Ask A Kansan

Wichita State University has quietly become one of the most innovative applied learning campuses in the country — and most Kansans don't even know it. Sitting down with President Rick Muma on location at WSU, we get the full story: from his roots as a physician assistant on the front lines of the HIV epidemic, to becoming the only PA to ever lead a major university, transforming a former club golf course into a thriving innovation campus where 12,000 students are earning nearly $40 million a year working alongside real industry partners.HighlightsPresident Muma is the only physician assistant to serve as president of any university in the country — and he didn't even know it until the national PA organization called him.WSU's innovation campus was literally a golf course just eight years ago — now it's home to companies like Airbus and Deloitte, with students earning real paychecks from day one.The Shocker Career Accelerator connects students to industry partners from the moment they step on campus — not just junior or senior year — to keep them on track and in Kansas after graduation.WSU's National Institute for Aviation Research has students operating multimillion-dollar robots, doing real work that other universities fly in to study.WSU just surpassed $400 million in research expenditures and $600 million in research awards — and is now partnering with KU on a biomedical campus that is the largest capital investment in downtown Wichita's history.A WSU anthropology professor rediscovered Etzanoa, a lost city of 20,000 people in southern Kansas — one of the largest pre-Columbian settlements in North America — and a local high schooler found the cannonball that proved it.Tours of the Etzanoa site are available through the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum in Arkansas City for just $10.Chapters0:00 – Hike With Madeline1:04 – Childlike Presence2:04 – On Location at WSU3:08 – Meet President Muma3:37 – Kansas Roots and Return6:10 – From PA to Professor9:00 – Clinician Mindset in Leadership11:37 – Campus Transformation and Innovation15:14 – Book and Applied Learning17:43 – Shocker Career Accelerator18:55 – NIAR: Real-World Research19:56 – Keeping Talent in Kansas21:23 – Future Vision: Biosciences23:34 – AI's Impact on Campus27:03 – Kansas Support and Research Growth29:23 – Post-Interview Reflections30:23 – Sheriff's Reflection on Ramadan31:46 – Kansas's Lost City Rediscovered38:27 – Tours and Episode WrapResourcesWichita State UniversityWSU Innovation CampusNational Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR)Student Centered, Innovation Driven by Rick MumaEtzanoa Tours WSU TechLearn more about the podcast at askakansan.com!This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What does it really mean to give yourself permission — to travel, to write, to call a place home?Rolf Potts has spent decades asking that question. A fourth-generation Kansan from Wichita, Rolf is one of the most recognized travel writers working today and the author of Vagabonding, a book that has quietly changed the way a generation thinks about long-term travel. But this conversation goes beyond passport stamps. We talk about how growing up with two schoolteacher parents shaped the way Rolf sees the world, why he thinks curiosity is the most underrated skill a writer can have, and how he's channeling a lifetime of storytelling into something deeply Kansan — a short film and a feature-length documentary called Kansas Never Plays Itself.HighlightsRolf's parents were both schoolteachers, and he credits them with instilling the curiosity that drives his travel writing and storytellingHis first and best-known book, Vagabonding, was essentially a letter to his teenage self about giving yourself permission to travel — without waiting for retirement or the "right" circumstancesHe taught English in Korea in the 1990s and entered Europe for the first time via the Trans-Siberian Railway — traveling through 40–50 countries before ever visiting ParisRolf distinguishes between guidebook writing and the kind of literary travel writing he practices — a blend of personal memoir and reported journalismHe has interviewed one travel writer per month on his website, rolfpotts.com, for 25 yearsHe and his wife, actress Kiki, co-wrote and co-executive produced a short film shot almost entirely on their property in KansasHis documentary Kansas Never Plays Itself explores how Kansas is misrepresented — or simply absent — in cinema, drawing on the work of filmmakers like Gordon ParksHis advice to Kansans: stop apologizing for where you're from. Authenticity is a superpowerChapters0:00 — New Mugs1:05 — Meet Rolf Potts2:32 — Curiosity From Teachers3:55 — Travel Bug and Vagabonding5:15 — Finding a Writing Life6:17 — What Travel Writing Is9:00 — Offbeat Destinations12:10 — Travel as Education13:54 — Planning vs. Spontaneity17:13 — Meeting Kiki in Kansas19:37 — Screenwriting Origins22:21 — Making a Kansas Short Film27:24 — Kansas Never Plays Itself33:12 — Place and Storytelling35:53 — Rehumanizing Place Stories37:22 — Kansas as a Destination38:55 — Authentic, Not Apologetic40:42 — Wrap Up and