Shows / Life on the Illinois Prairie
Episodes
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Shane Reichart explains Christianity vs. Churchianity
Shane owns a website design firm, CloudCarpenter and is also a Christian missionary. He shares his concerns about cultural, institutional, and consumer-driven…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Bernie returns for another fun episode about Mattoon!
Bernie talks about his family history, evolving business on Western Avenue, and the evolution of the brand Celebrate Downtown Mattoon. He also discusses the…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
I saw a butterfly flutter by.
Wendy talks about getting butterflies even in her senior years. They are not from fear or anxiety, but from joyful anticipation.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Brandon Merano is a combat veteran, former journalist, and Executive Director of Operation Honor Guard
Brandon talks about his experience of joining the Illinois Air National Guard age 17 and his experience as a boom operator (in-flight refueler for combat…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Tara is the manager of the Sullivan, Illinois ReStore for Habitat For Humanity
Tara shares the importance of people donating to and shopping at the ReStore and how it funds home building projects. She also tells about the application…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Converse and Cadillacs
Wendy talks about agency and getting past other people's limitations of us.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Best of Life on the Illinois Prairie: Rob Farmer shares his DNA story
Mattoon, Illinois native, Rob Farmer shares his DNA story and the surprising results. He gives insights for others facing the same or similar situation.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Best of Life on the Illinois Prairie: Bernie is the owner of deBuhr's Feed and Seed Store in Mattoon, Illinois.
Replay: Bernie shares his family's rich history in Mattoon, Illinois, beginning with his great-grandfather. We talk about his community involvement and work…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Milo Miller is an ex-Amish man who became a social influencer.
Milo left his Amish life and became a truck driver, then a social influencer. He enjoys making videos telling about Amish home remedies. He also likes…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
Wendy shares how a chance encounter affected her life and how the loss of that special person affected her and Stacy.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Jeremy David Higgs discusses his launch of the X2 Griffon on September 19, 2026
Jeremy serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems (MSDS), an aerospace company specializing in custom…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Randal Rhoads is a well-known keyboardist in central Illinois and across the US.
Randal Rhoads is a well-known keyboardist throughout central Illinois and far beyond. He shares stories from his many years of performing as well as some…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Jamie Poorman is a librarian, professional genealogist, and farm owner
When Jamie received a diagnosis of diabetes from her physician, the researcher in her kicked into high gear. In this episode she shares some of the helpful…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Summer Replay: Wendy shares more about the Unknown Sister story.
Summer Replay: Wendy shares rediscovered letters purportedly written by her mother, but clearly written by Mike Ahmed.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Sarah is Executive Director of Grand Prairie Friends and Taylor is the Event Coordinator for Grand Prairie Friends
Sarah and Taylor share the many opportunities for people to volunteer to help protect and conserve our precious vanishing remnant prairie. They also share a…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Ann Winkler Hinrichs is President of the Coles County Genealogical Society
Ann returns to the podcast to share news of upcoming events, including visiting gravesites of Coles County Revolutionary War soldiers.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Stacy's Tornado Experience
Stacy describes his experience living through a tornado that hit Charleston, Illinois on June 17, 2026
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Summer Replay: Tom Daughhetee and Patty Richards share Casey's plans to celebrate 250 America!
Summer Replay: Learn about The Big 250, Casey Celebrates America! The town known for Big Things has Big Things planned for America turning 250 this summer!
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Permission granted
Wendy discusses her personal experiences with perspective, perception and permission. We are never too old to give ourselves permission to have our own voice…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Chrissy, mother of Charlie Spurlock, shares about his recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury.
Chrissy shares the story of how her son, Charlie and his best friend, Jack, were in a devastating accident. Charlie's recovery at Shirley Ryan in Chicago…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Perspective
Wendy shares insights about perspective during these challenging times we live in.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
If Not Now, When?
Wendy encourages everyone, no matter their age, to step out of their comfort zone and try something different.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Best of Life on the Illinois Prairie: Shelby tells how the careless behavior of a driver changed the lives of many in her family.
Join us in revisiting this timely episode: Shelby tells how the careless behavior of a driver changed the lives of many in her family, as we come to the 3rd…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Michael Richards is the owner of Richards Farm Restaurant in Casey, Illinois.
Michael shares the rich history of Richards Farm as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary. He also shares about their two restaurants in Terre Haute, Indiana…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Good grief
Wendy discusses the types of grief we all deal with in our lives. Not all grief is about the loss of life or even a living thing
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Scott and Sonja Wattles are educators formerly employed in the Mattoon, Illinois school district.
Scott shares how he started performing as Elvis and the formation of the well-known band, The Blue Suede Crew. He and Sonja share about Scott's aortic…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Be a Blood Donor
Wendy shares the paramount importance of donating blood. Blood supplies are at an all-time low. Don't wait to realize this until you or a loved one needs blood.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Brian Daniell is a retired CPA and is currently a substitute middle school teacher in Mattoon Illinois.
Brian shares his family's decades long connection to Bernadini's Fruit Market, later Daniell's. We discuss the ups and downs in the family business.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Wendy talks about her father and what a special place he played in her heart.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Connie Jones is the Secretary/Treasurer for the Coles County Veterans Support Coalition
When Connie Jones lost her husband, Gary, to lingering effects of Agent Orange, she channeled her grief into becoming the co-founder of Coles County Veterans…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Ann Bruehler of Ann Morris Bruehler Portrayals
Ann tells how her interest in theatre came about and how that interest led her to her portrayals of historic figures. She shares about her other theatre…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Lori Henderson is the Tourism and Special Events Supervisor for the City of Charleston, Illinois.
