Best Illinois Early Learning Project Podcasts (2025)

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S1 E101 - ART VUOLO's 80th birthday party stories 1:01:44

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18d ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Twenty two friends contributed to this episode. We were gathered in sunny Michigan for Art's Radio Reunion/Birthday Party. It was a milestone so folks came in from all over the country. Art's passion for radio and his circle of friends is obvious to all who've met him. This is everyone's chance to be a part of the day. In order appearance: Joey Rey…

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S1 E100 MARTY ROSS - The Wrecking Crew and Monkee Mania Radio 58:22

25d ago58:22

58:22

Tim Larson got a call from Marty Ross at 10:42am. Marty was leaving Rockford, Illinois for Los Angeles, California that afternoon at four. Within three minutes, they agreed to meet each other for the first time to do this episode at the Potato Shak diner. They had absolutely no idea where the conversation was to begin and more so where it would end…

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S1 E99 DAVID TORRETTA - St. Louis based musician, songwriter, producer and engineer 56:18

2M ago56:18

56:18

David Torretta has fifty years under his belt in the music recording industry. From Steve Scorfina of REO Speedwagon and Michael McDonald of The Dobbie Brothers to Chuck Berry! For him, it's very easy to tell the stories when you've lived them. We also talked some baseball among an avid Cardinal fan and a lifelong Cubs fan. Play ball! Recorded at t…

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S1 E 98 DAVID SANDUSKY - Beast Craft BBQ Company in Belleville, Illinois 46:41

2M ago46:41

46:41

When I see the St. Louis Arch it's time to start looking for David Sandusky's BEAST Craft BBQ in Belleville, Illinois. Ribs with his creamy mac and cheese call my name every time. David is a highly acclaimed chef and pitmaster and knows his way around several television shows on Food Network. His passion is more like an obsession. Throw a bib on an…

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S1 E97 Celebrating 815 Day in Rockford with short stories! 1:00:55

3M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

Everyone has experienced Rockford, Illinois in a genuinely original way. Whether you’re 22 years old or 92, you have a very unique short story. To help celebrate 815 Day (August 15th, 2025), your host Tim Larson has collected snippets from longtime friends and complete strangers. This is the ultimate Storytellers Studio podcast episode. See much mo…

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S1 E96 - WLS Unwound Radio Reunion show 1:40:01

3M ago1:40:01

1:40:01

The Big 89 WLS radio celebrated the 65th anniversary of the Musicradio format of the 60's and 70's. They were the Rock of Chicago! In addition to an epic party, Ted Gorden Smucker gathered the finest radio announcers of that era for a roundtable conversation and on-air excerpts from the past. It was a beehive. Scott Childers hosted the show. Guests…

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S1 E95 STEVE SCORFINA - Early legacy member of REO Speedwagon 1:18:15

4M ago1:18:15

1:18:15

Steve Scorfina and Kathleen Sullivan had only met your host Tim Larson two weeks prior to the recording of this episode. They were all attending a charity event at the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, Illinois. One conversation led to another very quickly and the next thing ya know Tim was photographing the REO Speedwagon Legacy Reunion Concert in the…

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S1 E94 MARK FINNEGAN - Vets Roll trip to Washington, DC 47:07

6M ago47:07

47:07

Mark Finnegan has directed a caravan of veterans to Washington, DC since 2010. You'll hear about the logistic magic and also that of Bill Hunter. The emotional floods are overwhelming and the partnerships are incredible. Mark lives the passion for our military heroes and you can hear it in his voice. Recorded at Finnegan's RV Center in South Beloit…

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S1 E93 FRED WINSTON - Chicago Radio Legend 1:03:20

6M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

It was a thrill to visit with Fred Winston in southwest Michigan. I have been a huge fan of his performances on Chicago radio for forty seven years (since 1978). He's very quick witted and an all around good guy. Don't worry. If you're not familiar with Fred since you live far away from Chicago, I will gladly bring you up-to-speed in the first fift…

