All Episodes

Diocese of Springfield Bishop Thomas Paprocki joined Springfield's Morning News Friday to discuss the selection of Pope Leo XIV and what it means for the future of the church.

Illinois Times reporter Scott Reeder joined Patrick to discuss fallout from Kristi Noem's visit to Springfield and pushback for invoking the murder of Springfield activist Emma Shafer.

The Springfield YMCA's Lou Bart joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss what programs the YMCA has available over this May and beyond,  and how you can get more involved in all of the local goodness!

Erik Davis of Fandango.com " It Was Genius Marketing on Disney's Part!"

Washington Monthly magazine Political Editor Bill Scher joins Patrick to talk about internal conflicts between Democratic primary voters and how it could impact the Senate race in Illinois or the 2028 presidential race.

Former State Journal-Register reporter and columnist Bernie Schoenburg talks about Governor Jim Edgar's first public comments since his cancer diagnosis and his reactions to Kristi Noem's Springfield comments.

Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner discusses Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's Springfield folly and where big issues stand at the Capitol.

Ally Lopshire of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to speak about cancer, what you can do to help, how Wednesday was expected to go, and why the ACS and so many others were at the capital and so much more!

Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 05/07/2025

Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 05/07/25

Lee Enterprises reporter Brenden Moore joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's Springfield visit and the growing U.S. Senate field.

Former State Representative Mike Zalewski joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the difficulty for Democrats to settle on a state budget and the growing field to replace Dick Durbin in the Senate.

Taryn Grant of the Springfield Youth Performance Group joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss the organization, the children, what the summer schedule is like, and more!

NBC Chicago Reporter Mary Ann Ahern checks in from Rome where she is covering the Papal conclave.

Former Illinois GOP Chair Pat Brady joined Springfield's Morning News to handicap the U.S. Senate race and weighs in on whether Republicans can compete statewide in 2026.

Molly Berendt and Brandy Stabler of Compass For Kids join Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to talk supporting children, how the organization got started and works, how local funding work is going, and so much more!

The Noblest Motive: Change

Brad Cole, the CEO of the Illinois Municipal League and former Deputy Chief of Staff to former Gov. George Ryan shared thoughts and memories of working with and remaining close to Ryan after the former Governor passed away Friday at 91.

Rick Pearson of the Chicago Tribune joined Patrick to discuss George Ryan's career in public office, Governor JB Pritzker's bomb throwing, and if Pritzker's team is trying to clear the field for Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton's senate run.

Scott Reeder of the Illinois Times, who covered George Ryan as Governor, joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Ryan's time in office and his memories of covering the former Governor.

President Cinda Klickna of the Sangamon County Historical Society joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to talk about this year's schedule, the great history of our community, and much more!

Talk of the Town: ImpactLife, Visit Springfield and the SCHS

Talk of the Town: Engrained Brewing Company, Catholic Charities of Springfield and SOILL

Let's Talk Cosmetic Dentistry:  Sleep Appliance - 05/03/25

Business in the 217: Founder and Owner of Engrained Brewing Co. Brent Schwoerer talks business, beer, Scheels Sports Park, potential legislationLegislation041625FINAL

Rep. Bill Hauter (R-Morton), who represents parts of Sangamon County, talked about the state's budget mess, how Republicans can have a role in the process, and what happens if there are large Medicaid cuts in Illinois.

Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner joins Patrick to talk about the state budget, new taxes, and if there will be a deal on mass transit reform.

Erik Davis of Fandango.com "Thunderbolts is Marvel at What They Do Best"

Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) joins Patrick to discuss transit funding, state budget negotiations, and ethics reform.

Capitol News Illinois reporter Ben Szalinski joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's budget asks, transit funding, and the lack of policy depth from Lt. Governor Juiiana Stratton's senate campaign.

Former President of the Dana-Thomas House Foundation Cinda Klickna joins Let's Talk...with Trent R Nelson to discuss all of the upcoming DTHF events and fun, plus much more!

Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 04/30/2025

Former State Representative and state budget expert Tom Demmer joined Patrick this morning to talk about the challenge of passing a new state budget and the effort by liberal groups to raise taxes by $6 billion.

