Holstein and Company

Tammy is the Family Sales Counselor for Mount Hope and Roselawn Cemeteries in Champaign. Contact• Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/• Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter• Follow the show on Facebook.Rate and review• In Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaser

Mike Larson is Associate Director of Utilities Production, Facilities and Services at the University of Illinois. He joins me in this episode to talk about the University's massive solar farms, how they work, how much energy they produce, and the research coming out of them.Links• Solar Farm website• Solar energy output dashboardContact• Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/• Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter• Follow the show on Facebook.Rate and review• In Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaser

Mike is a member of four athletic halls of fame and is Director of Advancement for St. John's Catholic Newman Center on the campus of the University of Illinois. Links• St. John's Catholic Newman Center• Greater Illiana Sports Hall of Fame• Hoopeston Area High School Athletic Hall of Fame• Eastern Illinois Hall of FameContact• Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/• Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter• Follow the show on Facebook.Rate and review• In Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaser

Previous guest Ray Cunningham (Episode 7499) hopped a plane to Ukraine to photograph everyday life as the war continues. Ray is the former mayor of Homer, Illinois, whose background is in historical research. He's not only a world traveler who's been to dozens of countries — including multiple trips to North Korea — he's a respected photographer who has shot over 1 million photos.Links• Ray's Flickr accountContact• Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/• Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter• Comment on this episode on Facebook.

In this episode I chat with Patrick Pfingsten, publisher of The Illinoize. We talk about the country's infatuation with national politics, why our state politicians probably need a raise, and shoe shining.Patrick was a longtime voice on WDWS radio who transitioned to political consulting. His free newsletter offers a deep dive into Illinois politics.Links• Sign up for The IllinoizeContact• Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/• Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter• Comment on this episode on Facebook.

While the title of this podcast episode might seem like click bait, something to get you to press play, it's not. This is easily the most difficult show I've ever done... on the radio or in podcast form.Contact• Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/• Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter• Comment on this episode on Facebook. 

Bill is a Champaign father of four who knows a thing or ten about roads, bridges, and how to connect the research being done at places like the University of Illinois with the engineers and planners in cities around the world. Links• Advanced Research Associates Contact• Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/• Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter• Comment on this episode on Facebook. Rate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserTranscriptView the transcript at http://holstein.co/7524-bill-vavrik/

Several years ago Sean Williams learned about a retired FBI agent's quest to discover America's lost apple varieties. This led Sean to begin exploring Champaign County for lost fruits, and to uncover the history of lost orchards, such as the ones now resided on in Savoy, Illinois, where Old Orchard Bowling Lanes and Senator's Inn sit. In this episode we learn how Champaign County was once the home of one of the two largest orchards in the Midwest, and how his quest for lost fruit led Sean to possibly discover a pear that was thought to be lost for 100 years.Links• Email Sean at CUFruitExplorer@gmail.com• Midwest Explorer's article The Lost Fruit Trees of Champaign County (PDF)• Weston's Antique Apples in Wisconsin• Hocking Hills Orchard in OhioContact• Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/• Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter• Comment on this episode on Facebook.Rate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserTranscriptView the transcript at http://holstein.co/7523-sean-williams/

After a year off, CU Humane Society's Fur Ball is back — and virtual.The online auction will begin at 12 noon on Friday, October 1. Preview auction items and get registration info (it's free) at CUHumane.org.

The world famous Negangard Pumpkin Patch got its start some time in the '70s. Today, people come from communities near and far to pick a perfect, or imperfect, pumpkin just southeast of Philo, Illinois. In this episode we learn the history of the pumpkin patch, go behind the scenes of what it takes to ready it for thousands of annual visitors, and get a front-seat tour of the pumpkin field.Links• Negangard Pumpkin PatchContact• Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/• Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter• Comment on this episode on Facebook.Rate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserTranscriptView the transcript at http://holstein.co/7522-negangard-pumpkin-patch/

The Avon Theater in Decatur, Illinois, has been around for 105 years, and Skip Huston has owned it since 1999. In this episode Skip and I discuss how movie theaters make money, simultaneous releases to streaming, why the Avon's popcorn is best, and what film he's most looking forward to seeing in his theater.Links• Avon TheaterContact• Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/• Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter• Comment on this episode on Facebook.Rate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserTranscriptView the transcript at http://holstein.co/7521-skip-huston/

Launched in 2009, Chambanamoms.com is one of the most valuable online resources for residents in East Central Illinois — and not only for moms. In this episode Laura Bleill and I discuss masks, resilient kids, the behavior of parents in other states, her website's top posts during the pandemic, and more.Links• Chambana Moms• Chambana SeniorsContactEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterRate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserTranscriptView the transcript at http://holstein.co/7520-laura-bleill/

