Best Patrick Barber Podcasts (2025)

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Justin Harrison with Patrick & Amy Rouse. Kids in Football and Barriers to Entry. 42:59

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2d ago42:59

42:59

This trio is a community-driven powerhouse of commitment and dedication to kids and the game of football. Listen as this mix of townies and transplants talks about youth football in our community, the popularity peak in the late 80s/early 90s, the fade out in the early 2000s and the rise again as Champaign-Urbana and surrounding towns build and str…

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Dads Supporting Dads Movement on TikTok 43:42

2d ago43:42

43:42

Send us a text Season 4 Episode 4 The Beard Speaks Podcast. In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat dives into the growing Dads Supporting Dads movement taking over TikTok. From powerful posts about mental health, Parental Alienation, parenting struggles to everyday dads sharing raw, real moments, this trend is changing how fatherhood is s…

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Candi Murphy & Laura Brown. “Pay Me Now, Pay Me Later" and "We Wish We Didn’t Need to Exist.” 53:35

9d ago53:35

53:35

Champaign County Court Appointed Special Advocate's (CASA) representatives stop by to passionately and compassionately explain why the kids in our community need CASA to to be their voice. Listen as Candi, a townie and CASA volunteer, and Laura, a Peoria transplant and Director of Development, talk about how they attach themselves to the child abus…

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Andrew & Emily Harrington. Teaching a Kid to Ride a Bike and Teaching a Kid the Birds and the Bees. 1:08:39

16d ago1:08:39

1:08:39

My husband and I download this non-stop season of life. Listen as my husband and the "Tales From Two Townies" most requested, returns to talk wrapping basement construction, "stolen" haybales, parent failures, having "the talk" as kids and with our own, the neighborhood car chase and accident, In Retrospect: A HyperLocal(s) Project, teaching Scienc…

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Lauren Brokish. The GOAT of Local Entrepreneurship and It's All About the Reuben. 52:46

23d ago52:46

52:46

What a local treasure. Champaign-Urbana is so very lucky to have someone who cares about creating, maintaining and improving beloved businesses in our community. Listen as this Michigan/Florida transplant talks about her commitment and ownership to five touchstone businesses in our town, Central Illinois Bakehouse, Espresso Royale Cafes, Martinelli…

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The Cornett Girls : Amanda & Jodi. The Family Glue and the Responsible One. 1:20:07

30d ago1:20:07

1:20:07

The introductions go wayyyy back to Franklin Middle School then Central High. Two of the four Cornett sisters, Amanda Overmyer and Jodi Davis, join me for a look back, snapshot of the present and glimpse into the future. Listen as these Champaign natives talk sisterhood, family dynamics and roles, unexpected blessings, midwest mannerisms vs. southe…

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John Staab. Winning at Practice and Winning 500 Games. 35:59

1M ago35:59

35:59

Coming in fresh from a day of summer school, this fixture at Central High School takes me through the trajectory of his teaching and coaching career. Listen as this small town Iowa farm kid talks farming, "kids these days," technology, the longevity of his career at our local high school, the approach of empty nesting, travel baseball, emotional co…

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Jess Wolff. Lily's Little Lungs and Therapy, Baby. 51:24

1M ago51:24

51:24

Busy, kind, funny and self-deprecating. Jess stayed cool, calm and collected under pressure as the definition of a multi-tasking mom unfolded right in front of me in order to get the job done. Listen as this Chicago-area transplant talks micropreemie, losing a twin, infertility, the endless NICU stay, taking home "the sickest, smallest baby at Carl…

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Carlos Harvey. The Garage Barber and Using Pain as a Motivator. 52:38

2M ago52:38

52:38

I couldn't take in all of the poetic and prophetic words fast enough. Wise beyond words and kind beyond the capacity of most, Carlos has used his tonsorial talent to give back to select groups of youth in our community. Listen as this Champaign native talks all things grooming, the importance of looking good to feel good, feeling good to perform go…

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Tiegan Reynolds. The Night Shift and "9-1-1, What's Your Emergency?" 59:08

