Shows
Topeka InsiderMovement With Meaning: Running, Teaching, & Community In Topeka | Paul WagnerWe trace Paul Wagner’s path from a shared professorship at Washburn to leading the Sunflower Striders and unpack how Topeka’s running scene grew from race-first to community-first. Practical training tips, trail highlights, and the real costs of putting on local races round out a lively, useful conversation.• why a shared teaching role made space for family and service• how running clubs shifted from PR chasing to social connection• conversation pace, run‑walk, and simple plans that work• Topeka routes from Deer Creek to Lake Shawnee and Shunga• trail running skills, fueling, and staying pres...
2026-01-091h 04
Topeka InsiderTK Business Magazine To Compass: Building Community-Driven Marketing in Topeka | Tara DimickWe trace Tara Dimick’s path from Washburn to TK Business Magazine and Compass, exploring how a premium print brand thrives alongside a full-service agency that acts like an embedded marketing team. Along the way we unpack entrepreneurial mindset, hiring creatives, and why Topeka’s underdog energy fuels real growth.• TK Business Magazine acquisition story and evolution• Why print still works when quality is high• Advertiser-funded model and multi-channel distribution• Letting experts lead and avoiding micromanagement• Building Compass as a plug-in marketing department• Strategy, content, media buying, and execution end-to-end• Entrepreneur strengths, failure...
2025-12-2652 min
Topeka InsiderLighting Up Our Community: Inside Topeka Zoo Lights | Cynthia McCarvelWe sat down with Cynthia McCarvel, Strategic Partnerships Director at the Topeka Zoo, to unpack how Zoo Lights grew from a winter idea into a citywide tradition. From 28 miles of LEDs to volunteer crews, soundscapes, igloos, and access programs, we trace the people and plans behind the glow.• role of strategic partnerships and community ties• why a small zoo is a strength for families• memberships and reciprocal discounts driving value• origins, growth, and yearly redesign of Zoo Lights• scope and logistics of power, LEDs, and frames• corporate and school volunteers wrapping trees and testing...
2025-12-1230 min
Topeka InsiderHow Learning Languages Builds Community And Opportunity | Dr. Pilar MejíaWe trace Pilar’s path from Columbia to Topeka and explore how language, culture, and community shape learning. Dual language classrooms, the seal of biliteracy, and the difference between language needs and disabilities take center stage with practical tips for families and curious adults.________________________________________0:35 - Meet Dr. Pilar Mejía And Her Journey3:25 - From Fashion To Education In Kansas6:08 - Degrees, Endorsements, And Kansas Schools10:24 - Language, Culture, And Family Roots12:25 - Accents, Dialects, And Spanish Varieties14:50 - Life In Topeka And Why She Stayed18:40 - What Topeka Needs: Languages And...
2025-11-281h 06
Topeka InsiderBeyond the Comments: What It Really Takes To Communicate For Topeka | Dan GarrettWe talk with Dan Garrett, Director of Communications and Media Relations for the City of Topeka, about how a modern city communicates through storms, potholes, rumor mills, and the daily work that rarely makes headlines. He shares practical tools residents can use, why tone matters online, and where Topeka is quietly moving forward.• path from TV reporter to city communications lead• what city PR covers across social, media, and web• potholes versus construction trade‑offs and winter patching• SeeClickFix for reporting issues that get real responses• managing the 100‑year snow and a misunderstood police action
2025-11-1448 min
Magic in the Cloud PodcastAI, Alignment, and Empathy: How People-First Companies Win | Jon Cline | Magic in the Cloud | EP 108In this episode of Magic in the Cloud, host Joe sits down with Jon Cline, founder of The People First Method, to explore how mastering soft skills can lead to hard results — in leadership, sales, and tech.From over a thousand Salesforce projects to years of coaching experience, Jon shares how empathy, communication, and trust have become the new power skills that separate thriving teams from struggling ones.Whether you’re leading an AI transformation, running a Salesforce team, or simply trying to build better relationships in your career, this...
