https://www.facebook.com/110491128783885/

Life on the Illinois Prairie Podcast, Humboldt, IL (2026)

08/19/2026

What do an ethical hacker, a weather balloon, and almost 22 miles of Earth's atmosphere have in common?

Jeremy David Higgs.

Originally from Chicago, Jeremy is my guest on the Thursday, August 20 episode of Life on the Illinois Prairie.

The son of a Chicago policeman, Jeremy once worked as an ethical hacker. If you're wondering what an ethical hacker is, don't worry. I was curious, too, and Jeremy explains it on the podcast.

Today, Jeremy lives in Casey, Illinois, the home of Big Things in a Small Town, and he has plans for a pretty big thing of his own.

Jeremy is president of Aerostratospheric and operates Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems, an FAA-registered and fully insured aerospace research company.

On Saturday, September 19, Jeremy will host a launch party beginning at 1 p.m. at KZ Naz (Casey First Church of the Nazarene), 1000 US-40, Casey, IL.

The star of the show will be the X2Griffon, which will be launched almost 22 miles into Earth's stratosphere!

But for Jeremy, this is about much more than launching something really high into the sky.

He is eager to help other citizen scientists learn how they can contribute to gathering weather data and scientific research. As the father of three young children himself, Jeremy especially encourages schools and families to attend the launch.

I love people who are curious.

I especially love people who want to share that curiosity with others.

And Jeremy has plenty of both!

You can follow the launch here:

midwestsds.com

You can hear this episode at this link or wherever you listen to podcasts:

https://redcircle.com/shows/5dc7f4c2-5444-4ca2-88d1-80100d3d5db1

Please be kind.

08/12/2026

Keyboardist Randal Rhoads, a Paris, Illinois native, is quick to acknowledge his supportive parents, the girl-next-door, Linda, who returned in recent years and is now his wife, and the birth of his son, Dylan, as the highlights of his life.

Randal is my guest on the Thursday, August 13 episode of Life on the Illinois Prairie.

He pays homage to his loving parents, now deceased, who nurtured his keyboard playing and proudly drove him to his early gigs before he was able to drive himself.

Linda was literally the girl-next-door, but as children, she had a crush on Randal's older brother. After a multitude of life changes for both of them, they rediscovered each other in Paris and began building their life together.

Randal relates his lifetime of experiences on the podcast. His bands include Sassy, Sounder, The Silvertones, The Kate Brothers Band, and Dr. Wu. He has extensive experience performing corporate shows, which are highly desired jobs for many musicians.

He also plays with regional favorite 71 Band, comprised of many Class of '71 graduates, which usually opens and closes the popular summer Music in the Park concert series at Twin Lakes in Paris.

Randal also shares two serious health challenges, from the discovery of a brain tumor several years ago to a more recent heart surgery, where Linda never left his side.

He shares his most nerve-wracking show as well as his favorite one and why each earned those distinctions.

Stacy and I (Doty & Dexter) had the recent opportunity to share the stage with Randal, John Sawyer, Harold Sawyer, and George Ozier for a country music r***e as Pearl Handle Band. What a rewarding experience!

Another lineup called Pearl Handle Band has backed a couple of Patsy Cline Tribute artists, most recently, Mary Pfeifer, as Simply Patsy. That lineup includes Randal, keyboard and vocals; Stacy M Doty, guitar and vocals; Jerry "Muttonhead" Erickson, lead guitar; George Ozier, bass; and Justin Hays, drums.

There is just one more chance to hear this seasoned lineup perform with Mary. You can catch Mary's final Simply Patsy show at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, at Paris Center of Fine Arts, 14040 E. 1200th Rd, Paris, IL 61944. 217-251-6626

You can purchase tickets here:
pariscenteroffinearts.csstix.com

You can listen to this fun episode here or wherever you hear podcasts:
https://redcircle.com/shows/5dc7f4c2-5444-4ca2-88d1-80100d3d5db1

Please be kind.

08/05/2026

"Honestly, I was mad, when I walked out of the doctor's office. Not mad at the doctor, but just mad at the situation." Jamie Poorman

This was Jamie's reaction after hearing lab results that revealed she was diabetic.

Jamie is my returning guest on the Thursday, August 6 episode of Life on the Illinois Prairie.

Expecting the lab results to reveal a hormone issue, the researcher in Jamie set out to get answers to her questions.

She decided to share her findings in a series of Facebook posts which caught my eye and many of her followers.

One of the most important resources that helped Jamie was "The Glucose Revolution" by Jessie Inchauspés.

Jamie never presents herself as an expert, but does share what has worked for her.

As a librarian, Jamie knows the value of a good book. While many want a quick answer from Google, Jamie prefers a deeper dive in a book, or in her case, a wide variety of books.

