There's a special kind of connection that occurs when books and coffee come together, and this episode's guest, Kara Taghon from The Atlas Collective, is a true magician in that respect. With the scent of freshly brewed coffee in the air and a library of stories at our fingertips, we explore the creation of a community hub that's reinvigorating the Quad Cities. Kara reveals the life of a new business owner and how her introverted nature thrives within this extroverted venture, providing insights into the deep connections and vibrant community stitched together through shared stories and steaming cups of coffee.As we unwrap the layers of The Atlas Collective's book club, we're invited into a microcosm of diversity and dialogue, where the joy of reading unites people from all walks of life. Our conversation ventures into the club's challenges and triumphs, from keeping pace with literary trends fueled by social media to honoring the timeless allure of the classics. Kara's journey as an introvert leading a book club paints an intimate portrait of connection and understanding, celebrating the richness of a community bonded over the pages of their favorite tales.The episode culminates with a look at the broader picture of the Quad Cities' coffee scene, where the QC Coffee Trail casts a warm glow on the patchwork of local businesses. We hear touching stories and explore upcoming events designed to spark creativity and foster engagement within The Atlas Collective. Our gratitude for the QC increases as we reflect on the unique charm and collective joys that Kara's haven of literature and coffee brings to the heart of the Midwest.

Embark on a delightful journey with me as I sit down with Kristen Vito, the passionate assistant Director of Alumni Events and Community Engagement at St Ambrose University. During our conversation, we traverse Kristen's surprising path from exercise science to the vibrant world of community engagement, uncovering how her work is integral to nurturing the future through the SAU Wine Festival Series. Sip and savor the essence of the SAU Wine Fest Series' 23 years of togetherness, philanthropy, and scholarship support, all distilled into a series of events designed to captivate the heart and palate. The festival represents more than a gathering; it's a bridge connecting alumni and the local community, fostering a culture of investment in the region's growth and prosperity. Kristen and I ponder the potent blend of social enjoyment and giving back, illustrating how these events have blossomed into a cornerstone of community and educational support.As the conversation winds down, we shed light on how you can be a part of this festive tradition and contribute to the future of promising students. Discover where to sign up, how to get involved, and learn more about the rich experiences awaiting you at the Wine Fest Series. Kristen's fervor for St Ambrose and the Quad Cities promises to leave you inspired and eager to join in the celebrations that so beautifully intertwine education, community, and the timeless joy of a fine glass of wine.Check out www.sau.edu/winefest for more information and to register.Keep up with St. Ambrose happenings on their social media: https://www.facebook.com/stambroseuniversity https://www.instagram.com/stambroseuniversity/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/stambrose

Did you know the Davenport Junior Theater is the second-oldest kids' theater in the country?  Daniel Sheridan shares with us the secrets to the theater's longevity and some updates on what's in store for the community staple.Imagine a place where the vibrancy of young performers infuses life into the rich tapestry of arts in the Quad Cities. Daniel takes us behind the scenes, sharing how his personal evolution from a reserved child to a theater aficionado led him to shape the future stars of the stage. As we traverse the landscape of local live entertainment, you’ll see how community, history, and the sheer love of performance blend together to create a truly dynamic cultural scene.Our conversation also peeks into the future, revealing the ambitious plans for the Junior Theater’s relocation and renovation. Daniel's heartfelt message underscores the importance of nurturing the potential within every child and invites us all to play a role in their growth. And don't miss out on the upcoming summer delights! With a host of programs and a main stage show that’s open to all, the Davenport Junior Theater continues to be a beacon for the young—and young at heart—in the arts community.#VisitQuadCities #QCThatsWhere #JuniorTheater