2025-11-1056 min
Topeka InsiderFrom Bean To Bar: How Hazel Hill Builds Flavor, Wins Awards, And Serves A City | Nick XidisWe sit down with Hazel Hill’s Nick Xidis to explore award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate, the craft behind single origins, and why serving people is the true business model. From sensory tasting tips to cocoa market shocks, we dig into flavor, process, and community.• family heritage from Greek immigrant chocolatier to Topeka maker• where to buy Hazel Hill and seasonal gifting cycles• single-origin cocoa, inclusion bars, and flavor terroir• full bean-to-bar steps from ferment to temper• how to taste chocolate like a pro with simple method• small business mindset: service before product• cocoa price spik...
2025-10-311h 07
Topeka InsiderHow The Topeka Community Foundation is Driving Lasting Change | Marsha PopeWe talk with Marsha Pope about how the Topeka Community Foundation grew from a $10,000 idea to a $120 million engine for local change and why the team moved from quick fixes to upstream solutions. We explore impact investing, mental health, housing, and the power of data to guide funding.• Origin story of the Topeka Community Foundation and Junior League roots• How donor-advised funds stay local and responsive• Endowments, spending policy, and grant making basics• From apples to upstream: reframing health through zip code data• Social determinants of health and Shawnee County mapping• Mental health, hous...
2025-10-1740 min
Topeka InsiderFrom Advisors Excel To The Mall: Why Topeka Is Worth It | Cody FosterWe sit down with Cody Foster, cofounder of Advisors Excel, to unpack how a back-office platform grew to support hundreds of advisers, why he’s betting on West Ridge Mall, and what it takes to lead through scrutiny and slow timelines. The conversation moves from annuities to anchor tenants to the quiet rituals that keep leaders grounded.• AE’s model as the back office for independent advisers• Simple explanation of annuities and retirement income• How AE earns: thin margins, scale, managed assets• Culture, events, and building a service-first team• Handling criticism and narrowing feedback that...
2025-10-031h 12
Topeka InsiderTopeka Insider: The Journey of a Local Podcast's First Year | Justin & JonThe Topeka Insider podcast celebrates its one-year anniversary with a special episode featuring hosts Justin and Jon being interviewed by their behind-the-scenes producer, Gabriel from Butel Media Group.• Justin and Jon share the origin story of how Topeka Insider came to be, including Justin purchasing the domain five years before they started• The podcast began as a mission to change Topeka's perception problem by highlighting amazing local people• Both hosts bring different perspectives – Justin as a lifelong resident and Jon as a transplant who fell in love with the city• The team discusses their continuous...
2025-09-191h 18
The Filthy Spoon PodcastEP #188 with Cody Griffith of Triple B outdoorsSupport the show! https://buymeacoffee.com/filthyspoonpodcast
Jon hosts a solo episode of the Filthy Spoon Podcast with sponsor shout-outs and a feature interview with Cody Griffith of Triple B Outdoors about Arkansas hunting. They cover dove, teal, goose and duck seasons, decoy and gear tips, and how weather and habitat shifts are affecting migration.
The episode also includes sponsor highlights (Willow Creek Custom Calls, Tule Creek Hunting Outfitters, Duck Chugger, G&T Truck Repair, 818 Inspections, Shannon J. Kelly, Sacramento SCI), personal hunting stories, gear recommendations (guns, shells, waders) and plans for upcoming hunts.
2025-09-171h 08
Topeka InsiderSmall Town Roots to CEO of Greater Topeka Partnership | Molly HoweyMolly Howey, newly appointed CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, shares her vision for economic development and community growth in Topeka. With 14 years of experience in the organization, Howey brings both institutional knowledge and fresh perspective to continue the momentum building in Shawnee County.• Born and raised in Overbrook, Howey graduated from Washburn University and now lives north of Topeka• The Greater Topeka Partnership encompasses four entities: Go Topeka (economic development), Visit Topeka (tourism), Downtown Topeka, and the Chamber of Commerce• Economic development in Topeka focuses on creating prosperity through quality employment, workforce development, entrepreneurism, and bu...
