Life on the Illinois Prairie Podcast (2025)

14/08/2025

Journalist Amanda Brennan, WCIA3, Champaign, Illinois, is my guest on the next Life on the Illinois Prairie.

Amanda returns to the podcast with updates on her move to the 4pm news show with Meteorologist Kevin Lighty. She is bursting with enthusiasm and is always eager to try a new idea or adventure. She shares insights on what to expect on the 4pm news show and how it differs from other news shows throughout the day.

Amanda is working with Meteorologist Jacob Dickey on a new program he created, involving local teachers throughout the community, sharing their concerns. We also discuss what a fine line a reporter has to walk when dealing with sensitive stories. Her compassion and empathy come through as we discuss some very serious recent news stories.

We also shared some laughs about her role as Aunt Amanda when dog sitting Jacob's dog, Vinnie!

Amanda's episode will be published on Thursday, August 14.

Here is the link:

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

07/08/2025

My returning guest for today's episode (Thursday, August 7) of my Life on the Illinois Prairie podcast, is Angie Miller. A lifelong resident and passionate spokesperson for Arcola, Angie is in charge of vendors at the Arcola Broomcorn Festival, which is no small task. As a former Executive Director of the Arcola Chamber of Commerce, Angie is deeply involved in all aspects of Amazing Arcola. The festival is full of great musical acts, but their BIG musical act for this year is America's Got Talent winner, Richard Goodall from Terre Haute. You don't want to miss the food, the National Broom Sweeping Contest or the HUGE parade with the Lawn Rangers! Please check out this episode for more details and mark your calendars for September 5-7 for the 54th Broomcorn Festival!

Link to podcast is here:

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

31/07/2025

My guest on this week's episode of Life on the Illinois Prairie is Dr. Kim Livezey, owner of Arcola Animal Health Care Center, Arcola, Illinois. For those of us who have pets that are family to us, a trusted veterinarian, like Dr. Kim is a godsend.

Her Fear Free clinic has changed the way her clinic treats their patients. Taking the fear and anxiety out of the experience for the pet, has made life easier for patients, pet owners, and staff.

Dr. Kim has instilled a caring, empathetic attitude in all her employees. Staff will call to inquire if a medication has worked or helped your pet. Their office is a very calm space that we don't often find in a veterinary clinic.

She shares some important insights into the challenges of owning a clinic and the responsibility that she and her staff have to provide the best quality of care for all who visit them.

We discussed what stress relievers help Dr. Kim unwind after her often hectic days. Her faith, as well as the support of a loving husband and family can provide the perfect solution to crazy day.

Check it out on Thursday, July 31, to find out what critters Dr.Kim cares for at Aikman Wildlife Adventure!

Here is the link to the podcast:

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

24/07/2025

My guest for this week's episode of Life on the Illinois Prairie is Anna Herschberger, owner of Yoder's Kitchen in Arthur, Illinois. Anna is one of the first people I approached in early 2023 as I started booking guests. We finally agreed on a date and time, only to have a misunderstanding with the production people and we had to postpone a week.

Anna, began working at Yoder's as a server and in time, she was approached by the owner to buy the restaurant. After initially turning down the offer, she finally relented and August 1 of this year, she will celebrate 23 years as the owner of Yoder's Kitchen.

She is no stranger to food service, although the business her Amish mother ran, serving home made meals to customers on her front porch, was on a much smaller and more intimate scale. Feeding others was a way that Mrs. Miller helped raise her nine children after her husband passed away.

Anna's two sons, Daren and Derrick, are now also seasoned veterans in the restaurant business, who, along with a huge staff of dedicated employees, keep Yoder's running efficiently. Anna's cousin Judy Beachy, is in charge of the gift shop, which is full of a large variety of goods.

Yoder's Kitchen was featured by America's Best Restaurants and they received other recognition for their well-known establishment. They have expanded their catering business which is also a very busy side of their business.

Many locals are familiar with Yoder's and the growth they have undergone in the past few years. We discussed so many things and I learned a great deal about Yoder's and about Anna. I think you may be surprised by some of the things you will learn from this interesting woman. For all that Anna has accomplished, she is very modest and is the first person to give credit to others and to God.

This episode will be available at 1 am, Thursday, July 24. Here is the link:

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

22/07/2025

According to Facebook, I am celebrating my 2nd year of the most exciting experience I have ever had, hosting my Life on the Illinois Prairie podcast. Booking guests, doing research and preparation, and learning the ropes of doing a professionally produced podcast, have been quite a learning experience.

My first episode went live on May 18, 2023 and with the exception of one week, we have published an episode every Thursday since that day. We recorded episode #114 today. I value every single person who has been a guest and I cannot tell you how much I have learned from their stories!

Audivita has been a wonderful company to work with. The team assigned to me, Shaun Hettinger, Jen Zappone, and Erika Yocum have been patient with me and have shown me grace. We have developed a true friendship with these people, as well as our sound man, Chip Davis. I truly love all of these people, who put the finishing touches on the show. Thanks too, to Stacy.

Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. I do ask that you please continue to share my podcast with your friends and family. If you would, please leave a positive review where you listen and please like my Life on the Illinois Prairie page. I look forward to sharing interesting stories from many fascinating people from central Illinois!💙🎉🩵

22/07/2025

Celebrating my 2nd year of sharing the most exciting experience I have ever had. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. Thank you! I look forward to sharing many fascinating people from central Illinois!💙🎉🩵

16/07/2025

My guest on this week's episode of the Life on the Illinois Prairie podcast is Timmy Valentine, who lives in Sullivan, Illinois. Born in Monticello, Illinois and raised on a dairy farm, Timmy, the youngest of nine children, has long made use of the vivid imagination he has been blessed with since childhood.