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to truly belong? Ashley Gore, the VP of Marketing and PR for the Quad Cities Jaycees, joins us to unravel the tapestry of community engagement and how it's not just about the events, but the connections that blossom from them. From teaching to telecommuting, Ashley's journey to find her tribe in her 30s is a tale that resonates with anyone seeking a deeper sense of community. Her insights into the Quad Cities' open-armed approach to newcomers and the Jaycees' ethos of service paint a picture of a place where young professionals can grow and thrive.Navigating the networking landscape can be daunting, but the Jaycees are experts at creating spaces of connection. We get an insider's look at their standout occasions like the Wedding Expo and the Wine and Chocolate Experience, which are more than just signature gatherings; they're lifelines to local nonprofits supported by the Jaycees' fundraising efforts. Ashley shares how these events are woven into the fabric of the local community, offering both social engagement and the chance to give back.Embarking on a personal tour of the Quad Cities with someone who's rediscovered her roots, we learn about the magnetic appeal of the area's amenities, like the QC Coffee Trail – a testament to the local culture's richness. Our conversation with Ashley also reveals how the entrepreneurial spirit thrives here, with teaching skills translating into new ventures in the digital world. Looking ahead, we discuss innovative marketing strategies for community events and the importance of recognizing local leaders at the Jaycees Awards Banquet, closing with an invitation to celebrate the remarkable individuals who shape the heart of the Midwest.

When you get a golden idea - run with it. That's what Rachel Stahle and Kelsey Watson did, leading to the creation of Snap Wagon. Embark on a journey with us and discover how a mobile photo booth became the cornerstone of a thriving business. This episode unravels the tapestry of their hard-won success, detailing the metamorphosis of a simple concept into a community-connecting phenomenon and marketing powerhouse. Rachel and Kelsey's passion for local growth and their unique blend of volunteering spirit and marketing ingenuity are nothing short of inspiring.Picture this: you're at an event, and a photo booth captures your most joyous moments. That's the experience Rachel and Kelsey have perfected with Snap Wagon, transcending traditional photography to craft unforgettable memories in a cozy environment. Our candid discussion uncovers the heart of creating a business that resonates with each smile snapped. The duo shares pearls of wisdom for budding entrepreneurs, emphasizing the harmony of shared visions and diverse strengths. Their story is a roadmap for anyone dreaming of turning their entrepreneurial aspirations into reality, complete with practical advice on leveraging valuable resources.As we wind through the narrative of these inspirational women, we also celebrate the power of community in the world of business. Their stories attest to how engagement with local initiatives and a collaborative spirit have been pivotal for Snap Wagon's triumph. From personal tales of nonprofit involvement to strategic networking, Rachel and Kelsey exemplify what it means to intertwine professional success with meaningful community contributions. So, grab a cup of java from the QC Coffee Trail, and tune in to an episode that's rich with the aroma of entrepreneurial spirit, community collaboration, and the joy that comes from capturing life's best moments.Find the Snap Wagon on social mediaFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/thesnapwagonquadcitiesInstagram - thesnapwagonqcTikTok - thesnapwagonqcOr on their website at thesnapwagonqc.com

When Grace Boffeli decided to take her basketball talents to Northern Iowa, little did she know that her story would become an inspiration for countless young athletes in her hometown of the Quad Cities. In our latest episode, Grace, a former North Scott High School phenom and now a key player for UNI, sits down to recount her exhilarating journey. She shares how the roar of her local fans fuels her on-court prowess and reminisces about the pivotal moment she chose to become a Panther, embracing the familial bond nurtured by her coaches. Not only does Grace share her excitement for the Missouri Valley Conference tournament, but she also brings to life the adrenaline rush of playing with a "home-court" advantage during the conference tournament season.Then, we swerve from the hardwood to the hearts of the community, highlighting how women's sports at UNI are carving out a powerful legacy. From the irresistible charm of Whitey's Ice Cream discussions to the palpable increase in game-day crowds, we showcase the growing influence of female athletes. We're also let in on game-day superstitions and the beloved college memories that will last a lifetime.  As we peek into the future, Grace reveals ambitions that extend well beyond the arena, into careers that promise to shape the minds of the next generation. Join us for these heartfelt narratives that celebrate the indelible imprint of women's athletics and the enduring spirit of the QC community pride.

