Random Acts of Knowledge

Ronnie Carrasquillo spent nearly half a century in prison.  Sentenced in 1977, Carrasquillo first sought parole in 1984 and went before the board over 30 times before finally gaining release in October of 2023.  Carrasquillo talks about his initial sentence of 200-600 years, growing up in prison, and his multiple appearances before the parole board.

In May 29, 1856, Abraham Lincoln gave the keynote address at a political convention in Bloomington, IL.  His remarks were called, by his law partner William Herndon, “the grand effort of Lincoln's Life.”  Today, no written copy of this speech exists.  And some differ on what it was Lincoln said. Historian Bill Kemp discusses the "lost speech" and offers up some theories as to how it got that way.

The recent rise of electric vehicle manufacturers such as Tesla and Rivian has shown there is a market for transportation that does not rely as heavily on fossil fuel.  But despite the buzz around today's electric cars and trucks, the concept is far from new. Bill Kemp with the McLean County Museum of History discusses a history of the electric vehicle that goes back to the early 1900s, and an overlooked moment in 1959 when a consumer electric car went into production… in the same town where Rivian would manufacture electric vehicles 60 years later.

Artist and activist Jessica McGhee was devastated to a community garden she and others had cultivated in their neighborhood was removed without much explanation.   Unable to create a new garden, she funneled her energy into the creation of art projects using discarded items such as plastic, wire, and bottles.  Using these materials she has created the exhibit 'An Unblighted Area' which is on display at Heartland Community College until October 11, 2024.

The impact of the criminal justice system on an individual extends far beyond the sentenced punishment for a crime. Beria Hampton, an ambassador for the Illinois Prison Project, discusses how her upbringing and environment left her ill prepared for how criminal charges (which she eventually beat), and incarceration would upend her life.

Heartland Community College Health Sciences Faculty discuss how a service learning trip to South Africa opened their eyes to the differences in health care around the world. Health Sciences students at Heartland can register for a 10-day program in Cape Town, South Africa.  The program provides 3 credits of Service Learning 101.

For poet Cathy Gilbert, the joy and chaos of having twin infants was mixed with the heartbreak of losing a parent to dementia. Heartland Community College professor of English Gilbert discusses the major life events that led to her new poetry collection "My Limbs a Cradle, My Whisper a Song."

Farming can be one of the most stressful professions one can have. The documentary Greener Pastures captures the day-to-day lives of four small, Midwestern, multigenerational family farms over the course of three years.  Filmmaker Sam Mirpoorian talks about the film, which is the guest feature at the 2024 Heartland Hawk Film Festival. Mirpoorian says he was prompted to make the documentary when he learned a shocking statistic about farmers and suicide.

The exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capability has been celebrated in some circles and caused concern in others.  In academic circles, some instructors and administrators are worried that AI presents a threat to the way they evaluate student work. In this episode, Roy Magnuson, an educator who has dived deeply into the changes that AI is bringing to institutions of higher ed., discusses the present and potential future of AI. 

Being a or a class clown or workplace cutup is one thing. Getting laughs on stage is another. For those who have thought about trying out for an open mic night or competing in an amateur comedy show, there are a few tips to consider. Joe Strupek, longtime emcee of the Heartland Community College FunnyRaiser event, discusses what it takes to successfully take the stage as an amateur standup.

Keeping farmland productive is challenging in many ways. One of the greatest enemies to a good crop is erosion. An edible windbreak of fruit and nut trees and bushes planned for the agriculture instructional grounds at Heartland Community College will not only serve to help fight off the Central Illinois wind and rain but also provide a link in the pollination chain. Associate Director of Agriculture at Heartland, Kortney Watts, discusses the edible windbreak project and the Ag new facilities at the College. 

One fateful night in 1996 Kristine Bunch woke to a home full of flames. She struggled to extract her young son from the fire but failed.  Much to her surprise and horror, she was charged with setting the fire that killed her child.  Bunch was convicted on expert testimony which was later held in question. No one would have taken a second look at her case had she not fought from prison to find advocates to examine the testimony and evidence.  After 17 years of incarceration, she was released, and the conviction was dismissed.  Bunch discusses her case and the burdens of wrongful conviction for herself and others. View the transcript here.

