All episodes
The Muni's Carla Wilson joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss the upcoming Muni workshop, auditions, why arts and acting are so important, and so much more!
Tom LoBianco of 24sight.news joined Springfield's Morning News to compare Elon Musk's takeover of the federal government as a "coup."
Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan joined Patrick Pfingsten to discuss the Trump tariffs and the potential impact on Illinois farmers.
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, the upcoming Souper Bowl, how to get soup and support a great cause, and much more!
Visit Springfield's Amy Beadle joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to talk how January played out, plus all that is happening this February and March across the Springfield-Sangamon County area!
Talk of the Town: The Muni, Visit Springfield and the Catholic Charities
Kevin Hart Talks Local Arts in Springfield Feb 1st 2025
Let's Talk Cosmetic Dentistry: Sleep Center TMJ- 02/01/2025
Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 01/29/2025
Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 01/30/25
Sarah Oglesby & Brandy Stabler of Compass For Kids join Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss ongoing programs, how you can contribute and make a difference in this time of reduced federal funding, and more
Erik Davis of Fandango.com "Sundance Gave Me Renewed Optimism"
Former White House spokesman and Republican operative Pete Seat joined Springfield's Morning News with reactions to the D.C. plane crash,
Comedian Charlie Berens joined Springfield's Morning News ahead of his show Sunday at the Sangamon Auditorium. He talks about Brandy Old Fashioneds, the Bears and Packers, and Illinoisans invading Lake Geneva every summer.
Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) joined Springfield's Morning News for a deep dive into the need and challenges of changing Illinois' "Tier 2" pension system.
Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) joined Patrick on Springfield's Morning News to explain a lawsuit by House Republicans seeking to throw out Democratic-drawn legislative maps.
Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mitchell Armentrout joined Springfield's Morning News to talk about the chaos and rhetoric involving the Trump administration's efforts to shut off federal funding to state programs.
Business in the 217: Hy-Vee's Dawn Buzynski talks 100 Million Meals, the Central Illinois Foodbank, and more!
Business in the 217: Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance CEO Ryan McCrady - 01/28/25
Mr. Levi & Mr. Ben of the Lincoln Magnet School join Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss all the upcoming Bytes of Wisdom event, how to stay protected from scams, who will be speaking at the event, and much more!
The Springfield Art Association's own Betsy Dollar once again joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss all the ways the SAA positively impacts the community, upcoming events and more!
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!
The Springfield YMCA's Lou Bart joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to discuss what programs the YMCA has available over January and beyond, and how you can get more involved in all of the local goodness!
Business in the 217: ImpactLife's Tara Matheson talks blood needs across January, February and beyond!
Chicago Tribune reporter Ray Long joined Springfield's Morning News to take us inside closing arguments of the Madigan corruption trial.
Rep. Bill Hauter (R-Morton) joined Patrick on Springfield's Morning News to discuss the state budget, health care spending, and his plan to crack down on insurance companies.
Talk of the Town: SSGA & SAA
Talk of the Town: ImpactLife, Hy-Vee and the SCHS
Let's Talk Cosmetic Dentistry: Sensitive Teeth, Toothpaste, and Mouth Care 01/25/2025
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined Springfield's Morning News Friday to discuss potential immigration enforcement reactions by the federal government and his lawsuit against President Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship.
Abdul Hakim-Shabazz, a former WMAY host who now covers politics in Indiana, joined Patrick Pfingsten Friday to talk about efforts from Indiana lawmakers to attempt to annex some Illinois counties.
Capitol News Illinois reporter Hannah Meisel checks in from Chicago with an update on closing arguments in the corruption trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Kevin Hart Talks Local Arts in Springfield
Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 01/22/25
Brenden Moore of Lee Enterprises joined Springfield's Morning News and discussed Patrick's newborn sleep deprivation, Governor Pritzker's response to the Trump administration, and Planned Parenthood's Illinois struggles.
Former Congressman John Shimkus joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the new Trump administration and the remaking of the Republican Party.
Bill Scher of Washington Monthly magazine checks in to discuss the new administration and how Democrats are responding
Chicago Sun-Times federal courts reporter Jon Seidel joined Springfield's Morning News to preview closing arguments in the Michael Madigan corruption trial
Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) joined Springfield's Morning News Tuesday to react to the Trump inauguration and his pile of executive orders and pardons.
Erik Davis of Fandango.com "Dune 2 Got Snubbed!"
Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 01/22/2025
Talk of the Town: Compass For Kids and the SSGA
Talk of the Town: YMCA, Springfield Theatre Centre and the Citizen's Club of Springfield
Business in the 217: Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance CEO Ryan McCrady - 01/20/25
24sight.news writer Tom LoBianco joined Springfield's Morning News from Washington to react to President Biden's last minute pardons and to preview Monday's inauguration.
Champaign News-Gazette sports writer Bob Asmussen joined Patrick Pfingsten to preview the National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame and they ask whether Illinois will compete for the College Football Playoff in 2025.
