Podcasts about community voices

Mark Sorensen has lived in Decatur, Illinois, since 1969 and has spent his career preserving history and promoting the arts. He continues this work today as the Macon County Historian. He also serves as president of the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur, which supports music education through scholarships, youth orchestras, and an instrument lending library. Sorensen spoke to Community Voices about his work in archives, local history, and the mission of the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur. Learn more about the Guild here.

Nate Widelitz is a singer, conductor, and educator. He is also the Founding Director of the Five Cities Baroque Foundation & Festival. He spoke with Community Voices about his music career, passion for teaching, and shares the story behind the foundation, which brings access to high-quality Baroque music to Central Illinois. Nate also previews what audiences can expect from the upcoming concerts, including featured pieces and performances. Learn more about the festival, including dates and locations here.

Nate Widelitz is a singer, conductor, and educator. He is also the Founding Director of the Five Cities Baroque Foundation & Festival. He spoke with Community Voices about his music career, passion for teaching, and shares the story behind the foundation, which brings access to high-quality Baroque music to Central Illinois. Nate also previews what audiences can expect from the upcoming concerts, including featured pieces and performances. Learn more about the festival, including dates and locations here.

Reisch Brewing Co. was a brewery established in Springfield, Illinois, by Franz Sales Reisch in 1849 after immigrating from Germany. The business closed permanently in 1966. In 2018, a group of breweriana collectors and beer can enthusiasts founded Reisch Charities. In 2019, the group revived the Reisch Gold Top Beer brand using the original recipe brewed by George Reisch. Today, all proceeds from beer sales go to Springfield charities. Roy Mayfield and Vince Salvo, board members of Reisch Charities, spoke to Community Voices about the history and legacy of the Reisch family, the process of bringing the brand back, and the importance of preserving local history. Find out more about Reisch Charities here.

This summer Theatre in the Park (TIP) in New Salem near Petersburg will offer an eclectic season for audiences who enjoy outdoor theatre. TIP board member Heather Southwell spoke to Community Voices about the season's offerings which range from children's programming to Shakespeare to musical comedy.

Dr. Juanita Morris and her husband founded their own company, J Morris Enterprises, LLC, where she dedicates her time to coaching, consulting, training, and public speaking. She has also worked as a classroom teacher, faculty member, and administrator. Dr. Morris spoke with Community Voices about her educational background and inspirations, her journey back to Decatur after 26 years away from home, and the various community initiatives she's involved in. You can find more information about Dr. Juanita Morris and J Morris Enterprises, LLC here.

Stewart McLaurin is the host of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast and the president of the White House Historical Association. To mark the 160th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, McLaurin spoke to Community Voices about the recent episode of his podcast, which takes listeners inside Ford's Theatre, where Lincoln was shot, and the Petersen House, where the president spent his final hours. McLaurin reflected on the emotional weight of standing where history unfolded and the surprising details of that fateful night.

What's it like to hold a feathered friend in your hand? Lincoln Land Community College biology professor Tony Rothering knows the feeling. He spoke to Community Voices about bird banding in Central Illinois, and how local residents can take part as citizen scientists. He also explained how bird banding provides insights into avian life, the research conducted on the Saw-whet Owl and what may be behind the decline in bird populations.

The Springfield Choral Society is hosting a weekend of uplifting music with a festival titled “Hymnody of Earth.” Conductor Jacobsen Woolen and musicians Malcolm Dalglish and Carolyn Koebel spoke to Community Voices about the upcoming performances. Dalglish is also the composer behind “Hymnody of Earth.” The three share the inspiration behind the weekend of events and how they plan to blend music and nature in the experience.

Monica Zanetti Reed is the founder of the Springfield Cultural Arts Foundation and the owner of Wild Rose Artisans Gallery & Boutique. Kristen Chiaro is a board member of the foundation. They spoke to Community Voices about the mission behind the Springfield Cultural Arts Foundation and its magazine, which uplifts local artists. They discuss the magazine's rich content—from artist interviews to recipes and skincare tips—and share plans for a cultural street festival. They also share an update on Wild Rose boutique and how businesses are faring in the downtown area.

Community Voices has a new theme thanks to the Micah Walk Band dusting off the masters and stripping the vocals from their song, Last One Home. The band shares what they have been up to since playing together.

Matt Cohen is an attorney and founder of Matt Cohen & Associates. He specializes in special education, disability rights, and human services law. He spoke to Community Voices about the history of special education laws in Illinois, challenges that schools and families face, and gives his opinion on how the dismantlement of the Department of Education would affect education and kids with disabilities. Matt also gives advice on how families of children with special needs should navigate the school system. Learn more about the resources Matt Cohen & Associates have to offer here.

