The Still Connect Podcast

What does it take to build trust and keep a local business running smoothly? In this episode, Denver sits down with Tyler Nichols, General Manager of X-tra Mile Auto Care in Stillwater, to talk about the automotive industry, customer service, and the importance of building relationships in the community. They explore what goes into providing dependable auto care and creating a positive experience...

What do Celtic music and community involvement have in common? In this episode, Denver sits down with Craig and Heather Miller, members of the Celtic band the Waxie Dargles and volunteers with the Stillwater Community Center Foundation helping put on Halfway to St. Paddy's Day Celtic Fest. They talk about their love of music, getting involved in Stillwater, and the work happening to create mor...

What does it look like to build a business centered around connection and purpose? In this episode, Denver sits down with Gage Schemet, Co-Owner of Fellowship Grounds, to talk about creating a space where community and coffee come together. They discuss the vision behind Fellowship Grounds, the role of intentional spaces in bringing people together, and what it takes to start and grow a business r...

What does it take to create one of the most iconic gravel cycling events in the country? In this episode, Denver sits down with Josh McCullock, Creative Director of the Mid South, to talk about the vision, creativity, and community that power this internationally recognized race in Stillwater. They discuss Josh's experience using creativity to build community around the Mid South, a destinatio...

What does it take to transform a house into a home people truly love? In this episode, Denver sits down with Cody Outhier, Co-Owner of Renovate Stillwater, to talk about entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and the realities of the remodeling industry. They discuss starting and growing a local business, building trust with clients, and the mindset required to deliver high-quality renovation work. Whet...

What does lifelong learning look like in practice, and why does it matter at every age? In this episode, Denver sits down with Robin Fuxa, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Oklahoma State University, to talk about fostering curiosity, community, and connection through ongoing education. They explore how OLLI helps adults 50+ (and learners of all ages) dive into classes, d...

What does it take to build a craft brewery that becomes a community staple? In this episode, Denver sits down with Trenton Inselman, CEO of Iron Monk Beer, to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the culture behind craft brewing. They dive into the business side of beer, building a strong team, and how Iron Monk has grown into a gathering place for the Stillwater community. Whether you’re...

What does a modern public library really do for a community? In this episode, Denver sits down with Stacy DeLano, Library Director of the Stillwater Public Library, to talk about how libraries are evolving far beyond books. They explore community engagement, access to resources, lifelong learning, and why libraries remain one of the most important (and misunderstood) public spaces today. Whether y...

In this special episode of Still Connect , Denver Evans reflects on the first full year of the podcast, the conversations, the community, and the people who made it possible. From early guests who took a chance to listeners and supporters who believed in the mission, this episode is a heartfelt look at what it means to tell local stories with intention. It’s a moment of gratitude, transparency, an...

In Episode 41 of Still Connect , Denver sits down with Ruth Cavins , Executive Director of the United Way of Payne County , for a powerful conversation about service, collaboration, and what it really takes to care for a community. Ruth shares how United Way brings local organizations together, the impact their programs have on families across Payne County, and why supporting one another matters n...

In Episode 40 of Still Connect , I sat down with Dan Purdy and his daughter, Morgan, the father–daughter duo behind Purdy-Q, one of Stillwater’s most beloved BBQ businesses. They share how a hobby turned into a community favorite, what it’s like running a business together, and the passion that goes into every plate they serve. From the early days of developing recipes and business strategies to g...

In this episode of Still Connect , I talk with Kari Moore , the Director of Economic Development at the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. Kari shares how she helps guide Stillwater’s growth, from attracting new businesses to supporting the ones already rooted here. She dives into the importance of collaboration, community vision, and why investing in local development means investing in people. It’s...

In this episode of Still Connect , host Denver Evans sits down with Will Joyce , Mayor of Stillwater, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, community, and the city he calls home. Will shares what it’s really like to serve as mayor, the challenges and rewards of local government, and why Stillwater remains such a special place that so many people return to. It’s an honest and down-to-eart...

