WBGL Community Matters

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A show where we discuss a variety of issues relating to you, your family and community. Sundays at 5:45 a.m.

Eric Nichols


    • Sep 11, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 18m AVG DURATION
    • 183 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from WBGL Community Matters

    Caring for Seniors: Healthcare Insights

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 18:55


    In this episode, we dive into the essential healthcare needs of seniors and the crucial role of caregivers with special guest Physician Assistant Courtney McFarlin from OSF Hospital. Courtney shares her expertise on managing the health and well-being of older adults, discussing key challenges, preventive care, and tips for caregivers. Whether you're a senior, a loved one, or a caregiver, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help navigate the complexities of aging with grace and health.

    Sleep In Heavenly Peace - Providing Beds For Children

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 19:08


    In this episode, we spotlight "Sleep In Heavenly Peace," a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that no child sleeps on the floor. Join us as we explore how this incredible organization, powered by volunteers and community support, builds and delivers beds to children in need, making a profound impact on their lives. Tune in to learn how you can get involved and help provide the comfort and security of a bed to every child.

    Reeling in Joy: Hooked On Fishing Park

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 23:34


    In this episode, we dive into the heartwarming mission of Hooked On Fishing Park with Director Adam Singley, providing free fishing opportunities for youth, seniors, veterans and special-needs groups in the region. This nonprofit is dedicated to bringing the joy of fishing to everyone. Adam will share inspiring stories of individuals reeling in their first catch, the therapeutic benefits of being near the water, and the community that's formed through this unique experience. 

    Families Helping Families

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 29:19


    Today's guest is a Safe Families - Family Coach Coordinator for DuPage and Kane County in northern Illinois.  She talks about how families can come alongside other families who are navigating through difficult circumstances and provide transportation, hospitality in the home or bring support financially for specific circumstances.  Find out more about how Safe Families is partnering with churches, individuals and organizations to impact lives not only in Illinois but the entire United States and beyond. 

    Convoy Of Hope: Delivering Relief in the Caribbean and Texas After Hurricane Beryl

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 14:05


    Ethan Forhetz is our guest.  He's the VP of Public Engagement and the National Spokesperson for Convoy of Hope and shares about the relief that's being provided for areas in the Caribbean and Texas, following Hurricane Beryl.  He also discusses how Convoy of Hope is always prepared and ready to assist communities throughout our listening area who may be impacted by tornadoes or other catastrophic events. 

    Hope and Help: A Conversation with The Salvation Army

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 18:28


    Captain Kenyon and Captain Melissa Sivels share about their background and work in the Salvation Army and how the ministry is serving and giving hope to families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet.  

    Beating the Heat: Blood Donation Challenges and Solutions with the American Red Cross

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 13:59


    Inside this episode, we sit down with Jayce Eustice, from the American Red Cross of Illinois to discuss the critical issues surrounding blood donation during the sweltering summer months.  We'll also explore the impact of extreme heat on donor turnout and daily life in general and how listeners can be safe while working navigating through these hot summer months. 

    Navigating Agricultural Challenges

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 15:35


    Our guest today is Bailey Conrady. Today we discuss the challenges farmers face in the Midwest relating to issues of broadband. Bailey shares how the state and federal government are working with their constituents to connect farmers to resources necessary to navigate agricultural challenges that they mace face within their market.

    Project Bible Runners

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 13:13


    Owen and Jess Sweitzer were teaching composting and in Africa, and it was there they discovered that people were even more interested in growing their faith by reading God's Word.  They found a great need for Bibles in Africa.  Owen and Jess returned to the United States and founded a ministry, based out of Illinois which now runs Bibles all over the world.  Listen in and hear more about how lives and communities are experiencing transformation through the reading of God's Word.  

    Building Hope: Habitat For Humanity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 15:30


    Chad Hoffman is our guest today.  He is the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity in Champaign County, Illinois.  He also serves Habitat for Humanity statewide.  We explore the positive difference Habitat for Humanity is making by providing homes for families in Illinois and nationwide.  

    Making A Difference - Becoming A Child Advocate

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 15:59


    Rush Record and Laura Brown are back with us today in part two of our conversation regarding Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in Champaign County, Illinois. Rush and Laura talk about the need for volunteers in this crucial role in helping children navigate the court system and how support from the community makes a difference long-term for these children and their families.  

    Advocating For Abused Children

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 14:52


    Join us for a conversation today with Rush Record and Laura Brown.  They work with CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates.  This organization recruits, trains and oversees volunteers who serve as powerful voices for abused and neglected children who are navigating through the court system.  It's all about advocating for children in your community who need care.