2M ago59:08

59:08

A local newspaper article led me to her. She had surprised herself by winning an award for "Dispatcher of the Year." After talking to the 9-1-1 call center operator, there was no doubt she was deserving of this award. Listen as this Monticello Sage lights up the MIC with her tales from behind the drawn windows of the local 9-1-1 call center, the im…

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Father Andru O'Brien. Practicing What You Preach and Finding Comfort in the New Pope Being a White Sox Fan. 1:13:32

2M ago1:13:32

1:13:32

Open and honest, warm and approachable. Father O'Brien gives priests a great name. He has made such a positive imprint on our community, and we are sad to see him move on to his next assignment, as is the dedicated life of a priest. Listen as this Bloomington native turned nomadic priest talks rectory life, choosing to attend seminary and the low r…

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Kenyon Sivels with Wife Melissa. Umbrella of Help and Upholding Promises. 1:02:41

2M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

It is much more than bell ringing and disaster relief, this couple upholds the promise to do the most good with the resources provided by The Salvation Army. Listen as this Nebraska native, Kenyon, talks about his story as a foster youth, how his mother needed and used the Salvation Army to bring their family back together, how the Salvation Army g…

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Holly Birch. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and Community Over Competition. 43:04

3M ago43:04

43:04

This red-headed delight has come up many times in previous episodes, so I thought it only right she comes on and tells her story. Listen as this Easton, IL native (home to 400 or less) talks about her life as a photographer, the niche she has carved in the industry, going from small town to big city, photographing campus shenanigans as her first gi…

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Jaelyn Vickery. The Assault, the Attempt and Sticking to the Plan. 1:11:16

3M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

What a joy and pleasure and light and well-rounded person Jae was to interview. There's no shortage of adjectives for this well-spoken delight. She is a That's What She Said Sister, therapist, financial guru and simply a great person to have met. Listen as this Naperville native and University of Illinois grad talks about the lifetime's worth of tr…

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Brandon T. Washington. The Starving Artist and Encourage With Caution. 1:33:25

3M ago1:33:25

1:33:25

This smooth operator joins me at Kitchen Table Studios after a long day of teaching and dadding. Listen as this Kankakee-born musician talks skipping a grade, clutching a high-honor scholarship, falling a few credits short, mastering his degree later in life, becoming a teacher of music and playing his voice all over our community while trying to m…

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Julie Gunn. The Music Woman and Highlighting the Next Generation. 1:22:07

3M ago1:22:07

1:22:07

Her intellect, presence and breadth of talent was inspiring. Her disposition and mellow nature was calming. She was a lovely interview and an honor to sit down with. Listen as this German-born, California-raised and Champaign-rooted, talks how music influenced and shaped her education, her love life, her career and her family dynamics. Julie's main…

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Every Library - Guest Patrick Sweeney 23:19

3M ago23:19

23:19

Are books for the blind being banned? Why? How have things changed in 2025 for libraries across the country? These and many more questions are addressed in today's episode of Being Well Informed with founder of everylibrary.org, Patrick Sweeney. Being Well Informed is an educational podcast aired regularly on most available podcast platforms such a…

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Andrew & Emily Harrington. The Oldywed Game and Kids Say the Darndest Things. 1:04:15

4M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

My family of four gather around our dining table aka Kitchen Table Studios to excitedly provide content. Listen as my children, husband and the "Tales From Two Townies" most requested, graciously provide content during a rousing Q & A game, expose family secrets, tell us why they know mom and dad love them, what are mom and dad not good at, lots of…

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Natalie Kahler. The Summer We Had To Grow Up and the Real Housewives of NYC Made Me Do it, Part 2. 1:03:29

4M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

We saw the same episode of the same trash TV show. We thought the same thing as the same time. She reached out and I was ready to listen and record. Listen as this Champaign girl turned Bloomington-Normal resident returns to talk about the most controversial topic on the planet. Heated, political, polarizing and emotional. This one is all hers, how…

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Alex Stewart. Tweeting Donald Trump and Be the Person Your Dog Thinks You Are. 1:04:50

