Becka's Talking

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.

Dr. Lisa McKee, Assistant Professor of Cyber Security at Bellevue University, shares her insights on the benefits and pitfalls of artificial intelligence.

Metro Transit CEO, Lauren Cencic, explains Micro Transit, a new option coming soon to Omaha.

Jaymie Schroeder is a domestic violence survivor who was able to escape from a series of abusive relationships. She recounts her healing journey in her book of poetry in hopes of helping others break the cycle of intimate partner violence.

Tim Reeder is president of Preserve Omaha, an organization focused on preserving older homes, businesses and neighborhoods in Omaha.

Local author, Fletcher Reel, uses historical fiction in his new book that looks at Omaha in the Early 20th century and the early days of Boys Town.

Terri Sanders is only the fifth publisher of the Omaha Star newspaper since its founding in 1938. She took over ownership in 2023. Good news remains the focus of the newspaper while continuing to be a staple in the community.

Leftovers are never as good the next day. But this week's guest on Becka's Talking, Diane Watson, is an expert on turning leftovers into tasty new dishes.

What is there to do and see in Iowa? Travel blogger Sara Broers says there are plenty of options in her home state where you can spend an afternoon, a day or a even a weekend exploring.

Dr. Bill Lydiatt with Clarkson Regional Health Services shares insights on recognizing and addressing mental health struggles.

Houston Alexander retired from mixed martial arts in 2017, but still competes in bare knuckles boxing. Alexander has also been part of Omaha's hip hop culture for decades and actively promotes hip hip through his own local radio show and education programs in area elementary schools.

Hall of fame broadcaster, musician, comedian and author, Otis XII reminisces about his years on stage and in the radio booth.

Jerry G. Banks, an Omaha real estate investor and author, has used his setbacks in life as a springboard for success. He shares his insights with Tom on this week's Becka's Talking.

Radio Talking Book Service, based in Omaha, makes visual media available to the blind and visually impaired. Ryan Osentowski is the program director for RTBS and explains some of the challenges he faces as a blind person and how this nonprofit is making life better for people like him.

Chief Todd Schmaderer has been the head of the Omaha Police Department for the last 12 years. He shares what he has learned while leading his department of 900+ officers through challenging times like the George Floyd riots of 2020.

Bruce Crawford started producing classic film events in Omaha in the early 90s. Since then he has created 50 of these events that combine special viewings of classic movies with special appearances by VIPs connected to those films.