She also shares with me about companies that analyze DNA, and how that process can reveal hidden issues that simple lab results do not.

The results from the company Jamie used, SelfDecode, contained an overwhelming amount of information. That is when Jamie sought the assistance of AI Claude to translate the information for her.

One big plus is if you have already taken a DNA test through Ancestry.com or another company, SelfDecode can use those same results to conduct its analysis.

If you want to learn more about how to manage your own health and become more proactive, I urge you to listen to our discussion.

You can hear the episode at this link or wherever you listen to podcasts:

https://redcircle.com/shows/5dc7f4c2-5444-4ca2-88d1-80100d3d5db1

Please be kind!

07/29/2026

Much of this year has been devoted to writing and editing my book, The Unknown Sister: How I Found My Voice and Lost My Family. On Thursday, June 30, I have chosen to share Episode 69, which wrapped up the series.

While the content in this episode remain the same, there has been a seismic shift in my perspective.

No, that doesn't mean I excuse my ex-husband, Mike, or my mother for the unthinkable pain they caused my dying father.

When I ripped off the Band-Aid of my family's drama from more than three decades ago, I was confident I had come to terms with the situation.

I had not.

Being sidelined for the better part of two years with a bad hip and then total hip replacement surgery gave me plenty of time for introspection. Some people don't understand that, adopting the attitude of, "It's in the past. What is to be gained by bringing it up again?"

I'll tell you what is to be gained.

Insight.

Empathy.

Perspective.

Understanding.

Forgiveness.

Listening to the pain in my voice in some of the episodes in the series, it was abundantly clear I had not found peace. Today, however, I have an entirely different perspective than I had for the last 30 years.

They say change is good.

Understanding is even better.

Stay tuned for more updates about the book.

You can hear this episode (or the entire series) here or wherever you get your podcasts:

https://redcircle.com/shows/5dc7f4c2-5444-4ca2-88d1-80100d3d5db1

Please be kind.

07/22/2026

Did you know that less than 0.01% of Illinois' original native, unplowed tallgrass prairie remains today?

That sobering statistic is one of the reasons Grand Prairie Friends work so hard to acquire and preserve remnant prairie.

Sarah LeGrand Livesay returns to Life on the Illinois Prairie on Thursday, July 23, along with Taylor McClain, Event Coordinator for Grand Prairie Friends.

The conservation and preservation efforts of Grand Prairie Friends extend far beyond the land itself.

Sarah shares that nine of the thirteen endangered bat species that live in Illinois live in Warbler Ridge!

Our fascinating discussion about bats was just one of many topics we covered. Did you know you could spend an evening at Warbler Ridge helping volunteers count bats?

With their recent acquisition of Baber Woods, in Edgar County and Rocky Branch Nature Preserve in Clark County, the land trust now has land in nine counties.

Taylor shares the many ways people can volunteer with Grand Prairie Friends, along with information about upcoming events.

Stacy and I (Doty & Dexter) are excited to be part of an upcoming Science, Tunes, and Sips fundraiser to be held at The Alamo Steakhouse and Saloon in Mattoon from 5-7:30 pm on July 30.

The unique partnership between Grand Prairie Friends, The Alamo Steakhouse and Saloon, and Koerner Distributor, Inc., combines lightning talks about nature with our music.

You won't want to miss the special guest. . .

Purple Toad Paw Paw Wine!🍷

Oh, and ALL tips go to Grand Prairie Friends, so come out and support a great cause!

Special thanks to The Alamo Steakhouse co-owner Austin Keating for asking Doty & Dexter to be a part of this event.

If you want to be a part of something truly meaningful, volunteer or donate to Grand Prairie Friends!

You can hear this episode at this link or wherever you listen to podcasts:
https://redcircle.com/shows/5dc7f4c2-5444-4ca2-88d1-80100d3d5db1

From the Grand Prairie Friends website:

"Grand Prairie Friends is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, conservation organization and land trust composed of people from many walks of life who share a commitment to preserve and restore natural areas in east-central Illinois."

http://grandprairiefriends.org

Please be kind.

07/15/2026

"You're not who you are unless those people lived and they went through everything they went through to make you." Ann Winkler Hinrichs, President, Coles County Genealogical Society

Ann's statement was in response to my realization that so many people aren't interested in their roots or their ancestry. Yet just a little curiosity can bring big surprises, as any genealogist can attest.

Social media and screen time certainly have their place, since all of you are reading this on a screen. But what happens years from now when there are no photos to hold, no letters or greeting cards to look back on fondly, and perhaps Facebook and Instagram are replaced by the next new thing?