Links42:02 — Post-Show Reflections43:26 — Two Truths and a Lie1:00:54 — Final GoodbyeResources Mentionedrolfpotts.com — Rolf's website, home to 25+ years of travel writing interviews, books, social media links, and moreVagabonding by Rolf Potts — AmazonKansas Never Plays Itself — https://youtu.be/ra70AoXqHLQ?si=q5BQCyGuaVNMnnq3Paris Writing Workshops — pariswritingworkshop.com — the summer writing program Rolf teachesEnergy Green Grandpa (YouTube) — George Potts, Rolf's father, and his channel about sustainable energy: https://energygreengrandpa.com/Learn more about the podcast at askakansan.com!This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What does it take to fall in love with a place that isn't even yours — and then dedicate your life to making sure everyone else loves it too? That's exactly what happened to journalist, historian, filmmaker, and storyteller Deb Goodrich. From covering crime courts in the Blue Ridge Mountains at age 21, to living inside a Topeka cemetery, to championing the forgotten legacy of America's first vice president of color, Deb has spent decades proving that Kansas history is anything but boring. And somehow, she made drinking water funny in the process.HighlightsDeb Goodrich was inspired to become a journalist by watching Lois Lane on Superman at age fourShe began writing for her local paper in Stuart, Virginia at age 15 and worked across radio, TV, newspaper, and magazineDeb became a history major at Washburn University after a political science professor told her that's what she was — she had no ideaShe lived as historian-in-residence inside a historic home at Topeka Cemetery, where she first learned about Charles CurtisCharles Curtis was Vice President of the United States under Herbert Hoover (1929–1933), enrolled in the Kaw tribe, and is the first person of color to serve as VP — a story most Kansans don't knowDeb is working on a book, From the Reservation to Washington, about Charles Curtis, as well as a screenplayShe's collaborated extensively with filmmaker Ken Spurgeon, including on Touched by Fire (Bleeding Kansas) and The Moccasin Speaks (currently on PBS)Her upcoming film Under the Painted Sky tells the story of the German Family Massacre in Western KansasShe serves as Garvey Texas Foundation Historian-in-Residence at the Fort Wallace Museum in OakleyDeb's next book idea: Killers I Have KnownKansas's biggest export, according to Deb, is talent — and that needs to changeGus introduces a segment called "Less Fun With Flags," analyzing the Kansas state flag against the five rules of good flag design from the North American Vexicological AssociationKansas scored 3.01 out of 10 (a D-minus), ranking 69th out of 72 US state and Canadian provincial flagsThe Wichita city flag scored 8.41 out of 10 in 2004, ranking 6th best among 150 American cities — proof Kansans can do betterChapters0:00 – Australia Pin Giveaway2:23 – Podcast Intro / Meet Deb Goodrich3:28 – Meet Deb Goodrich6:00 – Journalism Origins: Lois Lane7:35 – History Bug: Cemetery Lessons9:34 – The Charlie Curtis Story12:26 – Topeka Cemetery Adventures17:29 – Film Work With Ken Spurgeon21:11 – Fort Wallace and Many Hats26:52 – The Oakley / Annie Oakley Myth28:33 – How Deb Got to Kansas28:45 – Mayberry Roots29:29 – Topeka and Washburn30:19 – Media Ethics Wake-Up31:09 – Switching to History32:29 – Court Reporting Lessons35:21 – Journalism Meets Film37:10 – Kansas Pride Problem40:20 – Fort Wallace Plug42:24 – Post-Interview Wrap43:45 – Less Fun With Flags45:33 – The Five Rules of Good Flag Design47:02 – Kansas Flag Fails52:38 – Wichita Flag Wins55:10 – Redesign Ideas and OutroResourcesFrom the Reservation to Washington by Deb Goodrich (book on Charles Curtis) — available on AmazonThe Moccasin Speaks — documentary on the German Family Massacre, currently airing on PBSUnder the Painted Sky — upcoming film by Ken Spurgeon and Deb GoodrichTouched by Fire — film about Bleeding Kansas by Ken SpurgeonBloody Dawn by Tom Goodrich — book on the Lawrence MassacreFort Wallace Museum — Oakley, Kansas; 2025 theme: "From Wallace to the Little Big Horn" https://ftwallace.com/Learn more about the podcast at askakansan.com!This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What does it take to turn Kansas into a thriving hub for film and storytelling? Sterling native Kiki Bush left Kansas for classical drama training in England and a successful acting career in New York—but the pandemic brought her home, where she discovered something unexpected. She's now fighting to bring film tax incentives to Kansas, directing her own projects, and proving that the state's "difficult beauty" deserves to be seen on screen. From the theater across the street from her childhood home to advocating at the Kansas Capitol, Kiki's journey reveals why Kansas stories matter and what happens when we choose hope and grit over easy answers.HIGHLIGHTS• TikTok tree controversy sparks debate about Kansas history and landscape• Growing up across from Sterling College Theater ignited Kiki's passion for performance• Training at London's Guildhall School as the only American in her class• Career highlights: playing Cordelia to