https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/podcast en © 2026 University of Illinois Illinois Public Media - WILL With the launch of Illinois Soul comes a new local community affairs program, Dialogue, airing each week and highlighting issues important to Black communities in central Illinois. Tune in Saturdays at 11am and again Tuesdays at 7pm on WILL-FM 101.1 to hear interviews along with in-depth stories from the IPM News team about education, health, politics, arts and more. With the launch of Illinois Soul comes a new local community affairs program, Dialogue, airing each week and highlighting issues important to Black communities in central Illinois. Tune in Saturdays at 11am and again Tuesdays at 7pm on WILL-FM 101.1 to hear interviews along with in-depth stories from the IPM News team about education, health, politics, arts and more. episodic Illinois Public Media illinois-soul@illinois.edu illinois-soul@illinois.edu illinois-soul@illinois.edu no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/i-will-never-give-up-on-my-vision..-for-what-i-want-to-do-sheila-johnson-explains-how-art-powered-her-through-tragic-and-triumphant-times-in-her-life-and-her-dedication-to-giving-a-voice-to-teens https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/i-will-never-give-up-on-my-vision..-for-what-i-want-to-do-sheila-johnson-explains-how-art-powered-her-through-tragic-and-triumphant-times-in-her-life-and-her-dedication-to-giving-a-voice-to-teens ‘I will never give up on my vision… for what I want to do’: Sheila Johnson explains how art powered her through tragic and triumphant times in her life and her dedication to giving a voice to teens Dialogue Media Mogul. Humanitarian. Pro Sports Team and Luxury Hotel Brand Owner. All ways to describe Sheila Johnson. In an Illinois Soul exclusive, this powerful University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumna shares her painful but triumphant life journey. And the importance of giving today's teens a voice.  Media Mogul. Humanitarian. Pro Sports Team and Luxury Hotel Brand Owner. All ways to describe Sheila Johnson. In an Illinois Soul exclusive, this powerful University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumna shares her painful but triumphant life journey. And the importance of giving today's teens a voice.  sheila johnson teen summit2 the remix Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/illinois-public-media-and-the-college-of-media-team-up-to-offer-saturday-teen-podcast-workshops https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/illinois-public-media-and-the-college-of-media-team-up-to-offer-saturday-teen-podcast-workshops Illinois Public Media and the College of Media team up to offer Saturday teen podcast workshops Dialogue The workshops take place on April 4, 11, and 25 from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Click here for registration which is required. The podcasts take place at Illinois Public Media, 300 N. Goodwin Avenue in Urbana. The workshops take place on April 4, 11, and 25 from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Click here for registration which is required. The podcasts take place at Illinois Public Media, 300 N. Goodwin Avenue in Urbana. content creation lab angela aguayo university of illinois college of media Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:32:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/hometown-hero-appears-in-the-final-four-and-illini-basketball-great-deon-thomas-weighs-in-on-historic-season https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/hometown-hero-appears-in-the-final-four-and-illini-basketball-great-deon-thomas-weighs-in-on-historic-season Hometown hero appears in the Final Four and Illini basketball great Deon Thomas weighs in on historic season Dialogue As the University of Illinois Men's Basketball team prepares to take on UConn in the Final Four, we talk with the father of Point Guard Kylan Boswell, who partially grew up in Champaign Urbana. Plus, Illini great Deon Thomas puts context to the historic season.  As the University of Illinois Men's Basketball team prepares to take on UConn in the Final Four, we talk with the father of Point Guard Kylan Boswell, who partially grew up in Champaign Urbana. Plus, Illini great Deon Thomas puts context to the historic season.  fighting illini men's basketball kylan boswell deon thomas Fri, 03 Apr 2026 05:15:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/meet-lt-governor-candidate-christian-mitchell-and-civil-rights-attorney-benjamin-crump-discusses-his-debut-novel https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/meet-lt-governor-candidate-christian-mitchell-and-civil-rights-attorney-benjamin-crump-discusses-his-debut-novel Meet Lt. Governor candidate Christian Mitchell and Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump discusses his debut novel Dialogue Democratic Lt. Governor candidate Christian Mitchell discusses his background in politics and what he brings to the table. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump about his debut novel, "Worse Than A Lie." Democratic Lt. Governor candidate Christian Mitchell discusses his background in politics and what he brings to the table. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump about his debut novel, "Worse Than A Lie." Sat, 28 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/blues-icon-robert-cray-coming-to-the-virginia-theatre https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/blues-icon-robert-cray-coming-to-the-virginia-theatre Blues icon Robert Cray coming to the Virginia Theatre Dialogue Robert Cray, a five-time Grammy Award winning artist, is coming to the Virginia Theatre with The Robert Cray Band on Tuesday, March 31. Cray and the Robert Cray Band are staples in blues, with over five decades of playing and touring across multiple genres. Robert Cray, a five-time Grammy Award winning artist, is coming to the Virginia Theatre with The Robert Cray Band on Tuesday, March 31. Cray and the Robert Cray Band are staples in blues, with over five decades of playing and touring across multiple genres. robert cray blues the virginia theatre Sat, 28 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/students-perform-at-krannert-and-efforts-to-preserve-black-churches-and-a-one-room-schoolhouse https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/students-perform-at-krannert-and-efforts-to-preserve-black-churches-and-a-one-room-schoolhouse Students perform at Krannert and efforts to preserve Black churches and a one-room schoolhouse Dialogue A new strategic plan to address homelessness in Champaign County, Krannert Art Museum's partnership with Rantoul Township High School, a federal program to preserve Black churches, a one-room schoolhouse that served Black churches, and a new nightclub named after a South African jazz and culture. A new strategic plan to address homelessness in Champaign County, Krannert Art Museum's partnership with Rantoul Township High School, a federal program to preserve Black churches, a one-room schoolhouse that served Black churches, and a new nightclub named after a South African jazz and culture. black churches krannert art museum homelessness Fri, 20 Mar 2026 22:30:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/primary-results-are-in-urbana-welcomes-new-council-member-and-meet-a-central-illinois-early-education-pioneer https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/primary-results-are-in-urbana-welcomes-new-council-member-and-meet-a-central-illinois-early-education-pioneer Primary results are in, Urbana welcomes new council member, and meet a Central Illinois early education pioneer Dialogue Could Illinois elect a 4th U-S Senator? Urbana's newest city council member has a long legacy in Champaign. And meet an early education and civil rights pioneer in Central Illinois.  Could Illinois elect a 4th U-S Senator? Urbana's newest city council member has a long legacy in Champaign. And meet an early education and civil rights pioneer in Central Illinois.  juliana stratton darren bailey jb pritzker jeanne morris Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:00:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/educator-gilo-kwesi-logans-book-pays-homage-to-his-father-and-tries-to-improve-police-community-relations https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/educator-gilo-kwesi-logans-book-pays-homage-to-his-father-and-tries-to-improve-police-community-relations Educator Gilo Kwesi Logan’s book pays homage to his father while trying to improve community-youth relations Dialogue Dr. Gilo Kwesi Logan founded S.O.U.L. Creations, an arts-in-education organization based in Evanston.  In February 2026, he shared a book about his father, the first Black police chief in his hometown.  Dr. Gilo Kwesi Logan founded S.O.U.L. Creations, an arts-in-education organization based in Evanston.  In February 2026, he shared a book about his father, the first Black police chief in his hometown.  gilo kwesi logan Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:45:00 -0500 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/new-beginnings-for-central-illinois-schools-champaign-county-public-health-march-primary-candidates-and-a-black-little-league-team-finally-gets-its-due https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/new-beginnings-for-central-illinois-schools-champaign-county-public-health-march-primary-candidates-and-a-black-little-league-team-finally-gets-its-due New beginnings for Central Illinois Schools, Champaign County Public Health, March Primary candidates and a Black Little League team finally gets its due Dialogue Early voting is underway in the March 17, 2026, Primary Election. Meet the candidates. Plus, new leaders for Champaign and Decatur public schools and the CU Public Health Department. Early voting is underway in the March 17, 2026, Primary Election. Meet the candidates. Plus, new leaders for Champaign and Decatur public schools and the CU Public Health Department. election 2026 champaign unit 4 schools decatur public schools champaign urbana public health district Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:41:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/authors-and-new-anthology-celebrate-people-who-identify-as-both-black-and-jewish https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/authors-and-new-anthology-celebrate-people-who-identify-as-both-black-and-jewish Authors and new anthology celebrate people who identify as both Black and Jewish Dialogue On March 9, 2026, Illinoisans will share perspectives of being both Black and Jewish at the University of Illinois Alumni Association-Alice Campbell Alumni Center. On March 9, 2026, Illinoisans will share perspectives of being both Black and Jewish at the University of Illinois Alumni Association-Alice Campbell Alumni Center. black jewish community Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:10:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/highlights-from-naacp-forum-featuring-us-senate-candidates-kelly-krishnamoorthi-and-stratton https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/highlights-from-naacp-forum-featuring-us-senate-candidates-kelly-krishnamoorthi-and-stratton Highlights from NAACP forum featuring US Senate candidates Kelly, Krishnamoorthi and Stratton Dialogue Over 100 people showed up at Love Corner Church in Champaign on February 15 to hear three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate share their top priorities and answer questions from the audience.  Over 100 people showed up at Love Corner Church in Champaign on February 15 to hear three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate share their top priorities and answer questions from the audience.  