Springfield's Living Archive

Psalm 136

The Mosaic Project | Justin Blandford: The Stories We Keep History is more than dates, buildings, and plaques. It's the stories we choose to remember and the ones we're still learning how to tell. This week, Tony Stang sits down with Justin Blandford, superintendent of Springfield's state historic sites, to talk about some of his memorable projects, the challenges of working with history, and the unexpected moments that come with caring for the places that tell our collective story. Along the way, Justin shares some fascinating behind the scenes stories and reminds us that preserving history isn't simply about protecting the past. It's about helping us better understand the place we call home. Another conversation about the people, places, and stories that make Springfield, Springfield. The Mosaic Project. Archiving moments of humanity.

Megan Stoller has a fascinating story. By day, she is a clinical pharmacist specializing in oncology, helping people navigate some of life's most difficult moments. Outside of that work, she is the owner of Springfield Lice Clinic, a business born out of her own unexpected experience as a mom trying to solve a problem. Recently recognized as one of Springfield Business Journal's 2026 Forty Under 40, Megan joins The Mosaic Project to talk about healthcare, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and what happens when you recognize a need in your community and decide to do something about it. From cancer care to head lice, this conversation is about the many ways we care for one another, the unexpected turns our lives take, and the people quietly making Springfield a better place to call home. The Mosaic Project. Archiving Moments of Humanity.

Adam Gurski | The Mosaic Project What happens when we stop talking about AI in the abstract and start talking about what it means for the people who actually live and work in Springfield? In this episode of The Mosaic Project, Tony sits down with Adam Gurski, a Central Illinois AI educator, consultant and software builder who spends his time helping everyday people, businesses, schools, libraries and community organizations understand what AI can actually do. Adam’s own path into AI began with curiosity around image generation and grew into coding, automation, custom software, websites and practical business applications. He has become known for making AI approachable, demonstrating the technology in real time and helping people move past the hype and into practical questions: What can this actually do? How can it help? What should we be concerned about? Adam recently told NPR Illinois that one of the most useful things AI can do is take information people already have and give it structure, making it easier to understand and use. His work includes everything from helping small businesses automate repetitive tasks to teaching community groups how to use AI for research, writing, organization and creative work. But this conversation is about more than what AI can do. It is about what AI is doing to us. In this episode, Adam joins Ken Pacha for a conversation about the possibilities, questions and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence. They come from different places in the conversation, and they do not agree on everything. But that is exactly why the conversation matters. No gotcha questions. No debate to win. Just two people trying to understand a technology that is changing remarkably fast, and what it might mean for our work, our creativity, our communities and our future. The Mosaic Project Archiving Moments of Humanity.

What happens to a community when local journalism disappears? Tony Stang sits down with Kate McKenzie, CEO of Local Journalism Matters, to talk about the behind the scenes world of journalism, the stories reporters carry with them, and what the future of local news might look like. It is a conversation about journalism, community, and why telling the stories of a place still matters.

Haley Williams | The Culture Experience Haley Williams, co-founder of The Culture Experience, sits down with The Mosaic Project to talk about why she and her mother started this unique Springfield project, what they hope to build, and where they see it going next. At the heart of The Culture Experience is a simple idea: sometimes the best way to bridge division is to simply bring people into the same room. For Haley, that means creating experiences where people from different racial, cultural and generational backgrounds can meet, talk, laugh and learn from one another without feeling judged or preached at. We talk about Springfield, racial division, belonging, awkward conversations, and what it might look like to build a city where people actually know one another. This is a conversation about culture, connection and the possibility of something better. The Mosaic Project: Curating moments of humanity in Springfield.

In this interview, Tony Stang, Dilpreet Raju, and Maria Lara Gardner sit down with Kate McKenzie, CEO of Local Journalism Matters, to talk about the behind-the-scenes work of a reporter, what most people never see about local journalism, and where the future of local news is headed. What does it actually take to cover a community? And what happens to a city when local journalism begins to disappear? A conversation about the people, pressures, and possibilities shaping the future of local journalism.

Data centers are powering the AI revolution and our increasingly connected world. But what happens when the infrastructure behind our digital lives comes with real costs for communities? In this conversation, we explore the environmental, economic, and social concerns surrounding data centers—and ask a bigger question: Are we building the future we actually want? #DataCenters #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Technology #Environment #Energy #Water #SpringfieldIL #TheMosaicProject #TheSpaceBetweenUs #FutureOfTechnology

We bring to you experts and accomplished personalities and leaders from different areas in this segment of our channel known as ''In the Moment'. We try to strike meaningful conversations and dialogues with our guests on the topics that we feel are relevant to our community and society as a whole.

