Shows
All things…EpiscopalA Very (Almost) Episcopate Conversation: Candidates for the XI Bishop of KansasShow Notes:In this episode we interview each candidate for the 11th Bishop of Kansas one-by-one, asking some key questions about their experience with youth and young adult ministries and vision for these ministries in the Diocese of Kansas. About the HostsThe Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper Schoo...
2026-09-301h 12
Kansas Helen PodcastTaylor Moreland - Kansas House District 7 - Wrap UpTaylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.The conversation closes with voter education, local elections, and the value of a vote. Moreland says she has heard people say their vote does not count, but local elections matter more than people realize. Her final message is that voters should educate themselves, understand the value of their vote, and show up because state and local races can come down to very small margins....
2026-08-0204 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTaylor Moreland - Kansas House District 7 - Money In Politics ExposedTaylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.Moreland talks about money in politics and why voters should pay attention to where candidates get their campaign funding. She says her donations have come from people, not corporations, and that she does not want to be bought out. The conversation focuses on the risk that candidates who rely on PACs, parties, or large donors may start making decisions for those donors instead of ordinary voters.
2026-08-0206 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTaylor Moreland - Kansas House District 7 - Rural Crisis And Farm LossTaylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.This section focuses on rural crisis, small towns, farm loss, and corporate ownership. The conversation covers unincorporated communities, rural areas losing resources, families watching generations of work get taken over, and the damage done when corporations with no connection to the land take control of places that used to be supported by local roots and local investment.See the full interview on Kansas Helen...
2026-08-0204 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTaylor Moreland - Kansas House District 7 - When Leaders Don’t ListenTaylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.The conversation turns to what happens when leaders make decisions without listening to the people affected. Moreland says that kind of leadership changes people’s lives without understanding the impact. The section connects that problem to public departments, state decisions, local communities, and the need to bring people to the table before decisions are made.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and le...
2026-08-0102 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTaylor Moreland - Kansas House District 7 - Working with in the SystemTaylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.This section looks at what it means to work within the system without becoming part of the problem. Moreland and the conversation focus on learning how government actually works, understanding what officials can do, and not accepting “there is nothing I can do” when elected leaders have tools and choices available to them.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more abou...
2026-08-0103 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTaylor Moreland - Kansas House District 7 - Everyday Leaders in OfficeTaylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.Moreland talks about why Kansas needs more everyday people in office. She says the Legislature needs people who are not lifetime politicians, millionaires, or insiders, but regular people willing to knock doors, listen, learn, and do the work. The conversation also covers why representatives should think about how their votes affect people across the whole state, not only their own district.See the full...
2026-08-0111 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTaylor Moreland - Kansas House District 7 - Homelessness in ParsonsTaylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.This section focuses on homelessness in Parsons and Moreland’s work with the local homeless shelter. She says homelessness is a real issue in the community and argues that cities and counties need to play a more direct role in supporting shelters and human services instead of leaving small nonprofits to carry the entire burden through donations and grants.See the full interview on Ka...
2026-08-0109 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTaylor Moreland - Kansas House District 7 - Campaign UpdateTaylor Moreland is running the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 7 is in rural southeast Kansas and includes Parsons, Chanute, Altamont, and surrounding communities.The conversation starts with a campaign update. When we last spoke she had no opposition, now she has a primary opponent, and hopefully will be facing the general opponent. Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, I am confident Taylor is a rising figure in Southeastern Kansas political landscape and we all should be keeping an eye on her journey. See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 7 De...
2026-08-0104 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTJ Campsey - Kansas House District 10 - Wrap UpTJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.The conversation closes with accountability, Kansas history, and the kind of campaign Campsey is running. Campsey says he welcomes being held accountable and talks about loving Kansas, its history, its culture, and the possibility that the state can keep making history.The wrap-up also points voters toward the campaign and emphasizes the grassroots work behind it, from knocking doors to small-dollar donations for literature, thank-you cards, yard signs, and direct voter communication.
2026-07-2803 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTJ Campsey - Kansas House District 10 - 2026 is THE Year for ChangeTJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.Campsey and I talk about the possibility that 2026 could be a major year for political change in Kansas. The conversation connects the current moment to the 2022 abortion amendment vote, when Kansas shocked the country, and to the state’s long history of being at the center of national fights.Campsey brings up Bleeding Kansas, Brown v. Board, Prohibition, Carry Nation, and the Brownback experiment as examples of Kansas shaping the national conversation, fo...
2026-07-2807 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTJ Campsey - Kansas House District 10 - 2026 is THE Year for ChangeTJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.Campsey and I talk about the possibility that 2026 could be a major year for political change in Kansas. The conversation connects the current moment to the 2022 abortion amendment vote, when Kansas shocked the country, and to the state’s long history of being at the center of national fights.Campsey brings up Bleeding Kansas, Brown v. Board, Prohibition, Carry Nation, and the Brownback experiment as examples of Kansas shaping the national conversation, fo...
2026-07-2703 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTJ Campsey - Kansas House District 10 - PCPs the Missing Party FoundationTJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.This section focuses on precinct committee positions and the missing foundation of grassroots party power. Campsey agrees that politics has too often become something people consume from the couch instead of something they participate in.He says politics is not a spectator sport. The conversation connects precinct work to community organizing, bottom-up party building, and the lesson from the Tea Party: long-term political change starts by filling local roles, building county parties...
2026-07-2702 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTJ Campsey - Kansas House District 10 - Now is the Time to Balance the PowerTJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.Campsey argues that this is a moment when the left has to put forward a real alternative for working people. He talks about the right trying to cement power, including through redistricting and attacks on democratic rights, and says institutions alone will not carry people through this political moment.The conversation connects that to the Kansas House supermajority, voter frustration, and the need to make the case directly to people. Campsey says...
2026-07-2706 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTJ Campsey - Kansas House District 10 - Grassroots Organizing in the Age of Social MediaTJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.This clip focuses on the campaign’s ground game and what Campsey is hearing from voters. He says the campaign has knocked doors thousands of times, including going back through Democratic primary voters more than once, with volunteers helping every weekend and Campsey himself knocking several days a week.The issues he says voters are raising are familiar across Kansas: keeping a roof over their heads, keeping food on the table, healthcare, data centers, and the August 4 constitutional am...