Kevin Kline's King Lear at The Public Theater• Meeting her husband Rolfe during the pandemic through online dating in Kansas• Creating "The Game Camera" short film with a primarily female cast and crew• Fighting for Kansas film tax incentives: 38 states have them, Kansas needs to catch up• Why women over 40 face fewer opportunities in film—and how Kiki is changing that• Kansas represents "difficult beauty" that requires staying power to appreciateCHAPTERS[0:00] TikTok Tree Controversy[1:16] Podcast Intro and Guest Introduction[1:57] Meet Kiki Bush[3:30] Sterling Roots and Theater[6:38] KU to England Drama School[10:19] Career Highlights and New York[14:07] Acting Calling Moment[15:07] Pandemic Homecoming to Kansas[18:46] Life in Saline County Now[20:15] Fighting for Film Incentives[22:40] Call Your Legislators[23:00] How Film Tax Credits Work[23:40] Keeping Kansas Creatives Home[24:16] Making The Game Camera[26:32] Origins of the Story[28:44] Equity On Set[30:27] Aging and Beauty Standards[33:51] Why Kansas Stories Matter[34:22] Difficult Beauty of Kansas[40:50] Post Interview Takeaways[41:19] Kansas Hot Takes Game[43:10] Sunsets, Sunflowers, and Pride[45:37] Wrap Up and SubscribeRESOURCES• Grow Kansas Film - Organization advocating for Kansas film tax incentives (contact for talking points to reach your legislators): https://www.growkansasfilm.com/• Sterling College - Sterling, Kansas: https://www.sterling.edu/• Guildhall School of Music and Drama - London, England: https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/• Shocker Studios - Wichita, KS - https://www.wichita.edu/academics/fine_arts/digital_arts/shocker_studios.phpLearn more about the podcast at askakansan.com!This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What does it take to bring Kansas history to life on the big screen? From dusty archives and reenactment camps to film sets across the prairie, history professor and filmmaker Ken Spurgeon has spent two decades mastering the art of visual storytelling rooted in the Great Plains. His latest feature, Sod and Stubble, filmed entirely in Kansas with a community that literally built a house for the production, represents both a love letter to pioneer resilience and a case study in what's possible when Kansans commit to telling their own stories.HIGHLIGHTS• Ken's journey from construction worker to history professor to award-winning filmmaker• How Civil War reenactments became the bridge between academia and cinema• Working with Rance Howard (Ron Howard's father) and learning to direct seasoned actors• The making of Sod and Stubble - filming in 95°+ Kansas heat with 100 crew members in Downs, Kansas• Why the community built a replica pioneer house specifically for the film• The challenges of independent film financing with 47 investors• Why Kansas needs a film incentive bill to compete with Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia• The difference between documentaries and narrative features - and why "movies are made in the edit room"• Balancing teaching history at Friends University with directing feature films• Why Kansas filmmakers shouldn't fear outside competition or collaborationCHAPTERS[0:00] The Sourdough Journey - Sydney debates naming her sourdough starter[2:14] Podcast Theme: Kansas Filmmaking Month[3:20] Meet Ken Spurgeon - History professor and filmmaker[4:02] Origins of a Historian - The Civil War weapon that sparked everything[5:46] Finding the Teaching Path - Seven years away from school working construction[8:51] Favorite Eras and Curiosities - Early America, Civil War, and the American West[9:47] Reenactments to Film Sets - From living history to working on Gods and Generals[11:20] First Documentary Breakthrough - Tackling Bleeding Kansas[12:30] Lessons from Documentaries - Money, flexibility, and learning not to "over-speak"[15:30] Why Film in Kansas - "I'm sticking my foot in the ground and filming here"[18:17] Film Incentives and Financing - Why tax breaks matter and how 47 investors funded Sod and Stubble[23:00] From Docs to Features - Winning the Wrangler Award and transitioning to narrative films[24:08] Working with SAG and Rance Howard - The rehearsal moment that taught Ken to be a director[30:20] On Set Reality Check - When the vision in your head meets reality[31:21] Movies Made in Edit - The three versions of every film[34:18] Sod and Stubble Origins - Filming the greatest pioneer story in American history[36:24] Filming in Kansas Heat - Shooting outdoors, Monday-Friday, June through August[38:18] Small Town Production Logistics - How Downs, Kansas fed 100 crew members[41:07] Professor and Filmmaker Balance - Teaching history while making movies[42:21] Kansas Film Future - Why we shouldn't fear freedom or outside filmmakers[47:31] Post-Interview Reflections - Gus and Sydney discuss directorial styles[48:49] Kansas Movie Trivia Game - Testing film knowledge with movies shot in Kansas[55:48] Wrap Up and SubscribeRESOURCES MENTIONEDEducational Institutions• Friends University (Wichita, Kansas) - Where Ken teaches history and filmmaking• Wichita State University - Where Ken completed his degrees under Dr. Craig Miner and