Omaha Magazine Podcast

For more than 100 years, Boys Town has helped children and families rebuild their lives, but most people have no idea how far its impact truly reaches.   In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Rod Kempkes, President and CEO of Boys Town, and Father Jeff Mollner, the organization's spiritual director, for a powerful conversation about the legacy, evolution, and future of one...

How do you balance two high-pressure careers—on the field and in the courtroom? In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Clete Blakeman, a professional football referee with nearly two decades at the highest level and a practicing attorney with over 30 years of experience. From officiating the biggest games in football to managing a full legal career, Clete shares how he built...

What does it actually take for Omaha to compete with the top convention cities in the country?   In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Adam Straight, President and CEO of MECA, to break down what's working and what's missing as Omaha looks to elevate its national presence in conventions, events, and entertainment.   With over 25 years of experience leading major venues in A...

The Omaha Star isn't just a newspaper it's a living piece of history that has never missed a publication since 1938.   In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Terri Sanders, publisher of The Omaha Star, one of the longest-running African-American newspapers in the United States. Founded by Mildred Brown, the paper has spent nearly nine decades documenting community milestones...

Nebraska's economic future depends on more than just good intentions; it requires thoughtful policy, long-term planning, and the courage to make difficult decisions. In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil sits down with Jim Vokal, CEO of the Platte Institute, a statewide policy think tank focused on economic growth, tax policy, workforce development, and government transparency. A former Omaha C...

Douglas County elections operate under intense scrutiny and for ten years, Brian Kruse was the man responsible for running them.   In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with the former Douglas County Election Commissioner to discuss what it's really like to oversee elections in today's political climate. From early voting growth and signature verification to voter ID, ballot sec...

FBI Omaha is working closer to home than most people realize. In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Omaha Field Office, overseeing Nebraska and Iowa operations.   From cyber threats and foreign interference to gang violence, drug trafficking, and agricultural security, Kowal explains how federal, state, and local agencies w...

Before algorithms, outrage, and 24/7 news cycles, journalism was built on trust, relationships, and deep knowledge of the community. In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with two true legends of Omaha media, investigative reporter Mike McKnight and sports broadcaster Dave Webber, whose combined careers span nearly 100 years.   They reflect on what it meant to earn credibility b...

From the police force to city hall, Mayor John Ewing Jr. has spent his life serving Omaha. In this episode, host Gil Cohen sits down with Omaha's 52nd mayor to explore his journey from the Special Victims Unit to the mayor's office—and how his signature HAPPIER plan is driving Omaha's next chapter. Mayor Ewing shares his vision for economic growth, affordable housing, and smarter development that...

Nebraska's real estate story is bigger than listings—it's people, policy, and long-term strategy. In this episode, we sit down with Andy Alloway, President/CEO/Owner of Nebraska Realty, to unpack how he scaled an independent brokerage from ~300 agents to 1,000+, why retention beats recruitment, and how a training-first culture (including Randall School) fuels that growth. You'll hear candid takes...

What does it take to lead not one, but two professional sports organizations while staying rooted in community impact? In this episode of The Inner Circle with Gil Cohen, we sit down with Martie Cordaro, president of the Omaha Storm Chasers and Union Omaha. With 27 years in minor league baseball, Martie shares his journey from humble beginnings in sales to running two thriving franchises. He talks...

It's been a groundbreaking year for the Omaha Magazine Podcast, and in this special episode, host Gil reflects on the incredible journey.  Discover the initial vision to showcase every facet of Omaha, from East to West, North to South, through candid conversations with the city's most impactful business and community leaders.  Gil shares personal insights gained from guests like Mayor Jean Stother...

Giving back is fundamental in creating growth. So how do you give back? In this episode, we're joined by Jeff Beals and Trenton Magid from Grow Omaha to share their journey on becoming one of Omaha's top radio shows and how giving back has not only helped them grow, but has helped business owners across the state find success.    Discover the story behind their influential platform, spanning two d...

