Ask A Kansan

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 y...

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 sav...

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.

Highlights

• The m...

How can one organization ignite hope and transform the lives of children who need it most? Explore the heart and vision behind Ember Hope, and discover how dedicated people are making a real difference for kids and families—plus, hear the inspiring journey of a leader who found his calling in unexpected ways.

Highlights

• Ember Hope’s mission: empowering and supporting vulnerable children
• Real stories of impact—how ...

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 prese...

This special episode of Ask A Kansan is a bit different. We had the opportunity to take our entire crew out to Greensburg, Kansas to capture all the things that are happening there. In fact, we felt like it was a better episode to watch rather than listen to. So hit the link below to watch this special "on the road" edition of Ask A Kansan. But don't worry, we'll be back next week with our usual audio version of the podcas...

How can one foundation transform an entire region? Discover the story behind the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and how its strategic giving, community focus, and unique leadership model have shaped Northwest Kansas for generations. From inspiring local initiatives to supporting rural communities, this conversation with Betsy Wearing reveals the power of philanthropy, the importance of strong nonprofit boards, and the endur...

What does it really take to thrive in the unpredictable world of sports broadcasting—and how do you stay passionate, connected, and authentic when every day brings a new story?

From the quirks of Kansas county fairs to the emotional rollercoaster of covering the Royals, this conversation with Joel Goldberg, the voice of the Royals, is packed with stories, insights, and a few surprises. Whether you’re a die-hard spor...

What makes a place feel like home, and how do our stories shape the communities we build? This episode explores the journey of Danielle J. Martin, a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Authentic Media, as she shares her path from Houston to Topeka, her leap into business ownership, and the power of authenticity in branding and community. Through candid conversation, we uncover the challenges and triumphs of starting ov...

What if the future of agriculture could be found in the roots beneath our feet—and in the heart of Kansas? Join us as we explore the groundbreaking (see what we did there?) work of the Land Institute with its president, Rachel Stroer. Discover how a small nonprofit in Salina, Kansas, is leading a global movement to transform agriculture for the next 10,000 years, and why the people behind the mission matter just as muc...

What if the biggest challenges facing Kansas aren’t the ones you see on the surface? From earthquakes shaking the plains to the slow-motion crisis of water in the High Plains Aquifer, this conversation with Rex Buchanan, Director Emeritus of the Kansas Geological Survey, uncovers the hidden forces shaping the state’s future. Along the way, we explore the beauty and complexity of Kansas’ landscapes, the power of communi...

What is it like to be the person everyone turns to when the sky turns dark and the sirens start to wail? This episode pulls back the curtain on the world of broadcast meteorology, storm chasing, and the unique Kansas weather community, featuring Ross Janssen, chief meteorologist at KWCH, and a few surprise guests (both human and canine).

Highlights

• The story behind Kansas’ most famous weather dog, May, and her pr...

What does it take to build a legacy that inspires thousands, and how do you know when it’s time to hand over the keys? From humble beginnings in Cleveland to leading one of the most celebrated college marching bands in the country, Dr. Frank Tracz’s journey is a masterclass in leadership, grit, and the power of community. Whether you’re a band kid, a Kansas State fan, or just someone who loves a good story about dedica...

What does it mean to truly connect with the land, its people, and the stories that shaped them? Join our conversation with Greg Victors, the Wichita War Dancer, as we explore Native American heritage, resilience, and the ongoing journey of cultural preservation in Kansas and beyond. Discover the power of tradition, the importance of representation, and how every Kansan can play a role in honoring the past while buildin...

How do you lead a university into the future while staying rooted in community and tradition? Join us as we explore the journey of Dr. Matt Thompson, President of Kansas Wesleyan University, and discover how vision, vulnerability, and collaboration shape both campus and community.

Highlights

• The cereal-before-milk debate and other everyday brain teasers
• Dr. Matt Thompson’s path from Florida to Kansas Wesle...

What does it take to turn a personal journey into a force for community change? Today’s conversation explores the inspiring story of Abel Frederic, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of the Plains. From his roots as the son of Haitian immigrants to his leadership in Kansas, Abel shares how service, collaboration, and innovation can transform lives and communities. You’ll hear about the power of literacy, ...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Hayes, Executive Director of the Central Kansas Cooperative in Education (CKCIE), to unpack how special education works across partnering districts. Jeff explains how CKCIE helps shape and interpret school policies, coordinates services across rural and urban districts, and supports students, families, and educators with staffing, training, and wraparound resources. We also dig into w...

In this episode, we sit down with Cash Hollistah, a local Kansan and creative force in the Salina arts community. Known for his music, storytelling, and leadership, Cash shares what inspires his artistry and how he uses his voice to spark connection and conversation.

We talk about the power of music in Kansas, how creativity can transform communities, and the intentional ways Cash invests his time and talent to make Salina...

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we sit down with Trisha Smith, Director of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge (Friends of Maxwell) in Canton, KS. Trisha shares how a winding, resilient life journey led her to steward one of Kansas’s most remarkable prairie preserves. We talk about the refuge’s mission, the impact of bison and elk on native grasslands, and the community of volunteers and partners that make preservation possible. It’s...