Dr. Jay PriceFilms & Projects• Home on the Range - Ken's documentary that won the Western Heritage Award (Wrangler)• Gods and Generals (2001) - Civil War film where Ken worked as a reenactor• Road to Valhalla - Earlier Ken Spurgeon project featuring Buck TaylorBooks• Sod and Stubble (2024) - Ken's feature film based on the 1930s Kansas pioneer memoirKansas Movies Mentioned in Trivia Segment• The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Promotional footage filmed in Liberal, Kansas• Picnic (1955) - Shot in Halstead, Hutchinson, Wichita, and Salina• In Cold Blood (1967) - Filmed in Holcomb, Garden City, and Dodge City• Up the Academy (1980) - Filmed at St. John's Military School in Salina• Paper Moon (1973) - Shot in Hays, McCracken, and surrounding western Kansas townsWHAT'S YOUR SOURDOUGH STARTER'S NAME?Sydney's looking for the perfect name for her sourdough starter! Drop your best pun or creative suggestion in the comments. The punier, the better!Learn more about the podcast at askakansan.com!This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

Ever wonder where those grocery store flowers actually come from? Most of us never think twice about it—until we meet someone like Ashley Vail, who turned a pandemic chicken hobby into a thriving half-acre specialty cut flower farm in Kansas. From planting nearly 2,000 peonies to surviving 110 mph winds, Ashley's journey proves that flower farming is way more intense (and way more rewarding) than you'd think.HIGHLIGHTS• A McPherson antique store's viral TikTok ad featuring Sarah McLachlin's iconic ASPCA song—but for abandoned antiques• How Ashley went from zero gardening experience to farming thousands of flowers on half an acre• The difference between annuals and perennials, and why Ashley's back is grateful for the peony pivot• Why Kansas weather is the biggest challenge for flower farmers (spoiler: it's not just the tornadoes)• The surprising number of flower farmers across Kansas—probably one in your county• How Bobcat let Ashley test drive a tractor for a week, knowing she'd never give it back• Why Ashley prefers being the grower over being the florist (wedding pressure is real)• The "reluctant farmer husband" phenomenon and how military training prepared Matt for flower farming• Victory Gardens during WWII: Kansas grew 17 million quarts of canned food in 1943 alone• Container gardening tips and when to plant: potatoes on St. Patrick's Day, tomatoes on Mother's Day, peppers by Memorial DayCHAPTERS[0:00] Local TikTok Find: McPherson Antique Store Ad That Cracked Us Up[1:02] Why the Ad Works: Sound Effects, Song Choice & Instant Nostalgia[1:53] Welcome to Ask A Kansan + Meet Today's Guest (Vail Family Farms)[2:53] Getting Set Up: Ashley Joins the Conversation[3:22] What Is a Specialty Cut Flower Farm? Size, Scale & What They Grow[4:41] Annuals vs Perennials: The Peony Pivot (and Saving Your Back)[5:58] How It Started: Pandemic Chickens to Full-On Flower Farming[7:40] Year One Reality Check: No Tunnels, No Tractor, Just Prairie Ground[10:22] Extending the Season: High Tunnels, Grants & Kansas Wind Survival[12:39] Selling the Blooms: Subscriptions, Farmers Markets & U-Pick Events[15:35] Bouquets & Weddings: Design Pressure vs Being the Grower[17:10] From Nursing to Farm Life: Making the Jump + Family Behind the Business[19:18] 'Reluctant Flower Farmer': Matt's Role and the Support System[19:60] Reluctant Farmer Husband: Military Life Meets Flower Farming[21:25] How Many Flower Farmers Are in Kansas? Finding Local Growers[22:14] The Biggest Challenge: Kansas Weather, Wind & Growing Zones[23:51] Support Networks & The Insurance Gap for Specialty Crops[26:23] Next 5 Years: Peony Expansion + Spring Crop Strategy[27:42] Building the Farm Brand on Social Media (and Keeping It Real)[29:32] Scaling Advice: Home Garden Tips vs Farming Thousands of Plants[30:44] Where to Find Vail Family Farm + Wrap-Up of the Interview[31:40] Post-Interview Chat: Farm Visits, Book Clubs & Photo Sessions[32:27] Theme Segment: Victory Gardens—History, Kansas Stats & Why It Matters[36:19] Planting Calendar & Container Gardening: Potatoes to Peppers[39:31] Final Thoughts: Gardening Trends + Subscribe, Newsletter & MerchRESOURCES MENTIONEDVail Family FarmInstagram: @vailfamilyfarmFacebook: Vail Family FarmLearn more about Victory Gardens: https://kgi.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16884coll1/id/2183https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-life/victory-gardens-were-growing-all-across-kansas-during-wwiiLearn more about the podcast at askakansan.com!This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What does it take to transform a community when you're barely old enough to drive? Andres Mata was just 13 years old when he was appointed to Salina's Human Relations Commission, and that was only the beginning of his civic journey. Six years ago, at age 21, he founded the Kansas Civic Network with a simple belief: the resources to solve our communities' biggest challenges already exist—we just need to connect the right people with the right ideas. From launching the first food pantry in Lindsborg's history to helping