PodBN

Jordan is running for Bloomington's Ward 6.   Thanks to our sponsor: Lil Beaver Brewery Theme song by Wildermore

Cody is running for Bloomington's Ward 6.   Thanks to our sponsor: Lil Beaver Brewery Theme song by Wildermore

John is running for Bloomington Ward 4   Thanks to our sponsor: Lil Beaver Brewery Theme song by Wildermore

Donna is running unopposed for Bloomington ward 2.    Thanks to our sponsor: Lil Beaver Brewery Theme song by Wildermore

Interview with Jenna Kearns, running in Ward 1 unopposed to fill the remaining term of the previous council member.    Thanks to our sponsor: Lil Beaver Brewery Theme song by Wildermore

Some context on what to expect from the 2023 Election Edition Episodes Thanks to our sponsor: Lil Beaver Brewery Theme song by Wildermore

Donna talks about her experiences on City Council, with a focus on where she has attempted to implement a Strong Towns philosophy. Topics include how she became engaged in local politics, what motivated her to run for office, infill development, how to build wealth in our community, downtown investment, and more. Links to some documents we discussed: Summary of Cost of Growth Report Comprehensive Plan: Fiscal Impact Analysis   Thanks to our sponsor: Lil Beaver Brewery Theme song by Wildermore

We're back! Noah Tang stops by to talk about how he hopes the recently formed Bloomington Revivalists can apply Strong Towns principles to promote historical preservation, encourage infill development, and strengthen community. Learn more by joining the Bloomington Revivalist Facebook group.   Thanks to our sponsor: Lil Beaver Brewery Theme song by Wildermore

Danielle started I AM Woman to inspire women to pursue their dreams and do what brings them joy. Hear about her story and her plans. To learn more, find "I AM Woman" on all social media.     Theme song by Wildermore

Returning champion Erik Rankin stops by to talk about a little bit of everything. (It would have been even more of some things, but Erik's daughter made him leave.)   Theme song by Wildermore

David has an antique electric train car in his backyard. How did it get there? What is he going to do with it?  Find out more at Sleeping Car Illinois on Facebook   Theme song by Wildermore    

Eatology is a locally-sourced meal preparation service. A great example of people doing big things in Bloomington-Normal. And we hit a record for most shout outs per minute.  Find them online (www.eatology.ventures) and on social media A to Z's Catering and Parties The Athlete Factory Blo-No Curbside Restaurants Facebook group ___ Theme song by Wildermore

Chuck Erickson stops by to chat about his experiences as a County board member and former Republican Party Chair. Topics include his most memorable accomplishments, the need for respect and civility in politics, the importance of local political involvement, and how to get past the boundaries created by national issues.  Theme song by Wildermore

Justin and Tyson discuss our opinions about everything, including our opinions about the problem with having opinions about everything. Also self-improvement, a few local issues, and book recommendations!   Books: Ryan Holiday - The Obstacle is the Way David Alexrod - Believer Tim Grover - Winning: Unforgiving Race to Greatness Shirzad Chamine - Positive Intelligence CS Lewis - Great Divorce   PodBN App of the Month: Reading List   Theme song by Wildermore

Justin talks with the Yoga Lab owners about what it means to build a community around a vision for a business. It involves coffee and scones. Yoga Lab website: www.theyogalab.org   Theme song by Wildermore

Jeremy joins the pod to catch up with Kelby, who has continued to pay close attention to Bloomington City Council since his ward 7 run last year. He's started a blog called BloNotes where he provides commentary on the upcoming agendas. He fills us in on the goals of the blog, and we chat about some of the recent issues before the council: filling the ward 6 seat and sewer repairs. We also talk about affordable housing, a many-faceted problem in which he has considerable expertise. And of course we mention Strong Towns... a lot.   Some links: BloNotes - https://www.facebook.com/BloNotes McLean County Regional Planning Commission - https://mcplan.org/plans-and-studies/neighborhoods-and-housing    Theme song by Wildermore