My guest: Jon Moore, Director of the Institute of AviationOne of the best aviation schools in the nation is located here in East Central Illinois. In this episode I talk to Jon about how you can become a pilot, the industry's pilot shortage, flight simulators (professional and Microsoft), turbulence, and more.Links• Parkland College Institute of Aviation• Institute of Aviation on FacebookContactEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterRate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserTranscriptView the transcript at http://holstein.co/7519-jon-moore

My guest: Professor Nicholas GrossmanNicholas Grossman is a University of Illinois political scientist and international relations expert, and author of "Drones and Terrorism: Asymmetric Warfare and the Threat to Global Security". Professor Grossman is also the Senior Editor of Arc Digital. In this episode we discuss the United States' exit from Afghanistan and whether or not it was the best option.Episode links• Drones and Terrorism: Asymmetric Warfare and the Threat to Global Security• Arc DigitalContactEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterRate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserTranscriptView the transcript at http://holstein.co/7518-nicholas-grossman

My guest: Kaci AboltKaci is Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment in Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois and we're talking about the process of coming into C-U, getting moved in, and getting through the first week as a new student.ContactEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterRate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserTranscriptView the transcript at http://holstein.co/7517-kaci-abolt/

My guest: Chris SokolowskiChris is the Assistant City Engineer for the City of Champaign. In this conversation he answers every question I've ever had about traffic signals: How many are there? Who decides when it's time for a new one? Can lights be changed from a central location? Will we see more roundabouts any time?ContactEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterRate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserTranscriptView the transcript at http://holstein.co/7516-chris-sokolowski/

My guest: Jeff KohmstedtYou've probably seen Jeff run as Abe Lincoln in the Illinois Marathon. Jeff and I talk about our connections — through running, an old house, and a lost diamond ring. And he shares a bit of what it was like being in Washington D.C. on and after September 11.Episode linksRun to Remember: https://illinoismarathon.com/races/run-to-remember/ContactEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterRate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserTranscriptView the transcript at http://holstein.co/7515-jeff-kohmstedt/

My guest: Jennifer WaylandYou're ready to travel, but where can you travel? The industry was hammered by the pandemic but Urbana's Island Travel Group used the disruption and downtime to create new procedures and improve the planning experience.Episode linksIsland Travel Group: https://www.islandtravelgroup.comContactEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterRate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserTranscriptSteve Holstein: You really are a world traveling travel agent because you know, we're talking about Antiga and New Zealand, Australia, but then also the hotel that's made from an old jail over in Indiana.Jennifer Wayland: Yeah. I try, I, people will say, oh, she's been everywhere. I'm like, oh, I haven't even put a dent in this earth, but I'm trying, I'm working on getting everywhere.Full transcript available here: http://holstein.co/7514-jennifer-wayland/

ContactEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterMy guest: Angie Hatfield MarkerAngie went from selling vehicles at O'Brien Auto Park in Urbana to the CEO spot with The Community Foundation. In this episode we talk about reality TV, hot yoga, preparing for runs and triathlons, and how The Community Foundation is different from other charitable organizations.Rate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserEpisode linksThe Community Foundation: https://cfeci.orgTranscriptPlease visit the episode page at holstein.co.

In this episode I speak with Brennon Breymeyer, a farmer and John Deere equipment salesman for AHW. We'll talk ag technology, the future of truly autonomous farming, and COVID-19's impact on farmers.Rate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review. On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaserContactEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

In this holiday weekend minisode I answer a few emails.Episode linksSamson microphone: https://amzn.to/2TywZ4lAudacity audio editor: https://www.audacityteam.orgEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterRate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review.On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaser

In episode 7501 I spoke with Scott Olthoff, an ultramarathon runner who was training for the Black Hills ultra. In this episode we spoke the morning after the 50+ miler.Episode linksBlack Hills Ultra: https://blackhills100.comWorld Vision: https://www.teamworldvision.org/participant/olthoffEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterRate and review this podcastIn Apple podcasts please give it a bunch of stars and leave a review.On other devices please visit https://bit.ly/HoCoPodchaser

In June of 1996 I brought the Holstein & Co. Morning Show to Illinois. That was 25 years ago this month.  Last June, after the show abruptly ended after 24 years, my wife Deb told me she wanted to interview me. I was intrigued — so we headed to my makeshift studio, I clicked record and away she went. Recently I listened to that one-year-old interview and it was a fun walk down memory lane. So here it is — from June 2020, Deb interviews Steve.Episode linksEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Becky Ames is a donation liaison with Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network. In this episode we hear how many Illinois residents are in need of an organ transplant, and learn about the fascinating and compassionate work done by donation liaisons.Episode linksTo be an organ donor text HOPE to 51555Gift of Hope: https://www.giftofhope.orgJanice Shipley's Cheeseburger Pie: http://holstein.co/cheeseburger-pie/Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Starting in 2006 Aaron Bennett could be found on WCIA-TV as a sports reporter, sports anchor, and eventually a news anchor. In 2018 Aaron left television for a position at Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois. In this episode Aaron and I talk about loyal small town sports fans, having a "normal" schedule, why a good sportscast is more than just scores and highlights, and how an idea for a news story goes from concept to air.Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Matt Difanis is one of Champaign-Urbana's top real estate agents who's made fair housing one of his passion projects. In this episode I talk to Matt about fair housing and the current real estate market — including a 30-way bid for a single home.Matt's website: http://mattdifanis.comEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

