Sunshine Strategies Radio
Every child deserves a happy and healthy childhood. Sunshine Strategies is a nonprofit consulting organization dedicated to empowering communities to create positive changes for families. This usually involves us identifying a community problem, learning more about it, and working to improve it! Follow along on our adventures, and support our work at patreon.com/SunshineStrategies!
Episodes
This week, Jen McMillin gets personal about politics—and why she believes it should be about joy, community, and service, not just soundbites and mudslinging. Jen introduces her new book, Rebuild the Union: A Guide to the Third American Reconstruction, which makes the case that America’s greatest legacy isn’t perfection—it’s reinvention. Drawing on history from the Civil War to the New Deal, Jen shares why we’re overdue for a new R...
Episode Summary:
This week on Sunshine Strategies Radio, host Jen McMillin takes a drive down Illinois back roads — and right into the heart of local democracy.
Jen makes the case for why petition season in Illinois is the perfect time for everyday people to step up and run for local office. From school boards to township trustees, hundreds of seats are on the ballot — and many go uncontested. If you’ve been feeling powerless about p...
In this episode of Sunshine Strategies Radio, host Jen McMillin delves into the contentious issue of gerrymandering and its profound impact on democracy. Discover how political parties manipulate district maps to consolidate power, often at the expense of fair representation. Jen explores the bipartisan nature of this practice, highlighting its implications for trust in democratic institutions. Tune in to understand why independent...
🌞 Sunshine Strategies Radio: This Week’s Big Picture in 7 Minutes
In this week’s episode, we take a quick but meaningful trip through the headlines that shape our lives—from the global stage all the way to our own neighborhoods in Central Illinois.
🌍 Around the World: Calm on the surface, but economic uncertainty in Southeast Asia and record-breaking U.N. climate advisories remind us that global shifts still touch our daily lives—y...
Hey there, sunshine. I’m Jen McMillin, founder of Sunshine Strategies, and you’re listening to Sunshine Strategies Radio—the podcast where we help families and communities across Illinois get informed, get inspired, and get involved. If you are new to our work, check out our website at SunshineStrategies.org.
This week, we’re kicking off with a personal story. One that’s been sitting heavy on my mind—and maybe yours, too.
Welcome back to Sunshine Strategies Radio—your weekly source of news, civic wisdom, and ways we can all make a difference, together. I’m your host, Jen, coming to you from the heart of Illinois, where the corn is high and the stakes for democracy are even higher.
We begin this episode with a reflection—words to anchor us, challenge us, and remind us of who we are with a re-write of the FFA Creed.
Support our work -
https://account.ve...
Welcome to Sunshine Strategies Radio—your weekly dose of family-friendly news and civic storytelling from the heart of Central Illinois! I’m [Your Name], and I’m so glad you’re here.
Each week, we break down the biggest headlines from around the country and right here at home, in a way that kids, parents, and grandparents can all understand. We also shine a light on the people and places working to make our communities stronger, kin...
 Hello and welcome to Sunshine Strategies Radio, your family-friendly source for news that matters here in Central Illinois and beyond. I’m your host, and today we’ve got a full basket of updates—local projects blooming, state decisions unfolding, and a few national headlines that deserve your attention.
So grab your lemonade, round up the kids, and let’s dive in.
https://www.nokings.org/
SunshineStrategies.org
Thinking about a kind way to call out lies, and a quick run-down of the #BigBeautifulBill.
Have a question? Email us at Jen@JenMcMillin.com
Join Jen as she shares a new-to-her story of resilience and what the BLEEP is going on in Washington.Support our work Learn more - SunshineStrategies.org
In this episode, we delve into the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit showcased at the Innovate Springfield pitch competition, discuss the news, explore the uncertain future of Lincoln College, highlight our partnership with The Outrun Coalition, Indivisible, and Run For Something, and share actionable ways you can support progressive mobilization in Central Illinois.
Join Jen as she breaks down the latest news for central Illinois families and shares the speech she gave in Springfield, IL for the #HandsOff Protest.Sources - https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/illinois-child-abuse-prevention-month-wood-river-20262840.phphttps://www.chicago.gov/content/city/en/depts/oem/provdrs/emerg_mang/news/2025/april/911AssistedCPR.htmlhttps://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.30774.htmlhttps://siusal...
Family friendly news summary for the week of March 7, 2025.
Sources:
An update on Project Taphophile (AKA Jen's cemeteries) and this week's news for Central Illinois families!
Here are the sources referenced in today's episode:
US Supreme Court Rejects Anti-Abortion Challenges to Clinic 'Buffer Zones'
Lincoln Land Community College Ag Club Picks Up Wins at Agriculture Student Co...
How do we stop the rage-scrolling and really connect with our neighbors? I have an idea... I just need about $7 million.
And of course - our weekly-ish news update!
Sources:
https://www.isba.org/dailylegalnews/2025-02-12
https://www.wfiwradio.com/2025/02/12/state-of-illinois-news-2/
Ever wonder why Jen REALLY loves cemeteries? And what does she honestly think of Trump pardoning Blago?
Sources:
Illinois State Bar Association - Clean Slate Bill
Illinois Times - New Illinois Laws in 2025
Illinois State University News - Weather Closure
WCIA - FedEx Facility Closures
ESPN - Illinois State Redbirds vs. UIC Flames
In today's episode - we discuss being a bit ridiculous, and why everyone is mad at Elon Musk.
Sources -Â
https://time.com/7212753/trump-elon-musk-federal-laws-legal-analysis/
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/02/trump-musk-congress-constitution/681568/
https://www.newsweek.com/two-weeks-trump-has-already-created-constitutional-crisis-opinion-2023024
Chicago casino project accused of discrimination: https:...
We're bringing back Kids Political Radio!
Who wants to figure out what the heck is going on?
đź”— More Information & Sources:
📌 Winter Storm & Travel Alerts – National Weather Service Illinois
📌 Decatur Manufacturing Jobs Expansion – Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
📌 Property Tax Relief Bill Proposal – Illinois General Assembly
📌 Flu & COVID-19 Health Updates – Ill...
Sunshine Strategies is ready to add organizing to our services. And we'd like to be friends with Mr. Wikler while we do it.
Join Jen as she takes a moment to reflect on the longest, darkest nights.
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