As we mark Kansas' 165th birthday, we're exploring what it means to truly know and love this state. From hidden rock formations in the northwest to thrift stores that draw travelers from across the country, Kansas holds surprises even for those who've lived here their whole lives. We sit down with Colby Sharples Terry from Kansas Tourism to talk about her journey from wanting to leave Kansas to becoming one of its biggest champions, the power of local guides like "Patty from Goodland," and why Kansas Day matters more than most people realize. Whether you're a lifelong Kansan or just passing through, this conversation will change how you see the Sunflower State.

Highlights

• Colby's "On the Road and to the Stars" TV show has expanded statewide across Kansas

• Kansas Tourism is releasing 34 gift boxes featuring Kansas artisan products for Kansas Day

• The importance of local community warriors who share their towns with visitors

• Why Castle Rock deserves as much attention as Monument Rocks

• How thrift shopping has become a legitimate travel draw for Kansas towns

• Big Ed's Steakhouse in Bird City as a must-visit Kansas dining destination

• The surprising fact that most states don't celebrate their birthday like Kansas does

• Why winter is actually the best time to explore Kansas state parks and hiking trails

• How Kansas continues to surprise visitors with its progressive history and diverse topography

Chapters

[0:00] Family Christmas and My Kansas Flag

[1:30] Introduction to Kansas Day

[2:45] Interview with Kolby from Kansas Tourism

[5:17] Kansas Tourism Campaigns and Celebrations

[8:30] Exploring Kansas: Hidden Gems and Local Experiences

[15:45] Fashion and Thrift Shopping in Kansas

[20:15] Kansas Food Adventures

[25:30] Kansas History and Fun Facts

[30:00] Nostalgic School Memories

[32:15] Kansas Day Traditions

[34:00] Planning a Kansas Trip for Influencers

[38:45] Challenges of Traveling in Kansas

[41:30] Winter Adventures in Kansas

[44:00] Surprising Facts About Kansas

[48:15] Celebrity Encounters and Kansas Destinations

[52:30] Who's That Kansan? High Flying Edition

[58:45] Closing Remarks and Farewell

Resources

• Kansas Tourism website: travelks.com

• Kansas Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

• Sunflower Summer app

• Wild Man Vintage (Lawrence, Kansas)

• Big Ed's Steakhouse (Bird City, Kansas)

• Castle Rock (northwest Kansas)

• Monument Rocks (western Kansas)

• Garden of Eden (Lucas, Kansas)

• Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum (Atchison, Kansas)

• Cosmosphere (Hutchinson, Kansas)

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What does it take to celebrate 250 years of American history—and why should Kansas be at the center of that celebration? This year marks the Sesquicentennial of the United States, and Kansas is going all in with year-long events, community challenges, and unique partnerships that showcase the resilience and spirit of Kansans. We sit down with Rosa Cavazos, Special Projects Coordinator for Kansas Travel and Tourism, who shares how the Kansas 250 Commission is bringing communities together through everything from outdoor challenges to chocolate festivals. Rosa also opens up about her journey from thinking there was "nothing to do" in Kansas to becoming a passionate advocate for the state, her work with national Latino organizations, and the power of volunteering. Plus, we take a trip to Waldo, Kansas—yes, that Waldo—and discover how this tiny town embraces its connection to the famous red-and-white-striped character.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kansas is celebrating America's 250th birthday throughout the entire year with events in communities across the state

• The Kansas 250 Commission has partnered with organizations like Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for a 250-point challenge and From the Land of Kansas for special product boxes

• A statewide service day is planned for September 11, 2026, encouraging Kansans to volunteer in their communities

• Rosa Cavazos created the Topeka Chocolate Festival, which drew 50,000 people and featured 100 chocolate entries

• Rosa chairs a national Latino organization based in DC and has spoken at the National Mall about women's healthcare and equal pay

• Communities like Ottawa have created "250 things to do" lists, while Junction City and Atchison are planning special parades and events