No matter their age or background, when students go to college there are new stresses that can tax their mental health. The challenges of COVID-19 put the spotlight on the importance of mental health for college students. But, as in the past, the largest barrier is getting individuals to not attach a stigma to addressing their mental health. Sarah Stalter, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Coordination for McLean County (IL), and Amy Jeck, Coordinator of Student Wellness at Heartland Community College, discuss efforts to help college students, and others, take the proper care of their mental health.

Before television captured the attention of the nation, the traveling circus was the most popular form of entertainment in America. During this time, the midwestern city of Bloomington, Illinois became a home for many circus performers and the "birthplace" of famous aerial acts. Maureen Brunsdale, head of Special Collections at Illinois State University's Milner Library, discusses how the purchase of a piece of physical fitness equipment for a Bloomington gymnasium tied the midwestern town to the circus.

Inspired by photographs of sea birds engorged with plastic waste picked up in the water, fiber artist Ann B. Coddington has created an exhibit that combines the ancient craft of basketry with discarded plastic. The artists discusses her exhibit, 'Albatross,' which offers a literal glimpse inside of hand-made vessels to reveal the leftover pollution that will outlast the life of organic materials.

The legalization of cannabis for recreational use in Illinois has generated 440 million dollars in tax revenue for the state.  With any growing industry comes the need for a trained workforce. Agriculture instructor Victoria Zamora talks about the relatively new pathway to a job in the industry through the Cannabis Cultivation program at Heartland Community College.  View the transcript here.

The disciplines of communication and theater education are facing new challenges in the post-COVID classroom.  Factors ranging from the impact of remote learning to the introduction of AI technology are creating some new wrinkles for teachers. The Illinois Communication and Theatre Association, comprised of speech, communications, and theater educators, will tackle these topics and others at their annual conference, which is held in 2023 on the campus of Heartland Community College. View the transcript here.

Students learn key skills in the liberal arts and social sciences classes that are required for most 2-year degree programs.  Yet, many students seeking degrees in technical trades and specialized fields don't immediately see how a 100-level course in English or Communications benefits their future. Dr. Wayne Bass at Heartland Community College discusses efforts to create themed humanities courses that connect with students seeking degrees specialized fields. 

The 2020 U.S. general election saw some of the largest voter turnout numbers in decades.  Yet, even with this bump in turnout, voter participation in the U.S. trails 30 other democratic countries. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge strives to empower colleges and universities to cultivate nonpartisan student democratic engagement and to foster a vision of a more inclusive and engaged democracy. ALL IN Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Domagal-Goldman discusses why it is important to engage college students in civic activities, and how students are making an impact with their efforts. View the transcript here.

The Heartland Academy for Learning Opportunities program (HALO) is designed to bridge the educational gap for students aged 18 to 28 with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The program teaches students life skills, technology proficiency, and also fosters social development.  Kori Folkerts, Associate Director of Student Access and Accommodation Services at Heartland Community College discusses how the HALO program offers these students a college experience. View the transcript here.

The documentary film ‘With This Breath I Fly' tells the story of two women imprisoned for what the state of Afghanistan determined were moral crimes.   The creation of the film was funded by the European Union.  But once officials with the EU saw the footage, they tried to shelve the film and stop the filmmakers from completing the project. Co-Director Sam French discusses the harrowing stories of the two women profiled in the documentary and also the battle to reclaim the project from funders who wanted to shudder the project for political reasons. View the transcript here.

In an age of social media, 24-hour cable news, and constant online battles about what is real or "fake" news, it is harder than ever to know what outlets to trust. With so much information available, and the debates of a network's responsibility for responsible reporting recently entering the courtroom, having the tools to evaluate media are becoming ever-more essential. Heartland Community College professor of communication and new media Karla Huffman discusses the subject of news literacy.

Woodcut art is the oldest form of printmaking. Peoria-based printmaker Cathie Crawford discusses her process of making woodcut prints and the inspiration behind some of her work. Crawford's work is featured in the exhibit "The Floating World" running through May 11, 2023, at the Joe McCauley Gallery located at Heartland Community College.

The United States leads the world in incarcerating people.  Although only 10 percent of the prison population is made up of women, since 1980 the rate of growth for female imprisonment has been twice as high as that of men.  According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over half of imprisoned women in state prisons have a child under the age of 19. Dyanna Winchester, an advocate for women impacted by legal system, and an ambassador for the Illinois Prison Project discusses her experiences with incarceration and how they affected her children and her role as a mother. She will be a panel speaker at the seminar “Changing the Narrative on Incarceration” held at Heartland Community College on April 27, 2023. View the transcript here.

