Shows
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
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
Outside The BoxSecret Sauce: Consistency Beats Shiny Object Syndrome | Kelley DecowskiKelly Decowski shares her journey from classroom teacher to successful real estate agent, revealing how starting on a team and implementing consistent referral systems led to over 400 homes sold and $200 million in transaction volume.• Left teaching career to have more flexibility for family life and school events• Learned valuable routines and habits from successful brokers like Roger Soderstrom and Janice Petaway• Uses Brian Buffini's referral system with handwritten notes, monthly calls, and pop-bys• Hired a transaction coordinator after hitting a plateau, which freed up time for income-producing activities• Focuses on nurturing existing network rather tha...
2025-05-0941 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 min
Outside The BoxThe Big Mouth Club: Building Referral Networks That Last | Tim LanghauserTim Langhauser of Compass Home Group shares his journey from real estate admin to selling 170+ homes annually through his innovative "Big Mouth Club" referral strategy. With systematic client appreciation events and meticulous database management, Tim has created a self-sustaining referral machine that drives $65 million in sales volume.• Started in real estate as an admin handling accounting before moving to sales side after seven years• Created the "Big Mouth Club" to formalize client referral relationships and build community• Hosts 4-7 client appreciation events annually including Amtrak trips to NYC, golf tournaments, and Santa visits• Uses detailed...
2025-04-2540 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
Outside The BoxTurn Your Local Coffee Shop Into A Lead Generating Machine | Chuck HonabachChuck Honabach shares how he built a thriving real estate business by focusing on relationships and investing in his sphere of influence. With over 400 homes sold and $150 million in sales since 2016, Chuck reveals how his entrepreneurial background helped him create systems that generate consistent referrals.• Transitioning from owning multiple businesses to adding real estate as another entrepreneurial venture• Using a strong CRM system to maintain consistent client touchpoints • The importance of community involvement and visibility for generating referrals• Why agents must reinvest 10-20% of their commission into building their business• How Chuck's famous "Chucktini"...
2025-04-1144 min