Bridging The Gap

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Naven, Madison County Extension Director, and Lindsay, 4-H Coordinator, of ISU Extension and Outreach, to explore 4-H, county fair preparation, and the youth programming that shapes the next generation of leaders in Madi...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Rod Beam, Adjutant of American Legion Post 184 in Winterset, to explore what it means to serve veterans and the community for over five decades. From the Legion's founding pillars to the Madison County Freedom Rock, Rod sha...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Clinton and Kelly Echelman, market managers of the Madison County Farmers Market and owners of Cedar Shake Farm, to explore how a community gathering space, local entrepreneurship, and a passion for fresh produce have transform...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Kayla Reynolds, treasurer of the Madison County Fairboard, to talk about what makes the Madison County Fair such a special tradition and what visitors can expect when the fair returns this year. Now in her 14th year on the boar...

Welcome to  Bridging the Gap , the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Jared McDonald, Museum Director of the Madison County Historical Complex, to explore the stories, artifacts, and historic places that help preserve the rich history of Madison County, Iowa. From historic buildings and rare ar...

Welcome to  Bridging the Gap , the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Lierhof, founder of BTWI (Bits of Technology Wireless Internet), to hear the story of how a lack of internet access in rural Iowa led to the creation of a company that now serves communities across central Iowa. What s...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Katie Sparks of The Bakery Unlimited in Winterset, Iowa. Katie shares the inspiring journey of this beloved family business that has been serving the community for over 41 years. From its unexpected beginnings to becoming a mus...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with longtime community leader, small business owner, and former Ben Franklin owner Dave Trask to talk about the history, growth, and future of Madison County, Iowa. Dave shares stories from nearly five decades of running a hometown...

Here’s a polished SEO-friendly YouTube description for this episode:Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Melody Reels, Director of the Iowa Quilt Museum in Winterset, Iowa, to explore the incredible world of quilting, creativity, history, and storytelling. From an...

John Wayne Birthplace & Museum Story | Hollywood History in Winterset, IowaWelcome to *Bridging the Gap*, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Brian Downes, Executive Director of the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in Winterset, Iowa. Brian shares the incredible story behind one of Iowa’...

Welcome to  Bridging the Gap , the Madison County Chamber podcast—where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Tim Nelson of the Wallace Centers of Iowa to explore the incredible legacy of the Wallace family and how their impact on agriculture, science, education, and community still shapes Iowa today. From the origins of Pioneer and H...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Mike Hansen of Omnitel Communications to explore how high-speed fiber internet is transforming rural communities across Madison County and beyond. From working remotely to powering small businesses and smart homes, Mike shares...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Fifo of Covered Bridges Winery to explore the journey of building a vineyard and winery from the ground up in Madison County, Iowa. From planting the first grapes to producing award-winning wines, Kevin shares the realiti...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa Johnson, director of the Bricker Price Block in Earlham, Iowa, a historic building turned vibrant community hub. From summer camps and senior programs to large-scale community events and farm-to-table dinners, Alyssa sha...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Brooke of B. Shannon Designs, a custom jewelry artist based in Winterset, Iowa. With over 18 years in business, Brooke shares her journey from creating jewelry in a barn tack room to building a one-of-a-kind gallery on the squa...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Connor Finley of Winterset Cidery to talk about launching a family-run business, learning the craft of cider-making from scratch, and building a destination that brings people together. From their first year in business to crea...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Diane Fitch, owner of the Fitch House Bed & Breakfast—the only B&B in Madison County, Iowa. Diane shares the deeply personal story behind opening her home to guests and how it’s become a place of rest, connection, and u...

Description:Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Phil Clifton of the Winterset Community Band to explore the rich history, community impact, and ongoing tradition of one of Madison County’s most unique local groups. From its roots dating back over a century to tod...

Description:Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Phil Clifton, owner of Winterset Fitness Express, to talk about building a 24/7 fitness facility in a small-town community and the impact of local wellness access. Phil shares his journey from a 22-year banking care...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast—where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Eller, broker/owner of Summerset Realty, to hear her journey from in-home daycare provider to launching her own real estate brokerage in Madison County, Iowa. Rachel shares how a personal life event led her into real esta...

Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast—where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Kris Miler, owner of Speckled Hen Farms in Madison County, Iowa. Chris shares how she and her husband transitioned from city living to building a unique farm-based business—from converting an old dog kennel into a charming farm...