This ep we meet Jalen Jenkins! Jalen was born and raised in Peoria, IL and throughout his 23 years, he’s grown into a community mentor for our youth! His 5 years of service at Proctor Recreation Center has enabled and encouraged Jalen to find his path in this life. He now has created a 6 week class to help empower the next generation of youth. “Think like a man” is a program to help young men find their confidence, their voice and provide them a safe space to navigate their emotions! See...

Have you ever felt challenged with finding your “voice or personality? What about navigating being a people pleaser? Or feeling embarrassed to answer your calling in life? All that and more were and still are the challenges and trials Greg Batton faces on his journey! Those who listen weekly will recognize him as the co-host of the WMBD morning show (Greg & Dan), and some have nicknamed him the "unofficial mayor" of Peoria! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode we meet Yvonne Greer Batton! Yvonne by all means is a musical soul with a service driven heart! From Detroit to Peoria, Yvonne walks this earth with a passion to accomplish and music has helped her navigate the trials of life! “If you must, you can” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A story of dedication, humility and bouncing back! This episode we meet Marquise Henderson from Top 4D Central Illinois' Top 40 Party Band! From Florida, to recording studios with Lil Kim and Rick Ross to now Peoria, Marquise’s story teaches you that there are blessings in redirections and to not fight acceptance.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we welcome back Becky Rossam the CEO of PCAV to talk about the news of the organization's potential closing. We discuss the reality of living in "Survivor mode" and how much of an impact PCAV has had on the 500 plus families they have provided aid and comfort to in the past year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode we meet the Chief of Peoria Police, Eric Echevarria! Eric prides himself on his authenticity, his passion to be open minded and his commitment to Peoria. Eric speaks on the changes happening in the department, including fancy new autonomous robots, a partnership with OSF and he also opens up about the reality of being a person of color and being a police officer! Great episode, enjoy… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Jenny Winne! She is a month into her new gig, being The Executive Director of The East Bluff Community Center!! For 8 years the center has developed into a beacon of safety, and community solidifying itself as a home away from home. Jenny has seen her fair share of trials and tribulations, however, she still maintains her vibrancy! An individual that pushes to vibrate higher and spread community!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Hannah Daly the Program Director and Narria Tanguay the Youth Enrollment Specialist of Big Brother Big Sister! We talk about their 30 for 30 campaign, building a connection with littles and the importance of being a role model! If you would like to get involved and become a BIG, let us know!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This ep, we talk to Chanel Murry the Supervisor of community connections at  Peoria Park Districts and Scott Howard the Secretary of the Afro Fire fighters Association of Peoria! We talk about the “Fill the Fire Truck Campaign”, but more importantly we learn about Scott Howard. A very passionate individual who wants to pour his heart back into a community he was raised in. “I'm' Peorian down in my veins” A great story of heart and service! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathy Rodriguez is the Principal of Charter Oak Primary School and the recipient of The Golden Apple Award! This episode Kathy opens up about her process of finding her purpose in encouraging others in chasing their dreams. Also how an entire school planned her surprise and the impact her father had on her! Great episode about finding your purpose and preparation! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode we meet Brett Brooks the Senior Reporter at WEEK 25 News, Illinois State Director of Miss Illinois Earth Beauty Pageant, Author, Podcast Host and sooo much more! A life filled with relocations and redirections. Brett opens up about early life “Ls” how they pushed her to achieve more with her “Kobe mentality”. A great episode of how life throws random challenges and course corrections upon you and how Brett found her way through those moments! See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Alfred Conteh is a contemporary African American painter, sculptor and printmaker from Atlanta! Alfred is in town this weekend for multiple events and Everley Davis is a community coordinator of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Alfred is a self proclaimed “Observer/ Social commentator” who prides himself on being authentic. We speak about his exhibit at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, also the concept of “comfort” and challenging himself to grow throughout his journey of self discovery! See...