Ann Comerford is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services for the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield. Ann came to campus in 2017 to open the UIS Student Union, which officially opened a year later. Ann spoke to Community Voices about her journey into higher education, the purpose of student unions on college campuses, and the importance of community.

//Segment 1Excerpt from Community Voices on Community Radio Northern Beaches regarding australia's increasing secrecy on decisions regarding national security. //Segment 2Discussion with Roscoe Lee Rata concerning Kanaky and Indigenous Liberation globally

Julie Pryde is the administrator of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. She is a UIS Master of Public Health graduate and the 2025 University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award recipient. She spoke to Community Voices about what led her to public health, the evolution of HIV/AIDS medications and education, and attitudes toward immunizations. Julie also shared her approach to humor and provided insight into how she makes health information accessible for all ages.

Mx. Leo Wilder is the founder of Pride Learning Academy, a microschool intended to better meet the needs of students. Wilder spoke to Community Voices about his inspiration behind starting the academy and how the school can prevent bullying, promote outdoor activities, support mental health, accommodate diverse learners and prepare students with practical skills.For more information about Pride Learning Academy visit: https://www.pridelearningacademy.com/

Kathy and Bob Best are siblings who grew up in the newspaper business. Their parents owned a local paper in Sullivan, Ill., and although they have taken divergent paths, they both continue to play a role in sharing news. Kathy is the director of the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism, and Bob is a photographer and the pressroom manager at Paddock Publications in Central Illinois. They spoke to Community Voices about their family's history, their careers and the state of journalism.

Pam Molitoris is the executive director of the Central Illinois Foodbank. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey into the nonprofit realm, how the foodbank is adapting to provide for the community, and initiatives like their mobile kitchen cart, which teaches community members how to cook. She also addresses concerns surrounding cuts to local food programs and leaves a message for the community to come together during uncertain times. Find more information about the Central Illinois Foodbank here.

Music Director Taichi Fukumura from the Illinois Symphony Orchestra spoke to Community Voices about the upcoming concert titled "Passion and Pulse," which features soloist Anna Geniushene on piano. The performances will take place on May 2 at the UIS Performing Arts Center in Springfield, Ill. and May 3 at the ISU Center for Performing Arts in Normal, Ill., both at 7:30 p.m. Concert Comments will take place at 6:30 p.m. before each performance. For more information visit: ilsypmhony.org

The Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens has a new wheelchair accessible garden. Carey Smith and Missy Norman spoke to Community Voices about the design of the garden, the community it creates and how it provides options for those with differing accessibility needs.

Nakesha Rice is a human resources professional with a passion for helping people succeed. She spoke to Community Voices about her experiences growing up in Mississippi, her time in the military and her journey to Springfield. She also talked about her experience as the president of Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) and gave advice for young professionals who may be uncomfortable in new environments.

Downtown Springfield Inc. is an organization working to create a vibrant and connected community to enrich the downtown Springfield experience. DSI Executive Director Carlos Ortega and DSI Board President Blake Pryor spoke to Community Voices about Community Conversations, a series of listening sessions where community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions about the downtown area and its future.The next Community Conversations are scheduled for April 23 and May 10. For more information visit: facebook.com/DowntownSpringfieldInc

In the 10th episode of Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Zoe Marlow, Food Bank Manager at Dandelion Community Church. They discuss Zoe's personal journey from seeking help to becoming a community leader, the operations and challenges of running a food bank, and the importance of treating individuals with compassion and respect.  Zoe shares insights into food poverty, the stigma attached to seeking help, and community initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and fostering self-sustainability. The episode also highlights Zoe's inspiring trip to Africa and its impact on her community work. #FoodPoverty #FuelPoverty #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  ·      In 2022/23 there were 7.2 million people, or 11% of the UK population, in households experiencing food poverty, including 17% of children.·      Food banks are run by charities and are intended as a temporary provision to supply emergency food. ·      In 2022/23, 2.3 million people in the UK lived in households which had used a food bank in the previous 12 months, a rate of 3%. This includes 6% of children, 3% of working-age adults, and around 1% of pensioners.·      In 2023/24 the Trussell Trust supplied 3.12 millionemergency food parcels, the highest number of parcels distributed by the network in a year. Key resource:Dandelion Community CentreTime stamps of key moments in the podcast episode &transcript: (01:02) Meet Zoe Marlow: Food Bank Manager(01:49) Zoe's Personal Journey(02:32) Dandelion Food Bank: How It Works(05:03) Challenges and Obstacles(07:27) Community Support and Services(11:30) Dandelion Community Savers and Africa Trip(16:38) Misunderstandings and Myths(23:15) Community Voice and Development(24:58) Signature Questions Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

