Becka's Talking

Tens of thousands of families across Nebraska and western Iowa benefit from the Food Bank for the Heartland. CEO Brian Barks, joins the podcast to talk about the Omaha-based food bank’s expansion and why it’s necessary to meet the needs of the working poor across the region.

KVNO’s general manager, Sherry Kennedy Brownrigg, joins the podcast to talk about her station’s impact on Omaha culture and the future of public radio without the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Nicky Wik and Becky Korinek with Outreach Patient Advocates explain how they work side-by-side patients throughout their healthcare journey.

A walk through Omaha’s Prospect Hill Cemetery will reveal many familiar names. These names belong to Omaha pioneers who were influential in the early history of the city and would later have streets and parks named after them.

Development and Communications Director, Erik Servellon, explains how One World Community Health Centers uses their locations across the metro to provide affordable healthcare for anyone regardless of their ability to pay.

John Ewing has been mayor of Omaha since June 9^th. He joins Tom on this week’s podcast to share his thoughts on the recent immigration raid as well as what his focus will be as he settles into his new job.

Roni Gosch with the Tri-Faith Initiative shares about the uniqueness of the organization. She also promotes the recent documentary film featuring the west-Omaha campus that brings together a synagogue, a mosque and a Christian church.

Astrid Munn, a lead attorney with the Center for Immigration and Refugee Advancement, explains the challenges to those looking to immigrate legally to the United States.

Jean Stothert reflects on her three terms as Omaha mayor and gives her views on why she lost the election in May.

Called “Crit” for short, criterium is a type of short-course street cycling competition that not only tests competitors’ physical skills and stamina but requires plenty of strategy as well.

A career setback 25 years ago pushed Jeff Quinn full time into the world of magic and entertainment.

Ron Elwell, Executive Director of the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial, along with Fred Uhe, a member of the memorial’s board of directors, join this week’s podcast to talk about the memorial in Sarpy County and the impact it is having on the state.

Chris Dragon and Andrea Holmes each own and operate their own CBD stores in Nebraska and share their concerns with the state of their industry and the potential impact of current legislation in the Nebraska Unicameral.

Testicular cancer survivor Michael Knebel has written a book about his experiences and shares insights on this week’s podcast.

CEO John Jeanetta explains how Heartland Family Service continues its long history of serving families and individuals across the community.

Attorney and comedian Kris Covi joins the podcast to talk about his favorite fundraising organization in Omaha.

Colleen Quinn has been managing the Funny Bone Comedy Club in Omaha for the past 35 years.

Tom sits down with Harrison Johnson, a fellow member of the Free Speech Society, to discuss the newest Good Life District in Bellevue as well as the current state of local, state, and national politics.

New York Times journalist, John Carreyrou, exposed fraud that eventually led to the conviction of a billionaire technology entrepreneur. He shares about his role in that case as well as his views on journalistic ethics.

Dean Battiato is a familiar face in many bars and restaurants in downtown Omaha where he sells roses. He is also the subject of a recent documentary that won an award at the Omaha Film Festival.

Candace Gregory, President and CEO of Omaha’s Open Door Mission, explains that winning the fight against homelessness requires collaboration across the community.

Former press aid of Hamid Karzai, Feroz Mahmand, shares his take on what went wrong in Afghanistan.

Marc Longbrake, Executive Director of the Omaha Film Festival, previews this year’s event and explains the impact it has for independent filmmakers. 

Dave Wingert’s radio career started in the late 60’s playing popular music on vinyl records. Now he plays digital versions of the music from that same era on local oldies radio in Omaha. Dave shares about the ups and downs of his career and his struggles and recovery from addiction.

Kent Hertz grew up in Malvern, Iowa, but knew he would have to leave his hometown to pursue his dream of working in the music business.