Beyond the Backyard

As temperatures drop, the question heats up, should you burn wood or go with propane? In this episode of Beyond the Backyard: The Propane Podcast , host Molly Kemna breaks down the key differences between wood and propane heat. From cost and convenience to safety and air quality, learn what Missouri homeowners, farms and businesses need to know to make the right choice for their space and lifestyl...

Samantha Reed-Johnson never expected to run her family's propane business, but when her father passed away suddenly, she stepped in to carry it forward. Now a third-generation owner of Reed Oil and Propane in Doniphan, Missouri, Samantha joins host Molly Kemna to talk about serving a rural community, leading in a male-dominated industry and why propane is the right fuel for the next generation.

Heat on a cold morning. Hot water when everyone needs a shower. Cooking that feels like a pro kitchen. Propane appliances make everyday comfort possible, and in this episode of Beyond the Backyard: The Propane Podcast , host Molly Kemna shares why they're a smart energy choice across Missouri. Learn how propane appliances outperform electric alternatives and provide peace of mind during outages, a...

In this episode of Beyond the Backyard, we sit down with longtime industry leader Steve Ahrens for a wide-ranging conversation on the propane industry's evolution. From his start in 1999 to his retirement in 2024, Steve shares lessons learned, key milestones and the importance of advocacy, safety and education. He also explains why propane is more than just a backyard fuel—it's a clean, efficient...

When most people think propane and outdoors, they think about grills. But there's a lot more going on. In this solo episode of Beyond the Backyard: The Propane Podcast , host Molly Kemna breaks down how propane powers everything from pool heaters and fire pits to ag tools and construction equipment. If you want to make your outdoor spaces cleaner, safer and more comfortable, tune in for practical...

Derek Poe never expected to build a career in propane, but nearly two decades later, he's leading the charge for safety across Missouri. As Director of the Missouri Propane Safety Commission, Derek shares how practical experience in the field helped shape a collaborative approach to regulation, education and outreach. In this episode, he joins host Molly Kemna to talk about the reliability of prop...

In rural areas, power outages can bring life to a standstill, unless you have a propane generator. In this episode of Beyond the Backyard: The Propane Podcast, host Molly Kemna breaks down why propane is a smart choice for standby and portable power. From clean burning and long shelf life to on-site storage and easy startups, find out how propane keeps homes, farms and businesses running strong wh...

Propane is changing the way schools think about student transportation. In this episode, Steve Whaley of Blue Bird Corporation shares how propane buses offer a cleaner, quieter and more cost-effective alternative to diesel and why more districts across the country are making the switch. From cold-weather performance to long-term savings, find out why propane is gaining ground in the school bus mar...

Curious about what propane really is and why it's used far beyond backyard grills? In this episode of Beyond the Backyard: The Propane Podcast, host Molly Kemna breaks down the fundamentals of propane. Learn what it is, where it comes from and why it's one of the most reliable energy sources available today. Whether you're heating a home, running a farm or fueling a fleet, you'll get a clear under...

With decades of industry experience, Mark Porth joins Beyond the Backyard to talk about propane's role in everyday life. From home heating to school buses, he explains how propane offers clean, dependable energy in ways many don't expect. As president of the Missouri Propane Gas Association Board of Directors, Mark also shares how the organization is focused on safety, education and preparing the...