Shows / OMAPOD
Episodes
OMAPODUPDATE(S): Censored Barber Bar, Suspended AI Lawyer + Baby Name... or Blackstone?
Nebraska Supreme Court suspends Omaha attorney over AI use, reports WOWT‘Barber Shop’ bar changes name to Censored Shop, reports Nebraska ExaminerNebraska…
OMAPOD10 'Contagiously Charming' Omaha Tourism Campaign Ideas
“Doctor in Omaha isolation says he’s being monitored after testing positive for hantavirus,” reports KETVALSO…* Nebraska primaries indicate which Omaha-area…
OMAPOD2026 Nebraska Primary Election Results Index
2026 Nebraska Primary Election Results: Senate, governor’s race, congressional seats, and more - from KETVALSO…* Evnen out as secretary of state - from…
OMAPODPART II: Ryan Wilkins on the genesis of Blue Dot Energy & the Ewing endorsement aftermath
Ryan Wilkins is a litigation and employment attorney and the co-founder and administrator of the popular Blue Dot Energy Facebook group.To listen to the first…
OMAPODRyan Wilkins on endorsing Denise Powell; Blue Dot Energy's response & John Cavanaugh
Ryan Wilkins is a litigation and employment attorney and the co-founder and administrator of the popular Blue Dot Energy Facebook group. To find your polling…
OMAPODWhere and how should Omaha grow in the future?
To experience - online or in person - the ‘We Make Omaha’ Future Lab, click here.To listen to the OMAPOD episode referenced on the Growth & Development survey…
OMAPODPART II: Kishla Askins on environmental policy, the lean Farm Bill & Iran
Kishla Askins is a candidate for the second district Congressional seat in Nebraska.For more information on her campaign, click here.To find your polling…
OMAPODKishla Askins on McKinney's Facebook post, Sherrill's endorsement & a polarizing primary
Kishla Askins is a candidate for the second district Congressional seat in Nebraska.For more information on her campaign, click here.To find your polling…
OMAPODPART II: Dr. Joseph Gruber on healthcare trends, The Fed, behavioral economics & Jerome Powell
Dr. Joseph Gruber is Executive Vice President and Director of Research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.To listen to the first part of this episode…
OMAPODDr. Joseph Gruber on unprecedented oil shocks, inflation, AI's impact on labor markets & Jevons Paradox
Dr. Joseph Gruber is Executive Vice President and Director of Research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.ALSO…* Woman critically injured after…
OMAPODPART II: Meaghan Walls on West O bias, tactile maps & convincing The Lozier Foundation
Meaghan Walls is the CEO of the Center for Disability Inclusion & the CEO of Assistology.To listen to the first part of Meaghan’s episode, click here. For more…
OMAPODMeaghan Walls on her seven-year struggle to build an inclusive playground at Lake Zorinsky
Meaghan Walls is the CEO of the Center for Disability Inclusion & the CEO of Assistology.For more information on the park referenced at Zorinsky Lake and other…
OMAPODPART II: Buey Tut & Phil McClain on North O's development needs + 'We Make Omaha' & the Age-Friendly initiative
Buey Tut is CEO of Spark.Phil McClain is Founder and Managing Partner of The Mensch Group.For more information on, and to register for the 2026 Reignite2Unite…
OMAPODAndy Akiho on 'Composing Kaneko': collaborating with Ree & Jun Kaneko + the Omaha Symphony
Andy Akiho is a virtuoso percussionist, Pulitzer Prize finalist musician & seven-time GRAMMY-nominated composer. He’s also the subject of the documentary film…
OMAPODScott Henderson on the Gr8er Plains Summit
Scott Henderson is Managing Principal of NMotion powered by gener8tor.For more information and to request a ticket to the Gr8er Plains Summit that’s discussed…
OMAPODDr. Jane Liu on meme coins, tariff data, cryptocurrency credibility & maturing markets
Dr. Jane Liu is Assistant Professor of Economics at The University of Nebraska-Omaha, Associate Editor of Open Economies Review and a pioneering and…
OMAPODPART II: Katie Fourney of SHARE Omaha & Amy Blanchard on how to have an impactful & meaningful volunteer experience
Katie Fourney is Marketing and Communications Manager for SHARE Omaha.Amy Blanchard is a volunteer for a number of organizations in the region, including Big…
OMAPODKatie Fourney of SHARE Omaha & Amy Blanchard on Do Good Days
Katie Fourney is Marketing and Communications Manager for SHARE Omaha. Amy Blanchard is a volunteer for a number of organizations in the region, including…
OMAPODSpark CEO Buey Tut & Phil McClain on the 2026 Reignite2Unite Omaha Development Symposium
Buey Tut is CEO of Spark. Phil McClain is Founder and Managing Partner of The Mensch Group.For more information on, and to register for the 2026 Reignite2Unite…
OMAPODScott Henderson on NE's Business Innovation Act & starting Nebraska Startups Speak Up
Scott Henderson is Managing Principal of NMotion powered by gener8tor.For more information and to subscribe to the Nebraska Startups Speak Up briefing that’s…
