The Davenport Pulse

Join us as we explore the newly expanded Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center. From its humble beginnings as a single room in 1982 to its new home on the second floor of Main Library, we dive into the center’s rich history and growth. Discover what the space offers and how visitors can make the most of their experience. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Good Neighbor Project partners from Friendly House to discuss their incredible impact on the community over the past 130 years. Tune in for an overview of their diverse programs, from youth and family support to senior services, and how they’ve evolved to meet the needs of every stage of life. Learn how to get involved through volunteering, donations, or other supp...

Tune in as we celebrate Small Business Saturday by spotlighting Isabel Bloom. Donna Young, co-owner and sculptor, shares the story behind Isabel Bloom’s rise to fame, the art of sculpture, how new designs come to life, and more. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the brand, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the art and heart that make this beloved small busi...

 All things spooky, scary, ghoulish, and ghastly! Davenport Library Archivist, Amy Driskill joins us for our 4th annual haunted Halloween episode. Tune in for terror and get into the spirit! 

Ben Gougeon and Sarah Robb from Quad City Arts stopped by for a fun chat! Listen as they share the story behind an inspiring new mural created for the Good Neighbor Project. Completed this summer by ten talented young artists, ages 15 to 21, through the QC Metro Arts apprenticeship program, this five-week project resulted in a powerful community-centered masterpiece. Tune in to hear about the impa...

In this episode, we sit down with School Resource Officers (SROs) to learn more about the vital role they play in creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Hear what a typical day looks like, how they build meaningful relationships with students and staff, and ways their presence positively influences school culture. From mentorship and conflict resolution to community engagement and cr...

Executive Director and CEO of the Figge Art Museum, Melissa Mohr joins us to talk art, education, community, and 100 years of museum magic! From the breathtaking new installation Evanescent Field , to impactful community outreach, go behind the scenes to discover what’s happening inside one of the Midwest’s most dynamic art museums! 

In this episode, we’re joined by Bruce Berger, Director of Community and Economic Development, to celebrate National Community Development Week. Bruce sheds light on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), how the City of Davenport leverages community development grants from the federal government, and a variety of home assistance opportunities available to current homeowners, as well as ind...

Tune in to the latest episode of The Davenport Pulse to learn more about the Co-Responder Program, a collaboration between Davenport Police and Vera French Mental Health Center that provides a necessary service to those experiencing mental health crisis. Officer Kevin Carver with the Davenport Police Department and Crisis Co-responder Chris Koepke joined us recently to discuss the new program avai...

We’re celebrating five years of The Good Neighbor Project in Davenport, an initiative that has significantly enhanced community engagement and fostered strong, meaningful relationships among our residents. Tune in as hosts chat with the two who started it all: the founders of The Good Neighbor Project in Madison, Wisconsin, Wendy Reichel and Emily Samson. Hear the story of how The Good Neighbor Pr...

Kick off the holiday season by shopping local during Small Business Saturday! Tune in to this episode of The Davenport Pulse to learn more about Airbrushed Sunless! Located at 419 Brady Street, this custom airbrush tanning and boutique has made it their mission to provide a welcoming experience for everyBODY. Listen to Lindsey’s story as she opens up and shares her journey on how she got to where...

Listen to the latest episode of The Davenport Pulse as Lieutenant Zach Soliz discusses File of Life – a medical history card stored in a red, magnetized pouch that can be stuck on the refrigerator. It gives first responders access to a patient’s medical history in the event of an emergency. The form includes information about a patient’s allergies, medications, contact persons, and more. 

Amy Driskill, Davenport Public Library Archivist and resident scary storyteller, joins us for an annual episode of haunted tales! Get into the Halloween spirit while listening to this chilling chat. 

Tune in to this episode of The Davenport Pulse as hosts sit down with Quad City Times Bix 7 Race Director Michelle Juehring and Operations Director Laura Torgerud. Learn more about the history of the Bix, what it takes to plan an event this size, what’s new this year, and all of the fun things to expect this year in celebration of the 50th annual race. Interested in getting involved or running? Le...

The Explorer Program establishes awareness and highlights the complexities of police services in an environment that allows youth of the program to take initiative in becoming responsible leaders in our community. Learn more about The Davenport Police Department Explorer Program as Lieutenant Nick Shorten dives into specifics and shares what he hopes Explorers gain throughout their experience. If...

A local favorite that has been serving the Quad Cities for over 30 years! Tune in to the latest episode of The Davenport Pulse Podcast as we talk all things craft beer with Brandon Mavis, Marketing Director for Front Street Brewery. Find out more about this beloved brewery’s humble beginnings, their expansion into western Wisconsin and western Iowa, what’s on their current beer rotation, and upcom...

January is National Mentor Month! On this episode of The Davenport Pulse, hosts sit down with two fantastic Q.C. mentors, Kayla Kiesey and Sarah Sperry of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley, to talk about the importance of mentoring in the Quad Cities, when it began, and how it’s expanded over the years. 

January 15 marks The Good Neighbor Project’s 4-year Anniversary! To celebrate, hosts sat down with Joyce Miller, GNP Leader for the Van Buren Neighborhood, who has been with GNP from the start. Joyce was the first person to sign up for the program back in 2020 and has been busy ever since.  Tune in to learn how Joyce got started, how she keeps her neighbors informed, other ways she stays active in...

Leading up to Small Business Saturday, hosts sat down with Becca Nicke and Red Perez of Abernathy’s, handmade/vintage boutique located at 432 West 3rd Street. Listen and learn more about the products they offer, how they made this dream a reality at such a young age, and what they did to celebrate their recent 10-year anniversary downtown. 

Listen to the final Veterans Day episode to learn more about Officer Daniel Hylton with the Davenport Police Department. In this episode, Officer Hylton shares how he made the decision to join the Army, talks about some of the special people he met throughout his time, and more.

In this Veterans Day episode, hosts were joined by Sgt. Jonathon Douglas, Supervisor of the Special Victims Unit with the Davenport Police Department. Sgt. Douglas discusses his time spent in service, gives advice to anyone thinking of enlisting, and shares a couple memorable stories.

Tune in to the first of three Veterans Day episodes as hosts sit down with Davenport Firefighter, Zack Micklewright. In this episode, Zack shares what led him to the path of serving, what he remembers about the day he enlisted, and how his military experience continues to positively impact his life today. 

Hosts sat down with Liz Estilow, founder of My G.E.A.R. Outreach, to talk about the non-profit organization that is committed to bringing comfort and hope to children entering foster care for the first time. Tune in to learn how My G.E.A.R. got started, what they provide to those transitioning into foster care/relative placement, how you can get involved, and more. 

Amy Driskill, Davenport Public Library Archivist and resident scary storyteller, joins your hosts again to share a few more haunted tales to get you into the Halloween spirit. Tune in to hear Amy talk about supernatural encounters with friendly (and not-so-friendly) ghosts, and more creepy-cool Davenport history that is sure to give you chills. 

District Chief Craig Black with the Davenport Fire Department joined hosts to discuss his 29 years within the profession, where his interest in becoming a fire fighter began, a few career highlights, why this position is important to have in our community, what a typical day looks like for him, and more.