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S1 E92 DUNCAN GEDDES - Former Head Golf Pro at Aldeen Golf Club 54:41

7M ago54:41

54:41

Duncan and Tim Larson are connect eight ways to Tuesday. You'll find out how during the episode. Learn about The Masters at Augusta, Georgia, Norris Aldeen and the restoration of the golf course's famous barn. You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy this episode. After the exit of the show, listen for the song "Hooked on Hayward" referenced in the c…

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S1 E91 TIM LARSON - Songwriting and Ai 1:01:02

7M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Your host Tim Larson decided about two months ago to try his hand at songwriting. Actually laying down his thoughts that were scribbled on many small sheets of paper over the previous year. With absolutely no musical skills, he sent the lyrics to London, England. The producers magically use Ai to combine genre, tempo and singer gender choices into …

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S1 E90 BOBBY ROTH - Veteran Hollywood Film Director 1:18:48

7M ago1:18:48

1:18:48

Bobby Roth and I met briefly just three hours before our conversation. He was conducting a Director's Panel at the Beloit International Film Festival in Wisconsin. He's made films and television shows for over fifty years. You will instantly recognize nearly the entire list. We agreed on an afternoon meeting time and location for recording this epi…

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S1 E89 JERRY SVEUM & DAWN STADELMAN - Beloit Art Center 29:17

7M ago29:17

29:17

Learn about the workings, volunteers and the community reach of the Beloit Art Center. There's never a shortage of appealing art in Beloit, Wisconsin. It's easy to be impressed. Jerry is a long time volunteer and the main gallery bears his name. Dawn is the CEO of this group who fills four galleries in this ever growing southern Wisconsin city. Rec…

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S1 E88 KAT WILLIAMS - International Women's Baseball Center CEO 45:45

8M ago45:45

45:45

Kat Williams and her group are spearheading the monumental project of bringing an International Women's Baseball Center to Rockford, Illinois. The Rockford Peaches at Beyer Stadium put Rockford on the women's sports map in the 1940's. The world zeroed in on that compass in 1992 through the film A League of Their Own. Learn about the past and the fu…

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Teaching in a Classroom Where Many Languages are Spoken 18:03

9M ago18:03

18:03

In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Koryne Nnoli from Morgan State University about how early childhood educators can use strategies to support multilingual learners in their classrooms where many languages are spoken.By IEL

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S1 E87 - WHITNEY MARTIN - Director of Made For Rockford at Visitors Bureau 53:39

9M ago53:39

53:39

Whitney Martin and Tim Larson have known each other for a long time. Sharing the back stories of television and radio is just the beginning. Charity work together, bloopers and dancing. You'll have to tune in to sort it all out. Recorded at the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in downtown Rockford, Illinois on January 30, 2025.…

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S1 E86 - KELLIE OLIVENCIA & LAURA GIBBS-GREEN - ILLINOIS SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION 2025 33:22

9M ago33:22

33:22

Tim Larson founded his promotional advertising company the very same year the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition handed out their first awards. Tim has sponsored, volunteered and supplied trophies even since. Between the three of them, Laura, Kellie and Tim will draw back the curtain and share little know facts about what it takes to conduct this …

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What is the Pyramid Model? 19:50

10M ago19:50

19:50

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Mary Louise Hemmeter from Vanderbilt University about the Pyramid Model and how it works to support young children's social and emotional development in a variety of early childhood settings.By IEL

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S1 E85 - TIM JOHNSON - General Manager of KSAM & KHVL radio in Texas 1:18:52

10M ago1:18:52

1:18:52

Tim Johnson and Tim Larson worked side by side at WROK radio in Rockford, Illinois in the med '80s. Our promotional meetings were always a high level of brainstorming. They mastered the art of connecting listeners and sponsors to the overall on-air experience for the good of the station. Say it was simply fun would be a huge understatement. Tim Joh…

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S1 E83 - PHIL RAINES - Beekeeper at Raines Honey Farm 1:12:29