Chicago Tribune reporter Dan Petrella joins Springfield's Morning News to discuss Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's Springfield visit and his beef with Governor Pritzker.

Visit Springfield's Amy Beadle joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to talk how March played out, plus all that is happening this May throughout the Springfield-Sangamon County area!

Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 04/29/25

Business in the 217: Jim Watts of ImpactLife speaks about giving blood in the aftermath of the April 28 YNOT tragedy in Chatham, why helping is always so crucial, and much more!

Chicago Tribune reporter Ray Long joins Patrick to discuss ethics reform, the bribery trial of Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) and the reason the federal government is no longer seeking a $3 million forfeiture from former House Speaker Michael Madigan

WCIA-TV reporter Cole Henke joins Springfield's Morning News to discuss Monday's fatal crash in Chatham that killed four children under the age of 18.

Business in the 217: 160 Driving Academy's own Steve Smith joins the program to talk driving trucks, who he helps each and every day, and how you can learn more about hauling freight today!

Former State Representative turned pollster Mark Batinick discusses the politics of the U.S. Senate primary to replace Dick Durbin and if Republicans can compete for the seat.

Rep. Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) joined Patrick to discuss the future of family farms, pensions, and transit funding in the final weeks of the legislative session.

Longtime State Journal-Register reporter and columnist Bernie Schoenburg joined Springfield's Morning News Monday to discuss the legacy of Sen. Dick Durbin, what his departure from the Senate means for Springfield, and how the next Senator can focus on downstate.

Abigail Bussey of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson concerning the children's art, upcoming projects, exhibits and more!

Business in the 217: Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance CEO Ryan McCrady - 04/24/25

Talk of the Town: SSGA

Talk of the Town: SAAC and Compass For Kids

Let's Talk Cosmetic Dentistry: Missing Teeth - 04/26/25

Business in the 217: Buzz Bomb Brewing Company's Josh Flanders talks beer, working together as a downtown community, Adams Street reopening, and more!

Brenden Moore of Lee Enterprises joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Sen. Dick Durbin's decision not to seek re-election and the brewing battle to replace him in the Senate.

Jon Seidel, criminal courts reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, joins Patrick to discuss the mistrial in the corruption case of Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago)

Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the state budget, pensions, and improving the business climate in the state.

Business in the 217: ImpactLife's Tara Matheson talks blood needs across this April and beyond!

Sangamon County Democratic Chairman Bill Houlihan, the former State Director for Senator Dick Durbin, joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Durbin's decision to retire from the Senate.

Chicago Tribune political writer Rick Pearson joins Patrick to discuss Dick Durbin's decision to retire from the Senate and the potential candidates to replace him.

Erik Davis of Fandango.com "Andor Only Gets Better as the Season Goes On"

Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 04/23/25

Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 04/23/2025

Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) discusses the final six weeks of the legislative session and how Republicans can make a difference even in the superminority.

Capitol News Illinois reporter Ben Szalinski joined Patrick to talk about Governor Pritzker's doubling down on progressive issues and how that plays into potential campaigns in 2026 and 2028.

Autistic reporter and author Eric Garcia joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s attacks on the autistic community and vaccine conspiracies.

Catholic Charities of Springfield's own Patrick McConnell joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss the history of the work they do across the community, St. John's Breadline, what the recent statistics are illustrating, how to help if you can, and much more!

Chicago Tribune Statehouse reporter Jeremy Gorner joins Patrick to discuss the stretch run of the spring legislative session and if Governor Pritzker has already made up his mind about running for re-election.

Tara Nickerson of the Special Olympics of Illinois joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to chat about SOILL, what upcoming events and sporting activities they have across April and May, and much more!

Springfield Area Art Council Executive Director Bella Szabo joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to chat about art, creativity, culture, what the council is getting up to across the upcoming weeks and months, the upcoming Gatsby event, how you can be a part of SAAC, plus much more!

Business in the 217: Angie Muhs of the Citizens Club of Springfield spoke about the upcoming budget program this Friday, and much more!

