Omaha Magazine Podcast

Higher education is changing fast. Joining us on this episode is Father Daniel Hendrickson, President of Creighton University, to share how Creighton is not just surviving, but thriving. Learn how they're attracting students, building a strong community, and preparing the next generation for a world powered by AI. Takeaways Creighton has achieved a 94% retention rate for first-year students. Creighton has a strong focus on health sciences, with many students pursuing related fields. AI is being integrated into educational practices to enhance learning experiences. The university has invested heavily in its athletic programs and facilities. Creighton is committed to maintaining diversity and inclusion in its programs. To learn more about Creighton University check them out on - YouTube - Instagram - Facebook - X - LinkedIn and online at creighton.edu.  Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Ever feel like education is facing more hurdles than ever? Omaha Public Schools' new superintendent, Matthew Ray, shares his plan to tackle staffing shortages, AI's impact, and the surprising literacy challenges facing students today. Discover how OPS is aiming for a 'moonshot' to get every student reading at grade level by 2030. Takeaways Post-COVID, the district faces challenges in enrollment and staffing. Technology, including cell phones and AI, poses both challenges and opportunities in education. The district is working on a new strategic plan centered around literacy. Omaha Public Schools is implementing programs to attract new teachers. To learn more about Omaha Public Schools visit ops.org. https://www.ops.org/ Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Ever wondered what it takes to be a firefighter in the 21st century? Go behind the scenes of the Omaha Fire Department with Fire Chief Kathy Bossman, a trailblazing leader who is redefining the role. In this episode, Chief Bossman shares her experiences rising through the ranks, the importance of diversity and community engagement, and the innovative programs shaping the future of the OFD.    Learn about the department's cutting-edge technology, the rigorous training involved, and the unique challenges of protecting a growing city.   Want to know more about the Omaha Fire Department and how you can get involved? Check out this link to learn more. Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Ever wondered how Omaha's arts scene became so vibrant? Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts, reveals the secrets behind their 22-year journey. Discover the economic impact of O-pa, their passion for community engagement, and the inspiring Nebraska Theatre Academy. From Broadway hits to local jazz, find out how OPA is making the arts accessible to everyone. Takeaways Omaha has transformed into a key destination for Broadway shows. The economic impact of OPA exceeds $61 million. Over 50% of OPA attendees come from outside Douglas County. OPA provides a platform for youth to showcase their talents. The arts scene in Omaha is constantly evolving and expanding. Learn more about Omaha Performing Art here. Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.   This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.  

Are you struggling to attract businesses and top talent to your area? Look no further than Nebraska for inspiration. In this episode, K.C. Belitz, Director of Nebraska Department of Economic Development, shares the state's winning strategy for economic growth and talent attraction. From leveraging their booming bio-economy to addressing challenges like housing affordability, Nebraska is a shining example of strategic planning and sustainability.  Whether you're in urban or rural areas, there are valuable lessons to learn from this Midwest powerhouse. Don't miss out on fresh ideas to boost your local economy and workforce development. Follow the link to learn more about the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Worried about the safety of your family and community in Omaha?  Douglas County's explosive growth has brought new challenges, including a surge in crime.  In this episode, Sheriff Aaron Hanson pulls back the curtain on the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, revealing the strategies they're using to combat construction site theft, dismantle drug cartels, and address the rising need for mental health services.   Sheriff Hanson, a seasoned law enforcement professional with over two decades of experience in the Omaha Police Department, offers his expertise on the evolving role of the sheriff's office and how they're adapting to meet the unique needs of a rapidly growing county. He'll also discuss the critical role of community engagement in maintaining public safety.    Learn more about the Douglas County’s Sheriff Office and community programs available, follow this link.   Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Ever felt the pressure of going head-to-head with the biggest player in your industry? From the gridiron to the showroom, Rod Kush's journey is one of resilience and reinvention. Witness the former UNO and NFL star share candid stories of facing giants, first in the NFL against legends like Joe Montana, and later in business against Nebraska Furniture Mart.  In this episode, Rod shares his grit, determination, and lessons learned tackling challenges both on and off the field.    Learn how Rod navigated the transition from college to pro, the evolving landscape of college sports recruiting, and the invaluable lessons he learned from his blue-collar parents. If you're looking for inspiration to overcome challenges and create your own success story, this episode is a must-watch.   Learn more about Rod Kush and 7 Day Furniture by following this link.   Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Ever wonder how Omaha keeps attracting millions of visitors, and how it impacts the local economy? Deb Ward and Jasmyn Goodwin from the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau join us in this episode to highlight the changes in tourism over the years and the importance of tourism for the city's economy.    They also discuss the role of the Convention and Visitors Bureau in promoting Omaha as a tourism destination. The conversation covers the significant attractions and developments in the city, as well as the impact of tourism on local businesses and job creation. They emphasize the need for continued promotion of Omaha as a tourist destination, and the importance of community support in attracting visitors.   Check out Visit Omaha to learn more about events and attractions in the city.   Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

