Episode 27 - Talking Superman w/Marq Withers
Hello Friends...This episode, I finally had the pleasure of talking with Marq Withers, co-host of the new podcast Nerd Cage Live. I've been trying to get my life together and talk with Marq since November. The point of getting together was to talk about Superman, and his relevance as a character in 2020, but of course, we touch on a host of other topics, including Chicago life, The DCEU, The Justice League, and of course the upcoming Zack Snyder Cut of Justice League as well.
Episode 26 - Let’s Talk About Juneteenth 2020
Hello Friends...Happy belated Juneteenth! Did you celebrate? This week I talk about my Juneteenth, which was great, as well as some of the issues surrounding the holiday.
Episode 25: In The Wake of the George Floyd Murder: Protests, Uprising and Discussions on Racism
Hello Friends...this week I talk about the aftermath of the George Floyd murder and some of my thoughts as the world continues to mourn and demand justice and equality, and an end to white supremacy.
Episode 24 - George Floyd and Minneapolis
Recently, I shared a posting on Facebook after watching news and video of the murder of George Floyd and the ensuing protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I was taken aback by how many people reached out to me and said that my words impacted them. So I thought I would expound on my thoughts for you all. If you know someone who has been talking about this case, please share this with them. Please share it with friends who are inquiring, or criticizing.
Episode 23 - Commencement Speech 2020
No fluff this week everyone. I jump right into it with my homage to the class of 2020. As a former educator, I send all positivity and love to all you graduates!!!
Episode 22 - Chicago Bookstores
Hello Friends! This episode we’re talking Chicago bookstores! Independent bookstores are my favorite type of Chicago business, and of course I’ve been concerned about their ability to do business throughout this quarantine period, so I’m talking a few of my favorite independent bookstores, and giving you info so that you can support them. Or, if you’re not in Chicago, definitely support the independent bookstores in your neck of the woods.
Episode 21 - Women in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu w/ Cris Rodriguez
Hello Friends! This episode is the continuation of the conversation I had with Cris Rodriguez back in February. Cris is a former EMT, currently working in a hospital in the Chicagoland area. I was intrigued to hear about Cris' BJJ journey, as well as her perceptive on the activity and sport as a female in a male dominated culture. Cris was vibrant and forthcoming, and offered tons of insight. Check it out!!!
Episode 20 - Pandemic Resources
Hello Friends! With everything going on right now, and with our shelter in place going for at least another 30 days, I thought the best thing now was to offer you some resources and insight to help keep your mind at ease during these tough times. All resources mentioned in the episode are linked below, and if I forgot anything, please let me know and I will be sure to add it. Keep your heads up friends...we got this!
Episode 19 - The New Normal with Mary Catherine Roberson
Hello Friends! Moving into an uncertain period of life, I decided to reach out to Mary Catherine Roberson, former political candidate, activist, mother of 3, and government worker about the new normal as we come to the close of our first week of mass COVID-19 quarantines.
Episode 18 - Off The Beaten Podcast at C2E2
Hello Friends! This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Chicago Comics Convention & Entertainment Expo, popularly known as C2E2. I had an absolutely amazing time! I met so many new people, made some new friends, saw some old ones...man, I can't even say enough good things about the time I had. I felt like a kid again.
Episode 17 - The St. Valentine's Day Massacre w/Cris Rodriguez
Hello Friends! This week I had the pleasure to sit and chat with Cris Rodriguez. Cris is a former EMT, currently working in a hospital in the Chicagoland area. Valentine's Day has just passed, and I reached out on social media for anyone who was interested in talking about the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, and Cris answered the call.
Episode 16 - The Divorce Playlist w/ Maria Degillo
Hello Friends! This week I had the pleasure to sit and chat with Maria Degillo. Maria and I met through our 9-5's, and I shortly after one of our first real conversations, I was certain I had to have her on the podcast. She is an amazingly dynamic and colorful personality, much like myself, and I knew we would have some great conversation.
Episode 15 - Why Podcasts and How Can You Support Podcasts You Like?
Happy New Year Everyone!!! This episode I decided to take some to address how I developed a love for podcasts, and what has led me to this in my pod creation journey.
Episode 14 - Music, Roller Derby & Life w/ Amy "Fun Fetti" Litviak
This episode Dion talks with music aficionado, roller derby girl, and mom Amy "Fun Fetti" Litviak. In addition to staying active as a "band mom," working full-time, and helping take care of her family, Amy is a member of the Vindicated Vixens Roller Derby Team.
Episode 13 - Basking In The Heartland w/ Heather Calvert
This episode Dion talks with Off The Beaten Podcast Graphic Artist Heather Calvert. Dion and Heather got together recently for the 1st Annual OTBP Podcast Retreat, in the fun and fabulous Quad Cities.
Episode 12 - I’m Still Alive!
This episode Dion talks about a plethora of revelations and thoughts he had while laid up over the weekend with a horrible bout of food poisoning!
Episode 11 - Throwing Shade w/ Sarah Chung: Paralympian Judoka
This episode Dion talks to Sarah Chung. Sarah is a Paralympian Judoka, having competed in the 2016 Rio Paralympic games, as well as a musician, and recent Adler University graduate.
Episode 10 - Bonus: Reflections on Veterans Day w/ Dion
This episode Dion spends some time reflecting on his thoughts on Veteran's Day, and takes some time to recount his time in the Illinois Army National Guard and his 2008 deployment to Afghanistan. If you are a veteran, or have veterans in your life, this is one not to be missed.
Episode 9 - Reppin What You Love with Francis Almeda
This episode Dion talks to Francis Almeda founder of Reppin Pins. Reppin makes pins that represent what you love, and does it in amazingly stylish fashion!
Episode 8 - Public Service Announcement
This week Dion offers up an important public service announcement. But first, he quickly talks about the ongoing Chicago Teachers Strike, and some frustrations he's faced dealing with criticisms of Chicago and CPS.