2026-07-2407 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTJ Campsey - Kansas House District 10 - Why Challenge the IncumbentTJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.Here, Campsey explains why he decided to challenge the incumbent. He says the incumbent was elected in 2024, had worked as a lobbyist in Topeka before taking office, and had not yet faced what he considers a real race.Campsey frames the challenge as healthy for democracy. He says no one is entitled to a public seat, especially in a district where a candidate can become comfortable if voters are never given a serious choice. The conversation also connects...
2026-07-2407 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTJ Campsey - Kansas House District 10 - Organizing Beyond CitiesTJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.This section moves from District 10 into the broader question of organizing in places where voters often have few real choices. Campsey talks about the value of finding people in uncontested areas, talking with them, and building organizing capacity beyond the cities where Democratic infrastructure is already stronger.The conversation also turns to rural organizing, democratic socialism, popular resistance, rallies, May Day, and the gap between the energy people are showing in the...
2026-07-2405 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTJ Campsey - Kansas House District 10 - Meet the CandidateTJ Campsey is running for Kansas House District 10 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Kansas House District 10 is in southeastern Lawrence.The conversation opens with TJ Campsey introducing the district and the message behind his campaign. Campsey talks about southeastern Lawrence as a city district and describes District 10 as one of the most progressive districts in Kansas.He connects his campaign’s Free State message to the need for bold solutions for working-class people. Rather than settling for weaker demands to win support from moderate Republicans, Campsey says the moment calls for candidates wi...
2026-07-2305 min
Kansas Helen PodcastEli Woody - Kansas House District 31 - A Teacher in the State HouseEli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoodsThe final section focuses on what it would mean to have an active high school teacher in the Kansas House. Woody says he plans to keep teaching in the fall and take leave during session, and the conversation connects teaching to constituent work, parents, broken systems, and public education.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:...
2026-07-1904 min
Kansas Helen PodcastEli Woody - Kansas House District 31 - Working-Class Representation and Party ControlEli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoodsThe conversation here focuses on who lawmakers are really fighting for. Woody argues that too many Republican representatives are not personally struggling with groceries or property taxes, and the discussion moves into party pressure, working-class identity, and why Kansas needs more balance in Topeka.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s...
2026-07-1905 min
Kansas Helen PodcastEli Woody - Kansas House District 31 - Public Speaking and Sacrificing for CampaignEli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoodsIn this section, the conversation turns to speech and debate, active listening, public speaking, and the sacrifice of running for office. Woody talks about being a teacher on summer break while campaigning and how much time campaigning requires.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now...
2026-07-1904 min
Kansas Helen PodcastEli Woody - Kansas House District 31 - Representation MattersEli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoods.The conversation here focuses on who actually gets represented in Topeka. Woody says working-class people, Black Kansans, queer Kansans, and other marginalized communities need more people in office who understand those experiences directly.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen...
2026-07-1905 min
Kansas Helen PodcastEli Woody - Kansas House District 31 - Supermajority Reality CheckEli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoodsThis section breaks down how to explain the Kansas House supermajority in plain language. Woody says candidates need to connect the issue to people’s direct pain, including prescription costs, property taxes, healthcare costs, and housing costs.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also wa...
2026-07-1805 min
Kansas Helen PodcastEli Woody - Kansas House District 31 - Current Political ClimateEli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoodsThe discussion turns to voter registration, unaffiliated voters, people leaving Kansas, and the stakes of this election year. Woody and Kansas Helen talk about why state politics matter for people who are deciding whether Kansas is still safe for them and their families.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-house
2026-07-1810 min
Kansas Helen PodcastEli Woody - Kansas House District 31 - Why He's RunningEli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoods..This section lays out Woody’s reason for running. He says he is running to win, to keep fighting for working-class people, and to make sure communication with constituents does not end after campaign season.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Ka...
2026-07-1808 min
Kansas Helen PodcastEli Woody - Kansas House District 31 - Everything Is PoliticalEli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoods..In this section, the conversation turns from neighborhood life to the way politics shows up in everyday needs. Woody talks about raising a toddler in a neighborhood full of young kids and connects sidewalks, schools, and child safety to the decisions made by local and state government.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen...
2026-07-1702 min
Kansas Helen PodcastEli Woody - Kansas House District 31 - Meet the CandidateEli Woody is running for Kansas House District 31 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 31 is in Kansas City, Kansas, including the Rosedale and Argentine neighborhoods.This opening section introduces Woody and House District 31. He explains that the district is entirely in Kansas City, Kansas and includes Rosedale and Argentine, then talks about why he and his wife intentionally chose to live in Wyandotte County.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 31 here:https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can...
2026-07-1703 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAmelia Wiederaenders - Kansas House District 30 - Current Political ClimateAmelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.The final marker looks at the current political climate in Kansas. The conversation covers the number of Democratic and Republican primaries, the rise in unaffiliated voters, and the possibility that Kansans are shifting away from party labels.Wiederaenders also talks about the difference between national frustrations with Democrats and the local Democrats she knows in the Kansas State House. She says she has always wanted to be in politics, but only...
2026-07-1703 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAmelia Wiederaenders - Kansas House District 30 - Kansas Republican MessagingAmelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.In this section, Wiederaenders talks about Republican messaging in District 30 and what she is seeing from Laura Williams’ campaign. She says Williams is trying to present herself as a free thinker and using images with Democratic figures, but Wiederaenders argues the legislative record still matters.The conversation also covers the Republican supermajority, bathroom bills, midnight votes, gut-and-go tactics, lack of public comment, and the need to bring balance back to the Ka...
2026-07-1707 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAmelia Wiederaenders - Kansas House District 30 - Property Taxes and SchoolsAmelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.Voters are raising property taxes, and Wiederaenders says the issue is complicated. She does not want people taxed out of their homes, but she also points out that property taxes help fund schools.The conversation covers school funding, unfunded mandates, the danger of abolishing property taxes without a replacement, and how tax abatements, incentives, and economic development deals can shift costs back onto everyday taxpayers.See the full interview...
2026-07-1602 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAmelia Wiederaenders - Kansas House District 30 - Political JourneyAmelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.This part of the interview follows Wiederaenders’ political journey through Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and San Francisco. She tells the story of having repeated dreams about San Francisco, buying a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, and ending up in San Francisco after a stranger she had met online offered her a ride.She says San Francisco became a place where she found political work, mentors, organizations, and a deeper understanding of...
