BHL Podcasting

Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson might very well have the most important job that no one ever really thinks about.  He shares with host Scott Heidner how he got to his current position and how the work of the treasury has an impact on the lives of every Kansan.  On this episode we discuss: A family heritage of farming since 1868 Growing up on the farm and the influence of 4H How farming has transformed over the years Working in the private sector Running for office to fix the underfunded pensions Making systems like KPERS work for Kansans The criticality of staff to make the legislature work Partnering with Kathy Wolfe Moore to work on the pension system The breadth of responsibility at the treasurer's office Helping Kansans find unclaimed property Supporting education savings through the Kansas Learning Quest program The ABLE Savings Plan Other Resources:The Office of the TreasurerKansas Able Savings PlanKPERSLearn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and AssociatesThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Twenty years ago an idea to collect the papers of Senator Bob Dole became the catalyst for the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.  But the Dole Institute has become so much more than that, as Scott explores in his conversation with Audrey Coleman, Director of the Dole Institute as it approaches it's 20th anniversary.  On this episode we discuss: The original vision and goals for the Dole Institute A tribute to the leadership of Senator Bob Dole Features of the institution The connection to those who serve our country in the military Youth and student outreach and civic leadership The criticality of civil discourse The programming you can find at the Dole Institute Getting creative with engagement during COVID That stain glass window The efforts of Clinton and Dole to create a college fund for the children of victims from 9/11 The exhibits you can find in the Dole Institute How Bob Dole overcame adversity through his disability The Dole Papers and archives The trailblazer that Elizabeth Dole was The 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Dole Institute Other Resources:Learn more about the Dole InstituteLearn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and AssociatesThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Being involved in politics wasn't even on Blake Carpenter's radar until a class project at Wichita State led him to an interview with Representative Jim Howell that changed everything.  He shares with host Scott Heidner how that journey has led him to his current role as the House Speaker Pro Tem.  On this episode we discuss: Growing up in Halstead Being ranked a top tier gamer at Call of Duty (when time allows) Trying to figure out what to study at Wichita State The value of the Eagle Scout achievement Becoming interested in politics Starting as a freshman legislator right out of college Growing into leadership roles and the associated time commitment The internship program Blake's podcast, The Kansas Briefing Proposing on the cliffs of Ireland Other Resources:Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and AssociatesBlake Carpenter, Kansas State Representative, 81st DistrictThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Minority Leader Vic Miller.  They examine his life from the one room schoolhouse to his love for fantasy sports, as well as his involvement in politics beginning with his time at Emporia State as student body president.  On this episode we discuss: Growing up in a one room schoolhouse The impact of his father's involvement The role of Associated Students of Kansas and the act they got passed The importance of having attorneys (at least a few) in the legislature Starting out young as an elected official Trying to balance service and a public practice How serving in property valuation gave him an in-demand skill The fraught challenge of drawing district lines Influence and responsibility Getting young people involved in public service A love of fantasy sports Other Resources:Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and AssociatesVic Miller, Kansas State Representative, 58th DistrictThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Majority Leader Chris Croft.  They talk about his life and military career that eventually brought him to Kansas and led him to taking on his current role in state government.  On this episode we discuss: The role his mother played in his life and finding role models for him Growing up outside Joining the Army and seeing the world How he met his wife What he learned from Popeye's Fried Chicken Jumping out of the first plane he rode on The value of mentors in his life Working at the Pentagon and military mobility equipment Finding a home in Kansas A vision for transportation infrastructure in the state Getting started in public service Taking on the house majority leader mantle Going out on Black Friday and Christmas Eve Other Resources:Learn more about Braden, Heidner, Lowe and AssociatesChris Croft, Kansas State Representative, 8th District This podcast is brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas.  This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Join the BHL podcast as we go inside the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum in Abilene and talk to some of its most passionate leaders! We discuss seldom-known parts of Ike's career and presidency, the staggering array of artifacts and history on display at the facility, and the educational opportunities and programming that carry on Ike's legacy to this day. Dawn Hammett, Director, and Joy Murphy, Learning and Engagement Director, share some fascinating facts during this episode. 

The BHL Podcast is thrilled to bring you Dr. Brian Smith of the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum! Join us as we share the amazing story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the unbelievable challenges they faced and overcame, and the pivotal role they have played in American history both during and after their involvement in World War II.

The BHL Podcast Show is happy to welcome House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer to the show.   Join us as we learn about House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer's childhood in Wichita, his penchant for numbers, and how he got involved with politics!

The BHL Podcast Show is happy to welcome Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes to the show. Join us as we learn about Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes' childhood in Tennessee, her first job selling vegetables from her parent's farm, her fantasy football team, and her journey into Kansas politics! 

The BHL Podcast Show is happy to welcome House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins to the show.  Join us as we learn about Representative Hawkins' youth working on a dairy farm, his experience bull riding, his affinity for golf, and his journey into the legislature. 

The BHL Podcast Show is happy to welcome Senate President Ty Masterson to the show. Join Scott Heidner and co-host Travis Grauerholz as they learn about Senator Masterson's childhood on a farm in Butler County, his thirty-one cousins, his journey to the capital, and his experiences as a senator!

The BHL podcast visits with Kurt Graham, Director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.  Tune in to learn more about how this fantastic facility uses the lessons of Truman's life to continue to educate and inspire, the role it plays in ongoing research, and hear all about the fantastic renovations currently underway!

Five time all-star.  1980 American League Championship Series MVP.  World Series Champion.  An incredible eight gold gloves.  The BHL podcast series is delighted to bring you our interview with Jackson County Executive and former Kansas City Royal Frank White.  We hope you enjoy listening at least a fraction as much as we enjoyed the conversation!