What makes a sporting event an American institution? Celebrate 75 years of the College World Series in Omaha with special guests Jack Diesing Jr., Chairman, and Lisa Diesing, Vice President of College World Series, Inc. Discover the rich history of the tournament, its deep ties to the city, and the exciting plans for its future.    In this episode you will learn about the economic impact of the Co...

Is our healthcare system truly serving everyone? Joining us for a crucial discussion is Anthony Ashby, President of CHI Health Immanuel Hospital. In this episode we explore the challenges and opportunities in modern healthcare.    Anthony shares his insights on addressing health disparities, the impact of social needs on patient outcomes, and CHI Health Immanuell's innovative approaches to providi...

It takes a lot of energy to keep our power grid going. How does OPPD keep the power going with an increasing demand for energy? Joining us for an enlightening conversation on how OPPD is powering Omaha's future is Javier Fernandez, President and CEO of Omaha Public Power District (OPPD).    In this episode, we explore the inner workings of OPPD, from its unique public power structure to its ambiti...

Can Nebraska become the next Hollywood? Actor, director, and producer Randy Goodwin joins us to discuss his mission to bring the film industry to his home state. Learn about the challenges and opportunities facing filmmakers in Nebraska, the recent passage of a film incentive bill, and Goodwin's vision for a thriving film scene that creates jobs and showcases Nebraska's unique landscapes and talen...

Ever wonder what it takes to build a world-class entertainment and convention destination? Joining us for an inside look at Omaha's thriving scene is Roger Dixon, President and CEO of MECA (Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority). Explore the exciting expansion of the CHI Health Center Convention Center, designed to attract over $1 billion in new revenue to the Omaha area. Roger share...

Discover the exciting revitalization happening in North Omaha! LaVonya Goodwin, Executive Director of the North 24th Street Business Improvement District, joins us to discuss the area's rich history, the challenges it faces, and the innovative projects underway.    Learn about the $200 million investment transforming the district and how the community is coming together to create a vibrant future....

Ever wonder how a university thrives in a changing educational landscape? Dr. Joanne Li, Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Omaha, joins us to share UNO's innovative strategies for attracting top talent and navigating the challenges of modern higher education.    In this episode discover how UNO is embracing AI, fostering workforce development, and building a vibrant campus community.   Take...

Want to know the secrets behind Omaha's dramatic drop in crime rates? Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer joins us to share the inside story of how the police department has achieved this remarkable success. Learn about the importance of community relationships, the role of the Citizen's Academy, and how Chief Schmaderer's leadership has shaped modern policing in Omaha.   Takeaways   Omaha has seen...

Higher education is changing fast. Joining us on this episode is Father Daniel Hendrickson, President of Creighton University, to share how Creighton is not just surviving, but thriving. Learn how they're attracting students, building a strong community, and preparing the next generation for a world powered by AI. Takeaways Creighton has achieved a 94% retention rate for first-year students. Creig...

Ever feel like education is facing more hurdles than ever? Omaha Public Schools' new superintendent, Matthew Ray, shares his plan to tackle staffing shortages, AI's impact, and the surprising literacy challenges facing students today. Discover how OPS is aiming for a 'moonshot' to get every student reading at grade level by 2030. Takeaways Post-COVID, the district faces challenges in enrollment an...

Ever wondered what it takes to be a firefighter in the 21st century? Go behind the scenes of the Omaha Fire Department with Fire Chief Kathy Bossman, a trailblazing leader who is redefining the role. In this episode, Chief Bossman shares her experiences rising through the ranks, the importance of diversity and community engagement, and the innovative programs shaping the future of the OFD.    Lear...

Ever wondered how Omaha's arts scene became so vibrant? Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts, reveals the secrets behind their 22-year journey. Discover the economic impact of O-pa, their passion for community engagement, and the inspiring Nebraska Theatre Academy. From Broadway hits to local jazz, find out how OPA is making the arts accessible to everyone. Takeaways Omaha has transfor...