2026-07-1602 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAmelia Wiederaenders - Kansas House District 30 - Political ExperienceAmelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.Here, Wiederaenders walks through her political background. She talks about studying political science and international studies at Kansas State University, helping Barbara Bollier, spending time in Washington, D.C., and working in Claire McCaskill’s office.She says constituent services taught her how important it is to listen seriously to people, especially older residents in rural communities who were worried about jobs, the mail, medicine, and young people leaving. She also ta...
2026-07-1610 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAmelia Wiederaenders - Kansas House District 30 - Why She Is RunningAmelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.In this marker, Wiederaenders explains why she decided to run for Kansas House District 30. She says she thought about running two years ago but held back because she was caring for her grandmother, who is now 103.She says the same situation came up again, with people struggling to find a candidate for the district, and she realized it was time. Wiederaenders also talks about her frustration with the Kansas Legislature, the...
2026-07-1605 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAmelia Wiederaenders - Kansas House District 30 - Choosing Between Purpose and ProfitAmelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.This section focuses on the cost of doing work that helps people. Wiederaenders and Kansas Helen talk about nonprofit work, government work, early childhood education, childcare, and politics.The conversation also covers the way care-based work is undervalued, how work coded as women’s work is often expected to be done for free or very little pay, and how families have lost some of the support systems that used to help pe...
2026-07-1506 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAmelia Wiederaenders - Kansas House District 30 - Meet the CandidateAmelia Wiederaenders is running for Kansas House District 30 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 30 includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee.The opening of the conversation introduces Wiederaenders, Kansas House District 30, and the Democratic primary field. She explains that the district includes parts of Olathe, Lenexa, and Shawnee, and talks about running against Tyler Holmes and Zachary Hawkins for the chance to face Republican incumbent Laura Williams.She also answers the one-more-penny question by talking about having been homeless and about the financial reality of choosing a life in politics without selling...
2026-07-1501 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMeagan Rico - Kansas House District 69 - Why Vote for MeaganMeagan Rico is running for Kansas House District 69 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 69 is in Saline County. It includes the southern portion of Salina and runs from Brookville to Gypsum.To close the interview, Rico explains why she believes voters should choose her in the August Democratic primary. She says people should vote for her because she is authentic and not trying to become a career politician.Rico says her personal experiences and her work as a nurse pushed her to ask what she was willing to do to help people...
2026-07-1501 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMeagan Rico - Kansas House District 69 - Property Taxes & Amendment VoteMeagan Rico is running for Kansas House District 69 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 69 is in Saline County. It includes the southern portion of Salina and runs from Brookville to Gypsum.Property taxes and Amendment 1 are major parts of this section of the conversation. Rico says voters are concerned about property taxes, privacy, and the August 4th vote over whether Kansas Supreme Court justices should be elected.The conversation connects the amendment to abortion rights, school funding, and long-term control over the courts. Rico says it is concerning to see people who usually argue against big...
2026-07-1511 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMeagan Rico - Kansas House District 69 - Data CentersMeagan Rico is running for Kansas House District 69 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 69 is in Saline County. It includes the southern portion of Salina and runs from Brookville to Gypsum.At the doors, Rico says AI data centers are one of the biggest issues she is hearing about from voters. She connects data centers to privacy concerns, Flock cameras, AI, and the water demands that could affect Kansas communities.Rico says her first reaction is to oppose the data centers being proposed in her area because Kansas water is limited, drought is real, and leaders...
2026-07-1408 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMeagan Rico - Kansas House District 69 - One More PennyMeagan Rico is running for Kansas House District 69 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 69 is in Saline County. It includes the southern portion of Salina and runs from Brookville to Gypsum.When asked whether she knows what it is like to not have one more penny, Rico says she absolutely does. She talks about experiencing financial struggle as a child, as a nursing student, and later as a single mother trying to reenter the workforce.The conversation also turns to local tax decisions and fixed-income seniors. Rico says even a small increase...
2026-07-1403 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMeagan Rico - Kansas House District 69 - Not EstablishmentMeagan Rico is running for Kansas House District 69 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 69 is in Saline County. It includes the southern portion of Salina and runs from Brookville to Gypsum.Here, Rico explains what it means to her to not be an establishment candidate while still having to work with people inside both parties. She talks about being biracial, Mexican, Native American, and white, and how that shaped her ability to walk between different worlds.Rico connects that experience to her work in nursing and public health. She says she has often served as a...
2026-07-1402 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMeagan Rico - Kansas House District 69 - Current Political ClimateMeagan Rico is running for Kansas House District 69 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 69 is in Saline County. It includes the southern portion of Salina and runs from Brookville to Gypsum.This part of the interview moves into the current political climate in Kansas. Rico talks about the political spectrum shifting to the right and the difference she sees between everyday conservatives or Republicans and the people who remain deeply attached to the current administration.The conversation also covers unaffiliated voters, distrust in government, and why some voters do not trust either...
2026-07-1403 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMeagan Rico - Kansas House District 69 - Who Benefits From Current SystemMeagan Rico is running for Kansas House District 69 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 69 is in Saline County. It includes the southern portion of Salina and runs from Brookville to Gypsum.This section looks at the systems Rico believes are failing working-class people. She talks about her master’s degree in nursing with a focus on health systems leadership and says many systems are set up to benefit someone, but not the working-class people who keep the world moving.The conversation connects healthcare, patients, workers, taxes, and fear of change. Rico says pe...
2026-07-1401 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMeagan Rico - Kansas House District 69 - Why she is runningMeagan Rico is running for Kansas House District 69 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 69 is in Saline County. It includes the southern portion of Salina and runs from Brookville to Gypsum.Asked why she is running, Rico describes herself as a reluctant new politician. She says her campaign comes from concern for Kansans and a belief that people deserve dignity and opportunity.Her answer is rooted in her work as a registered nurse. Rico talks about working in critical access hospitals, larger hospital systems, home health, and long-term care, and she connects...