Traditional Japanese ironwork, flower arranging, and a traditional tea ceremony bring far East perspective to the Midwest with an event held at Heartland Community College. Heartland Community College faculty Zach Petrea and Sanae Ferrier are organizers of the Heartland Japanese Cultural Festival held in April of 2023.  They discuss the strong interest in Japanese culture among Heartland students and how traditional ironwork combines both humanities and technical education.

There are over 400 species of bees in Illinois. But changes in climate and the impact humans have had on the ecosystem is having an effect on pollinating creatures such as bees. Beekeeper and naturalist Patti Koranda discusses the differences between types of bees, how bees are affected by an absence of pollinating plants, and takes us inside the world of a beehive.

Globally, 1 in 5 people is neurodivergent. Yet many workplaces aren't accommodating for those whose brains simply work differently than others. Heartland Community College staff Kristi Glesne and Christina Schulz discuss how managers and employers can create an inclusive workspace that helps neurodivergent employees feel welcome and be productive. View the transcript here.

Fundamental first aid and CPR courses are widely available for those willing to help in a crisis situation. But mental health concerns aren't part of that training. Just like with a physical health crisis there are ways anyone can help to respond to a mental health crisis. Megan Moser with McLean County Center for Human Services discusses how mental health first aid training is important for educators, businesses, and public safety professionals.

Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions in the U.S. today.  But how do healthcare providers and educators inspire more people to go into nursing... and deal with a training logjam with the influx of students?    Solutions might be found in grammar schools and even in cyberspace. Nurse educator Dameron Beverly discusses the importance of reaching out to inspire more young people to become health care workers, and also how VR technology has helped make a dent in the high demand for hands-on clinical experiences. View the transcript here.

What does it mean to work on the railroad in the 21st century? Transportation industry jobs remain one of the in-demand of workers.  But they also can be demanding. A representative from a major rail company provides some insight into the modern day life of a railroader. View the transcript here.

With everything from online instruction to digital textbooks, technology is playing a larger role in the modern classroom. With the emergence of accessible Virtual Reality (VR) technology, instructors can now offer learning experiences to students that had previously not been available. Dr. Anna Catterson, Executive Director of Online Learning and Instructional Technologies at Heartland Community College discusses the ways VR tech is being used in the classroom.

2022 has been an eventful and violent time in Iran. As mass protests have erupted in Iran many of those who have fled the country are joining together to spread the word about how women have suffered under the current regime. Two Iranian siblings hope to spread the word about the events in Iran via a traveling art exhibit with features work from women who are in and outside of the country.

Most of us don't know what happens to the bottles, paper, and cans we throw into a recycling bin.   Unsurprisingly, not all recyclable materials are created equally.  Some are only recyclable under certain circumstances.  Many items are only partially recyclable. A recycling industry insider discusses the path of those materials we put on the curb, and how individuals can make choices that keep items out of the landfill. 

Dogs evolved along with humans to be helpers.  As a result, they are often "looking for a job," even if the job is just getting treats.  Dog trainer Sam Stocking discusses training dogs as service animals to help humans with issues such as diabetes and developmental disabilities.

How much material are you putting in the landfill?  Tossing items in the recycling bin is a step toward cutting down on permanent waste, but most people still generate a lot of garbage. Zero waste lifestyle advocate Linda Stroh gives tips on cutting down on non-recyclable waste and discusses her personal journey to eliminate plastic, as much as possible, from her life.

Toying with beer recipes at home, Chad Bevers founded the Lil' Beaver brand before opening his own commercial brewery. After getting a positive response from friends and acquaintances with some experiments with new flavors including mango habanero and coconut, Bevers took his brews to festivals and was a finalist in a nationwide contest hosted by the Samuel Adams brand. Bevers discusses his journey from homebrewer to business owner, the brewing process and gives a few tips on brewing. 

With an exhibit on display at Joe McCauley Gallery, sculptor Laura Primozic George takes a closer look at environmental issues and introduces a unique point of view on the matter. Primozic George was inspired by the persistence of moss: growth that is often overlooked, stepped over, or scraped aside.   Her series "In Between the Cracks' combines formed concrete and other materials with live moss.

The innovative rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch revolves around a lead character who steps between and over boundary lines.   Actor Kate McConville discusses their approach to the role of Hedwig and the impact of the play on the audience and for them, personally.