2025-09-0548 min
Court JunkieThe Case of Collin GriffithIn February 2023, 15-year-old Collin Griffith killed his father in what he said was self-defense. 18 months later, he killed his mother too. Would the jury believe his second self-defense claim?Please subscribe to our other podcast, CIVIL, which covers civil cases and trials. Listen to the trailer here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/civil/id1634071998 Sponsors in this episode:Boll & Branch - Get 15% off, plus free shipping ot Bollandbranch.com/COURT.Mint Mobile - Get a 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at MintMobile.com/COURT.Progressive Insurance - Visit Progressive...
2025-09-031h 08
Topeka InsiderThe Connector: How Plug and Play Bridges Startups and Corporations | Lindsay LebahnLindsay Lebahn, Director of Plug and Play Topeka, shares how global innovation is thriving in America's heartland by connecting entrepreneurs, corporations, and investors through their unique accelerator program. • Plug and Play operates 62 locations globally with Topeka focusing on animal health and ag tech• The accelerator connects startups with MVPs to corporate partners, mentors, and universities• Their founder's first investment was trading office space above his rug shop for equity in Google• Startups going through the program are typically working on technologies 5 years from market• Topeka offers unique advantages including affordable housing while still being near...
2025-08-221h 08
Topeka InsiderThe Long Game: 20 Years From Walk-On To Washburn University Head Football Coach | Zach WatkinsZach Watkins shares his journey from Washburn walk-on linebacker to head coach, revealing how his 20-year connection to the program shapes his coaching philosophy and vision for the future.• Coming full circle from player to head coach at Washburn University• Building a program on five pillars: family, accountability, discipline, toughness, and respect• Completing over 2,000 hours of community service in five months• Creating accountability groups and football nights at every campus sport• Managing 36 scholarships across a roster of 125+ players• Developing relationships with every player through individual meetings• Recruiting philosophy: "If you're good enough, they'l...
2025-08-0851 min
Topeka InsiderThe Long Game: 20 Years From Walk-On To Head Football Coach | Zach WatkinsZach Watkins shares his journey from Washburn walk-on linebacker to head coach, revealing how his 20-year connection to the program shapes his coaching philosophy and vision for the future.• Coming full circle from player to head coach at Washburn University• Building a program on five pillars: family, accountability, discipline, toughness, and respect• Completing over 2,000 hours of community service in five months• Creating accountability groups and football nights at every campus sport• Managing 36 scholarships across a roster of 125+ players• Developing relationships with every player through individual meetings• Recruiting philosophy: "If you're good enough, they'l...
2025-08-0851 min
Topeka InsiderThe Sky's No Limit for Topeka's Development | Curtis SnedenCurtis Sneden, Director of Development at the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA), shares exciting developments happening at Topeka's two airports and their adjacent industrial park. He reveals plans to bring commercial airline service back to Topeka Regional Airport, with flights potentially starting in early 2026 to destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.• The MTAA operates both Topeka Regional Airport (formerly Forbes Field) and Philip Billard Airport, plus an industrial park with development potential• Data shows approximately 1,400 Topekans drive to KCI daily, creating strong market demand for local commercial air service• Airlines have shown significant interest in Top...
2025-07-251h 09
Topeka InsiderFrom News Reporter to PR Pioneer: Giving Topeka’s Small Businesses a Voice | India YarboroughIndia Yarborough, Topeka's newest PR pioneer, shares her journey from Mississippi journalist to founding Local Lens PR, the city's first public relations firm dedicated to helping small businesses find their voice. She explores the critical distinction between marketing and PR while explaining how her business fills a gap in the local market for strategic communications.• Moved to Topeka in 2019 as a reporter for the Topeka Capital Journal, having never visited Kansas before• Found Topeka to be the "perfect small city" with unique qualities that convinced her to stay for six years and counting• Worked at the Gr...
