What's That Like?

Proud to bring you Mr. Mount Olive Wrestling, Ron Ryan.   He started wrestling in college in the '60s, and came to Mt. Olive as a teacher when he and a few HS boys decided to start a wrestling program in 1969.   Fifty years, 400+ Wins, a Hall of Fame induction, and 1000+ athletes later, he calls it a career, and I was honored to have him on the What's That Like Podcast. Phenomenal conversation, unfiltered, tells it like it is, and he backs up his athletes and friends.   He discusses how the whole Ryan family made this possible, from his wife Paula (the rock behind him), his daughter Kristin (the best scorekeeper the sport has ever seen!), and his son Eric (the only athlete he ever had to letter 4 years as a Div I athlete as a walk on at U of I). An episode I've wanted to bring you forever, and of course, we talk about the newly named Ron Ryan Invitational, and Ron Ryan Wrestling Room.

A quick episode... i visit with Gabe Dexheimer, the host of the Turner Hall Queen of Hearts drawing.   We talk about the return after the 4 month break, and catch up on the Queen Hysteria of the last few years.    While things have certainly slowed down a bit, the pot upon restart is over $50K, and only 25 cards remain!    So it's back, and WTL will be there to bring it to you Friday nights at 9PM on the What's That Like? Facebook page!   

When it comes to people in Central IL you want to get to know and learn from, Pete Visintin should be near the top of anyone's list.  After a devastating illness struck his father, he was inspired to help others, and created the iconic Fight the Fight Clothing brand! A short time later, the CEO group, based in Effingham, IL, came calling on Pete to lead, organize, and facilitate the Macoupin CEO program for Juniors and Seniors in Macoupin County High Schools. Now in it's third year, Macoupin CEO has a record 20 seniors representing all of the county's high schools, and on their way to starting their own business. Pete came on the show to discuss the history of the program, it's successes, and also what the students have taught him. He also talks about the Macoupin CEO's BOLD Leadership and Development Conference being held at Lake Williamson on Feb. 14, 2019.   Tickets still remain, but is closing fast.   Find out more, and purchase your tickets at MacoupinCEO.com If you are a student in a Macoupin County

If you are from Central IL, you may know Brad Weiss, former WSMI on air talent.  But the rest of America knows him as Brad Carson after a producer asked him for a name change.   You can take the big time radio guy out of the small town, but you cannot take the small town out of Brad.    On this episode of WTL, we talk about his start, his breaks, his path to current roles with ESPN and other stations in the Midwest.   And we also get into the joys of small town sports, the people that formed him, and why reading farm reports and obituaries was the peak of his career. We also continue the push for the gym at Mount Olive to be named for 50 year Head Wrestling Coach Ron Ryan, and Brad gives a shout out to WSMI legend Terry Todt. https://twitter.com/bradcarson https://www.facebook.com/brad.carson Find Brad on radio.com at the following times/places. https://929espn.radio.com/hosts/producer-brad-carson https://indysmix.radio.com/hosts/brad-carson https://1055triplem.radio.com/hosts/brad-carson Brad's first real j

An Emergency edition of WTL!   After the unexpected Dec 1, 2018 breakout of Tornadoes across IL, I called podcast friend and storm chaser Skip Talbot!    On this episode, Skip recaps his chase day, we talk about the multiple tornadoes that formed from Staunton, Mt Olive, Litchfield, Hillsboro,  to Taylorville and the line from Bluff City to Havana.   Skip tells us why they form this time of year, and also the awe and dangers of Storm Chasing!    We pray for no loss of life, and certainly do not like to see the destruction these storms cause.  Prayers to all. Skip also highlights his non-profit, Storm Assist, and tells you where you can follow his adventures and reports from his chases.   https://www.facebook.com/SkipTalbotsStormChasingChronicles/ https://www.facebook.com/skip.talbot His website and logs - http://www.skip.cc/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/SkipTalbot    

Zach returns again to update us on the upcoming Stamp Out Cancer 2019! Including a WTL Contest to win 2 Tix to the big event with special guest "The Dirty Muggs"! And then its on... Zach had a snow day, he binge watches. So I asked him to do some homework, and we break down all the big ones... #GameofThrones, #StrangerThings, #WalkingDead, #BreakingBad... and then we each reveal our own #WTLTop5 shows and hidden gems you should all check out for your binge watching pleasure this fall/winter! It's fun, its banter, and it the perfect listen on your upcoming road trips to spend time with family. Post your Top 5 in the comments! Again, listen thru the end for this weeks Trivia Contest to win two tickets to Stamp Out Cancer 2019 sponsored by the What's That Like? Podcast. All answers/entries must be sent to me via FB Messenger by 12/2/18.

