All episodes
Former Congressman John Shimkus joins Patrick to discuss tariffs, our standing in the world, and the future of the GOP in Illinois.
Talk of the Town: IPHCA & Central Counties Health Centers
Capitol News Illinois reporter Beth Hundsdorfer joins Patrick to talk about Scott's Law, the battle over homeschooling regulation, and a federal investigation into the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Jon Seidel, federal courts reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the corruption trial of Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago).
Talk of the Town: Visit Springfield, GSCC, and the Springfield Theatre Center
Let's Talk Cosmetic Dentistry: Sleep Stories: Brian - 04/05/25
Business in the 217: Jim Watts of ImpactLife speaks about giving blood this April, why helping is so crucial, and much more!
Former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss GOP struggles in Tuesday's election and how the party moves forward in 2026.
Illinois Manufacturers' Association President & CEO Mark Denzler joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss President Trump's tariffs and what it means for Illinois business and manufacturing.
Kevin Hart Talks Local Arts and Theater
Business in the 217: Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance CEO Ryan McCrady - 04/3/25
The IPHCA's Cyrus Winnett and Heather Burton of Central Counties Health Centers join Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss the importance of clean clothing, what the organization does, our wasteful society, and much more!
Erik Davis of Fandngo.com Live From CinemaCon
Chicago Tribune political reporter Dan Petrella joined Springfield's Morning News Thursday to discuss the rough night for Illinois Republicans in Tuesday's election and if they have a path forward.
Sangamon County Democratic Party Chairman Bill Houlihan, who also sits on the State Democratic Central Committee and the Democratic National Committee, discussed Tuesday's results in Capital Township, with the Springfield School Board, and Democratic wins around the state.
Republican operative Collin Corbett joined Patrick to discuss the rough night Tuesday for Illinois Republicans and the path forward for the GOP into 2026.
The Springfield YMCA's Lou Bart joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss what programs the YMCA has available over this April and beyond, and how you can get more involved in all of the local goodness!
Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 04/02/2025
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 April and May throughout the Springfield-Sangamon County area!
Former State Representative Dan Brady was elected Mayor of Bloomington Tuesday night, one of the few Republicans to win competitive mayoral races around the state. He joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss how he bucked the trend Tuesday.
Longtime State Journal-Register reporter and columnist Bernard Schoenburg joined Springfield's Morning News to react to Tuesday's election results and how they could impact Springfield races in 2027.
Sangamon County Recorder Frank Lesko joined Patrick to discuss the referendum to eliminate the Recorder's office and what happens between now and December 1, 2026.
Rochester Village President-Elect Stacia Munroe joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss her victory Tuesday and plans for the Sangamon County community.
Co-Directors of Next To Normal LaDonna Wilson and Sean Robb joined Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to talk theatre, the show, what makes it so special, vulnerability, expression, and so much more!
Illinois Answers Project Investigative Reporter Peter Nickeas joined Patrick Pfingsten to discuss his new story on the failure of DCFS to report death and injuries to children in the care of the agency.
Mike Stieren of the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association joined Springfield's Morning News Tuesday to discuss the potential impact of auto tariffs on car dealers and consumers in Illinois.
Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 04/01/25
Business in the 217: Melissa Horn of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce talks about how this year's job fair went, golf outing, small business award nomination and much more!
Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray joined Springfield's Morning News ahead of Tuesday's consolidated election.
Chicago Tribune reporter Ray Long joins Patrick to discuss the federal government's attempt to get former House Speaker Michael Madigan to forfeit $3 million in assets and how the ComEd Four case may be crumbling.
Former WMAY host Jim Leach joined Springfield's Morning News Monday morning ahead of the premiere of "Death of a Salesman" at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Leach stars in the show, which premieres Thursday night.
The Noblest Motive: Screen Time and Technology
Talk of the Town: CSA and the Springfield Homebuilders Association
Let's Talk Cosmetic Dentistry: Dental Emergencies and TMJ - 03/29/25
Former Republican Rep. Mark Batinick, now a political pollster, discusses the GOP predicament headed into the 2026 cycle and how trans issues are resonating with voters of all stripes.