4M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

Bubbly is an understatement. She is bouncy, beautiful and ultimately driven by a love for her business. Her second child. Listen as this Tuscola woman talks about working at the outlets, always wanting to be at work over school, following what she excelled at over what she envisioned for her future, scaling down the dream of a family of five to one…

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Kelley Harvey. Hello and Goodbye. 1:01:01

4M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

Sweet and hardworking, altruistic and loving. She is the definition of selfless and the embodiment of maternal resilience. Listen as this Urbana-born woman breaks free from a traumatic childhood by seeking refuge at a woman's shelter near her neighborhood, prioritizing work over a higher education, eventually getting straight A's and building a car…

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Alexis Cain. Removing Barriers and Helping the At-Risk Populations. 1:00:11

4M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

She is a ball of energy with a desire to change and help those that don't have a voice. At our first formal meeting she tells me all about her job at our local alternative school. Listen as this townie talks working at the juvenile detention center, earning trust and respect, becoming an accidental liaison for the lost pets in our community, turnin…

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Breaking Into Nashville with Aaron Carter 1:05:51

5M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Send us a text Season 4 Episode 3 The Beard Speaks Podcast. In this episode of The Bead Speaks Podcast, Pat sits down with rising country music artist Aaron Carter to discuss his journey into the Nashville music scene. Hailing from Rockwood, Tennessee, Aaron has quickly made a name for himself with his heartfelt songwriting and impressive musical t…

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Are There Still Health Disparities in 2025? Guest: Dr. L. E. Gomez 38:57

5M ago38:57

38:57

We unpack the issues of health disparities in the United States in 2025. Our guest, Dr. L. E. Gomez discusses what improvements can be made to health care, and is it a myth that blacks experience less health care as a matter of individual choices made. Dr. Gomez is an ER physician and consultant. Dr. Gomez is also a social activist who has a new ro…

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Lesa Brandt. The Triplets: Lottie, Lola and Blaze. 1:07:59

5M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

When I saw her on stage at That's What She Said 2025, she shined like a diamond. Authentic, sweet and funny. A few messages later, and I got to meet the star for a long-form interview of her performance. Listen as this Farmer City girl talks about the unique spelling of her name, her career in philanthropy, infertility treatments, the heart-wrenchi…

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Maggie Taylor. The Flower Farmer and Strategic CEO. 1:04:13

5M ago1:04:13

1:04:13

Ommmmmmm. She has a calming affect that is unmatched. Flowers, yoga and an overall conscious lifestyle cloaked in spirituality, sustainability, staying grounded and an appreciation for nature. Listen as this Korea-born, nomadic youth and now local business woman shares a story of yoga, the Dahlia diva, gardening, being a librarian, spirituality, lo…

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A Conversation with Christian Ray Flores 1:01:55

5M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Send us a text Season 4 Episode 2 The Beard Speaks Podcast. In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and author Christian Ray Flores to discuss his latest book, Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America: A Love Letter from an Immigrant. Christian shares his journey, the inspiration behind his book, and…

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Piano Man and and Make Mondays Great Again. 50:32

5M ago50:32

50:32

What a character! What an entertainer! Energy and talent bubble out of this Jim Morrisonesque style icon while he graces the stages of Champaign-Urbana. Listen as this New York transplant talks about his youth as a performer, relative pitch versus perfect pitch, his ongoing residency at Urbana's Canopy Club, the history and resurrection of Piano Ma…

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Beards, Business & Beyond with Patrick "The Big Barber" 1:03:34

5M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Send us a text Season 4 Episode 1 The Beard Speaks Podcast. In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat sits down with Patrick "The Big Barber" for a deep dive into the world of beard care and beyond. They talk about The Big Barber's current lineup of beard oils, upcoming product releases, and his brand-new shop in Knoxville, Tennessee. But it…

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Ella & Jeff Scott. The One-Child Policy and Her Story to Tell. 43:35

5M ago43:35

43:35

When you realize someone you have always known strictly as an authority figure has a personal life, you begin to see them in an entirely different way. A dad, a husband, humanized, vulnerable. My former high school teacher had an entire story unfolding outside of the brick and mortar of Central High School. Listen as this tight local father-and-dau…

