Topeka Insider

We talk with Dan Garrett, Director of Communications and Media Relations for the City of Topeka, about how a modern city communicates through storms, potholes, rumor mills, and the daily work that rarely makes headlines. He shares practical tools residents can use, why tone matters online, and where Topeka is quietly moving forward. • path from TV reporter to city communications lead • what city P...

We sit down with Hazel Hill’s Nick Xidis to explore award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate, the craft behind single origins, and why serving people is the true business model. From sensory tasting tips to cocoa market shocks, we dig into flavor, process, and community. • family heritage from Greek immigrant chocolatier to Topeka maker • where to buy Hazel Hill and seasonal gifting cycles • single-ori...

We talk with Marsha Pope about how the Topeka Community Foundation grew from a $10,000 idea to a $120 million engine for local change and why the team moved from quick fixes to upstream solutions. We explore impact investing, mental health, housing, and the power of data to guide funding. • Origin story of the Topeka Community Foundation and Junior League roots • How donor-advised funds stay local...

We sit down with Cody Foster, cofounder of Advisors Excel, to unpack how a back-office platform grew to support hundreds of advisers, why he’s betting on West Ridge Mall, and what it takes to lead through scrutiny and slow timelines. The conversation moves from annuities to anchor tenants to the quiet rituals that keep leaders grounded. • AE’s model as the back office for independent advisers • Si...

The Topeka Insider podcast celebrates its one-year anniversary with a special episode featuring hosts Justin and Jon being interviewed by their behind-the-scenes producer, Gabriel from Butel Media Group. • Justin and Jon share the origin story of how Topeka Insider came to be, including Justin purchasing the domain five years before they started • The podcast began as a mission to change Topeka&ap...

Molly Howey, newly appointed CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, shares her vision for economic development and community growth in Topeka. With 14 years of experience in the organization, Howey brings both institutional knowledge and fresh perspective to continue the momentum building in Shawnee County. • Born and raised in Overbrook, Howey graduated from Washburn University and now lives nort...

Lindsay Lebahn, Director of Plug and Play Topeka, shares how global innovation is thriving in America's heartland by connecting entrepreneurs, corporations, and investors through their unique accelerator program.  • Plug and Play operates 62 locations globally with Topeka focusing on animal health and ag tech • The accelerator connects startups with MVPs to corporate partners, mentors, and un...

Zach Watkins shares his journey from Washburn walk-on linebacker to head coach, revealing how his 20-year connection to the program shapes his coaching philosophy and vision for the future. • Coming full circle from player to head coach at Washburn University • Building a program on five pillars: family, accountability, discipline, toughness, and respect • Completing over 2,000 hours of community...

Curtis Sneden, Director of Development at the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA), shares exciting developments happening at Topeka's two airports and their adjacent industrial park. He reveals plans to bring commercial airline service back to Topeka Regional Airport, with flights potentially starting in early 2026 to destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. • The MTAA oper...

India Yarborough, Topeka's newest PR pioneer, shares her journey from Mississippi journalist to founding Local Lens PR, the city's first public relations firm dedicated to helping small businesses find their voice. She explores the critical distinction between marketing and PR while explaining how her business fills a gap in the local market for strategic communications. • Moved to Topek...

Coach Brett Ballard shares his journey from player to head basketball coach at Washburn University and reveals how he's built a winning program focused on developing players both on and off the court. • Growing up in Hutchinson, Kansas before becoming a preferred walk-on at KU under Roy Williams • Volunteering for Bill Self after graduation to get his foot in the coaching door • Being part of...

Dennis Dinwiddie shares his 15-year journey as Director of Conservation at the Topeka Zoo, where he oversees initiatives protecting endangered species locally and globally. Through partnerships with other zoos and conservation organizations, the Topeka Zoo funds rangers in Sumatra, supports black-footed ferret reintroduction, and creates habitats for monarch butterflies. • Topeka Zoo funds a range...