Jay Tetzloff is the Superintendent of the Milner Park Zoo. He explains how the zoo leverages its small size to create an intimate experience. We also talk about all our favorite animals, and what plans might materialize for the zoo in the future. Plus more than you ever probably wanted to know about the toileting habits of sloth.  Learn more by following the zoo on social media or at their website millparkzoo.org Music by Wildermore

Rubin and Don own Bloomington Spice Works, a spice store in Downtown Bloomington. They explain how they got started, what they sell now, and what they have planned for the future.  Theme song by Wildermore

Ed is the host of the Keep Your Day Job podcast, which also focuses on interviewing people in Bloomington-Normal. In this episode, he and Tyson discuss the similarities and differences in their shows, getting a bit introspective on why they enjoy recording themselves talking to people. They also take the mandatory divergence into the local politics scene.  Theme song by Wildermore

Hear how Erik has been using COVID chaos to fuel serious self-improvement. The first step towards improving the world is improving yourself.   Theme song by Wildermore

Jamie Mathy is the owner of Red Raccoon Games. He and Tyson (a fellow game enthusiast) review the 5000 year history of gaming, the rise of American-style games in the 1900s, the more recent emergence of modern/European games in the 2000s, game recommendations, Jamie's opinion on the worst game ever made, the actual rules of Monopoly, how not to yuck someone's yum, and more. Stop by Red Raccoon Games on 309 N Main St in Bloomington so their expert staff can help match a game to your interests. Or visit them online at www.redraccoongames.com. Theme song by Wildermore

Brad McMillan is the Executive Director of the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service at Bradley University. He is also the co-chairman of CHANGE Illinois, which advocates for fair redistricting processes at the state level. We discuss his work in these areas, including his idea of a “moderate majority”.  Jeremy Kelley co-hosts Theme song by Wildermore

Steve drops by to talk COVID restrictions, the open Bloomington ward 6 council seat, the life of a talk radio host, local Libertarian party projects, and more.  Theme song by Wildermore.

Lynden McGriff has been a pharmacist for almost 20 years. He shares his experience in retail pharmacy, long-term care in Kindred Hospital Peoria, and administering COVID vaccinations. We also discuss his wife's new children's therapy facility, Ivy Rehab for Kids. Theme song by Wildermore.

Monica Bullington is an award-winning Bloomington-Normal RE/MAX Rising realtor. She talks about the real estate market since 2020 turned everything upside down. Also city planning and how city amenities can impact home prices.  Theme song by Wildermore.

Jeremy drops by LIl' Beaver to catch up. We talk about the last election cycle, soccer, parking maximums, and books. Then we grab Lil' Beaver founder Chad Bevers to hear how business is going and what he has planned in the next couple months.  Plus a new theme song by local band Wildermore! Like their Facebook page to see where they're playing.

Local Spanish teacher (and fellow Lil' Beaver fan) Karl Goeke reflects on his experiences as a both an educator and parent during the last year. We also discuss his time in union leadership, including lobbying in DC. 

Lizzy stops by again to give us a quick update on the county redistricting process. Then she and Julie Emig (Bloomington City Council) chat about our community's planning processes, and what we should be looking to progress towards in the near future. Thanks to our sponsor Lil Beaver Brewery. 

The conversation about redistricting continues with a couple other special guests.    Thanks to our sponsor Lil Beaver Brewery

McLean County Board member Josh Barnett has been in the news recently speaking strongly about his views on the county's redistricting process. He shares with us the series of events which led him to take those actions.   Thanks to our sponsor Lil Beaver Brewery.

Amelia is back by popular demand to talk all things Bloomington-Normal. We reflect on the recent election, the long term impacts of COVID on how we live and work, the housing market, and what books we've been reading. We mention a study of the risks associated with COVID, one summary of which can be found here: https://www.brookings.edu/research/how-misinformation-is-distorting-covid-policies-and-behaviors/ Thanks to our sponsor Lil Beaver Brewery. Check them out at lilbeaverbrewery.com or at 5 Finance Drive. 