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Mahala Kneller. Spontaneous Parenthood and Sibling Adoption, Part 2. 47:00

6M ago47:00

47:00

A lot can happen in two years. On September 12, 2022 the first podcast was released with this single mom. She returns to give a life update on the growth of her family and her heart. Listen as this Urbana gal talks about her move to a small town, going from a mom of one to a mom of two overnight, her faith, her support system, how she manages stres…

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Andrew & Emily Harrington. Keeping Austin Weird and a Special Guest. 1:05:13

6M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

An early flight. A long-awaited couple's getaway. A welcome third wheel. Listen as my husband and "Tales From Two Townies" road trip warrior talks with our dear friend, Jamie Wellman, on our way to the airport. We reminisce, discuss our Austin plans, talk music and get to know this repeat podcast guest a little better. Festivals, wookies, concerts,…

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I'm Blind, I'm Deaf and I Want to Be a REF!? 54:54

6M ago54:54

54:54

For the last two seasons of basketball at my son's school, I've watched this gentleman run back-and-forth while relentlessly trying to keep pace with the unwavering energy of middle school boys. Little pay, evening hours and most importantly an onslaught of unhappy customers makes officiating a job that I had to know more about. Listen as this Peso…

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Steve Brigham, Author of Level the Playing Field 20:37

6M ago20:37

20:37

When you think of sports, you think of the game played on the same field. The rules are known and abided by. Why is this not the case when considering disparities in our society. We will discuss 8 racial myths. Today's episode discusses the first myth, America provides an equal playing field for all. Steve Brigham, author of Level the Playing Field…

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Amy Miller. Don't Play the Comparison Game and What Would Amy Do? 1:02:29

6M ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Two years ago I started working with her to incorporate weights into my weekly routine. She also overhauled the way I eat, view food and think about cardio. Listen as this Oregon native and professional mover (in more ways than one) has returned to the podcast to talk less about her role as an Illini football wife and more about her role as creator…

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Ali Kreider. Beer and Ice Cream. 1:05:56

7M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

I took notice of her unique approach to fitness on social media. Approachable, fun, silly, doable and high on positivity/low on shame. Listen as this Danville native talks all things New Year's resolutions, ditching the concept of "new year, new you" and adopting a "word of the year," how she views her own body, "cold girl walks," talking to kids a…

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Jason Rector. The Smokin' Hot Firefighter Stereotype and Three Calls He Will Always Remember. 1:09:41

7M ago1:09:41

1:09:41

I could have talked to Jason about his profession for hours. The dynamics and processes and protocols and community inside the firehouses in Champaign are tightly aligned and something the residents of CU should hear more about. Listen as this multi-generational townie talks about the testing to become a firefighter, the drop in applicants over the…

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The Beard Speaks Christmas & New Music 45:35

7M ago45:35

45:35

Send us a text Season 3 Episode 11 The Beard Speaks Podcast. In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat shares his thoughts on the new Christmas Move RED ONE and talks about his new album "Redemption" Shares some new songs off the album that will release world wide on December 31st. Music in this episode by Catalano Burn - Catalano (Album) In…

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Jon Rector. "Please Don't Leave Me" and Angels Among Us. 1:08:04

7M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

It was a beautiful day. A beautiful day for a walk. A beautiful day for pickleball. A beautiful day to take the afternoon off work. Listen as this multi-generational townie and all around nice guy talks about the day he was hit by a car, the injuries sustained, the recovery, the stranger that held his hand, the EMTs who came to his side and called …

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Jeff Kaper, Dawn Bane and Renee Beere. Say "Yes" to the Little Things and It's About Relationships. 1:00:44

7M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

A foursome I will never forget. During construction you become entangled with ALL kinds of people. These people are in and out of your most intimate of spaces for what seems like a long time—under typically stressful conditions. This particular group of people made the experience as painless as possible. Listen as three of the Spectrum Design Group…

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Joe Piercy. From Living Room DIY to HGTV. 58:59