us senate primary 2026 election 2026 robin kelly raja krishnamoorthi juliana stratton illinois naacp Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:25:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/remembering-civil-rights-icon-jesse-jackson https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/remembering-civil-rights-icon-jesse-jackson Remembering Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Dialogue The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after the revered leader's assassination, died Tuesday. He was 84. The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after the revered leader's assassination, died Tuesday. He was 84. rev. jesse jackson Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:53:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/four-black-women-are-running-for-us-senate-in-illinois-you-may-not-have-heard-from-these-two-candidates https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/four-black-women-are-running-for-us-senate-in-illinois-you-may-not-have-heard-from-these-two-candidates Four Black women are running for US Senate in Illinois. You may not have heard from these two candidates. Dialogue There are 16... yes count ‘em... 16 candidates running for US Senate in Illinois! Republican Pamela Denise Long and Democratic candidate Awisi Quartey Bustos are two of the lesser-known people in this US Senate race. Today we hear from them. There are 16... yes count ‘em... 16 candidates running for US Senate in Illinois! Republican Pamela Denise Long and Democratic candidate Awisi Quartey Bustos are two of the lesser-known people in this US Senate race. Today we hear from them. election 2026 awisi quartey bustos pamela denise long us senate primary 2026 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:00:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/blknws-terms-conditions-film-creators-discuss-crafting-a-visual-album-to-showcase-a-black-perspective https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/blknws-terms-conditions-film-creators-discuss-crafting-a-visual-album-to-showcase-a-black-perspective ‘BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions’ film creators discuss crafting a visual album to showcase a Black perspective Dialogue BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions is a film directed by Kahlil Joseph that explores Black history, identity, and culture through fictional and historical characters, all through a Black point of view. BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions is a film directed by Kahlil Joseph that explores Black history, identity, and culture through fictional and historical characters, all through a Black point of view. blknws black documentary Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:30:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/illinois-soul-celebrates-two-years-of-songs-concerts-and-conversations https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/illinois-soul-celebrates-two-years-of-songs-concerts-and-conversations Illinois Soul celebrates two years of songs, concerts and conversations Dialogue Illinois Soul, FM 101.1, went on the air February 2, 2024. We took a look at what's happened and what's ahead in 2026. Illinois Soul, FM 101.1, went on the air February 2, 2024. We took a look at what's happened and what's ahead in 2026. Sat, 31 Jan 2026 10:38:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/illinois-public-media-is-helping-launch-a-new-teen-video-podcast-heres-how-to-sign-up https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/illinois-public-media-is-helping-launch-a-new-teen-video-podcast-heres-how-to-sign-up Illinois Public Media is helping launch a new teen video podcast. Here’s how to sign up. Dialogue Teens and parents should apply now at TeenSummit2.net. Teens and parents should apply now at TeenSummit2.net. teen summit2 the remix sheila johnson Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:45:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/maysa-brings-her-dulcet-voice-to-champaign-urbana-to-help-illinois-soul-celebrate-its-anniversary https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/maysa-brings-her-dulcet-voice-to-champaign-urbana-to-help-illinois-soul-celebrate-its-anniversary Maysa brings her dulcet voice to Champaign-Urbana to help Illinois Soul celebrate its anniversary Dialogue Grammy-nominee Maysa talks about her 3-decade career as she prepares to perform for Illinois Soul's second year celebration on February 7, 2026. Grammy-nominee Maysa talks about her 3-decade career as she prepares to perform for Illinois Soul's second year celebration on February 7, 2026. maysa illinois soul krannert center for the performing arts Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:54:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/dr-martin-luther-king-at-illinois-wesleyan-university https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/dr-martin-luther-king-at-illinois-wesleyan-university Dr. Martin Luther King At Illinois Wesleyan University Dialogue On February 10, 1966, three years after the March on Washington, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. On February 10, 1966, three years after the March on Washington, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. dr. martin luther king jr. illinois wesleyan university Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:30:00 -0600 no full https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/bayard-rustin-the-gay-black-civil-rights-activist https://will.illinois.edu/dialogue/episode/bayard-rustin-the-gay-black-civil-rights-activist Bayard Rustin: The Gay, Black Civil Rights Activist Dialogue Sixty-two years ago, a quarter of a million people gathered for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. On today’s show, we take a look at the life and legacy of a central organizer of the march, Bayard Rustin. Rustin was an openly gay civil rights leader and a trusted advisor to labor leader A. Phillip Randolph and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sixty-two years ago, a quarter of a million people gathered for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. On today’s show, we take a look at the life and legacy of a central organizer of the march, Bayard Rustin. Rustin was an openly gay civil rights leader and a trusted advisor to labor leader A. Phillip Randolph and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. bayard rustin making contact civil rights dr. martin luther king, jr. Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:30:00 -0600 no