Keep Your Day Job

I'm this episode I sit down with Brian Simpson, one of the owners of Main Gallery 404 in downtown Bloomington. Supply chains are a mess, buy local art for the people you care about this holiday.

Stan Nord is a member of the town council in Normal and some would argue he's one of the more polarizing figures in local politics. Personally, I found his reaction to the Jelani Day memorial interesting and felt it would make for an interesting and timely conversation.

Here's part 2 of my conversation with Brandon Dohman. To learn more about Brandon, his book, or how he can help you, refer to the show notes from part 1. If nothing more, be sure to connect with Brandon on LinkedIn or your preferred social media platform. He's the kind of guy you should know.

Brandon is the type of guy you need to know if you're interested in career development, in whatever field. He's a natural leader who's worked major companies, start-ups, and as a consultant. I invited Brandon on to discuss his new book the Dynamic Corporate Leader Method. Check out part 1 (of 2) of this conversation on the topic of leadership. If you like what you hear, check out Brandon's company and see what he can do for you. It's an exciting world, don't allow yourself to become stagnant. Stay tuned for part 2 next week. Brandon's Linkedin Page

As a phish fan, I continue to learn this is not a normal thing for adults to enjoy. So this episode is a short essay I wrote to explore my fandom and maybe she'd some insight about the “scene” for those who have yet to surrender to the flow.

Zach Carlson and Matt Tozcko have created a Tenant Union where renters of all kinds can come together, discuss issues and most importantly, find resolutions. If you enjoyed this episode or would like to connect with them, check them out at the Twitter link below : https://mobile.twitter.com/bnrenters?lang=en

Darin Bradley recently spent some time working at Cities FM, the local conservative news station. We met when he asked me to drop in as a guest on his show and we had a great conversation. I enjoyed it so much I invited him to return the favor.

After yet another performative school board mtg this week, I was glad to sit down with Jackie Gunderson who found herself at the center of this controversy. In this episode, Jackie and I discuss the changes to health and sex education in Unit 5 and D87. Below is a copy of the PPT Jackie presented at D87. My goal with this conversation was to allow Jackie a platform to dispel mistruths and I felt she provided very clear and thorough responses to my questions. This debate is far from over and I welcome the feedback I may receive. D87 PPT Equality Illinois - LGBT Curriculum Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy

In response to the school board mtg last week, I felt compelled to dispel some myths about Critical Race Theory and the 1619 project as a part of the k-12 curriculum. Brandon is a teacher at Bloomington High School who wrote a great piece in the Pantagraph and was willing to connect. The result is our conversation. Brandon Thornton: My thoughts on the D87 school board mtg

Zachary Gittrich is a local activist and journalist. We had him on to discuss police reform and specifically HB3653. I believe Zachary is an important local voice for causes like this. He's done his homework. Check out more of his content below:  https://strangecornersofthought.com/ https://twitter.com/zachcorners?lang=en Agitation Rising YouTube Show Notes  0:00 - 0:18 - Intro, define neoliberal to frame policing conversation 0:18 - 0:38 - Defining Defend, Reform, Defund, Abolish 0:38 - 00:48 - Pretrial Fairness/ HB3653 00:48 - 1:02 - Disspelling Copaganda 1:02 - 1:20 - CESSA and CAHOOTS 1:20 - 1:45 - Next Steps/ Local Impacts 1:45 - End - Consider this bonus content. 

Michael Swanson first came across my radar on social media. Michael lives and works locally in the Bloomington-Normal area and, for the most part, he leads a normal life. However, Michael has chosen to take his passion about politics and do something about it: he's running for congress! Check out this episode to learn his ideas on furthuring progressive causes in order to improve the lives of all Americans. If you like what you hear, support Michael at any of the links below Michael Swanson for Congress Twitter Instagram

The Home to Market Act is a piece of legislation that could expand the cottage food industry in Illinois. Do you dig local food producers and farmers markets? If so, check out this episode AND please support this legislation by submitting a witness slip at the link below. Home to Market Act Witness Slip (HB2615 sponsored by Will Guzzardi) Illinois Stewardship Alliance Grace Farm Studios (Ann's Farm)

With the election just over 2 weeks away, we're back with another candidate interview. This time I sat down (virtually) with Joshua Crockett, a candidate for the Heartland Community College Board of Trustees. In a non-partisan race, Joshua has a lot of the qualities I look for in a candidate: young, local, engaged, and committed to change for the good of the community. If nothing more, this conversation is a great way to learn about this role could impact our community. Please support Joshua if you liked what you heard. Campaign Website Campaign Instagram Campaign FB Page

