WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

A best-selling author plans to tell Illinois Wesleyan University students in this so-called post-truth era, be skeptical of everything you year. Michael Shermer, Publisher of Skeptic Magazine, will deliver IWU's President's Convocation next week. Plus, Illinois Wesleyan University today is starting to take delivery of several dozen Steinway Pianos as it becomes an all Steinway school. We'll tell you what that means. Mary Cullen reports on the rise of women in Illinois State University student

Hear about a note of hope for those wanting to preserve the State Farm building in downtown Bloomington. Jim Lindberg of the National Trust for Historic Preservation offers inspiration from across the country and other cities that have saved big high rises. Plus, if current trends continue it will take more than two centuries for women in the U.S. to gain pay equity with men. Some women tell Mary Cullen that 'aint right! And how to train a feral dog as a Ugandan Herd guard. Breanna Grow tells us

Listen to a community sex educator talk about how to teach kids enough to protect them from molestation without traumatizing them. Nurse Ellen Ripley-Gataric talks sex ed with Mary Cullen. Plus, hear about a man who gave up the sport of LaCrosse for music. Jon Norton introduces us to Grant Milliren. Laura Kennedy takes us inside an art exhibit in Normal revealing that cuteness, fairytales and storytelling are intriguing avenues to explore deep ideas. And Breanna Grow peers inside a vacation of a

Hear about the impact of a law that's supposed to reduce race based disparities in student discipline in Illinois Schools. It has not been all that successful. Illlinois State University Professor Charles Bell says his research shows the differences in discipline make absenteeism, drop out rates and educational attainment worse for blacks than whites. Plus, late summer is not too late to have your garden bloom. Patrick Murphy and Mike McCurdy tell you how in WGLT's gardening podcast Grow. Mary

Hear about food insecurity in rural central Illinois and in some parts of Peoria where insecurity is a third higher than the state average. Tim Shelley talks with Jill Garrison of OSF and others about how to fix food insecurity. Plus, Colleen Reynolds talks with the finalists for Bloomington Police Chief and what they believe are the pressing problems of law enforcement in the city. Mary Cullen reports on central Illinois Congressmen Darin LaHood and Rodney Davis's appearance before the Chamber

Hear about one of the most thankless yet necessary jobs in human civilization. No one wants to see the coroner at the door. Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood and other coroners in the region talk with Eric Stock about the human part of their public office. Plus, Ryan Denham reports on the next piece of tech infrastructure needed for widespread adoption of electric vehicles, charging stations. Mary Cullen talks with a White House drug policy expert about rural addiction. And it's only the

A Bloomington-Normal college professor spent her summer interviewing children about the conditions at U.S. immigration facilities. Kathleen O'Gorman tells WGLT's Ryan Denham about her work with the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law. She says it's worse than you've heard. Plus the Community Healthcare Clinic in Bloomington Normal is 25 years old. A lot has changed, but there's a lot new as well. Director Mike Romanogli says the new dental clinic is swamped with business, and they

Hear a music group that sometimes wants to sing and sometimes just wants to jam. WGLT's Jon Norton talks with Brian Burkhart of Groovement. Plus, State Senator Jason Barickman stops by to talk Rod Blagojevich, nativist rhetoric responses, and legislative accomplishments. And Laura Kennedy brings us a riot of color and lighthearted images brightening the Armstrong Gallery of the McLean County Arts Calendar.

Hear about the new season of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. Assistant Performing Arts Manager Anne-Marie Dittman gives us the skinny on a new season of culture in the twin cities. Plus, GLT's Ryan Denham continues his reporting on the arrest and child molestation charges against Glenn School First Grade Teacher Jonathon Hovey in Unit 5. The annual beer fest and charitable fundraiser Bruegala hits a milestone. And there's a new policy for finals in Unit Five schools.

Listen for a new episode of McHistory hearkening back to 1939 when the largely female telephone switchboard workers protested plans to automate the operators. Find out what happened when the Bloomington Normal Wabash telephone company replaced manual switchboards. Plus, the upcoming household hazardous waste collection event in McLean County will have a new format. Ecology Action Center Director Michael Brown says it will be by appointment, not drive up. The West Bloomington Revitalization