Best Pekin Podcasts (2026)

Here’s a Christmas challenge: Let’s pause the chaos, confront the lies we believe, and rediscover the wonder of a God who wants not just to forgive us—but to walk with us and change us.

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The Pekin Federal Correctional Institute 17:56

Play Pause

11d ago17:56

17:56

Denny Keif Shares the story of how Pekin FCI came to be.By Gary Gillis - Host

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This is the Will of God

19d ago

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What does God want me to do? The simple answer is “be holy.” The way to do this might not be what you think. Instead of striving to move ourselves from “sinner” to “saint,” we learn that God has already positioned us in holiness and continues shaping us through His Spirit. By seeing sanctification as relational rather than mechanical, we discover t…

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Turning Point USA in Pekin 20:29

25d ago20:29

20:29

Gary visits with Brooklyn Ballard on her effort to establish a local chapter in our community.By Gary Gillis - Host

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The Focus that Changes Everything

19d ago

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Have you ever felt stuck, frustrated, or spiritually exhausted? Often, it’s because our focus has drifted. Join us as we explore the focus that changes everything!

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EV Vehicles 19:24

1M ago19:24

19:24

A visit with Brian Dennison discussing Electric Vehicles.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Made in the Image of God

26d ago

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We often talk about Jesus coming to earth at Christmas, but long before the manger, God had already placed His first representatives on the planet—us. If you’ve ever wondered who you really are, why the world is so broken, or how Jesus makes us whole again, this sermon will point you to the surprising answers.…

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A Visit with a Psychologist 18:04

1M ago18:04

18:04

Gary sits down with Dr. Regina Brian, owner of Be Integrative Psychology about her Practice.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Thanking Through It

1M ago

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What does it really mean to be thankful—not just when life feels good, but even when it doesn’t make sense? Join us as we wrestle with the tension between our circumstances and God’s command to give thanks. If you’ve ever had trouble finding gratitude in the middle of real-life struggles, this message is for you!…

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Hamm's Furniture at 50! 16:03

2M ago16:03

16:03

Gary visits with Russ Hamm to look back at this downtown business as it celebrates 50 years of service in Pekin.By Gary Gillis - Host

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There's More To It

1M ago

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What if being “right on the money” financially is about more than just giving? Discover how shifting your perspective from ownership to stewardship can bring freedom, purpose, and joy in every financial decision.

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Park Cast #60 Rebroadcast- Gary Gillis, Pekin Park District - Part 2 15:10

2M ago15:10

15:10

Pekin Park District Commissioner Gary Gillis sits down with IAPD's Director of Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives Maura Freeman to talk about how park districts can preserve historical locations.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Reclaiming Innocence - with Ken Linder

2M ago

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The world is broken, and there is no way around that. But God has always desired to walk with His creation. He made a new thing at the beginning of all things in Genesis, and in Revelation He declares again that He is making all things new. In this sermon, Pastor Linder discusses what it looks like for us to return to the innocence of Eden and to w…

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Park Cast #59 Rebroadcast with Guest Gary Gillis 19:45

2M ago19:45

19:45

Pekin Park District Commissioner Gary Gillis discusses his podcast "What's the Story Pekin?" with IAPD's Director of Communication and Digital Content Wayne Utterback.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Words for the Wealthy

2M ago

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Whether you think of yourself as “wealthy,” or not, this passage has great wisdom on how to think about money from a Biblical perspective.

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Starting with the Right View

2M ago

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Most people don’t want “enough.” We want to be RICH! Before you chase the next raise or upgrade, take a closer look at what it really means to be “right on the money.”

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Ice Houses in Pekin 18:55

2M ago18:55

18:55

Jared Olar is Gary's guest as he shares the story of the days before refrigeration when Pekin was home to a number of Ice Houses.By Gary Gillis - Host

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PCHS 2.0 20:05

3M ago20:05

20:05

This week Gary talks with Dr. Danielle Owens, Superintendent of PCHS Dist 303 talks about all of the physical and academic changes to the school.By Gary Gillis - Host

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What Do Pastors Do Anyway?

3M ago

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Ok...they preach for 35 minutes once a week. What else do they do?!? This passage gives clear direction on the other things that spiritual leaders should be doing in the local church.

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What is "Home Rule" in the City of Pekin? 31:00

3M ago31:00

31:00

This week Gary sits down with Mayor Mary Burress and City Manager John Dossey to talk about business development on the east side of the city, as well as "Home Rule" for the City of Pekin and what advantages it provides the city and its residents.By Gary Gillis - Host

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What Makes a Good Follower?

3M ago

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Faith Baptist Christian School Celebrates 50 Years of Service 22:24

3M ago22:24

22:24

Gary visits with Supt. Chip Herbert and School Board member and alumni Cindy Gress.By Gary Gillis - Host

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What Makes a Good Leader?

3M ago

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What makes a truly good leader—talent, charisma, or something deeper? In this passage, Paul flips the world’s definition of leadership upside down, showing us that God calls leaders to be servants, stewards, and faithful under-rowers whose work is evaluated by Him alone.

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Who is Steven Skinner? 17:59

3M ago17:59

17:59

Gary visits with Rich Kriegsman, a leader in the creation of Pekin Park District's Performing Arts Venue sharing how it was named.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Foolish Things Wise Men Do

3M ago

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Think you’re wise?!? Not so fast, my friend! This passage shows us two foolish things that “wise” men do and the dangers that proceed them. The good news is that he gives a clear solution that helps us to find TRUE wisdom!