OMAPODOPL Exec Director Laura Marlane invites you to the Omaha Central Library Grand Opening
Laura Marlane is the Executive Director of the Omaha Public Library. For more information on Sunday’s Central Library Grand Opening event, click here. For more…
OMAPODJ.J. Harder of Flatwater Free Press on Dorothy Lynch, Nebraska-style Taco Salad, Thousand Island & Hidden Valley Ranch
J.J. Harder is a food critic, opinion columnist, television reporter & United States diplomat.To read “The Dorothy State: The rollicking history of the…
OMAPODSenator John Cavanaugh on dark money attacks, Trump, the Blue Dot, Denise Powell, Brinker Harding & medical can'tabis
Senator John Cavanaugh is a state senator in his second term representing the 9th district and a candidate for the Nebraska 2nd Congressional District seat.For…
OMAPODScott Henderson on cross-pollinating Omaha's startup ecosystem with Offutt's defense industry (+UNMC) & launching Omaha B2G Guild
Scott Henderson is Managing Principal of NMotion powered by gener8tor.For more information and to register to attend the Tuesday, April 28th (from 5:00 - 7:00…
OMAPODLynne Walz on Pillen rumors, ICE in McCook, brain drain in NE & her campaign for Governor
Lynne Walz is the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party in this fall’s election for Governor of Nebraska. For more information on her campaign, click…
OMAPODPART III: Chris Backemeyer on 9/11's aftermath: his rise at the State Department; confronting Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas & Iran
Chris Backemeyer is a former U.S. State Department diplomat who has served on the White House National Security Council and as an advisor in the Executive…
OMAPODDr. Jane Liu on how oil market instability & A.I. relate to Crypto; NE's chartered Telcoin Digital Asset Bank & Mohnish Pabrai
Dr. Jane Liu is Assistant Professor of Economics at The University of Nebraska-Omaha, Associate Editor of Open Economies Review and a pioneering and…
OMAPODAmanda Kephart of Film Streams on Relaxed Screenings & increasing accessibility in the arts community
Amanda Kephart is Strategic Director, Programs & Experience, for Film Streams.For more information on upcoming Relaxed Screenings showtimes, click here.For…
OMAPODPART II: Chris Backemeyer on Iran, negotiating the nuclear deal, terrorism & Israel
Chris Backemeyer is a former U.S. State Department diplomat who has served on the White House National Security Council and as an advisor in the Executive…
OMAPODChris Backemeyer on running against Mike Flood, the fears of the future & DOGE
Chris Backemeyer is a former U.S. State Department diplomat who has served on the White House National Security Council and as an advisor in the Executive…
OMAPODBrian Gennardo on abusive authority, art, Allan, AA & aftershocks
Brian Gennardo is an abstract impressionist artist. For more information on - and to purchase - his work, click here. To check out Brian’s Facebook posts that…
OMAPODPART II: Matt Geiler on how Second City improv informs animation, whimsicality & adventurous voice-over performance
Matt Geiler is an animator, storyteller, musician, Screen Actors Guild member, Second City - Chicago Conservatory Program graduate and is co-owner and…
OMAPODPART II: Amanda Kephart on bringing a film-based season to Omaha, Spike Lee & 'The Odyssey' trailer
Amanda Kephart is Strategic Director, Programs & Experience, for Film Streams.For more information, schedule and tickets for the upcoming Dundee Marquee…
OMAPODRachel Gai, Destiny Williams & Shinnice Preston + Karine Sokpoh on the MAC '26 Pitch Black Finals
Midlands African Chamber CEO Karine Sokpoh & 2026 Pitch Black Finalists Rachel Gai, Destiny Williams & Shinnice Preston tell us about this year’s pitch…
OMAPODMAC CEO Karine Sokpoh + Shatice Jones & Sharnelle Shelton on the 2026 Pitch Black Finals
Midlands African Chamber CEO Karine Sokpoh & 2026 Pitch Black Finalists Shatice Jones & Sharnelle Shelton tell us about this year’s pitch competition and the…
OMAPODPART II: Matt Mason on keeping stories alive through history, epic NE poetry slams & 'Dead Poets Society'
Matt Mason is the next Artist in Residence at Joslyn Castle & Gardens, a former Nebraska State Poet and a Pushcart Prize-winning poet, with his work appearing…
OMAPODAmanda Kephart of Film Streams on Dundee Marquee
Amanda Kephart is Strategic Director, Programs & Experience, for Film Streams. For more information, schedule and tickets for the upcoming Dundee Marquee…
OMAPODAileen Warren & Allison Zach of ICAN on Opt(imism) In(telligence) & the 2026 Women's Leadership Conference
ICAN President & CEO Aileen Warren, and Director, Marketing, Communications and Events, Allison Zach fill us in on this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference…
OMAPODMatt Geiler on animating & batch producing 'Bunny and Bear'
Matt Geiler is an animator, storyteller, musician, Screen Actors Guild member, Second City - Chicago Conservatory Program graduate and is co-owner and…