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the inauguration and why she was one of the few Democrats from Illinois who planned to attend.
Former Republican National Committeeman for Illinois, Richard Porter, discusses the expectations for a new Trump administration.
Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi talked inaugural and Illinois politics on Springfield's Morning News Monday morning.
Former House Republican Leader Jim Durkin discusses the evidence in the Madigan corruption trial, his thoughts on Madigan taking the stand, and divisions in the GOP at the Capitol.
Erik Davis of Fandango.com "I Will Bet Money We Will See the Skeleton Crew Characters Again"
Glenwood Titans WR Gavin Simmons Talks the Recruiting Process
Former Illinois congressman Joe Walsh and Patrick Pfingsten vent about the second Trump administration before Monday's swearing in.
Dorothy Hutchinson-Gross a cast member of the Springfield Theatre Center's production of "You Can't Take it With You" joined Springfield's Morning News to preview the show opening Friday at the Hoogland Center.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza joined Springfield's Morning News Thursday to discuss how Democrats should handle a projected $3 billion budget deficit and whether Democrats in charge should consider tax increases.
The Hill columnist and podcast host Matt Lewis joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the confirmation hearings of Pete Hegseth and Pam Bondi and what to expect from Trump's inauguration.
Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 01/15/25
Rep. Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Democratic dysfunction at the Statehouse, filling a $3 billion budget gap, and why there is dissension among Republicans.
Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 01/15/2025
Sangamon County Democratic Chairman, Illinois Democratic Central Committee member, and Democratic National Committee member Bill Houlihan discusses expectations for the Trump administration, how Democrats start talking like normal people again, and expectations for 2026.
Former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Democratic fighting at the statehouse, the Madigan trial, and Republicans taking aim at each other.
Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson joined Patrick Pfingsten to talk about his conversation with House Speaker Chris Welch, drama among Democrats at the Statehouse, and the Madigan trial.
Chicago Tribune reporter Dan Petrella joined Patrick Pfingsten to explain a major fine for a fixture in Illinois' COVID response and the ongoing battle between Governor JB Pritzker, House Speaker Chris Welch, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
POLITICO congressional reporter Mia McCarthy joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss spending plans in the Republican congress and how the Senate will address Trump's cabinet nominees.
Actor/Author Josh Gad "This Book Had to Pass the BS Test"
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 January and the entire new year, and much more!
Kevin Hart Talks Local Arts and Entertainment
Erik Davis of Fandango.com " The Brutalist is One of Five Best Picture Favorites"
Lee Enterprises political reporter Brenden Moore discusses tensions at the statehouse between Governor Pritzker and other Democratic leaders and how it will impact the spring legislative session.
New Springfield City Clerk Chuck Redpath joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss his controversial appointment and how he plans to run the office.
Rep. Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) reflects on his first two years in office and talks about financial challenges facing the state this spring.
Chicago Tribune reporter Ray Long reacts to former House Speaker Michael Madigan's decision to testify in his federal corruption trial.
Business in the 217: Tara Matheson of ImpactLife speaks about giving blood this new year, why helping is so crucial, how to get involved this January and much more!
Full Disclosure w/ the Better Government Association - 01/07/25
Business in the 217: Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance CEO Ryan McCrady - 01/08/25
Former Glenwood Titans QB and 2x National Champion Luke Lehnen Talks North Central Career and What the Future Holds.
Visit Springfield's Amy Beadle joins Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson to talk how December played out, plus all that is happening this January across the Springfield-Sangamon County area!
Business in the 217: Springfield Business Journal Chat with Michelle Ownbey - 01/08/2025
Scott Reeder of the Illinois Times reacts to Michael Madigan's decision to take the stand in his federal corruption trial.
Chicago Sun-Times federal courts reporter Jon Seidel joined us to talk about the shocking decision for former House Speaker Michael Madigan to take the stand in his own corruption trial.
Chicago Sun-Times political reporter Mitch Armentrout joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the growing tensions between Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and a controversial gun bill passed by the General Assembly.
Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Karina's Bill, election integrity, and state finances.
Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason) reacts to news of a possible horse track and casino in her district outside of Decatur and the politics surrounding the lame duck session at the Capitol.
Capitol News Illinois reporter Ben Szalinski joined Patrick Pfingsten to discuss what's happening at the Capitol in the final week of the lame duck session.
Chicago Tribune statehouse reporter Jeremy Gorner joined Springfield's Morning News to explain the new battle between Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and what to expect on the final day of the lame duck session at the Capitol.
The Noblest Motive: What IS The Noblest Motive?
Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) was a guest on Springfield's Morning News discussing the lame duck legislative session, the state's financial picture, and whether more state employees should be in the office five days a week.
Tom LoBianco of 24sight.news joined us Monday morning to discuss how Mike Johnson saved his job as Speaker (for now) and the latest iteration of January 6.
Talk of the Town: ImpactLife, Visit Springfield, and SOILL