8M ago58:59

58:59

The only competitor of his high-voltage smile is his unwavering energy and passion. This is the fuel he has to have to oversee storefronts, warehouses, construction sites and a "full" family life. Listen as this Champaign-born Charger talks about his move to the big city, finding his partner in life and business, furniture rehabbing from a small sc…

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Katie Harlan. Once a Cheerleader, Always a Cheerleader and the Evolution of Katie. 1:01:19

8M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Pure joy. Full of nostalgic references. The easiest conversation. We talk about a hundred different things in under an hour, and we find many parallels along the way. Listen as fellow Central Maroon talks about hosting impromptu luncheons for high schoolers, marrying at twenty with zero regrets, being average at a hundred things (her words-NOT mine…

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Trump vs. Kamala: The Battle for America and Parents’ Rights 48:09

8M ago48:09

48:09

Send us a text Season 3 Episode 10 The Beard Speaks Podcast. In this episode of The Beard Speaks Podcast, Pat shares his thoughts on the divisive climate surrounding the 2024 election and its impact on our country and personal relationships. He explores the topic of fathers' rights and discusses how the new administration might influence these issu…

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Loren Tate. That Damn Tate and No Ego Necessary. 59:11

8M ago59:11

59:11

His son, Travis, provided a connection and background on this local legend. He lived up to the hype. Sharp and media savvy, this 93-year-old Illini sports expert is a true icon. Listen as this Kentucky born, raised Monticello Sage, University of Illinois grad and media legend talks playing sports, covering sports, his early and current jobs in jour…

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Stephanie Hoosen. The Lost Child and Many Unknowns. 1:16:46

8M ago1:16:46

1:16:46

Growing, birthing and losing a child at a month old. There is an unimaginable, almost out-of-body feeling to this interview. How does someone have the strength to progress through life after the worst possible thing happens? Listen as this St. Joseph sweetheart opens up about the details of losing her daughter and first born, Reagan. She talks cand…

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Tyler Underwood. Keeping it Low Key and Present. 38:53

8M ago38:53

38:53

Surprising. He was so unexpectedly humble, thoughtful and intellectual. A self-proclaimed "nerd," Tyler bucks all the jock stereotypes with his articulate answers and analytical thinking. Not to mention sweet, "Home is wherever my family is." Listen as this Macomb, IL born (add many moves in between), now happily rooted in Champaign, University of …

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Andrew & Emily Harrington. The Halloween Special and the Stolen Skeleton. 45:30

9M ago45:30

45:30

By the time October 31st comes around it can feel like you've already been tricked and treated a dozen times. You're pooped, and your costumes are looking worse for the wear. This Halloween was no different—eventful would put it mildly. Listen as my husband and "Tales From Two Townies" interrupter talks creeping it real in our Halloween costumes, n…

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Cary Steinman. Franzia Sweat and Regret. 57:31

9M ago57:31

57:31

AF. Alcohol-free. It's a trend sweeping the nation. No hangovers, decreased anxiety, a clear conscience and no sweat and regret. Listen to this Centennial graduate, banker and Champaign native talk about a complete change to his lifestyle, mood, outlook and relationships based on removing a constant and consistent vice. Booze. Cary reflects on his …

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The Prison For Profit System; Historical Information from Dr. Robin Bernstein, Author of Freeman's Challenge 25:38

9M ago25:38

25:38

Author, Dr. Robin Bernstein provides an in depth historical analysis of how slavery by another name became popular in the North, including convict leasing. She authored the book Freeman's Challenge, which details the history of the incarceration of William Freeman. She chronicles his life history and how he landed in an unjust prison system. #justi…

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Nichole Millage. The Boat Trip that Changed Her Life and Making Paralympics a Household Name. 1:12:43

9M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

You can't keep a good girl down. What would depress and ruin many, she used as a flotation device to give her purpose and direction. Listen to this Centennial graduate and Champaign native talk about a 98' boating accident on Clinton Lake, seeking justice without any resolution, finding and using prosthetics, taking an athletic background and findi…