Talk of the Town: National and Illinois Unions For The Homeless and Beyond Barriers

Dan Petrella from the Chicago Tribune joins Springfield's Morning News to discuss efforts to limit the power of "Pharmacy Benefit Managers" and the frenzy around Sen. Dick Durbin's future.

Semafor reporter Kadia Goba joined Patrick to discuss why more Republicans in Congress aren't breaking with Donald Trump on tariffs and about Mike Johnson's standing as Speaker of the House.

Richard Porter, Former RNC National Committeeman for Illinois and a potential candidate for governor in 2026, joined Springfield's Morning News to defend Donald Trump's tariff policies, deportations without due process, and if a Trump supporting Republican can win a race statewide in Illinois.

Washington Monthly Politics Editor Bill Scher joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss deportations without due process and if AOC is the new face of the Democratic Party.

Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette, who is retiring next month, reflects on 27 years with the department, and how controversies have changed policing in Springfield.

Former Commander of the American Neo-Nazis Jeff Schoep joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss his work for the Simon Wisenthal Center and MMOT, what the organization he once led does, how it functions, how he came to denounce it and work for change and love, what he's doing now, his upcoming book, Beyond Barriers, and more!

Bruce Parry of the National and Illinois Unions Of The Homeless joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to speak about what the organizations do, the current climate of the state and nation, why collective action is so vital for the unhoused, and much more!

Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 04/16/2025

Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 04/15/25

Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Joe Biden's Illinois appearance nobody asked for, Governor Pritzker's date with Congress, and ethics reform in the legislature.

Former State Representative Dan Caulkins joins Patrick to discuss the problems facing the Illinois GOP and why he thinks the party needs more conservative candidates.

Former Illinois GOP Chairman Pat Brady talks about what kind of candidates Republicans need to recruit to have a chance to win in 2026.

Former State Representative Mark Batinick talks about GOP struggles in the suburbs and how that impacts the party's chances in 2026 and 2028.

ALPLM Director of Sustainability Dorothy Hutchinson-Gross joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to talk about some upgrades to the Union Square Park, why indigenous plants are so important for our community, and much more!

Joyce Nardulli of the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to talk about what the organization does, recent and future programs, why knowing about the world is good, and more!

Talk of the Town: WACCI, ALPLM, and ImpactLife

Talk of the Town: YMCA and SSGA

Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois joined Patrick to discuss why the legislature took so long to pass any bills and how the homeschool issue became the most talked about bill of the spring.

Longtime Washington journalist Chris Cillizza joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss why he thinks Governor Pritzker is a top Democratic contender for the White House and how bad the tariffs have been politically for President Trump.

Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lou Sandoval joined Patrick to discuss President Trump's tariff policies and Illinois' ongoing business climate struggles.

Kevin Hart Talks Local Arts and Theater

David Blaine "It is About the Power of the Mind Over the Body"

Chicago Tribune political reporter Jeremy Gorner joined Patrick to discuss controversies around Senate President Don Harmon and Governor JB Pritzker's recent budget comments.

Rep. Terra Costa-Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss her controversial bill adding regulations on homeschooling and why she's making changes to the bill in response to criticism from homeschool supporters.

Erik Davis of Fadango.com "The Amateur is Jason Bourne Goes Geek"

Business in the 217: Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance CEO Ryan McCrady - 04/09/25

Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 04/08/25

Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 04/09/2025

Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) was ln Springfield's Morning News Wednesday to discuss welcoming NASCAR champion Justin Allgaier to the Capitol, one of his colleagues on trial for bribery, and the need for campaign finance reform in Illinois.

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher joined Patrick in studio to discuss the future of the Wyndham Hotel, downtown struggles, and a tourism economy.

WAND-TV Statehouse reporter Mike Miletich joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the marathon of votes scheduled this week and the controversy over homeschooling legislation.

Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) is among a group of House Republicans raising alarms about the Department of Human Services and Department of Children of Family Services. He joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the issues.

Lee Enterprises statehouse reporter Brenden Moore joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss a week where 500 bills could be called in the House and what Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is planning for 2026.