2026-07-1302 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMeagan Rico - Kansas House District 69 - Meet the CandidateMeagan Rico is running for Kansas House District 69 in the August 4th Democratic Primary. Kansas House District 69 is in Saline County. It includes the southern portion of Salina and runs from Brookville to Gypsum.The opening of the conversation introduces Meagan Rico, her connection to Salina, and the boundaries of Kansas House District 69. Rico says she was born and raised in Salina, left a few times, but always came back because that is where her people are.She also talks about being Mexican American and Indigenous, with family in Kansas and New Mexico, and explains...
2026-07-1303 min
Kansas Helen PodcastKevin Latz - U.S. Senate - Foreign Aid and Kansas FarmersKevin Latz is running for U.S. Senate in Kansas in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Latz discusses USAID, foreign aid, and Kansas farmers. He talks about seeing USAID food bags in Haiti, calls the loss of that aid immoral, and argues that helping feed people around the world can also support Kansas farmers and American soft power.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas U.S. Senate Democratic primary here:You can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen on the Kansas Helen...
2026-07-0201 min
Kansas Helen PodcastEd Young - Kansas House District 27 - Why Vote for Him in August?Ed Young is running for Kansas House District 27 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Young says he respects his primary opponent and would support her if she wins, but argues that his Kansas experience makes him a strong candidate. He points to his work for KDOT, his place in the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, his planning and budgeting experience, his education at KU, his teaching for Kansas State University, and his service to Kansas communities as a firefighter, police officer, EMT, and disaster response worker. He also discusses the district’s Republican, Democratic, and unaffiliated voter ma...
2026-06-2900 min
Kansas Helen PodcastKayden Bennett - Kansas House District 81 - Ban Child MarriageKayden Bennett is running for Kansas House District 81 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Learn more about Kayden Bennett here:www.kaydenforkansas.comBennett says he wants child marriage to be illegal in Kansas and that marriage should require someone to be 18 with no exceptions. He and Helen discuss teen pregnancy, family pressure, foster youth, education, and the inconsistency of treating young people as old enough for some adult decisions but not others. The section ends with Bennett saying Kansas should say no to child marriage.See the full interview on...
2026-06-2903 min
Kansas Helen PodcastEd Young - Kansas House District 27 - Kansas RootsEd Young is running for Kansas House District 27 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Young discusses being born in Ohio and moving to Kansas when he was 10 years old. He talks about growing up around 127th and Black Bob in Olathe, how the neighborhood has changed around the edges, and why returning to that area still feels nostalgic.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about the Kansas House District 27 Democratic primary here:www.kansashelen.comYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen YouTube or listen...
2026-06-2800 min
Kansas Helen PodcastKayden Bennett - Kansas House District 81 - Marijuana Legalization & Funding SchoolsKayden Bennett is running for Kansas House District 81 in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Learn more about Kayden Bennett here:www.kaydenforkansas.comBennett discusses marijuana legalization, saying he does not use marijuana but knows veterans and others who use it for pain, PTSD, or recreation. He argues that Kansas is sending people across state lines for something that could be grown, taxed like alcohol, and regulated in Kansas. He connects the potential revenue to fully funding special education and reducing property tax pressure, while acknowledging that one legislator cannot make that happen...
2026-06-2802 min
Wheat's On Your MindKansas Wheat Harvest: Smaller Crop, Bigger StakesKansas wheat farmers are facing a mixed harvest, fragile margins, and fertilizer markets that are finally easing but still hard to pencil.
Aaron Harries and Justin Gilpin are joined by Mike O’Dea and Josh Linville of StoneX for a wide-ranging market discussion on Kansas harvest progress, hard red winter wheat quality, export competitiveness, fertilizer prices, and crop-input security. They cover what low yields and variable protein may mean for basis, why U.S. wheat is finding new export opportunity, and how producers can think through nitrogen purchases with so much uncertainty still in the market.
...
2026-06-2322 min
Kansas Helen PodcastCole Epley - KS 4th Congressional District - Kansas Voters and Party ShiftsCole Epley is running for Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the August 4th Democratic Primary.Learn more about Cole Epley here:https://www.epleyforcongress.com/Epley and Helen discuss how Kansas voters do not always fit neatly into party labels, including unaffiliated voters, Republicans uncomfortable with MAGA politics, and rural voters who may register Republican because that is where local races are decided. The conversation covers the Democratic Party, progressive organizing, Bernie Sanders, the Kansas abortion vote, precinct committee positions, and the possibility of third-party or fusion-voting approaches. Epley says he does not ex...
2026-06-1508 min
Wheat's On Your MindDrought Tests Kansas Wheat GeneticsKansas wheat producers are heading into harvest with drought, freeze injury, possible abandonment, and seed supply questions all on the table. In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Aaron Harries talks with Justin Gilpin, CEO of Kansas Wheat, and Bryson Haverkamp, CEO of the Kansas Wheat Alliance, about what they are hearing from the field, how newer wheat varieties are holding up, and why growers should start seed conversations earlier than usual.
The discussion also covers wheat streak mosaic virus, the Wheat Quality Council’s Hard Winter Wheat Tour, K-State wheat field days, experimental varieties in th...
2026-05-1223 min
Kansas Helen PodcastRobert Thomas - Kansas House 61 - Campaign Finance and Challenging IncumbentsRobert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.In this portion of the conversation, Thomas and Reicher discuss campaign finance and the challenges of running against incumbents. Thomas explains that incumbents often have advantages in funding and visibility, which can make it difficult for new candidates to compete, especially in districts where seats are rarely open.The conversation also touches on broader dynamics in Kansas elections, including how competitive races can shift depending on the district...
2026-05-0203 min
Kansas Helen PodcastRobert Thomas - Kansas House 61 - Primaries and Voter EngagementRobert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.In this portion of the conversation, Thomas and Reicher discuss the importance of primary elections and voter participation. They highlight how, in many Kansas districts, the primary effectively determines the outcome of the election due to district makeup, making it critical for voters to pay attention to those races.The conversation also addresses voter awareness, including confusion about who can participate in elections and the need for better...
2026-05-0103 min
Kansas Helen PodcastRobert Thomas - Kansas House 61 - Marijuana Policy and Drug LawsRobert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.In this portion of the conversation, Thomas and Reicher discuss marijuana policy and broader drug laws, focusing on individual choice and the role of government in regulating what people can do with their own bodies. They talk about how Kansas compares to surrounding states, noting that many nearby states have already legalized or decriminalized marijuana.The discussion also covers potential benefits and concerns, including tax revenue, product safety...