11M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

Phil and Sharon Raines have been vendors at Edgebrook's Farmers Market for as long as I can remember. He's never met a stranger and is filled to the brim with bee knowledge. It was a fun conversation which ranged from "going commando" in a bee suit to selling live bees to veterinarians to treat horses. Recorded in Rockford, Illinois at our Edgebroo…

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Mixing Early Math and Social Studies within Preschool Classrooms 29:41

11M ago29:41

29:41

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jennifer McCray from the Early Math Collaborative at the Erikson Institute about mixing early math and social studies in preschool classrooms.By IEL

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S1 E82 - BRIAN THOMAS - Professional photographer 1:04:03

11M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

Brain Thomas and Tim Larson have known each other since the late 80's. They met as members of the Ski Broncs Water Ski Show Team in Loves Park, Illinois. They have literally shared life with each other on so many levels...projects, business, campfires, photo shoots and more. Recorded on November 20, 2024 in the twelfth floor bar of the Embassy Suit…

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S1 E81 - RILEY O'NEIL - Veteran Morning show host at WROK radio in Rockford, Illinois 1:46:38

12M ago1:46:38

1:46:38

Tim Larson and Liz Wylder have known Riley O'Neil since the 80's. He celebrated his twenty third anniversary as WROK's morning show host on Halloween 2023. We all grew up in the radio industry together...getting our feet wet, stumbling and setting several broadcasting milestones. Our memories of course are all contributions to the one hundred year …

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S1 E80 - JOHN LOMBARDO of Smashed Plastic Record Pressing in Chicago 47:14

1y ago47:14

47:14

Tim Larson and John Lombardo had only met just before the tour of Smashed Plastic Record Pressing factory in Chicago, Illinois. The recent resurgence of music on vinyl and the need shown by the region bands encouraged John and his two partners to go all in. You'll find it is a very thoughtful and purposeful manufacturing facility. They and others a…

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S1 E79 - SCOTT CHILDERS - WLS Radio historian, announcer, news reporter and more. 2:09:07

1y ago2:09:07

2:09:07

Scott Childers is the definition of a radio station's utility person...he can do everything...and does. Tim Larson spent all afternoon in the WLS studios in downtown Chicago reliving the Big 89 days. It's WLS's 100th birthday! And thanks to Michael Garay for sharing his career from behind-the-scenes. You'll hear many audio inserts from past WLS air…

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S1 E78 - ZOEY NORRIS - Miss Rodeo Kentucky 2024 30:01

1y ago30:01

30:01

Learn all about this twenty two year old rodeo pageant queen. She has four dogs, collects garbage for a living and is a rodeo barrel racer. Oh there's more. It was a very hot day in Kentucky as we set up shop inside her barn. Recorded September 22, 2024.By Tim Larson

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S1 E77 - IRLENE MANDRELL - Musician, National television show host, Model and much more! 56:21

1y ago56:21

56:21

Irlene is the youngest of the Mandrell sisters. Tim Larson has known Barbara and Louise for decades, but had only known Irlene for seventeen minutes on the phone before sitting down for this chat in her kitchen. She is personality plus and willing to talk about anything thrown at her. It was 96 degrees that day in Tennessee. Recorded September 20, …

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S1 E76 SAMANTHA HOCHMANN - Deep Inside the Tinker Swiss Cottage 57:45

1y ago57:45

57:45

Tim Larson and Samantha Hochmann had known each other for a grand total of sixty seconds, but, as it turns out, their common ground stories stretched for centuries. Robert Tinker was a generous man to the city of Rockford, Illinois. Mary and Jessie followed suit in so many ways. Learn how and enjoy this historical conversation surrounding the mansi…

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S1 E75 KATHI KRESOL - Author of books and articles about Rockford, Illinois history 1:33:49

1y ago1:33:49

1:33:49

Kathi Kresol is the author of Murder & Mayhem in Rockford, Illinois and Haunted Rockford. Tim Larson had only known Kathi for ten minutes and decided to record this episode on 815 Day (August 15, 2024) at the Edgebrook Shopping Center. Since Kathi is a thorough researcher and Tim is a Rockford native, everyone thought it was a safe bet that these t…

