Welcome to ep 62! This week we sat and spoke with Chuck Brown, the recipient of the Illinois Grocery Initiative Grant! Listen in as we talk about the SouthSide being a ‘Food Desert’, Chuck's journey through depression and his passion to rejuvenate the South Side... This is a story of persistence and faith! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we sat and talked with the co-founder and Executive Director of Art Inc here in Peoria! Welcome Nikki Romain a story of an artistic soul on a journey of acceptance and passion. Her journey is raw, beautiful and a testament to “taking a leap of faith” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to episode 60!! This week we sat down with Amber Bowcott! Amber has worked with the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter since 2013! Listen in as we hear Amber talk about this year's Alzheimer’s Walk in Peoria, the Alzheimer’s Association and Ross’ personal experience with a family member who was diagnosed with Alzheimer and Dementia. For more information or assistance visit alz.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we welcome CEO and President of The Neighborhood House Julie Bonar!! For 128 years and counting The Neighborhood House has supported our community, listen in to hear all the ways they give back and Julie invites us to their BIG HOUSE PARTY!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we welcome Comedian Ali Siddiq to the pod!! Ali will be bringing his “I’ve Got A Story To Tell” comedy tour to Peoria on September 14th! Get your tickets at ticketmaster.com! Listen in as we get a deeper understanding of an authentic storyteller who prides himself on the journey he has taken! We touch on the difference between a “joke teller” and a “storyteller”, the moment in life that he decided to go independent and the small nuances he has learned about being an entertainer in...

Welcome back for episode 57! This week we meet and hear the passionate story of The Tri County Urban League who has assisted our community since 1965!! Listen in as we learn how the Tri County Urban League has grown over the years, how participants have transformed into program leads, how they are adding a new candy shop and an initiative to reach the Latino community here in Peoria. Welcome, Felisa Jordan Durr, Virgil Marshall and Tyrone Brown!!! Make sure to get your tickets for their 23rd...

Welcome to another ep of the KZ Community Beat, episode 56.. We’re calling it dos gorditos and 1 microphone! This week we met Ruben Ramirez! Ruben can be defined by one word, humility. He has been on the grind on the comedy circuit. From homeless to headliner and never forgetting to reach back and extend the help others! Ruben’s story shows us that when we want a dream, we chase it, we work for it and when you have it, share the wisdom. Ruben will be at the Jukebox Comedy Club Friday and ...

Welcome to year 2 of Peoria Fashion Week!! We catch up with good friends of the pod, Chanel and Ezra as we hear about the growth as Fashion Week has evolved to multiple days in Peoria and their reach has extended to HOLLYWOOD! Tap in and hear how "if it plays in Peoria" is known across the nation!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we welcome Gayle Young, the Executive Director of Susan G Komen Central Illinois Memorial and Dr. Fran Armmer representing Circle of Promise also retired Chairperson of the Department of Nursing at Bradley University and Cancer survivor! Listen in as we learn more about breast cancer, FAQs, treatment and where to find a community for support!    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we help bring awareness to Multiple Sclerosis! As we honor Multiple Sclerosis Awareness week, we welcome in great friend to the pod Brian Gorsich and new friend Savannah Simpson, who is new to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central Illinois Community Council! This episode we learn first hand from Savannah’s recent journey of diagnose, life changes, acceptance and how she and her husband have navigated this new challenge. We also talk about the upcoming #WalkMS2024 event and...

This episode we hear about the groundbreaking new cancer treatment services and Institute opening at OSF Healthcare here in Peoria, IL! We welcome Tom Cox - VP of OSF Oncology Services and Dr James McGee - A Radiation Oncologist at OSF/ and Founding Director of OSF Cancer Institute! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This ep we meet a proud Peorian born and raised in the Taft! From the basketball courts to traveling all over the USA. Charles White has cultivated a story that he wishes you will learn to pass the blessing forward. Charles is the Director of The Head Start Program at the Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity (known as The PCCEO! Listen in as we learn about the PCCEO, Charles and never forget, there are blessings in the redirection! A Central Lion, A Bradley Brave and Peoria...