• The Great American Picnic on July 5th will encourage neighbors to gather in parks and on their blocks

• Waldo, Kansas—population 30—fully embraces its connection to the "Where's Waldo?" book series with a statue in the city park

• Waldo was founded in 1888 as a railroad town and once had three newspapers serving 300 residents

CHAPTERS

00:00 - New Year Resolutions and Family Stories

02:36 - Celebrating the Sesquicentennial: Kansas 250 Commission

03:26 - Meet Rosa Cavazos: Special Projects Coordinator

05:08 - Kansas 250 Events and Community Involvement

15:15 - Personal Insights and Volunteering

22:47 - Event Planning Tips and Teamwork

23:52 - Challenges of Organizing a Large Festival

26:52 - Unique Challenges of Planning for the 250th Anniversary

32:21 - Celebrating Kansas' Heritage and Diversity

36:45 - Exploring Waldo, Kansas

39:56 - Where's Waldo?

43:02 - Conclusion and Farewell

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• America250KS.com - Official Kansas 250 Commission website with events, merchandise, and community celebrations - https://america250ks.com

• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks - Partner for the 250 Challenge featuring state parks, fishing, hiking, and camping - https://ksoutdoors.com

• From the Land of Kansas - Organization promoting Kansas-grown products with special Kansas 250 boxes available January through July - https://fromthelandofkansas.com

• Kansas State Library - Monthly book series featuring Kansas authors and topics - https://kslib.info

• Boot Hill Distillery - Creating a special bourbon collection for Kansas 250 - https://boothilldistillery.com

• MANA National Organization - National Latino organization focused on women's healthcare and equal pay issues - https://hermana.org

• Watkins Museum (Lawrence) - Hosting "Hide the Semiquins" scavenger hunt with the Kansas 250 bison mascot - https://watkinsmuseum.org

• Newspapers.com - Historical newspaper archive - https://newspapers.com

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

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 you see those who serve and protect Kansas.

Highlights

• The unique path Joe Owen took from Oklahoma to Kansas and into law enforcement
• What it’s really like to become a Kansas State Trooper: selection, training, and the meaning behind the uniform
• The broader role of the Kansas Highway Patrol beyond policing highways—including supporting federal and local agencies, and running the state’s Criminal Justice Information System
• The importance of integrity, humility, and discipline in recruiting new troopers
• How ham radio became a surprising passion and its relevance to emergency communications
• Winter driving safety tips every Kansan should remember
• How major events like FIFA coming to Kansas City impact law enforcement collaboration
• Personal stories of loss, resilience, and the deeper meaning behind wearing the badge
• Amusing and quirky moments from Kansas history, including windowless churches and blue laws

Chapters

0:00 – Kansas Comedy: Kathleen Madigan’s take on Kansas toll booths

2:18 – Welcome & Introduction to Kansas State Troopers

3:20 – Interview with Joe Owen: Background and Journey to Kansas

4:30 – Joe’s Path into Law Enforcement

6:07 – Lessons from the Road: No Stop is Insignificant

15:21 – The Many Roles of Kansas State Troopers

26:36 – Training, Recruitment, and What Makes a Good Trooper

29:50 – Pop Culture, Agency Collaboration, and Favorite Law Enforcement Depictions

44:14 – Ham Radio: A Trooper’s Unexpected Hobby

49:34 – Winter Driving Safety Tips

59:01 – FIFA’s Impact on Kansas City Law Enforcement

1:03:01 – Reflections: The Meaning of the Badge

1:09:28 – Post-Interview Reflections & Fun with Mustaches

1:11:08 – Kansas History: Amusing Incidents and Blue Laws

1:32:25 – Closing Remarks & Appreciation

Resources Mentioned

• Kathleen Madigan’s Comedy Special (available on Prime Video): Kathleen Madigan on Prime Video
• Kansas Highway Patrol: https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/
• Blue Bloods (TV Show): Blue Bloods on CBS
• Super Troopers (Movie): Super Troopers on IMDb
• Newspapers.com (Kansas history research): newspapers.com
• FCC Ham Radio Licensing: FCC Amateur Radio Service
  
  

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

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 save lives, and hear unforgettable stories of animals (and people) who make a difference.

