Join us for conversations from beyond the quad with Illinois State University Redbirds who are creating buzz—on campus, in the community, and across the globe. Each episode, we speak with Redbirds about their unique stories, journeys, and contributions.
Redbird Buzz
Claim This Podcastby Illinois State University
4.7(7 reviews)
65 episodes
Updated Weekly
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
70
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality82
Social0
YouTube86
Engagement60
Podcast Overview
Join us for conversations from beyond the quad with Illinois State University Redbirds who are creating buzz—on campus, in the community, and across the globe. Each episode, we speak with Redbirds about their unique stories, journeys, and contributions.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/31/2022
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70
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality82
Social0
YouTube86
Engagement60
9
Excellent Areas
0
Good Performance
10
Growth Opportunities
excellent
Episode Length
36 minutes
Performing excellently!
needs improvement
Publishing Consistency
Every 18 days
Recommendations available
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Recent Episodes
June 29, 2026
Sharon Ponder-Ballard ’86
<p>For Illinois State University alum Sharon Ponder-Ballard ’86, education has always been about opening doors. Inspired by a mother who believed that "reading was freedom," Ponder-Ballard has dedicated her career to ensuring every student has access to books, opportunity, and the support they need to thrive.</p><p><br></p><p>A Golden Apple Award winner and the most recent recipient of the Illinois State Alumni Association's Maitland Commitment to Education Award, Ponder-Ballard has spent decades serving students in Chicago Public Schools and beyond. From building classroom libraries when school librarians were lost to budget cuts, to bringing thousands of books to schools recovering from Hurricane Katrina, to developing innovative curriculum that connects literacy, restorative justice, and environmental awareness, her work demonstrates what happens when compassion and purpose come together in the classroom.</p><p><br></p><p>On this episode of Redbird Buzz, Ponder-Ballard reflects on the lessons she learned at Illinois State, how empathy plays a role in building classroom libraries, and why she continues to advocate for educational equity every day. It's an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of reading, the importance of meeting students where they are, and how one passionate teacher can create opportunities that last a lifetime.</p>
June 10, 2026
Brandon Holtz ’10
<p>Illinois State University College of Business alum Brandon Holtz ’10 is a former Redbird men's basketball player who won the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship in September 2025, earning a spot in the 2026 Master’s and the U.S. Open Golf Championship, while working as a realtor in Bloomington-Normal.</p>
June 2, 2026
Dr. Bob Navarro ’91, M.S. ’93, Ph.D. ’02
<p>Dr. Bob Navarro ’91, M.S. ’93, Ph.D. ’02, serves as CEO of Heritage Corridor Destinations, where he oversees attractions and programs along Illinois and Michigan Canal towns, the Starved Rock area, and the first 100 miles of Route 66.</p><p>During this episode of Redbird Buzz, Navarro discusses planning for the “Mother Road’s” 100th anniversary celebration during summer 2026. Established in 1926, Route 66 spans 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, passing through Normal along the way.</p><p>Navarro, a member of the Illinois State University Board of Trustees since 2019, started his career at Illinois State in University Housing before heading north to handle guest experiences at the DuPage Children's Museum. He then served as director of housing services at U.S Equities Reality, where he worked to open the 18-story University Center that houses students from Columbia College Chicago, DePaul University, and Roosevelt University in the Chicago loop.</p><p>Navarro earned three degrees from Illinois State including, a bachelor’s in history, a master’s in kinesiology and recreation, and a doctorate in educational administration and foundations. He is a founding member of Illinois State University’s Latinx Alumni Network and is a former chairman of the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitors Bureaus.</p>
65 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Redbird Buzz?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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