Hosted by Chicago native and Army veteran Dion McGill, Off The Beaten Podcast uncovers the coolest stories and people you didn’t know you needed. From artists and activists to everyday folks doing extraordinary things, Dion dives deep into real conversations that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Thoughtful, funny, and unfiltered—this isn’t your average interview show. It’s a journey off the beaten path.
In this heartfelt solo episode of Off The Beaten Podcast, host Dion McGill reflects on his military service in Afghanistan in honor of Veterans Day. He shares personal stories about his early reluctance to embrace the veteran identity, the bonds he built with Afghan soldiers, and the lessons he learned about shared humanity. McGill also explores the dangers of xenophobia and the enduring importance of solidarity, invoking the words of Fred Hampton. The episode closes with McGill’s reading of the St. Crispin’s Day speech, a moving tribute to camaraderie, sacrifice, and the unseen journeys of those who serve.
00:00 Introduction and Veterans Day Reflection
01:48 The Decision to Record an Episode
02:43 Revisiting Military Service Stories
07:14 Joining the Army: The Early Days
11:40 Deployment and Training Challenges
18:01 Life in Afghanistan
22:36 Memories of PRT Sharona and Bo Bergdahl
23:25 Dealing with Injury and Taking Responsibility
24:26 Life on the Base with Afghan Soldiers
25:49 Cultural Exchange and Learning
28:16 Reflections on Shared Humanity
34:00 Fred Hampton's Legacy and Modern Reflections
42:36 Veterans Day Reflections and St. Crispin's Day Speech
48:53 Outro and Final Thoughts
Thank you for listening. This was so fast, I didn't worry about all the social media stuff, but I will get back to that soon!
19 Aug 2022
#75 - Talking Poetry and Life w/ Ydalmi Noriega
Hello Friends!
For this episode I had the opportunity to sit down with Ydalmi Noriega. Ydalmi is a Chicago transplant, as well as the Vice President of Programs and Engagement for the Poetry Foundation. After recently being labeled as a person who is redefining what poetry looks like, I had to sit down and pick her brain about her journey, and about the wide world of poetry. Enjoy!
Resources:
Hispanic Executive: Ydalmi Noriega Is Redefining What Poetry Looks Like in America
Block Club Chicago: Words of Wonder Literary Festival Bringing ‘The Best’ Creatives To The South Side Saturday
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2 Jul 2022
#74 - Reflecting on Pride Month
Hello Friends!While sitting and reflecting, it dawned on me I hadn't ever done an episode about Pride Month, which is a pretty big deal here in Chicago, so I took some time to reflect on some memories that tightly correlate in my head with the LGBTQIA+ community. It's story time!!!
Resources:
Fatal Violence Against The Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community in 2022
LGBTQ Community Speaks Out Following Deaths of Two Chicago-Area Black Trans Women
State Representative Kelly Cassidy
Aurora Pride Parade 2022 Draws Hundreds After Almost Cancelled Over Revoked Permit Controversy
History.com: The Stonewall Riots
History.com: How The Mob Helped Establish NYC's Gay Bar Scene
Full Moon Over The Stonewall: Howard Smith's Account of the Stonewall Riots
City Cast Chicago: Remembering Mama Gloria
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