    Helping Our Children - Stopping Abuse

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 14:14


    Dr. Sharen Ford discusses how to recognize child abuse and what steps are necessary to prevent it from continuing to happen. 

    Crime Stoppers: Your Information Could Lead To An Arrest

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 14:24


    John Hecker, President of Champaign County Crime Stoppers is back with us today.  He'll share stories of how tips have led to the apprehension of criminals and discuss the importance of Crime Stoppers in our communities.  

    Crime Stoppers: Anonymous Tips and Safe Communities

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 14:37


    John Hecker, President of the Champaign County Crime Stoppers Association discusses how folks can anonymously report criminal activity, which can be funneled to law enforcement, possibly leading to the arrest of a suspect.  These individuals who share anonymous tips can be given a cash reward, if their information leads to an arrest.  Mr. Hecker also talks about the importance of partnerships with local entities, in order to raise awareness and support, as Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization.   

    All Things Weather: Insights From A Chief Meteorologist

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 24:55


    Join us as we delve into the world of meteorology with WBGL and WCIA TV Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lighty, as he shares his expertise on storms and weather conditions. 

    Guarding Your Finances and Identity: Navigating Tax Season Fraud

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 18:42


    Join us for an insightful conversation with Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza as we delve into the intricacies of fraud awareness, particularly during tax season. 

    Deeper Still: Find Healing and Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 16:41


    Many women and men suffer from the pain of abortion.  Laurie Haynes is the Director of Post Abortion Support at Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center.  She shares some of her personal journey and the freedom she discovered through caring community.  Deeper Still is a retreat designed for women and men who may be dealing with pain of past abortion decisions.  Find out how you can receive hope and support through this up-coming retreat.

    Struggling To Hire Employees

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 14:43


    Cassandra Happe, analyst and communications manager with Wallet Hub, delves into the recent report uncovering the states where employers are facing the toughest challenges in hiring.  She highlights key occupations in need of employees and provides exclusive insights into the hiring landscape, with a special focus on the Midwestern states.

    Mental Health: Help For Our Teens

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 16:18


    In recent years there has been a downward spiral of mental health, specifically in teens and around 49.5 percent have been affected.  How do we identify this in our home?  How do we help them and get the resources we need?  Listen as we discuss this important issue with Dr. Joannie Debrito, a counselor with Focus on the Family.  

    College Countdown: Essential Tips for Parents and Students

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 15:12


    Abby Rexine, Admission Counselor with the University of Northwestern - St. Paul, talks with parents and students about preparing for college. From opportunities for financial aid to campus visits, today's conversation hopes to encourage high school students who are thinking about the pathway to higher education.  

    A Wealth Mindset: Dodging Financial Pitfalls and Building Prosperity

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 19:37


    Wes Rowlands is a recognized and successful author, businessman, speaker and entrepreneur.  He shares his story of being raised by a single mother and the great gifts she gave to him as a single, lower income parent. Wes gives insight on how to create a path to avoid "wealth killers" while also making good decisions that help one to move forward financially. 

    Finding Forever Homes For Furry Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 15:51


    Today we welcome back Mary Tiefenbrunn, Executive Director of the Champaign County Humane Society.  In this episode, we shine a light on what Humane Societies are facing currently, with many being at full capacity for dogs.  We explore the reasons behind this, the challenges that come with this issue and the great opportunities for those who may be looking to adopt a dog or cat.

    Keeping Our Roads Clear

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 14:23


    We're thankful for the men and women of the Illinois Department of Transportation, who work many hours, clearing our roads of ice and snow.  Paul Wappel, a Public Information Officer with IDOT shares how we can make their job easier and less stressful.  

    Rebuilding Lives: A Transformative Journey of Homelessness to Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2024 26:55


    Melissa Courtwright and Cedar King discuss the important work of C-U at Home, as they equip people who have little to no support to find success and a new beginning.  They also share about the exciting oppurtinity ahead to raise support for their important work through One Winter Night - an evening which will provide greater empathy and awareness for the needs in our communities.  

    Hope and Healing: Merci's Refuge

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 14:47


    In this episode, we talk with Emily Gulliford, Program Director for Merci's Refuge.  We explore the journey of resilience that women find through healing, counselling care and supportive community, centered in God's Word.  Listen as we uncover the strength that arises from vulnerability and the empowering embrace of God's love through Merci's Refuge.

    Christmas Tree Selection And Maintenance

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2023 13:27


    In this festive episode, join Morton Arboretum's Plant Manager, Spencer Campbell as he shares expert insights on selecting the best Christmas tree and essential tips for maintaining its freshness throughout the holiday season. 