The economic landscape in Omaha is rapidly changing, and it's more important than ever to understand the challenges faced by our diverse communities post pandemic. Itzel Lopez, CEO and Co-founder of the Latino Economic Development Council, joins Gil in the studio to uncover how this organization is making a difference for Latino entrepreneurs facing economic challenges. In this insightful episode, Itzel shares her inspiring journey from Mexico to becoming a key figure in Omaha's economic development landscape.    They discuss the challenges and triumphs of the Latino community, the significance of education, and the pivotal role of the Latino Economic Development Council in uplifting local businesses. This episode is packed with valuable stories, cultural insights, and impactful initiatives that highlight the dynamic contributions of Omaha's Latino community. Learn more about the Latino Economic Development Council by following this link. Connect with Itzel Lopez on  LinkedIn. Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

When you think of top sports cities, Omaha may not be the first to come to mind. Omaha's sports legacy is filled with surprising stories, and Coach Sandy Buda joins us to tell them in this episode. From his time coaching at UNO and the Omaha Beef, to his encounters with legends like Marlin Briscoe and Bob Gibson, Coach Buda offers a unique perspective on the city's sports scene. He shares hilarious anecdotes, reflects on coaching challenges, and reveals the secrets behind Omaha's ability to produce top-tier athletes.    Check out Coach Buda’s book, The Riverboat Gambler: Still Dealing After All These Years   Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Omaha is booming! But how did we get here? In this episode, Mayor Jean Stothert shares the inside scoop on the city's transformation. In this video, Mayor Stothert shares her insights on the transformation of downtown Omaha, including the redevelopment of the iconic Gene Leahy Mall and the addition of new riverfront parks and entertainment venues.    She also dives into the funding and benefits of the streetcar project, which is said to be a catalyst for economic development in the city.    Learn about her inspiring career transition from nursing to politics and how she prioritizes public safety and managing the budget for continued growth. If you’re curious about what’s next for Omaha and how public-private partnerships are paving its way for success, don’t miss this informative conversation with Mayor Stothert herself. #Omaha #MayorJeanStothert #UrbanCoreDevelopment   Follow this link for more about Mayor Stothert and the city.  Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Struggling to attract and retain top talent in Omaha? Heath Mello, President of the Greater Omaha Chamber, reveals the city's booming economic growth and why Forbes ranked it the #1 city to move to in 2024. Discover how the Chamber is tackling the talent challenge head-on with initiatives like Intern Nebraska, while highlighting Omaha's vibrant culture, affordable living, and thriving job market. Mello's 11-month tenure as Chamber President provides unique insights into the city's evolving landscape and its promising future. To learn more about the Greater Omaha Chamber follow this link omahachamber.org. Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

What does the future look like for Nebraska’s oldest news station in the age of AI? Joining us in this episode is Jim McKernan, Vice President and General Manager of 6 News WOWT to share with us the 75-year history of WOWT. From its early days under Woodmen of the World ownership to iconic figures like Johnny Carson launching their careers there, McKernan shares fascinating insights into WOWT's groundbreaking innovations in broadcasting and news reporting.    As an industry veteran with over four decades of experience, he also takes us on a personal journey through the world of television news and gives us a glimpse into what the future holds for Omaha's oldest news station. Discover why 6 News WOWT is a cornerstone of local broadcasting and hear firsthand accounts of monumental events such as tornado coverage and how Jim’s experience working in radio brought a Spanish language show in Omaha!   Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

How does a radio station stay relevant to continue playing the music you like? In this episode, Gil Cohen sits down with Patrick Combs, CEO of Walnut Media, as he shares his unique path from politics to media and how his distinctive voice led him to success in the industry. With a focus on community connection and local content, Walnut Media is changing the game in Omaha's media landscape. Plus, hear about Patrick's transition from traditional radio to podcasting and Boomer Radio's evolution into digital marketing. Don't miss this engaging conversation!   Learn more about Walnut Media on Facebook - Instagram. Or visit walnutmediausa.com. Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Are you ready to be inspired and learn from one of Omaha's most successful entrepreneurs? In this episode, Gil is joined by Van Deeb, one of the most driven and accomplished entrepreneurs in Omaha. Van is a business and community leader having led numerous thriving companies. From his 40 years of commission sales experience to his impressive real estate ventures, Van shares valuable insights and success tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.   In this episode, he also discusses the importance of discipline, determination, and self-improvement in reaching your goals. Discover how Van's journey from Dallas to Omaha influenced his entrepreneurial drive and passion for community involvement and leadership. Don't miss out on this powerful conversation filled with motivation and inspiration for your own entrepreneurial journey!   Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Welcome to the "Omaha Magazine Podcast - It’s About All of Us," where we peel back the pages to reveal the heart and soul of a community institution. Hosted by Gil Cohen, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Omaha Magazine. In this episode Gil is joined by Omaha Magazine Publisher Todd Lemke to unveil the rich legacy of Omaha Magazine, challenging the notion that print media is dead. Exploring the intersection of history, community, and media evolution. This podcast celebrates creativity, integrity, and community, offering captivating insights into local triumphs. Subscribe to the Omaha Magazine Podcast for inspiring stories, business achievements, and culture, shaping a blueprint for the future of print media.   Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.