The Quad Cities is quickly becoming a fitness hotspot. On "QC, That's Where" we dive into the up and coming world of bungee fitness, which has found a home in Moline, Illinois. Stephanie Duffield, the brave pioneer of Bungee QC, shares her tale of venturing into the fitness frontier and the joy she's found in helping others discover their own 'Peter Pan' dreams.In our deep dive into bungee fitness, we're graced with the insights of a certified instructor who specializes in aiding people with disabilities and injuries. She's not just an instructor; she's an inspiration, showcasing how this unique form of exercise can be tailored to individual needs and abilities. A testament to the resilience and versatility of the human spirit, she shares the story of her journey, from beginner to mentor, interwoven with her love for the Quad Cities, her hometown that cradles her through her bungee fitness voyage.We'll give you a glimpse into the power of bungee fitness and how it's making waves among fitness enthusiasts of all ages. So, whether you’re a fitness aficionado or just someone looking for a bit of fun and movement, this episode has something for you. Join us and let's spread our wings in the enchanting world of Bungee QC.

Christina, along with her husband Brooks, own Board and Brush Quad Cities, a vibrant DIY creative studio. They've made it their mission to provide a creative getaway for groups and individuals looking to get creative, with paint and sip workshops, kids' parties, and more. Christina walks us through her journey of owning a business, the twists and turns she's encountered, and how she's carved out a unique niche in the bustling Quad Cities community.Christina’s infectious passion for her business doesn’t stop there. She talks about the triumphs of her first year, the challenges she faced, and her grand plans for the future. With Board and Brush's rich variety of projects they offer, Christina reveals her personal favorites and shares fascinating insights into their integral part in promoting the Quad Cities' bragging rights. And if you thought being part of a franchise might limit creativity, Christina's experience tells a different tale - the flourishing local events coupled with the support of a larger network has been a winning combination.Are you ready to get crafty with your family? Christina shares heartwarming stories of families bonding over their unique DIY projects, workshops, and events at Board and Brush. From a popular pumpkin workshop to a snowman event, she emphasizes the joy and memories created. Christina’s personal family involvement in the business shines through as she explains how it has shaped their decisions and offerings. Lovers of DIY or crafting novices, everyone’s welcome here. #VisitQuadCities #BoardAndBrush

Have you ever felt the urge to escape the unrelenting pace of life and simply breathe? If so, this episode with Rebecca Sebastian, the owner of Sunlight Yoga + Apothecary in Davenport, is just the respite you need. We delve into her journey from struggling with chronic hip pain, to discovering the healing power of yoga, and eventually becoming a yoga therapist. Rebecca's story is a testament to the transformative power of yoga and the nourishing sanctuary she has created at Sunlight Yoga. In our candid chat, we also shed light on the often overlooked challenges faced by yoga professionals. Whether it's her podcast 'Working in Yoga' that supports yoga professionals worldwide, or her belief in collaboration with other Quad Cities yoga studios, Rebecca's dedication to building a supportive community is truly inspiring. As she shares a touching story of an anonymous card that uplifted her spirit at a difficult time, her vision for creating an inclusive space for wellness at Sunlight Yoga becomes evident. So, get ready to be inspired by Rebecca's passion for rest, nourishment, and yoga that promises to leave a lasting impact on you.Find her on social media -InstagramFacebookListen to her podcast "Working In Yoga"Check out the latest at Sunlight Yoga + Apothecary's website#VisitQuadCities #Podcast #Yoga

Ever wondered how to transform your passion into a thriving online presence? Join us as we pick the brains of food connoisseurs and successful content creators, Annie Froeschle and Bailey Thompson, as they dish out their journey to the digital world. Launching into the vibrant food scene in the Quad Cities, they recount how their platforms turned from mere hobbies into profitable ventures, bringing to the table insights about fostering community, collaboration, and overcoming perceived competition in the content creation world.Strap in as Annie and Bailey serve up the best culinary experiences in Quad Cities, from breakfast burritos at Cafe Luci to the must-try sushi at Yoso. They share their top tips for maintaining authenticity in the digital space and striking that ever-elusive balance between work and family. The conversation heats up as they dive into the world of local desserts, shedding light on the hidden gems in Quad Cities’ dessert scene. Whether you're a food lover or an aspiring content creator, this episode is seasoned with insider tips and inspiring stories from the heart of the digital content creation realm.