    Thinking About Safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2023 27:04


    Scott Clarkson has served in the Marines and has also operated a safety company.  He shares practical ways we can think through our personal safety, from walking out into dark parking lots to climbing ladders to hang Christmas lights.  He offers ideas to get us thinking more about how we can slow down, think through the process and better insure our personal safety and the safety of others we care for.  

    Love Beyond Through The Salvation Army

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 14:51


    Kyle Karsten, Development Director with the Salvation Army of Decatur, Illinois talks about their mission, to Love Beyond.  This is an important time of the year as friends, organizations, churches and ministries come together to support the work of the Salvation Army.  Find out how to serve with the red kettle drive and hear about exciting events happening through the Salvation Army.

    Smoke Detectors Save Lives

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 15:34


    Mara Thompson is today's guest.  She's the Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross of Illinois.  She talks about the importance of having working smoke detectors in your living space, and how these devices save lives.  She encourages maintenance and battery changing to be done around the Daylight Savings time change and encourages listeners to reach out to the Red Cross if they have questions or are in need of a smoke detector. 

    Real Estate Wealth: A Roadmap To Financial Freedom

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 28:44


    Join us as we sit down with Erika Brown, a remarkable woman who embarked on a journey, along with her husband and kids, to be part of a new church plant in a city far away from home.  She shares how she left her career to pursue real estate.  Her story is a testament of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of financial freedom.  As a homeschool mom, Erika found herself seeking a better work-life balance and greater financial independence.  Through real estate investment, she not only achieved these goals but also discovered a newfound passion - teaching women of color how to also find financial freedom through real estate investments.  Tune in and prepare to be motivated and inspired as Erika answers important questions about home purchasing and gives encouragement to someone who might have interest in real estate investing.   

    Hope For Recovery From Addiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 33:01


    September is National Recovery Month.  In this heartfelt episode we sit down with Peer Recovery Specialist and Podcaster, Dan Pyles.  Dan shares his personal journey of addiction and recovery, providing a beacon of hope for those who may be facing similar struggles.   Dan's story is one of resilience and transformation.  The story doesn't end there. He sheds light on the services provided by Take Action Today, an organization dedicated to helping people who feel trapped in the depths of addiction.  Through compassion, support and the grace of God, Take Action Today offers a lifeline to those who are searching for a way out of despair.  Listen today for hope and help.  Also, check out Dan's podcast: The Restored Path.

    Convoy Of Hope Responds To Recent Fires And Hurricanes

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 16:21


    Ethan Forhetz, VP of Public Engagement and Lead Spokesperson for Convoy of Hope, shares about their on-going work in response to the recent fires in Hawaii and earthquake Idalia in Florida.  Wherever disasters are taking place, you'll find the volunteers and teams from Convoy of Hope, providing relief and assistance.  

    Providing Hope And Care To Victims Of Human Trafficking

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 15:35


    Join us once again this week as we delve into the incredible journey of a ministry and organization dedicated to combating the devastating cycle of human trafficking.  It's a heartfelt conversation with CEO and Co-Founder, Kara Doan who shares about the tireless efforts of Restoration 61 to bring hope, healing, and restoration to survivors.  

    Disrupting The Cycle Of Human Trafficking

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 14:16


    Join us as we delve into the incredible journey of a ministry and organization dedicated to combating the devastating cycle of human trafficking.  It's a heartfelt conversation with CEO and Co-Founder, Kara Doan who shares about the tireless efforts of Restoration 61 to bring hope, healing, and restoration to survivors.  

    Paws Of Compassion: Petting A Dog And Melting Away Stress

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 14:52


    Jennifer Dawn is back again this week.  She is the founder and director of Paw Print Ministries.  Jennifer shares about the incredible journey of this ministry, sharing heart touching stories of furry companions who are making a difference throughout central Illinois.  She discusses the impactful work of the numerous dogs in the program, offering therapy and unwavering support to individuals across hospitals, nursing homes and even in times of disaster. Join us as we dive in on this first episode of a two part series, where we'll learn of the transformative work of Paw Print Ministries. 

    Paws Of Compassion: Healing Through Furry Hearts

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 14:01


    Jennifer Dawn is today's guest.  She is the founder and director of Paw Print Ministries.  Jennifer shares about the incredible journey of this ministry, sharing heart touching stories of furry companions who are making a difference throughout central Illinois.  She discusses the impactful work of the numerous dogs in the program, offering therapy and unwavering support to individuals across hospitals, nursing homes and even in times of disaster. Join us as we dive in on this first episode of a two part series, where we'll learn of the transformative work of Paw Print Ministries. 

    Children Learning To Homestead

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 13:36


    Emily Reichman who is the founder and director of Hope Lives Youth Ranch is back with us again on WBGL Community Matters.  This week she shares about the joy of seeing children learning about various aspects of Homesteading.  She discusses ways in which the kids benefit from this meaningful experience.  