Welcome to episode 50!! This week, we welcome Chris Setti, the CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council! For 20 plus years this transplant has transformed into a Proud Peorian. Listen in as we touch topics of how Peoria bounced back after the lock down; the 4 day weekend; the changing climate economically and how we must adapt. Amazing conversation with a proud member of our community who has had a major impact on Peoria out of love! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

This week we meet Adrienne Caudle, a Therapeutic Foster Care Resource Worker at Lutheran Social Services. We talk about the difference between foster care and Therapeutic Foster Care. Also how this program is new to Peoria, how it has impacted other communities across the world and her hope to make a difference for our youth as they grow! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we meet Christine Kahl (President and CEO of Phoenix CDS) and Jolene Whisler ( Resource Development Manager). We talk, “Gimme Shelter 2024” an event to help raise funds for our community members who are experiencing homelessness. In this episode you will learn more about the underlying issues with those in a time of crisis; how preconceived notions have changed through experience and how we as a community have sadly added to the trauma of those at their lowest. Phoenix CDS prides...

This episode we meet Everley Davis! A born and raised Peorian through and through. This year she is the guest speaker for the 2024 Martin Luther King Freedom Vehicle Parade & Commemorative Service, an event she has attended since her youth with her family!  …she is also the Assistant Curator and Community Engagement Coordinator of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Everley has accomplished much in her life, however, her journey of self discovery is just beginning. Listen in as we touch topics...

This week, from the classroom at Manual High School, we meet Ms Adrienne Tinsley! She has a passion for teaching and giving her students the safe space to explore their creativity with ample amount of faith to try, fail and grow! Ms Tinsley was the recipient of the “One Class At A Time” Grant! This ep we get to know Adrienne and all of her “nerdy” passions!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://x.osfhealthcare.org/foundation/get-involved/event-forms/choi-toy-drive  This episode we meet a man who for 27 years has made it his mission to bring joy and gifts to our children who unfortunately have to spend the holidays in a hospital. Santa Bill has seen his cause grow from a simple request to a full yearly operation! A tragic moment in his life and his love for the Bears took his life in a direction he never thought of! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some may know him as Tightest Whitest, others in the community know him as Brian Yarbrough. Music to movies and community outreach, he’s got his hands all over Peoria! His story has many twists and accomplishments. From creating the script for ‘Space Jam 2’, a friendship with Kobe, battle rap champ and soo much more. He is also working on something BIG with the NBA for Peoria! From humble beginnings in Kingspark you will be surprised what he says is his biggest accomplishment! See...

This ep we meet EDUARDO AND BEVERLY CABALLERO! From Harlem to Peoria, they have brought our community their passion for Salsa and dancing! Once a month at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, you can come out to dance Salsa, bachata, cumbia and sooo much more, and if you don’t know the steps, they have a free hour long dance lesson for the beginners and those who got a little dust on their dancing shoes! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode we talk to the minds behind "Beat The Funk Out of Multiple Sclerosis" ! Meet Jarett Newnam - Council member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society central Illinois Community council and friend of the pod returns Brian Gorsich the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Chair of the central Illinois Community council and a patient of Multiple Sclerosis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode we welcome back home Glenn Bowie! Originally born and raised in Peoria. From Taft Homes to the Heights and LA. Glenn’s journey has been filled with “serendipity”! From his mentorship with Ray Becker, to shadow boxing with Muhammed Ali, Glenn has lived and seen plenty, but his heart has always been here in Peoria! Back this weekend to talk about his new book, "THE ART OF SPEAKING INTO EXISTENCE" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This ep Willie Williams returns a year later to announce the launching of H.O.O.P.S (Honorable, Oneness, Opportunity, Patriarch, Selfless) INC! Willie has collected  a wide range of community members aiming to instill hope, inspiration, and leadership skills into our next generation of men! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.