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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 

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 Greater Prairie Chickens 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. 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.

Rachel sits down with kristopher swanson from The Neighboring Movement, a Wichita based community development organization to talk about how to uncover the unique assets you have in your own neighborhood. There is a parallel between the mission of Uncovering Kansas: to inspire Kansans to learn more about the gifts we have within our state, and the mission of the Neighboring Movement: to connect people with their neighbors as a way to help restore the social fabric and health of our neighborhoods.   Our hope is that this episode inspires you to get out and talk to your neighbors. Learn more about what unique gifts they have and build a 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

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 for 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) acting as 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 an alimentari located in an Italian neighborhood 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.   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

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

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. 

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 know everyone is self-isolating right now. And travel may not be possible right now. 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  

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 as interested citizens, 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)  

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.

Rachel describes herself as a self-proclaimed Kansas Ambassador as does this month’s guests, Bryan Lisbona. Bryan is driven by the philosophy #lovewhereyoulive, and he invests in that philosophy and takes daily steps to live his truth. Through our conversation listeners will uncover details of Bryan and his family’s journey into small town life after their decision to leave one of the state’s (sub)urban areas. Listeners uncover the benefits of smaller towns, and why Kansas offers distinctive qualities of life such as knowing your neighbors; the ability, perhaps necessity, to get involved and impact your town in concrete ways; and living in communities whose energy wellspring is generated by the various personalities and characteristics and actions of the town-folk themselves, not by the depth of restaurant reservation wait-lists and number of new openings of entertainment venues. We talked and uncovered A LOT, so the ‘links in the show notes” are pretty long! Rural by Choice Iola, KS DeSoto, KS Space Station Nick Hague - Astronaut Kinfolk Created Kinfolk Creative Nace Brothers Garnett Chanute Humboldt Thrive Kansas Le Harp Gas, KS  Kansas Sampler Foundation Big Kansas Road Trip Episode Links Gypsum Hills – listen to our episode about them Johnathan Adams Flint Hills Discovery Center Johnson County Museum

Rachel and Geoff briefly review highlights from the podcast's second (2019) season, and discuss our upcoming 3rd season and beyond. A few side projects are shared with listeners and then -- WOW! Rachel uncovers for our listeners an absolutely fascinating figure from Kansas history. A pioneer, in multiple ways, Emanuel Haldeman-Julius.

Love frozen snacks? How about all natural ingredients, do they make you smile? Does the thought of a small business creating jobs that foster skill development and increased independence for people living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/D) make you smile from ear to ear? We are yes for all three and that’s why Rachel interviewed Ky Kanaman of KC Pop Co for the November ‘19 episode. KC Pop Co is a small batch manufacturer of ice-pops whose kitchen facility is located in Baldwin City, on Midnight Farm. We learned of KC Pop Co while participating on the Farm Tour, and fell for KC Pop Co’s mission and approach. Sure, it may be a little colder outside while you’re listening to this. But, this is Kansas. We may get a 66F day in January. And, besides, summer gets closer with each passing day and frozen natural treats will soon be needed. Even for breakfast, to which Rachel can attest.  KC PopCo website

In September, we did an episode about the Kaw Valley Farm Tour. In this episode, you'll hear sounds from the tour and interviews we conducted at the farms

This month’s episode features our Get to Know a Kansan format, where listeners about a fellow Kansan’s passion and can see Kansas through their eyes. Join Rachel as she learns about Nancy Overmyer’s passion for creating art and jewelry out of gourds. You’ll learn what it means to ‘love the 745s’ and how Nancy sees unique patterns in each gourd.   Gooseberry Lane Facebook Page   Sunflower Gourd Patch   Silver Lake Kansas Lonnie Kruger Maple Leaf Festival Baldwin City Kansas Baldwin City Lumber Yard Arts Center Lake Wabaunsee Coronado Heights Castle Tallgrass Prairie Cottonwood Falls Emma Chase Friday Night Concerts Amelia Earhart

What’s a honey tap? Is there lanolin in alpaca? You can learn the answers by listening to the podcast and by attending the Kaw Valley Farm Tour. This year’s tour is October 5-6, 2019. It is also the 15th anniversary, featuring 34 farms located in five counties. Attendees are able to get an insider view of working farms and ranches and get to know the people who produce the food they consume and the materials that go into the products they buy. Uncovering Kansas loves encouraging our listeners to explore and learn about Kansas. Rachel interviews the owners of two of the farms participating in this year’s Kaw Valley Farm Tour: Spike and Patty Durkin of Happy Valley Farm, and Claudia Hey of Ad Astra Alpacas. Kaw Valley Farm Tour  Happy Valley Farms Ad Astra Alpacas

In this short BONUS episode for August 2019, Rachel talks with Bethany Falvey and Katrina Ringler of the Kansas State Historical Society (KSHS) about the special KSHS programming happening in Dodge City in September 2019.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival, which takes place each September in St. Marys, Kansas. For 2019, the festival features Twelfth Night along with an artisan village of about 50 craft and food booths along a forest path. The festival is a volunteer led event, another example of the power of people coming together to make something happen. Our guest is Ben Moats, the President of the festival, and he and Rachel talk about the festival, the history of St. Marys, and the importance of bringing culture to towns across the state. The festival is in September (2019). Event and ticketing details can be found at the Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival website. (Bring your own chairs and wear appropriate shoes for walking through the woods -- Shakespeare out in the open, as intended) Facebook St. Marys Kansas

Most of us have experienced that always exhilarating, and sometimes frightening, feeling when we end up doing something we never quite expected doing. Chris Alexander's path took her from theater to stained glass to metal working. As co-owner of Alexander Artworks, Chris has found herself busier than she ever imagined as she and her co-owner husband try to keep up with orders. Rachel and Chris talk about metal working, the importance of personal connection, and what it's like to be a business owner in a small town. Chris' answers and responses during the Get to Know a Kansan section impressed, and Rachel captured her insights so our listeners can add to their list of places to check out when exploring Kansas.

Of course anyone can go online and research a trip. But it isn’t every day you’re able to get vacation planning ideas straight from the Director of a Visitors Bureau. That’s exactly what you’ll get in this (part II) episode. Rachel talks with Jan Stevens, the Director of the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau and Joni Whitman, the event coordinator for Dodge City Days. Want to learn to mosey? have a hankering to try some Prickly Ash Bitters? or want to enjoy a rodeo? Then you’re sure to have yourself a great time in Dodge City!