What do you call two guys mansplaining simultaneously? A podcast! Justin and Tyson meet up at Lil Beaver to dissect election results and what they hope to see happen in the next 4 years.  If you like what you hear, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Go to patreon.com and search for "PodBN". 

Tyson moderates a forum with the three candidates endorsed by the Bloomington Firefighters Union: Jamie Mathy (ward 1), Nick Becker (ward 5), and Mollie Ward (ward 7).    You can see the video on Facebook at "Bloomington Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 49".

Justin, Jeremy, and Tyson reflect on their experiences recording the Election Edition podcast. Topics include election predictions, reflecting on the goals of the podcast, campaign strategy, our biggest surprises during the interviews, power/money dynamics with local organizations, what we look for in elected officials, our impressions of the candidates and of course lots of opinions on local issues.  Special guests: Justin Bellas, Lil Beaver Co-Owner Patrick Cortesi, Chair of the McLean County Democrats   Recorded on site at Lil Beaver Brewery!

Justin, Jeremy, and Tyson reflect on their experiences recording the Election Edition episodes. Topics include election predictions, reflecting on the goals of the podcast, campaign strategy, our biggest surprises during the interviews, power/money dynamics with local organizations, what we look for in elected officials, our impressions of the candidates, and of course lots of opinions on local issues.  Special guests: Rhys Shaffer, Lil Beaver Executive Chef Patrick Cortesi, Chair of the McLean County Democrats   Recorded on site at Lil Beaver Brewery!

Interview with Town of Normal council candidate Kevin McCarthy. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information online at www.mccarthyforcouncil.com and @councilmanmccarthy on Facebook.   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Bloomington ward 3 candidate Willie Halbert. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information on Facebook at "Willie Holton Halbert for Bloomington City Council Ward 3".   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Bloomington ward 1 candidate Jamie Mathy. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information online on Facebook at "Alderman Jamie Mathy".   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Normal town council candidate Scott Preston. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information on Facebook at "Councilman Scott Preston".   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Bloomington mayoral candidate Mboka Mwilambwe.  Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information online at www.mbokaformayor.com.    Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Town of Normal council candidate AJ Zimmerman. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information online on Facebook at "AJ Zimmerman for Normal".   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Town of Normal council candidate Karl Sila. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information online at voteforkarl.org on Facebook at "Karl Sila for Normal Town Council".   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Bloomington ward 3 candidate Sheila Montney. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information at...   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Bloomington Ward 9 candidate Tom Crumpler. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information at...   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Bloomington mayoral candidate Mike Straza. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information on Facebook at "Straza for Mayor" or online at strazaformayor.com.    Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Bloomington mayoral candidate Jackie Gunderson. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information on Facebook at "Jackie Gunderson for Mayor" or online at http://peoplefirstcoalition.com/jackieforblm   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Town of Normal council candidate Steve Harsh. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information on Facebook at "Steve Harsh for Normal Council".   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Town of Normal mayoral candidate Marc Tiritilli. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information on FB at Marc Tiritilli for Mayor and online at marcformayor.com.   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Normal mayoral candidate Chris Koos. Municipal elections are April 6. You can find more information on Facebook at "Mayor Chris Koos" and online at electchriskoos.com.   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Interview with Bloomington ward 7 candidate Coretta Jackson. Make your plans to vote in the ward 7 primary on February 23 and the municipal elections on April 6.  You can find more information on Facebook at "Coretta Jackson for Ward 7" and online at corettajackson.wixsite.com/my-site.   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club

Make your plans to vote in the municipal elections on April 6.  You can find more information at  Chemberly Cummings, Town of Normal chemberlycummings@gmail.com   Thank you to our sponsor: Lil’ Beaver Brewery Music: “Up for Days” by Pleasant Pictures Music Club