Timmy is an accomplished artist with a collection of work on the Saatchi Art website. When necessary, he is an invaluable asset as a costumer and painter at The Little Theatre On The Square in Sullivan.

As a person so deeply entrenched in the arts, it should come as no surprise that Timmy has published the first of a three part book series. The book, The Agengy of Dust And Power, is his first work and it is receiving great reviews. Timmy shares how he was able to accomplish writing the book, almost right in front of those closest to him, without them even knowing!

Timmy is bursting with ideas and and a zest for life. I challenge you to listen to this interview and not get caught up in his enthusiasm!

Be sure to have pen and paper handy as Timmy shares a list of his all-time favorite books!

This episode will go live at 1 am, Thursday, July 17. Here is the link to the podcast:

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

To buy The Agency Of Dust And Power:

https://www.amazon.com/Agency-Dust-Power-First-Haunting/dp/B0F89KPN2P

To see Timmy's art:

https://www.saatchiart.com/en-no/all?query=Timmy%20Valentine

10/07/2025

Episode #108 of Life on the Illinois Prairie
with guest Martha Menser
is now live!
Sorry for the delay!

10/07/2025

My guest on the latest episode of the Life on the Illinois Prairie podcast, is Martha Menser, storekeeper of the Oilfield Café in Oilfield, Illinois. Martha is shown on the left, in the photo below, with her sister, Zoe, who lives in Clinton, Indiana. Zoe drives over every Thursday to help Martha at the store.

Martha emphasizes the importance of her family and friends who all contribute to the success Oilfield Café. She is quick to give credit and appreciation to all who help her serve the variety of customers who visit. Visitors can find a great, home cooked meal while feeling like they have taken a step back in time.

The building has been used for many things over the years since Martha and her family grew up in Oilfield. Martha shares many memories from years past. Although she and her husband, Jerry, moved away for over three decades, she was happy to return to her roots.

Tucked along Route 49, the Oilfield Café serves burgers and fries and a variety of menu items. You might find a "Summer Cooler Plate" (chicken salad, crackers and cheese, red grapes and mango slices) or goulash (with bread and butter and choice of side). Martha also makes some of the best pies around. My personal favorite is coconut cream, but my husband, Stacy, loves the cherry. To be honest, the are ALL delicious.

The store also features live music on Friday nights, which is often offered outside, where people can either sit at a picnic table or in their own lawn chairs.

Martha has much history to share both on this episode and in person. She has appeared on ciLiving on WCIA and shared her story in several publications. Her thriving business has an impressive 4.9 stars on Google Map reviews.

Martha's warmth, knowledge of local history, and hospitality are the heart of Oilfield Café.

This episode will be published Thursday, July 10, at 1 am.

Link to podcast:

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

02/07/2025

Joining me this week on my Life on the Illinois Prairie podcast is Ann Winkler Hinrichs, pictured below in pink. Ann is a Greenup native, but spent much of her younger years in Charleston, Illinois. Currently living in Collinsville, Ann still owns a family home in Charleston and visits often with her many relatives and friends in the area. She is also Vice President of the Coles County Illinois Genealogical Society.

Ann has a passion for history and genealogy. Her family history has been beautifully preserved by some of her ancestors. She has a wealth of photos and letters, along with a journal written for over three, written by her Aunt Annie.

Like many of my other guests sharing local history, Ann has many stories to share regarding Coles County. We only scratched the surface and will gladly have Ann back to share more fascinating stories of Coles County.

You don't want to miss it! Learn more about each of these photos below when Ann's episode is published Thursday, July 3.

Link to podcast:

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

26/06/2025

"There are only four kinds of people in the world:

Those who have been caregivers,
those who are currently caregivers,
those who will be caregivers and
those who will need a caregiver."

Rosalynn Carter

My guest for Thursday, June 26, on Life on the Illinois Prairie, Marsha L. Estell-Gude, knows first hand, the pain, heartache, and frustration that occurs when a loved one develops dementia. Marsha is a Mattoon, Illinois native, currently living in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her story about what happened to her beloved husband, Richard, is incredibly sad and a cautionary tale for anyone having a loved one in a nursing home or adult care facility. A former aide in a nursing home herself as a young girl, Marsha was shocked to see how standards for patient care have eroded over the years.

Trying to come to terms with losing a spouse is always difficult, but losing a spouse incrementally to dementia is entirely different. Unable to express their own needs, they are often totally dependent on the employees of a facility. When you have to question every aspect of their care and cannot trust the people hired to take care of them, it weighs on your spirit. Marsha was an outspoken advocate for her husband, but too many people languishing in nursing homes do not have anyone to speak for them or stand up to the nursing home staff. They often are at the mercy of an uncaring staff.

Marsha was fortunate in having friends and a loving, helpful family and together they brought Richard home to be in a safe, familiar, loving, environment. Having him home where she could monitor his care, brought a measure of peace of mind.

If you have anyone in a nursing home or care facility, please listen to Marsha's story. She has tips for things to watch out for and to be aware of in the adult care environment. She is a devout Christian, and at times it was a struggle to keep moving forward, especially after Richard passed. They had a deep love and a marriage bound by God, and Marsha went the extra mile to make Richard as happy and comfortable as anyone living with dementia can be.

Marsha is currently working as a caregiver. She says that she enjoys doing that kind of work. She has empathy and loves helping others. Too many people these days just do the job for a paycheck and not because they have the calling to help people. Don't let your loved one become a victim of neglect.

Link to podcast:

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

Link to watch the PBS documentary "Caregiving":

https://www.pbs.org/show/caregiving/

Life on the Illinois Prairie Podcast

14/08/2025

07/08/2025

31/07/2025

24/07/2025

22/07/2025

22/07/2025

16/07/2025

10/07/2025

10/07/2025

02/07/2025

26/06/2025

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