Lori and I discuss special upcoming events happening in the Charleston area. She is also plays a big role at Lincoln Log Cabin Historic Site at Lerna.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Allie Easter is owner of Allie's Gift & Garden in Sullivan, Illinois.
Allie established her career on the east coast but returned to central Illinois. She is always looking ahead and as a greenhouse owner she has to plan ahead…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Nancy Hays adds author to her many accomplishments
Nancy shares about her book Riding For America about Black jockey Isaac Burns Murphy. She explains how Isaac's story appeals to all ages.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Ronnie Negro is the drummer for the Eagles tribute band, EagleMania
Ronnie Negro is a professional drummer with a background in theatre performance. He started at a substitute drummer for EagleMania, but transitioned to full…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Tom Daughhetee and Patty Richards share Casey's plans to celebrate 250 America!
Learn about The Big 250, Casey Celebrates America! The town known for Big Things has Big Things planned for America turning 250 this summer!
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Richard Goodall - Indiana Native who won America's Got Talent
Richard Goodall is a Terre Haute, Indiana native who won Season 19 of America's Got Talent in 2024. We talk about how Richard uses his fame to promote hope and…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Alexander Benishek is the Community Development and Planning Director at the City of Mattoon
Alex talks about dealing with blighted properties in Mattoon and explains why it takes so long to institute changes. He also talks about his time serving with…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Britt Mosley is the owner of Blessing N Every Braid
Brittany Mosley has opened Blessing N Every Braid in Mattoon, making it the first shop in Mattoon to cater to braids. She explains how braiding is an art and…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
When Bad Customer Service Happens to Good Women
Wendy shares some bad customer service stories from family members. She also tells about her frustrating experience with her local electric cooperative as well…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Embrace the Walk of Peace
Wendy shares her thoughts and insights into ways to find peace in today's chaotic world She recommends following the Walk for Peace.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Ed Yoder in the Construction Manager at Illinois Amish Heritage Center
Ed Yoder returns to the show, sharing about his experience of living in three different Amish communities. He gives updates about the ongoing construction of…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Lindsey shares her experiences with TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return)
Lindsey started the Facebook group The Sullivan, Illinois TNR Battle in an effort to educate the public and city officials of the benefits of TNRing cats. She…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Jeanette Suding is an animal rights activist in Moultrie County, Illinois.
Jeanette shares her knowledge of the Sullivan, Illinois police chief who has been trapping and "relocating" cats in Sullivan for several months. Feral…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Recap of guests for 2025
Wendy recounts the over 40 guests who came on the podcast in 2025. She shares her appreciation for them taking the time to trust her with their stories.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Part 2 Donna Nolan Wilson relates her deep sorrow and mourning at the passing over her husband, Greg.
Donna discusses the rollercoaster ride that serious health issues for a spouse brings to a marriage. The caregiver role takes precedence at the end. After the…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Part 1 Donna Nolan Wilson, owner of ITS Promotions, shares her story becoming a widow after 25 years of marriage.
Donna shares her story of meeting and falling in love with her husband, Greg. More than marital partners, they shared a love of music and collaborated on many…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Dusty Maninfior is a Mattoon native who has music in his blood.
Mattoon,Illinois musician Dusty Maninfior has a rich history playing in popular local bands, Superbad and Jane Doe, along with others. Dusty shares the…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Dan Craw has a unique car repair business in Mattoon, Illinois.
Dan Craw was moved many years ago to start his business, New Life Care Care, to help those who are struggling with transportation difficulties. His mission to…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Paul Thorn is a singer-songwriter from Tupelo, Mississippi
Paul Thorn is the son of a Pentecostal preacher. He went on to become a boxer who once fought Roberto Duran. Music has always been a big part of Paul's life…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Mr. Taylor's Birthday
Wendy shares about how she and Stacy randomly met a man who had a big impact on them and how they got to enjoy celebrating his 95th birthday.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Angelia Burgett is the Tourism and Arts Director for the city of Mattoon, Illinois.
Angelia has been at her present job for nearly 20 years. She shares insight into the ever-changing landscape of tourism and how Mattoon is working with other…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Kenton Allbright is the director of the French Lick West Baden Museum in French Lick, Indiana.
Kenton is a native of French Lick, Indiana and is an enthusiastic director of the local museum. I doubt that you could find a more enthusiastic and passionate…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Maggie Grinestaff is the News Director for WCIA3 Champaign, Illinois.
Maggie tells about how her experience attending Eastern Illinois University in Charleston prepared her for her career at WCIA3 in Champaign. We also discuss…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Chris Suerdieck is the curator of the Mattoon Illinois History Center
Chris gives updates on the Mattoon History Center and shares details about his recently published book about the "Big Dig".
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Rob Farmer shares his DNA story
Mattoon, Illinois native, Rob Farmer shares his DNA story and the surprising results. He gives insights for others facing the same or similar situation.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Jeff Clark is the lead singer and front man of the Ultimate Bread tribute band, TOAST.
Jeff shares the evolution of his own musical journey as well as the growing popularity of his band TOAST.
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Tara is the ReStore for Humanity manager in Sullivan, Illinois
Tara explains the requirements for applying to purchase a Habitat for Humanity house and the work of the many volunteers. She also talks about the Christmas…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Tom Daughhetee is the Economic Development Director for the City of Casey.
Tom shares about his experiences in larger cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and New York after growing up in Casey, Illinois. After the COVID pandemic he…
- Life on the Illinois Prairie
Daphne Coffey is Executive Director of the Douglas County Museum in Tuscola, Illinois.
Daphne's love and appreciation of history and museums was instilled in her at a young age. Family vacations plans were sure to include zoos and museums. Learn…