Madeline is a photographer based in the Springfield area. In this episode, we talk about how her father helped shape her journey as a photographer, adjusting to life on acreage, and the unexpected joys—and challenges—of adult friendship.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF PAIN (5th and American Legion Ave in Downton SPI) I have really come to embody this conviction that one of the deepest practices of faith is simply paying attention to the places where God has us. This week, on my way back to the church from the library, I noticed a bird standing in the middle of the street. It could not fly. Instead, it took one small step, then another, slowly making its way toward safety. There was nothing dramatic about it. No sudden rescue. No triumphant moment. Just the quiet persistence of one faithful step after another. As I watched, I wondered if this is often how God works among us. We are quick to look for moments that lift us beyond the ordinary. We (I) long for breakthroughs, for unmistakable signs that everything has changed. But so much of God's redeeming work happens close to the ground, where healing is slow, hope speaks in a quiet voice, and faithfulness is measured not by how high we rise, but by our willingness to take the next step. Perhaps this is what we are called to notice. The places where the world sees only weakness are often the very places where God is patiently bringing life. Grace is not always found in soaring. Sometimes it is found in the courage to keep moving, one faithful step at a time. The beloved community of God often comes this way. Quietly. Patiently. In ordinary places. Asking only that we pay attention, trust the One who walks beside us, and keep taking the next faithful step. Shalom, friends

Julio Barrenzuela joins The Mosaic Project to explore how Latin music and dance can become powerful tools for connection, healing, and self-discovery. Drawing from his experiences as a Navy veteran, educator, and motivational speaker, he shares how culture has the power to build stronger communities. It's a conversation about identity, belonging, and the rhythms that bring people together.

Nearly half the people I graduated from seminary with are no longer in ministry. No one plans to walk away. It often happens through disappointment, pain, unanswered questions, and seasons in the wilderness. But the wilderness was never meant to be your home. If your faith feels fragile or you've been wondering if there's a way back, this message is for you. What does home look like? #Shorts #Christian #Faith #Hope #Jesus #Church #Deconstruction #SpiritualJourney #Wilderness #ComeHome #Grace #SermonClip

Nashville's Broadway has a personality all its own. I quickly realized I might be a little too old to keep up, while my guest knew exactly who the famous "Corn Dog Guy" was. Sometimes the best part of a city is the unforgettable characters you meet along the way. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you've ever felt out of touch in a new city. What's the most unforgettable local character you've met? Who is the most iconic person in your hometown? Tell me in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for more conversations and adventures. #Nashville #Broadway #Travel #Podcast #Funny #Reels #Shorts #Tennessee #Storytime #MosaicProject

I sit down with Jack Hart (https://www.facebook.com/jack.hart.75873708?__cft__[0]=AZZGd7UL-XQHLLsVs2atHI-IykLdAnqu0veELnHqoeaVDNa_1F6BNlDuHkKWr5VhaXED6SC10lKdw7K1TKIFw6oDMpSHWDAOoGzwIflAAK9yCbwxF-hjjFUHc2d1NuZwtnEAy6qRWh0rl4OWUp43TNWmVMZyAeCDyagrelc1ox3-fevMr0u5k7W2FNMhZjUXIz4lXLuwatqssI3SnZbldIph&__tn__=-]K-R) , founder of ILSportsWire (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579192396158&__cft__[0]=AZZGd7UL-XQHLLsVs2atHI-IykLdAnqu0veELnHqoeaVDNa_1F6BNlDuHkKWr5VhaXED6SC10lKdw7K1TKIFw6oDMpSHWDAOoGzwIflAAK9yCbwxF-hjjFUHc2d1NuZwtnEAy6qRWh0rl4OWUp43TNWmVMZyAeCDyagrelc1ox3-fevMr0u5k7W2FNMhZjUXIz4lXLuwatqssI3SnZbldIph&__tn__=-]K-R) and one of this year's 40 Under 40 honorees.Jack is helping change the way local sports are covered by giving overlooked schools, communities, and student athletes a platform to have their stories told. We talk about entrepreneurship, building something with purpose, and why every community deserves to be seen.Join us for a conversation about leadership, storytelling, and the people who make Central Illinois a better place. https://ilsportswire.com/

I walked into an Indian grocery store for the first time expecting to try chai and a samosa. What I didn't expect was to experience genuine belonging. Sometimes the most memorable part of a new culture isn't the food; it's the people who make you feel welcome. Where have you experienced unexpected kindness? Subscribe for more stories about faith, humanity, and finding connection in unexpected places. Have you ever felt like you belonged somewhere you least expected? Share your story in the comments, and don't forget to like and subscribe. #Shorts #Chai #Samosa #Belonging #Community #Culture #Kindness #Humanity

