Off The Beaten Podcast
Dion McGill
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About This Podcast
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.
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Recent Episodes
Veterans Day 2025
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…
S4E75 #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…
S4E74 #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…
#73 - Taking Action In The Wake of Tragedy: Robb Elementary School
Every time another school shooting or mass shooting happens, I am approached by people asking, "What can I do? What can we do?" So I wanted to take a moment to offer some actionable steps you can…
S4E72 Memorial Day 2022: Poetry and Remembrances
Saying "Happy Memorial Day" always feels weird to me. However, allow me to offer my sincerest gratitude to all those who have loved ones you are remembering today. I offer my thoughts on Memorial…
A Tale of Two Chicagos and Curfew
Hello Friends! Recently, following an evening of violence that left one youth dead, Mayor Lori Lightfoot instituted a ban on youth at Millennium Park after 6pm Thursday - Sunday. She also moved the…
S4E69 #69 - Cookies Are Everything w/ Leah Tibbs of Cookies and Conversations
Hello Friends! This episode I indulge in my sweet tooth while visiting with Leah Tibbs, owner of Cookies and Conversations, a small black female owned business I became a fan of during the pandemic.…
S4E68 #68 - Off The Beaten Podcast Went To France Y’all!!!
Hello Friends! Finally Off The Beaten Podcast has come back! It was a long cold winter, but we've come out of hibernation and kicking off Season 4 by bringing you up to speed on one of the more…
S3E67 #67 - A Chat With Cade Kamaleson of Chicago Eco House
Hello Friends! I've been sitting on this episode forever, and I'm so excited to get this episode out, and what more perfect time, when people will be getting flowers and wreaths to decorate their…
S3E66 #66 - Off The Beaten Podcast Invades the USA CBD Expo
Hello Friends! So yesterday I had the privilege and pleasure of visiting the USA CBD Expo as a member of the press. It was a day without the general public to dive in and check out everything, and…
S3E65 #65 - I Didn‘t Meet a Mosh Pit I Didn‘t Like at Riot Fest 2021!!!
Welcome back to a very special episode of Off The Beaten Podcast. I went and sat outside on the curb, enjoyed a beautiful fall day, and recounted the amazing time I had at Riot Fest 2021, which made…
S3E64 #64 - A Veteran Reflects on the Afghanistan Withdrawal
My apologies for not recognizing my amazing supporters this episode either through your amazing feedback or buying me a cup of coffee, but I wanted to get right to the brass tax this episode. The…
S3E63 #63 - Summertime Chi
First and foremost, if you're not signed up for the OTBP Newsletter, sign up immediately to get the Official OTBP 2021 Summer To-Do List. The contents in there is top secret! However, I decided to…
S3E62 #62 - Before All Else Coffee: Alicia Zyburt and Devon Owens - Founders of BAE Coffee
On this episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Alicia Zyburt and Devon Owens, co-founders of BAE Coffee. What do you do when you find yourself furloughed from work during a…
S3E61 #61 - Dispatches FromThe Road: Reflecting on America After George Floyd
This is the second of two episodes I recorded in the lovely podcast booth at The Russell Nashville Hotel. While enjoying the lovely sights and people of Tennessee, reality was swirling around me it…
S3E60 #60 - OTBP Presents: Real Talk "Stop Asian Hate" w/ Abby Goodman
In this episode of Off The Beaten Podcast, I showcase an episode created by my niece Abby Goodman, Real Talk: Stop Asian Hate. I thought my heart was gonna burst when I heard it, and I had to share…
S3E59 #59 - Dispatches From The Road: Nashville
This is a first time for OTBP. I took the show on the road. I recorded this episode in the lovely podcast booth at The Russell Nashville Hotel. I had to take advantage and offer my thoughts on the…
S3E58 #58 - Talking Chicago History with Willarene McGill - Part 2!
Welcome to Off The Beaten Podcast. This episode, continues my conversation with Chicagoan Willarene McGill. This is part 2 of our conversation and continue on from how she got to Chicago, and how she…
S3E57 #57 - Talking Chicago History w/ Willarene McGill: Part 1
Welcome to Season 3 of Off The Beaten Podcast. This episode, I sat and talked with my mother, Willarene McGill, who has lived in Chicago since the 60's. I couldn't think of a more perfect person to…
S2E56 #56 - NaPodPoMo: Episode 26 - The Final Mile!
Hey Everyone! It's Episode 26 of my NaPodPoMo series. On this mile of our journey, I offer thank you's to everyone who joined this adventure, and stuck it out with me along the 24 miles of Chicago…
Frequently Asked Questions
Off The Beaten Podcast has published 76 episodes since September 2019, covering topics in Personal Journals, Society & Culture.
Off The Beaten Podcast is currently sporadic with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 34m.
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