Latino farmers understand organic certification, Andres and his team have learned that the most powerful solutions often come from the simplest actions: picking up the phone, asking questions, and refusing to accept "that's not my role" as an answer. Kansas faces real challenges—by 2050, 76% of the state's population will live in just 19 counties—but Andres has seen firsthand that when young people are invited to the table instead of told to wait their turn, remarkable things happen. The question isn't whether Kansas has what it takes to thrive; it's whether we're willing to work together to make it happen.Highlights:• Started civic engagement at age 9 with a Haiti relief fundraiser that raised $3,400 • Appointed to Salina's Human Relations Commission at 13, then Planning Commission at 16• Founded Kansas Civic Network at age 21 during COVID-19 pandemic• Helped establish Lindsborg's first food pantry in city history after discovering 1/3 of Bethany College students were food insecure• Built a remote, all-volunteer team of young professionals from 7+ states using Handshake platform• Conducted USDA-funded seminars revealing critical gaps in organic farming education for Latino farmers in southwest Kansas• Operates with radical transparency: "We're basically a club of young doers"• Core philosophy: "We just do it" - removing barriers and focusing on community benefit over organizational egoChapters:[0:00] Introduction - Meet Semi Quinn the Bison[1:58] Meet Andres Mata: Early Life and Civic Engagement[6:56] The Kansas Civic Network: Mission and Impact[11:17] Challenges and Success Stories in Rural Kansas[13:54] Building a Team of Young Doers[26:40] Organizational Structure and Future Goals[36:20] Founding the Kansas Civic Network[37:02] Challenges and Hopes for Kansas[39:16] The Role of Politics in Community Work[41:29] Engaging Communities and Institutions[44:49] Organic Farming Project[47:47] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections[48:31] Post-Interview Reflections[54:27] Who's A Kansan: Community Organizer Edition[63:21] ClosingResources Mentioned:• Kansas Civic Network - https://www.kscivicnetwork.org/• Bethany College (Lindsborg, Kansas) - https://www.bethanylb.edu/• Kansas 250 - https://www.travelks.com/kansas-250/This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What happens when a school administrator discovers TikTok during a pandemic and decides Kansas deserves better representation? Steven Kimmi joins us to share his journey from isolation to becoming one of Kansas' most dedicated content creators. From sleeping in his car at Little Jerusalem to eating three burgers in one day, Steven reveals the adventures, challenges, and philosophy behind his mission to celebrate Kansas' food scene and small-town businesses. Plus, he settles the score on Cozy Inn, shares his most memorable meals, and explains why he'll never post a negative restaurant review.Highlights:How pandemic isolation and TikTok sparked Steven's Kansas content creation journeyThe infamous Little Jerusalem camping fail and reversing a mile down a muddy road in a minivanWhy Steven focuses on promoting small-town Kansas businesses instead of just Wichita and Kansas CityThe colorblind video that hit 2 million views and temporarily impressed his teenage kidsSteven's burger philosophy: three in one day was a mistake, and why he won't trash restaurants publiclyPartnerships with Kansas State Fair and River Festival, plus dreams of World Cup contentThe gap in Kansas' food scene: where's a good bagel shop when you need one?Steven's most memorable meals: pasta in Italy, farm-to-table in Fort Wayne, and rare AHI tuna in WichitaWhy Steven can't schedule content more than a day ahead (and the stressful 4-6 PM scramble)Teaching, social media, and staying authentic both on and off cameraThe Volga Germans' legacy: how Catherine the Great, Turkey Red wheat, and bierocks transformed KansasChapters:[0:00] Discovering a Supercell Shelf Cloud[1:50] Introducing Steven Kimmi[2:41] Welcome, Steven Kimmi[3:22] Steven's Journey as a Content Creator[4:03] Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Taste Test[6:08] Adventures and Challenges in Kansas[14:52] Focusing on Food and Small Businesses[17:46] Collaborations and Future Plans[21:02] The Influence of Social Media on Teaching[21:57] Handling Negative Experiences at Restaurants[22:48] Burger Eating Adventures[23:51] Content Scheduling Struggles[25:00] Kansas Food Scene and Restaurant Gaps[28:45] Memorable Dining Experiences[31:45] Thanks for joining us[33:48] The Volga Germans and Kansas Wheat[39:04] The Legacy of Volga German Cuisine[40:55] Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming FeaturesResources Mentioned:Steven Kimmi on TikTokSteven Kimmi on InstagramSteven Kimmi’s website: https://stevenkimmi.com/Cozy Inn (Salina, Kansas)Jiffy Burger (Smith Center, Kansas)Little Jerusalem Badlands State ParkKansas Sampler FoundationKansas State FairSalina River FestivalThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What if your family farm could reach 250 million people worldwide? Greg Peterson of Peterson Farm Brothers fame turned a college