Hospice isn't defined by a building—it's about bringing comfort, dignity, and compassionate care wherever people call home. In this episode of The Mosaic Project, Jess Covey shares one of the most surprising places a patient received hospice care and what that experience taught her about living well until the very end. If this story changes the way you think about hospice, let us know in the comments. 👍 Like this video 💬 Share your thoughts below 📲 Subscribe for more conversations that explore the human experience. #Hospice #HospiceCare #EndOfLifeCare #Compassion #Healthcare #MosaicProject #Podcast #SpringfieldIL #HumanStories #Grief #PalliativeCare

We asked one simple question: "What's the most Midwest thing about you?" 😂 🍕 Pizza 🌽 The Sweet Corn Festival From hometown traditions to favorite foods, Midwestern pride is always on full display. What would your answer be? Comment below: What's the most Midwest thing about YOU? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this Reel with your most Midwest friend!

What’s the most Midwest thing about you? Their answered were Casey’s Pizza and Sweet Corn 🌽 festivals. From hometown traditions to favorite foods, Midwestern pride is always on full display. What would your answer be? Comment below: What's the most Midwest thing about YOU? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this Reel with your most Midwest friend!

Not everyone loves potlucks—and that's okay! 😄 Here's what I do when I'm invited to a BBQ or potluck instead. Can you relate? 💬 Tell me: Do you love potlucks or avoid them? 👍 Like this Short if you've ever felt the same! 🔔 Subscribe for more relatable lifestyle content and everyday conversations. What's your go-to strategy at BBQs or potlucks? Share it in the comments, and don't forget to like and subscribe! #Shorts #Potluck #BBQ #Relatable #Food #PartyTips #Lifestyle #Funny #Introvert #SocialEvents

Here's a punchy blurb that fits both The Mosaic Project and the Illinois Times—curious, reflective, and inviting: "Death has a way of teaching us about life." This week on The Mosaic Project, Tony Stang sits down with Taylor Noël, a young funeral director navigating one of the most tradition-bound, male-centered professions. They talk about what working around death has revealed about grief, how younger generations are mourning differently, why funerals are changing, and what it means to help people carry one another through life's hardest moments. It's a conversation about loss, hope, and what it means to be fully human.

Leaving home to study in a new country is about more than academics. It is about navigating loneliness, building community, and finding your place between cultures. In this episode of The Mosaic Project, Stephanie Mamaga Avi and Josephine Kamwela, international studies students at UIS, share their experiences adjusting to life in Springfield, the challenges of being far from family, and the cultural differences that have shaped their journey. Their stories remind us that belonging does not happen automatically. It is something we create together.

three sentence summary on Tiara StandageTiara Standage is a prominent grassroots community activist and organizer based in Springfield, Illinois, who gained widespread recognition for leading numerous peaceful protests demanding police accountability. Following the tragic loss of her mother to a fentanyl overdose, she founded the nonprofit Intricate Minds (https://volunteer.uwcil.org/agency/detail/?agency_id=160557) , a community center dedicated to providing free, lifesaving harm-reduction supplies, meals, and support services to vulnerable populations. As a vocal advocate and leader within groups like the P.U.R.P.L.E. Coalition, she continuously pushes for racial equity and systemic reform, frequently addressing local government regarding police misconduct and community resources

Addiction Prison God Recovery Restoration Michael Thomas (https://www.facebook.com/expresssales2018?__cft__[0]=AZZdQzoelu-b-i9zCjk7U9LozhDzH8YelsabgiVdaUbJbRWoWmMWqFQMh2u5drTze4y5C0QTQ1vvJBrj6gzjCPk9A96FZwtF9pkcROdJ1UMyMqJOzVfyhdbmpqG8gsdGKEoS1YRNrNxKYmV1UHlFQ2vGnCz-DQu76AUqvK0k4gtgtSsOsBEI-AJpCXwLlm1yZ_BJhSjRz7c6eq27IJwV_Bly&__tn__=-]K-R) was incarcerated five different times but through the power of God; his life is forever changed. His story is one of brokenness, consequences, grace, and the kind of hope that refuses to give up.But this episode is more than a testimony.We talk about the complex family dynamics that often fuel substance abuse, how faith can evolve through suffering, and why hope remains one of the most powerful forces in the human experience.It's an honest conversation about addiction, redemption, forgiveness, and the long road home.Listen, share, and tag someone who needs a reminder that no story is beyond restoration.

