Podcasts about small towns

What happens when world-class art takes root far from New York, Los Angeles, and other cultural capitals?In this episode of Ojai: Talk of the Town, Bret Bradigan sits down with Mark Weiler, Executive Director of the Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids, Minnesota, a town of just 4,000 people near the headwaters of the Mississippi River that has become an unlikely hub for contemporary art and artist residencies.Visiting Ojai through a cultural exchange with the Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, Weiler discusses the growing movement of artists seeking inspiration in smaller communities, the economic and cultural impact of artist residencies, and the surprising similarities between rural Minnesota and the Ojai Valley.Their conversation explores creativity, nature, community identity, and why some of today's most compelling artistic work is emerging far from the traditional centers of influence. We did not talk about northern pike lures, malaria nets or the rising influence of looks-maxxers like Clavicular.Instead, you'll get a thoughtful discussion about art, place, and the power of paying attention.#OjaiTalkOfTheTown #MarkWeiler #NemethArtCenter #OjaiArts #ArtistResidencies #CreativeCommunities

This episode includes narrations of true creepy encounters submitted by normal folks just like yourself. Today you'll experience horrifying stories about the Appalachian Trail & Small Towns.HAVE A STORY TO SUBMIT?LetsReadSubmissions@gmail.comFOLLOW ME ON -►YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/letsreadofficial► Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/letsread.official/♫ Music & Cover art: INEKThttps://www.youtube.com/@inektToday's episode is sponsored by:- Quince- Omaha Steaks - Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code READ at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. 

For years, electricity prices broadly tracked inflation. New pressures may be changing that. --- Electricity prices have become a major political issue in the United States, with policymakers increasingly focused on rising utility bills and the costs of meeting growing electricity demand. At the same time, renewable energy has often been blamed for driving prices higher. But what does the data actually show? Ryan Hledik of The Brattle Group discusses research conducted with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on U.S. electricity price trends. The research finds that, nationally, electricity prices have largely tracked inflation, though significant regional differences tell a more complicated story. Hledik explains the factors that really drive electricity prices, the role of renewable energy, natural gas, and infrastructure investment, and why electricity costs vary so dramatically across the country. Hledik also explores whether 2025, when electricity prices rose faster than inflation nationally, marks the beginning of a new era of rising electricity prices, or a temporary departure from a longer-term trend. Ryan Hledik is an alumni policy advisor with the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and a principal with The Brattle Group. Related Content: Congestion in General Equilibrium: Nodal Electricity Pricing, Production, and Welfare https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/congestion-in-general-equilibrium-nodal-electricity-pricing-production-and-welfare/ Boomtowns in the Battery Belt: Risks and Opportunities of Clean Energy Investments in Small Towns of America https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/boomtowns-in-the-battery-belt-risks-and-opportunities-of-clean-energy-investments-in-small-towns-of-america/ How PJM Is Grappling With Data Center Power Demand https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/commentary/podcast/how-pjm-is-grappling-with-data-center-power-demand/ Energy Policy Now is produced by The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. For all things energy policy, visit kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan MailIn S2E22, we bring on our old Misawa coworker and friend, Josh, to catch up after years of not talking. We get into Josh's retirement life, small-town Arizona living, the opportunity to take over a machine shop, and how machining heads and building engines scratches that old maintenance itch without all the military bullshit from above. From there, we talk about missing the satisfaction of turning wrenches, old crew chief days, small-town life, retirement routines, car projects, Ian's future GTR plans, Josh's '65 and '66 Mustangs, Robby's family truck, painted nails, Whatnot streams, LEGO selling, and the weird balance between hobbies, side hustles, and actual work. Support the show

What is it about small towns that Americans can't stop romanticizing?In this solo episode of the America Explained series, Rich Bennett dives into America's deep emotional connection to small towns and why they continue to represent community, belonging, and authenticity in today's fast-paced world.From classic TV shows and Hallmark movies to Main Street diners, local festivals, and Friday night football games, Rich explores how small towns became woven into the American identity and why so many people still dream about escaping to them.Whether you grew up in a small town, live in one now, or simply love visiting them, this episode will make you think differently about the role these communities play in shaping American culture.In this episode, you'll learn: Why small towns symbolize connection and simplicity  How Hollywood shaped America's small town nostalgia  The important role small towns played in building America  Why people crave authentic local experiences  The challenges and resilience of modern small towns Mentioned in this episode: Harford County Living  America Explained Series  The Andy Griffith Show  Gilmore Girls  Friday Night Lights If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves small town America as much as we do.Send us Fan MailCelebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!https://bookfairatbelair.org/Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

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The “Connecticut is boring” narrative? Officially outdated, according to the state's social media creators. A Long Island post office could be named to honor Luis Alverez. Retiring Connecticut Senate President Martin Looney was praised at a special session. Plus, New York finally has a budget.

Jeffrey Epstein repeatedly targeted Brazil as a recruitment ground for young women and underage girls, using modeling opportunities, travel, luxury gifts, salon appointments, and the promise of access to fashion-world connections as bait. The Miami Herald's review of newly released DOJ Epstein files describes a pipeline involving model scouts, including Epstein's longtime associate Jean-Luc Brunel, whose agencies helped bring women and girls into the United States under modeling-related visa arrangements while Epstein paid legal costs. The records describe girls as young as 13 being brought into Epstein's orbit, with one former bookkeeper for Brunel saying that some of the women managed by the agency did not actually work as models but were instead sent to parties at Epstein's Palm Beach and Manhattan homes. The investigation also places Epstein in Brazil itself, where he owned an apartment in São Paulo, attended modeling events, tracked plastic surgeons, and allegedly invited women to luxury hotels where he asked them to undress.The article also details how Epstein's Brazil-linked recruiting did not end with Brunel. In 2016, musician and model scout Ramsey Elkholy floated the idea of buying into Brazilian modeling agencies and fashion-media properties as a way to secure access to “younger girls” and “fresh faces,” using crude language that made the purpose of the plan difficult to mistake. Records show Epstein looked into the finances of the proposed agency and magazine deals, though it remains unclear whether he invested. The broader picture is that Brazil was not some incidental location in Epstein's network; it appears to have been treated as a strategic source of vulnerable young women and girls, especially those from poor families or small towns who could be tempted with modeling dreams, travel, gifts, and the illusion of elite opportunity. Brazilian prosecutors have now opened an investigation into Epstein's activities in the country, with the women identified as potential victims or witnesses rather than targets.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein schemed to target young Brazilian women | Miami Herald

Jeffrey Epstein repeatedly targeted Brazil as a recruitment ground for young women and underage girls, using modeling opportunities, travel, luxury gifts, salon appointments, and the promise of access to fashion-world connections as bait. The Miami Herald's review of newly released DOJ Epstein files describes a pipeline involving model scouts, including Epstein's longtime associate Jean-Luc Brunel, whose agencies helped bring women and girls into the United States under modeling-related visa arrangements while Epstein paid legal costs. The records describe girls as young as 13 being brought into Epstein's orbit, with one former bookkeeper for Brunel saying that some of the women managed by the agency did not actually work as models but were instead sent to parties at Epstein's Palm Beach and Manhattan homes. The investigation also places Epstein in Brazil itself, where he owned an apartment in São Paulo, attended modeling events, tracked plastic surgeons, and allegedly invited women to luxury hotels where he asked them to undress.The article also details how Epstein's Brazil-linked recruiting did not end with Brunel. In 2016, musician and model scout Ramsey Elkholy floated the idea of buying into Brazilian modeling agencies and fashion-media properties as a way to secure access to “younger girls” and “fresh faces,” using crude language that made the purpose of the plan difficult to mistake. Records show Epstein looked into the finances of the proposed agency and magazine deals, though it remains unclear whether he invested. The broader picture is that Brazil was not some incidental location in Epstein's network; it appears to have been treated as a strategic source of vulnerable young women and girls, especially those from poor families or small towns who could be tempted with modeling dreams, travel, gifts, and the illusion of elite opportunity. Brazilian prosecutors have now opened an investigation into Epstein's activities in the country, with the women identified as potential victims or witnesses rather than targets.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How Jeffrey Epstein schemed to target young Brazilian women | Miami HeraldBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