project into a viral phenomenon that's been educating the world about agriculture for over 13 years. From nursing home performances as a toddler to appearing on national television just four days after posting his first farming music video, Greg's journey shows how passion, faith, and creativity can transform an entire industry's conversation. But behind the viral success lies a deeper story—one of balancing family farming with content creation, living with Type 1 diabetes, and staying rooted in Kansas values while traveling the globe.Highlights:• How a K-State ag communications student created a viral farming music video that got 5 million views in one week—with zero marketing budget• The moment everything changed: being on Fox & Friends in New York City just four days after posting their first video• Why "I'm Farming and I Grow It" became a cultural phenomenon and launched a 13-year YouTube career• Balancing full-time farming with content creation, speaking engagements, and managing multiple social media platforms• Living with Type 1 diabetes as a farmer and traveler—playing the "video game" of insulin management on expert level• What Greg learned about agriculture by visiting all 50 states twice and 10 countries• The current challenges facing American farmers and why community support matters more than ever• Why the "Tractor Stuck" video resonates with farming families and teaches an important lesson about asking for help• How faith, family, and farming intertwine in Greg's daily life• Why traveling the world made Greg love Kansas even moreChapters:[0:00] Madeline's Photography Adventures[1:30] Introducing Greg Peterson[2:37] Greg's Musical and Farming Background[5:05] The Viral Success of Peterson Farm Brothers[14:17] Balancing Farming and Content Creation[19:23] Living with Type 1 Diabetes[24:35] Building a Community Around the Channel[26:35] Kids and Tractors: The Viral Video[27:26] Challenges in American Agriculture[29:35] The Importance of Community in Farming[31:25] Educating the Public About Farming[35:26] The Role of Faith in Farming[36:42] Love for Kansas: A Farmer's Perspective[39:50] TikTok Fun and Kansas Culture[46:54] Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Pride[48:30] A Hobbit-Inspired Pub in Kansas[50:07] Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and FarewellResources Mentioned:• Peterson Farm Brothers YouTube Channel• Kansas State University• Pilgrim's Keep Pub in St. Mary's, KansasThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

As we mark Kansas' 165th birthday, we're exploring what it means to truly know and love this state. From hidden rock formations in the northwest to thrift stores that draw travelers from across the country, Kansas holds surprises even for those who've lived here their whole lives. We sit down with Colby Sharples Terry from Kansas Tourism to talk about her journey from wanting to leave Kansas to becoming one of its biggest champions, the power of local guides like "Patty from Goodland," and why Kansas Day matters more than most people realize. Whether you're a lifelong Kansan or just passing through, this conversation will change how you see the Sunflower State.Highlights• Colby's "On the Road and to the Stars" TV show has expanded statewide across Kansas• Kansas Tourism is releasing 34 gift boxes featuring Kansas artisan products for Kansas Day• The importance of local community warriors who share their towns with visitors• Why Castle Rock deserves as much attention as Monument Rocks• How thrift shopping has become a legitimate travel draw for Kansas towns• Big Ed's Steakhouse in Bird City as a must-visit Kansas dining destination• The surprising fact that most states don't celebrate their birthday like Kansas does• Why winter is actually the best time to explore Kansas state parks and hiking trails• How Kansas continues to surprise visitors with its progressive history and diverse topographyChapters[0:00] Family Christmas and My Kansas Flag[1:30] Introduction to Kansas Day[2:45] Interview with Kolby from Kansas Tourism[5:17] Kansas Tourism Campaigns and Celebrations[8:30] Exploring Kansas: Hidden Gems and Local Experiences[15:45] Fashion and Thrift Shopping in Kansas[20:15] Kansas Food Adventures[25:30] Kansas History and Fun Facts[30:00] Nostalgic School Memories[32:15] Kansas Day Traditions[34:00] Planning a Kansas Trip for Influencers[38:45] Challenges of Traveling in Kansas[41:30] Winter Adventures in Kansas[44:00] Surprising Facts About Kansas[48:15] Celebrity Encounters and Kansas Destinations[52:30] Who's That Kansan? High Flying Edition[58:45] Closing Remarks and FarewellResources• Kansas Tourism website: travelks.com• Kansas Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube• Sunflower Summer app• Wild Man Vintage (Lawrence, Kansas)• Big Ed's Steakhouse (Bird City, Kansas)• Castle Rock (northwest Kansas)• Monument Rocks (western Kansas)• Garden of Eden (Lucas, Kansas)• Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum (Atchison, Kansas)• Cosmosphere (Hutchinson, Kansas)This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What does it take to celebrate 250 years of American history—and