Tim Moore is the principal at Bloomington High School in Bloomington, IL - District 87. This school is fascinating in many ways, from its incredibly diverse student body to its unprecedented rate of improvement in terms of facilities, student morale, and culture. Tim was kind enough to give us some great insight as to what went into generating these improvements, what challenges some students at BHS face, how to best go about helping students persevere through those challenges, his journey to be...
Sep 05, 2021•1 hr 19 min
Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck was a prized professional soccer player who first played at University High School (Normal, Illinois), then Clemson University before playing with Huachipato FC in Chile's professional league, as well as with other pro teams. Father Chase, however, left his accomplished soccer career at the young age of 25 to become a Roman Catholic Priest and Vocations Director for the Diocese of Peoria! ⭐️ SHARE this episode to spread this incredible story! ✝️ 🙏 SUPPORT THIS SHOW: • Sup...
Aug 29, 2021•1 hr 38 min
Dan Brady represents the 105th Legislative District in the Illinois House of Representatives, encompassing McLean and a portion of Livingston County, including a large portion of the Bloomington/Normal metropolitan area. You can visit Dan's Website here: https://rep-danbrady.com/ ⭐️ SHARE this episode if you find it interesting or meaningful! 🙏 SUPPORT THIS SHOW: • Support this show on Patreon ( https://patreon.com/paulgarcia ) • Make a One-Time Donation to this show on Venmo to Username: ThePa...
Aug 22, 2021•1 hr 13 min
Amy Bahler (Formerly Amy Steidinger) was a victim of a wildly abusive marriage and even an attempted murder by her former husband, Dan. This incredible story takes place in Fairbury & Bloomington, IL, and has nearly been broadcasted in some major media outlets a few times before, but for various reasons (which we will discuss) it was sidelined. This is the first public telling of Amy's story on any platform, and it's told straight from the source. ⭐️ SHARE this episode if you find it interes...
Aug 15, 2021•1 hr 52 min
Sandra Richards is the House Director of the Elizabeth Home in Pontiac, IL. This home is simultaneously a non-profit organization that exists to assist new and soon-to-be mothers, who find themselves in difficult life circumstances, in the most important and meaningful ways. ⭐️ SHARE this episode if you find it interesting or meaningful! 🙏 SUPPORT THIS SHOW: • Support this show on Patreon ( https://patreon.com/paulgarcia ) • Make a One-Time Donation to this show on Venmo to Username: ThePaulGar...
Aug 08, 2021•1 hr 10 min
Dr. Adam Houghton is a beloved doctor in Bloomington, Illinois. He is well known for his work in the field of LGBTQ+ health and the trans community more specifically. Adam and I have a lot of differing views on this topic which made for, what I believe to be, a very interesting episode! I hope you enjoy it. ⭐️ SHARE this episode if you find it interesting, useful, or entertaining! 💬 Let me know what you think in the comments! 🙏 SUPPORT: 🧡 Support this show on Patreon ( https://patreon.com/pau...
Aug 01, 2021•1 hr 10 min
Rick Plattner is an elder for the Apostolic Christian Church in Fairbury, IL. • Support this podcast on Patreon ( https://patreon.com/paulgarcia ) and by checking out our amazing sponsors: - Pizza's by Marchelloni: Buy one pizza Get one FREE 4-5PM 7 days/week! 405 E Locust Street Fairbury, IL 61739 https://www.facebook.com/pizzasbymarchelloni - Outworn Solutions in Fairbury, IL 3D printing services for replacement parts & custom creations. 1005 W Oak St. Fairbury, IL (The Old Bowling Alley) ...
Jul 25, 2021•1 hr 15 min
Henry Steffen has experienced human suffering to the fullest extent. Blown up at age 15 in a welding accident in Cropsey, IL - he suffered full-body burns, the loss of a hand, and significant psychological distress. Yet somehow he came out a better man and is now a loved member of the Fairbury community. *Huge thanks to all of my patrons at patreon.com/paulgarcia : Donny Bounds, Ben Traub, Parker Shilson, and Anne Barnes - You guys rock!* Watch on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBIMM0u...
Jul 18, 2021•1 hr 4 min
Orlando Lopez, a Normal, IL, grew up in Cuba during the takeover of the infamous Communist Dictator, Fidel Castro. When hardly anyone was allowed to leave the country, Orlando was given a unique opportunity to leave the country at just 10 years old… Alone. *Huge thanks to all of my patrons at patreon.com/paulgarcia : Donny Bounds, Ben Traub, and Anne - You guys rock!* Watch on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBIMM0uIYHQ Want to hear more incredible stories from local heroes? Support the...