https://hub.controlandcompound.com/business-masterclass-webinar-replay   What made Sam Walton one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in history?   In this financial autopsy episode of Control and Compound, Darren and Christina break down how Sam Walton built Walmart from a small-town retail operation into a global empire worth hundreds of billions.   From scaling systems and reinvesting profits to using real estate, equity, trusts, and life insurance strategically, this episode dives into the exact principles Walton used to build AND protect generational wealth.   Topics include: Building scalable business systems Why Walmart targeted small towns first Equity compounding strategies Real estate ownership & control Access to capital during downturns Family trusts & estate planning How the Walton family preserved wealth across generations Corporate uses of cash value life insurance   If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or business owner looking to build long-term wealth, this episode is packed with lessons you can apply today.   Show notes: 00:00 - Introduction 01:51 - Sam Walton's Big Business Idea 03:50 - Starting Small But Thinking Big 05:04 - Why Walmart Focused on Small Towns 06:21 - Building Systems & Scaling Efficiently 07:17 - Reinvesting Profits Back Into Growth 08:18 - Using Equity to Build Massive Wealth 09:03 - What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Sam Walton 11:18 - Investing in Business & Scaling Properly 12:22 - Real Estate Control & Owning Store Locations 14:01 - Access to Capital During Downturns 15:20 - Borrowing Against Assets vs Selling Them 16:02 - How the Walton Family Kept Their Wealth 18:17 - Life Insurance & Estate Liquidity 20:50 - Walmart's Controversial Insurance Strategy 24:08 - Final Lessons From Sam Walton   FIND US ON:   INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/controlandcompound    TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@controlandcompound?lang=en   LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darren-mitchell-associates-inc/?viewAsMember=true BOOK A CALL WITH US NOW: https://www.controlandcompound.com/contact-us

In today's mandarin podcast we interviewed Cherry from the  @chinesemandarincherry  Chinese Teacher Cherry is young, open-minded, and has experienced life abroad as well as life in big cities in China. But in the end, she made a surprising decision: she left the fast-paced city life behind and moved to Tengchong, a small town in Yunnan.Why would someone choose a quieter and simpler life after seeing so much of the world? What kind of mindset and inner journey led her to make this decision?In this natural Chinese conversation, we talk about modern Chinese culture and China life, pressure in big cities, slow living in China, and the different ways young Chinese people think about happiness and success today.This is also a great video for Chinese learners — you'll hear natural spoken Mandarin, real opinions, and authentic cultural perspectives through comprehensible conversation.Whether you're learning Chinese or simply curious about life in China beyond Beijing and Shanghai, I hope you enjoy this interview.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Rex Glendenning, founder of REX Real Estate and the man known across North Texas as the "King of Dirt." Rex is a fourth-generation Celina native whose great-grandfather homesteaded 160 acres in 1887. Over the last four decades he's brokered billions in DFW land deals - including the $130M public-private partnership that brought the Cowboys to Frisco - while quietly running a 4-broker shop out of his hometown. Chris and Rex unpack his patience-and-dirt playbook, why he believes DFW is becoming the financial epicenter of America, and how he reads a real estate cycle years ahead of the rest of the industry. They discuss: How Rex originated the Star deal in 60 days - and why Frisco won the Cowboys instead of Irving His foundational theory: why every American city grows north (with one exception) 40 years of plowing every dollar back into dirt Why he believes DFW becomes "Y'all Street" Why he never scaled past three brokers His read on where we are in the cycle Timestamps: (05:20) Learning When to Shut Up in Business and Life(08:53) Growing Up Rural in Salina & the Work Ethic It Built(11:02) Why Every City in America Grows North(14:18) Betting on the Pandemic: $1 Billion in Deals with Just His Wife(23:38) The Star Deal: How Rex Helped Move the Dallas Cowboys to Frisco(30:23) Small Towns vs. Big Cities: The Public-Private Partnership Advantage(40:24) DFW Airport as the Hidden Engine of North Texas Growth(44:06) The H-1B Visa Pullback & Its Real Impact on the Housing Market(48:11) How Rex Thinks About Surviving a Recession(56:23) Will an "Artery Pop" in '26 or '27?(01:00:26) Why Rex Is Worth 6%: Full-Service vs. Order-Taking Brokers(01:04:43) Selling the Same Ranch 7 Times Over 40 Years(01:19:03) What Keeps Rex Up at Night: Reading the Current Market Cycle Support our SponsorsCollateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Chris on Social Media:X: https://x.com/fortworthchrisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispowersjr/ Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO

Kristy Woodson Harvey spotlights NICU nurses, sports coaches, and a small town in her annual summer novel, this time Summer State of Mind. If you've ever wondered “how something like this could happen in a town like theirs,” Kristy will pull back the curtain. But don't worry: as Kristy says, “There are some secrets that come to light through the course of (the book), but you know, it's me, and I love a happy ending.” Hear how Kristy learned everything she needed to on the tennis court, how decisions aren't black and white, and how this book stretched her talent. Mikki Brammer's novel Good Joy, Bad Joy is this month's Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick — and it's clear why. By delving into the lives of two elderly women, Joy and Hazel— who truly don't see themselves that way — Mikki paints a delicate portrait of female friendship, the secrets we keep, and how we cope when a loved one falls ill. Plus it's a little devious. The real question, according to Mikki? “What is a life well lived and have I lived it fully?” Dive in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Woodland Morning Report! It's Monday, May 11th, and the energy is ELECTRIC!. We are coming off a massive Mother's Day weekend where flowers were flying off the shelves like a last-minute penalty kick!It's a B-DAY on the hill, and the pressure is ON as we hit Week Two of the AP testing marathon!. In the polls, SMALL TOWN takes the victory over the Big City!Now, the battle of the century begins: Unlimited Battery versus Unlimited Data! Choose your champion!Look at the schedule—it's a breakaway! Fine Arts Night strikes on May 14th, followed by a job seminar on the 15th!. In the world news, WKRP returns to the airwaves in Cincinnati, and a robot monk is ordained in South Korea! IN-CRE-DI-BLE!.To the sports desk! The Knicks DOMINATE the 76ers by 30 points—a total blowout!. Barcelona takes El Clásico 2-nothing! Locally, the baseball team faces a massive matchup against the St. Paul Falcons!Charge those Chromebooks and stay in the game, Woodland!. GOOD MORNING, WOODLAND!