When a record store owner asks your favorite pinball game… and you say this 🤦‍♂️

What does it mean to finally become a U.S. citizen… and still feel the need to carry your passport in certain cities? Ashwin Manivannan shares the tension, vulnerability, and reality behind that experience in this honest conversation about identity, belonging, and navigating America. 🇺🇸 #USCitizen #ImmigrationStory #CitizenshipJourney #AshwinManivannan #Identity #Belonging #HumanStory #PodcastClip #SpringfieldIL #TheMosaicProject

Growing up Catholic, Isabella learned the prayers. Now she’s asking the deeper questions: aliens, spirits, mystery… and what it really means to be made in the image of God. #GodTalk #Spirituality #FaithJourney #CatholicTok #Deconstruction #Aliens #PodcastClips #ChristianTikTok #MysteryOfGod #FaithAndCulture #SpiritualQuestions #Theology #ReligionTok #ViralReels #DeepTalks #Existential #JesusAndCulture #HumanCondition #ChurchTok #PodcastReels

From carrying paperwork and uncertainty… to finally raising his hand and becoming a U.S. citizen 🇮🇳🇺🇸 In this conversation, Ashwinn Manivannan shares the hope, fear, courage, and resilience it took to leave India and build a new life in America. A story about identity. Belonging. And what it means to keep going when the process feels impossible. Watch the full conversation and hear the journey behind the citizenship oath. 👇 What does “home” mean to you? Drop your story in the comments. #Immigration #USCitizen #IndiaToUSA #AmericanDream #Hope #Courage #Citizenship #IndianAmerican #USA #Podcast #Storytelling #FaithAndCulture #Inspiration #YouTubeShorts #YTShorts #ViralReels #NewAmerican #HumanStories #Motivation #dreambig

This week on The Mosaic Project, we sat down with Bloom Wine Bar & Florals founders Caitlin Becker and Brittney Ballenger, two young entrepreneurs who are choosing to invest their creativity, energy, and future in downtown Springfield. Through Bloom, they are creating more than a business; they are cultivating beauty, connection, and a sense of belonging. Their story is a reminder that the future of a city is shaped by people willing to create spaces where others feel welcome.

Bella Szabo, Executive Director of the Springfield Area Arts Council, joins The Mosaic Project for a conversation about creativity in a changing world. From the rise of AI-generated art to the community impact of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, Bella explores what it means to keep art human, accessible, and rooted in connection. It's a conversation about imagination, technology, downtown culture, and why the arts still matter more than ever.

From India to American citizenship, Ashwin Manivannan shares his deeply personal journey through the immigration and naturalization process. In this episode, we talk about what it meant to leave home, navigate the long road to citizenship, and face the challenges, uncertainties, and sacrifices along the way. It's a conversation about identity, perseverance, belonging, and what the idea of 'home' can come to mean.

Sunshine is the leader of the BLM chapter in Springfield, IL. In this episode we discuss the origins of how the chapter got started, the tensions between the police officers and the black community and how to get involved with the work this organization is doing in the community.

Brian is the co-owner of Dumb Records. In this episode we talk we begin with some rapid fire hot takes, explore how dumb records began and discuss the importance of community.

Meet Kena Bera! A young attorney working in downtown Springfield, she is dedicating her career to building a more just and equitable legal system. She serves as a SAFE-T Act lawyer for the Illinois Office of the State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor. A 2020 University of Illinois Springfield graduate, Kena focuses on criminal justice and system reform, while actively engaging in community conversations about fairness, accountability, and justice for all.

Jay, Executive Director of Downtown Springfield Inc., brings a palpable passion for seeing downtown thrive through tourism, residential growth, and culture. He joins us to discuss what DSI is, what lies ahead for the organization, and to address some of the questions and concerns raised by its critics.

OJ Crowder! OJ was the mail carrier of the year for the Illinois Times in 1999 and has been a beloved fixture in Springfield ever since.

Leah Wilson has spent years helping Springfield's children do exactly that. As Executive Director of the Kidzeum, she recently helped secure a National Science Foundation grant to create a new community-designed STEAM Center; an investment not just in science education, but in imagination itself. This conversation explores curiosity, leadership, play, and why the dreams of children might be one of the most important resources a city possesses.

Tiara Standage is a prominent grassroots community activist and organizer based in Springfield, Illinois, who gained widespread recognition for leading numerous peaceful protests demanding police accountability. Following the tragic loss of her mother to a fentanyl overdose, she founded the nonprofit Intricate Butterfly, dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery and rebuilding lives. Her story is one of grief turned into purpose, and community love in action.

Michael Mack's journey from addiction to prison to faith to jailhouse lawyering is a powerful redemption story about second chances, God, and finding purpose behind bars.