2026-04-2805 min
Kansas Helen PodcastRobert Thomas - Kansas House 61 - Legislative Priorities and Statehouse FrustrationsRobert Thomas is running for Kansas House District 61, representing parts of Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley counties, including Holton, Delia, Westmoreland, St. Marys, Onaga, and parts of Manhattan.In this portion of the conversation, Thomas and Reicher discuss frustrations with how time is used during the Kansas legislative session. They talk about the limited number of days lawmakers have to meet and how some of that time is spent on issues they feel may not reflect the most pressing concerns of constituents.The conversation also touches on education policy, including debates around school requirements and local...
2026-04-2705 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMark Schaukowitch - Kansas House 110 - Rural Mental HealthMark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.comIn this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses the lack of mental health resources in rural Kansas and the need to build stronger support systems. He talks about how isolation, financial stress, and economic pressures—especially in farming communities—contribute to mental health challenges. The conversation also highlights how limited access to services and the structure of rural work can make it difficult for people to seek help.He also reflects on broader systemic factors affecting rural livelihoods, including market pressures and...
2026-04-2401 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMark Schaukowitch - Kansas House 110 - Marijuana LegalizationMark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.comIn this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses marijuana legalization and its potential role as a revenue source for the state. He talks about how legalization could create new funding streams while also addressing common perceptions around marijuana use. The conversation also explores how surrounding states with legalization impact Kansas, including the idea that effects are already present without the state receiving associated revenue.He also reflects on broader policy considerations, including regulation, public perception, and how legalization could fit into...
2026-04-2402 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMark Schaukowitch - Kansas House 110 - EnergyMark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.comIn this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses energy issues in rural Kansas, including the impact of wind energy development and concerns raised by residents about maintenance and environmental effects. He talks about how rural communities experience these projects differently and how those concerns are often overlooked. The discussion also touches on broader energy policy, including different energy sources and the trade-offs involved in decisions about future energy development.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about...
2026-04-2102 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMark Schaukowitch - Kansas House 110 - Background & District RootsMark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.comIn this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses his background and ties to District 110, including family connections in the area and his time living in Hays. He talks about growing up between different parts of Kansas and the East Coast, his family’s involvement in the community, and how those experiences shape his understanding of rural communities. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of small-town life, including both the strong support systems and the challenges of living in closely connected communities....
2026-04-1903 min
Urban ConnectionsDr. Jacob Wagner, UMKC Professor of Urban Planning and Design, Celebrating Kansas City's cultural contribution as a UNESCO Music City
Dr. Wagner teaches Urban Planning and Design at UMKC. He is the faculty founder of the UMKC Center for Neighborhoods - a research and outreach unit dedicated to building the capacity of neighborhood leaders and advocates in Western Missouri. He is a member of the advisory board of the international Journal of Urban Design.
Jacob A. Wagner, Ph.D., has been recognized for his work with UNESCO Cities of Music and the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of the United Nations by both local and international bodies. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and the City Council recognized Wagner and his colleague, A...
2026-04-1858 min
Kansas Helen PodcastMark Schaukowitch - Kansas House 110 - Current Political ClimateMark Schaukowitch is running for Kansas House District 110. Meet Mark: https://www.markforkshd110.comIn this portion of the conversation, Schaukowitch discusses the political landscape of his district and rural Kansas more broadly. He talks about voter turnout, party registration, and the challenges of running in a heavily Republican district, including the need to appeal to voters across party lines. The discussion also explores how historical influences, local political dynamics, and systems like primary elections shape outcomes in rural areas, along with broader conversations about libertarian influences and alternative voting approaches.See the full interview...
2026-04-1805 min
Kansas Helen PodcastTaylor Moreland - Kansas House 7 - Minimum WageTaylor Moreland for Kansas House District 7 , is running to represent parts of Labette County including Parsons and Neosho County including parts of Chanute.Moreland supports raising the minimum wage in Kansas, while also emphasizing the need to support small businesses and underfunded sectors during that transition. She acknowledges that policies that work in other regions may not translate directly to Kansas and stresses the importance of considering the local economic context.She highlights her experience working in the foster care system, pointing to frontline workers in group homes and residential facilities who are often underpaid...
2026-04-1004 min
Leading Health | Building a Healthier KansasKansas at #1What would it look like if Kansas became the healthiest state in the nation — and what would it take to get there?In Chapter 5 of Leading Health, we cast a bold vision of what Kansas at #1 in America’s Health Rankings could mean for real people. It would look like fewer Kansans going hungry, more kids reading at grade level, and hundreds of thousands fewer people struggling with substance use, just to name a few. We're joined by Kenny Wilk, former Kansas legislator and member of the Kansas Board of Regents, and now Vice Pres...
2026-04-0744 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAaron Estabrook - Kansas House 66 - Listening to ConstituentsAaron Estabrook is running for Kansas House District 66, representing a portion of Manhattan.In this portion of the conversation, Estabrook discusses the importance of listening to constituents and argues that state lawmakers should be more accessible and responsive. He points out that Kansas House districts are relatively small, making it feasible for representatives to stay connected with voters and keep up with their concerns. He contrasts this with what he sees as a lack of public input in current decision-making and emphasizes the need for consistent communication, engagement, and awareness of local priorities.See the full interview on Kansas...
2026-04-0701 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAaron Estabrook - Kansas House 66 - Reproductive RightsAaron Estabrook is running for Kansas House District 66, representing a portion of Manhattan.In this portion of the conversation, Estabrook discusses reproductive rights and the outcome of the 2022 Kansas ballot measure. He states that voters have already made their decision on the issue and expresses the view that lawmakers should respect that outcome and move on to other areas of policy.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 66, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or...
2026-04-0500 min
Kansas Helen PodcastNoah Perry- Kansas House 66 - Why He Is RunningNoah Perry is running for Kansas House District 66, representing a portion of Manhattan.In this portion of the conversation, Noah Perry explains that his decision to run is primarily driven by concerns about child abuse and human trafficking. He discusses how Kansas’ highway system contributes to trafficking activity across the state and region, and how the issue presents unique challenges in Kansas. He also talks about child abuse in rural areas, noting the lack of support systems for children who may be experiencing abuse within their own families.He also identifies education as another major is...