OMAPODJeffrey Koterba & Christine Burright introduce 'Bunny and Bear'
Jeffrey Koterba is a syndicated editorial cartoonist, artist, writer, radio host, musician, teacher, consultant and creative coach.Christine Burright is a…
OMAPODMatt Mason on becoming the next Artist in Residence at Joslyn Castle & Gardens
Matt Mason is the next Artist in Residence at Joslyn Castle & Gardens, a former Nebraska State Poet and a Pushcart Prize-winning poet, with his work appearing…
OMAPODChristine Burright & Jeffrey Koterba on cancer, creativity, suffering, shame & perseverance
Christine Burright is a screenwriter, freelance writer, radio host and graphic designer. Jeffrey Koterba is a syndicated editorial cartoonist, artist, writer…
OMAPODDr. Jane Liu on Stablecoin rising, new Crypto developments + patterns & the volatile Bitcoin market
Dr. Jane Liu is Assistant Professor of Economics at The University of Nebraska-Omaha, Associate Editor of Open Economies Review and a pioneering and…
OMAPODPART II: Ken White on shaping storytelling
Ken White is a screenwriting professor at UNO. To listen to the first part of this episode on the making of his film Wed the Dark that recently screened at the…
OMAPODPART II: Erik Thorstensen on documenting Jun and Ree Kaneko, Andy Akiho & figuring out how to practice
Erik Thorstensen is Director of Digital Initiatives & Production for the Omaha Symphony.To listen to the first part of this episode on the making of his…
OMAPODKieran Thompson on directing & creating 'The Only Way Out Is Through'
Kieran Thompson is the director and producer of The Only Way Out Is Through - coming to the Omaha Film Festival on Saturday, March 14th 2026 at 5:15 PM at…
OMAPODBarry Nordstrand on developing & producing 'Bonding'
Barry Nordstrand is the founder and CEO of Stoner Ranch Productions and the producer of Bonding - World Premiering at the Omaha Film Festival on Friday, March…
OMAPODBob Lindenmayer on making 'Making Megaforce'
Bob Lindenmayer is the director of Making Megaforce - coming to the Omaha Film Festival on Friday, March 13th 2026 at 8:15 PM at Aksarben Cinema Screen 5.The…
OMAPODKen White on writing & directing 'Wed the Dark'
Ken White is a screenwriting professor at UNO & writer, director and co-producer of Wed the Dark - coming to the Omaha Film Festival Sunday, March 15th 2026 at…
OMAPODErik Thorstensen on directing & developing 'Composing Kaneko'
Erik Thorstensen is Director of Digital Initiatives & Production for the Omaha Symphony and the director / producer of Composing Kaneko - coming to the Omaha…
OMAPODPART II: Marc Longbrake on OFF '26, Writers Theatre & turning the OFF Academy on its head this year
Marc Longbrake is the Executive Director of the Omaha Film Festival.For more information, the schedule and tickets for this year’s Omaha Film Festival, click…
OMAPODMarc Longbrake previews the 2026 Omaha Film Festival
Marc Longbrake is the Executive Director of the Omaha Film Festival. For more information, the schedule and tickets for this year’s Omaha Film Festival, click…
OMAPODPART II: Heather Nelson on POPVOX honors, mirroring ballots & the new Congressional tech medallion
Heather Nelson is Founder & CEO of Poll The Vote.To listen to the first part of this episode, click here. For more information on the POPVOX Foundation, click…
OMAPODPART II: Kishla Askins on the '26 primary debate(s?), property tax creativity & the Pentagon-Anthropic AI dispute
Kishla Askins is a candidate for the second district Congressional seat in Nebraska.For more information on her campaign, click here.To listen to the first…
OMAPODKishla Askins on Iran
Kishla Askins is a candidate for the second district Congressional seat in Nebraska.For more information on her campaign, click here.To listen to Kishla’s…
OMAPODHeather Nelson of Poll The Vote on zero-star rated politicians + new '26 push polling, methodology & terminology
Heather Nelson is Founder & CEO of Poll The Vote.To listen to yesterday’s episode on We Make Omaha’s Growth & Development survey that’s discussed, click here…
OMAPODHow you can help define Omaha's future
To take the ‘We Make Omaha’ Growth & Development survey, click here. ALSO…* ‘Just surreal’: Omaha driver describes moment his car collapsed into sinkhole -…
OMAPODOur NEw Tourism Brand - 'Nebraska: All Heart'
“Senator says independent state tourism agency is not working and ‘mis-messages’,” reports Nebraska Examiner ALSO…* Omaha woman fatally struck ex-girlfriend…
OMAPODStreetcar Impact Alliance: First Demands
“Downtown, Midtown Omaha businesses gather for inaugural ‘Streetcar Alliance’ meeting,” reports WOWTALSO…* Omaha tourists ‘stuck’ in Puerto Vallarta after…
OMAPODHallucinations at the NE Supreme Court: AI or Accidental Upload?
“Nebraska Supreme Court questions attorney about AI use in court brief,” reports WOWTALSO…* Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford ticketed ahead of careless driving trial -…