Zwei - Dumm is a group that focuses on improv and physical comedy, more popularly known as clowning. The group was started by Rha-Bea and Travis Wiggins. Together with Capital City Improv (CCI), they will be hosting a show on May 3, 2025, called Clownprov/Anything for a Dollar. Zwei - Dumm/CCI members Rha-Bea and Jacob Kimsey spoke to Community Voices about their journey with CCI, the history of clowning, and how the upcoming show will work. Tickets and details can be found here.

On April 8, Vanessa Ferguson and Bea Bonner hosted a live taping of CV in the MC or Community Voices in Macon County at The Staley Museum in Decatur, Ill.

Chad Wallace is the director of rural affairs for the Illinois Environmental Council and a lifelong farmer. He spoke to Community Voices about the impact of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) or factory farms.

Help us win a Webby! It only takes a minute to vote. Vote here!Often on urban lots, behind chain link fences, adorned with hand-painted signs, plots burgeoning with fruits, vegetables, and flowers, flanked by compost piles — the humble community garden feels like a salve for so much that ails us. On this Community Voices episode, we're going from Los Angeles to Brazil to hear how community gardens have brought people much more than fresh fruits and vegetables. With food prices on the rise and so many of us losing touch with the abundance of our communities, we thought it'd be nice to hear how community gardens have helped you, our community.

Subscribe to UnitedHealthcare's Community & State newsletter.Health Affairs' Jeff Byers welcomes Senior Editor Michael Gerber back to the program to discuss the recent announcement from the Trump administration to cancel certain alternative payment models, their previous impact on health spending, and the difficult task of measuring success over a long period of time and across different administrations.Order the April 2025 theme issue of Health Affairs focusing on food, nutrition, and health.Join us for our theme issue briefing on April 8 featuring panels on Food is Medicine, Government Programs & Policies, Community Voices, and more. Save the date.Also, join us April 23 for an exclusive Insider virtual event exploring site-neutral payments with health economist and health services researcher Brady Post of Northeastern University and Health Affairs' Meg Winchester.Related Articles:Kennedy to slash 10,000 jobs in major overhaul of US health agencies (Reuters)Internal fallout at HHS delays 10,000 firings (Politico)Maryland Hospital All-Payer Model: Can It Be Emulated? (Health Affairs Forefront)CMMI cancels 4 payment models early (Healthcare Dive)Statement on CMS Innovation Center Aligning Portfolio with Statutory Obligation (CMS) Subscribe to UnitedHealthcare's Community & State newsletter.

Cristian Leon-Vallejo is a student worker at NPR Illinois. He sat down with Community Voices co-host Vanessa Ferguson to practice his interviewing skills and find out what it's like as a host on Community Voices.

Dr. Christopher McDowell is the Executive Associate Dean of SIU School of Medicine. He spoke to Community Voices about how he balances his practice in emergency medicine and his administrative duties. He also shared how SIU School of Medicine is working to make health care more accessible and why patients should come to the emergency room if they have a concern.

Prepare to engage in a powerful discussion as former FBI agent Dr. Tyrone Powers returns to our classroom this Thursday morning. Dr. Powers will delve into the pressing issue of the security leak involving members of the Trump National Security team, drawing crucial comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s alleged email controversy. Before Dr. Powers takes the mic, activist Jasmine Pate will share her mother’s poignant story of living with HIV/AIDS. This reality disproportionately affects Black women more than any other group. Joining us will be the esteemed international journalist Brother Obie, adding further depth to our conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angela Jackson is an award-winning poet, novelist, and playwright. She is also the fifth Illinois Poet Laureate. She spoke to Community Voices about her background in writing, the influence of poetry and song on social justice movements, and she explains some of her different works. Jackson also recited one of her poems called "The Smoke Queen." Read more about Angela and her work as Illinois Poet Laureate here.

