Focus, or Focus 580, was WILL Radio's flagship talk program from 1981 until 2014. David Inge was the host from 1981 until his retirement in 2012. Always engaging, the program acted as a resource for citizens to directly question politicians and candidates as well as keep up on the arts, science, health, and even the latest from well-known novelists.
The Focus archive below offers thousands of great interviews and serves as a time capsule and a great resource for researchers and those just curious about how influential people spoke of important topics as they were happening.
“Vinyl sounds warmer….it’s about the experience….I like the crackle….” Do you enjoy listening to music on a turntable? This hour on Focus, we’ll listen back to a conversation about music in the 21st century and if vinyl’s “comeback” really means anything to the future of the music industry.
This summer in Illinois, we’re seeing an increase in the tick population. This hour on Focus, we’ll talk with veterinarian Sally Foote about what that means for your pet. We welcome your questions this hour on Focus!
We’ve all heard someone say “she’s pretty good for a girl,” and according to Murphy Henry, that’s especially true when it comes to women who play bluegrass music. This hour on Focus, Chris Berube talks with Murphy about the history of women in bluegrass.
Colleagues are in and out of the office this time of year on vacation or taking time to enjoy the summer. Just in case can’t get away and are looking for something to do, we’ll listen back to a conversation about where to “staycation” in East Central Illinois. It’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re in staying in the area.
As a parent, how do you talk to your kids about the birds and the bees? That very conversation inspired Julia Sweeney’s new book “If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Your Mother.” This hour on Focus, we’ll listen back to a conversation she had with Jim Meadows earlier this year.
What makes you happy? Today on Focus, we’ll listen back to a conversation with Ed Diener, Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois, who is a pioneer in the study of happiness.
__medium.jpg)
This hour on Focus, host Jim Meadows talks with departing WILL General Manger about what’s in store for the future of public broadcasting.
Have you been diagnosed with ADHD? Maybe you have a child who has. This hour on Focus, we’ll listen back to a conversation with Dr. Craig Surman of Harvard Medical School about the disorder.
This hour on Focus, we’ll listen back to an interview with former Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Doug Glanville.
Vacation, lemonade, air-conditioning…. Ever wonder the origins of the words we use during the summertime? This hour on Focus, Jeff Bossert talks with Patricia O’Conner, author of “Woe is I” about summer grammar. We welcome your grammar pet peeves and questions this hour on Focus!