This podcast is tracking closer to where I aspire for this podcast to be: finding the right people to dispel myths and have a serious conversation. Charlotte Alvarez is the Executive Director at the Immigration Project in Bloomington. Without getting too much in the weeds, let's just agree immigration is a topic we hear a lot of opinions about but don't see much good faith critical dialogue on the subject. I hope you find this as interesting as I did. If you are interested in hearing more, please support Charlotte and all the other talented staff at the Immigration Project. Immigration Project Facebook

Hannah Russell is the Operations Manager at the West Bloomington Revitalization Project (WBRP) on the west side of Bloomington. If you've never been, you should check it out. Go see the power of people in action; and maybe rent a tool, buy a bike or ask how you can help. WBRP 724 W. Washington St Bloomington, IL 61701 Facebook (@WestBloomington) Instagram (@WestBloomington) WBRP Website

Brad McMillan is running for Normal Town Council. At a time when it seems like voters are only presented two sides of an argument, Brad offers a third way of seeing issues we commonly disagree on. Brad is a cool guy, you should check out this episode. If you like Brad, please let him know at one of the links below. Facebook (@Brad4Normal) Website

Chris Koos is the Mayor of the Town of Normal, and has been for quite some time. In our conversation, Mayor Koos talks about what this experience has been like, why he's running again this spring, and what he aspires to accomplish if elected for another term. If interested, please support Mayor Koos by checking out his campaign. Chris Koos for Mayor

Tari Renner is the Mayor of Bloomington, Illinois and he is a professor at Illinois Wesleyan University. In the middle of an election season, I thought Tari, as the outgoing mayor, could provide some insight.

In this episode I (virtually) sat down with Misty Metroz, a candidate for Mayor in Bloomington, Illinois, as a write-in candidate. Misty is passionate about progress in Bloomington and has no shortage of creative ideas for what that may mean. If you're encouraged by her perspective, please support her via the link below. Facebook - Misty Metroz for Bloomington Mayor

Bill is the owner of AB Hatchery, the best feed, seed, and garden center in the greater Bloomington- Normal area. AB Hatchery is a hub for so many nature-centric activities and initiatives around town, you can't help for a small business like this. I've been going to AB Hatchery for years as I stumble through my self-imposed gardening education and Bill is always there to answer my questions, identify whatever plant pics I'm trying to ask about, and offer some great advice. You should go check out AB Hatchery before you plan or plant anything this spring. https://abhatcherygarden.com

Marc Tiritilli is running for mayor in the town of Normal. This is the second time he's running so we used this time to talk about this campaign and how some of his ideas have developed over the past four years. Check out Marc's site below and if you'd like to offer, i'm sure he'd love the support. Check out the Normal Mayoral Debate on March 9 from 6-7PM on WGLT (link below). https://www.marcformayor.com/ https://www.wglt.org/topic/election-2021-wglt-voter-guide#stream/0

In this episode I was lucky to sit down with candidates running locally as the People First Coalition.Especially if you live in Bloomington, listen carefully to this conversation and VOTE. This is the first of a number of candidates i'll be interviewing so let me say this: i'm not here to give an endorsement, I just want to get people educated so they can VOTE!!! Oh, and if you like what they say, maybe kick them some cash. Jackie Gunderson - Bloomington Mayoral Candidate Willie Holton Halbert - Ward 3 Candidate Pat Lawler - Ward 5 Candidate Kelby Cumpston - Ward 7 Candidate Facebook Instagram

Eddie Breitweiser is focused on improving his surroundings, specifcally the Bloomington-Normal area. Not only does he engage politically but he is a driving force behind promotion of contemporary music and an overall champion of the arts. Listen to this if you are the person on the sidelines looking to get in the game. If you enjoy this conversation please suppport pt.fwd (link below) and the Pretrial Fairness Act. PT.FWD Facebook PT.FWD IG

In this episode I sit down with Mike Tasch, a keyboardsist from a Grateful Dead cover band called Sunshine Daydream and a Phish cover band called Birds of a Feather (along with some side projects). Listen in to learn about what drives Mike to be where he is and gain some insights into what can confidently be called, a unique crowd. If you like what you heard, support Mike and his bands on social media: Sunshine Daydream Facebook Sunshine Dayream Instagram Launch Me to Space - Mike Tasch

The following is an interview with Jaik Willis, a musician currently playing with Chicago Farmer & the Fieldnotes. Please check out what Jaik is doing on social media and support his efforts. Instagram Facebook YouTube

For the first episode of the Keep Your Day Job podcast, Ed See sat down with Diane Benjamin, editor and creator of BLN News, to talk about her background, her position in contrast to the local media, and ideas about local political progress. If you enjoy the podcast, please support Diane in her work.