Chatting at the C

Jodie Martinez came to Omaha Central in 1987. She taught in the English Department, eventually becoming the Chair and AP Lit teacher. In 2018, Jodie received the presitgious Alice Buffett Award. She retired in 2019, but returned in 2023. Daughter Ruby Martinez is a 2020 Central alumna and joined the staff as a PE teacher in 2026. Ruby is a national champion boxer, and she credits many of her CHS t...

Dr. Keith Bigsby was principal of Central High from 2010 to 2013, but he was also an asst. principal, teacher, and dept. chair at CHS. Keith was elected to the Central Hall of Fame in 2022. In PART ONE, listen to Keith talk about his youth in Lincoln, his admiration for his mother, and an early business career before settling on a path that took him to the Omaha Public Schools. (1:49) Lincoln yout...

Dr. Keith Bigsby was principal of Central High from 2010 to 2013, but he was also an asst. principal, teacher, and dept. chair at CHS. Keith was elected to the ⁠Central Hall of Fame in 2022.⁠ In PART TWO, listen to Keith talk about rising to be an OPS principal at McMillan MS and then onto Omaha Central. Keith's 3 daughters are all CHS graduates, and what that meant to Keith. (00:42) McMillan Midd...

Dr. Ed Bennett was principal at Omaha Central from 2013 until 2021. In this 2-part podcast, we explore the life and career journey of one of Central's most memorable leaders. He was inducted into the Central Hall of Fame in 2026. Part One discusses Ed's Newton, IA upbringing and influences, from playing fields to bandshells and classrooms. We also discuss his Iowa City school days and earl...

Dr. Ed Bennett was principal at Omaha Central from 2013 until 2021. In this 2-part podcast, we explore Ed's life and career journey. He was inducted into the Central Hall of Fame in Oct. 2026. Part Two picks up Ed's career as he becomes principal of Buffett MS and then returns to lead Central High in 2013. We discuss being a Central parent at a time when Central was achieving new heights,...

Michele Roberts is the Executive Director of the Omaha Central High School Foundation, but did you know she also taught social studies and was the CHS Head Girls Basketball Coach, too? Today, Michele conducts the CHSF in its mission to provide Central, its teachers, and its students with the support they need to succeed. Join me for a inside look at the CHS Foundation and trip down memory lane wit...

Did you know that one of college football’s most successful coaches of all time attended Omaha Central in the 1920s? Ivan Maisel is a nationally known and award winning sportswriter and college football historian, working over his career for outlets like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His book American Coach: The Triumph and Tragedy of Notre Dame Legend Frank Leahy is available everywhere books are...

Jodi Dierks came to Omaha Central in 1999 to be the head volleyball coach and a Special Education teacher. She went on to coach golf, become the BMIT Department Chair, and is now the Asst. Principal for Activities at CHS. Always a problem solver, Jodi represents the Central spirit and ideal to the utmost. Join us for a fun conversation about her years at Central and how coming from a small town he...

These four friends asked to form the first 4-person podcast episode, and we couldn't say no! Angie Meyer - Math and Counseling Sue (Drumm) Altman - Math Christie (Pfeiffer) Goetz - Math Linda Brock - Science These 4 outstanding educators all became friends while working at Lewis and Clark Middle School before all coming to The Nest. Please join us for a fun conversation with these outstanding peop...

JoAnne Dusatko taught at Central from 1967 until her retirement in 2000. In her 33-year Hall of Fame career, Jo won 7 state track team titles and finished runners-up 5 more times all while being an outstanding PE and Business teacher at CHS. Above all, Jo was deeply concerned about the well being of her students, and athletes, and she remains connected with many of them even today. She was also an...

Greg Sand taught Math at Central from 2002-2021. Hear about Sand's winding road to Capitol Hill, his high-level Math classes on the 4th floor, and then his pursuit of higher education for himself. Sand earned his PhD and became a Math professor at UNO, where he works today. Greg was the 2009 CHS Teacher of the Year, a 2011 Alice Buffett Award recipient, and in 2016 received a Presidential Award fo...

Jenn Emanuel is a 1989 Central High graduate and now a Math teacher at her alma mater. After a circuitous route in teaching and the business world, Jenn landed back at CHS in 2016. Known for high standards for her students, Jenn helps uphold the Central expectations and traditions that were instilled in her while she was an Eagle. Join us for this fun and heartfelt conversation with Ms. Emanuel! (...