2025-07-1155 min
The Story of WritingStory of Writing July 6, 2025Louis Pasteur tests his rabies vaccine, Jackie Robinson refuses to move to the back of a bus, John Lennon and Paul McCartney meet, and it is the birthday of Nanci Griffith - with a reading from her song, "It's a Hard Life Wherever You Go."
2025-07-0604 min
Topeka InsiderCoaching The Whole Player: Blueprint for Success at Washburn | Brett BallardCoach Brett Ballard shares his journey from player to head basketball coach at Washburn University and reveals how he's built a winning program focused on developing players both on and off the court.• Growing up in Hutchinson, Kansas before becoming a preferred walk-on at KU under Roy Williams• Volunteering for Bill Self after graduation to get his foot in the coaching door• Being part of KU's 2008 national championship team as a staff member• Building Washburn into a program that's reached five NCAA tournaments in seven eligible seasons• Leading the team to the Division II Final F...
2025-06-271h 10
MMA NUTS (MP3)UFC 317 Preview | Jon Jones | MMANUTS MMA Podcast | EP # 715Jon Jones UFC 317 Preview Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira Johnny Hendricks Ronda Rousey Andrei Arvlovski New fight league BKFC Ice Fights Tweet of the week. KO of the week. KNOWLEDGE. #UFC https://mmanuts.com
2025-06-2438 min
The Ann Harder ShowThe Ann Harder Show - Linda Griffith Native Plant Society CF Love, Jennifer Pisarchik and Jon Fox
Ann talks with Linda Griffith from the Native Plant Society, Melissa Sieh with CF Love and their toy drives, and music by Jennifer Pisarchik and Jon Fox
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-06-201h 01
Topeka InsiderDino Days, Sumatran Tigers, & Future of The Topeka Zoo | Dennis DinwiddieDennis Dinwiddie shares his 15-year journey as Director of Conservation at the Topeka Zoo, where he oversees initiatives protecting endangered species locally and globally. Through partnerships with other zoos and conservation organizations, the Topeka Zoo funds rangers in Sumatra, supports black-footed ferret reintroduction, and creates habitats for monarch butterflies.• Topeka Zoo funds a ranger in Sumatra's Leuser Range, the last stronghold for fewer than 400 remaining Sumatran tigers• Monarch butterflies have declined by 90% in 15-20 years due to loss of milkweed, their only egg-laying plant• The zoo hosts an annual native plant sale the day before Mother...
2025-06-1352 min
Topeka InsiderWinners Focus on Winning: Former Greater Topeka Partnership CEO | Matt PivarnikMatt Pivarnik reflects on nearly a decade of service as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership and the remarkable transformation the community has experienced during this time. From becoming the first city in America to measure its Net Promoter Score to seeing dramatic improvements in hope, health, happiness, and prosperity metrics, Topeka's renaissance demonstrates the power of changing community mindset.• Topeka was the first city to measure its net promoter score, rising from -47 to +1• Major developments transforming Topeka include Westridge Mall's conversion to a corporate campus and two significant downtown housing projects• Community perception matter...
2025-05-3044 min
Down Trails of VictoryMemorial Day 2025Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do/Do not wait to shed your light afar/To the many duties ever near you now be true/Brighten the corner where you are."--Lyrics to "Brighten the Corner Where you Are"" by Charles Gabriel, Paul Mickelson, and Ina Duley OgdenMemorial Day.In this special episode, Down Trails of Victory podcast pays tribute to the 1.3 million military men and...
2025-05-2156 min
Topeka InsiderThrough the Lens: Photojournalism, Topeka, and Capturing Moments That Matter | Evert NelsonEvert Nelson, chief photojournalist at the Topeka Capital Journal, shares his journey from growing up in Topeka to capturing iconic moments that have appeared in Time Magazine and Sports Illustrated. His unique perspective on visual storytelling and finding extraordinary narratives in everyday events gives us insight into the power of photojournalism.• Born in Costa Rica but raised in Topeka, Evert knew he wanted to be a photojournalist from fourth grade• Influenced by his uncle Andy Nelson who worked for the Christian Science Monitor in Washington DC• Photographed the Colorado Rockies for two seasons, capturing unique shots...