why should Kansas be at the center of that celebration? This year marks the Sesquicentennial of the United States, and Kansas is going all in with year-long events, community challenges, and unique partnerships that showcase the resilience and spirit of Kansans. We sit down with Rosa Cavazos, Special Projects Coordinator for Kansas Travel and Tourism, who shares how the Kansas 250 Commission is bringing communities together through everything from outdoor challenges to chocolate festivals. Rosa also opens up about her journey from thinking there was "nothing to do" in Kansas to becoming a passionate advocate for the state, her work with national Latino organizations, and the power of volunteering. Plus, we take a trip to Waldo, Kansas—yes, that Waldo—and discover how this tiny town embraces its connection to the famous red-and-white-striped character.HIGHLIGHTS• Kansas is celebrating America's 250th birthday throughout the entire year with events in communities across the state• The Kansas 250 Commission has partnered with organizations like Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for a 250-point challenge and From the Land of Kansas for special product boxes• A statewide service day is planned for September 11, 2026, encouraging Kansans to volunteer in their communities• Rosa Cavazos created the Topeka Chocolate Festival, which drew 50,000 people and featured 100 chocolate entries• Rosa chairs a national Latino organization based in DC and has spoken at the National Mall about women's healthcare and equal pay• Communities like Ottawa have created "250 things to do" lists, while Junction City and Atchison are planning special parades and events• The Great American Picnic on July 5th will encourage neighbors to gather in parks and on their blocks• Waldo, Kansas—population 30—fully embraces its connection to the "Where's Waldo?" book series with a statue in the city park• Waldo was founded in 1888 as a railroad town and once had three newspapers serving 300 residentsCHAPTERS00:00 - New Year Resolutions and Family Stories02:36 - Celebrating the Sesquicentennial: Kansas 250 Commission03:26 - Meet Rosa Cavazos: Special Projects Coordinator05:08 - Kansas 250 Events and Community Involvement15:15 - Personal Insights and Volunteering22:47 - Event Planning Tips and Teamwork23:52 - Challenges of Organizing a Large Festival26:52 - Unique Challenges of Planning for the 250th Anniversary32:21 - Celebrating Kansas' Heritage and Diversity36:45 - Exploring Waldo, Kansas39:56 - Where's Waldo?43:02 - Conclusion and FarewellRESOURCES MENTIONED• America250KS.com - Official Kansas 250 Commission website with events, merchandise, and community celebrations - https://america250ks.com• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks - Partner for the 250 Challenge featuring state parks, fishing, hiking, and camping - https://ksoutdoors.com• From the Land of Kansas - Organization promoting Kansas-grown products with special Kansas 250 boxes available January through July - https://fromthelandofkansas.com• Kansas State Library - Monthly book series featuring Kansas authors and topics - https://kslib.info• Boot Hill Distillery - Creating a special bourbon collection for Kansas 250 - https://boothilldistillery.com• MANA National Organization - National Latino organization focused on women's healthcare and equal pay issues - https://hermana.org• Watkins Museum (Lawrence) - Hosting "Hide the Semiquins" scavenger hunt with the Kansas 250 bison mascot - https://watkinsmuseum.org• Newspapers.com - Historical newspaper archive - https://newspapers.comThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What does it mean to stand in the gap for your community? Discover the journey, challenges, and unexpected stories behind Kansas State Troopers as we sit down with Joe Owen, lead recruiter for the Kansas Highway Patrol. From the rigorous training academy to the lighter side of law enforcement, and even a detour into ham radio, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and heartfelt moments that will change the way you see those who serve and protect Kansas.HighlightsThe unique path Joe Owen took from Oklahoma to Kansas and into law enforcementWhat it’s really like to become a Kansas State Trooper: selection, training, and the meaning behind the uniformThe broader role of the Kansas Highway Patrol beyond policing highways—including supporting federal and local agencies, and running the state’s Criminal Justice Information SystemThe importance of integrity, humility, and discipline in recruiting new troopersHow ham radio became a surprising passion and its relevance to emergency communicationsWinter driving safety tips every Kansan should rememberHow major events like FIFA coming to Kansas City impact law enforcement collaborationPersonal stories of loss, resilience, and the deeper meaning behind wearing the badgeAmusing and quirky moments from Kansas history, including windowless churches and blue lawsChapters0:00 – Kansas Comedy: Kathleen Madigan’s take on Kansas toll booths2:18 – Welcome & Introduction to Kansas State Troopers3:20 – Interview with Joe Owen: Background and Journey to