Bill Scher, Politics Editor for Washington Monthly, joins Patrick to talk about the fallout of the Signal war plans disclosure, JD Vance, and if Democrats are getting played by Republicans.
Rep. Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) joined Springfield's Morning News to talk about township consolidation, the condition of the New Salem State Historic Site, and the state budget.
Erik Davis of Fandango.com "Death of the Unicorn is My Favorite Movie of the Year Thus Far"
Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 03/26/25
Rep. Bill Hauter (R-Morton), a doctor who represents parts of Sangamon and Logan County, joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Medicaid, rural hospitals, and health care for illegal immigrants
Chicago Tribune reporter Jeremy Gorner joined Patrick to discuss inaction at the Statehouse and building drama over a state budget.
Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 03/26/2025
Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois joined Patrick this morning to discuss Governor Pritzker's rare veto, transit funding, and why nothing seems to be happening at the Statehouse.
National Review writer Noah Rothman breaks down the war plan texts released by The Atlantic on Wednesday and the potential fallout when he joined Springfield's Morning News.
Matt Lewis, podcast host and columnist for The Hill & Los Angeles Times, joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the controversy over war plans on Signal and if MAGA voters are having any second thoughts.
Former Congressman and former Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Bill Enyart weighs in on the national security concerns raised by using a chat app for war planning.
Lee Enterprises political reporter Brenden Moore joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss some of Sen. Dick Durbin's recent comments on re-election and who may be lining up to replace Durbin in the Senate.
Robert Frazier of Clean Slate Advocates joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss the importance of clean clothing, what the organization does, our wasteful society, and much more!
Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss immigration legislation, the battle over homeschool regulation, and township consolidation.
Rick Pearson of the Chicago Tribune joined Patrick to talk about JB Pritzker's political future and if Republicans can muster a serious campaign for governor in 2026.
Business in the 217: Melissa Horn of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce talks about this year's job fair, golf outing, small business award nomination and much more!
Talk of the Town: GSCC, Whose Live Anyway? and SOILL
Let's Talk Cosmetic Dentistry: Eric and Spring Cleaning Time - 03/22/2025
Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 03/19/25
Erik Davis of Fandango.com "Snow White is a Fine Movie"
Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 03/20/2025
Peter Hancock of Capitol News Illinois joined Patrick to discuss some of Governor JB Pritzker's top legislative priorities and the mood in the legislature midway through the spring legislative session.
Scott Reeder of the Illinois Times joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss two Springfield news stories garnering significant interest and to talk about the future of Sen. Dick Durbin.
Tim Good, former Superintendent of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and historian, will speak at next Friday's Citizens Club of Springfield event sponsored, in part, by WMAY. He joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss race relations after the Civil War and their connection to Springfield.
Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss President Trump's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, student loans, and student performance in the state.
Molly Parker, an investigative reporter for Capitol News Illinois, joined Patrick to discuss the background of the new legislative battle at the statehouse over homeschooling.
Semafor reporter Burgess Everett joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss JD Vance's 2028 moves, trouble for Chuck Schumer, and Dick Durbin's future.
Chicago Sun-Times Sports Columnist Steve Greenberg joined Springfield's Morning News to preview the NCAA Tournament.
Kevin Hart Talks Local Theater and Arts
Former Illinois Republican Party chairman Pat Brady joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss GOP infighting and chances of a Republican winning any statewide races in 2026.
Chicago Tribune political reporter Jeremy Gorner joined Patrick Pfingsten this morning to talk about legislation on homeschooling, AI, health insurance for illegal immigrants and more.
Chicago Sun-Times political reporter Mitchell Armentrout joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss mobile gaming regulation and if the legislature will fund a new stadium for the Chicago Bears.