Greg Emmel was principal at Omaha Central High School from 2006-2010. The Sioux Falls native spent 33 years in OPS before retiring into a job where he helps students who are struggling to get back on track. High School valedictorian. Pink Floyd fan. Proud dad and devoted husband. Join us for a conversation with a man who has dedicated his life to helping kids. (00:26) Sioux Falls, family, and a pa...

Charles Hinkle was the Social Studies Department Chair at Omaha Central from 2003 to 2009. Before he got into education, Colonel Hinkle was a USAF pilot in two wars during a 26-year military career. Please give a listen to this Kansas native's journey from far reaching locations around the globe all the way to CHS' Capitol Hill. (00:28) Kansas youth and sibling influences (10:00) B-52 and helicopt...

This is a special Memorial Day episode. Rob O'Brien is an Amsterdam-based filmmaker whose latest documentary project "The Adopted" looks at the grave adoption program at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten . Each of the over 8,000 WWII American dead buried there are "adopted" by grateful local people as a way to preserve the memory of these individuals and as an...

Deron "The Worm" Larson has taught English and Creative Writing at Omaha Central since 2002. This humble, generous, and kind man has 3 Central graduates that call him "dad". Deron was also a chain crew member, an Old Man Basketball legend (where he earned the exalted "worm" nickname), as well as the Slam Poetry and Fine Lines sponsor. Ray Dewaele ("DeWally World") spent 45 years in education at ma...

As Central's IB students prepare this week to grapple with their big exams, let's chat with Cathy Andrus who was a counselor, and later Central's Guidance Director, before being instrumental in bringing the International Baccalaureate Programme to Omaha Central. As the first IB coordinator at CHS, Cathy helped shape Central's future by adding to its Tradition of Excellence. Through the vision to s...

We welcome Omaha Central counselor Michelle (Pleiss) Synowiecki to the podcast. Michelle started at CHS in 2002 as a long-term sub, before quickly moving to Social Studies where she became a favorite among the CHS student body. Michelle also coached the girls soccer team to their only State Tournament appearance in 2005, before focusing on a career in counseling. Join two old friends for a fun con...

Diane (Nicksick) Allen is a 1986 Omaha Central graduate who taught English at Central from 1997 to 2025. One of the torch bearers of the CHS English teaching tradition (which she first learned as a student), Diane got her start in teaching at Lewis and Clark MS before coming back to her alma mater in 1997. The 2018 CHS Teacher of the Year also sent her twin girls to Central. Listen to this charter...

It is Opening Week for high school baseball in Nebraska, and we are joined by long-time Omaha Central coach and Special Education teacher Jerry Kreber. From Iowa to the Omaha Public Schools, Coach Kreber has always put hard work at the center of all he does. Join us as we discuss his amazing career path to becoming the Head Coach of Central Baseball. (00:26) Iowa youth, family, college, and baseba...

The Boumas have a long history at Omaha Central. Lyn was choir director from 1993 until she retired in 2021. Lyn's husband and accompanist Stephen is a 1981 Eagle, but his family history at Central reaches back into the 19th century. Their daughter Claire is a 2021 Eagle graduate (5th generation) and now carries on the family tradition as a music teacher in Minnesota. Hear about the award-winning...

We are joined by outstanding history teacher and 2016 Central Eagle McKenna Paintin to talk about her journey from CHS grad to CHS teacher, and the "butterfly effect" of her choice to attend Central back in 2012. She is one of the MANY talented young teacher alums who have returned to The Nest. It was fun to talk with someone at the start of their Central teaching career. (00:32) OPS kid and picki...

We chatted with Pete Wilger , retired Performing Arts Dept. Chair, marching and pep band leader and all-around good egg. Pete grew up in OPS, started his career in Yutan, and then came to Central in 1991 and worked here until his retirement in 2018. Pete recieved the Alice Buffett Award in 2008, the Central HS Teacher of the Year Award in 2010, and was the Nebraska Music Educator of the Year in 20...

The great Dr. Gaylord E. “Doc” Moller was at Central from 1963 until his retirement in 1995, including the last 27 years as principal. He grew up and taught originally in small town Nebraska (“Doc” was a childhood nickname) before coming to downtown Omaha. An entire generation of Eagle students and faculty members recall his tenure at the helm of Central with great fondness. Enjoy this “Moller-gra...

Stan Standifer taught P.E. at Omaha Central from 1971-2003. He also coached football, girls volleyball, and girls and boys basketball. Stan grew up in OPS and was football star at UNO, even earning a roster invite from the Oakland Raiders before settling in to his career at CHS. Stan also served during Desert Storm with the US Navy Reserves. Coach Stan remains a positive memory for so many in the...