This must listen podcast is chock-full of fascinating stories from smuggling drugs into Mexico to helping Navajo Indians! SCARCE stands for School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education and how their unique name ties into the goal of promoting environmental education. Kay is a human LinkedIn and Federal Express wrapped up i…

In this classic episode of The Local, we revisit our conversation with Sue Wahlgren. Sue began her ambassadorship at Cosley Zoo 39 years ago, when there were just two employees. Today, the team is over 30, and they're proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Only 10% of United States zoos enjoy this honor! Find out about their J…

Join us on The Local podcast as we chat with Michael Sitrick, a recovering attorney turned President of the DuPage Foundation. Discover the impact of philanthropy in DuPage County and learn how community foundations can transform lives. Michael shares his insights on donor-advised funds, collaborative grant-making, and the importance of local engag…

On this heartfelt episode of The Local, the team honors and reminisces with Vickie Austin on how the idea of The Local was born. As she bids farewell to Wheaton and heads back to her homeland in Arizona where she plans on beginning a new exciting chapter! Vickie's enthusiasm for the podcast and the stories shared are infectious. A must listen to th…

In this special follow-up episode we had the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Sheri Billing from The Hearing Doctors, along with her successor, Dr. Ashley Goryl. We talked about life transitions including starting a business, selling a business, buying a business, retirement and working with family. Another chock full episode! Do you have a guest ide…

In this episode, we had a fantastic conversation with Erin Inman from Primera Engineers, discussing a wide range of topics from her experiences growing up in different countries to her journey of acquiring and running a successful engineering firm. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here!…

Friends for 35 years (wow, are they both getting old), join the conversation with our guest Paul Hawkinson and host Marc Horner. As college buddies, basketball teammates and with more than one golf trip under their belts, our guess is there is a lot more to discuss (with a lot less maturity) then talking about their recent visit to Statesville pris…

John shared his inspiring journey from the inception of a unique golf tee to developing a revolutionary one-size-fits-all golf glove and other innovative golf products. His story is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit in transforming simple ideas into game-changing products. You will be smiling ear to ea…

Join us on The Local podcast as we chat with John Trompeter from ComForCare Home Care. John discusses the importance of home health care, the challenges families face when caring for loved ones, and the role of professionals in providing quality care. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here!…

Learn the true meaning of “in sickness and health” with our guest, two-time cancer survivor, Phil Zielke of Phil’s Friends. Phil shares the story of battling cancer and how his eyes were opened to the power of seemingly small gestures of kindness. Hear how “Phil’s Friends” uses the power of good old fashioned care packages to deliver personalized a…

Join us on The Local podcast as we dive into the transformative journey of St. Francis High School with President Phil Kerr. From safety initiatives, academic excellence, and the secret sauce that makes St. Francis, this episode is a must-listen! Their dedication to continuous improvement and culture of excellence and community impact all contribut…

Marc Horner and guest co-host Meg Goodman speak to Justin Witte, the Billy Bean of the art world! The conversation delves into the unique artwork in Mark's office, emphasizing the impact of original pieces in creating a vibrant environment. Justin reveals the trials and tribulations of running exhibits, from logistics to security (cue James Bond th…

I am thrilled to announce the latest episode of The Local podcast, where we had the pleasure of hosting Moyra Gorski, a local wellness entrepreneur extraordinaire. An informative podcast where Moyra explains you must set boundaries for yourself and get off the emotional roller coaster of life – nobody’s coming! She encouraged listeners to pay atten…

🎙️☕️ In Part 2 of The Local podcast with Pete Leonard, the founder of I Have a Bean, we dive headfirst into the full (and delicious) world of coffee! :) Discover Pete's journey from home roasting enthusiast to creator of a unique coffee roasting business that not only produces top-tier coffee, but also provides employment opportunities for individu…

From roasting his dorm room to roasting beans, listen how this Jack Of All Trades curiosity and willingness to embrace new experiences allowed him to venture into the world of coffee roasting. Pete's journey serves as a reminder that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the ones we least expect. M…

On this episode of The Local, Marc Horner & co-host Vickie Austin are joined by Dr. Brian Madvig of Arbor Clinical Associates to discuss wealth management beyond stocks and bonds. From the therapeutic benefits of golf, to navigating retirement challenges, this episode explores the importance of family, career, community, and finding fulfillment in …