Jul 11, 2021•1 hr 32 min
Reparations for descendants of slaves, systemic racism, and the Black Lives Matter organization are all vying for headlines in the media today. Polarization between conservatives and liberals continues to widen in many circles, but not here. My guest today is Zay Okwata. He’s a media entrepreneur, the founder of influential.tv, and is well-versed on all matters facing the black community. *Huge thanks to all of my patrons at patreon.com/paulgarcia : Donny Bounds, Ben Traub, and Anne - You guys r...
Jul 03, 2021•2 hr 8 min
Patrick Barnes, a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Bloomington, Illinois, is a beloved social media superstar! He’s earned MILLIONS of followers and subscribers, and HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of views across platforms like Youtube, TikTok, Facebook, and Vine! The reason? His dog, Quincy (And, in part, his brother, Thomas)! In this episode, Patrick talks with me about his journey to social media stardom, what goes into being a successful content creator, his advice on how to make it in the ...
Jun 27, 2021•49 min
Lilliana Ifft & Ali Ince have earned a vast share of headlines pertaining to the sport of Girls Track & Field in Illinois. This past weekend, both of them earned their very first High School state titles! Lilliana (Bloomington HS) became a state champion in the pole vault and Ali (Normal Community HS) became a state champion in the 800m and 1600m runs and also the 4x400m relay! In this episode, I talk with these two phenomenal ladies about their experience at the state and their athletic...
Jun 20, 2021•30 min
Dan Groce is undoubtedly one of the most beloved names to come out of Chenoa, IL. A long-time member of the Prairie Central faculty, Dan has served as a high school and elementary school principal (at the same time for a few years), a social studies teacher, a girls basketball coach, a boys basketball coach, a track coach, and a football coach. Dan has been an incredible leader and role model for thousands of Prairie Central youth and I wanted to hear his story! Watch this & Subscribe on You...
Jun 13, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Nancy Widlacki, a resident of Fairbury, is a breast cancer survivor. I hope you find her story of family, faith, and resilience moving, while also finding it highly educational about the entire breast cancer treatment process. Thanks for coming on Nancy, it was a pleasure! *P.S - Sorry for the occasional lighting changes, the light fixtures were motion activated!* Watch this video & subscribe to my channel on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO7PGH0yQ2xYjV2pCcIDZXg ------ Want to su...
Jun 06, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Jerry Hoffman is in a leading position at multiple prominent companies in the area, most notably @Technical Metals Incorporated (TMI) in Fairbury. He’s also heavily involved in the local government and has a deep love for his family and the outdoors. His calm, kind and gentle demeanor is surprising though, considering the intensity of his combat history in the Vietnam War. Jerry was kind enough to share the details of his experience in Vietnam and in the battle of “Hamburger Hill” one of the mos...
May 30, 2021•1 hr 10 min
Bryce Dooley is the owner & founder of BD Capital Investment Management. He currently has over 30 clients and manages over $2,000,000! He’s also a part-owner of an apartment complex in Bloomington, IL! Oh, and he’s only 23 years old! In this episode, we’ll learn why Bryce loves investing and financial management, some financial management habits that Bryce implements in his own life, what Bryce thinks about cryptocurrency, and much more! Check out Bryce's website here: https://bdcapital1.wor...
May 26, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Jill McCulloh Doran was paralyzed from the waist down at 15 years of age when she was sucked up by a tornado in August of 1977 in Mattoon, IL. Her story is one of the most incredible and tragic that I’ve ever heard. In this episode, we will cover every detail of that fateful day, as well as talk about Jill’s thoughts on the whole experience looking back. Please enjoy this very captivating episode with one of the area’s most beloved women, and be sure to give this post a like & share! ------ ...
May 23, 2021•46 min
Tony Ramos is a legend in the sport of wrestling. He’s an Illinois native and a 3x Illinois State Champion for Glenbard North High School . In college, he was a Big Ten & NCAA D1 Champion for the Iowa Hawkeyes , and after that, a 3x US Open Champion, a 2x World Team Trials Champion. Now he is the assistant head coach for the North Carolina Tar Heels . Tony has been a fan favorite throughout his wrestling career for his aggressive style, theatrics, dramatic interviews, and more. On a personal...
May 19, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Dale C. Maley is a Fairbury and Central IL Historian, an author, a handyman extraordinaire, and much more. Enjoy this very fascinating and highly educational conversation about the history of our area, complete with discussions about Native Americans and glaciers, to prostitution and coal mining, and everything in between! ------ SUBSCRIBE & DONATE ------ If you enjoy this show and want to see more episodes like this one, Subscribe on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO7PGH0yQ2xYjV2...
May 16, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Will Gerber is an impressive individual. He founded the successful “William J Gerber Law Office” as well as a real estate company, he is an accomplished wrestler, and perhaps most notably he’s married to barrel racing star and real estate agent, Kelly Gerber (Haha). He’s also served as a personal role model in my life and the lives of many others. There’s a lot that you might not know about Will though, and you’re about to hear it all right here. -------- AMAZING SPONSORS -------- • Connections ...
