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1/23/2022 0501: Real Men Real Heroes
Hero worship is a characteristic of American culture. For good and bad, it is something our society lives with. Athletes, music stars, and actors or actresses are visible roles in our modern society. And that constant visibility often encourages people to feel like they know these people and fosters a desire to imitate them.
Our kids see these visible people as the definition of success and meaningfulness. Yet as adults we recognize the chances of anyone making a living playing professional sports or performing to a sell-out crowd in an arena is very small. As a result, it is important for kids to be exposed to all of the different ways people make a living and contribute to society and, in so doing, serve as heroes in their own right, albeit through less publicized roles, like banker, graphic designer, plumber, software developer, or entrepreneur. Real Men, Real Heroes based out of Wichita, Kansas is an organization driven by the understanding that it is important for children and young adults to see someone who looks like them engaged in activities that can excite the imaginations and interests of the youth in order to, as shared by Kyle Ellison, Executive Director of Real Men Real Heroes, Open up their minds to new ideas, new thoughts and help with the evolution of who they are becoming. In this episode, Rachel talks with Kyle Ellison and learns about the history of a program and how it has innovated and changed over time to include a broader base of Kansas children and young adults in 3rd through 8th grade opportunities to look behind the curtain and gain firsthand experience to many societal roles and functions that they may be unfamiliar with and that are often not routinely given extraordinary attention to like certain entertainment roles are given. Real Men Real Heroes website Contact <at> realmenrealheroes.org Real Men Real Heroes Instagram Real Men Real Heroes Facebook What You’ll Learn in this Episode
How to Support the Podcast: Tell a friend about us Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app Follow us on Instagram or Facebook Buy a Kansas Travel Journal Send us a recommendation for an episode 12/11/2021 0412: Get To Know a Kansan: Lisa Stewart
Uncovering Kansas was founded based on the idea that we frequently overlook the great things that are right in our back yard. As a matter of fact, right on the home page of our website is this quote from Dagobert Runes:
People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home. My guest today, Lisa Stewart is going to tell us about her experience meeting people and exploring Kansas at 4 mph on horseback. It is a good reminder that we all have one fundamental thing in common - we are all Kansans. Whether by birth, by choice, or by circumstance, we are all neighbors. Links from the Show: Lisa Stewart: The Big Quiet website Kansas Book Festival Episode Atwood Kansas Get to Know a Kansan Questions: Prairie Village Kansas Somerset Wine Trail Miami County Farm Tour Robert Day - The Last Cattle Drive What You'll Learn in this episode:
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11/21/2021 0411: Get to Know Kansas Small Business
The Saturday after Thanksgiving has become Small Business Saturday - a day set aside to encourage people to shop in small businesses.
At Uncovering Kansas, we want to encourage you to not only shop small, but to shop local. Shop Kansas! Back in late summer, we asked you to nominate your favorite local business for an upcoming episode. We’ve selected 2 of these shops for today’s episode. We’ll be doing our Get to Know a Kansan format - talking to 2 Kansans about their passion - their shops - and then seeing Kansas through their eyes. Links mentioned in the show Modern Cowgirl Boutique website Modern Cowgirl Boutique Instagram Modern Cowgirl Facebook Soul Sister Ceramics website Soul Sister Ceramics Instagram Soul Sister Ceramics Facebook What you’ll learn in this episode:
How to Support the Podcast: Tell a friend about us Follow us onInstagram or Facebook Buy a Kansas Travel Journal Send us a recommendation for an episode 10/23/2021 0410: Kansas Spirits
Happy Fall Kansas! And welcome to our October episode.