Ever wonder how an engineer in aeronautics becomes a real estate aficionado? Our guest, Alex Skeen, takes us through his extraordinary journey from rockets to helping people find their dream home in the Quad Cities real estate market. His fascinating story will captivate you, as he shares his unique experiences, including the awe-inspiring sight of a rocket launch in Florida and the rewarding shift to real estate. It's time to embark on a detailed exploration of life in Iowa with the expert guidance of Alex, a proud local since 2015. He shares the ins and outs of life in the Midwestern state, from bracing winters to the friendly community spirit. And if you think YouTube stardom is reserved only for beauty gurus and gamers, Alex will prove you wrong. His channel, 'Living in the Quad Cities', has become a major influence in people’s decisions to relocate--and sometimes even leads to unexpected fan encounters!The journey concludes with an engaging review of the Quad Cities’ real estate market, where Alex seamlessly navigates between Illinois and Iowa. Discover the area's unique attractions, the cost of living, and why it's the perfect blend of metropolitan vibrancy and small-town charm. Listen in as we reveal how Alex utilizes YouTube to build trust with potential clients and how his videos impact the local community. So, whether you're a Midwest local, a potential mover, or a real estate enthusiast, this episode offers an engaging deep-dive into Midwestern life and its thriving real estate market.#VisitQuadCities #RealEstate #YouTube #Podcast #Influencer

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods met back when they were 11-year-old kids at Bettendorf Middle School, bonding over a shared interest of making movies. Through the years they moved from stop-action films with action figures to getting friends to act in their films, holding casting calls and getting their movies played on screen at places like "The Adler Theatre" or "The Putnam."As professionals, writing unique favorites like "A Quiet Place" has turned into daily life. Now, in pursuit of a new dream, the duo is working to open "The Last Picture House," a premier cinema, bar, and social lounge in the heart of Davenport, Iowa.Check out the renderings here: https://www.lastpicturehouse.com/#VisitQuadCities #ScottBeck #BryanWoods

Quad Citizen and author, Jonathan Turner, has made a lifelong career as a writer.  One of his latest works is "100 Things to do in the Quad Cities Before You Die," which is a guide book to help people navigate must-see and do activities in the Quad Cities region. The book is broken down topically, with recommendations and brief descriptions to help readers find an experience that fits their interests.Jonathan explains that the brief writing style was a challenge, as there was much more to say about each attraction.  The book leads to exploration. Once a reader finds an attraction they are interested in and goes, that then opens up the possibilities for more findings in the area. #VisitQuadCities #QuadCities #GuideBook #100ThingsToDo

Kathy Wine, the Executive Director of River Action got inspired by a trip she took to Baltimore. She had ridden a pedestrian boat and saw the opportunities the Quad Cities had to have a similar service, on the Mississippi River.Enthused with the idea, Kathy wrote a grant for a feasibility study to see if such a service as a water taxi could work in the Quad Cities. With $25,000 in hand, and encouragement from a River Action board member, the crew forewent the feasibility study and decided to buy a boat to start the water taxi. After a growth period and many successes three and a half years later, MetroLink, public transportation service, took over the Channel Cat, and its been a vital service for visitors and Quad Citzens ever since. The River Action organization continues to make strides in activating the world-renowned Mississippi River that acts as the Quad Cities' front porch.  Among other programs, they charter the Channel Cat regularly to provide an educational cruise series throughout the summer. Learn more about River Action and how you can get involved at RiverAction.org!#VisitQuadCities #RiverAction #MississippiRiver #Podcast #Nature #OutdoorLiving

