Exploring the Spirit of Kansas with Beccy Tanner | Journaling Kansas

What makes a place truly feel like home? That’s the question at the heart of this conversation with Beccy Tanner, a journalist whose passion for Kansas and its people has shaped her four-decade career. From the origins of small-town names to the stories behind Kansas’ most beloved folk song, we explore the spirit, history, and quirks that make the Sunflower State unique. Along the way, we uncover how storytelling preserves community, why authenticity matters, and what it means to belong—whether you’re a lifelong Kansan or just passing through.

Highlights

• Beccy Tanner’s journey from a farm in Radium, Kansas, to the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame
• The surprising story behind the name “Radium” and other Kansas towns
• What makes Kansas—and its people—distinctive and worthy of storytelling
• The evolution of journalism and the importance of passion in teaching history
• How Beccy’s reporting helped save the “Home on the Range” cabin
• Preserving the stories of African American homesteaders and Native Americans in Stafford County
• The role of grassroots art and hidden gems across Kansas
• Advice for aspiring storytellers: let people tell their own stories
• Fun with historical newspaper clippings and the quirks of Kansas history

Chapters

01:05 — Meet Beccy Tanner: A Seasoned Journalist

02:59 — Beccy’s Kansas Roots and Early Life

05:37 — The Unique Charm of Kansas: What makes this place special?

08:06 — Beccy’s Journalism Journey: From childhood dreams to the Wichita Eagle

14:47 — Impactful Stories and Real-World Change: Saving the “Home on the Range” cabin

21:19 — Retirement and Return to St. John: Coming home and giving back

23:14 — Preserving Kansas History: Museums, glass negatives, and untold stories

30:07 — Exploring Historical Newspapers: How journalism and storytelling have changed

32:20 — Advice for Aspiring Storytellers: Letting people’s voices shine

34:12 — Teaching Kansas History: Why it matters and how to inspire passion

37:06 — Kansas Leadership and Community Stories: Grassroots art and local legends

39:14 — Kansas Bus Trips and Hidden Gems: Off-the-beaten-path adventures

45:25 — Fun with Historical Newspaper Clippings: Guessing Kansas counties and quirky stories

53:39 — Wrap-Up: Reflections, gratitude, and a Kansas pep talk

Resources Mentioned

• Bear Grease, Builders and Bandits: The Men and Women of Wichita's Past
  • https://a.co/d/2klfqnI
• Kansas Leadership Center
  • https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/
• Stafford County Historical Museum
  • https://staffordcountymuseum.weebly.com/
• Kansas Sampler Foundation
  • https://kansassampler.org/
• Wichita Eagle
  • https://www.kansas.com/
• Kansas Magazine
  • https://www.travelks.com/kansas-magazine/
• Home on the Range Cabin
  • https://www.homeontherangecabin.com/
• Kansas History Museum
  • https://www.kansashistory.gov/museum
• Home on the Range Trailer
  https://youtu.be/WX07IbmUpak

If you’d like to learn more about Beccy’s work or any of the places and people mentioned, check out the links above or reach out for more information!

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