Author Tom Corner has been a friend of mine for decade. But just recently, I feel like I really got to know who he was and why. Listen to this discussion between friends, as life events shaped who Tom was, and who he would later become, and lead him to a path to enlightenment. His recent book, "Borrowed Eyes and Feet", available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, is his personal memoir of his journey thru the tough times, self doubts, and fears that held him back. Our discussion is serious, yet fun. Personal, yet open, and I think he's got a great message for anyone trying to find their way and listens to internal thoughts and fears that may be holding them back. We also talk how to publish a book, and book signings! For more info on Tom, see his website at: https://www.tomcorner.net His blog: https://authortecorner.wordpress.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomcorner.inspire Twitter: @TECorner https://twitter.com/TECorner His book is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Borrowed-Eyes-Feet-Finding-

January 5, 2000... 5 days after Y2K, at around 4AM... Melvern Noll of Highland, IL spotted a large UFO. He described it as big as a two story house in the sky, just above the treeline near his business. He quickly alerted the local police dispatcher, who relayed the direction to Lebanon's police department. This is were the story begins... in all, 6 police officers, in 6 communities spotted an very large flying object over the skies near Scott Air Force base over the next 60 minutes. Was it a an Air Force Top Secret Project or a visitor from somewhere else? This week's guest is David Marler. UFO Researcher, former head of Illinois MUFON (mymufon.com), respected researcher, and author of "Triangular UFOs: An Estimate of the Situation". David did the onsite investigation with the police witness, as well as radar operators, and various other civilians on this landmark UFO case just outside of St Louis, MO. His research has revealed reports of Triangular UFOs going back to the 1800s, and prove this is not a recen

Kaylan is back again, and this time with a new book in hand! "Haunted Carlinville: History & Hauntings that shaped Macoupin County". It went on sale 9/15/18, and we talk about her process, why she wrote it, and of course some of the dark history of Central Illinois' Macoupin County. She also talks about upcoming tours in Carlinville and Alton - https://illinoishauntings.com/ You can buy the book here: Autographed - https://squareup.com/store/american-hauntings-ink/item/new-haunted-carlinville or https://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Carlinville-History-Hauntings-Macoupin/dp/1732407924 From the book's back cover: HAUNTED CARLINVILLE HISTORY AND HAUNTINGS THAT SHAPED MACOUPIN COUNTY BY KAYLAN SCHARDAN Nestled among the corn fields and rural landscapes of Illinois' Macoupin County there are forgotten stories, unsolved mysteries, and haunted tales that lurk in the countryside. In the early days of the region, settlers struggled to survive, facing devastating disease and death. Their tragedies would eventually give w

Another two parter this week! First up is Jeff Grunwald, Director of the New Madrid Historical Museum. We talk about the largest earthquakes ever to hit North America in 1811 and 1812. Did they feel it in Boston? Did the Mississippi run backwards? We will talk about what it was like for the sparse river population over 200 years ago and also the key city of New Madrid during the Civil War. Great Stuff! http://www.newmadridmuseum.com/ https://www.facebook.com/newmadridmuseum/ Next Up... Olivia Ervin of the Mt Olive Herald. She recently came by Studio 312 to conduct an interview on John and Bob, and we turned the tables on her and found out what its like to a newspaper reporter in a small town! Great Interview with a great person and was happy to get to know her and all she does at the paper!

First Up, Paul Miller is hosting the 4th Annual "When I'm 64" Beatles Music Festival in Prarietown, IL on 9/8/18 from 12-9p. 7 Bands and all the Beatles you can handle... Lots of fun side activities and food as well! https://www.facebook.com/When-Im-64-Beatles-Festival-103995760047994/ Then, Randy Bersch rejoins the show to talk the second annual Turnerfest in Mt. Olive. 12p-12a, all original music!' Headlined by the Jeremiah Johnson Band from STL. Food Trucks, Kids Zone, and More! https://www.facebook.com/events/597458537279198/

The Coliseum Ballroom... Benld, IL... you can't mention one without the other. Built in 1924 by Dominic Tarro for an unheard of $50K, was it funded by Al Capone? Did all the greats play there? Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Elvis, the Beatles? Why was Joyce Tarro murdered in 1976? We will find out...what it was like! Jim Marcacci & John Ubben are putting together a documentary, "Memories of the Coliseum". This walk down memory lane for thousands and thousands is a must listen. We talk about the mob ties, the murders of it's owners, and mostly, about the music and good times by all. This is a link to a preview of the documentary, mentioned in the podcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JuYtGRgxgA