2025-05-1653 min
Topeka InsiderThe Rise of Saved Soles: Where Sneakers and Faith Create Community in Topeka | Eric PattersonEric Patterson turned his childhood sneaker obsession into Saved Soles, Topeka's first high-end sneaker store where faith and footwear create unexpected community. This 23-year-old entrepreneur shares his journey from selling lemonade door-to-door to opening a thriving business in Westridge Mall.• Saved Soles specializes in buying, selling, and trading high-end sneakers like Jordans, Nikes, and Yeezys• The store has been operating in Westridge Mall for about nine months with plans to expand to a larger location• Patterson explains how certain sneakers become valuable collectibles, with some models selling for thousands• Growing up as a pastor's kid, Pat...
2025-05-0244 minMMA NUTS (MP3)EP # 708Eddie Hall vs Marius Pudzianowski Sean Strickland sparring Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway 3 Jon Jones Jon Wick Invitational Tai Tuivasa weighs 308 Israel Adesanya training with David Goggins New sports Tweet of the week. KO of the week. KNOWLEDGE. #UFC https://mmanuts.com
2025-04-2942 min
Topeka InsiderWashburn Basketball’s Final Four Journey: Team Culture, Mental Toughness & Community Support | Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew OrrThree Washburn basketball players—Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew Orr—reflect on their historic season that took them to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the first time in 24 years. They share insights on team chemistry, mental toughness, and their perspectives on basketball's place in their lives while celebrating the incredible community support they received throughout their championship run.• Team chemistry was the biggest difference between this season and previous years—everyone genuinely liked each other• Coach Ballard's consistent message that "basketball shouldn't be your identity" helped players maintain perspective• Mental toughness was just as impo...
2025-04-1845 min
In The Roud - A Folk Song PodcastRoud 30: Willie's Lyke Wake aka The Blue Flowers and the Yellow (with Steve Byrne & Bryony Griffith)Roud 30 - WILLIE'S LYKE WAKE aka THE BLUE FLOWERS AND THE YELLOW Historical guest: Steve Byrne Singer Guest: Bryony Griffith Email us: intheroud@singyonder.co.uk Find us on social media via our LinkTree Your host: Matt Quinn Modern performances: Shepherd, Spiers & Watson June Tabor & Oysterband Ewan MacColl Jez Lowe Lucy Pringle & Chris Wright Folk song recourses:
2025-04-162h 11
Topeka InsiderWhat Your Topeka House Is Hiding From You | Alex BuehlerAlex Buehler shares his journey from retail management to becoming Topeka's "Pi Guy" home inspector, offering insights into the surprising, dangerous, and sometimes creepy discoveries behind walls and underneath floors. His unexpected career change came after quitting his job without a plan, only to receive a call from an inspection company that would change his professional path forever.• Moving from retail to home inspection through an unexpected opportunity• Why he's known as "The Pi Guy" across Topeka• Terrifying structural issues including support beams cut for laundry chutes• Common problems found in almost every home inspecti...
2025-04-0454 min
Topeka InsiderSports-Life Connection With Topeka’s Top Coach | Chad ParksChad Parks transforms athletes through building culture and creating genuine connections, turning wrestling into a vehicle for character development far beyond the mat. His approach combines technical coaching with life lessons that prepare athletes for challenges in all aspects of their lives.• Wrestling background that began with his Hall of Fame coach father• Created distinctive team mottos like TCOB (Take Care of Business) and GET (Gratitude, Effort, Toughness)• Observes significant generational changes in youth sports, particularly decreased free play• Warns against sports specialization and over-scheduling that leads to burnout• Encourages parents to separate their chil...
2025-03-211h 17