Community Voices

New NPR Illinois sponsorship account executive, Eric Murphy, shares his journey that includes Illinois politics and the military.

Ko'u Hopkins is working as an NPR Illinois coordinator while studying international relations at the University of Illinois Springfield. She recently ran the 20th This I Believe program and has already traveled the world.

Jeff Cunningham, Springfield Animal Protective League Events Coordinator and Community Outreach Manager shares how to get your team signed up for APL Trivia Night Friday Nov. 14. This event is one of the most important fundraisers each year for this Sangamon County shelter which provides love and care to more than 2,000 animals every year.

Teacher Crystal Hoadley is helping other teachers with out-of-pocket school supplies expenses through Sunshine Supplies for Teachers

Vanessa Lively and Ben Bedford bring their instruments into NPR Illinois Studio A to share some of their latest collaborations including her new single, Red Wolf.

Director Gwen Harrison of Springfield's Lincoln Library shares her love of books and the variety of resources at our public libraries.

Ladd Mitchell introduced himself to the Community Voices audience to share his first novel, Theory Markspurn. After running a label and playing in California, he's returned home to launch his authorhood with a story of a high performing athlete and how the pressure is fracturing her health.

Kim Villanueva joins Community Voices to discuss her long history of feminist activism with the National Organization for Women. She also speaks about the ways that her experiences in Springfield helped prepare her to lead a national organization. Kim also discusses why it matters and how you should get involved in causes and organizations you believe in.

Professor Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson, director, along with cast and stage crew join Craig McFarland to preview this theatre performance of the tragic Matthew Shepard incident at the University of Wyoming.

Steven Herman left VOA after it was shut down earlier this year.

Steve Mann shares his thoughts about the Lincoln penny no longer being minted.Mann is with the Central Illinois Numismatic Association and is the Show Chair for the 35th Annual Fall Coin Show November 9, at the Northfield Center in Springfield.

Matt Brookens grew up in Springfield, got his film degree in Chicago, and works on productions in Los Angeles. Illinois Hell Hole is his passion project he has made into a radio film.

Jacksonville's Jeff Davidsmeyer discusses reunion shows with the New Goat Ensemble, how they got their name, and playing with Brad Floreth and Bryan Leonard in the Way Out Yonders.

Tyler Caraballo-Pisani and Ginny Racette visit to discuss their production of the maneating play, Little Shop of Horrors at the Hoogland Center for the Arts Oct. 24-26, Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Held announced his retirement from professional swimming in August. The Springfield native earned both of his gold medals as part of the U.S. Men's 4×100 Freestyle Relay teams in 2016 and 2024.Held joins Community Voices to reflect on his swimming career, share his ongoing ties to his hometown of Springfield, and talk about the importance of supporting young athletes. He also discusses his career transition to a role at Goldman Sachs, and how swimming will continue to play a role in his life beyond competition.

Nathan Peak, chef at The Foundry Kitchen inside of Anvil and Forge Brewing and Distilling, talks to Community Voices about his passion for making memorable food. He discusses what brought about his passion for cooking, and how his creativity has evolved over his years in the kitchen. Nathan also speaks about what is next on his culinary journey.

Andy Coon, Springfield Park District tennis manager and recreation assistant, and Rod Remolina, Springfield Platform Tennis Association, discuss Washington Park's platform tennis courts and how they heat up so the game can be played all winter at the Valasco Tennis Center.

ArRell Bradly is the CEO of ArRell Accessories and is 10 years old. Her mom joins Community Voices for a discussion of business and why it's never too soon to start learning.

Springfield native and jazz artist will perform at the Hoogland Center for the Arts on December 22. This will be her first concert in Springfield since her rise through the jazz world. Craig had a chance to catch up with Stella to ask about her new album "It's Magic." They also discuss what it means for her to return to her hometown and perform on the Hoogland stage, as well as some her favorite international touring spots.It's Magic is available now through Decca Records.