We are carrying through the Halloween theme from the previous episode. When Geoff originally pitched the idea, I was sort of like “Wha? Say it again.” He wanted to focus on spirits. Several meanings contained within the word spirit. Not only the spirits we usually think about when we prepare and celebrate Halloween but the holiday spirit and the associated community spirit that often runs alongside the holiday. Halloween is, at least in America, sort of the official kick-off to the longer holiday season. And what do many people choose to celebrate with… other than food? You guessed. Spirits! Liquor, wine and beer. We are going to focus on two of these (liquor and beer) in this episode. Kansas has had an interesting and peculiar history with alcohol and a key figure of historical importance. Carrie Nation. And while we, as Kansans, appreciate that history, our state is arguably still haunted by her ghost. Efforts are underway to exorcise the ghost of Carrie Nation but until the rite of exorcism is completed, artisans and entrepreneurs wanting to operate within the alcohol beverage industry must possess courage and bravery. And we have a panel of three representatives from three different Kansas companies located across the state to discuss and share their company story with you. Links mentioned in the show Kansas Territory Brewing Boot Hill Distillery Boiler Room Brewery Dodge City Episode What you’ll learn in this episode:
Tell a friend about us Follow us onInstagram or Facebook Buy a Kansas Travel Journal Send us a recommendation for an episode
There is a stereotype about the crotchety old person who watches out their window and when kids step one foot onto their lawn, they run out onto the porch, shaking their fist and yelling ‘get off my lawn you hooligans!'
Well, today we are going to learn about a Kansan who has impacted our culture simply because she wasn’t the kind of person who would fall into that stereotype. Instead of shaking her fist and yelling at the neighborhood kids, she looked for a way to be more creative and more positive in her approach to keep the kids off her lawn. What exactly did Elizabeth Krebs do to change culture as we know it? Well, find out in my interview with Katie Miller, President of the Hiawatha Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau. One note about the audio in this interview. There are some audio problems that I wasn’t able to fix in editing. I didn’t hear them during the actual recording, so I wasn’t able to address it at that time. My apologies about that. They aren’t going to take away from how much you will learn in the episode, I promise! Links mentioned in the episode: Halloween Frolic facebook page What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
How to Support the Podcast: Tell a friend about us Follow us on Instagram or Facebook Buy a Kansas Travel Journal Send us a recommendation for an episode 8/22/2021 0408: Svensk Hyllningsfest
This month, Rachel talks with Ryan Biergert, festival co-chair of Svensk Hillingsfest, a festival that celebrates our state’s Swedish Heritage, hosted in Lindsborg. According to the Kansas Historical Society, the first Swede arrived in Kansas in 1864, and he encouraged others to emigrate and file claims for land in what is now Lindsborg Ks. By 1890, there were 17,000 Swedes in Kansas.
Lindsborg is a town that celebrates its Swedish history, and not just during the festival. Visit any time of the year, and you’ll feel the Swedish culture everywhere you go. There is a lot to see and do in Lindsborg, and I hope you add it to your list, whether you go during the festival or at another time of year. What You'll Learn in this Episode:
How to Support the Podcast:
This month, Rachel talks with Tim Bascom, author and Executive Director of the Kansas Book Festival. The Kansas Book Festival is a great opportunity to learn about Kansas - authors who are from Kansas or write about Kansas or topics that are germane to Kansans. Spending a day at the festival will no doubt open your eyes to something new.
After covering the festival, Rachel and Tim talk about Tim’s experience spending part of his childhood in Ethiopia. Tim gives us a feel for what it is like to grow up in two very different cultures and how it continues to shape him today. Links to topics discussed in the episode: Book Festival website: Kansas Book Festival Book Festival Facebook page: Kansas Book Festival - Home Tim Bascom’s website: Tim Bascom, Author – Writing my way around the world Troy, Kansas Ethiopian Restaurants on the Kansas side of the state line of the KC metro: Elsa’s - Overland Park Elsa's Ethiopian Restaurant: Home Selamta - Lenexa Selamta Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar - Restaurant in Lenexa What You’ll Learn In This Episode:
7/10/2021 Bonus Episode: Pittsburg Covid Update
If you haven’t listened to our September 2020 episode which was an interview with public officials from Pittsburg Kansas about how they were managing the pandemic, I’d encourage you to go back and listen to it. This episode is a follow-up to see how things have changed since that interview.
We’ve all been through this shared experience, and although it meant something a little different to all of us, being able to follow the story of covid in one specific town gives us an appreciation of how we pull together to get through our toughest challenges. How to Support the Podcast:
6/24/2021 0406: Zero Reasons Why
Our topic today is a very important, very heavy one: mental health. Rachel introduces you to a very important and innovative program in Kansas that is working to make the stigma that surrounds talking about mental health issues a thing of the past.