Kansas4:30 – Joe’s Path into Law Enforcement6:07 – Lessons from the Road: No Stop is Insignificant15:21 – The Many Roles of Kansas State Troopers26:36 – Training, Recruitment, and What Makes a Good Trooper29:50 – Pop Culture, Agency Collaboration, and Favorite Law Enforcement Depictions44:14 – Ham Radio: A Trooper’s Unexpected Hobby49:34 – Winter Driving Safety Tips59:01 – FIFA’s Impact on Kansas City Law Enforcement1:03:01 – Reflections: The Meaning of the Badge1:09:28 – Post-Interview Reflections & Fun with Mustaches1:11:08 – Kansas History: Amusing Incidents and Blue Laws1:32:25 – Closing Remarks & AppreciationResources MentionedKathleen Madigan’s Comedy Special (available on Prime Video): Kathleen Madigan on Prime VideoKansas Highway Patrol: https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/Blue Bloods (TV Show): Blue Bloods on CBSSuper Troopers (Movie): Super Troopers on IMDbNewspapers.com (Kansas history research): newspapers.comFCC Ham Radio Licensing: FCC Amateur Radio ServiceThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

Do you have a passion for furry companions? Join us for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation with Brandon Sokol, director of Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Manhattan, Kansas. Brandon shares the realities of shelter life, from the emotional challenges of animal rescue to the logistics of managing capacity, volunteers, and community partnerships. Discover how compassion, creativity, and teamwork come together to save lives, and hear unforgettable stories of animals (and people) who make a difference.HighlightsThe mission and structure of Prairie Paws Animal ShelterEmotional and practical challenges of shelter workWhat “no-kill” really means and how it’s achievedThe role of volunteers and “Dog Day Outs”Memorable animal rescue stories, including Moose the dogManaging unusual animal drop-offs and Kansas animal ordinancesThe importance of community support and spay/neuter programsAdvice for supporting your local shelter and adopting petsChapters4:59 – Introducing Brandon Sokol from Prairie Paws Animal Shelter6:43 – Challenges and rewards of shelter work10:30 – Managing capacity and maintaining no-kill status14:18 – Volunteer contributions and “Dog Day Outs”26:35 – Odd animal drop-offs and unusual pets27:56 – Animal control, ordinances, and shelter operations31:04 – Feral cats and trap-neuter-return programs32:41 – Personal pet stories and naming pets36:39 – Community support for animal sheltersResources MentionedPrairie Paws Animal Shelter: prairiepaws.orgAdopt a Pet: adoptapet.comThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What makes a place feel like home, and how do the stories of a state connect us all? From the warmth of a “grandma basement” to the wild adventures across Kansas, this conversation celebrates the people, places, and moments that have shaped a year of discovery. Join us as we reflect on favorite guests, behind-the-scenes stories, and the lessons learned from building a podcast rooted in community.HighlightsThe meaning and Midwest origins of the “grandma basement”How the podcast began and the team behind the scenesFavorite guest moments and what made them memorableLessons learned from Kansas historians, artists, journalists, and community leadersTanner’s photojournalist adventures across the stateUnique Kansas events: rodeos, peace treaties, and Swedish festivalsThe importance of parks, wildlife, and green spaces in KansasA look at the “guest book” and fun awards for standout guestsHopes and plans for the next season, including new regions and storiesChapters00:00 – Understanding the “Grandma Basement” Concept03:22 – Reflecting on Past Episodes04:11 – The Origin Story of the Podcast07:19 – Highlighting Memorable Guests13:24 – Discussing the Podcast’s Reach and Team21:55 – Capturing Kansas: Rodeos, Peace Treaties, and Wildlife29:57 – Whooping Cranes: A Remarkable Comeback32:04 – Exploring Kansas Wildlife32:31 – Lindsborg’s Biannual Ings Fest33:30 – Traditional Swedish Costumes35:27 – Lakewood Park: A Kansas Gem36:56 – Looking Forward to 202641:40 – Reflecting on 2025 Guests53:27 – Closing Thoughts and Thank YousResources MentionedCurious Kansan Newsletter & Stories: askakansan.comPeace Treaty Pageant (Medicine Lodge): peacetreaty.orgKansas Sampler Foundation: kansassampler.orgMaxwell Wildlife Refuge: maxwellwildliferefuge.comBook: “Into Whooperland” by Michael ForsbergEpisodes Referenced:Adrian Zink (Ep. 3)Dr. Andrew Orr (Ep. 11, “The Compassionate Kansan”)Erika Nelson (Ep 16, “Big Little Big Kansan”)Brooke Terrapin (Ep. 5, “Fashionable Kansan”)Greg Victors (Ep. 26, “Steps of Tradition”)Abel Frederic (Ep. 24, “Giving Kansas”)Ross Janssen (Ep. 28, “Forecasting Kansas”)Leslie Bishop (Ep. 1, “The Kansas Dynamic”)Trisha Smith (Ep. 21, “Resilient Kansan”)Rex Buchanan (Ep. 29, “Grounded Kansan”)Marci Penner (Ep. 18, “Sampling Kansas”)Carl Bowden (Ep. 6, “Leading Kansas”)James Bowden (Ep. 17, “Unboxable Kansan”)Cash Hollister (Ep. 22, “Beats Kansas”)If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying Kansas voices!This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net