The owners of Buttercupp Candles, which now has three locations around the Quad Cities, share the story of their start. Jennifer initially wanted to make candles to support the aesthetic of another business endeavor, and ultimately she and her husband K.C. discovered "Buttercupp" could be a venture of its own. The pair started making candles in their home, working to keep overhead costs down, but expanded beyond the means of their at-home workspace, and have grown into multiple spaces for production, retail and candle-making tutorials.#VisitQuadCities #Entreprenuer #SmallBusiness

Dan Bush from Bummer City Inc. is an entrepreneur with a passion for improving the quality of life and place in the Quad Cities.The owner of multiple businesses, Dan says he tries to create spaces that are more than just bars, but are hangouts. Analog Arcade Bar, being one, is just as it sounds. A bar and an arcade. It brings together the nostalgia of childhood video gaming while fostering a place for adults to gather, have a drink, and destress with some carefree fun. Dan has created a guide called "Look QC" to offer an insider perspective on what makes the QC go round. Those are available at all Bummer City Inc. businesses: Armored Gardens, Devon's Complaint Department, and each Analog location, as well as inside the Black Hawk Hotel.

Patrick Allie, the director of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum gives us an inside look at the hard work and thought that's gone into the renovation of the museum. Originally opened on July 4, 1905, the museum has been revamped only three times, once in response to WWI, another time in response to WWII, and the third in response to a the global COVID-19 pandemic. The mission of the museum is to showcase the Rock Island Arsenal's history, commands, the products, processes and people that make up the Arsenal. The museum is reopening June 29, 2023.Patrick describes it as a "complete floor to ceiling renovation," with exhibits that are formatted chronologically, instead of topically. Find more information about the museum here:#VisitQuadCities #RockIslandArsenal #QuadCities #Museum #Army #Military

Sonny Soliz is the artist behind the Hero Street USA monument in Silvis, Illinois.It has been documented that as of the present day there have been over 100 young men and women from Second Street who have given service to the United States Military Forces. It had been researched and documented by The Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. that (there is no other street of comparable size) that has had as many men and women render service to the Armed Forces of the United States of America then the 11/2 block long street in Silvis, Illinois. Of these 100 or more Military men and women, six of them were killed in action during WWII and two during the Korean War.Because of the contributions of these young American the street was renamed Hero Street USA in May 1967, by former Mayor of Silvis, William Tatmen. On 30 October 1971 a city park was built and dedicated as Hero Street Park in honor of the eight deceased service men from Hero Street USA. The park contains a pictorial monument a Grotto, a playground and a Pavilion. The monument contains pictures and biographies of the eight-deceased veteran from Hero Street, the grotto displays the names of all war dead from Silvis.Address: 202 1st Avenue in Silvis, IL 61282#VisitQuadCities #HeroStreetUSA #Veterans #Monument #Military #UnitedStates #History #USHistory

Ryan Collins, executive director of the Midwest Writing Center in Rock Island explains what the organization does in the community and how its programming works to serve writers from all backgrounds, levels and aspirations. The center hires interns, hosts writing workshops and a large annual event every summer, as well as partners for community outreach. If you're interested in working with the Midwest Writing Center, find them here: https://www.mwcqc.org/#VisitQuadCities #MidwestWritingCenter #Education

If the Quad Cities had a soundtrack, the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra would be an integral part. The organization has been awarded two recognitions in recent years from the Illinois Council of Orchestras. The QCSO was awarded Community Relations of the Year, recognizing two programs they launched in their 2021-2022 season: Concert Access Pass and Promo Partners. Learn more hereAnd from their 2020-2021 season, the QCSO was named Professional Orchestra of the Year.Brian Baxter, Executive Director and Ernesto Estigarribia, Associate Conductor & Youth Ensembles Music Director joined the QC, That's Where podcast.The two share stories from running the symphony orchestra, practicing, mitigating challenges and more through the 2019 flood, and the 2020 pandemic. They discuss the strengths and opportunities the organization discovered and came away with from trying times.#VisitQuadCities #QCThatsWhere #Music #SymphonyOrchestra #ProfessionalMusician #LiveMusicFind concerts and events here