2026-04-0401 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAaron Estabrook - Kansas House 66 - Tenants RightsAaron Estabrook is running for Kansas House District 66, representing a portion of Manhattan.In this portion of the conversation, Estabrook discusses tenants rights and housing policy, including the Kansas Residential Landlord Tenant Act. He shares his view that existing law provides some protections for tenants, while also raising concerns about recent legislation that could limit local governments from adopting additional renter protections. The discussion also touches on issues like voucher discrimination and the broader challenges renters face in accessing stable housing.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 66, including the most...
2026-03-3103 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAaron Estabrook - Kansas House 66 - Why He’s Running & ExperienceAaron Estabrook is running for Kansas House District 66, representing a portion of Manhattan.In this portion of the conversation, Estabrook explains why he is running for office and the experience he brings to the role. He discusses his background as a combat veteran, his time at Kansas State University, and his service on the Manhattan-Ogden school board and Manhattan City Commission. He also highlights his work as a housing authority director and nonprofit leader, connecting those experiences to his focus on representing everyday residents and staying accessible to constituents.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn...
2026-03-3001 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAaron Estabrook - Kansas House 66 - Political ClimateAaron Estabrook is running for Kansas House District 66, representing a portion of Manhattan.In this portion of the conversation, Estabrook discusses the broader political climate, including his focus on increasing voter voice and creating space for more moderate and pragmatic perspectives in Kansas politics. He connects this to his decision to run for office, highlighting his background in public service as a combat veteran, school board member, city commissioner, and housing authority director, and explains how those experiences shaped his approach to representation and accessibility.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House...
2026-03-2909 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAaron Estabrook - Kansas House 66 - United Kansas PartyAaron Estabrook is running for Kansas House District 66, representing a portion of Manhattan.In this portion of the conversation, Estabrook discusses the United Kansas Party, a political reform movement he helped found focused on expanding voter choice through fusion voting. He explains how the model would allow candidates to appear on the ballot under multiple party lines to build coalitions and create space for more moderate and centrist voters. He also shares the broader goal of increasing voter voice and moving away from traditional two-party limitations.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more...
2026-03-2801 min
Kansas Helen PodcastAaron Estabrook - Kansas House 66 - Full ConversationAaron Estrabrook is running for Kansas House District 66, representing a portion of Manhattan. In this full interview, Estrabrook discusses his background in public service, including time on the school board and city commission, along with his work in housing and nonprofit leadership. He explains the goals of the United Kansas Party and fusion voting, and outlines his approach to issues like property taxes, housing, economic development, healthcare, and education. The conversation also covers topics such as SNAP benefits, criminal justice, and transportation, giving a broad overview of his policy perspectives. See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and...
2026-03-271h 10
Kansas Helen PodcastFrank Henderson - Kansas House 6 - Wrap UpFrank Henderson is running for Kansas House District 6, representing much of Miami County, including Paola, Louisburg, and Osawatomie.To close the interview, Henderson reflects on the issues discussed and what he hopes to bring to the Kansas Legislature if elected. He emphasizes representing everyday Kansans and staying connected with the people in his district.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 6, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on...
2026-03-2705 min
Kansas Helen PodcastFrank Henderson - Kansas House 6 - GunsFrank Henderson is running for Kansas House District 6, representing much of Miami County, including Paola, Louisburg, and Osawatomie.Henderson addresses gun policy and shares his perspective on firearm laws in Kansas. He talks about how the state approaches gun ownership and the ongoing discussions around balancing gun rights with public safety.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 6, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Apple and Spotify...
2026-03-2606 minLeading Health | Building a Healthier KansasKansas at 29thWhat happens when our state ranks 29th in Health? More importantly, what does it take to change where we rank in America’s Health Rankings? This episode explores the uncomfortable truth behind Kansas's health rankings and challenges listeners to move beyond easy explanations. We examine why leadership must start with dissatisfaction, how collective action differs from individual effort, and what it means to aim for excellence rather than just catching up. Through real examples from Wyandotte County and Cowley County, we discover how data can spark transformation when communities refuse to look away from difficult realities....
2026-03-2442 min
Kansas Helen PodcastFrank Henderson - Kansas House 6 -Corporate Incentives & AccountabilityFrank Henderson is running for Kansas House District 6, representing much of Miami County, including Paola, Louisburg, and Osawatomie.The discussion moves to corporate incentives and whether companies receiving public benefits should be held accountable for the jobs and investments they promise. Henderson talks about the importance of making sure taxpayer-funded incentives actually deliver results for Kansas communities.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 6, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas...
2026-03-2305 min
Kansas Helen PodcastFrank Henderson - Kansas House 6 - Star BondsFrank Henderson is running for Kansas House District 6, representing much of Miami County, including Paola, Louisburg, and Osawatomie.Henderson shares his thoughts on STAR bonds and how Kansas uses them to finance large economic development projects. He discusses concerns about public incentives going to major developments and the importance of making sure projects deliver real benefits for local communities and taxpayers.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 6, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or...
2026-03-2209 min
Kansas Helen PodcastFrank Henderson - Kansas House 6 - Why is he running?Frank Henderson is running for Kansas House District 6, representing much of Miami County, including Paola, Louisburg, and Osawatomie.Henderson explains why he decided to run for the Kansas Legislature. He talks about growing up in a working-class family, experiencing financial struggles, serving in the Army, and spending decades working with the United Auto Workers. He says those experiences shaped his belief that everyday people should have a voice in government and that more legislators should come from working backgrounds.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 6, including the most recent campaign...
2026-03-2108 min
Kansas Helen PodcastFrank Henderson - Kansas House 6 - One More PennyFrank Henderson is running for Kansas House District 6, representing much of Miami County, including Paola, Louisburg, and Osawatomie.In this portion of the conversation, Henderson discusses the “One More Penny” local sales tax proposal connected to building a new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs. He talks about concerns around using public tax dollars to support large professional sports projects and the broader question of how state and local governments decide when and how to use public funding for economic development projects.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 6, including the most...
