Bill Poorman

Bill Poorman has lived in metro Peoria off and on since 1993. Born and raised in Detroit and Akron, Ohio, the 56-year-old writer and media producer has been a public-radio reporter, teacher and organizer of community groups, and he, his wife Margaret and their two sons have lived in Bloomington-Normal, Champaign, Chicagoland, Morton and Peoria.

Several years ago, Poorman started Central Illinois’ “Drinking Liberally,” a local version of the national network that since 2003 has brought together progressives to socialize and talk politics. Last year, he and friends launched another local outfit with a less restrictive mission: “Braver Angels” is a grassroots, bipartisan nonprofit organization set up nationally 10 years ago to help revive the community spirit of U.S. democracy by bringing politically diverse people together in small groups to intentionally listen to each other.

Dozens of people came to its first Peoria-area meeting; eight volunteered to help; more than 20 took part in workshops; and a follow-up get-together is planned.

Poorman took a break to chat over coffee and answer five wide-ranging questions.

1. People have five senses. What’s your favorite?

Definitely hearing. I really enjoy sounds: music, radio — all of it.

2. How do you handle frustration?

I guess I have different responses in different spaces. I don’t really get mad at other people — I get angry at myself sometimes. And I’ve never felt targeted.

3. Planes or trains?

Planes for efficiency; trains for enjoyment — it’s more civilized.

4. Do you have a “happy place” where you can retreat and refresh?

Natural sites, hiking — especially historic sites. I’ve gone to Tippecanoe [in Indiana] and Shiloh [in Tennessee]. Places like that can be intriguing and moving.

5. What something most people wouldn’t know about you?

I studied jazz piano in college. Or maybe that we lived in Singapore for six years, when we learned about  being “city people.”