your thoughts with us, and stay tuned for another episode later this week!

In the debut episode of Swinford Media Group's "Squared Up" podcast, Bill Swinford and Monica Daniels provide updates on the Tower Square construction as it reaches its final stages. They share their experiences of a delightful day trip to a peach barn, highlight upcoming weekend events, and pose two questions to the audience: How do you pronounce "caramel"? And do locals sometimes adopt a more Southern accent than people from Tennessee? Share your thoughts with us, and stay tuned for another episode next week!