Highlights

• The mission and structure of Prairie Paws Animal Shelter
• Emotional and practical challenges of shelter work
• What “no-kill” really means and how it’s achieved
• The role of volunteers and “Dog Day Outs”
• Memorable animal rescue stories, including Moose the dog
• Managing unusual animal drop-offs and Kansas animal ordinances
• The importance of community support and spay/neuter programs
• Advice for supporting your local shelter and adopting pets

Chapters

4:59 – Introducing Brandon Sokol from Prairie Paws Animal Shelter

6:43 – Challenges and rewards of shelter work

10:30 – Managing capacity and maintaining no-kill status

14:18 – Volunteer contributions and “Dog Day Outs”

26:35 – Odd animal drop-offs and unusual pets

27:56 – Animal control, ordinances, and shelter operations

31:04 – Feral cats and trap-neuter-return programs

32:41 – Personal pet stories and naming pets

36:39 – Community support for animal shelters

Resources Mentioned

• Prairie Paws Animal Shelter: prairiepaws.org
• Adopt a Pet: adoptapet.com
  
  

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

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 meaning and Midwest origins of the “grandma basement”
• How the podcast began and the team behind the scenes
• Favorite guest moments and what made them memorable
• Lessons learned from Kansas historians, artists, journalists, and community leaders
• Tanner’s photojournalist adventures across the state
• Unique Kansas events: rodeos, peace treaties, and Swedish festivals
• The importance of parks, wildlife, and green spaces in Kansas
• A look at the “guest book” and fun awards for standout guests
• Hopes and plans for the next season, including new regions and stories

Chapters

00:00 – Understanding the “Grandma Basement” Concept

03:22 – Reflecting on Past Episodes

04:11 – The Origin Story of the Podcast

07:19 – Highlighting Memorable Guests

13:24 – Discussing the Podcast’s Reach and Team

21:55 – Capturing Kansas: Rodeos, Peace Treaties, and Wildlife

29:57 – Whooping Cranes: A Remarkable Comeback

32:04 – Exploring Kansas Wildlife

32:31 – Lindsborg’s Biannual Ings Fest

33:30 – Traditional Swedish Costumes

35:27 – Lakewood Park: A Kansas Gem

36:56 – Looking Forward to 2026

41:40 – Reflecting on 2025 Guests

53:27 – Closing Thoughts and Thank Yous

Resources Mentioned

• Curious Kansan Newsletter & Stories: askakansan.com
• Peace Treaty Pageant (Medicine Lodge): peacetreaty.org
• Kansas Sampler Foundation: kansassampler.org
• Maxwell Wildlife Refuge: maxwellwildliferefuge.com
• Book: “Into Whooperland” by Michael Forsberg
• Episodes Referenced:
  • Adrian Zink (Ep. 3)
  • Dr. Andrew Orr (Ep. 11, “The Compassionate Kansan”)
  • Erika Nelson (Ep 16, “Big Little Big Kansan”)
  • Brooke Terrapin (Ep. 5, “Fashionable Kansan”)
  • Greg Victors (Ep. 26, “Steps of Tradition”)
  • Abel Frederic (Ep. 24, “Giving Kansas”)
  • Ross Janssen (Ep. 28, “Forecasting Kansas”)
  • Leslie Bishop (Ep. 1, “The Kansas Dynamic”)
  • Trisha Smith (Ep. 21, “Resilient Kansan”)
  • Rex Buchanan (Ep. 29, “Grounded Kansan”)
  • Marci Penner (Ep. 18, “Sampling Kansas”)
  • Carl Bowden (Ep. 6, “Leading Kansas”)
  • James Bowden (Ep. 17, “Unboxable Kansan”)
  • Cash Hollister (Ep. 22, “Beats Kansas”)

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying Kansas voices!