In this episode of Still Connect , host Denver Evans sits down with Meghan Brasuell , General Manager of the Prairie Arts Center , to talk about the creative heartbeat of Stillwater. Meghan shares how the center supports local artists, sparks imagination, and builds community through creativity and collaboration. It’s an inspiring look at how art brings people together — and how spaces like Prairi...

In this episode of Still Connect , Denver catches up with his old friend Daniel Russell , who returned to Stillwater for their 10-year high school reunion. Daniel shares his journey from growing up in Stillwater to serving as an attorney in the U.S. Navy , reflecting on the lessons, experiences, people, and perspectives that have shaped him along the way. It’s a thoughtful and personal conversatio...

Great food has a way of bringing people together, and Kris Duncan has built a business around exactly that. As one half of the husband-and-wife team behind Duncan Catering Co. , Kris shares how a love for cooking and community turned into a Stillwater favorite. From long days in the kitchen to serving at some of the town’s biggest events, her story is equal parts grit, gratitude, and good food! Co...

In this episode of Still Connect , host Denver Evans reconnects with Steve Irby to talk about all things Block 34 — now three months after its grand opening. From community concerts to local events that have already brought Stillwater together, Steve shares what it’s been like to see this long-awaited project come to life. This conversation dives into how Block 34 is already shaping the future of...

This week on Still Connect , Denver Evans sits down with Grace Impson , Director of Marketing & Events for the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce . Grace shares what it’s like to be at the center of Stillwater’s business and community heartbeat — from planning events that bring people together to helping local businesses grow and thrive. It’s an inspiring look at how collaboration and connection m...

What started as a love for vintage finds became a wonderful new Stillwater business! Beth Ronspiez , co-owner of Memory Lane Vintage Mall , shares how she and her husband turned their passion for nostalgia into a community hub for collectors, creators, and anyone who loves a good story behind what they buy. From the hunt for hidden gems to the heart behind running a local business, Beth’s perspect...

In this episode of Still Connect , Denver Evans sits down with Turner Mills , owner of Stilly Vintage and employee at EJPPG , to talk about entrepreneurship, creativity, and the love of timeless style. Turner shares how he turned his passion for vintage finds into a local business in Stillwater. Turner’s story is a reminder that following your passion can build both a business and a community. If...

In this episode of Still Connect , Denver Evans sits down with Layton Johns , co-founder of Structure & Story and The Bookend Hotel . As part of the husband-and-wife team behind these exciting projects, Layton shares how he and his wife are blending architecture, hospitality, and community vision to shape Stillwater’s future. We talk about the inspiration behind The Bookend Hotel, the creative...

In this episode of Still Connect , Denver Evans sits down with Kayla Peters , owner of Round House Bakery , to talk about turning a love for baking into a community favorite. Kayla shares the story behind starting her bakery, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the joy of creating fresh, homemade goods that bring people together. We discuss the role food plays in building connections, what its...

In this episode of Still Connect , Denver Evans sits down with Chris Peters , founder and editor of The Stillwegian , one of Stillwater’s independent news outlets. Chris shares why he started the publication, the importance of accessible and trustworthy local journalism, and how storytelling can bring a community closer together. We talk about the changing landscape of news, the role of independen...

In this episode of Still Connect , Denver Evans talks with Darla Black, co-owner of N40 Berries , a family-run blueberry farm bringing fresh, locally grown produce to Stillwater and beyond. Darla shares the story behind starting N40 Berries, the challenges and rewards of running a family farm, and her passion for creating a welcoming space where the community can slow down, connect, and enjoy natu...

In this episode of Still Connect , Denver Evans sits down with Amy Dzialowski, Vice Mayor of the City of Stillwater, to talk about leadership, community growth, and the future of our town. Amy shares her journey into public service, the challenges and rewards of local leadership, and her vision for building a stronger, more connected Stillwater. We dive into what it means to truly serve a communit...