Zero Reasons Why is a program that is teaching teens the skills they need to be able to make mental health a normal part of our daily lives. Rachel talks with Kyra Fuchs, who is a teen council member of Zero Reasons Why. Because this is such an important topic, we want to provide some resources in case you, or someone you love is struggling with mental health issues and could use some help:
How to Get in Touch with Zero Reasons Why: Zero Reasons Why website The Playbook referenced in the episode The social media accounts for #ZeroReasonsWhy: How to Support the Podcast:
Built in 1877, the Oak Grove Schoolhouse has been a gathering place for the community of Lincoln Township for generations. In this episode, Rachel talks with Cary Pruitt and Roger Pruitt from the Oak Grove Schoolhouse Historical Society.
Part family history, part Kansas history, partly a story about family legacy, we think you'll find this episode to be informative, entertaining, and important. Oak Grove Schoolhouse website What You’ll Learn In This Episode:
4/25/2021 0404: Prairiesta
This month, Rachel talks with Connie Blanke about Prairiesta, a festival that happens every 10 years in Russell, Kansas. Whether you are able to make it out to the festival or not, you'll learn a lot about community spirit, the importance of honoring our history, and what it takes to put together a festival.
Prairiesta website Deines Cultural Center Episode: Big Kansas Road Trip - The Experience 3/24/2021 0403: Gordon Parks: Renaissance Man
In this episode of Uncovering Kansas, Rachel interviews guest Kirk Sharp of the Gordon Parks Museum. For many the name Gordon Parks will be familiar. To others, only a vague recollection. And for some the name will be unknown entirely. No matter which group you are in, come along for the ride and join in and listen as Rachel learns about Gordon Parks and uncovers only a fraction of the eventful life of this Kansas-born man.
And if you’re like the Uncovering Kansas production team, then after learning a little of Gordon Parks you’ll quickly begin seeking more information. For example, after recording the interview Rachel devoured one Gordon Parks book and when finding another book by him was not in the library system’s inventory she quickly sent off an email to the library making the case for and requesting its inclusion. Enjoy the episode! And we hope to see you on the road soon as the Kansas climate warms and vaccinations are delivered and bodies and imagination that have likely been more dormant than usual for the better part of twelve months begin again to explore the world around them. Gordon Parks Museum website Books and Films by Gordon Parks Fort Scott Gordon Parks Celebration Gordon Parks Museum Facebook 7 Gordon Parks Images that Changed America - several of the images that we discussed in the episode are here 2/21/2021 0402:Wichita Life ICT with Landon Huslig
Rachel chats with Kansas resident and fellow podcaster Landon Huslig of Wichita Life ICT. They discuss cultural aspects and details of Wichita and create from the specific a backdrop for a broader, more personal, discussion about their passion and support of Kansas, generally, including a similar objective each has for their respective podcast.
Update / Correction (dated February 23, 2021 & March 15, 2021) Co-producer, Geoff, here with an update / correction. This month's guest mentions Naismith inventing basketball while in Kansas. The game of basketball was invented by Mr. Naismith while he worked as an instructor at the International YMCA Training school in Springfield, MA. And while the sports legend certainly improved on the sport he created while teaching at the University of Kansas and while without a doubt Kansas and Kansans hold him in such high esteem they are eager to call them one of his own, the production team at Uncovering Kansas wanted to clarify this for our current and future listeners and readers. I am sorry for overlooking my own note and not including this clarification when originally posting the show notes above. The error is mine. Wichita Life ICT website (and podcast) Instagram, Twitter, Facebook: @WichitaLifeICT Dockum Drug Store Sit In Keeper of the Plains Wichita River Fest Uncovering Kansas episode on Comicon Air Capital Comic Con Taco Fest Twitter: @WichitaTacoFest Andover KS Coronado Heights Little Jerusalem State Park Mushroom Rocks James Naismith John Brown
In this month’s episode of Uncovering Kansas Rach talks with Grammy-nominated musical artist Jan Kraybill. If y’all could have seen Rachel’s eyes when she slotted this interview. She doesn’t geek out over too many things. Rachel is pretty level-headed. But she does enjoy a classical music concert, there’s no denying that.
