Shows
Outside The BoxService Sells: Turning Clients Into Lifelong Fans | Nick BaileyWe sit down with Nick Bailey to unpack why repeat and referral businesses beat lead-chasing, how to shift from order taker to advisor, and where tech actually earns its keep. The through line is service that reduces stress and stays memorable long after closing.• career path across agent, franchise, portals, T360• why money-making activities drive survival• moving from transactions to lifetime value• buyers need real advisors again• financing literacy and inspection strategy• tech vs toy and AI that saves time• brokerage leadership, culture and fit• practical service that anticipates needs• tracking R...
2026-02-0649 min
Topeka InsiderFrom Wyoming To Washburn: Building Teams & Culture In Topeka | Lora WestlingWe talk with head coach Lora Westling about building a program on high standards and real care, recruiting with intention in the portal era, and why joy and discipline can live side by side. Stories span Wyoming winters to Washburn wins and the energy of a campus that shows up.• Path from Wyoming to Washburn and coaching roots• People-first coaching and teaching the college athlete• Defining success beyond social media and comparison• Discipline as care and meeting players where they are• Recruiting tips, film, camps and playing with energy• Transfer portal, NIL and shifting...
2026-02-0650 min
Topeka InsiderChampionship Culture & Mental Health Movement | Damon ParkerWe sit down with Coach Damon Parker to trace how a girls’ wrestling experiment became the largest team in the world and why a funeral changed his path toward founding the Jones Project. The conversation moves from culture and leadership to mental health, ownership, and hope.• Building a program that prioritized family, voice, and belonging• Why girls’ wrestling exploded and how leadership sustains it• Turning down trophy talk to focus on culture• The single‑parent stat and what support looks like• Student leaders holding teammates and coaches to account• The resignation, grief, and the birth of t...
2026-01-231h 07
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
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
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
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
Outside The BoxMastering The Fundamentals: How To Win in Modern Real Estate | Marci PressMarci Press shares her journey from legal secretary to successful realtor, having sold over 1,000 homes in Central Ohio since 2004. She reveals how picking up the phone and maintaining genuine connections with clients creates lasting success in real estate.• Started real estate career as a single mom of three while working full-time as a legal secretary• Worked both jobs simultaneously for a year before taking the leap to full-time real estate• Emphasizes the importance of fundamental practices like phone calls alongside modern marketing• Maintains consistency in outreach through multiple channels including social media and traditional postcard...
2025-07-0429 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
Outside The Box98% Referral Business: Become The Mayor of Your City | Amanda FurmanAmanda Furman shares how she transformed from a middle school teacher into a successful realtor building a referral-based business through authentic relationships and community involvement. Her teaching background provided unexpected advantages in real estate, helping her manage different personality types and emotional situations while developing a reputation as the "Fox Cities Homegirl."• Cultivating a 98% referral-based business through relationship building rather than traditional sales techniques• Writing five handwritten note cards weekly to past clients for non-business reasons • Creating a weekly "Fox Cities Friday" video series highlighting local businesses, now approaching 260 episodes• Delivering pumpkins to over 600 past clie...
2025-06-2044 min
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
Outside The BoxLifelong Client Relationships: Guide to 85% Referral Business | Pamela BullPamela Bull from Tennessee River Realty shares how she built a thriving real estate business where 85% of transactions come from referrals by focusing on deep client relationships rather than chasing transactions. Her philosophy centers on helping families rather than focusing on dollar amounts, creating loyal clients who enthusiastically refer her services to friends and family.• Real estate was a longtime dream after working in her family's printing business and spending 27 years as a massage therapist• Stays in contact with ALL past clients, not just those from the current year• Sends monthly recipe cards which clients keep l...
2025-06-0624 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
The Deeper Podcast | Fellowship Bible Church TopekaDeeper Podcast | Acts - Week 5 with Justin ArmbrusterWelcome back to the Deeper Podcast! In this week’s episode, we continue exploring the powerful stories in the book of Acts—focusing on three transformational moments: Philip sharing the gospel with Simon, the Ethiopian eunuch, and Saul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus.All of these stories remind us that God often moves through ordinary people who are simply available—willing to respond wherever He places them.🎙️ Special Guest: Justin Armbruster (starts at 20:03) We’re excited to welcome Justin Armbruster, a real estate agent here in Topeka, as our guest this week...
2025-05-2456 min
Outside The BoxThe Power of Client Events: From Pie Parties to Paper Shredding | Greg AndersonGreg Anderson, a seasoned realtor with Baird Warner, shares how his background in hospitality prepared him for real estate success and reveals strategies for building a thriving referral-based business. His commitment to exceeding expectations and maintaining meaningful client relationships has resulted in consistent business even during market fluctuations, proving that authentic service creates lasting client connections.• Transitioning from hospitality to real estate provided valuable skills like multitasking and maintaining composure during challenges• The mantra "exceed expectations" guides Greg's approach to client service and relationship building• Creative client appreciation events like Thanksgiving pie giveaways and document shredd...
2025-05-2352 min