Part 2 starts here:The Name Droppers "Let's Live Together" www.thenamedropppers.netJennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival "Light The Fire" https://jlynandthegrooverevival.com/Professor Louie & The Crowmatix "Johnny" - Crowin' Around www.thecrowmatix.comStillhouse Junkies "Moonrise Over Highway" - Small Towns www.stillhousejunkies.com Teri Rane "Killing The Blues"- Goldenrod www.terirane.comColton Sanders "How You Run" https://coltonsandersmusic.com/*********************ALBUM FOCUS Putumayo World Music presents American Roots www.putumayo.comFrom banjo-led folk ballads to soulful zydeco-tinged blues, American Roots celebrates the rich tapestry of American musical traditions. This wide-ranging exploration of Americana music brings together contemporary artists who draw from country, blues, bluegrass, Tex-Mex music and other regional styles while shaping them into something distinctly current and accessible.From this new compilation I aired:Benny Bleu "All I Want To Be"Front Country "One Kind Word"The Lowtimers "New Friends" **********************Annie & Rod Capps "Imitation Of Happy" - Never Done https://annieandrodcapps.comMarch To August "Highways and Honky Tonks" - Highway 75 www.marchtoaugust.comSwitchback "Kansas Love Song" - Birds Of Prey www.waygoodmusic.comJesse Lynn Madera "Woke Up in LA” www.jesselynnmadera.comJoy Zimmerman "If I Should Fall Behind" - Where The Light Lives www.jooyzimmermanmusic.comBen Bedford "Darkflight" - Valley Of Stars www.benbedford.comClosing music: Geoffrey Armes "Vrikshashana (The Tree)" - Spirit Dwelling Running time: 3 hours, 36 minutes.I hold deed to this audio's usage, which is free to share with specific attribution, non-commercial and non-derivation rules.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Some people are just wired to make things better–in their businesses, their communities, their small towns–even when it's hard, and nobody around them quite gets it. This episode is for those people. We get it. Today's guest, Jordan DeGree, gets it. And he has created the Rural Ideas Network to connect you with other people who get it, too. Today's episode is what support and connection can look like, and where you can find them. About Jordan: Jordan DeGree is an entrepreneur, social innovator, artist, and comedian. No, just kidding about the comedian part. He's experimented with several different ventures and enjoys solving problems, creating value, and helping people. Jordan and his team launched the Rural Ideas Network, a nonprofit organization, in 2021. They continue to evolve how it supports and connects rural innovators in small communities across the country. Some random stats - Jordan has 3 kids, an $11M real estate portfolio, was awarded a Governor's Volunteer Award, has a 4.96 star host rating on Airbnb, changed his major 4 times in college, has helped hundreds of rural ventures since 2021, teaches a stained glass class most Tuesdays, and has successfully avoided joining LinkedIn. He's at his best helping people think outside the box and finding new opportunities to create value. You can learn more about Jordan at JordanDeGree.com.  In this episode, we cover: The origin story of the Rural Ideas Network — and what five years of experimenting built into RIN 2.0 Why "Rural Innovator" is a bigger tent than you might think The new Rural Innovator Awards, the wildcard category, and the October 8th Summit date you'll want to save Rebecca's honest reflection on almost quitting — and what pulled her back Why "where you're standing determines what you see" might be the most useful thing you hear this week Links + Resources Mentioned: Rural Ideas Network: https://ruralideas.net/ Growing Small Towns Club: https://www.growingsmalltowns.org/club Want to get your business in front of our audience? We are looking for podcast sponsors! Each season, we feature a select group of Small Business Partners—brands that share our mission to celebrate small-town life and big ideas. With a 4–6% average Facebook engagement rate (well above the industry average), 2,600+ loyal followers, and 45,000 monthly content views, we have an amazing, highly engaged audience of people who can't wait to learn more about you. When we feature you, your story, and your product/service, it's like a friend's recommendation, because it is. Want to know more? Reach out to us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org We have a membership! Join the GST Club — a virtual support community built for those leading change in small-town America. For $30/month, you'll get twice-monthly live calls with Rebecca, access to a private network of fellow small-town changemakers, replay recordings, frameworks, and early access to GST events. It's for anyone from volunteers and entrepreneurs to city officials who believe small towns deserve big ideas and better leadership. Part think-tank. Part pep-talk. Part creative jam session. All support.  We Want to Hear From You! We really, really do, and if you'll let us, we'd love to feature your actual message just like we did with Terri's (with your permission, of course!) Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're have two "participation dance" elements of the show: "Small town humblebrags": Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  "Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges": Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!

CHRIS ILES-Vice President of Communications from the Star Tribune, and LISA SCHWARZ, Development And Communications Director for the Minnesota Newspaper and the Minnesota News Media Institute, talked with Vineeta about the first ever event taking place today until midnight at GIVEMN.org

CHRIS ILES-Vice President of Communications from the Star Tribune, and LISA SCHWARZ, Development And Communications Director for the Minnesota Newspaper and the Minnesota News Media Institute, talked with Vineeta about the first ever event taking place today until midnight at GIVEMN.org

Amy Jacobson is the Director of UND's Special Education Resident Teacher Program, and on today's episode, she breaks down two innovative pathways that have trained roughly 600 special education teachers for North Dakota schools since 1997, including one designed for people who don't even have an undergraduate degree yet. The programs combine paid, year-long internships with layered mentorship and heavily subsidized graduate education, creating a model with remarkable retention rates in rural communities. Whether you're in North Dakota or not, this episode is full of transferable ideas for any small town looking to think outside the box about recruiting and retaining the professionals they need most. About Amy: Amy Jacobson, Ed.D. is the Director of both the Special Education Resident Teacher Program and the Accelerated Bachelor of General Studies and Master of Education in Special Education at the University of North Dakota. With over two decades of experience in special education, she leads statewide efforts to recruit, train, and retain special education teachers, particularly in rural and high-need areas.  Dr. Jacobson earned her Doctor of Education in Teacher Education from the University of North Dakota, along with a master's degree in special education.  She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Mayville State University.  In her role, she collaborates with school districts, state agencies, and university partners to oversee program development, funding, and teacher placement. She also coordinates an accelerated pathway program designed to support paraeducators and others in becoming licensed special educators.  Prior to her current position, Dr. Jacobson served as a special education teacher and department leader at the secondary level, where she worked extensively with students with diverse learning needs. She is also an experienced faculty member and advisor, having taught numerous graduate courses and mentored master's students.  Her work focuses on strengthening the special education workforce through innovative preparation models, mentorship, and partnerships across North Dakota.  In this episode, we cover: How UND's Special Education Resident Teacher Program combines grad school with a paid, year-long classroom internship and how that helps retention The creative dual-enrollment pathway Amy built for people who want in but don't have a completed bachelor's degree that helps them earn two degrees in roughly four years Why 75–85% of resident teacher candidates today have zero education background — and why that's a feature, not a bug Practical ideas any community can steal: apprenticeship programs, dual credit for high schoolers, and employer-matched tuition through local economic development Why strong special education in rural schools isn't just good for schools but the whole community Links + Resources Mentioned: Special Education Resident Teacher Program: https://education.und.edu/academics/tlpp/rtp-special-ed.html General Studies Degree with Master's in Special Education: https://und.edu/programs/general-studies-ba-special-education-med/index.html Want to get your business in front of our audience? We are looking for podcast sponsors! Each season, we feature a select group of Small Business Partners—brands that share our mission to celebrate small-town life and big ideas. With a 4–6% average Facebook engagement rate (well above the industry average), 2,600+ loyal followers, and 45,000 monthly content views, we have an amazing, highly engaged audience of people who can't wait to learn more about you. When we feature you, your story, and your product/service, it's like a friend's recommendation, because it is. Want to know more? Reach out to us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org We have a membership! Join the GST Club — a virtual support community built for those leading change in small-town America. For $30/month, you'll get twice-monthly live calls with Rebecca, access to a private network of fellow small-town changemakers, replay recordings, frameworks, and early access to GST events. It's for anyone from volunteers and entrepreneurs to city officials who believe small towns deserve big ideas and better leadership. Part think-tank. Part pep-talk. Part creative jam session. All support.  We Want to Hear From You! We really, really do, and if you'll let us, we'd love to feature your actual message just like we did with Terri's (with your permission, of course!) Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're have two "participation dance" elements of the show: "Small town humblebrags": Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  "Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges": Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!

Jeremiah Ivy grew up in Iola. A 2008 graduate of Iola High School, he now works at B&W Trailer Hitches, is married, and has two daughters. Ivy was elected to his first term on the Iola City Council last November, so he's still learning the ropes and getting up to speed. But he already has several things he hopes to address, and he seems determined to make the most of his time on the Council. In this week's episode of “Registered,” we speak with Ivy about what he hopes to accomplish on the Council and how Iola can move forward.