Nidhi Alexander is the Chief Marketing Officer of Hexaware Technologies, a global tech company and a new member of Innovate Springfield. In this conversation, she breaks down what Hexaware does for those unfamiliar with the tech world, how the company stands out in a competitive industry and the kinds of problems it helps solve across multiple industries.

The new Mid-Illinois Communications Association is hosting the Mid-Illinois AI for Communicators Workshop Oct. 23 at the UIS Student Union. MICA joined Community Voices to preview the conference and explain how AI is a tool if you learn it.

Editor Fletcher Farrar and Publisher Michelle Ownsby discuss the first 50 years of Springfield's alternative weekly, Illinois Times, and how it is evolving to increase its coverage of local news.

Jessica Baumberger and Dr. Neetu Singh joins Community Voices to update the use of AI in higher education and why learning it is advantageous.

Ross returns to Community Voices to discuss the lessons he's learned three years into his Beardstown based floral show, Rosebud and Co. He also discusses the impact of recent economic tariffs have had on his business and why it is important to use small floral shops for your special occasions.

Christina Shutt highlights artifacts from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in new book, exhibit.

Bea Bonner does her exit interview on Community Voices with Sean Crawford and Randy Eccles after eight years at NPR Illinois.

NPR Illinois and the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership present a panel discussion on how news media, the press, are under multiple threats to their independence. Medill's Tim Franklin and attorney Don Craven join moderator Sean Crawford to sort through the issues.

Fifth Street Renaissance's Camp Out 4 Homeless Veterans is coming up on October 18th at Medics First in Springfield.

The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum has officially reopened. The museum had temporarily closed to undergo significant renovations aimed at creating a more immersive and interactive experience for visitors

Community Voices contributor Craig McFarland talks with cast members Olivia Garrett and Jackson Thornton along with directors Nicole and John Sivak about the musical created from the film coming to the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

Elnora Brooks and Calia Cole join Community Voices to share the work of R&B Live Ladies Edition and to elevate R&B in the central Illinois music scene.

Dr. Wendi El-Amin Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at SIU School of Medicine explores how inclusive healthcare practices are vital to improving community health outcomes.

Dr. John Flack shares information about hypertension.

Spencer Theatre Company's production of Frankenstein runs October 10–12 and October 17–19 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

The Legacy Theatre will present the regional premier of Come From Away, September 26-28, October 1-5 and 8-12.

Springfield artist Mary Frances shares the work and history behind her exhibit about the east side's People's Bank of Springfield.

Cathy Randall of Jacksonville has lived a life full of advocacy and service.

Musician and producer Aidan McParland played bagpipes with family in Springfield, graduated Illinois, and now finds himself at a studio in Chicago and performing as Forever

The Out of the Darkness Walk is October 4 beginning at the UIS Student Union.

HistoriCorps is partnering with the Shawnee National Forest to reconstruct the historic Duck Bay Shelter, a CCC-era structure in Southern Illinois.

Patrick and Paul "Pizza" Pianezza are the creative minds behind the upcoming feature film Code 3, hitting theaters September 12.

Dr. Charlotte Warren has announced she will retire next summer.

The Springfield-based FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force is working to raise awareness about the growing threat of Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) groups.

Brandon Damm is organizing the fourth annual Rock & Run for Mental Health at Rochester Community Park Pavilion on September 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon. It will benefit Heritage Behavioral Health in Decatur, which focuses on suicide prevention. If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.

Sarah Brewer gives insight on IWIL Women's Symposium 2025.

Rikeesha Phelon talks about her career evolution, the role of strategic communication in institutions like SIU, and how she balances innovation with clarity in health messaging.

Red Sneakers for Food Allergy Awareness Peoria Chapter shares helpful tips as children head back to school.

UIS Emeritus Professor of Philosophy Peter Wenz shares insights from decades of teaching and writing across the globe.

Jenna Dooley News Director at Northern Public Radio reflects on her time working for public media stations.

Get to know U.S. Navy Reserve Electrician's Mate Second Class Laurent Azonnadou.

Meredith Crifasi talks about her love of violin and science.