WGLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

Under the electoral college system, it's possible a candidate could win only 11 states and win the presidency. That sometimes has a chilling effect on voter turnout. Illinois State University political scientist Kerri Milita talks to Willis Kern about the electoral college and how it could play out in this year's election. Hear from a Democrat who might run to be Illinois’ next Governor. Charlie Schlenker talks with State Senator Daniel Biss. And Mayor Renner is in the studio to talk about a

Hear about being mortal. Advanced medical science can more easily predict how the human body approaches the end of life, easing the stress on family and the person dying. Advocate BroMenn chaplain Cheree' Johnson previews the documentary film Being Mortal, showing at the Illinois State University Alumni Center. Jon Norton talks with Alligator Records founder about the co-founder of another great blues label, Chess Records. And, age is just a number, even in rock and roll. Laura Kennedy

The book 'White Bread' deals with a fictional white teacher comfortable in her routine life who discovers a hundred year old letter that calls into question her own background. Hear how the book typifies the work of a major conference on diversity at ISU, uniting to challenge systems of oppression. Plus an update on a family, a year, and an RV odyssey across the U.S. Hear about a theatrical reading of a work on the rise of fascism, 'It Can't Happen Here.' And checking on the spirits of a

With the presidential election less than three weeks away, our experts dissect the third Presidential debate. ISU political scientists Erik Rankin and Tom McClure a talk about how the candidates performed and what might happen on November 9. Charlie Schlenker talks with a child prodigy in both music and chess. Meet Harmony Zhu. And get to know Moon Hooch. The dance-jazz-rock trio is coming to Urbana’s Canopy Club Friday.

Buddhism in the U. S. is back in the spotlight, following last week's death of Thailand's reigning monarch. Buddhist monks focus as much on people and the world as they do a higher being and those living in Thailand differ from those of other faiths in that they typically don't remain monks their entire life. You'll hear from ISU professor Pruthikrai Mahatanankoon about his formative years as a Buddhist monk Thailand.The idea of building a bypass around the east side of Bloomington-Normal is

Bloomington's public school district is paying for a program that helps bring the internet into the homes of low-income families, but superintendent Barry Reilly says most districts can't afford to do this. Hear about the latest on home internet access, and corporate donated school computers. Charlie Schlenker has the interview. Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner talks about infrastructure costs and whether the city should focus on the city's core or newer subdivisions. And get some analysis on the

We’re talking Route 66 today. The Route 66 Miles of Possibility conference in the twin cities this week centers on economic development, history, preservation and culture. You'll hear from the conference organizer, Terry Ryburn, and four presenters at the conference in the twin cities later this week. Willis Kern talks with an author of five books on Route 66 about how communities are using the highway to revitalize historic districts. You’ll find out what kind of experience African Americans

It's a one-hour debate between the two major candidates for Congress in Illinois' 13th district. The district extends from the East St. Louis area to the south, up to Champaign-Urbana, Bloomington-Normal and west to the Illinois River. The Republican incumbent Rodney Davis faces off against Democratic challenger Mark Wicklund. The debate moderator is Niala Bhoodoo, host of The 21st, heard weekday mornings at 11 on GLT.

Donald Trump said his sexually charged comments we’re “just words.” Administrators at ISU think words matter and are working to combat sexual assault by enlisting the help of students. Hear about efforts to counter sex assault through workshops involving campus student leaders, athletes, and those in Greek life. You’ll visit a naturalization ceremony and hear from newly minted U.S. citizens. And this is the perfect time of year to plant a tree. During our gardening program Grow, find out what

ISU's president understands the business aspect of creating budgets, but wants politicians to understand a college education is a value proposition. Larry Dietz conducts a cost-benefit analysis of going to college, and gives an update on state budget talks and ISU fundraising to GLT’s Willis Kern. You’ll also hear from Heartland Community College President Rob Widmer, who talks enrollment numbers with Charlie Schlenker. And you’ll hear from the Smoker’s Blues Band, playing Buddy Guy’s Legends