Life on the Illinois Prairie
Wendy Fleming Dexter
Life on the Illinois Prairie
Episodes
Brandon Merano is a combat veteran, former journalist, and Executive Director of Operation Honor Guard
Brandon talks about his experience of joining the Illinois Air National Guard age 17 and his experience as a boom operator (in-flight refueler for combat aviation) over Afghanistan. He is helping founder and president of OHG,Rich Darby, grow the number of veterans to help give military veterans a proper military rights at their funerals.
Tara is the manager of the Sullivan, Illinois ReStore for Habitat For Humanity
Tara shares the importance of people donating to and shopping at the ReStore and how it funds home building projects. She also tells about the application process and the selection process for those interested in buying a Habitat home.
Converse and Cadillacs
Wendy talks about agency and getting past other people's limitations of us.
Best of Life on the Illinois Prairie: Rob Farmer shares his DNA story
Mattoon, Illinois native, Rob Farmer shares his DNA story and the surprising results. He gives insights for others facing the same or similar situation.
Best of Life on the Illinois Prairie: Bernie is the owner of deBuhr's Feed and Seed Store in Mattoon, Illinois.
Replay: Bernie shares his family's rich history in Mattoon, Illinois, beginning with his great-grandfather. We talk about his community involvement and work with Celebrate Downtown Mattoon.
Milo Miller is an ex-Amish man who became a social influencer.
Milo left his Amish life and became a truck driver, then a social influencer. He enjoys making videos telling about Amish home remedies. He also likes educating people about Amish life and clearing up common misconceptions.
Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
Wendy shares how a chance encounter affected her life and how the loss of that special person affected her and Stacy.
Jeremy David Higgs discusses his launch of the X2 Griffon on September 19, 2026
Jeremy serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems (MSDS), an aerospace company specializing in custom high-altitude balloon (HAB) payloads and atmospheric data collection.
Randal Rhoads is a well-known keyboardist in central Illinois and across the US.
Randal Rhoads is a well-known keyboardist throughout central Illinois and far beyond. He shares stories from his many years of performing as well as some serious health issues along the way.
Jamie Poorman is a librarian, professional genealogist, and farm owner
When Jamie received a diagnosis of diabetes from her physician, the researcher in her kicked into high gear. In this episode she shares some of the helpful information she has gathered.
Summer Replay: Wendy shares more about the Unknown Sister story.
Summer Replay: Wendy shares rediscovered letters purportedly written by her mother, but clearly written by Mike Ahmed.
Sarah is Executive Director of Grand Prairie Friends and Taylor is the Event Coordinator for Grand Prairie Friends
Sarah and Taylor share the many opportunities for people to volunteer to help protect and conserve our precious vanishing remnant prairie. They also share a great upcoming event at The Alamo Steakhouse and Saloon in Mattoon.
Ann Winkler Hinrichs is President of the Coles County Genealogical Society
Ann returns to the podcast to share news of upcoming events, including visiting gravesites of Coles County Revolutionary War soldiers.
Stacy's Tornado Experience
Stacy describes his experience living through a tornado that hit Charleston, Illinois on June 17, 2026
Summer Replay: Tom Daughhetee and Patty Richards share Casey's plans to celebrate 250 America!
Summer Replay: Learn about The Big 250, Casey Celebrates America! The town known for Big Things has Big Things planned for America turning 250 this summer!
Permission granted
Wendy discusses her personal experiences with perspective, perception and permission. We are never too old to give ourselves permission to have our own voice and explore the world.
Chrissy, mother of Charlie Spurlock, shares about his recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury.
Chrissy shares the story of how her son, Charlie and his best friend, Jack, were in a devastating accident. Charlie's recovery at Shirley Ryan in Chicago lasted nearly a year, and his physical therapy is still ongoing.
Perspective
Wendy shares insights about perspective during these challenging times we live in.
If Not Now, When?
Wendy encourages everyone, no matter their age, to step out of their comfort zone and try something different.
Best of Life on the Illinois Prairie: Shelby tells how the careless behavior of a driver changed the lives of many in her family.
Join us in revisiting this timely episode: Shelby tells how the careless behavior of a driver changed the lives of many in her family, as we come to the 3rd anniversary of the loss of her mother and stepdad.
Michael Richards is the owner of Richards Farm Restaurant in Casey, Illinois.
Michael shares the rich history of Richards Farm as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary. He also shares about their two restaurants in Terre Haute, Indiana, M. Moggers and The Stables.
Good grief
Wendy discusses the types of grief we all deal with in our lives. Not all grief is about the loss of life or even a living thing
Scott and Sonja Wattles are educators formerly employed in the Mattoon, Illinois school district.
Scott shares how he started performing as Elvis and the formation of the well-known band, The Blue Suede Crew. He and Sonja share about Scott's aortic dissection and how that challenge affected their lives and increased their faith.
Be a Blood Donor
Wendy shares the paramount importance of donating blood. Blood supplies are at an all-time low. Don't wait to realize this until you or a loved one needs blood.
Brian Daniell is a retired CPA and is currently a substitute middle school teacher in Mattoon Illinois.
Brian shares his family's decades long connection to Bernadini's Fruit Market, later Daniell's. We discuss the ups and downs in the family business.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Wendy talks about her father and what a special place he played in her heart.
Connie Jones is the Secretary/Treasurer for the Coles County Veterans Support Coalition
When Connie Jones lost her husband, Gary, to lingering effects of Agent Orange, she channeled her grief into becoming the co-founder of Coles County Veterans Support Coalition.