May 11, 2021•1 hr 3 min
Sarah Ann Steffen-Brummitt is the Executive Director at HOPE Pregnancy Center in Pontiac, IL. This incredible center offers top-tier support, love, and care to women who are unexpectedly expecting. If you’d like to read more about HPC or donate to their worthy cause, you can easily do so on their website - https://pontiachopepc.com/ If you’d like to contact HPC, feel free to call them up at (815) 842-2484 - or email them at office@pontiachopepc.com - or visit them at 202 N Main St, Pontiac, IL 6...
May 02, 2021•1 hr 28 min
Jim Steidinger is 89 years old and was born and raised right here in Fairbury, IL. It was a pleasure to chat with him about life in those days and the issues we face today in society. If you enjoy this show and want to see more episodes like this one, please consider becoming a patron on patreon.com/paulgarcia To access all the show's social media pages, or to support the show with a small donation, please click the link below! https://solo.to/thepaulgarciashow -------- SPONSORS -------- GOMEZ L...
Apr 30, 2021•50 min
His personality is electric, his energy is unmatched, his level of physical fitness is elite, he’s intense, yet compassionate, and his name is SCOTT WILLY! Scott texted me before I posted this and said “I’m excited and nervous and at the same time. I said a lot of stuff I never shared with people before…” And that’s the truth! We dove deep into the life and times of Mr. Willy and he was gracious and courageous enough to hold nothing back in order so that we could benefit from the lessons he’s le...
Apr 18, 2021•1 hr 30 min
Dana Wright is a Sexual Violence Counselor for Safe Journeys/ADV & SAS, an organization where survivors of domestic and sexual violence can find support, resources, and strength as they journey toward healing and thriving in LaSalle and Livingston counties. Thank you for the very educational conversation, Dana. It was a pleasure! Listen / Watch / Subscribe / Donate / Contact here! : https://solo.to/thepaulgarciashow -------- SPONSORS -------- Connections of Fairview Haven : In the book of Ma...
Apr 11, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Matt Burgess is the CEO of Home Sweet Home Ministries, which provides high-quality support and assistance to, what most people would call “the homeless”, but what Matt prefers to call “People wanting to have their own home again”. This episode was very insightful and you’ll soon see that I’m not dealing with just someone who manages a homeless shelter, but someone who is passionate about what he does and very knowledgeable on the subject as a whole. It was a pleasure to shoot this episode and I’...
Apr 04, 2021•1 hr 6 min
Ali Ince has recently been making headlines across the country for her exceptional performances in the track & field world! Just a couple of weeks ago Ali won the Addidas Indoor National meet in 2 different races, the girl’s mile and the girl’s 800m run! Not only did she win those events, but she also ran the 5th fastest freshman girls mile time and the 4th fastest freshman girls 800m time IN U.S HISTORY! And she did this all within the span of 50 minutes… Listen / Watch / Subscribe / Donate...
Mar 28, 2021•34 min
Kelly Gerber does a lot of cool things! She’s an extremely competitive barrel racer, traveling throughout the country multiple times a year to compete in some big-money events, she’s also a great local real estate agent (Check out her Facebook page here ) and she’s also a proud mother and wife. In this episode, we discuss how Kelly manages all these demanding aspects of her busy life, why she does all of them in the first place, as well as how she met her husband, Will Gerber, the story of a rec...
Mar 26, 2021•1 hr 14 min
Fred Jolly is from Chenoa, Illinois. He’s 64 years old and since turning 50 he’s done a number of amazing things: He’s visited every single state in America and every national park as well in his and his wife Laura’s RV, He earned a degree in Liberal Arts from where else but Thee University of Chicago, which, if you didn’t know, is one of the most prestigious universities on the planet. He’s hiked over 2,000 miles in 6 months, he also did a 1-day, 24-mile, rim-to-rim hike of the grand canyon whi...
Mar 14, 2021•1 hr 12 min
To celebrate 25 episodes I threw together a highlight reel of some of my favorite clips so far! Enjoy! -------- SPONSORS -------- Popejoy Plumbing, Heating, Electric, and Geothermal The prized Popejoy team offers a full array of services that ensure your critical plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and geothermal systems will continue to operate at peak performance for many years to come! Fairbury Location: 203 S. 10th St, Fairbury, IL -- (815) 496-5181 Dwight Location: 412 E. Mazon St, Dwight, IL -- (8...
Mar 07, 2021•56 min
Jim Woolford epitomizes what it means to be a great late enforcement officer. He’s the police chief of the Pontiac police department (the highest-ranking officer in a police department) and has worked in the field for over two decades. In this conversation, Jim and I get right on the topics that dominate our newsfeeds and television screens: Is Law Enforcement systemically racist? Do cops need to be better trained? Should we defund the police? I even got Jim’s thoughts on the recently signed “Ho...
Feb 27, 2021•57 min