From first-time crushes to enemies-turned-lovers, the stories that populate the world of romance fiction enrapture millions. From a writer's standpoint, there are challenges in creating a compelling work of romance fiction. The art of writing romance combines the balance of sticking to a specific style with just enough originality to engage the reader. Julie Navickas, author of the Trading Heartbeats trilogy, discusses how writers can approach crafting stories in the world's best-selling genre.

If one has not experienced prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping personally, it can be difficult to see an environment that perpetuates bias toward others. The first step toward creating a welcoming and equitable space is to start with self-examination. Angell Howard is an educator and business consultant.  In this episode she discusses identifying cultural biases, understanding and addressing microaggressions, and talking about racism.

Equity across the healthcare industry doesn't end with access.  Patients can be marginalized by practices that don't acknowledge the complete picture of an individual's situation or background. Efforts are being made to educate practitioners to recognize barriers to quality care for vulnerable populations.  In this episode, a health care professional, and a patient advocate discuss gaps in addressing gender diversity, LGBTQ+ identities, and historically marginalized populations.

Sculptor Emma Oliver makes knit and crochet techniques to create engaging, and sometimes unlikely works that challenge the viewer to investigate thoughts about boundaries. In the exhibition “Have Your Cake” the artist's knit and crochet sculptures depict shapes like multi-tiered cakes, which are designed to surprise with their realistic look while remaining inedible.  In this podcast, Oliver discusses what inspires her ideas and how she came to sculpt with yarn.

Author and sociology professor Cristina Prestin-Beard discusses her effort to take lessons from her life–warts and all–to help others gain perspective with her unique memoir "Finding Mercy in the Madness."

The documentary film 'San Isidoro 2021' shows a typical day during the COVID-19 pandemic at a public high school in Seville, Spain.  As staff and students work to simply teach and learn, the pandemic challenges many regular tasks.   Director Carlos Pineda Gonzalez discussed making the film, and what he took away from the simple observation of people trying their best to carry on during a global health crisis.

Approximately 400,000 individuals are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Perhaps the most famous of those are soldiers whose names are not known. The Tomb of the Unknown Solider is the final resting place for a group of servicemen who remain unidentified. The Tomb is guarded 24-7 by a detail of solders who stand long hours and conduct specific rituals. Matt Kreeb served served as a Tomb guard for over three years. His service was interrupted in a surprising way. He says his experiences at the Tomb resonate with him even today.

Joking around at work might not sound like it would help with productivity, but members of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor beg to differ. The president of the AATH says that research shows a little humor in the workplace goes a long way.  he key is knowing the right (and wrong) way to inject the funny into the workday. 

Between 1977 and 2011, 298 men and women were sentenced to the Illinois death row. 20 of those individuals were exonerated when new evidence, or a new look with DNA analysis, proved them to be wrongfully convicted. Attorneys with the Illinois Innocence Project discuss how people can become wrongfully convicted, and the efforts made to free those serving time for crimes they did not commit. John Hanlon and Steven Beckett with the Illinois Innocence Project will speak at the Heartland Community College "Hawk Talks" event on April 21.

Artists often use their work to create a conversation about their environment, their innermost feelings, or concerns.  In some places, such attempts at speech are silenced.   An Iranian artist speaks about her work, and the work of other women who face barriers not only of government censorship but even of self-censorship.

Landscape painter Douglas Johnson's exhibit "A Sense of Place" collects an array of midwestern scenes.  Some of the subject matter may seem modest: autumn farm fields and grain elevators; a laundromat or an abandoned auto repair station. Yet Johnson says the paintings that depict familiar locations near his home town are met with moments when the light plays against the subjects and evokes mood and story. 

Not many Heartland Community College freshman are veterans of the world of Illinois state politics. But today we talk to one who not only created legislation, but got it passed.  All before finishing high school. HCC student Keagan Hall is studying early childhood education, but as a senior at Pontiac Township High School she and a classmate wrote and lobbied for legislation that would achieve additional protections for Illinois land and water. Keagan, with the help of Pontiac high school teacher (and HCC CollegeNOW instructor) Paul Ritter, were able to create legislation that was signed into law in August of 2020.

The art exhibit My COVID Year presents work inspired by, and made during the COVID-19 pandemic. Melissa Johnson creates textile-based work in conjunction with her scholarly research on the histories of craft and its intersections with modern and contemporary art.  During the pandemic, Johnson created work that responded to the work of Virginia Woolf, in particular to a section of the 1931 novel “The Waves.”