In this episode of Franchise Marketing Radio, Lee interviews Steve Hart, CEO and Co-Founder of Property Management, Inc. (PMI). Steve discusses how PMI became the largest property management franchise in the U.S., with over 450 partners across 48 states. He explains how PMI supports franchisees across five sectors—residential, commercial, HOA, short-term rentals, and multifamily—providing systems, […]

Jason talks with listeners about Gov. Walz's new PAC which is directing the attention of Democrats back towards smaller, rural towns. Is it the right message from the wrong messenger?

Rebecca sits down with futurist Rebecca Ryan for a conversation about why and how small towns need to stop planning for the past and start envisioning multiple possible futures. They discuss the PHOEBE energy assessment, the three futures framework, and why traditional stakeholder-based visioning often fails. It's one of those episodes that both challenges how you think while also encouraging you to work in your strengths, build trust over polish, and remember that the future isn't something that just happens to us—we happen to it too. About Rebecca: Rebecca Ryan is a noted top 50 professional futurist, economist, best-selling author and entrepreneur. She is the founder of NEXT Generation Consulting through which she partners with government leaders across the country. Looking a generation ahead, she outlines strategies in urban planning, economic development and workforce development to ensure communities are well equipped for future trends and challenges. Rebecca is a graduate of Drake University with a certificate in Strategic Foresight from University of Houston; she is the Resident Futurist at the Alliance for Innovation and on the Executive Committee of the global Association of Professional Futurists. In this episode, we cover: How Rebecca Ryan became a professional futurist and why that career path even exists The PHOEBE assessment and its four energy patterns: Visionary, Collaborator, Organizer, and Driver Why most strategic plans are just last year's document with updated dates The three futures framework: expectable, challenging, and visionary Why trust is the invisible force multiplier that makes or breaks community work Links + Resources Mentioned: Keynotes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQcg7ED38gI Substack: https://rebeccaryanfuturist.substack.com/ Training: https://rebeccaryan.com/what-we-do/training/think-like-a-futurist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@rebeccaryan620 Want to get your business in front of our audience? We are looking for podcast sponsors! Each season, we feature a select group of Small Business Partners—brands that share our mission to celebrate small-town life and big ideas. With a 4–6% average Facebook engagement rate (well above the industry average), 2,600+ loyal followers, and 45,000 monthly content views, we have an amazing, highly engaged audience of people who can't wait to learn more about you. When we feature you, your story, and your product/service, it's like a friend's recommendation, because it is. Want to know more? Reach out to us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org We have a membership! Join the GST Club — a virtual support community built for those leading change in small-town America. For $30/month, you'll get twice-monthly live calls with Rebecca, access to a private network of fellow small-town changemakers, replay recordings, frameworks, and early access to GST events. It's for anyone from volunteers and entrepreneurs to city officials who believe small towns deserve big ideas and better leadership. Part think-tank. Part pep-talk. Part creative jam session. All support.  We Want to Hear From You! We really, really do, and if you'll let us, we'd love to feature your actual message just like we did with Terri's (with your permission, of course!) Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're have two "participation dance" elements of the show: "Small town humblebrags": Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  "Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges": Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!

[REBROADCAST FROM February 27, 2026] "Bigfoot! A New Musical" is a new musical comedy about small town rumors, conspiracy theories, and of course giant, hairy creatures. Amber Ruffin, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the show, discusses the show alongside actors Crystal Lucas Perry, who plays Bigfoot's mom, Francine and Grey Henson in the role of Bigfoot. "Bigfoot! A New Musical" runs through April 26, and is nominated for Outstanding Musical at the 2026 Lucille Lortel Awards. Photo courtesy of the production

Trump's terrible week started Sunday when he attacked the Pope and then presented himself in an AI image as Jesus Christ; he then took control of the Strait of Hormuz, making sure that oil and gas prices continue to rise; and then Victor Orbán, Trump's MAGA ally in Hungary, lost his election to Peter Magyar – Harold Meyerson comments.Also: It's been only a couple of weeks since the No Kings 3 protests, but we can see now how protest and resistance are changing in America: that one it wasn't just bigger than the previous No Kings. It was different: Deeper and more connected. Rebecca Solnit argues that to understand resistance and change today, we need a much longer perspective than a couple of years. Her new book is The Beginning Comes After the End.Plus: Minneapolis made history with its mobilization against ICE. But what about the rest of the state, where the immigrant population has been growing for a couple of decades? What kind of resistance has developed there? Emma Janssen went to small town Minnesota to find out. She's a writing fellow at The American Prospect.

Check out our newest episode with Heather Wright-Rager, the Owner/Founder of Plot Twist Adventures and one of the best humans I know! Listen in as Heather and Kristy discuss: -Don't miss Heather's powerful and inspiring journey, as she tells us her in-depth story about her heroic struggles that eventually inspired her to create Plot Twist Adventures! -How Heather overcame the difficulties many of us have faced during Covid, and how the “Plot Twists” began to happen.-Listen to how Heather found a whole world of seasonal travel work that she never knew existed and found the courage to explore something new.-Going back to Bunk Beds at 42?? Yep! -What's a Ranch Mama??-The life-changing results of putting over 45,000 miles on your SUV in a year!-How exploring the windows of the world over the last 3 years is the greatest gift Heather could have ever given to herself, and how @plottwistadventures has evolved into an all-inclusive camping and hiking tour company.-Why Plot Twist Adventures is a small group tour company unlike any other. When Heather says “inclusive,” she means it!-Why Small Group Tours are the BEST way to have a life-changing experience, and how small towns are supporting the outdoor adventure community. -Heather's Heart for Small Towns and how she incorporates that passion into her work.-Some of Heather's favorite Small Towns. -Kristy's personal endorsement for Plot Twist Adventures and her experience.-The creation of the “Wild & Free OG's”!-How Heather continued to “follow the light” even in dark places, and it has led her to her dream job. -Listen to Heather's travel lifestyle, even during this podcast!-What you can expect from signing up and going on a Plot Twist Adventure! **More on  HeatherWright-Rager:Heather Wright-Rager is a seasoned entrepreneurand marketing professional with over 25 years of experience delivering exceptional customer service across a wide range of industries. Most notably, she owned and operated a full-service marketing agency for more than adecade, helping brands grow through strategic, results-driven marketing initiatives.Today, Heather remains highly active as a marketingconsultant, assisting brands and business owners across the United States.Her expertise includes strategic planning, social media management, email marketing, media buying, online community management, and integrateddigital campaigns designed to build strong, authentic connections with audiences.In addition to consulting, Heather continues to pursue herpassion for entrepreneurship through her own ventures. She is the founder of Plot Twist Adventures, an all-inclusive hiking and camping company that curates small-group outdoor experiences. Plot Twist Adventures allows guests to enjoy epic adventures without the stress of planning—providing transportation, meals, gear, guided hikes, and thoughtfullydesigned itineraries that make the outdoors accessible and unforgettable.Click Here for Website: https://www.plottwistadventures.com/Follow on Facebook: ⁠ @plottwistadventures Instagram: @plottwistadventures About The ⁠Travel Small Towns Podcast⁠:Welcome to the ⁠Travel Small Towns Podcast⁠(formerly My Town Travels). The Only Podcast Dedicated to Small Town Travel Destinations, Culture, & Lifestyle from a small-town perspective. We are bringing you Destination Stories, Experiences, and Tips with Expert Interviews,including Travel Professionals, Writers, Bloggers, Influencers, and Special Individuals who uplift their ⁠Small-Town Communities⁠!Listen now to great travel stories and insights you'll love,whether for an escape, a laugh, to relate, or to find the best Small-Town Destinations! Join host Kristy Burns, guest collaborators, and small-town enthusiasts as they discuss what makes small towns special and unique places tovisit.Check out More on Small Town Travel at ⁠Travelsmalltowns.com  