2026-03-2002 min
Kansas Helen PodcastKamesha Bernard - Kansas House 78: Immigration & ICEKaMesha Bernard is running for Kansas House District 78, representing a portion of Olathe.KaMesha Bernard discusses immigration policy and the role of federal agencies such as ICE, focusing on how immigration enforcement and state level decisions affect Kansas communities. She talks about public safety, due process, and how lawmakers can approach immigration related issues in ways that balance legal responsibility with community stability.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 78, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen...
2026-03-1607 min
Kansas Helen Podcast6. Kamesha Bernard - Kansas House 78: HealthcareKaMesha Bernard is running for Kansas House District 78, representing a portion of Olathe.KaMesha Bernard discusses healthcare access and the challenges Kansans face navigating insurance coverage, treatment availability, and rising medical costs. She explains how healthcare policy decisions affect working families, preventative care, and long term community health outcomes across Kansas.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 78, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast on Itunes and Spotify...
2026-03-0901 min
Kansas Helen Podcast5. KeMesha Bernard - Kansas House 78: Tenants RightsKaMesha Bernard is running for Kansas House District 78, representing a portion of Olathe.KaMesha Bernard discusses tenant rights and housing stability, focusing on the challenges renters face in an increasingly expensive housing market. She talks about affordability, protections for tenants, and how state policy decisions influence access to safe and stable housing for families across Kansas.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 78, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas Helen...
2026-03-0902 min
Kansas Helen Podcast4. KeMesha Bernard - Kansas House 78: Property TaxesKaMesha Bernard is running for Kansas House District 78, representing a portion of Olathe.KaMesha Bernard discusses property taxes and the broader cost of living pressures facing Kansas families. She talks about what she is hearing from residents struggling with rising housing costs and explains how state policy decisions influence local tax burdens. The conversation focuses on affordability, economic stability, and the challenges many households face trying to keep up with increasing expenses while wages remain limited.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 78, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here...
2026-03-0810 min
Kansas Helen Podcast1. KeMesha Bernard - Kansas House 78: Full ConverstationKaMesha Bernard is running for Kansas House District 78, representing a portion of Olathe.In this full conversation, KaMesha Bernard discusses her decision to run for office and shares her perspectives on the issues shaping everyday life for Kansans. The discussion covers property taxes and cost of living pressures, housing stability, corporate incentives, food assistance programs, childcare access, healthcare systems, public safety and criminal justice policy, representation and marginalized communities, reproductive rights, economic development, emerging technology and data privacy, and expectations for ethics and accountability in the Kansas Legislature.Throughout the interview, Bernard connects policy discussions to lived experience, focusing...
2026-03-071h 26
Kansas Helen Podcast16. Sherry Giebler - Kansas House 14: Economic DevelopmentSherry Giebler is running for Kansas House District 14, representing a portion of Olathe.Sherry Giebler discusses economic development in Kansas, focusing on how growth strategies should prioritize improving quality of life for residents alongside attracting new investment. The conversation explores balancing community needs, local planning, and long term sustainability when shaping economic policy across the state.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 14, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas Helen...
2026-03-0603 min
Kansas Helen PodcastSherry Giebler - Kansas House 14: Water, Energy & AgricultureSherry Giebler is running for Kansas House District 14, representing a portion of Olathe.Sherry Giebler discusses water policy, agriculture, and energy challenges facing Kansas, including groundwater sustainability, long term resource planning, and balancing agricultural needs with conservation efforts. The conversation explores how state policy decisions today will shape the future of rural communities and economic stability across Kansas.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 14, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: Kansas Helen You can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the Kansas Helen Podcast...
2026-03-0505 min
Kansas Helen Podcast13. Sherry Giebler - Kansas House 14: Water, Energy & AgricultureSherry Giebler is running for Kansas House District 14, representing a portion of Olathe.Sherry Giebler discusses water policy, agriculture, and energy challenges facing Kansas, including groundwater sustainability, long term resource planning, and balancing agricultural needs with conservation efforts. The conversation explores how state policy decisions today will shape the future of rural communities and economic stability across Kansas.See the full interview on Kansas Helen Substack and learn more about Kansas House District 14, including the most recent campaign finance analysis here: https://kansashelen.substack.com/s/kansas-houseYou can now also watch on Kansas Helen Youtube or listen on the...
2026-03-0505 min
Wheat's On Your MindWOYM - The Woman Who Taught Kansas About BreadCindy Falk has spent 40 years helping Kansas Wheat connect with consumers through recipes, baking demonstrations, nutrition education, and the beloved Kansas Wheat recipe booklet tradition. In this episode, host Aaron Harries chats with Cindy about her upbringing on a Kansas farm, the “Speak for Wheat” spokesperson program she helped grow, and the behind-the-scenes work of answering baking questions (and busting myths) with a calm, science-first approach.You’ll also hear how the Kansas Festival of Breads evolved into the National Festival of Breads, turning home bakers into wheat ambassadors through harvest tours, mill visits, and live baking events...
2026-02-0326 min
Wheat's On Your MindWOYM - 2025 Review: Kansas Leads the Wheat Fight Again2025 didn’t fit in a neat box for Kansas wheat farmers—it was “variability,” from a dry start to long stretches of wet weather that stretched harvest timelines and narrowed fieldwork windows. Kansas Wheat Commission Chair Derek Sawyer and Kansas Association of Wheat Growers President Chris Tanner join host Aaron Harries and Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin to break down the year’s biggest storylines: how wheat checkoff dollars are invested, what advocacy work is happening in Topeka and Washington, and what’s changing in domestic and international markets.On the market side, the conversation highlights both bright s...
2026-01-0634 min
Wheat's On Your MindWOYM - Water, Wheat & What’s Next for KansasSenior Director of Advocacy at Kansas Farm Bureau—and sixth-generation producer—Ryan Flickner sits down with Aaron Harries to talk policy that actually touches the farm gate. From the Farm Bill stalemate and year-round E15 to trade philosophy and the real cost of inputs, Ryan shares how Kansas “punches above its weight” and why coalitions beat hot takes every time. He also lays out why protein’s a bright spot while row crops are tight, and how policy predictability drives long-term investment on the farm.Then we get practical: rural apprenticeships that retain good hands, domestic well realities...
