Community Voices

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.

The Liturgical Arts Festival's 2025 program will be a theatrical performance with musical components.

Jacksonville Area Museum keeps Jacksonville's rich history alive through upcoming expansion.

The Hoogland Center for the Arts is excited to present the smash-hit musical Dreamgirls on August 22-24 and 29-31.

Drs. Teena and Ashish John are pediatricians based in Springfield. They spoke with Community Voices about how they met, what inspired them to pursue careers in pediatrics, and how Disney influences the compassionate care they provide to their patients. The conversation also offers a glimpse into Dr. Ashish John's musical side, including his involvement in a band.

Allison Lacher is the Director of the UIS Visual Arts Gallery and a practicing visual artist whose work blends metallic surfaces, vibrant colors and domestic objects to create emotionally charged spaces. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey to Springfield, her recent curator-in-residence position in Pittsburgh and what's in store for the UIS Visual Arts Gallery this fall. Lacher also discussed her current exhibition at the Illinois State Museum, her work with STNDRD Exhibitions and her hopes for the future of Springfield's arts community.

Community Voices talks with former NPR Illinois reporter Hannah Meisel.

From heartfelt reflections to hilarious heat-induced moments, Vanessa's send-off was equal parts emotional and entertaining.

Prairie Insulation is celebrating 20 years of operation. Fiore Belmonte and Jeremy Nihiser spoke to Community Voices about the business's growth. They shared how Prairie Insulation got its start in Springfield, how insulation technology has evolved and what it means to take a people-first approach in the trades.

Greg Peterson is a local public defender with a knack for trivia. He has been a contestant on "Teen Jeopardy," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," and "The Chase." Greg spoke with Community Voices about the behind-the-scenes world of game shows, the strategies he used to compete, and why he encourages everyone to apply. He also shared his thoughts on former "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek and legendary game show contestant James Holzhauer.

Sangamon County ROSC is a group that connects people with the resources they need to address substance use challenges and build a foundation for lasting recovery. They work to identify and reduce barriers and gaps for individuals and families, ensuring they have the support and resources necessary for success. Whitney Devine, Sangamon County ROSC Program Manager, and Austin Dambacher, Sangamon ROSC Coordinator, spoke with Community Voices about community support, the stigma people in recovery face, and their 2025 Community Survey Findings & Strategic Plan. Find more about Sangamon County ROSC here.

Jean Follin is a licensed clinical professional counselor and a long-time volunteer at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. In fact, the volunteer award at the Hoogland Center is named in her honor. She spoke to Community Voices about her love of music and theatre, and her inspiration to help others through counseling. She also reflected on her time with the Sound Celebration Chorus, a women's acapella chorus, and gave a preview of what to expect at the chorus' upcoming concert on Sept. 13.

Jaden Saunders is a local tap dancer who's been making a name for himself through his many performances in Springfield. His mother, Tiffani Saunders, is a sociologist and former professor at the University of Illinois Springfield. In this Community Voices interview we learn how Tiffani enrolled Jaden in tap at a young age as an outlet for his rambunctious energy. We also hear Jaden's plans for the future, and we discuss the roots of tap dancing and the barriers to entry for young people.