Ann Bruehler of Ann Morris Bruehler Portrayals
Ann tells how her interest in theatre came about and how that interest led her to her portrayals of historic figures. She shares about her other theatre experiences in the Charleston area.
Lori Henderson is the Tourism and Special Events Supervisor for the City of Charleston, Illinois.
Lori and I discuss special upcoming events happening in the Charleston area. She is also plays a big role at Lincoln Log Cabin Historic Site at Lerna.
Allie Easter is owner of Allie's Gift & Garden in Sullivan, Illinois.
Allie established her career on the east coast but returned to central Illinois. She is always looking ahead and as a greenhouse owner she has to plan ahead for the coming season.
Nancy Hays adds author to her many accomplishments
Nancy shares about her book Riding For America about Black jockey Isaac Burns Murphy. She explains how Isaac's story appeals to all ages.
Ronnie Negro is the drummer for the Eagles tribute band, EagleMania
Ronnie Negro is a professional drummer with a background in theatre performance. He started at a substitute drummer for EagleMania, but transitioned to full time in 2016
Tom Daughhetee and Patty Richards share Casey's plans to celebrate 250 America!
Learn about The Big 250, Casey Celebrates America! The town known for Big Things has Big Things planned for America turning 250 this summer!
Richard Goodall - Indiana Native who won America's Got Talent
Richard Goodall is a Terre Haute, Indiana native who won Season 19 of America's Got Talent in 2024. We talk about how Richard uses his fame to promote hope and to help children and veterans.
Alexander Benishek is the Community Development and Planning Director at the City of Mattoon
Alex talks about dealing with blighted properties in Mattoon and explains why it takes so long to institute changes. He also talks about his time serving with the Peace Corps in North Macedonia.
Britt Mosley is the owner of Blessing N Every Braid
Brittany Mosley has opened Blessing N Every Braid in Mattoon, making it the first shop in Mattoon to cater to braids. She explains how braiding is an art and how she combined her gift for braiding with an education to open her own shop.
When Bad Customer Service Happens to Good Women
Wendy shares some bad customer service stories from family members. She also tells about her frustrating experience with her local electric cooperative as well as some outlandish estimates for a standby generator.
Embrace the Walk of Peace
Wendy shares her thoughts and insights into ways to find peace in today's chaotic world She recommends following the Walk for Peace.
Ed Yoder in the Construction Manager at Illinois Amish Heritage Center
Ed Yoder returns to the show, sharing about his experience of living in three different Amish communities. He gives updates about the ongoing construction of the Visitor's Center at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center, near Chesterville, Illinois. He also gives us a glimpse of his trip to Switzerland, that coincided with the 500th anniversary of the birth of Anabaptism, the precursor to the Old Order Amish.
Lindsey shares her experiences with TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return)
Lindsey started the Facebook group The Sullivan, Illinois TNR Battle in an effort to educate the public and city officials of the benefits of TNRing cats. She shares her knowledge and expertise about TNRing of feral cats and the frustration of working with a mayor and city council whose minds are closed to change.
Jeanette Suding is an animal rights activist in Moultrie County, Illinois.
Jeanette shares her knowledge of the Sullivan, Illinois police chief who has been trapping and "relocating" cats in Sullivan for several months. Feral cats as well as pets with collars and microchips are treated alike.
Recap of guests for 2025
Wendy recounts the over 40 guests who came on the podcast in 2025. She shares her appreciation for them taking the time to trust her with their stories.
Part 2 Donna Nolan Wilson relates her deep sorrow and mourning at the passing over her husband, Greg.
Donna discusses the rollercoaster ride that serious health issues for a spouse brings to a marriage. The caregiver role takes precedence at the end. After the loss comes the inevitable and unbearable painful reality if being alone. In time, the clouds began to part, letting in a little sunlight. Slowly, love crept back into Donna's heart.
Part 1 Donna Nolan Wilson, owner of ITS Promotions, shares her story becoming a widow after 25 years of marriage.
Donna shares her story of meeting and falling in love with her husband, Greg. More than marital partners, they shared a love of music and collaborated on many songs and albums. Sadly, like many marriages, they were challenged by Greg's growing health issues.
Dusty Maninfior is a Mattoon native who has music in his blood.
Mattoon,Illinois musician Dusty Maninfior has a rich history playing in popular local bands, Superbad and Jane Doe, along with others. Dusty shares the importance of music in his life and how a totally random encounter ended with a performance on America's Got Talent with Richard Goodall and The Sugar Street Band.
Dan Craw has a unique car repair business in Mattoon, Illinois.
Dan Craw was moved many years ago to start his business, New Life Care Care, to help those who are struggling with transportation difficulties. His mission to help those in need has helped many families.
Paul Thorn is a singer-songwriter from Tupelo, Mississippi
Paul Thorn is the son of a Pentecostal preacher. He went on to become a boxer who once fought Roberto Duran. Music has always been a big part of Paul's life, but he never dreamed how music would change the direction of his life.
Mr. Taylor's Birthday
Wendy shares about how she and Stacy randomly met a man who had a big impact on them and how they got to enjoy celebrating his 95th birthday.
Angelia Burgett is the Tourism and Arts Director for the city of Mattoon, Illinois.
Angelia has been at her present job for nearly 20 years. She shares insight into the ever-changing landscape of tourism and how Mattoon is working with other area towns to bring more tourists to our communities.
Kenton Allbright is the director of the French Lick West Baden Museum in French Lick, Indiana.
Kenton is a native of French Lick, Indiana and is an enthusiastic director of the local museum. I doubt that you could find a more enthusiastic and passionate spokesman for his hometown. As a railroad enthusiast also, Kenton shares about the very popular French Lick Resort Polar Express.