Stephen Emmerich is the President of the Heart of Illinois Chapter of BetterInvesting, and Bobbie Kincaid is one of the non-profit's directors. They spoke to Community Voices about their personal journeys to becoming knowledgeable investors. They explain how investment clubs have helped them and others understand the stock market and see earnings from their investments. They also shared the four key investment principles promoted by BetterInvesting, emphasizing that anyone can start investing with as little as the cost of a cup of coffee.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 – Week 13 #S10e166 was remarkable, #UnMetNeed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rut1q0LzdtA, with almost 600 views this is the best S10 episode, ever.  Don't miss it, or the comments.  Feel free to add to them!   One of the things we did was make a CTR Survey, we have 130+ respondents, half US, half ROW - Poland and Australia.  Not too late to take part: https://forms.gle/tx5CUWXiQMDcJhHA8   Since CHCO PR in #S10e164, we have had two more: Dallman & Sohal PR36 for GI meds: https://curesyngap1.org/blog/julia-dallman-awarded-grant-for-syngap1-research/ PR37 for Cognition meds: https://curesyngap1.org/blog/dr-vikaas-sohal-ucsf-receives-syngap-research-fund-grant-for-syngap1-therapeutic-strategies/    #Sprint4Syngap 2025 is in one month! Start or join a team and fundraise! https://curesyngap1.org/sprint25 look at these faces https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW7owIsdjss   Getting to know our community: - Syngap Stories Podcast - KAH in Episode 32 https://cureSYNGAP1.org/Stories  - Cafe SYNGAP1 with Jaime https://curesyngap1.org/podcasts/cafe-syngap1/jaime/ - Sibling Story with Kallen https://cureSYNGAP1.org/Sibling  - DW of SRF AUS https://www.facebook.com/reel/1345989426605772 - Why Attend Cure SYNGAP1 Conference Video https://cureSYNGAP1.org/Pre25   - Tomorrow Webinar #100 Impact Report (3/27) https://cureSYNGAP1.org/IR24    PubMed is at 13 YTD, 321 in total (trending to 52+, but I'm not as confident) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=syngap1&filter=years.1998-2025&timeline=expanded&sort=date&sort_order=asc   Jillian McKee and CHOP team paper on SYNGAP1 now in Genetics in Medicine (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1098360025000668) but you can get the Preprint: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.02.24314452v1.full.pdf   This paper was built on Citizen Health data, remember to sign up/refresh, early and often: Citizen Health -  https://www.citizen.health/partners/srf or http://curesyngap1.org/citizen   Bio-Repository and Roadshow Dates https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IjaHILXj7AlBDlbTJgvYrkBS_0bnI8VCnTIiPXJ7JGM/edit#slide=id.g32f5fa46d32_0_3   Thank you for the 15 glowing reviews of SRF on Great Nonprofits! https://www.cureSYNGAP1.org/GNP   VOLUNTEER  Join us: https://curesyngap1.org/volunteer-with-srf/   SOCIAL MATTERS - 3,971 LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/company/curesyngap1/ - 1,311 YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/@CureSYNGAP1  - 11,427 Twitter https://twitter.com/cureSYNGAP1 - 46k Insta https://www.instagram.com/curesyngap1/    NEWLY DIAGNOSED? New families have resources here! https://syngap.fund/Resources    Podcasts, give all of these a five star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/syngap1-podcasts-by-srf/id6464522917   Episode 167 of #Syngap10  #Advocate #PatientAdvocacy #UnmetNeed #SYNGAP1 #SynGAP #SynGAProMMiS

Haley Wilson, founder of The Culture Experience LLC, and Molly Frey, owner of The Pasfield House, spoke to Community Voices to announce The Culture Experience's residency at the historic Pasfield House. Molly shared her background, her journey to owning and renovating The Pasfield House, and the services it now offers. Haley provided a refresher on The Culture Experience a business she started with her mother to create a space for cultural learning and activities. They discussed how their collaboration began, how it enhances both their visions, and highlighted upcoming events.

Ambassador Edward O'Donnell retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2007 after a 33-year career in foreign service. He spoke to Community Voices about his experiences serving in Latin America, German-speaking Europe and senior positions in Washington D.C. He also shared his insights on the Panama Canal, U.S. tariff strategies, the rise of antisemitism and more.

Members of the Haitian community discuss how the complexities of federal immigration policy are playing out in Clark County. They share their stories during this hour of All Sides.

Members of the Haitian community discuss how the complexities of federal immigration policy are playing out in Clark County. They share their stories during this hour of All Sides.

Deanna Knight is a local drag queen. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey in drag, the drag scene in Springfield, and the impact of recent political shifts on the community. She also highlighted her efforts to uplift the community through upcoming events Drag Bingo with Otis & Ethel on April 4th and Club La Cage: An Evening of Springfield's Best Drag Artists on April 5th, featuring talented drag queens and kings.

The Springfield Choral Society will hold a two-day musical festival on March 21-22 called “Songs for the Unsung.” Director of the Springfield Choral Society Jacobsen Woollen and Vice President of the Sangamon County Historical Society Linda Schneider spoke to Community Voices about the festival which will incorporate lesser known stories of women in Springfield's history. For ticket information visit: https://www.springfieldchoralsociety.org/

Frank Lloyd Wright expert Tim Totten and Dana Thomas House Foundation past president Cinda Klickna, spoke to Community Voices about Frank Llyod Wright's Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Tim provides background on Wright's life during the hotel's design, he explains the unique architectural features and the hotel's resilience during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Tim also shares about the hotel's legacy and future. Cinda shares details about the upcoming event, "The Perilous & Amazing Journey of Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel – Tokyo," happening at The Inn at 835 on April 11, 2025. Tickets and more information can be found here.

The Honorable Cheri Bustos is a UIS Public Affairs Reporting program graduate, former Congresswoman and recipient of the University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award. Bustos spoke to Community Voices about how her experience in the PAR program influenced her career and her time as a Congresswoman. She also discussed her achievements in Congress, the importance of bipartisanship and her current role at Mercury Public Affairs.

Kristin Nisbet White is the Employer Development and Informatics Liaison at the University of Illinois Springfield. She spoke to Community Voices about her career in career development, the challenges employers face in the job market, and trends for recent graduates. She also highlighted the upcoming UIS Career Connections Expo on March 21, 2025. More information about the Career Connections Expo can be found here.

Steve Sykes, the 2024-2025 Our Stage / Our Voices Artist-in-Residence at UIS, is working to make participation and enjoyment of theater more accessible for the disabled community. The Our Stage/Our Voices program seeks to provide opportunities for performing artists who are members of historically underrepresented communities to address the issues of inequality in the regional performing arts with the goal of achieving diversity and inclusion. Steve spoke to Community Voices about his inclusive improv workshop, insights on theater accessibility, and his upcoming production of Almost, Maine, featuring abled and disabled performers. The show will be performed March 13-16 in the UIS Studio Theatre. Tickets and more information can be found here.

Capital City Improv will present "Improv Roulette" on March 22 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Directors of the show Dave Kimsey and Lacey Oakley spoke to Community Voices about what the audience can expect at the improvised show. They also shared how public workshops introduced them to the comedy troupe and how improv has helped them in other areas of their lives. For ticket information visit: https://www.hcfta.org/tickets

Ruth Spiro is an Illinois-based children's author known for her science-focused books for young readers. Spiro spoke to Community Voices about her new books “How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up" and "Baby Loves Meteorology." She also explained how she breaks down topics like aviation and coding for young readers.For more information visit: https://ruthspiro.com/

In this episode of Community Voices we share Innovate Springfield's podcast, "Founders, Failure and Fun." The episode features Paul Magelli, a seasoned entrepreneur and director of Illini Angels, a network of University of Illinois alumni investors. Conducted by Innovate Springfield's Director Ben Hage, the interview delves into Magelli's journey in founding multiple companies, his early interest in entrepreneurship sparked by fireworks, and the invaluable lessons he learned about customer relations in his startups. Magelli also shares stories about his most memorable ventures, including founding Apertio, and discusses the importance of maintaining connections with people from his past companies.

Dr. Lesa Johnson is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Illinois Springfield. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey into sociology, her research on racism's effects on the Black community, and suggestions for how people can address inequality. Dr. Johnson also talks about an upcoming symposium and workshop on anti-Black terror in Illinois and reconciliation. More information about the event can be found here.

Futuristic researcher Sadiki Baker is returning to our classroom this Tuesday morning. Brother Sadiki will delve into the intriguing connection between Project Stargate and AI (Artificial Intelligence), offering insights you won't want to miss. Before Brother Sadiki takes the mic, we are honored to welcome Stacey Davis Gates, the president of the Chicago Teachers Union. She will passionately discuss her fight to uphold the teaching of Black History in the city’s schools, highlighting its vital importance. Additionally, we’re thrilled to have the Reverend Dr. Barbara Reynolds, the Dean of Black Journalists, checking in with us. Furthermore, Terence Bailey, a relative of the legendary Frederick Douglass, will address the recent cancellation of the Frederick Douglass Parade, shedding light on its significance in our community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Built By Us, we revisit powerful voices from past guests as they share what Black History Month means to them. From personal reflections to the ongoing fight for justice, tune in for a quick but meaningful conversation on history, legacy, and the future of Black civic power.Support the showFollow Us on Social MediaFacebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolinaInstagram: @democracyncTikTok: @democracyncX: @democracync