Logan Bricker

LeAnne Withrow is a transgender woman and a retired Illinois National Guard staff sergeant. She is also the acting communications director of SPARTA, an organization dedicated to creating a supportive community for trans individuals in the military as well as advocating for inclusive military policy. She sat down with co-host Logan Bricker to discuss her time in the military as well as her experiences and struggles as a trans woman in the armed forces.

Devin Larson is a game designer, artist, and art curator from central Illinois. He sat down with Community Voices co-host Logan Bricker to talk about his time designing games and how he evolved to opening his own art exhibition featuring AI art from both old and new artists alike. The art show runs July 21-27 at 413 E. Adams St. in Springfield, Ill.

Casey Hutchison is a graduate of UIS with a degree in English Language and Literature. He has directed and edited four different podcasts and written two books. Hutchison spoke to Community Voices about his new book, "Four Spots in Hell," and his time at UIS.

Gabrielle Thompson is a Springfield native who has worked in the food and consulting industry for nearly 30 years, starting when she was a child. Recently she has carried on this legacy with the opening of her new business Bloom Hospitality & Catering. She sat down with Logan Bricker of Community Voices to tell her story, what she brings to the table, and what she hopes to accomplish.

The Skyview Drive-In theater has been a staple for the Litchfield community since 1950. Since then, the owners of the business have changed hands from one family to another over the years. Mindy Pastrovich sat down with Logan Bricker and Community Voices to discuss how she and her family cared for the business since 2016, and how they have continued to keep the family-owned tradition alive through the new owners, the Hebenstreit family.

Dr. Lan Dong is a Professor of English in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. She sat down with Logan Bricker to talk about a myriad of topics, including her well-traveled history in academia, the impact and story of Mulan's legacy, and the way alternate mediums of storytelling do just as good a job at telling a deep and impactful story as any textual work.

UIS computer science professor and director of the new Orion Lab Joshua Smith sat down with Community Voices to explain its creation, its current status, and how it is designed to allow accessibility to those who may not have access to the tools to help make their dreams a reality.

Tim Flinn is the owner of "The Haberdash" men's clothing store and "bro-tique," as he likes to put it. He seeks to create a relaxing environment for men to come in and find help curating their new, dashing look. From clothes, tailors and accessories to hair care, beard styling products and the rare whiskey tasting, the Haberdash has it all to make you the best man you can be.

Janet Barkmeier is the owner of Once in a Blue Moon gift shop. She shares with Community Voices how her life-long dream of running her own gift shop grew to a fair trade haven for unique wares and creations, supporting the livelihoods and communities of those in impoverished areas all over the world.

Springfield may not have the hustle and bustle of Chicago, but communal bonds are everything for our local businesses. Tate Cronin, manager and apprentice at Good Heart Tattoos, explains the origins of the business, the relationships between local businesses, and how tattoos capture the raw emotions people cannot seem to get enough of.