Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan talk with Chris Setti, CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, about the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and the work underway on the new 2026–2030 five-year plan. He explains how CEDS serves as an intentional roadmap for economic growth across Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Mason, and Logan counties, and how community input ga...

Greg and Dan talk with Dave Johnson of Pearl Technology about the growing conversation surrounding artificial intelligence and whether it may be time to “put the brakes” on how quickly the technology is advancing. He separates some of the sensationalism surrounding AI from what the technology can and cannot actually do, while explaining the importance of understanding its limitations. He also discusses how developers wo...

Greg and Dan talk with Gene Olson, Director of Airports for the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria, about his firsthand experience working in airport operations on September 11, 2001. At the time, Olson was Director of Operations at Evansville Regional Airport, and he recalls the morning of the attacks, receiving calls from air traffic control, and the unprecedented decision to halt air traffic across the country. He walks th...

Greg and Dan talk with Scott Corsaut, Chairman of the Greater Peoria Honor Flight Board, and Robbie Mathison, owner of Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, about the 10th Annual Armed Forces Celebration Day, happening Saturday, September 12 from 5–11 p.m. at Pour Bros. in Peoria Heights. The annual event brings the community together to celebrate and support veterans and active-duty military members while also raising awareness of resou...

Greg and Dan talk with former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, one of the featured speakers at today’s 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. He reflects on his own memories and experiences surrounding September 11, 2001, and how the attacks changed the country. He also shares his thoughts on America’s role in leading through diplomacy, the importance of unity and public ...

Greg and Dan talk with Eddie and Tracy Sutter about their deeply personal connection to September 11, 2001—the day their twin babies were born. They recall the events of that morning, what they remember seeing and hearing as the attacks unfolded, and the emotions of welcoming two new lives into the world on a day marked by unimaginable tragedy. Now, 25 years later, they reflect on that unique mixture of joy and heartbreak and...

Greg and Dan talk with Peoria Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger about today’s 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, happening at 10 a.m. at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Chief Sollberger, who is serving as honorary chair of the ceremony, reflects on the emotions he experienced on September 11, 2001, when he was just three years into his career as a firefighter, and what was happening within his own fire department as news of ...

Greg and Dan talk with Dr. Brinda Mehta, Director of the Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute at OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois, and Amanda Marcanio, Program Manager with OSF HealthCare, about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of helping children not only get through treatment, but thrive during and after it. They discuss what children and families experience, advance...

Greg and Dan talk with Major Anita Sells and Tami Shawgo about “Hope Has An Army,” the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Annual Fundraiser, happening Thursday, October 1 at Venue Chisca in Peoria. The evening begins with doors opening and a silent auction at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m. and the evening program. They discuss what guests can expect from the evening and how attendees often leave feeling ins...

Greg and Dan talk with Brian Carroll, the 2026 Pekin Marigold Festival, about Roots & Boots Dragon Jam, kicking off the Pekin Marigold Festival weekend on Friday, September 11 from 5-11 p.m. at the Avanti’s Event Center Fields in Pekin. He discusses how Dragon Jam celebrates Pekin’s musical past while embracing this year’s “Marigold Roots & Country Boots” ...

Greg and Dan talk with Eureka College Head Football Coach Dion Jordan about the inaugural Berlin Wall Bowl, happening Saturday, September 12 at McKinzie Field at Eureka College. The day begins with a tailgate at 11 a.m., followed by a special pregame ceremony at 4:30 p.m. and kickoff at 5 p.m. between the Eureka College Red Devils and Westminster College Blue Jays. He discusses the opportunity to use football as a way to help ...

Greg and Dan talk with Brian Alwan of Alwan & Sons Meat Company about the 20th Anniversary St. Jude Peoria to Memphis Ride, which takes off this morning from Walters Brothers Harley-Davidson. This year, 145 riders are making the 465-mile journey from Peoria toward Memphis, traveling first to Dyersburg, Tennessee, before joining other St. Jude riders and continuing to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital campus, where...

Greg and Dan talk with Alex Chan, Director of Volunteer Outreach for the Peoria Area Young Adult Social Meetup (YASM), about the 4th Annual East Peoria Riverfront Clean-Up, happening Sunday, September 20 from noon–4 p.m., with volunteers meeting at the East Peoria Target parking lot near Panera Bread. He also explains the mission behind Peoria Area YASM and discusses how the cleanu...

Greg and Dan talk with David Commanday, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Heartland Festival Orchestra, about kicking off the orchestra’s 2026–27 season with “Mozart & Bruch.” The concert takes place Friday, September 11 from 7:30–9:30 p.m. at Crossroads Global Methodist Church, 1420 N. Main St. in Washington. He dives into the backgrounds of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Max Bruch, their indivi...

Greg and Dan talk with Jen Grogan of Rekindle Health about some of the biggest frustrations women face when it comes to understanding their health, emotions, and the changes their bodies experience throughout different seasons of life. She also previews “Rekindle the Shift: Understanding Your Emotions, Your Body, and Your Season,” happening Saturday, September 12 at 3:30 p.m. at Quail Meadows Banquet Center in Washingto...

Greg and Dan talk with Brent Bixby, Vice President of the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, about the organization’s 40th Honor Flight taking place today, Tuesday, September 8. Veterans are returning to Peoria for a welcome home at approximately 9:30 p.m. He discusses the powerful opportunity Honor Flight gives veterans to share their stories, connect with one another, and receive recognition for their service. He also reflec...

Greg and Dan talk with John Heller, founder of the Heller Center for Kids, about how the program began at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois and how its mission has grown over the years. He explains how the program works, shares some of the experiences and challenges children and families have faced, and discusses why those needs led the Heller Center to evolve beyond traditional medical care. He also highlig...

Greg and Dan talk with Steve Bortolotti about Peoria Players Theatre’s upcoming production of Come From Away, opening Friday, September 11—the 25th anniversary of 9/11—and running through September 20. He discusses the powerful true story behind the musical and shares what audiences can expect from Peoria Players’ production, highlights me...

Greg and Dan talk with Tre Thompson, founder of Boys to Men Empowerment, about the organization’s mission to mentor young men in Peoria and provide them with positive role models, life skills, and opportunities that can help set them on a successful path. He also highlights Boys to Builders Academy, an initiative within Boys to Men Empowerment that teaches young men hands-on building and trade skills while also introducing en...