There's some special about seeing a kid in a scouting uniform. Today it seems kids in sports uniforms are more common, but scouting is alive and well and has evolved to give kids a reason to show up and stay interested. And now that COVID infections have dropped, scout camping is back... so I thought I'd give Jared White with the Prairielands Council a buzz.Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterEpisode linksPrairielands Council: https://prairielandsbsa.orgCamp Drake: https://www.campdrake.com

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Champaign police officer Chris Oberheim was shot and killed in the line of duty. In this special episode of the podcast I speak with friend and retired Champaign police officer Bruce Ramseyer about the day, how his students at the police academy reacted to the news, and how police approach a "domestic" 911 call.Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Dan Moisson is the former owner of Simplified Computers, which he sold to Pavlov Media in 2019. He's the owner of Moisson Properties in Champaign, Illinois. In this episode Dan shares how he accidentally found his way into buying property, his initial fears, and why he didn't sleep very well on the night he purchased his first multi-family building.Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterEpisode linksMoisson Properties: https://www.moissonproperties.netBigger Pockets podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast

Lauren McMillan is a sophomore at the Univeristy of Illinois and was just named Vice President of Orange Krush. Lauren hails from Princeton, Illinois, and shares the mission of Orange Krush, what it's like going to college during a pandemic, and the apps she checks first when she wakes in the morning.Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletterEpisode linksNitwit News: https://www.facebook.com/nitwitnewsOrange Krush on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisOrangeKrush/Orange Krush on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illini_okrush/

Scott Olthoff is a Champaign husband, father, Wealth Strategist, World Vision sponsor, and ultramarathon runner. What defines an ultra? It's any distance over 26.2 miles, which is the length of a regular marathon. Scott shares what it takes to fuel up before and during an ultra, what gear he relies on, and how he makes time for training.Links and photos at holstein.coEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

For the third time since the podcast launched, bees are a topic — but only briefly. Former Champaign Dept. of Public Works Director Dennis Schmidt has taken up beekeeping as a hobby. We talk about this for a few minutes before learning how un-flat East Central Illinois is and what the bar Pia's has to do with it.Links and photos at holstein.coEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Ray Cunningham has been the Mayor of Homer, Illinois, since 2013. His background in historical research and his passion for organizing data is the backbone of an ongoing project to build a massive database of historical information about the village.Ray is not only a world traveler who's been to dozens of countries — including multiple trips to North Korea — he's a respected photographer who has shot over 1 million photos.Links and photos at holstein.coEmail Steve at steve@holstein.co or holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

We are zombie-free in Champaign-Urbana thanks to Jeff Sylvester and his Zombie Defense Vehicle. Links and photos at holstein.coLeave comments and suggestions  at holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Angie Kerr is a realtor, volleyball mom, and loves her Instagram. Also, she knows to respect the Ring doorbell. Links and photos at holstein.coLeave comments and suggestions  at holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Links and photos at holstein.coLeave comments and suggestions  at holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Links and photos at holstein.coLeave comments and suggestions  at holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Shortly after Carolyn Farren raved about The Haunted Hamburger in Jerome, Arizona, my sister mentioned she would be out that way. She texted from inside the restaurant and I gave her a call.Links and photos at holstein.coLeave comments and suggestions  at holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Sign up for Ladies on the Links here.Links and photos at holstein.coLeave comments and suggestions  at holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Farren's Pub & Eatery is home to one the country's best hamburgers. She shares her location for one of her favorite burgers outside of Illinois, how the Russell got its name, and why water has been a theme at both Farren's locations.Links and photos at holstein.coLeave comments and suggestions  at holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

My mom's got an iPad and an iPhone and is pretty savvy at using them. Now that her son has a podcast it's time for her to learn how to find the app and subscribe.Links and photos at holstein.coLeave comments and suggestions  at holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

For nearly a decade the Holstein & Company Morning Show enjoyed twice-monthly studio visits by Champaign police officer Bruce Ramseyer. Just like me, he's retired from radio — and from policing. In this episode we talk about tanks, Fort Knox, teaching future police officers over Zoom, cleaning church basements, and working for the fire department.Links and photos at holstein.coLeave comments and suggestions  at holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter

Welcome to the first edition of Holstein & Company the podcast. I'll explain why this is show 7489 and I talk wit Shane Cultra about his getting the new Ford Bronco, his new dog Lincoln, a new honey business, bitcoin, running in the cold, and website domains.Links and photos at holstein.coLeave comments and suggestions  at holstein.co/contact/Get the free newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter