Ask A Kansan
Society & Culture
About
A podcast focusing on the perspectives, lives, and stories of Kansans to provide greater insight into the state we all call home.
Episodes
- Language, Culture, and Community with LeLan Dains | UnBound Kansan
LeLan Dains talks about his work with Kansas Spanish Speakers, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between Spanish-speaking and English-speaking communities in Kansas. He also shares his entrepreneurial journey co-founding a majo…
- Arts Advocacy with Sarah VanLanduyt | Creative Kansan
Sarah VanLanduyt, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Johnson County, discusses arts advocacy, funding, and infrastructure in Kansas. The conversation also explores historical Kansas outlaws and the impact of the creative industries…
- Discover the Flint Hills with Stephen Bridenstine
Stephen Bridenstine, Director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center, shares insights into the unique landscape and history of the Flint Hills. The discussion covers the interconnectedness of natural and human history, the importance of ranch…
- Made Right Here with Sammy Gleason | From the Land of Kansas
Sammy Gleason discusses the "From the Land of Kansas" program, highlighting products in the Kansas 250 gift box and the history of the state trademark initiative. The episode also examines Kansas flag designs based on vexillological princi…
- Wild Prairie with Matt Bain | Conserving Kansas
Matt Bain explains the critical role of the Kansas prairie ecosystem for clean water, soil, wildlife, and ranching culture. The episode covers grassland loss, the ecological balance of grazing, drought, and fire, and features historical an…
- Space Odyssey at the Kansas Cosmosphere with Claire Ludes | Ad Astra Kansas
The Kansas Cosmosphere, featuring significant US and Soviet space artifacts and advanced restoration capabilities, is highlighted by Claire Ludes. The museum offers youth programs and is recognized as a premier space destination, with ongo…
- Wichita State’s Rick Muma on Education and Economic Growth | Kansas Shocker
President Rick Muma, the only physician assistant to lead a university, discusses Wichita State University's transformation into an innovative applied learning campus. WSU partners with industry, offers students real-world experience, and…
- Authenticity and Adventure with Rolf Potts | Scripted in Kansas
Travel writer Rolf Potts discusses his upbringing, the philosophy behind his book 'Vagabonding,' and his work on the documentary 'Kansas Never Plays Itself,' which critiques the cinematic portrayal of Kansas. He emphasizes the importance o…
- Amplifying Kansas History with Deb Goodrich | Kansas Chronicles
Journalist and historian Deb Goodrich shares her journey of discovering and promoting Kansas history, including the largely unknown story of Charles Curtis, the first person of color to serve as Vice President. She also touches on her film…
- Acting, Advocacy, and Kansas Beauty with Kiki Bush | Center Stage Kansan
Kiki Bush, a Kansas native with a background in classical acting in England and New York, returned to Kansas during the pandemic. She is now advocating for film tax incentives in Kansas, inspired by the state's unique beauty and the desire…
- Filmmaking in the Heartland with Ken Spurgeon | Kansas on Screen
Filmmaker Ken Spurgeon discusses his transition from history professor to filmmaking, focusing on his Kansas-shot feature "Sod and Stubble." He covers the production challenges, the importance of community involvement, film financing, and…
- Field of Dreams with Ashely Vail | Blooming Kansan
Ashley Vail transformed a pandemic hobby into a thriving half-acre specialty cut flower farm in Kansas. The episode details her journey from pandemic chickens to growing thousands of flowers, the challenges of Kansas weather, and the busin…
- Civic Engagement and Community Impact with Andres Mata | Kansas in Action
Andres Mata, founder of the Kansas Civic Network, discusses his journey of community engagement starting at age 9. He highlights the network's mission to connect individuals with resources to address community challenges, including establi…
- Uncovering Community Treasures through Food and Travel with Steven Kimmi | Flavors of Kansas
Steven Kimmi shares his experience becoming a Kansas content creator, focusing on the state's food scene and small businesses after discovering TikTok during the pandemic. He recounts adventures, challenges, and his philosophy on promoting…
- From Family Farm to Global Fame with Greg Peterson | Kansas Legacy
Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers discusses his journey from a college student to a viral content creator focused on agricultural education. The conversation covers his farming background, managing Type 1 diabetes, and the role o…
- The Stories That Shape Our State | Celebrating Kansas Day with Colby
On Kansas' 165th birthday, Colby Sharples Terry from Kansas Tourism discusses the importance of Kansas Day, hidden state gems like Castle Rock, the rise of thrift shopping as a travel draw, and the surprising diversity of the Sunflower Sta…
- Celebrating 250 Years of America with Rosa Cavazos | Kansas 250
Rosa Cavazos of the Kansas 250 Commission details the state's year-long celebration of America's 250th birthday, highlighting community events, partnerships like a 250-point challenge, and volunteer initiatives. The episode also touches on…
- On Patrol with Kansas State Trooper Joe Owen | Serving Kansas
This episode features an interview with Kansas State Trooper Joe Owen, the lead recruiter for the Kansas Highway Patrol. Owen discusses his journey into law enforcement, the training and roles of troopers, and shares personal stories. The…
- Animal Advocacy with Brandon Sokol | Furever Kansan
Brandon Sokol, director of Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, joins the podcast to discuss the realities of shelter operations, including emotional and logistical challenges. The conversation covers no-kill policies, volunteer contributions like…
- 2025 In Retrospective with Sydney and Gus | Uniting Kansas One Podcast at a Time
This episode of Ask A Kansan reflects on the 2025 season, covering themes like what makes a place feel like home, the origins of the podcast, memorable guests, and Kansas events. It also touches on wildlife, parks, and future plans.
- Ember Hope's Mission of Change with Mitch Drees | Hopeful Kansas
This episode of Ask A Kansan features Mitch Drees discussing Ember Hope's mission to empower and support vulnerable children and families. It explores stories of transformation, the importance of trauma-informed care, Mitch's personal jour…
- Exploring the Spirit of Kansas with Beccy Tanner | Journaling Kansas
Journalist Beccy Tanner shares insights into the unique spirit and history of Kansas, discussing how storytelling preserves community and the importance of authenticity. The episode covers the origins of town names, the history of the state
- Ask A Kansan Goes on the Road | Greensburg, Kansas
This special episode of Ask A Kansan travels to Greensburg, Kansas, with the entire crew to capture current events. The episode is recommended to be watched rather than listened to, with a link provided to the video version.
- Investing in Kansas Communities at the Dane G. Hansen Foundation | Visionary Kansan
This episode explores the Dane G. Hansen Foundation's history, mission, and impact on Northwest Kansas. It details the foundation's strategic giving, community focus, and unique leadership model, highlighting real stories of transformation…
- Behind the Mic with Voice of the Royals Joel Goldberg | Voicing Kansas
This episode features Joel Goldberg, the voice of the Royals, discussing the realities of sports broadcasting, including networking, preparing for live shows, and the emotional aspects of the job. Goldberg also shares insights into Kansas…
- Amplifying Authenticity with Danielle J. Martin | Genuine Kansan
This episode features Danielle J. Martin, founder of Authentic Media, discussing her journey from Houston to Topeka, her business, and the importance of authenticity in branding and community building. The conversation touches on entrepren…
- Leading an Agricultural Revolution with Rachel Stroer | Rooted Kansas
Rachel Stroer, president of The Land Institute, discusses the organization's mission to revolutionize agriculture for the next 10,000 years through perennial grains and sustainable practices. The episode explores the science, community, an…
- From Aquifers to Earthquakes: a Kansas Geological Journey with Rex Buchanan | Grounded Kansan
This episode features Rex Buchanan, Director Emeritus of the Kansas Geological Survey, discussing Kansas geology, including aquifers, earthquakes, and natural resource management. The conversation covers topics like induced seismicity, wat…
- Chasing Storms and Stories: Ross Janssen's Meteorological Journey | Forecasting Kansas
This episode features Ross Janssen, chief meteorologist at KWCH, discussing broadcast meteorology, storm chasing, and Kansas weather. It covers his career path, the science of predicting severe weather, the evolution of storm chasing techn…
- The Legacy of Dr. Frank Tracz: A Career in Kansas State Marching Band | Directing Kansas
This episode features Dr. Frank Tracz discussing his career directing the Kansas State Marching Band, his leadership, the band's culture and traditions, and his reflections on retirement. The conversation covers the challenges and triumphs…
- Steps of Tradition: Greg Victors' Journey as a Wichita War Dancer
This episode of Ask A Kansan features Greg Victors, the Wichita War Dancer, discussing Native American heritage, cultural preservation, and resilience. The conversation covers the significance of Native regalia, the history of Native Ameri…
- Community Building at Kansas Wesleyan with Matt Thompson | Kansan by Choice
This episode features Dr. Matt Thompson, President of Kansas Wesleyan University, discussing his journey and leadership philosophy. The conversation covers community building, the university's "power of and" concept, student support, Kansa…
- Service and Passion: Abel Frederic on Strengthening Kansas | Giving Kansas
Abel Frederic, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of the Plains, shares his personal journey and its influence on community change in Kansas. The episode highlights service, collaboration, innovation, literacy programs, homel…
- Shaping SPED in Central Kansas with Jeff Hayes - Accessible Kansas
Jeff Hayes, Executive Director of CKCIE, explains the workings of special education across central Kansas districts, detailing policy interpretation, service coordination, and support systems for students, families, and educators. He also…
- Interview Rapper, DJ, and Arts Activist Cash Hollistah - Beats Kansas
This episode features an interview with Kansas artist Cash Hollistah, discussing his music, storytelling, and role in the Salina arts community. He shares insights on the power of creativity to transform communities and his efforts to enri…
- Resilient Kansan - Trisha Smith
Trisha Smith, Director of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, shares her resilient life journey and how it led her to manage the prairie preserve. The episode covers the refuge's mission, the ecological roles of bison and elk, and the importance of v…
- Picturing Kansas - Jim Richardson
Acclaimed National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson shares insights into his career, the influence of his Kansas roots, and his approach to visual storytelling in this episode of Ask A Kansan.
- Uncovering Kansas - Dr. Carlton Shield Chief Gover
This episode features Dr. Carlton Shield Chief Gover discussing Kansas archaeology, Native history, and cultural preservation. He shares insights on the Pawnee Nation's heritage and how Kansans can respect artifacts and sites.
- Sampling Kansas - Marci Penner
Marci Penner, co-founder of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, shares insights on promoting Rural Kansas tourism and supporting small communities. Her work focuses on highlighting the state's hidden gems and strengthening its rural areas.
- Unboxable Kansan - James Bowden
In this episode of Ask A Kansan, James Bowden, a farmer and community leader, shares his insights on agriculture, leadership, and community building. He discusses his work with Sustain-A-Grain and his passion for sustainable farming.
- Big Little Big Kansan - Erika Nelson
In this episode of Ask a Kansan, artist and educator Erika Nelson discusses her passion for unconventional art and her project, The World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things, based in Lucas,…
- Brewing Kansan - Ryan Fairchild
Ryan Fairchild, featured in this episode of Ask A Kansan, shares how his homebrewing hobby became a way to connect with and contribute to his community. He reflects on family, music, leadership, and the process of creating something meanin…
- Explore Kansas - Jordan Roemerman
Jordan Roemerman, Deputy Director of Kansas Tourism, discusses the Sunflower Summer App and her work promoting local attractions to foster state pride in this episode of Ask A Kansan.
- Unbridled Kansas - Margaret Philbrick
Margaret Philbrick of Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue & Retirement shares her journey in the equine industry and how the organization provides sanctuary, rehabilitation, and hope to horses, serving both the animals and Kansas communities.
- Anchored Kansan - Abby Wray
On Ask A Kansan, news anchor Abby Wray shares insights into local journalism, addressing common misconceptions about reporters and discussing the challenges and rewards of reporting in her own community.
- The Compassionate Kansan - Dr. Andrew Orr
This episode of Ask A Kansan features Dr. Andrew Orr from Kansas State University, who explores the power of remembering, military history, and compassion in honoring veterans. The discussion covers the significance of military history, th…
- Digital Kansas - Alissa Menke
This episode features Alissa Menke, founder of Cohort Digital, discussing the evolving digital world, responsible AI in marketing, and smart digital distribution for businesses. Learn how online ads work and the future of digital strategy.
- Hosting Kansans - Gus & Sydney
In this episode of Ask a Kansan, hosts Gus & Sydney share their personal journey to FILI Creative, discuss values instilled by their parents, and engage in a game of Would You Rather for a behind-the-scenes look.
- Informed Kansan - Lori Blake
Lori Blake, a 2024 candidate for Kansas House District 69, stays involved in keeping Kansans informed about state legislation and community matters. This episode covers recent Kansas Legislature updates and their potential effects.
- Old Iron Kansan - Michael Hinton
Michael Hinton preserves antique tractors, a passion rooted in family tradition and rural heritage. His efforts have even led to the official recognition of Antique Tractor Preservation Day in Kansas.