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S1 E74 2024 INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS Red Carpet Interviews 1:23:25

1+ y ago1:23:25

1:23:25

Steve Bridgmon invited Tim Larson to be part of the Media Team at the Inspirational Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Tim talked to sixty six people in a little less than two hours just before they stepped onto the red carpet. Recorded May 29, 2024.By Tim Larson

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S1 E73 PHIL STILLERMAN - The King of Birthday Adventures! 1:40:54

1+ y ago1:40:54

1:40:54

Phil's wife Della does extensive research to find just the right adventure for his birthday gifts. From flyer a glider to driving an Indy 500 car. Learn all about the fun details and how Phil ended up in a film with Matt Damon. Recorded in Indianapolis, Indiana May 31, 2024.By Tim Larson

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S1 E72 CICADAS - The show with a million guests! 12:05

1+ y ago12:05

12:05

This episode was recorded in Tim Larson's backyard as he was surrounded by a countless number of cicadas.By Tim Larson

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S1 E71 SPIFF CARNER - Former WZOK Morning Host with Randy Cook & WROK/WZOK Continuity Director 1:02:42

1+ y ago1:02:42

1:02:42

Rick "Spiff" Carner is joined by John Strandin along with Tim Larson. Spiff was the director of the commercial writing department and co-host of the WZOK morning show with Randy Cook. Spiff's time with Nolte Communications in Rockford, Illinois was 1981-1986. John was a member of the award winning news department for twenty four years. Recorded in …

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S1 E70 LOUISE MANDRELL - Country music artist and television personality 1:24:58

1+ y ago1:24:58

1:24:58

Tim Larson and Louise Mandrell first met on her tour bus at a northern Illinois county fair in 1979. They visited again in backstage dressing rooms in 1980 and 1981 before Louise and her sisters, Barbara and Irlene, kicked off their successful variety television show on NBC. Louise and Tim literally bumped into each other backstage at the Grand Ole…

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S1 E69 BILL CODY - Morning man for 30 years on WSM radio in Nashville, Tennessee 55:53

1+ y ago55:53

55:53

Bill Cody and Tim Larson had only talked briefly on the phone six months prior to sitting down in the showcase studio of WSM Radio inside the Opryland Hotel. Their careers oddly have run parallel so the stories were very easy. Even if you're not a huge country music fan, you are sure to enjoy this conversation. Recorded May 28, 2024.…

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S1 E68 TONY WOLFE - East Tennessee stories from a first cousin 44:19

1+ y ago44:19

44:19

Tony Wolfe and Tim Larson are first cousins. We can ride around the mountains of east Tennessee in a truck and never have the same conversation twice. Recorded in Tony's kitchen on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024.By Tim Larson

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S1 E67 TIM LARSON - Radio in Charleston, West Virginia 40 years ago! 51:33

1+ y ago51:33

51:33

Tim decided to set up his equipment on the shores of the Kanawha River in Charleston, West Virginia on the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend 2024. The state capital was over his shoulder as the radio stories from forty years ago poured out. Tim worked at WKAZ/WQBE and WVSR radio stations from 1982-1984 when he was in his early twenties. Recorded M…

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S1 E66 RON ROMERO & DEBYJO ERICKSEN - Illinois Rock & Roll Museum and Hall of Fame 51:23

1+ y ago51:23

51:23

The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum and Hall of Fame sits on Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois! Ron Romero and Debyjo Ericksen are the amazing organizers of this magical project. Hear the stories surrounding the inductees, collectibles, history and community involvement. It's a true testament to the meaning of volunteerism, philanthropy, passion, and the de…

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Food Allergies and Young Children 19:28

1+ y ago19:28

19:28

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Ruchi Gupta and Sarah Valaika from the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR) about caring for children with food allergies in the early childhood classroom.By IEL

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S1 E65 TIM LARSON - The Story of Arthur and Sanford 7:59