When Geoff, our co-producer, listened to the initial post-production he smiled and nodded as Jan communicated a response she receives after mentioning she’s from Kansas City to strangers she meets in her travels. Rachel and Geoff receive similar responses. In fact, the communication dynamic is so memorable and powerful Geoff included it in a story he wrote in November 2019. Be sure to listen close when Jan and Rachel start to discuss meeting new people while traveling. Have you received similar questions about the Kansas City area? So, turn up your volume if you’re going to multitask while listening, or grab your favorite set of earbuds and your beverage of choice. Find a comfy spot and settle in. Relax and listen to Rachel and Jan take a meandering audio backroads drive through the subjects of music, Kansas, travel and more. And, as always, thanks for listening and sharing this podcast with others. Show Notes: Jan’s website See a video of Jan Beethoven Walks Into a Bar Podcast Sam Ramey - operatic bass Mark Schultz - contemporary Christian The Prairie Museum of Art and History Salt Mines in Hutchinson Cosmosphere Humanities Kansas Hotline 1-888-416-2018 12/26/2020 Poetry Out Loud Kansas
In this month’s episode, Rachel talks with Deb Kohn and Cheryl Germann, Co-Coordinators of the Poetry Out Loud program in Kansas. They uncover the way that Kansas students can compete while also learning about poetry and performance.
Kansas Poetry Out Loud website See a video of Sarah Katsiyiannis, Khadija Ceesay, and Santiago Vasquez Poetry Out Loud Kansas Facebook Page Twitter: @KansasPOL "Flight Path" a poem by Geoffrey Allison (read, in this episode, by Rachel) Building a Bookshelf 11/24/2020 Bulldog Adventures with Tony Helfrich
In this month’s episode, Rachel talks with Tony Helfrich, Director of Adventure Programs at McPherson College. They uncover the way that a passion for Kansas outdoors can add to the richness of experience for students at McPherson, while also teaching them life skills along the way.
McPherson College Bulldog Adventures - @mcbulldogadv (instagram & twitter) Shotgun Sports Program - @mcshotgunsports (instagram & twitter) Horsethief Canyon Maxwell Wildlife Refuge Quivira National Wildlife Refuge 10/25/2020 Flint Hills Discovery Center
In this month’s episode, Rachel talks with Stephen Bridenstine of the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Rachel uncovers the draw of the place. Hint: it sounds as though it caters to all ages, nature lovers and science lovers. The center is located in Manhattan, KS and so it can be both a destination in its own right as well as temporary exploratory stop as you and your family are out wandering the Sunflower State.
This month’s links are: Flint Hills Discovery Center website Lesser Prairie Chickens Flint Hills Foundation Flint Hills Learning Center - including maps
Hello, Kansas! Uncovering Kansas Podcast co-producer Geoff here, with this month’s show notes.
I pitched the idea for this month’s episode to Rach back in late May and, paraphrasing now, it went a little something like this: “Not now,” I had said. “I understand things are still in a fragile state. But when we start to come out of the pandemic, I think we should send out invitations to several communities across Kansas. Offer them a chance to share a little about their community’s COVID story. However they want to tell it: it’s their story, after all. Whatever they want to share. The good. Or the bad. The uplifting, or sad. People will shoot straight. They won’t hide from the tougher bits they had to work through.” We recognize we aren’t clear of the pandemic yet. There are new spikes in places. And concerns as winter approaches. There’s still work to be done. Together. And that’s why this may be the best time to share this episode. To remember the parts of the challenge met. The best efforts in the face of uncertainty. The human element. We’re grateful to everyone who follows and listens and shares this podcast with others. Because of you, we’re growing. Because of you, we’re in a position to share bits and pieces of Pittsburg’s COVID-era story with the world. That’s right, Kansas. Uncovering Kansas has listeners from outside the (mostly) rectangular-shaped heart located smack dab in the center of the United States of America—the place we call home. Folks is interested, as ya might say. So, again, THANK YOU. Stay safe and healthy, and we hope you enjoy this month’s episode. Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce Crawford County Travel Site 8/26/2020 Neighboring in Kansas A Garden Box
Rachel sits down with kristopher swanson from The Neighboring Movement, a Wichita based community development organization. They talk about how to uncover the unique assets you have in your own neighborhood, and the similarity and parallel of the missions of both organizations. Uncovering Kansas: to inspire Kansans to learn more about the gifts we have within our state. The Neighboring Movement: to connect people with their neighbors as a way to help restore the social fabric and health of our neighborhoods.
After listening to this episode we hope you go out and talk to your neighbors. Learn something new about their unique gifts and build a stronger relationship that creates a more enriching environment for you to live in. Neighboring Movement website The Neighbor Next Door Podcast Asset Based Community Development Institute 7/25/2020 Comics Culture in Kansas by Kansas City artist Arie Monroe
Your co-producer, Geoffrey, here with show notes for the latest episode of Uncovering Kansas. Rachel talks with the hosts of the WORST COMIC PODCAST EVER. A fabulous episode of nerdom and the sharing of shared passions.
If I were writing a comic book script about these guys and their show it would begin like this: Summary Three longtime friends have a shared interest: comics. They decide to produce a comic books podcast and share it with the world. The content will be earnest. And smart. And, at times, when necessary, it will be serious because comic books, as a medium, are uniquely positioned due to their mix of both approachability and fantasy, to explore a multitude of topics impacting society writ large. PAGE ONE PANEL1 (half page) We see an old dining room table set up in the middle of a room (garage, basement, backyard shed - ART decides and we'll keep consistent throughout; whatever is chosen, consider adding bits of related paraphernalia (e.g. power tools on wall rack if garage, a stack of holiday decorations in once corner if basement, etc.)). The table is the gravitational center around which three different sized bodies orbit at varying degrees: three middle age men (John, Jerry, and Cullen). Cullen [see character description notes] carries an oversized Mac desktop, making ready to place it on the table. Jerry [see character description notes] untangles a rats nest of audio and ethernet cables already on the table, along with a couple microphones and mic stands. John [see character description notes] stands at the end of the table (farthest from viewer/reader), staring at the other two men. He holds a piece of chalk in the open palm of one hand. An old timey movable chalkboard looms behind him. We see PODCAST NAMES written across the top and several columns of suggested names underneath—all of which have been crossed out. … Listeners, the comic book themes I best remember are ones where the hero overcomes life’s struggles through the help of a friend. Sometimes the friend is another superhero. Better still, it is not. It’s a co-worker from the day job the hero’s alter ego keeps. Or it is words of encouragement issued by the owner of the alimentari located in the Italian neighborhood where the hero grew up and who knew the superhero BEFORE the “powers” and is, therefore, unimpressed by them and just talks straight and tells the hero like it is. I went to high school with the hosts and producers of the WORST COMIC PODCAST EVER, although we ran in different circles. Sure I dig their podcast content. But what I dig even more is their lasting friendship. Relationships that transcend and extend prove more powerful than special powers and abilities. It may be THE special power—the most powerful of all the superpowers. Knowingly or not, in addition to comic fandom content, Jerry, John, and Cullen share their special bond through the Worst Comic Podcast Ever. I appreciate that. Hell, I applaud it. Thank you, gents.
Links to various tidbits discussed in this episode
Worst Comic Podcast Ever website
The Hero Initiative Planet Comicon - Kansas City Smallville Comicon - Hutchinson (3rd weekend in June - non Covid years) Jon Robinson Free State Comicon - Lawrence Free Comic Book Day Comic Book Artists in Kansas: Megan Levins Ande Parks Greg Smallwood Jason Aaron 6/21/2020 Kelly Yarbrough - Artist
Greetings Uncovering Kansas listeners and supporters. June 2020's episode is about art and science and connections. Rachel sits down and talks with Kelly Yarbrough, an artist and a Kansan by choice. Of course, Kelly discusses her artistic process. She also talks about how the seasons and science of Kansas influences her creative effort. What becomes apparent is that Kelly is a connector. Whether as an artist to her audience, or as a citizen in her role as a territory rep for the Kansas Creative Arts Industry Commission, or in her roles with the Tallgrass Artist Residency Program or as Director of Community Programming at Prairiewood Preserve, Kelly creates and facilitates connections that enrich her audience and greater community through the promotion of art and creativity. It's a great episode. We look forward to sharing it with you. As always, we share a few links below related to topics discussed in the episode.
