Red Couch Rewind - The Eye on NE Kansas Podcast

We're gearing up to celebrate America's 250th birthday with several guests visiting the Red Couch! Plus, the Shawnee Co. Treasurer updates changes to make life easier; meet the new head of the Sunflower State Games; and we get a visit from Nancy Lieberman.

Summer events highlight this week's episode, from Peace Camp and Old Settlers Reunion, to a healing grief camp for kids to the Sunflower Music Festival. Plus, we talk about a new housing development, the summer Point in Time Count, a drone show, and a book on soccer - perfect for the big summer event in Kansas City! 

Data centers are hot topics around the nation. Hear what Topeka and Shawnee Co. leaders are saying about developments hear. Plus, legendary journalist Bill Kurtis marks 60 years since the Topeka tornado; Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips shares her message; and find out how local agencies find support from United Way of Kaw Valley.

We take you to the stars in this episode! Retired astronaut Steve Hawley flew on five shuttle missions. He reflects on his experiences, and the renewed interest in space that the Artemis II mission brought. Plus, we explore community mental health partnerships, and hear about the summer fun in store at Topeka's public library.  

Long-time Special Olympics athlete and adovate Josh Alters visits the Red Couch to make a big announcement in this episode! Plus, a new Community Policing policy for Topeka Police, taking the mental health awareness message year-round, looking ahead to Rock Chalk Roundball Classic, and mark the 1966 tornado anniversary with the legendary Bill Kurtis.  

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we catch up with several organizations offering support and raising awareness. Plus, special summer camps for all abilities are coming up at Capper Foundation, and Junior League Topeka sets its sites on addressing period poverty.

Social activist Ben Crump was keynote speaker for an event marking the 72nd anniversary of the Brown v. Board decision. We spoke with him one-on-one ahead of the event. Also in this episode, hear the new mission for the Military Veteran Project, an update on affordable housing options in Topeka, and one Shawnee Co. Commissioner's thoughts on data center development.

Crime victims rights and workzone safety awareness are highlighted in this Red Couch Rewind. Plus, hear from local authors.

“Challenge the myths. Change the outcomes." was the theme for April's Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Hear guests with the area advocacy organizations explore how we all play a role in preventing sexual violence. Other guests preview the Stamp Out Hunger campaign and the dreaded property tax payment deadline!

SENT Topeka has put in the work to transform the Capital City's HiCrest neighborhood. They've been sharing their approach in several visits to the Red Couch. Plus, get your tickets to summer fun with Tap That Topeka and Rock the Plains!

It's Topeka and Shawnee Co. update time! The Mayor, City Manager and SHCNO Commissioner Bill Riphahn also take a turn on the Red Couch. Plus, we're saluting small businesses, celebrating Doorstep, and helping the Topeka Mustang Club support Wounded Warriors.

How to address homelessness around the Capital City has been an ongoing discussion. We get an update on a one-stop-shop resource center becoming reality and the latest on affordable housing options. Plus, catch up with the Topeka Mayor and meet some Woolly Farms friends.

We're back!!! This podcast has been on hiatus, but now we're rebooting as the Red Couch Rewind. We're still bringing you the best of the guests that visited us on our daily Eye on NE Kansas tv show; still chatting on the signature red couch! We return with a celebration of Women's History Month 2026. Meet the women leading the key anchors of Topeka's Gage Park; two women who've lead the way on Sha...

The federal budget debate remains hot - and we had U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt stop in to offer his perspective on what's happening. Topeka's City Manager also updated city happenings, while other guests give us a sneak peak at some upcoming events.

Our studio was filled with guests talking all things mental health as we mark May as Mental Health Awareness Month. We also look ahead to how Kansas State Veteran Cemeteries are marking Memorial Day, and see what Forge is doing to welcome summer interns to the Capital City.

Hours after Topeka introduced a new assistant city manger at a $200K salary, the city manager sat down live to answer questions about how this fits into a budget that's facing a $17M deficit. Plus, we dive into how area groups are meeting critical needs - and we dive into a new summer for parks and pools!

Small Business Week brought guests sharing resources available to assist aspiring entreprenuers in achieving their dreams! We also checked in the Kansas Insurance Commissioner, Shawnee Co. District Attorney and mental health advocates - and got ready for Relay for Life!

Elevating survivors voices and connecting communties. Throughout April, the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence and partner advocates joined us weekly to raise awareness of the issue and available resources. Join us for these important conversations.

Stress Awareness Month is among our topics this week. We also pause for the Kansas Holocaust Commemoration; have some safety reminders for the orange barrels you see popping up all over; and invite you to a couple fun community events.

SENT Topeka has three women with the same first name leading many of their efforts. Meet Tricia, Tricia and Trisha! Plus, City Manager Robert Perez, County Commissioner Aaron Mays and State Treasurer Steven Johnson drop in; and Michelle with GTP talks Leadership Greater Topeka's next "best class ever!"

The Kansas National Guard 190th Air Refueling Wing is among finalists to land the next generation of refuelers. This week's guests look at why that's important. Plus, we explain microinternships and invite young ladies to Camp Courage.

“I know that one day I will die from this.”   Kansas Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Wilson is living with ALS. Despite the fatal prognosis, she says there is a lot of good in her situation.   She shares her perspective in this candid conversation.

Northeast Kansas dove into the deep freeze! The Topeka Rescue Mission details their work with community partners to open warming centers. We also also hear about new partnerships supporting mental health in Manhattan and in Topeka; a fundraiser helping a camp for foster teens; and how to support United Way of Kaw Valley.

We're catching up with state and local leaders in this week's Eye on NE Kansas. Hear what the KBI director says about his agency's role in immigration enforcement, the Topeka city manager and Kansas Senate president talk taxes, and learn about a KDHE program keeping your heart healthy. Oh - and the city manager also talks about snow removal....because Kansas winter doesn't want to leave this year!

Emotions are all over the map in this week's episode! U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt reflects on the crash of a flight out of Wichita; we invite you to the Death Cafe; the state's labor secretary talks efforts to fight hhuman trafficking; plus we honor the SME Executive of the year, support Top City Promise, and invite you take a Polar Plunge!