What actually moves a small town forward? It's not a lack of ideas, it's a lack of execution. This episode digs into the mindset shift from planning to ownership, showing how consistent action, local investment, and focusing on the people who show up can create real momentum over time. It's a practical, experience-based take on how we make things happen on the ground.  About Andrew: After a 15-year career working in rural North America with the various businesses and economic development organizations, Andrew founded Mashup Lab (www.mashuplab.ca); a for-more-than-profit company focused on one thing: unleashing the entrepreneurial potential of rural places.  Mashup Lab's activities fall under two business units; virtual business incubation programming, and a network of rural co-working spaces that operate under the brand WorkEvolved (www.WorkEvolved.ca).  To date Mashup Lab has successfully scaled its Virtual Business Incubator to rural regions throughout Canada & the US, working with more than 1,200 entrepreneurs to start and grow 700+ businesses in 600+ rural communities. Andrew is also co-founder of Awesome South Shore (www.awesomesouthshore.ca), a community-backed micro-fund that has given away over $90,000 in no-strings-attached cash to people that want to do something awesome in their community. Andrew holds an MBA from Saint Mary's University and a BBA from Acadia University.  Most recently he was selected into the Wallace McCain Institute's Entrepreneurial Leaders Program as one the Top 30 high-growth potential entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada. Andrew is from a small rural community in Newfoundland, married a girl from a small rural community in Nova Scotia (Eva) that they now call home with their two boys (James & Josh). In this episode, we cover: Why most communities don't have an idea problem—they have an execution problem The difference between chasing big wins and building sustainable, incremental growth How to think about participation without getting stuck on who isn't involved What generational transition really means—and how to adapt instead of resist it Why ownership, not titles or committees, is the real driver of progress Links + Resources Mentioned: 1) Folks can connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abutton/ 2) If listeners would like to chat about what they're working on in their small town and how Andrew and/or Mashup Lab might be helpful (or anything else we touch on during our conversation, for that matter!), Andrew is kindly offering a free, no obligation Discovery Call! Book here: https://tidycal.com/mashuplab/discovery-call  3) If listeners would like more details on our Dream Business Program (aka Mashup Lab Virtual Business Incubator), please fill out this form: https://wkf.ms/4bMNmhV Want to get your business in front of our audience? We are looking for podcast sponsors! Each season, we feature a select group of Small Business Partners—brands that share our mission to celebrate small-town life and big ideas. With a 4–6% average Facebook engagement rate (well above the industry average), 2,600+ loyal followers, and 45,000 monthly content views, we have an amazing, highly engaged audience of people who can't wait to learn more about you. When we feature you, your story, and your product/service, it's like a friend's recommendation, because it is. Want to know more? Reach out to us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org We have a membership! Join the GST Club — a virtual support community built for those leading change in small-town America. For $30/month, you'll get twice-monthly live calls with Rebecca, access to a private network of fellow small-town changemakers, replay recordings, frameworks, and early access to GST events. It's for anyone from volunteers and entrepreneurs to city officials who believe small towns deserve big ideas and better leadership. Part think-tank. Part pep-talk. Part creative jam session. All support. We Want to Hear From You! We really, really do, and if you'll let us, we'd love to feature your actual message just like we did with Terri's (with your permission, of course!) Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're have two "participation dance" elements of the show: "Small town humblebrags": Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  "Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges": Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!  

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Clay Tyler and Ryan Meisch, co-founders of CTR Response, a digital ad agency in Southern Alabama. Ryan Meisch, originally from Illinois, shares how he moved from film school to advertising, driven by a desire for better career options. Clay Tyler talks about growing up in rural Alabama, his fascination with technology, and his journey into digital marketing. The two explain how they met, teamed up, and eventually launched CTR Response right before the pandemic hit. Together, they break down how digital advertising has changed, the importance of transparency and data, and how they've helped local businesses compete with big agencies using cutting-edge tools. If you want to understand digital marketing from the ground up, and hear some great entrepreneurial stories, this episode is for you. 3 Episode Key Takeaways The Power of Complementary Partnerships The origin story of CTR Response highlights how Ryan Meisch and Clay Tyler brought together complementary skill sets, Ryan's business and sales background and Clay's technical expertise. This "yin and yang" dynamic is emphasized throughout their journey, showing how their collaboration filled each other's gaps and ultimately laid the groundwork for their agency's success.   The Shift from Traditional to Digital Advertising Both guests reflect on their careers, starting in traditional media (like TV and radio), and on how they witnessed the rapid evolution and growth of digital advertising. Ryan Meisch shared how he was initially more drawn to digital because of its transparency and measurable results, a clear advantage over traditional channels. Their story illustrates the broader industry transformation and how adapting to digital trends unlocked new opportunities for both themselves and their clients.   Advertising Education Before Implementation A major part of CTR's philosophy is their focus on educating clients before jumping into execution. Clay Tyler explains that helping clients truly understand what digital advertising is (and isn't) empowers them to make better decisions and sets realistic expectations. This "education before implementation" approach aims to build trust and long-term relationships, and it's one of the key differentiators they bring to their boutique agency.

Vacant and deteriorating properties are a challenge facing communities across the country—but small towns are not powerless to address them. In this episode, Liz from the Center for Community Progress shares practical strategies communities can use to inventory vacant buildings, navigate ownership challenges, and turn neglected properties into opportunities for revitalization. The conversation explores how data, partnerships, and creative thinking can help small towns reclaim the spaces that shape their future. About Liz: Liz Kozub is an Associate Director for Technical Assistance at the Center for Community Progress. As an experienced project manager and program developer, she has spent the past decade focused on helping communities develop policy solutions, partnerships, and innovative approaches to addressing systemic vacancy. Kozub draws on extensive experience building interlocal cooperation among underserved communities to support the places the Technical Assistance team serves, with a focus on land banks and code enforcement. Passionate about emboldening local leaders to make a difference in their communities, Kozub has fostered connections between grassroots leaders in community revitalization from Montgomery, Alabama to Reading, Pennsylvania; and helped local official strengthen their arguments for land banks in New Jersey and Indiana. Prior to joining the Community Progress team, Kozub was an instrumental member of the leadership team to form the Tri-COG Land Bank, a multi-municipal, community-driven land bank in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The Tri-COG Land Bank has since grown to become a national model for land banking in the United States. She also led the establishment of a multi-municipal code enforcement program to support small under-resourced communities. Kozub received a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International affairs, and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Allegheny College. She is based just outside of Buffalo, New York. In this episode, we cover: Why understanding who owns vacant properties is the first step toward solving the problem How communities can use code enforcement, land banks, and tax tools to address vacancy Why time is the biggest enemy of a vacant building Creative ways communities are using arts and community engagement to activate empty spaces How small towns can build partnerships to turn vacant properties into new opportunities Links + Resources Mentioned: Example project: Breathing Lights Example project: Dear Tamaqua and Tamaqua Area Community Partnership press: Tamaqua praised for arts, culture projects Resource: Creative placemaking in vacant properties example projects Resource: State of Land Banking Survey Snapshot Resource: Financial Impacts of Vacancy Report: Reevaluating Code Enforcement Event: Community Progress' Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference Event/Educational Resources: Community Progress' monthly webinar series Services: Technical Assistance Brochure, or reach out to Liz at ekozub@communityprogress.org Want to get your business in front of our audience? We are looking for podcast sponsors! Each season, we feature a select group of Small Business Partners—brands that share our mission to celebrate small-town life and big ideas. With a 4–6% average Facebook engagement rate (well above the industry average), 2,600+ loyal followers, and 45,000 monthly content views, we have an amazing, highly engaged audience of people who can't wait to learn more about you. When we feature you, your story, and your product/service, it's like a friend's recommendation, because it is. Want to know more? Reach out to us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org We have a membership! Join the GST Club — a virtual support community built for those leading change in small-town America. For $30/month, you'll get twice-monthly live calls with Rebecca, access to a private network of fellow small-town changemakers, replay recordings, frameworks, and early access to GST events. It's for anyone from volunteers and entrepreneurs to city officials who believe small towns deserve big ideas and better leadership. Part think-tank. Part pep-talk. Part creative jam session. All support.  We Want to Hear From You! We really, really do, and if you'll let us, we'd love to feature your actual message just like we did with Terri's (with your permission, of course!) Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're have two "participation dance" elements of the show: "Small town humblebrags": Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  "Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges": Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!  