University of Illinois radio voice Brian Barnhart joins Springfield's Morning News to discuss the Illini draw in the NCAA tournament and their chances for a deep run in March.
Talk of the Town: Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance & the YMCA
Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 03/12/25
Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 03/14/2025
Politico congressional reporter Mia McCarthy joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the potential for a government shutdown and if Sen. Durbin will vote for the Republican continuing resolution.
Robert Rosenthal of IlliniBoard.com checks in from the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis on whether the Illini can make a run in the conference tournament and what their prospects look like for the NCAA tournament.
Ryan Mahan of the State Journal-Register joins Patrick to talk about Glenwood's appearance in the Final Four Thursday night.
Erik Davis of Fandango.com "This Weekend Has a Buffet of Different Movies to Choose From"
Kevin Hart Talks Local Theater and Arts March 15th 2025
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Mike Murphy joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the local business climate, DOGE and state government cuts, and how Springfield can grow.
DuPage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick, the first Republican to jump into the race for Governor in 2026, joined Springfield's Morning News Thursday to discuss his campaign, public safety, and property taxes.
Glenwood Boys Basketball Coach Todd Blakeman joined Springfield Morning News ahead of Glenwood's Final Four matchup Thursday night in Champaign.
Semafor congressional reporter Kadia Goba joined Patrick to discuss the House passage of a government funding bill, if the Senate can pass it, and the chaos reigning in Washington right now.
Comedian and Improv Legend Greg Proops of Whose Line Is It Anyway? joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss comedy, Who's Live Is It Anyway? - coming to Springfield in just weeks - Bob the Builder, and much more!
Congressman Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss DOGE, cuts to the VA, and tariffs.
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 March and beyond, and much more!
Business in the 217: Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance CEO Ryan McCrady - 03/10/25
Former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, a Springfield native, joined the show Monday to discuss how Democrats are responding to a changing media environment and why they can't find a cohesive message against Donald Trump.
Former Republican National Committeeman for Illinois and potential 2026 candidate for Governor Richard Porter joined Springfield' Morning News to talk about DOGE, Illinois Republicans, and what would get him to run for the state's highest office.
Chicago Tribune political reporter Olivia Olander joined Patrick on Springfield's Morning News to discuss the heat Democratic politicians are receiving from constituents over their response to the Trump administration.
Talk of the Town: CILCSA, RISE Springfield, and SkillsUSA Illinois
Business in the 217: Eric Hill and Emma Belsy of SkillsUSA Illinois chats about the purpose of the group, technical career skill training, education and more!
State Treasurer Mike Frerichs joined Patrick Pfingsten to discuss tariffs, state investments, and why he's bucking osme Democrats to invest in Israel.
Robert Rosenthal of IlliniBoard.com joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the frustrating Illinois basketball season and if the Illini can make a run in the NCAA tournament.
Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the governor's budget dilemma, fentanyl, and redevelopment in Lincoln.
Erik Davis of Fandango.com " Mickey 17 is a Quirky Sci-Fi Flick"
Kevin Hart Talks Local Theater and Arts March 8th 2025
The Springfield YMCA's Lou Bart joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss what programs the YMCA has available over this March and beyond, and how you can get more involved in all of the local goodness!
Business in the 217: CILCSA's Michael Thomas joins the program to chat about being the friendliest place, customer service, the WOW Award, what the organization gets into, and more!
Pulse Of The Prairie: Pam Richart joins the program to speak about CO2 sequestration past victories and present updates, Donald Trump, and what his term means for the environment, and more!
Former State Representative Mark Batinick, now a political consultant and pollster, discusses state spending, the politics of spending on immigrants, and if the GOP is in trouble in Illinois in 2026.
Capitol News Illinois Statehouse Reporter Ben Szalinski joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the results of the flag redesign vote and a potential big hole in Governor JB Pritzker's proposed budget.
Heartland HOUSED Executive Director Josh Sabo joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to chat about what the organization does, how it functions, recent innovations and more!