Join BHL host Scott Heidner as we dive into the Cosmosphere, one of the absolutely hidden treasures of the Midwest.  Located in Hutchinson, KS, the Cosmosphere is one of the world’s premier space museums.  Mimi Meredith, Senior Vice President of Development and Chief Development Officer, leads us through the incredible artifacts and exhibits, the history of how this amazing destination came to be, and the educational opportunities that continue to shape the lives of young people from around the world.  Even if you’ve been to the Cosmosphere in the past, you will want to hear this story and the exciting evolution that is always underway at the Cosmosphere! Update: the rescheduled Apollo 13 event that was referenced has been cancelled. 

On July 1, 1863, the first shots were fired in the Battle of Gettysburg. Listen in as BHL host Scott Heidner sits with Jim Hanni, who serves on the Board of Directors of the Gettysburg Foundation. Learn little-known details about the situation leading up to the battle, what turned the tide, and the incredible history of Gettysburg in the years after the battle itself. The Gettysburg Foundation uses the event as a foundation for ongoing education and training, and creating an amazing and enduring legacy. Listen in for the full scoop on one of America's watershed moments!

Today the BHL Podcast series visits with Shaley George, the Curator of the National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia, KS.  Join us as we learn the incredible story of the Orphan Train, an amazing chapter in American history.  Learn how America dealt with the large numbers of orphans in the 19th and 20th centuries by sending them west on trains, the experiences these children had in their new lives, the compelling questions of law and morality that were a part of it, and the unbelievable continuing impact on the families and descendants. 

Join us as the BHL Podcast Show visits with former Kansas Governor Bill Graves.  We discuss life as a kid in a family trucking business, favorite memories of being Governor, the challenges of working in the federal environment, and what former Governors do to stay busy in retirement!

The BHL podcast welcomes Lew Perkins, former Athletic Director for the University of Kansas, University of Connecticut, and several other interesting career stops! Join us as we learn about Lew’s experiences through athletics and a rich career with stops at some of America’s premier universities. We discuss the impact of sports on civil rights, the fantastic relationships it facilitated with people from top athletes/coaches to United States Presidents to Nelson Mandela, what it’s like to win national championships, and growing up in the same neighborhood as one of America’s most notorious gangsters!

The BHL Podcast series welcomes Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to the show! Listen in as we discuss life in a military family, the many places she’s lived along the way, why playing for the Yankees was her first career choice, and some of the best opportunities that come with being the Governor of Kansas.

The BHL podcast series visits KSDS, an absolute hidden treasure in Washington, KS that trains service dogs.  Find out about the incredibly varied groups of people and situations where these amazing dogs are improving quality of life, the extensive breeding and training regimen the dogs have to go through, all the amazing business and community partners who help bring the miracle to life, and how you can get the greatest job in the world......coming in to pet and play with the puppies!

Today on the BHL podcast we visit with Jeff Meyer (Commissioner) and Andy Bagnato (PR) of the Cactus League, the spring training league for Major League Baseball in Arizona. Join us as we discuss stories of famous big leaguers in their candid moments at spring training, the economic impact the Cactus League has on its community and the state of Arizona, which baseball players should be in the Hall of Fame but aren’t, and what it means to grow up as a baseball lover and wind up running a spring training league and working with your childhood heroes!

In this episode of the BHL podcast, we visit with Chad Tenpenny, State Director and Counsel for U.S. Senator Pat Roberts. Listen in as we discuss the changes in politics over the years, being in D.C. during the 9/11 attacks, and what might surprise you to know about Senator Roberts. Many laughs and many surprises will be revealed!

The BHL podcast visits today with Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle. Join us as we discuss the transition from Allentown, PA (yes Billy Joes fans, that Allentown) to Wichita, KS, how you grow a business while raising 7 kids (and now 15 grandkids), the single issue that made her so mad she ran for the Legislature, and her most vivid and impactful childhood memory!

The BHL podcast visits today with Hutchinson Community College leadership Dr. Carter File (President) and Denny Stoecklein (Director of Marketing and Public Relations).  Hutch CC is an amazing place!  Listen in as we discuss the unbelievable speakers that come to Hutch (Maya Angelou, General Richard Meyers, Dayton Moore, and Henry Winkler just to name a few), what draws students to Hutch CC (among other things they get free landscaping from KSU and it’s AMAZING), how education continues to change and evolve, and how a 91 Ford Ranger can consume an entire retirement plan.  Prepare to be entertained!

Today the BHL podcast welcomes Kansas City Star sportswriter Sam Mellinger. We discuss covering the great Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs tremendous 2018, the impact a sportswriter has on fans and their relationships, and how a childhood dream to write about sports exceeded his wildest dreams.

The BHL Podcast series welcomes singer/songwriter and Powder River Records recording artist Ned LeDoux to the show.  We discuss what it’s like playing in your dad’s band, musical influences, writing songs with some of Nashville’s most accomplished songwriters, and why life in the country is the best!

The BHL podcast series welcomes Tim Cowden, President & CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. We discuss life as an Oklahoma Sooner, following your dreams even when they take a detour, and the wonderful work Tim and his organization do in the greater Kansas City area.

This episode of the BHL podcast series sits down with author, keynote speaker, and hostage negotiator Dan Oblinger. We discuss dramatic moments in hostage negotiation, developing listening skills to improve your company culture, and the importance of caring for all people with one of Kansas' most interesting speakers.

Kansas State Representative and Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman joins the BHL podcast team for a good conversation about what it's like to be Speaker, interesting sports figures he's had the chance to befriend, country music, and some great experiences working across the aisle with the other party on policy issues.