Matt Pivarnik reflects on nearly a decade of service as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership and the remarkable transformation the community has experienced during this time. From becoming the first city in America to measure its Net Promoter Score to seeing dramatic improvements in hope, health, happiness, and prosperity metrics, Topeka's renaissance demonstrates the power of changing commu...

Evert Nelson, chief photojournalist at the Topeka Capital Journal, shares his journey from growing up in Topeka to capturing iconic moments that have appeared in Time Magazine and Sports Illustrated. His unique perspective on visual storytelling and finding extraordinary narratives in everyday events gives us insight into the power of photojournalism. • Born in Costa Rica but raised in Topeka, Eve...

Eric Patterson turned his childhood sneaker obsession into Saved Soles, Topeka's first high-end sneaker store where faith and footwear create unexpected community. This 23-year-old entrepreneur shares his journey from selling lemonade door-to-door to opening a thriving business in Westridge Mall. • Saved Soles specializes in buying, selling, and trading high-end sneakers like Jordans, Nikes,...

Three Washburn basketball players—Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew Orr—reflect on their historic season that took them to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the first time in 24 years. They share insights on team chemistry, mental toughness, and their perspectives on basketball's place in their lives while celebrating the incredible community support they received throughout their c...

Alex Buehler shares his journey from retail management to becoming Topeka's "Pi Guy" home inspector, offering insights into the surprising, dangerous, and sometimes creepy discoveries behind walls and underneath floors. His unexpected career change came after quitting his job without a plan, only to receive a call from an inspection company that would change his professional path fo...

Chad Parks transforms athletes through building culture and creating genuine connections, turning wrestling into a vehicle for character development far beyond the mat. His approach combines technical coaching with life lessons that prepare athletes for challenges in all aspects of their lives. • Wrestling background that began with his Hall of Fame coach father • Created distinctive team mottos l...

Discover how Gray Marshall, creative director at AIM Strategies, is shaping the social media landscape for Topeka businesses. In this episode, we delve into the strategies he uses to manage numerous social media accounts while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community engagement. As local businesses strive to connect with a younger demographic, Gray shares valuable insights on what...

The episode explores the vital role of the Kansas Children's Discovery Center in fostering creativity and curiosity among children through hands-on learning. Laura Burton shares insights into the philosophy of educational play, the importance of community outreach, and the exciting plans for expansion, emphasizing the Center's commitment to accessibility and innovation in child developme...

Transforming Topeka takes more than grand investments; it requires community spirit, adaptability, and a vision for the future. Don Heiland discusses his journey from finance to architecture and details various projects that are breathing new life into Topeka while addressing the city's crucial needs. • Highlights the impact of the Cyrus Hotel on local tourism  • Discusses the unique characte...

John Cantrell shares his powerful journey from addiction and prison to becoming a heavyweight boxing champion. He highlights the transformative power of faith and community, offering insight into overcoming personal demons and the importance of sharing one's story for healing and growth. • Discusses early life struggles with addiction • Chronicles a near-death experience leading to a renewed...

Malik El-Amin (Malik In The Street) shares his journey as a comedian, discussing the importance of laughter, community support, and resilience in navigating life’s struggles. His story highlights the connection between personal experiences and comedic expression, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one’s passion while remaining grounded in family and community. • Malik's childhood experien...

The episode with Davis Atteberry delves into the intersection of mental performance and golf, emphasizing how mindsets shape outcomes on and off the course. Through practical strategies like the four-step method, Davis illustrates how shifting language, breathing techniques, and awareness can facilitate deep personal change and resilience.  • Introduction to Davis Atteberry, golf mindset and perfo...

Prepare to be inspired by the incredible journey of Jackson Bo Jensen, the world's strongest 12-year-old powerlifter, and his supportive father, Joe Jensen. This episode takes you through Jackson's remarkable achievements, including his record-breaking lifts and his memorable experiences at a USA powerlifting event in Wichita. Discover how the world of powerlifting, often seen as an indi...