GLT's Sound Ideas - Full Episodes

Take “A Wonderful Trip to the Mushroom Planet.” Laura Kennedy talks with Paul Allen who has written a book about Eleanor Cameron, the author of that Sci Fi kids book. Allen wants to keep Cameron’s memory alive. Plus, Judy Valente takes us Into the Woods. Jon Norton visits with Sarah Quah. And We hear energetic presentations of new scholarship in the Three Minute Thesis Competition at Illinois State University.

Hear from the CEO of Rivian Automotive who says their first vehicle will be more like a Patagonia jacket than a Hugo Boss suit. RJ Scaringe talks about the company's first two self-driving electric adventure vehicles -- a 5 passenger pickup and a 7 passenger SUV. And it's a conversation with the film maker behind the documentary The Colorado. The unconventional film is a marriage of stunning visuals and music commissioned especially for the film. Murat Eyuboglu tells the story of the river basin

An ISU researcher is looking for possible clues to longevity. And it starts in B cells. Scientist Laura Vogel tells Judy Valente why turtles and B cells matter. Get an update on the rapidly growing brewery and tap room scene special WGLT beer correspondent Ryan Denham. He checks in with the brewers behind Keg Grove Brewery, right off the Constitution Trail. And Laura Kennedy brings you an Oscars preview from GLT Culture Maven Shari Zeck.

The future of the McLean County Democratic Party is up for grabs heading into one of the most exciting local election seasons in years. Jill Blair and other local Democrats talk about bringing together the old guard and new faces -- hoping to create a permanent shift in McLean County politics. GLT's Ryan Denham has the story. Hear an IPR report about gun measures being debated in Springfield. The call for more gun control following the parkland high school shooting is being heard in Illinois.

The people running for the Democratic nomination for Illinois Governor are barnstorming the state. Some promise to oppose president Trump. Some want to work with him for Illinois. Some want to end politics as a game for billionaires. One is a billionaire. One even wants to split Illinois up into three different states. Listen to a debate among the Democratic candidates for Governor.

It’s an interview on the flaws in teaching history, like a thorough examination of interracial conflict. Judy Valente talks with U of I scholar and Illinois State University Black History Month speaker Adrienne Dixson. While Illinois entered the Union as a non-slavery state, it had embraced slavery from the beginning. John Norton talks with the author of “Creating the Land of Lincoln: The History and Constitutions of Illinois, 1778-1870.” And Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner answers questions

It's a report on possible mandatory recycling at apartment buildings in the Town of Normal. For ISU student tenants, discover why recycling is about more than just cans and bottles. You’ll hear from Jason Hale from ISU's Student Government Association along with landlords and recycling companies. GLT's Ryan Denham reports. Find out what Whiteside county is doing to fight opioid addiction. Find out why the outpatient drug rehab center could be a model for other parts of the state. And during an

GLT’s Ryan Denham talks with Tricia Griffith, the CEO of Progressive Insurance, during a return trip to her alma mater, Illinois State University. Then GLT’s Charlie Schlenker talks to Kyle Ham from the Economic Development Council about the upcoming One Voice trip, as well as David Taylor about fundraising changes at the United Way of McLean County. And GLT correspondent Bryan Bloodworth re-introduces you to Trevor Tucci, a special swimmer who’s headed to college on a scholarship.

The head of the YWCA says he believes a majority of Bloomington Aldermen have no interest in a Welcoming City ordinance. Dontae Latson shares his take on Twin City immigration politics with GLT's Ryan Denham. Learn more about Allerton Park in Piatt County. This historic, sprawling park and grand buildings are planning for a future without state funding. Laura Kennedy has that interview. And Jon Norton talks with Spider Saloff. The internationally renowned cabaret performer is headed to

The Bloomington City Council has not shown a lot of appetite for a video gambling terminal license fee. Mayor Tari Renner thinks that's a mistake because terminal owners in Bloomington have a million dollars in pure profit each year. Renner thinks such a tax is progressive and useful to balance the budget. Plus, Mayor Chris Koos of Normal talks about a multi sport complex study. And Judy Valente reports on lead levels in homes in the twin cities. 25 children had elevated blood levels of the

An Illinois State University scholar says fighting over the future of the country won't go away soon -- it's built in to American cultural individualism. Judy Valente talks about threats to Democracy with ISU Professor Lane Crothers. Rivian Automotive is in the process to get re-certified for ongoing tax breaks. You'll get an update on the progress on the auto manufacturer occupying the former Mitsubishi plant from the head of the Economic Development Council. And you'll hear about new sculpture

GLT’s Judy Valente speaks with a local domestic violence expert about how abused women can prepare to exit a relationship. Mike McCurdy talks to two women who are looking to create Bloomington’s first inclusive playground for children with disabilities. And Jon Norton talks to Illinois State University’s women’s basketball coach about this weekend’s Play4Kay game at Redbird Arena.

Governor Bruce Rauner's proposed budget transfers pension costs to school districts and universities over the next four years. GLT’s Ryan Denham examines how that plays with central Illinois lawmaker Keith Sommer and his opponent for the fall election, Jill Blair. An Illinois State University professor says there's more at play in school shootings than inadequate gun control. You'll hear from Julie Webber, who's written two books on school violence. And Laura Kennedy previews a play on stage at

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner makes his annual budget address to lawmakers and the public. Governor Rauner says a $1 billion tax cut should be the top priority for this year's legislative session. The Republican said Wednesday it could be achieved by changing the way pensions are doled out to state employees. But the pension changes are contentious and experts question whether a court would find it constitutional.

Many state lawmakers fear coming up with a budget will be so very difficult in an election year. One candidate for Governor is not worried. Hear State Senator Daniel Biss talk about the state of the state and a way forward. Plus, cold weather is great for gardeners in its time and place. Governor Rauner quoted Lincoln in his State of the State Speech, but it wasn’t Lincoln. And Jon Norton has the music of the Brazillionaires as they prepare for a gig with the Peoria Symphony.