Dental clinics across the country are struggling to fill roles, with the pressure hitting smaller towns hardest. Dental Specialist Dr Robin Whyman is the Director of Dental Policy at the NZ Dental Association and spoke to Corin Dann.

On this week's episode of The Liquidity Event, Shane and AJ break down the viral "Settrini Report," a fictional yet plausible AI scenario that rattled markets and raised serious questions about productivity, white-collar job displacement, and the future of labor's share of GDP. They discuss whether AI pricing is sustainable, what new data center infrastructure means for small-town America, and why we may be closer than ever to a zero-employee unicorn company. The conversation then shifts to the ethics and economics of organ donor compensation, including whether families should be reimbursed for funeral expenses and how incentives shape real-world outcomes. The episode wraps with a Reddit debate about paying 1.25% on a $10 million portfolio, what that fee should actually buy you, and why behavioral discipline often matters more than cost. Key Timestamps: 01:52 – How the "Settrini Report" went viral and moved markets 04:18 – AI agents replacing $180K product managers 07:02 – What happens if labor's share of GDP collapses 09:40 – Is AI pricing real, or just VC-subsidized for now? 12:11 – AI infrastructure, power plants, and small-town impact 15:03 – The rise of the zero-employee unicorn founder 18:27 – Organ donor compensation and the ethics debate 22:10 – How other countries structure organ donor incentives 24:54 – Paying 1.25% on a $10M portfolio… is it worth it? 28:41 – Market volatility, geopolitical tension, and staying disciplined

Two Penn legal experts discuss the strategy behind EPA’s rescission of the Endangerment Finding and the court challenges ahead. --- On February 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency formally rescinded the endangerment finding, the 2009 determination that established the legal basis for federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. For 16 years, that finding has underpinned EPA climate policy, reflecting the agency’s conclusion that greenhouse gases pose a threat to human health and that, under the law, it was required to regulate them. The move represents a major shift in federal climate policy. But agencies cannot simply reverse themselves without making a legal case that can withstand court review. Cary Coglianese of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and Shelley Welton of the Kleinman Center and Penn Carey Law examine the legal rationale behind the rescission and how it draws on recent Supreme Court decisions that have narrowed federal agency authority. Rather than disputing climate science, the EPA’s argument rests on a more limited reading of its powers under the Clean Air Act. Welton and Coglianese explain how that argument fits within the Court’s evolving approach to administrative power, and what it could mean for the future of federal climate regulation. Cary Coglianese is Director of the Penn Program on Regulation at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Shelley Welton is Presidential Distinguished Professor of Law and Energy Policy with the Kleinman Center and Penn Carey Law. Related Content Policy Design Issues for Border Carbon Adjustments https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/policy-design-issues-for-border-carbon-adjustments/ Boomtowns in the Battery Belt: Risks and Opportunities of Clean Energy Investments in Small Towns of America https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/boomtowns-in-the-battery-belt-risks-and-opportunities-of-clean-energy-investments-in-small-towns-of-america/ Energy Policy Now is produced by The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. For all things energy policy, visit kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PLEASE ALWAYS READ THIS INFO BOX WHEN YOU VISIT TMVP BLOG. ***Especially please do not send any gift to this ministry unless you have read & understood the instructions below.*** DO NOT INTERACT WITH ANYONE ASKING FOR DONATIONS. Thank you. WEBSITE: WWW.THE-MASTERS-VOICE.COM PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: If you'd like to support this work, it is appreciated. Kindly use PayPal or email me for other options at mastersvoice@mail.com, and *please* give me some time to respond. If using PayPal PLEASE DO NOT send any gift with "Purchase Protection". I have an ordinary PayPal account, not a seller marketplace, so please do not damage my account by using "purchase protection" on your donation (as if I were making a sale to you). If you are not sure (especially if you sent in the past), please check the format of your gift on the PayPal receipt before sending. It is a freewill offering, I am not selling goods or services. Please use *only* the "Friends & Family" sending option. If you're outside the USA please DO NOT use PayPal, contact me instead at the email listed here & allow me a good window to respond. Thank you, God bless. PayPal ------- mastersvoice@mail.com.

Speeding is an epidemic, and it’s costing lives every single day. In today's Small Town Soapbox, Darien dives into the shocking statistics of traffic fatalities in Georgia and the overlooked dangers of speeding. From rural roads to major highways, Darien shares his no-nonsense take on how small towns can tackle this issue, honor law enforcement, and save lives. It’s a heartfelt, unfiltered look at a problem that hits close to home. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or download our app to stay connected! www.1011thepulse.com The Porch with Darien and Asa ios App Android AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the first episode of season SIX of the Growing Small Towns podcast! We're starting off big by having our first-ever TRIO on the pod, and we're so excited to share this episode with you. Most small towns aren't built on startups or corporations; they're built on small (and smaller!) businesses, and today's episode is all about those "smaller" ones: microbusinesses. This episode explores how supporting solopreneurs, side hustles, and local makers creates stronger economies, fuller Main Streets, and communities where people can stay, build, and belong. About Marci, Katie, and Leigh Anna: Marci Goodwin is the co-founder of SmartStart Business Development and has spent over 20 years as an entrepreneur and more than 15 years educating and advocating for small and microbusiness owners—long before "microbusiness" became a buzzword. She works with small and rural communities to build practical, trust-based systems that help local entrepreneurs start, grow, and stay rooted in the places they call home.  Katie Kelly is a public servant turned entrepreneur and SmartStart co-founder who learned a lot about business development the hard way. She used her experiences to develop a system to help others avoid common pitfalls and launch businesses that are set up for success. Leigh Ann Brown has over 20 years of experience in economic development and has a passion for helping community leaders support local microbusinesses. She has served as a Main Street Director, Economic Development Director, and Chamber Director, giving her firsthand insight into the day-to-day demands of these roles. She joined SmartStart as Director of Next Steps to help communities reach their economic development goals through practical, turnkey solutions that don't get pushed to the bottom of the task list.   In this episode, we cover: Why microbusinesses are the majority, yet they're still underserved. Why it's okay to not want to scale Why sustainable businesses are built by understanding customers, not chasing grants How small investments can create big ripples (and you know how much we love a ripple effect!) Why community matters just as much as the tools. Links + Resources Mentioned: SmartStart website: https://www.smartstartcommunity.com/ Want to get your business in front of our audience? We are looking for podcast sponsors! Each season, we feature a select group of Small Business Partners—brands that share our mission to celebrate small-town life and big ideas. With a 4–6% average Facebook engagement rate (well above the industry average), 2,600+ loyal followers, and 45,000 monthly content views, we have an amazing, highly engaged audience of people who can't wait to learn more about you. When we feature you, your story, and your product/service, it's like a friend's recommendation, because it is. Want to know more? Reach out to us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org We have a membership! Join the GST Club — a virtual support community built for those leading change in small-town America. For $30/month, you'll get twice-monthly live calls with Rebecca, access to a private network of fellow small-town changemakers, replay recordings, frameworks, and early access to GST events. It's for anyone from volunteers and entrepreneurs to city officials who believe small towns deserve big ideas and better leadership. Part think-tank. Part pep-talk. Part creative jam session. All support.  We Want to Hear From You! We really, really do, and if you'll let us, we'd love to feature your actual message just like we did with Terri's (with your permission, of course!) Some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're have two "participation dance" elements of the show: "Small town humblebrags": Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  "Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges": Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!  