Kelly’s website Tallgrass Artist Residency Mattfield Green, Kansas Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve The Bank - contemporary art space Matfield Station Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Prairiewood Preserve Prairie Festival at the Land Institute 5/27/2020 Thrive Allen County
There is no ‘they’ that fixes what needs fixing, or improves what needs improving. There is ‘us.’ You. And me. Kansans understand this. In this month’s episode Rachel talks with Lisse Regehr of Thrive Allen County, an organization convening, coordinating, and championing the ideas and efforts of Allen County residents. Listen to examples of a community converting an abandoned cement factory into usable community space and volunteers shaping trails for health and wellness. Efforts undertaken to improve the lives and conditions not only of its residents but those who visit, those today and tomorrow.
Episode Links Wichita Eagle article- 14 Regional Podcasts to add to your Playlist Uncovering Kansas - Manhattan for Nature Lovers episode Thrive Allen County website Links to all of the trails discussed on the episode Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Prize Rural Health Initiative A Bolder Humboldt Uncovering Kansas - Kansas Framework for Growth episode 4/25/2020 Everyday Wanderer
In April 2020’s episode of Uncovering Kansas, Rachel talks with Kansan Sage Scott, a travel blogger. They talk about travel vs vacation; of inspiring someone to travel and explore rather than attempting to influence visiting a specific spot or locale; and they give shout-outs and share BIG love for Abilene and Nicodemus Kansas. Sage Scott arrived in Kansas via a circuitous route. But she is plugged in now. Shining bright, lending her passion for, and experiences with, travel with the entire world. Please, listen to the episode. Share it with family and friends. And send us any comments or feedback you have.
We understand everyone is self-isolating right now. And travel may not be possible. But before you know it, we’ll be traveling and exploring again because of the efforts of dedicated people—in Kansas and elsewhere—to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus. Everyday Wanderer Abilene Kansas Brookville Hotel Mr. K’s Farmhouse Volga German History Museum Nicodemus Kansas Brown vs Board of Education Everyday Wanderer links to articles mentioned in the show: Abilene Nicodemus article Kansas Women’s history month Brown v Board Life Lessons for your big 0 birthday 3/22/2020 Kansas Framework for Growth
Economic Development in Kansas is changing. A banner program and important effort driving this initiative is the Kansas Framework for Growth, a comprehensive strategy for economic growth in the coming 15-20 years. More than 1,000 Kansans have given their input into the process. We first heard of the strategy and program as citizens. And, wanting to engage in the process, we attended two different events. In this episode, Rachel talks with Deputy Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Patty Clark, about the outcome of the study and current status of the program.
Note: This episode was recorded before the effects (closures and self-isolation protocols, etc.) related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are unaware of any curtailments to the rollout process of the Kansas Framework for Growth and, because we believe in the importance of the effort, are releasing this episode per our original schedule for March. Please visit the website to discover how you can get involved and any impacts or changes to the calendar or events as a result of pandemic protocols. Kansas Framework for Growth Kansas Department of Commerce Kansas Main Street Program Get to Know a Kansan (links) Symphony in the Flint Hills Kansas State Parks (Cabin reservation info) Depot Theater Company Dodge City (Amtrak information) Dwight D. Eisenhower (Presidential Library) 2/15/2020 Goodlife Innovations CEO, Mike Strouse
Kansans,
Were you aware that there is a group of Kansans providing thought leadership in the area of caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and seniors? In this month's episode, Rachel talks with Mike Strouse, CEO of Goodlife Innovations. Remember KC Pop Co? They are one of Goodlife's innovative life enrichment and skill development programs. Rachel sits down to listen and learn (uncover) how they are delivering the kind of life people they support want to lead, and how other agencies are looking to them in order to implement similar models across the country. How do you more cost effectively deliver the kind of lives that people want to lead? That’s what it’s really about. ~Mike Strouse, CEO Goodlife Innovation |
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