2025-11-1141 min
Wheat's On Your MindWOYM - Four Crops, One Mission: How Kansas Agriculture Stays StrongIn this special round-table edition of Wheat’s On Your Mind, host Aaron Harries welcomes the CEOs of Kansas Wheat, Corn, Soybeans, and Sorghum — Justin Gilpin, Josh Roe, Caleb Little, and Adam York. Together, they unpack how Kansas’ checkoff and grower associations function, where the dollars go, and how their unified efforts help strengthen markets, research, and advocacy for farmers across the state.From tackling low commodity prices to building new international markets and investing in next-generation crop research, these leaders share candid perspectives on what’s working — and what’s keeping them up at night. They also...
2025-10-1455 min
Artspeak RadioArtspeak Radio + Kansas Womens Conference, Whim Productions, & KC HospiceArtspeak Radio, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 9am -10am CST, 90.1fm KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, streaming live audio www.kkfi.org
Guest Producer/host John Todd welcomes comedian Janell Banks, Devon Plumberg, Kansas City Hospice, and Kevin King founder/director Whim Productions and Taylor Rivera.
DEVON PLUMBERG & JANELL BANKS- Join us for our 2nd Annual Kansas Conference for Women on October 16, 2025. Our mission is to create affordable experiences for relatable women, close to home. Since 2019, our volunteers have created an annual SOLD-OUT event that brings together as many as 300 guests of all backgrounds. The conference features compelling local speakers, and opportunities...
2025-09-251h 00
Wichita Kansas Stake PodcastNew Series Trailer - Elevated Perspectives: Stories of Faith from Latter-day Saints in KansasOn 24 June 1962, a significant milestone was reached in the spiritual landscape of Kansas. The Wichita Kansas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially organized, marking the establishment of the first stake headquartered within Kansas and the 355th stake of the Church. This event was presided over by President Joseph Fielding Smith and Elder Howard W. Hunter of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.The creation of the Wichita Kansas Stake not only signified organizational growth but also reflected the deepening roots of the Church in our area. It stands as...
2025-05-0703 min
The Kansas BHA PodcastEpisode 119- Kansas Outdoor Heritage Alliance- with Kansas Bowhunters AssociationKansas BHA board members Marshal Loftus and Kurt Ratzlaff sit down with Jamie Howater and Shawn Harding from the Kansas Bowhunters Association to discuss a new alliance of "Hook & Bullet" groups here in Kansas. Kansas Outdoor Heritage Alliance is a group of 14 (and growing) hunting and fishing based groups. The goal of KOHA is to make the voice of average hunters and anglers heard in Kansas both at the legislative and commission level. contact Kansas BHA at kansas@backcountryhunters.org Check out the Kansas Bowhunters Association
2025-01-131h 33
I AM NAMI Kansas#4 - How to Improve Mental Health in the Kansas Justice SystemWelcome back to "I Am NAMI Kansas," the podcast where we explore mental health topics with a local focus. In this episode, we delve deep into the critical intersection of the criminal justice system and mental health in Kansas, revealing the challenges and opportunities within our local jails and prisons.Join us as we discuss the significant mental health issues facing incarcerated individuals across the state with a range of experts and firsthand accounts. Our guests include Itzel, a NAMI Kansas employee from Western Kansas, who will share insights on the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program...
2024-04-171h 00
SportsBeat KCOne of the next stops for World Cup, Kansas CityMoments after Argentina’s game-winning penalty kick hit the back of the net to defeat France in the World Cup final, thoughts turned to the next World Cup, the 2026 event to be held in 16 North American cities, including Kansas City.On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell sat down with three Kansas City officials who attended the World Cup in Qatar: Kansas City Sports Commission and VisitKC president Kathy Nelson, Kansas City deputy city manager and executive director of convention and entertainment facilities of Kansas City Kimiko Gilmore, and Joe Reardon, Grea...
2022-12-2032 min
Kansas Reflector PodcastGun laws, education and civic engagement with Kansas Reflector internsYou may have noticed two new names making regular appearances on Kansas Reflector story bylines recently — Margaret Mellott and Lily O'Shea Becker. They joined Kansas Reflector this summer as interns and are tackling topics ranging from gun laws to teachers leaving the field to youth civic engagement.
Mellott, a recent graduate of Emporia State University with degrees in communication and journalism, spent all four years at ESU working at the student newspaper and, outside of collegiate journalism, worked on projects for Vintage KC Magazine and Humanities Kansas.
But before entering the journalism arena, Mellott wanted a career in education, inspired by...
2022-06-2726 min
Kansas State Department of Education Insight Podcast04 Kindergarten Readiness in KansasJoin our host Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson, as we examine a key Kansas State Board of Education outcome, kindergarten readiness. Dr. Watson is joined by KSDE’s Amanda Petersen, director of Early Childhood to talk about the importance of preparing the youngest Kansans for success.
Listen as they discuss the ways we partner with parents to understand a child's needs so they will thrive in the kindergarten classroom. Hear examples of two different early childhood programs presented to the Kansas State Board of Education during their October meeting.
Grab a digital copy of...
2021-11-0131 min
Jaws of Justice RadioKansas Fails Foster YouthOn Monday, 2/10, at 9 AM, host Elisa Breitenbach is back for a discussion with Teresa Woody, Litigation Director, and Christina Ostmeyer, Communications and Digital Advocacy Director of Kansas Appleseed. Kansas Appleseed is a nonprofit network of 17 Centers across the U.S. and Mexico, dedicated to advancing justice and opportunities that help low-income people and working families have better lives. We will be discussing the lawsuit that has been filed for Kansas children in foster care. The class action lawsuit was filed November 16, 2018 by Kansas Appleseed, Children's Rights, the National Center for Youth Law, and attorney Lori Burns-Bucklew against Governor Jeff Colyer and...
2020-02-0956 minJaws of Justice RadioKansas City Youth Court – What’s That? and Kansas Appleseed – Working To Make A More Just KansasKansas City Youth Court - What's That? Did you know that Youth Courts across the country are teaching young people to be involved in deciding innocence or guilt and handing down sentences? That's right teenagers are defense council, prosecutor, judge and Juries that are holding teens to account for their actions. The charges brought in Youth Court are real and the proceedings have the force of law. Host Margot Patterson talks with Mary Kay O'Malley, Professor of Law at UMKC, her assistant Kayls Kratofil, a graduate of Youth Court and Omari Tatum who is presently a youth attorney in Youth...
2015-08-2955 min