Is it a National Park or a clerical error? In this episode of the Only in OK Show, Brett and Harley dive into the hilarious history of Guthrie's "smallest National Park" and explores the most charming small towns across the Sooner State. The Typo That Made History: Guthrie's Tiny Landmark Did you know Oklahoma is home to the smallest National Park landmark in the country? Well, technically. Located behind the Guthrie Post Office lies a 10x10 patch of land that exists solely because a city clerk in 1907 didn't double-check their math. Instead of a "100-foot square" plot (10,000 sq. ft.), the paperwork officially designated it as "100 square feet." Today, this "park" is a cult-favorite roadside attraction complete with: An unofficial "Park Ranger" (Stacey Frazier). A wrought iron fence and the historic Beacon Hill monument. "Don't Feed the Bears" signs—despite the only bears being located in nearby antique shops. Exploring the 10 Most Adorable Small Towns in Oklahoma After we "hike" through Guthrie, we zoom out to look at the soul of the state. Based on recent rankings from World Atlas, we break down the must-visit spots for your next Oklahoma road trip: The Scenic Superstars: Broken Bow's towering pines and Eufaula's massive shoreline. Healing Waters: The Arbuckle duo of Sulphur and Davis (don't forget the Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies!). The Cobblestone Charm: Medicine Park, Oklahoma's first resort town. Star Power: Atoka (Reba's Place), Ada (Blake Shelton's stomping grounds), and Pawhuska (The Pioneer Woman & Osage Nation). Culture & History: Hands-on blacksmithing in Grove and the stunning fall foliage of Talihina.   Links & Resources Mentioned United States Smallest National Park Facebook Page World Atlas: 10 Most Adorable Small Towns in Oklahoma Follow us on Social Media: [Insert your links here] Enjoyed the show? If you visit any of these spots, tell them the Only in OK Show sent you!   #OnlyInOK #OklahomaHistory #SoonerState #OklahomaRoadTrip #ExploreOklahoma #OKPodcasts #TravelOK #OklahomaLife #GuthrieOK #SmallestNationalPark #RoadsideAttractions #TravelOddities #OklahomaHistory #GuthrieGhostWalk #HistoricGuthrie #ClericalError #SmallTownOklahoma #MedicinePark #BrokenBow #ArbuckleMountains #Pawhuska #BeaversBend #TurnerFalls #TalimenaDrive #RebasPlace #ChickasawNation #OsageNation #ArbuckleFriedPies #FriedPies #OklahomaTravel #SmallTownCharm #HiddenGems #OklahomaOutdoors

We had a great time sitting down with Trevor and Marissa from Black Swamp Players to talk about their upcoming production of Book of Days, and why this play still hits close to home.⁣⁣Set in a small Missouri town, Book of Days starts with a mysterious death at a local cheese plant and quickly unravels into something much bigger. Part mystery, part dark comedy, the story digs into what happens when a community is forced to face uncomfortable truths it would rather ignore. We talk about the play's sharp humor, layered characters, and why Lanford Wilson's writing continues to feel timely decades later.⁣⁣If you love theater that makes you laugh, lean forward, and think a little harder on the way home, this conversation is for you.⁣⁣Book of Days runs February 20–22 and February 27–March 1.⁣Tickets available at: https://www.onthestage.tickets/black-swamp-players

AI data centers are driving rapid demand growth, exposing the limits of traditional electricity forecasting and planning. --- Electricity demand in the United States is rising fast, fueled in large part by the rapid expansion of AI data centers. Grid operators have repeatedly revised their demand forecasts upward as they try to anticipate how much new power these facilities, along with other emerging loads such as advanced manufacturing and crypto mining, will require. In January, however, something unexpected happened. PJM Interconnection, the nation’s largest grid operator, lowered its demand growth outlook, just weeks after a capacity auction driven by expectations of booming demand produced record high prices. Estimating how much electricity new data centers and other large loads will actually add to the grid is difficult, and the uncertainty cuts both ways. Overestimating demand can leave consumers paying for grid infrastructure that never gets fully used. Underestimating it can threaten reliability. All of this is playing out as the rapid buildout of data centers is increasingly framed as a question of economic competitiveness and national security. On the podcast, Shana Ramirez and Arne Olson of Energy and Environmental Economics argue that while improving forecast accuracy remains important, uncertainty itself needs to play a more central role in how the grid is planned and governed. In a recent E3 paper, they lay out why demand forecasts will remain imperfect, and why grid rules and planning processes should be designed to work across a range of possible outcomes rather than relying on a single view of the future. Ramirez and Olson discuss the reliability and cost challenges this uncertainty creates and describe governance approaches that could help the power system remain reliable and affordable as new loads come online. Shana Ramirez is director, asset valuation and markets at E3. Arne Olson is a senior partner at E3. Related Content: Boomtowns in the Battery Belt: Risks and Opportunities of Clean Energy Investments in Small Towns of America https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/boomtowns-in-the-battery-belt-risks-and-opportunities-of-clean-energy-investments-in-small-towns-of-america/ Energy System Planning: New Models for Accelerating Decarbonization https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/energy-system-planning-new-models-for-accelerating-decarbonization/ Energy Policy Now is produced by The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. For all things energy policy, visit kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep 243 | Are villages making a comeback? Have we been cutting pomegranates wrong this whole time? Does Pfizer really control your cheese? And is grocery store honey actually… honey? This week on Discover AG, Tara and Natalie explore the buzz around "agrihoods" — residential neighborhoods built around working farms instead of a clubhouse or golf course. They also take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with 30 country songs turning 30, learn a genuinely helpful hack to avoid the "pomegranate blood bath," and investigate viral food claims that Pfizer "owns cheese" and grocery store honey is "one of the most altered foods on the shelf." What We Discovered This Week

The Podcast That Rocked for 1/14/26. Kid Rock pandering Rock The Country festival announces many names, Bandcamp stands against AI, Real Back To The Beginning charity numbers, and more. Discussion Topics:Kid Rock's Rock The Country to ruin small townsBandcamp Bans AI MusicBack To The Beginning had misspoken charity amount raisedJohnny Craig documentary will be insaneMetallica going to The Sphere in Las VegasTaylor Momsen's ab workout playlist?Poison The Well to return with first new album in over a decadeUpcoming albums/tours/more SONG OF THE WEEK: Converge “We Were Never The Same” = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNfRyuSMiBcCRAZY Concert Stories From Welcome To Rockville = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inRGGnAn6Uk "It's this simple. Rock The Country isn't just a music festival; it's a movement," says Kid Rock. "In 2026, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this is a place for hard-working, God-fearing patriots to gather as one and celebrate freedom, music and the party of the year" We here at The Podcast That Rocked would like to remind anyone to not listen to Kid Rock. His music or anything he says in general.

Looking back at more of our favourite stories from 2025:Putting truth and reconciliation into practice: a special program in Manitoba teaches teachers ways of integrating the concepts into their classroom. And a sacred pipe is returned to a Saskatchewan First Nation after 135 years.And: As climate change heats up the air and dries out the ground, wine makers turn to methods both high-tech and ancient to protect their vineyards.Also: In small towns in Ontario and Quebec, hockey is a big deal. The Northern Premier Hockey League boasts professional quality hockey — including retired NHL players — played not for money, but for the love of the game.Plus: Medical schools try new ways of attracting and training future doctors, the need to keep young people in a popular retirement destination, a hospital drama brings an overlooked group of medical workers to the screen, and more.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What happens when a former Harlequin author turns indie, builds a direct sales empire, and writes an entire series about small-town single dads? In this episode, I sit down with contemporary romance author Amy Knupp to talk about the business of romance and her cozy, Christmasy small-town world.We chat about Amy's journey from writing category romance for Harlequin to going fully indie, how she uses direct sales and Shopify to connect with readers, and why she loves writing emotional, character-driven small-town stories. Then we dive into her Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake series and her new Christmas romance Single Wish, featuring a grumpy Christmas tree farmer, a reformed mean girl, and a delicious second-chance enemies-to-lovers arc set in a Tennessee lake town.