Ann returns as my guest on this week's episode of Life on the Illinois Prairie on Thursday, July 16. She has been blessed with diaries and letters from family members that give her a meaningful glimpse into the past.

We discuss the differences between the deadly tornado that struck Mattoon and Charleston on May, 26, 1917, killing 98 people, and the recent tornado on June 17, 2026.

Ann also shares information about the upcoming July 18 event where participants can visit the graves of Coles County Revolutionary War Patriots.

She believes her interest in history and genealogy may have been sparked by our nation's Bicentennial in 1976. Now she hopes America's 250th anniversary will ignite that same curiosity in a new generation.

Ann also talks about the exciting milestone of having Coles County's local newspapers digitalized, an $80,000 project that is already opening doors to remarkable discoveries!

In fact, my very first search uncovered a remarkable 1931 newspaper article that added another piece to my own family's story.

What aspect of history or genealogy do you find most interesting? Please leave a comment below.

You can hear the podcast here or wherever you hear podcasts:
https://redcircle.com/shows/5dc7f4c2-5444-4ca2-88d1-80100d3d5db1

To access the newly digitalized local newspapers:
https://colescountyilgensoc.org/

Or visit the Charleston Carnegie Public Library's genealogy and local history page:
https://charlestonlibrary.org/genealogy-%26-local-history

Please be kind.

07/09/2026

"Sirens on.
Lost power.
Wind picking up.
That was intense!"

These were the text messages, my husband, Stacy Doty sent me just before he sought refuge in his apartment bathroom in Charleston.

June 17, 2026 began like many recent severe weather days in central Illinois. By nightfall, we knew this one was different.

For several days, we had been hearing about the possibility of dangerous storms from the local weather team we trust at WCIA Channel 3 in Champaign.

We learned long ago to pay attention to the warnings. On that particular day, the storms were said to appear in two separate events, with a two hour window in between.

Growing up on a farm on the open prairie, I was used to having the advantage of seeing a storm approach. Awareness of 'Sirens on
Lost power
Wind picking up
That was intense!"

These were the text messages, my husband, Stacy Doty sent me just before he sought refuge in his apartment bathroom in Charleston.

June 17, 2026 was not much different from many other recent weather events. We had been hearing about the possibility of severe storms for several days from the local weather source we trust, WCIA Channel 3 in Champaign. We learned long ago to pay attention to their warnings. Forecasters predicted two separate rounds of severe weather, with a two hour break in between.

Weather awareness has always been part of life here, but sometimes you can sense an energy that seems to arrive even before the clouds.

When nationally known storm chasers begin converging on your county, there is little doubt that something serious is about to happen. The only questions are: How strong will the storms be? And where will they strike?

Knowing that Illinois had led the the nation in tornadoes in 2026 only added to the anxiety.

Many times we dodge the bullet.

On June 17 we didn't.

An EF2 tornado, with winds estimated at up to 116 mph carved a path nearly 14 miles long and almost half a mile wide. It touched down north of Mattoon, crossed I57, struck Loxa, and went directly into the north side of Charleston. A drive east on Route 316 reveals the extent of the damage.

A second tornado, an EF3 with winds up to 150 mph, remained on the ground for nearly 32 miles. It caused devastating damage in Effingham, including parts of Mid-America Motorworks, before continuing into Jasper County. More than 30 homes were destroyed.

Miraculously, there was no fatalities from either tornado, although two women tragically lost their lives that day in Jefferson County.

Both Coles County and the City of Charleston declared disasters.

Since then, we've witnessed an outpouring of support as neighbors, volunteers, churches, and organizations have come together to help those affected.

If you experienced the June 17 tornado or it's aftermath, I'd be interested in hearing your story. Please share it in the comments.

Please join us on Thursday, July 9, as Stacy shares his firsthand account of one of the most frightening days he has experienced.

Listen at this link or wherever you listen to podcasts:
https://redcircle.com/shows/5dc7f4c2-5444-4ca2-88d1-80100d3d5db1

If you'd like to help those impacted by the storms, please consider donating to:
salvationarmymattoon.org
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

For updated storm information:
www.charlestonillinois.org/storm

Please be kind.

07/01/2026

🇺🇸Holiday replay!🇺🇸

This week's episode was first published on February 26 of this year. That evening, the temperature in central Illinois was in the 30s.🥶

This Thursday, our low is expected to be 75°!🥵

But don't let the heat keep you from enjoying the fun festivities in Casey this Independence Day weekend!

As you might expect from a town whose official motto is "Big Things in a Small Town", Casey has BIG plans as America celebrates its 250th birthday !

My guests for the Thursday, July 3 episode of Life on the Illinois Prairie are Tom Daughhetee, Economic Development Director at the City of Casey, and Patty Richards, President of the Casey Historical Society.