Meet James Agbara Bryson. James is the great grand nephew of Annie Malone, the first black female millionaire! Our conversation centers around the amazing work the New Millennium Institute does for our community through their “Harvesting Dreams program”. We also discuss mental and spiritual roadblocks we put in front of ourselves and James tells us the story of Annie Malone! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet Abby Green, Julie Eliathamby and Candace Martell, members of Peoria Grown. We learn the roots of Peoria Grown, what healthy eating really looks like and helping modify traditions with a healthy twist! Peoria Grown helps meet our community where they are physically and culturally! With weekly markets having affordable healthy options and cooking classes to help shed light on how to make healthy eating more manageable! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Kira Kyle, she is the Prison Program Manager of Defy Ventures in Illinois! Kira takes us through the program they provide our imprisoned and how they work to instill hope and guide their student's creative process in finding their path post release! Kira also opens up about her process in finding a passion helping her students, "Defy" roadblocks and negative connotations!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Marc Supreme!  We experience a journey of “Don’t hate on nobody, don’t wait on nobody” and never letting up! Marc is the GM of 90.7 FM “Strictly Hip-Hop”. From a 1.8 GPA to influencing a community through music, hosting political forums, curating art exhibits, reporting President Obama’s inauguration and now writing a book ! Marc’s story is a tale of genuine passion and confidence in your skill set!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April is National Donate Life month! Meet Lisa Dodson the Senior Community Outreach Specialist at Gift of Hope & Tissue Donor Network! Lisa takes us through how Gift of Hope operates and brings light to misconceptions regarding organ donorship. #LightItUpPurple See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From England to Australia and Peoria, Andy King’s journey is the definition of letting go and letting God guide. Andy is the Executive Director of Dream Center Peoria! Dream Center Peoria over the years became a beacon of light for many, but if it wasn’t for one random interaction in Australia, his story may have been extremely different! Serendipity describes his journey and his heart guides him throughout! Listen in as we discover how his life has led him to Peoria and the 20 years of...

The partner you choose can impact your life greatly! This episode we meet the “Peoria Power Couple” Founder and Co Founder of Peoria’s Fashion Week, Ezra and Chanel Murry! We hear behind the scenes of how Peoria’s Fashion Week was created and how the labor of passion is seeing amazing growth! Also, the importance of having the right person in your corner can elevate you to amazing things!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode, we meet Dr. Bernice Gordon Young. A born and raised Peorian, who has made mental health a passion and her way in giving back to our community. We touch on “meeting someone where they are”. Dr. Bernice speaks on her time at OSF, the culture change going to help our incarcerated and her non profit “It Takes A Village”! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Jami Truelove, the President and CEO of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters here in Peoria! For 13 years and counting, Jami and her amazing team consistently help our youth to feel supported! This episode we hear the importance of mentorship and support for the youth of our community while gaining more knowledge of the amazing work of Big Brothers and Big Sisters! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deric Kimler, the Director of Peoria’s hottest musical, “In The Heights”  and Executive Director of Central Illinois Friends takes us on his journey of finding acceptance and liberation! Theater initially became his escape and now it’s his passion to help fight against stigmas!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Brian M. Gorsich and Nicole Stephens, two members of our community who live with multiple sclerosis. If there is one thing I can say is, they each have had their struggles.. their crosses.. set backs and continued moments of peaks and valleys.. yet they face life with laughter and optimism! The great work of National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central Illinois Community Council and lived in experience of MS is the focus of the podcast, but what I walked away with is… a greater...

Consistency… that word summarizes the journey both Ray Flacko and Mario Young have experienced. A perfect story of Ying and Yang. Through it all, through every trial they experienced, they still have a big heart and passion for Peoria! Mario and Ray have lived through variations of lost. Mario has experienced the cruelty of his father being killed and the devastation of cancer. Ray was imprisoned for 1000 plus days. Through it all, they both were able to become the best versions of...

Meet Christell Frausto! Owner of TequilRia Wine and Spirits in Peoria. Also She is the VP on The Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce! We hear the story of a proud Latina businesswoman! Christell takes us on  her journey of security, redirection and finding her purpose here in Peoria!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.