In this episode of Set Lusting Bruce, host Jesse Jackson welcomes guest Jay Armstrong, a longtime friend and one of the podcast's earliest guests. Jay shares insights from his teaching experiences, where he used Bruce Springsteen's 'Thunder Road' as a poetic exercise for his students. The episode dives into the longstanding debate over whether Mary gets in the car and how perspectives on the song have evolved over time. Jay discusses his new book, 'Follow Your Dreams Down: Scenes from Small Towns, Jukebox Nights, and Roads That Give Second Chances,' which is a collection of short stories inspired by Springsteen's songs. The conversation also touches on Jay's experiences with his medical condition, the importance of resilience, and the challenges of writing fiction. Tune in for an engaging discussion about music, teaching, and the human experience, all through the lens of Bruce Springsteen's work. https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/PAN4570949113.mp3?updated=1764213605 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Jay Armstrong 00:28 The Thunder Road Classroom Debate 03:10 Jay's New Book and Writing Journey 05:24 Exploring Themes in Bruce's Music 07:28 Jay's Fiction Writing Inspiration 10:56 Challenges of Writing Short Stories 18:16 Bruce Springsteen's Recent Works and Collaborations 23:41 Reflecting on Youth and Urgency 24:16 Anticipation for the Bruce Springsteen Movie 25:13 The Challenge of Being True to Oneself 26:47 The Fear of Rejection 28:12 Writing and Letting Go 29:37 Lessons from Living with a Condition 31:54 Memories and Stories of Loved Ones 33:08 The Absurdity of Love 36:10 Crafting a Book Like a Concert Setlist 40:45 Connecting with Readers 44:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Set Lusting Bruce, host Jesse Jackson welcomes guest Jay Armstrong, a longtime friend and one of the podcast's earliest guests. Jay shares insights from his teaching experiences, where he used Bruce Springsteen's 'Thunder Road' as a poetic exercise for his students. The episode dives into the longstanding debate over whether Mary gets in the car and how perspectives on the song have evolved over time. Jay discusses his new book, 'Follow Your Dreams Down: Scenes from Small Towns, Jukebox Nights, and Roads That Give Second Chances,' which is a collection of short stories inspired by Springsteen's songs. The conversation also touches on Jay's experiences with his medical condition, the importance of resilience, and the challenges of writing fiction. Tune in for an engaging discussion about music, teaching, and the human experience, all through the lens of Bruce Springsteen's work. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Jay Armstrong 00:28 The Thunder Road Classroom Debate 03:10 Jay's New Book and Writing Journey 05:24 Exploring Themes in Bruce's Music 07:28 Jay's Fiction Writing Inspiration 10:56 Challenges of Writing Short Stories 18:16 Bruce Springsteen's Recent Works and Collaborations 23:41 Reflecting on Youth and Urgency 24:16 Anticipation for the Bruce Springsteen Movie 25:13 The Challenge of Being True to Oneself 26:47 The Fear of Rejection 28:12 Writing and Letting Go 29:37 Lessons from Living with a Condition 31:54 Memories and Stories of Loved Ones 33:08 The Absurdity of Love 36:10 Crafting a Book Like a Concert Setlist 40:45 Connecting with Readers 44:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lana Trantham runs Grace and Grit, a small-town emporium-style business selling unique kitchen and bath goods, organic pantry staples and handmade personal-care items. Lana learned retail and pottery merchandising from her mother while homeschooling four children; she now helps local makers sell through booth-style retail and community events.Janet Calhoun is a sixth-generation potter and co-owner of Traditions Pottery in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. She learned pottery at her family's production pottery and built a retail presence over decades—hosting twice-yearly wood-fired kiln openings, selling both wholesale and retail, and blending generational artisan techniques with modern retail strategies.In this episode: Lana and Janet discuss multi-generational craft traditions, building and merchandising small-town retail, collaborating with local makers, staging kiln openings and seasonal planning, and strategies for keeping community retail alive.We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we'll see you on the mic!We are doing our first-ever open call! You can submit your store or favorite store to be on the podcast because every store has a story behind it! Go to theretailwhorepodcast.com, click on SUBMIT YOUR STORE, fill out an easy form and we'll see you on the mic!What's inside:1. How family legacy and signature glazes/shapes create a collectible pottery brand and customer loyalty.2. Practical retail tactics for small-town shops: booth-style emporiums, cross-merchandising, monthly events, and partnering with local government for rent support.3. The logistics behind seasonal planning for handmade goods: kiln timing, wholesale collaborations, and balancing online sales with in-person tourist seasons.Bolick and Traditions Pottery InstagramBolick and Traditions Pottery WebsiteThe Local Exchange InstagramSupport the show

In small towns, fear doesn't always hide in the shadows. Sometimes it writes letters. Sometimes it carries a shotgun. In this episode of DEVIANT, host Dan Szematowicz takes you inside two real American nightmares. In Circleville, Ohio, thousands of anonymous letters turn a quiet town inside out, exposing secrets, destroying lives and leaving behind a mystery that's never solved. In Skidmore, Missouri, a man named Ken Rex McElroy terrorizes his neighbors for years while the law looks away. And then, one July afternoon, the town decides to take justice into its own hands. Two towns. Two reckonings. One truth: when fear becomes unbearable, silence breaks. Follow on Instagram and TikTok @deviant.podcast. SOURCES: State of Ohio v. Paul Freshour (1983); Columbus Dispatch archives; Circleville Herald archives; Unsolved Mysteries (NBC, 1993); CBS 48 Hours (2021); In Broad Daylight by Harry N. MacLean; Kansas City Star and Washington Post archives; FBI and Missouri State Highway Patrol case summaries. Copyright 2025, Cold Open Media LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These are 3 True Scary Stories from Creepy Small TownsLinktree: https://linktr.ee/its_just_creepyStory Credits:►Sent in to https://www.justcreepy.net/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:00:18 Story 100:25:06 Story 200:47:44 Story 3Music by:►'Decoherence' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM_AjpJL5I4&t=0s► Myuu's channel http://bit.ly/1k1g4ey ►CO.AG Music http://bit.ly/2f9WQpeBusiness inquiries: ►creepydc13@gmail.com#scarystories #horrorstories #smalltownstories

Host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories about self-deception.  In “Participation Trophy,” by Simon Rich, the author is taken to task by a discarded relic of childhood triumphs.  The reader is Colton Dunn.  Japanese playwright and novelist Betsuyaku Minoru creates an Industrial Age fable in “Factory Town.”  The story was translated by Royall Tyler and is read by Suzy Nakamura.  And a college student falls in love with the idea of love in Lauren Pruneski's “Mama, Mama,” read by Kirsten Vangsness.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Trump administration's push to expand immigration enforcement -- as part of its deportation efforts -- has created job opportunities in small towns and cities.We head to one of them -- Folkston, Georgia, a community of about 2,800 residents..That number will soon swell as immigrant detainees fill up a growing ICE detention center at the edge of town. The center is in a old prison run by the private prison corporation, the GEO Group, and is set to become the nation's largest detention facility.We hear about the hopes and fears of the town's residents.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Liz Baker, Elena Burnett and Connor Donevan, with audio engineering by Hannah Gluvna.  It was edited by Eric Westervelt and Justine Kenin. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Lucy Score; indie romance powerhouse joins Barely Famous for her first in-person pod to talk pen names, slow-burn swoon, and building a publishing empire from the ground up. We get the adorable origin of “Lucy,” how a self-published book hit #1 on Amazon, and the role Mr. Lucy plays running the business so she can write.Lucy talks about her brand-new series starter Story of My Life. We dig into writing sprints, why she only turns a book in when she's truly happy with it, navigating reviews with a thicker skin, audio-book casting, and the mindset shift from scarcity to “there's room for all of us.”If you love grumpy-sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, big-heart small towns, and behind-the-scenes author chat, this one's for you.Find Lucy: IG @scorelucy • lucyscore.comShop her books anywhere you buy books (indies encouraged!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.