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

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 kids’ lives are being changed
• The importance of trauma-informed care and community support
• Mitch’s personal journey: from career pivot to purpose-driven leadership
• Practical ways listeners can get involved and make a difference
• Q&A: Addressing the biggest challenges facing kids today

Chapters

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Ember Hope’s Mission
• 04:10 – Why Supporting Kids Matters: The Heart of Ember Hope
• 11:25 – Stories of Transformation: Kids and Families Impacted
• 19:40 – Trauma-Informed Care: Meeting Kids Where They Are
• 27:15 – Mitch’s Career Pivot: Finding Purpose in Service
• 34:50 – Building Community Partnerships
• 41:30 – How You Can Help: Volunteer and Support Opportunities
• 47:55 – Listener Q&A: Challenges & Solutions for Kids
• 53:20 – Final Reflections & Call to Action

Resources Mentioned

• Ember Hope Official Website
• Volunteer Opportunities at Ember Hope
• Support: Donate to Ember Hope
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying Kansas voices!

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

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 preserves community, why authenticity matters, and what it means to belong—whether you’re a lifelong Kansan or just passing through.

Highlights

• Beccy Tanner’s journey from a farm in Radium, Kansas, to the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame
• The surprising story behind the name “Radium” and other Kansas towns
• What makes Kansas—and its people—distinctive and worthy of storytelling
• The evolution of journalism and the importance of passion in teaching history
• How Beccy’s reporting helped save the “Home on the Range” cabin
• Preserving the stories of African American homesteaders and Native Americans in Stafford County
• The role of grassroots art and hidden gems across Kansas
• Advice for aspiring storytellers: let people tell their own stories
• Fun with historical newspaper clippings and the quirks of Kansas history

Chapters

01:05 — Meet Beccy Tanner: A Seasoned Journalist

02:59 — Beccy’s Kansas Roots and Early Life

05:37 — The Unique Charm of Kansas: What makes this place special?

08:06 — Beccy’s Journalism Journey: From childhood dreams to the Wichita Eagle

14:47 — Impactful Stories and Real-World Change: Saving the “Home on the Range” cabin

21:19 — Retirement and Return to St. John: Coming home and giving back

23:14 — Preserving Kansas History: Museums, glass negatives, and untold stories

30:07 — Exploring Historical Newspapers: How journalism and storytelling have changed

32:20 — Advice for Aspiring Storytellers: Letting people’s voices shine

34:12 — Teaching Kansas History: Why it matters and how to inspire passion

37:06 — Kansas Leadership and Community Stories: Grassroots art and local legends

39:14 — Kansas Bus Trips and Hidden Gems: Off-the-beaten-path adventures

45:25 — Fun with Historical Newspaper Clippings: Guessing Kansas counties and quirky stories

53:39 — Wrap-Up: Reflections, gratitude, and a Kansas pep talk

Resources Mentioned

• Bear Grease, Builders and Bandits: The Men and Women of Wichita's Past
  • https://a.co/d/2klfqnI
• Kansas Leadership Center
  • https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/
• Stafford County Historical Museum
  • https://staffordcountymuseum.weebly.com/
• Kansas Sampler Foundation
  • https://kansassampler.org/
• Wichita Eagle
  • https://www.kansas.com/
• Kansas Magazine
  • https://www.travelks.com/kansas-magazine/
• Home on the Range Cabin
  • https://www.homeontherangecabin.com/
• Kansas History Museum
  • https://www.kansashistory.gov/museum
• Home on the Range Trailer
  https://youtu.be/WX07IbmUpak

If you’d like to learn more about Beccy’s work or any of the places and people mentioned, check out the links above or reach out for more information!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying Kansas voices!

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 podcast. Thanks for listening!

https://youtu.be/ZBPSHojkinc