    Horses Helping Kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 14:11


    Today we talk with Emily Reichman who is the founder and director of Hope Lives Youth Ranch.  It's their goal at the ranch to put a smile on every face that enters their barn doors.  It's remarkable how horses can have a positive impact on children who are facing a variety of challenges.  It's a unique way of helping children develop cognitively, emotionally and spiritually.  Emily shares about the horses, unique insight into how they operate and recent developments and growth within the program.  

    Road Work And Safety Campaigns

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 15:48


    Paul Wappel is a public infomration officer with the Illinois Department of Transportation.  On today's show he talks about important road work projects in Illinois and the time frame for them to be completed.  He also shares about the current campaign known as, "It's Not A Game," keeping in mind that we are in the 100 most dangerous days on the road from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  

    Serving Our Communities Together Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 17:28


    We continue our conversation with Kyle Karsten, Director of Development with the Salvation Army of Decatur, Illinois and Andrea Gerhard, Director of Campus and Community Engagement with St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Decatur, discussing efforts being made locally to partner together and better serve those in need.

    Serving Our Communities Together

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2023 15:13


    Kyle Karsten, Director of Development with the Salvation Army of Decatur, Illinois and Andrea Gerhard, Director of Campus and Community Engagement with St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Decatur join the show in a two part conversation to discuss efforts being made locally to partner together and better serve those in need. 

    Every Child Needs A Hero

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 16:29


    Every child needs a hero. Daughters need to feel protected and loved.  Sons need to have someone to imitate.  Dad's have the unique opportunity of being a hero to their kids! Many father's work hard to provide love, care, safety, leadership, adventure and so much more! Dr. Danny Huerta, PsyD and vice president of parenting and youth at Focus on the Family encourages dads and families on today's show!  

    We Remember

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 21:07


    Memorial Day is coming up and with that in mind we're excited to air a conversation originally recorded in 2021 remembering our fallen heroes and sharing in meaningful conversation with Sgt. Major Paul Petry of WWII.

    Advocating For Children

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2023 30:14


    This week we talk with several guests from Macon County Casa - Executive Director Blaine Smith, Recruitment and Retention Manager Lori McDaniel and Program Manager Casandra Blockton. They share about the increasing need for court appointed special advocates for children in their county.  They also tell heartwarming stories of child advocates making a significant difference in the lives of children.  

    Ministry To Vulnerable Ukrainians

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 16:17


    Michael Johnson, President of Slavic Gospel Association shares about the work of SGA around the world as well as on-going efforts to minister to and through pastors and churches along the war torn border of Russia and Ukraine.  

    A Devastating Tornado Hits Sullivan Indiana

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 16:53


    Recent tornadoes devastated parts of the midwest, including the town of Sullivan, Indiana.  Jason Kimak is the Senior Director for North American Ministries with Samaritans Purse.  On today's show Jason discusses the work he and his team were part of following the tornado that touched down in Sullivan, Indiana as well as the work they continue to do in areas impacted by various disasters.   

    Walking Through Infertility

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2023 16:10


    Dr. Matthew Arbo is our guest on today's show.  He wrote a book called, "Walking Through Inftertility," after a time of caring and praying for close friends who were experiencing this.  We hope that today's show brings encouragment and hope.

    Convoy Of Hope Responds To Recent Tornadoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 14:20


    Ethan Forhetz, Vice President of Public Engagement with Convoy of Hope talks about response to recent tornadoes in Mississippi, Arkansa, Indiana and Missouri and how Convoy has come alongside churches, individuals and businesses in these impacted communities, to provide assistance.  Ethan also shares about the exciting global initiatives through Convoy, aimed at helping people all around the world.   

    Taking Care Of Yourself As A Single Parent

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 16:06


    Rob Jackson is a Focus on the Family licensed counselor, who offers hope, encouragement and practical guidance to single parents and their children.  On this week's episode we talk about how to help your children thrive despite the circumstances, the importance of staying physically, mentally and spiritually healthy and coping with grief and loss while avoiding bitterness. 

    Celebrating The True Meaning Of Easter With Kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 17:41


    For Christians, Easter is a sacred time to remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. For many children, however, the Easter story can be quite confusing. Days are spent decorating eggs and shopping for the perfect Easter outfit, but often only an hour on Sunday morning is spent explaining the importance of Jesus' sacrifice and the real reason we celebrate. Is it any wonder our kids are confused? As parents, we have the privilege of teaching our children the important truths of Easter, ultimately encouraging them to join God's family. But the task can be overwhelming. Jesse Florea, editor of Focus on the Family's Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines, offers advice for parents wanting to make the true significance of Easter a reality for their children.  

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