Topeka Insider

Jack Hishmeh, the spirited founder of Joylight Coffee Roasters, joins us in an exploration of his evolution from a basement hobbyist to a dedicated coffee entrepreneur. Jack, along with his wife Haley, unveils the technical world behind coffee roasting, drawing attention to roast curves and the rate of rise, akin to a legal "Breaking Bad" scenario. He shares insights into sourcing raw be...

From the sunny shores of West Palm Beach to the heart of Kansas, Michael Odupitan has journeyed far and wide, gathering experiences that shape his mission today. With the backdrop of personal tragedy and societal challenges, Michael is on a quest to rejuvenate communities. Our latest episode takes you through Michael's transformative path, fueled by his passion for collaboration and meaningfu...

Step into the wild world of zoo management with our special guest, Shanna Simpson, the dedicated animal curator at the Topeka Zoo. Shanna's childhood visit to SeaWorld sparked a lifelong passion for animal care, which she now channels into managing over 380 animals at the zoo. Discover how Shanna and her team navigate the complexities of animal acquisition, ethical considerations, and special...

Get ready to explore the exciting world of pop-up cocktail bars with Aaron Zentner, one of the creative forces behind Soliloquy. Picture this: a casual conversation between Aaron and his friend David Vincent at Circle Coffee sparks the birth of a unique nightlife experience in Topeka. Aaron shares the innovative strategies they used, like operating with a catering license to maintain independence,...

Can a modest coffee cart transform an entire community? Meet David Vincent, the visionary behind Circle Coffee in Topeka, Kansas, who, along with his wife, turned a spur-of-the-moment purchase into a thriving community hub. They navigated the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with ingenuity, setting up pop-up events that ultimately led to opening their permanent location in 2022. Davi...

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from college golf to the pro circuit? Join us for our conversation with professional golfer Andrew Beckler, who candidly shares his journey from Washburn Rural High School to Kansas State to Washburn University and beyond. Learn how a prestigious award from Jack Nicklaus became the catalyst for Andrew's professional aspirations and discover the relent...

Ever wanted an inside look behind the scenes of who is making Topeka an amazing place to live? Join us on the Topeka Insider to hear from the entrepreneurs, leaders, and business owners shaping our city and making Topeka special. From the individuals you've read about in the headlines to the unsung heroes quietly making impactful changes, Topeka Insider will be your go-to source for inspirati...