A PSA podcast if ever there was one! Did you know that hearing loss can be linked to dementia and how Medicare doesn’t cover the cost! Learn more about this important connection and the importance of getting a hearing baseline at age 50. Worried how they’ll look? Don’t - these are not your grandma’s hearing aids – you’ll “hear” how the new hearing …

Dr. Paul Callaway, Director of Golf Fitness at Cantigny Golf Academy, regales with stories from Pat Riley of the Lakers to learning at the hand of the golf legend Jack Nicklaus. On how Jack's meticulous visualization of his shots and outcomes highlighted the crucial role the mind plays in performance, not just in golf but in all aspects of life. In…

Changing from coordinating rock & roll bands to helping families navigate senior living options is less of a leap than it might sound. Join us for a heartwarming discussion as Melinda Smith shares her experience and reveals unexpected similarities between luxury hospitality and senior care where the details matter. For both. Her story is an insight…

As the DuPage County Historical Museum's annual Casino Night draws near, we wanted to revisit the fantastic time we had at last year's event! Casino Night is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Wheaton Park District that benefits the DuPage County Historical Museum. Join us for an intimate, behind the scenes experience as we visit with the people th…

He’s back! Join us for our annual talk with the Honorable Mayor of Wheaton, Phil Suess. Discover more behind-the-scenes of Wheaton's community development and financial strategies. Mayor Phil Suess spills the tea on city projects and how refinancing moves saved millions. Plus find out why folks visiting Wheaton say, “they had no idea Wheaton was so…

Marc and Mark co-host this fun and lighthearted interview with The Barber of Wheaton. Topics range from raving about the recent barbershop remodel to the joys of a straight razor shave to warnings about abusing the Barbershop Bat phone. Tune in to discover the secret behind perfect fades, the woes of stubborn cowlicks and the business of barbering.…

Throughout the episode, Jimmy’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious, leaving you feeling inspired and motivated to pursue your own dreams. Whether you're a boxing fan, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode is for you. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here!…

Calling all music enthusiasts! Join us as we dive into the world of farting bed posts to who’s the circus act in the band. This enchanting podcast delves into the history and the affects music has on our souls. You won’t be able to deny Amber’s passion for the DuPage Symphony and the significance of the wide range of instruments. This episode will …

Curious about the life of a firefighter? Join us on The Local podcast as we dive into the world of firefighting with Chief Robert Brill. From the adrenaline-pumping moments to the impact of the pandemic to the unexpected overlap between firefighting and dodgeball, this episode will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these “local” heroes. Do…

In this episode of The Local, host Marc Horner with co-host Vickie Austin sit down with Lisa Weier of First Trust Cares Foundation. Join this wide-ranging discussion touching on the world of charitable partnerships, competitive water basketball and how Wheaton, Illinois may be second only to Wall Street as a powerhouse of the financial services ind…

Redefining the definition of “Local”, our podcast went international when Will Fraser jetted across the pond to visit us from merry old England. As a professional rugby player, Will and his teams won the equivalent of five Super Bowls. Post-rugby, he now shares his insights on high performance and how to create a successful team dynamic as the foun…

In this episode of The Local, host Marc Horner is joined by Allison Orr of the Downtown Wheaton Association with special guest Adam Pratt of Chaos to Memories. Before making the jump to entrepreneurship, Adam was a technology industry veteran (and superstar). A strong believer in sharing knowledge and experience, you will hear great tips for taking…

In this inspirational episode, hosts Marc Horner and Allison Orr learn from Shannon about her hyper-focus on delivering a unique client experience. A big believer in testing, learning and changing, join her story starting as a home-based business growing to pop-up and on to brick and mortar…two locations…during the pandemic! An impressive story dem…

In this episode Marc Horner and co-host Allison Orr speak with Dan Facchini of Innovation DuPage and their business incubation and acceleration program. Dan shares the importance of collaboration and mentorship in jump-starting the entrepreneurial experience. From start-ups led by college students to more experienced businesspeople who took the lea…

Dr. Jorgensen discusses his unexpected journey that took him from surgeon to coroner. He shares historical perspective on the creation of the coroner's office going all the way back to medieval times. He also provides perspective on the Fentanyl crisis and how his office is leading the fight against it. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach…

In this episode of The Local, host Marc Horner and his distinguished guest, former Mayor of Wheaton Jim Carr, dive into the intersection of religion, ethics, and business. The podcast delves into Carr's experiences growing up in Missouri, studying at Yale University and then teaching business ethics at Wheaton College. Join him as they explore the …

Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent of District 200, talks about the role of schools as assets in the community, and shares his experience transitioning from being a teacher to an administrator. They also discuss the importance of positive interactions between adults and students in the school system. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out …

In this behind-the-scenes episode of The Local, host Marc Horner is joined by Vickie Austin from the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, as well as Meg Goodman and Mark Long from Flint Rock LLC. They teach us how the sausage is made when it comes to creating and producing a podcast! Listen to this fun, lighthearted and informative session where Meg & Mark…

In this episode of The Local, we visited with Don Westlake, a Wheatonite who retired in his mid-fifties! Born during the Great Depression and lived through multiple world wars, Don shares his wisdom and insights on investing, finding the right fit, and staying mentally and physically active in retirement. Join us as we delve into Don's incredible s…

It’s not every day you get to sit down with a former Chicago Cub and pro baseball player who shares the same town as you.On this episode of The Local,Marc & Vickie hear fun-filled stories from Dave Otto about what it was like to be drafted to the major leagues alongside notable names like Bo Jackson and Barry Larkin, and how opting for college inst…

John Monino, a supervisor with Milton Township, joins Marc Horner and co-host Vickie Austin to explain the relationship between Milton Township and the surrounding municipalities, including Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. John also shares his personal journey of getting involved in local government and discusses the experience and emotional intelligence th…

In this final part of the series, Bob Jacobson discusses the origins of golf in Wheaton, Illinois. He explains how Charles Blair MacDonald, who was educated in Scotland, brought the idea of golf back to the suburbs of Chicago in the late 1800s. MacDonald's passion for the sport and his association with Tom Morris at St. Andrews (yes, that Tom Morri…

Chief of Wheaton Police PJ Youker shares his roundabout way of joining the police force, the inner workings of a police department, and why he loves being in Wheaton! Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here! Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here!…

Rejoin the adventure as “Bob Goes To Brown”….Brown University, that is, where he continues his personal development resulting in his decision to enlist, launch his professional career and allow his passion for golf to bloom. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here! Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out t…

As if being a small business owner wasn’t tough enough, tune in to hear stories from the trenches of the cold-bloodedly competitive business of beauty! Plus, some old-fashioned Northside Wheaton vs. Southside Wheaton banter keeps this episode rolling! Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here! Do you have a guest idea…

This myth-buster podcast about college tuition is chock-full of references and facts no one will tell you! Get your questions answered from FAFSA, early decisions, and alumni network. These two experts will put your mind at ease with one of life’s biggest challenges and a few laughs along the way. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out t…

Presenting the 1st of 3 episodes of our special podcast guest Bob Jacobsen! Bob's a charming, old-fashioned storyteller who will leave you captivated and wanting more through each episode. This episode takes us back to Bob’s childhood in Staten Island and how his family survived and thrived during the Depression era. His memories retold as if it wa…

Matt explains the contribution the sanitation district provides for its residents and local environment. He discusses some of their ongoing projects and even touches on how serious our water safety is from bad actors. Our host even had an experience on this topic! It’s something we all take for granted but very glad to have! Do you have a guest ide…

He may have started selling Kirby vacuums in college, but he’s in the juice and burrito business now! Kevin explains his passion for faith and a work-life balance. A touching story about how one phone call changed his future and how it taught him to pay it forward. Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here! Do you hav…

In 1978, Glennette Tilley Turner published her first book, The Underground Railroad in DuPage County, Illinois. A walking Wheaton treasure, she is sure to open your eyes with stories and perspectives that contributed to being honored with the Studs Terkel Humanities Award, the Alice Browning Award from the International Black Writers Conference, an…

Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here!By CUSD 200, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Flint Rock, Fairhaven Wealth Management

Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here!By Diamond Consultants - Financial Advisor Recruiters and Consultants, Flint Rock, Fairhaven Wealth Management

Do you have a guest idea for The Local? Reach out to us by clicking here!By Flint Rock, City of Wheaton, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, Fairhaven Wealth Management

A fascinating listen, this renaissance man regales us with stories of living overseas to becoming Mayor of Wheaton. An admitted Anglophile, he fondly discusses belonging to the Samuel Pepys club. A club dating back to 1903, as well as a well-kept secret club right here in Wheaton.Stay tuned for the second part of Mike's interview coming next week!D…