From a car show, putt putt tournament, fireworks, live music, and a community picnic in the park to many other special activities, the planners have worked hard to include something for everyone.

Have you ever heard of Mary Katherine Goddard, also known as "Revolutionary Mary"? I hadn't either! Tune in and learn about her and many other events planned throughout Casey's Fourth of July weekend celebration.

Tom and Patty share so many fascinating details about what is happening in their hometown. I think you'll enjoy our conversation.

You can listen using the link below or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://redcircle.com/shows/5dc7f4c2-5444-4ca2-88d1-80100d3d5db1

06/24/2026

Have you ever extended the olive branch only to have the gesture rebuffed?

As a person familiar with admitting my mistakes over the years, I have a lot of experience apologizing. An apology addresses a wrong that was committed.

I also have experience with extending the olive branch. That is an effort that looks forward to peace and reconciliation-hope for the future.

One experience stands out for me a few years ago. I was working at Walmart and a woman who had been a classmate often came into the store.

She was pretty in an almost ethereal way. She had two sisters and all three girls were painfully shy.

The girls had an unusual name and it must not have been easy to deal with the sneers and looks the other kids gave each other whenever the girls were near.

I was never a bully, after all, I was shy, too. But as with all places, there was a hierarchy, a pecking order in school. I'm ashamed to admit that in my need to be accepted, I may have joined in.

I remember no specific incident, but one day I approached my classmate in the store. I introduced myself and reminded her of our connection. I said that if I had ever been mean to her in school, I was sorry.

She didn't say much, really, just mumbled and walked away.

I guess I needed her to know that if I had behaved poorly, I recognized my bad behavior and was sincerely sorry.

It wasn't extending the olive branch because I wasn't trying to move forward in a relationship.

But I do discuss that situation in this week's episode.

When someone rebuffs an olive branch, it doesn't mean you were wrong to extend it. We can't control how another person responds. We can only control our own actions.

Sometimes people aren't ready. Sometimes the hurt runs too deep. Sometimes the timing isn't right.

But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try.

Give yourself permission to try. You may succeed or you may fail, but either way, you will grow.

You can hear this episode at the link below or wherever you listen to podcasts and please be kind.

https://redcircle.com/shows/5dc7f4c2-5444-4ca2-88d1-80100d3d5db1

06/17/2026

"All I knew was he was in an ambulance on the way to the hospital and he had a heartbeat." Chrissy
Spurlock

Chrissy is my guest on the Thursday, June 18 episode of Life on the Illinois Prairie.

On January 5, 2025, Chrissy and Ryan Spurlock received the phone call that every parent dreads receiving. Their son, Charlie, now 12, had begged his mother to let him go sledding. The family had spent Christmas break in Florida with family and Charlie was missing his friends, especially his best friend, Jack.

What began as a winter afternoon of fun turned tragic. Charlie suffered a traumatic brain injury, and his best friend lost his life in the accident.

I first heard about Charlie's tragic sledding accident through a local television report and the Dieterich Prayer Page on Facebook.

During a snow storm, Charlie was taken to an emergency room in Decatur with a traumatic brain injury before being transferred to St. John's trauma center in Springfield. He underwent surgery to remove part of his skull and required both a tracheostomy and a feeding tube.

In this episode, Chrissy shares Charlie's slow but steady journey from critical condition to recovery.

After leaving Springfield, Charlie was transferred to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. A few weeks, Chrissy's sister created a page, Charlie's Fight Club, to keep friends and family informed of his progress.

While Ryan and Chrissy focused on Charlie's recovery, they found comfort knowing their other son, Sam, now 15, was being cared at home for by family and friends back home.

Chrissy believes Charlie's youth, his athletic background, determination and stubborn streak all played important roles in his recovery. Even today, Charlie continues to receive therapy five days a week.

She is also deeply grateful for the exceptional medical care Charlie received, as well as the outpouring of support from coworkers, family members, friends, community members, and even complete strangers. Their prayers and encouragement carried the family through some of their darkest days.

The experience also strengthened the family's faith and changed their perspectiveon what truly matters.

This is an inspiring story of resilience, hope, community, and the power of prayer.

You can follow Charlie's Fight Club on Facebook.

You can hear this episode at this link or wherever you listen to podcasts.

https://redcircle.com/shows/5dc7f4c2-5444-4ca2-88d1-80100d3d5db1

Please be kind.❤️

Life on the Illinois Prairie Podcast

08/19/2026

08/12/2026

08/05/2026

07/29/2026

07/22/2026

07/15/2026

07/09/2026

07/01/2026

06/24/2026

06/17/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request