1+ y ago7:59

7:59

This story aired on WLUV radio in Rockford/Loves Park, Illinois by your podcast host Tim Larson on March 31, 2021. It was written in a Paul Harvey "Rest of the Story" format.By Tim Larson

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S1 E64 EMANUEL LARSON - The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service 12:37

1+ y ago12:37

12:37

Tim Larson's grandfather could recite Robert Service's The Cremation of Sam McGee by memory until the day before he died at the age of ninety six. Emanuel Larson's goal was to verbally paint within your mind with the poetry he spoke. Recorded in Rockford, Illinois June 6, 1979.By Tim Larson

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S1 E63 RACHEL DANIEL - Professional Alaskan Tour Guide 21:04

1+ y ago21:04

21:04

My other stories of the tour of Alaska with Rachel Daniel will be told a hundred more times, but this one of hers is a real gem. More than fourteen people should hear her recollection of her first moose hunt. Recorded on a small shuttle bus somewhere in Alaska in September of 2021.By Tim Larson

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S1 E62 - LARRY KANFER - Professional Photographer and Author 1:23:21

1+ y ago1:23:21

1:23:21

Larry Kanfer and his wife Alaina were connected to Tim Larson in 2009 through the Aldeen Golf Club barn renovation. Tim's grandfather Emanuel Larson built the barn in 1928 when the property was a dairy farm. The Kanfers were working on their book Barns of Illinois. The two projects intersected and they have been friends since. Recorded March 12, 20…

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AAC and Belonging: Communication and Friendships 33:53

1+ y ago33:53

33:53

In this episode with Dr. Susan Johnston, we explore augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and how it relates to belonging and friendships in young children.By IEL

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Building Literacy Through Reggio Emilia Inspiration 28:15

1+ y ago28:15

28:15

In this episode, we interview Dr. Ali Lewis, director of University Primary School at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and talk about integrating early literacy in a Reggio Emilia–inspired program.By IEL

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S1 E61 STEVE BRIDGMON - Inspirational Country Singer/ Songwriter 1:25:22

1+ y ago1:25:22

1:25:22

Steve Bridgmon and Tim Larson met on the on the front steps of the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee because of Steve's bowtie tattoo. We were part of the media frenzy and red carpet call of the Josie Awards nominees. They kept in touch and decided to sit down for a lengthy talk on a very rainy day just north of Music City USA. Recorded …

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S1 E60 ROYCE DeGRIE & BRITT CHAMBERS - Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum 1:20:49

1+ y ago1:20:49

1:20:49

Your host Tim Larson stumbled upon this museum while on a segue tour in Nashville, Tennessee sometime in October 2023. He kept it on his radar for a return trip. After having a three minute conversation with Royce, Tim scheduled a sit down. You will learn a ton! Bring a notebook and pen to this episode. Recorded in the Board Room of the Musicians H…

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S1 E59 RIK ANTHONY - Host of Someone You Should Know Podcast 1:17:31

1+ y ago1:17:31

1:17:31

Rik and Tim decided to "double dip" this episode by uploading the same show on both Storytellers Studio and Some You Should Know podcasts. We meet at Maxim's Diner in Merrillville, Indiana on January 23, 2024 during a day filled with freezing rain driving. These two guys had only known each other for about fifteen minutes after meeting at the Museu…

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S1 E58 WILLIE PARHAM - A Friend of 54 years! 1:37:27

2y ago1:37:27

1:37:27

Your podcast host, Tim Larson, and Willie Parham have been friends since fifth grade in 1970. Learn how Willie has put his positive attitude to work and lived life to its fullest after his accident in 1987. He is the poster boy for "genuine."By Tim Larson

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S1 E57 HEIDI OGNIBENE - Rock River Valley Blood Center 47:23

2y ago47:23

47:23

Tim Larson and Heidi Ognibene have known each other since 1988. Their lives have crossed paths eight ways to Sunday. On this episode, you'll learn all about donated blood in an entertaining conversation among old friends. Recorded at RRVBC's founding location on 6th Street in Rockford, Illinois on December 18, 2023.…