Brad Fiori made his money, quit his job, and decided to live life NOW, as opposed to waiting for retirement! Crazy to some... and inspiration to others. He tackles adventures as he can and he came on WTL to talk about his biggest journey to date. His circumnavigation the United States at the border... all 11,338 miles! His journey was not easy, and certainly had challenges, but he found joy, hardships, challenges, the kindness of Americans, and maybe just a bit of the quirkyness as well! You should also check his Facebook group, "Mile, Mile and a Half", for a daily blog, pics, and videos. He will let you join so you can see it all! Just like this podcast... It's FREE! You can also follow his upcoming adventures which he details on this show. Link to his page below! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1261882397270840/ What's That Like? Podcast -https://www.facebook.com/WhatsThatLikePodcast/ The #WTLNation Discussion Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/377604992746452/

The Tour De Donut is a southern Illinois institution. A 36 mile ride with two stops for donuts. Every donut eaten reduces your ride time by 5 minutes! It celebrated it's 30th anniversary on 7/14. 1400 cyclists & 6500 Donuts! In this episode, 4x Finisher TDD Producer Bob joins in to interview Race Director Christian Hasselberg less than 24 hours since the finish of the event. Hear all about what it goes into the production of the event, the highs, the lows, the good, the bad... and find out What's That Like? See the Vidcast on the Facebook page... https://www.facebook.com/WhatsThatLikePodcast or on Bobby's YouTube Channel, the ATA Network https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMOe9CHcbPA

House Hunters has to be one of the most popular shows on TV. It seems like its on a constant loop! Many of you have seen it, and watch it regularly, and like me, you try to figure out which house the people on the show will pick... and why! Jordan & Dawn Kettler have appeared on the show not once, but TWICE! I thought it be a great idea to have them on to discuss what it's like to get on the show, what the commitments were, the secrets behind the production, how the the Twitter-verse beat them up, and if they would go back for round 3! Listen to it all, right here on the What's That Like? Podcast! http://watch.hgtv.com/show/hnt/house-hunters/ A House in the Burbs for the Birds - Season 99. Ep. 10 Pet Paradise on the Illinois Countryside - Season 141, Ep. 11 - http://watch.hgtv.com/show/hnt/house-hunters/3742723/pet-paradise-in-the-country/ Brought to you by Ageless Apparel

Cuba lies 80 miles from the U.S., but its a whole world away. In 2016, travel restrictions to this island nation were eased, but this is a hardly a vacation destination like other Caribbean islands. Recently, my friend, and yours, Greg Shiveley and his wife Leslie made the trip. We talk about eating, communist rule, going back in time, and how the average Cuban lives on about $300 per year. We also play a round of of the #WTL5 and a round of Over/Under. We also discuss Jack Bauer's abilities and why Producer Bob doesn't want Greg on the show. Hear about the scenery, the history, the food, and everything else right here on the "What's That Like?" Podcast! Rate and Review the Show! Get a What's That Like? Podcast Sticker! Brought to you by Ageless Apparel https://www.facebook.com/AgelessApparel/

Of course Superfan, and almost Co-Host at this point, Zach Wygal has to stop by to talk all the Summer Concerts in Hillsboro. We preview and listen to this years bands... The Bashful Youngens, Revolution, Cary Miller Band, Petty Cash Junction, and the Good Time Engineers. Then we talk about alot more... How Snow Days happen, or Not... Rants on Society, and we play a game of OverRated/Underrated on many topics. This Podcast is brought to you by @Ageless Apparel

We’re BAAACCKKK! Finally out with a new Podcast, and previewing our upcoming season. We start off with John & Bob recapping the wild #QueenofHearts ride at @Turner Hall, what’s been going on in their lives to explain the long hiatus, and get caught up on Bob’s kart racing career! Brought to you by Ageless Apparel -https://www.facebook.com/AgelessApparel/ Visit us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsThatLikePodcast/ For Bobby's racing updates https://www.facebook.com/lauerkrugracing/

Meet the World Renowned.. (Disney World that is...) Kenny The Pirate! Recently Kenny and his daughter Jordan completed the #WDW47, riding every ride in Walt Disney World, all 47 of them, in one day! As a huge WDW fan myself, I had to know what that was like! Kenny is great guy, a great interview, and is a legend in the Disney community. He has a planning website, www.kennythepirate.com, and web based app for all devices, www.characterlocator.com. He also makes an exclusive announcement on this episode about his new venture MouseClass Travel!

What was Christmas Morning Like? In this episode, we bring back fan favorite Emily Schneider and add my daughter Alison to bring you a panel on Christmas Toys from your past. The favorites, the over hyped, and those you wished for, and either got from Santa... or didn't. Plenty of classic toy commercials as well that inspired so many kids through the years! We talk Furbies, Webkins, Weebles, Tonka Trucks, Spirograph, the best Barbies, and of course, Star Wars toys. That's just the beginning. I'm sure we missed a ton, but there's more to talk about next Christmas. This episode is brought to you by Ageless Apparel. www.facebook.com/AgelessApparel/