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The Marigold Medallion Hunt Story 22:29

4M ago22:29

22:29

Gary shares some of the facts and history of this popular Marigold Festival Event.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Learning How to do Church

3M ago

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“Don’t COME to church. BE the church.” Ok...but, what does that even mean?!? Spiritual maturity demands that we understand “how to do church,” and this passage teaches us exactly that.

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Ridgeside K9 22:08

4M ago22:08

22:08

Gary visits with the owners of one of Pekin's newer stores dedicated to dog training, boarding and grooming. Dog lovers won't want to miss this episode!By Gary Gillis - Host

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Building a Faith That Lasts

4M ago

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Do our lives really matter? Am I making any kind of impact? In this passage, Paul reminds us that while everyone is building something, only a life founded on Jesus and built with eternal priorities will endure.

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The Dirksen Center Celebrates 50 Years 25:16

4M ago25:16

25:16

Tiffany White talks about the Dirksen Centers 50th Birthday; its early years; its impact and its future.By Gary Gillis - Host

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The Lord is my Shepherd

4M ago

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“The Lord is my Shepherd.” Behind those words is a bold confession—that we are weak, wandering sheep in desperate need of someone stronger to guide, protect, and provide for us. This sermon unpacks how the Shepherd’s presence, His personal care, and His faithful provision can transform our lives with peace and joy, even in seasons of uncertainty or…

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The Luttiken Project 24:52

4M ago24:52

24:52

This week, a visit about the City's largest undertaking in decades with Mayor Mary Burress, City Manager John Dossey, and Director of Economic Development Josh Wray.By Gary Gillis - Host

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The Teamwork of Spiritual Growth

4M ago

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Spiritual growth is a lot like team sports. Every team has players with different roles and responsibilities. Spiritually, each of us play a part in encouraging and investing in others...but, ultimately, God produces the results. This message will help you see how God can use your everyday relationships to shape both you and those around you.…

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Street Survival 22:49

5M ago22:49

22:49

Gary visits with Bruce Huber who is part of a service that has been training new drivers in defensive driving for many years. It's a great group with a proven track record of creating better, safer, and road conditions-aware young drivers.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Identifying Immaturity

5M ago

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Some Christians have been saved for years yet remain stuck in spiritual infancy. This passage uncovers the subtle signs of immaturity that can hide behind church attendance and good intentions. If you’re ready to trade the bottle for real spiritual meat, this sermon will help you spot what’s holding you back and show you how to grow up in Christ.…

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The 2025 Pekin Marigold Festival 18:48

5M ago18:48

18:48

This week, a visit with Val Springborn, Chairperson of this year's festival; and Maureen Naughtin, this year's Grand Marshal.By Gary Gillis - Host

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How to Know What God Wants

5M ago

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“I don’t know what to do.” “I wish God would give me some direction, or just tell me what He wants.” This passage shows us how He does just that...and how we tend to sabotage the process.

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A Look Back as Miss Marigold 22:06

5M ago22:06

22:06

Gary visits with Sophia Vansaghi about her past year as Pekin Marigold Festival's 2024 Miss Marigold.By Gary Gillis - Host

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God's Plan for True Wisdom

5M ago

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Podcasts, Influencers, books, friends...we’re constantly bombarded with advice. Where do we get TRUE wisdom for what we’re facing?!? This passage gives us clear direction on God’s plan for true wisdom.

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Another School Year is Coming 18:10

5M ago18:10

18:10

A visit with District 108's Superintendent Leonard Ealey.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Lord, I Need Strength

5M ago

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Ever feel like everything’s falling apart and you're just trying to hold it together? True strength isn’t found in having it all together. If you're tired of performing, striving, and trying to impress, this sermon might be exactly what your soul needs.

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Parkside Fitness at 50 19:34

6M ago19:34

19:34

Keith Knox, Manager of Parkside Fitness talks about the start and history of this storied fitness facility.By Gary Gillis - Host

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He Did It!

6M ago

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You ever catch yourself feeling proud of something and then realize—wait, that wasn’t really me? It’s good to remember that all the good stuff in our lives is actually God’s doing, not ours. It’s a humbling and freeing look at why we can stop trying to impress and just start saying, “He did it.”

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Gospel Skepticism

6M ago

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In a world full of questions, doubts, and quick fixes, it’s easy to wonder, “What do I really need?” Spoiler alert: It’s the Gospel! Whether you’re struggling, searching, or just stuck, this sermon will help you see how the message of the cross speaks directly to your heart and your everyday life.

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The Carol Shields Story 18:05

6M ago18:05

18:05

Gary visits with Harland Shields, the husband of the late community leader and icon Carol Shields.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Can't We All Just Get Along?

6M ago

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Churches experience division when there is an emphasis on preferences and personalities. This passage is a heartfelt plea to mend what’s torn and refocus on what truly unites us.

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RAGBRAI Bicycle Touring 16:24

6M ago16:24

16:24

Pekin Resident Heather Fitzanko talks about RAGBRAI, the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in America, and how she is preparing for it.By Gary Gillis - Host

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What God Says When You Fail

6M ago

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What if your identity isn’t defined by your worst moment—or even your best one? In a world where value is earned through performance, Paul opens his letter to a broken church not with shame, but with stunning reminders of who they are in Christ. Before confronting sin, God affirms identity—because when you know who you are, everything begins to cha…

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USS Tazewell 17:06

7M ago17:06

17:06

Gary visits with John Ackerman about the USS Tazewell, how Tazewell County got its name, and next year's "USA 250" Celebration.By Gary Gillis - Host