Ask A Kansan

Shaping SPED in Central Kansas with Jeff Hayes - Accessible Kansas

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Hayes, Executive Director of the Central Kansas Cooperative in Education (CKCIE), to unpack how special education works across partnering districts. Jeff explains how CKCIE helps shape and interpret school policies, coordinates services across rural and urban districts, and supports students, families, and educators with staffing, training, and wraparound resources. We also dig into why Jeff chose this work—what keeps him mission-driven, how partnerships make inclusion possible, and where he sees special education headed in Kansas.
Interview LinksCKCIE - https://www.305ckcie.com/ 
Intro & Outro Mr. Beat Time Capsule - https://www.tiktok.com/@iammrbeat/video/7545193202417011999?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7426026952244659758

Interview Rapper, DJ, and Arts Activist Cash Hollistah - Beats Kansas

In this episode, we sit down with Cash Hollistah, a local Kansan and creative force in the Salina arts community. Known for his music, storytelling, and leadership, Cash shares what inspires his artistry and how he uses his voice to spark connection and conversation.
We talk about the power of music in Kansas, how creativity can transform communities, and the intentional ways Cash invests his time and talent to make Salina a more vibrant place. His passion and thoughtfulness shine through in every story he shares, reminding us of the impact one person can have on the cultural fabric of our state.
 
Cash Hollistah (FB) - https://www.facebook.com/cashhollistah/ 
Cash Hollistah (Instah) - https://www.instagram.com/cashhollistah/ 
 
Sponsors
Renaissance Cafe - https://www.renaissancecafeassaria.com/ 
Cohort Digital - https://cohort.digital/ 

Resilient Kansan - Trisha Smith

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we sit down with Trisha Smith, Director of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge (Friends of Maxwell) in Canton, KS. Trisha shares how a winding, resilient life journey led her to steward one of Kansas’s most remarkable prairie preserves. We talk about the refuge’s mission, the impact of bison and elk on native grasslands, and the community of volunteers and partners that make preservation possible. It’s a conversation about restoration—of land, purpose, and people.
 
Links
Space Pen - https://a.co/d/5cx3MML
Maxwell Wildlife Refuge: https://maxwellwildliferefuge.com/
Outro
Kansas Jayhawks Fans - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EkVQsNw3r/
I Grew Up in Kansas - https://www.facebook.com/share/16Dk2PQYNr/
 
Canton, Kansas

Picturing Kansas - Jim Richardson

In this week’s Ask A Kansan, we’re honored to sit down with Jim Richardson, acclaimed photographer for National Geographic and contributing editor for TRAVELER Magazine. Over the course of his career, Jim has photographed more than fifty stories for National Geographic, traveling from volcanic peaks to the depths of the soil beneath our feet, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and countless places in between.
ABC News Nightline even followed Jim into the field and behind the scenes at National Geographic headquarters, capturing the depth and dedication of his storytelling process. In our conversation, Jim reflects on how his Kansas roots shaped his perspective, the journey that launched his career, and the lessons learned from seeing the world through a lens.
 
Jim Richardson: https://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/index 
National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/experts/jim-richardson/
Crossbow Productions Bio: https://youtu.be/Bn04SCwE_GY?si=pIOarCTCdQFFXCX0 
Geo Catching: https://www.geocaching.com/play
Sponsors 
Cohort.Digiral - https://cohort.digital/
Renaissance Cafe - https://www.renaissancecafeassaria.com/ 
 

Uncovering Kansas - Dr. Carlton Shield Chief Gover

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carlton Shield Chief Gover, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Kansas, and Curator at the Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum. A proud member of the Pawnee Nation, Carlton shares his expertise on Kansas archaeology, Native history, and cultural preservation.
Our conversation explores the significance of the Pawnee Nation’s heritage, what Kansans can do to help protect and respect artifacts and sites, and how anyone interested can get involved in archaeology. Carlton offers a deeper understanding of the connections between culture, history, and community here in Kansas.
 
Carlton - https://biodiversity.ku.edu/people/carlton-shield-chief-gover
Carlton Podcasts
https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/great-plains-archaeology
https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/sitebites
KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum
https://biodiversity.ku.edu/
Pawnee Nation - https://pawneenation.org/
 
Outro
Bee TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@madie.mathews/video/7535269598564764958
Kansas Bee Association - https://www.facebook.com/groups/902499509808882/
Newsletter Link - https://www.askakansan.com/news
 
Sponsors
Cohort.Digital - https://cohort.digital/
Renaissance Cafe - https://www.renaissancecafeassaria.com/ 
 

Sampling Kansas - Marci Penner

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we sit down with Marci Penner, co-founder of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. Alongside her father, Marci has dedicated her work to showcasing the heart of Rural Kansas, enhancing tourism outreach, and strengthening small-town communities. As a leading expert on what Rural Kansas has to offer, she shares her insights, stories, and passion for helping others discover the hidden gems across the state.
Show Links
About Marci - https://kansassampler.org/about-marci 
Kansas Sampler Foundation - https://kansassampler.org/
 
City: Inman

Unboxable Kansan - James Bowden

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we meet James Bowden—a local farmer, volunteer, leader, and true change maker. Known for his unmatched energy and dedication, James shares his insights on agriculture, leadership, and building stronger communities. We dive into his work with Sustain-A-Grain, his passion for sustainable farming practices, and the ways he’s inspiring others to think big and lead with purpose.
 
Topic Links
James Bowden - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-bowden-1756a4b1/ 
Sustain-A-Grain - https://www.sustainagrain.com/ 
Salina Innovation Foundation - https://www.salinatemple.com/ 
 
Sponsors 
Renaisance Cafe - https://www.renaissancecafeassaria.com/ 
Cohort.Digital - https://cohort.digital/ 
 
City: Gypsum
 

Big Little Big Kansan - Erika Nelson

In this episode of Ask a Kansan, we sit down with Erika Nelson—an independent artist, educator, and roadside attraction enthusiast. Erika shares how her passion for unconventional art and storytelling has taken her across the country in search of the world's largest things. She brings those experiences back home to Kansas through her unique project: The World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things. Based in Lucas, Kansas, Erika's whimsical and thought-provoking work invites us to see art and community in unexpected places.
Links
http://www.worldslargestthings.com/aboutus.htm 
https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/kansas-creative-arts-and-industries-commission-kcaic/kansas-touring-roster/erika-nelson/ 
 
City: Lucas

Brewing Kansan - Ryan Fairchild

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we sit down with Ryan Fairchild — a father, business owner, musician, and passionate community change maker. Ryan shares the story of how his journey into homebrewing became more than a hobby, evolving into a way he connects with and gives back to his community. From his creative process in brewing to his reflections on family, music, and leadership, Ryan offers a thoughtful look at what it means to build something meaningful — both in a glass and in a town.
Links
Ryan Fairchild - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-fairchild-802a1244 
Great Bend Economic Development: https://www.gbedinc.com/whoweare 
Dry Lake Brewing: https://www.drylakebeer.com/home 
 
City: Great Bend 
 

Explore Kansas - Jordan Roemerman

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we talk with Jordan Roemerman, Deputy Director of Kansas Tourism and Administrator of the Sunflower Summer App. Jordan shares her passion for showcasing the hidden gems across Kansas and how her work helps spark state pride among residents.
We dive into the impact of the Sunflower Summer App—an initiative that encourages families to explore museums, zoos, historical sites, and more across the state for free—and discuss how everyday Kansans can become ambassadors for local tourism. This episode is a call to adventure, community pride, and discovering just how much Kansas has to offer.
 
Kansas Tourism - https://www.travelks.com/ 
 
City: Topeka