Weird Life
We are fascinated with exotic life forms; legends of monsters like the Kraken and Nessie litter our folklore. But why? Today on Focus, host Jim Meadows talks with David Toomey, author of the new book Weird Life.
Focus
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.
Meet Jim Meadows, Focus’ New Interim Host
Jim Meadows will become Focus’ new interim program host. Current host and News and Public Affairs Director Craig Cohen is leaving WILL for Houston Public Media.
The Academy Awards and Focus’ New Host
Today on on Focus, host Craig Cohen talked with Time Out Chicago’s Film Editor about this year’s Oscar nominees and the politlcal statements they make. Then, during the second half of the program, he talked with Jim Meadows, who will be Focus’ new interim host starting Monday.
The 30th Annual Insect Fear Film Festival
Have you ever pet a cockroach? If you’ve been longing to, you’ll get that chance this weekend at the Insect Fear Film Festival. This hour on Focus, host Craig Cohen talked with UIUC entomologist May Berenbaum about this year’s festival, cockroaches in all their glory, and flying insect swarms as UFO’s. Find the podcast here.
Mental Health and Gun Violence
Mental illness, gun violence, tragedy. What now? Today on Focus, we talked about the intersection of mental health and gun violence and what area mental health providers and policy makers are doing to protect our students and communities. Find the podcast here.
X-Files Creator Chris Carter and Conspiracy Theories
The truth is out there…are you a believer? Today on Focus, host Craig Cohen talked with Chris Carter, creator of The X-Files, and John Grant, author of Denying Science: Conspiracy Theories, Media Distortions and the War Against Reality. Find the podcast here.
Women’s Health
Today on Focus, host Craig Cohen talked with Suzanne Trupin, M.D. about what's new with women's health. Find a podcast of the show here.
Personal Finance
Starting to think about taxes? Planning for a child in college next fall? Worrying about retirement? Today on Focus, host Kimberlie Kranich talked with Kevin Waspi, a certified financial advisor and lecturer at the UIUC Collge of Business. Find the podcast here.
Quirky Alone: Single by Choice
Think Valentine’s Day is overrated? We’ve got an alternative. During this episode of Focus, host Craig Cohen talked with Sasha Cagen, the founder of the QuirkyAlone movement about why it’s okay to resist the idea that being single means being lonely. Find the podcast here.
Naked Statistics
Are 65.4 percent of statistics made up on the spot? Today on Focus, Craig Cohen talked with author Charles Wheelan about his new book "Naked Statistics." Find the podcast here.