Becka's Talking

Dr. Bill Lydiatt with Clarkson Regional Health Services shares insights on recognizing and addressing mental health struggles.

Houston Alexander retired from mixed martial arts in 2017, but still competes in bare knuckles boxing. Alexander has also been part of Omaha's hip hop culture for decades and actively promotes hip hip through his own local radio show and education programs in area elementary schools.

Hall of fame broadcaster, musician, comedian and author, Otis XII reminisces about his years on stage and in the radio booth.

Jerry G. Banks, an Omaha real estate investor and author, has used his setbacks in life as a springboard for success. He shares his insights with Tom on this week's Becka's Talking.

Radio Talking Book Service, based in Omaha, makes visual media available to the blind and visually impaired. Ryan Osentowski is the program director for RTBS and explains some of the challenges he faces as a blind person and how this nonprofit is making life better for people like him.

Chief Todd Schmaderer has been the head of the Omaha Police Department for the last 12 years. He shares what he has learned while leading his department of 900+ officers through challenging times like the George Floyd riots of 2020.

Bruce Crawford started producing classic film events in Omaha in the early 90s. Since then he has created 50 of these events that combine special viewings of classic movies with special appearances by VIPs connected to those films.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold took over as the ninth president of the University of Nebraska system on July 1st. This week on Becka's Talking, Dr. Gold talks about the latest updates on new projects at UNMC as well as his vision for the entire University of Nebraska system.

Shawn Halpenny used to be cynical about the paranormal until he discovered electronic voice phenomenon.

Tom's guest this week is breast cancer survivor Heather Smith who shares her journey of healing and encourages others to never take their health for granted.

Johnny "the Jet" Rodgers, the legendary member of two Nebraska National Championship teams, shares about his journey from a highly recruited high school athlete to Heisman Trophy winner to youth advocate.

Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse encourages voters to do their homework before casting their ballots.

Just like many other kids in his generation, Clay Anderson wanted to grow up to be an astronaut. The Ashland, Nebraska native pursued this dream by earning science degrees and eventually landing a job with NASA. But that was just the start of a long journey that would eventually take him to the International Space Station.

Carolyn Snell, manager for Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlisle, got her start as an intern at KFAB radio in Omaha. Over her career she has worked with artists from Reba McEntire to Justin Timberlake while having the opportunity to see the world. Carolyn sits down with Tom to share her insights into the music industry. 

The Chairman Emeritus of Burlington Capital, Michael Yanney, shares some of the lessons he has learned while building a multi-billion dollar investment banking firm. 

Tom sits down with Joan Squires, president of Omaha Performing Arts, to talk about what is available these days at OPA venues like the Holland Center, Orpheum Theater and Steelhouse Omaha.

Homeless youth and young adults may not always be living on the streets. Kalisha Reed, executive director of Youth Emergency Services in Omaha, shares how she and her team are working to get youth in crisis the help and housing that they need.

Former director of the Nebraska Department of Corrections Bob Houston shares about his experience inside the prison system. Overcrowding, recidivism, and transitioning back into society are just a few of the challenges he shares with Tom Becka in this week's podcast. 

The National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Innovation Center (NCITE) is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and is based at the University of Nebraska Omaha. The center's director shares her insights into what they do in Omaha to help prevent terrorism throughout the world.

Tom's guest, Steve Jensen, who is the former planning director for the City of Omaha and now a member of Mayor Stothert's economic development team, addresses concerns about funding for the Omaha Streetcar project as well as other concerns voiced by Omaha residents.

When you see a homeless person holding a sign at an intersection asking for help, have you ever wondered how that person ended up in that situation? This episode of Becka's Talking features the stories of several homeless men who share with Tom how they found themselves living on the streets and what daily life is like for them.

Cyrus Jaffery was a toddler when his family fled Afghanistan in the 1990s. When he was a teenager his family moved from Pakistan to the United States where he was forced to learn a new language and a new culture. But as Jaffrey shares with Tom in this episode of Becka's Talking, he made the most of his opportunities to become a successful, award-winning businessman in Omaha. 

Cyber security expert, Dr. Lisa McKee offers advice and warnings about keeping your devices as well as online profiles and information safe from hackers.

Former undercover officer and SWAT team member Paul Milone shares his stories of gangs, guns and narcotics, and breaking down doors with the Omaha Police Department.

Longtime WOWT reporter, Mike McKnight, joins the podcast to share about his decades of experience and offer advice on dealing with scams and rip-offs.