Welcome to the Topeka Insider! We're not just another podcast – we're a media powerhouse dedicated to shining a light and changing the narrative on our Capital City. Join us, as we try amplify the voices of local entrepreneurs, business owners, city officials and thought leaders that are shaping the future of Topeka.

ALL EPISODES
The Transformation of Topeka: How a City Rebuilt Its Identity from the Inside Out

The Transformation of Topeka: How a City Rebuilt Its Identity from the Inside Out

When Matt Pivarnik arrived in Topeka in 2016, the city was grappling with low morale and self-image. Under his leadership at the Greater Topeka Partnership, Topeka became the first city to measure its...

Through the Lens: Photojournalism, Topeka, and Capturing Moments That Matter | Evert Nelson

Through the Lens: Photojournalism, Topeka, and Capturing Moments That Matter | Evert Nelson

Evert Nelson, chief photojournalist at the Topeka Capital-Journal, joins the Topeka Insider podcast to reflect on his journey in photojournalism—from capturing fireworks inside the Colorado Rockies st...

The Rise of Saved Soles: Where Sneakers and Faith Create Community in Topeka

The Rise of Saved Soles: Where Sneakers and Faith Create Community in Topeka

Saved Soles in Topeka blends sneaker culture, entrepreneurship, and faith into one powerful business story. Founder Eric Patterson is redefining what community impact looks like—one pair at a time.

Washburn Basketball’s Elite Eight Journey: Team Culture, Mental Toughness & Community Support

Washburn Basketball’s Elite Eight Journey: Team Culture, Mental Toughness & Community Support

Washburn’s Elite Eight squad shares what made this season historic—from team chemistry and mental toughness to fan support and life lessons beyond the court.

What is Your Topeka House Is Hiding From You with Alex Buehler

What is Your Topeka House Is Hiding From You with Alex Buehler

What lies behind your walls? Home inspector Alex Buehler—better known around Topeka as “The Pie Guy”—joins us to uncover what truly happens during a home inspection. From shocking DIY disasters to the...

Building Champions for Life with Coach Chad Parks

Building Champions for Life with Coach Chad Parks

Coach Chad Parks shares his journey from All-American wrestler to mentor, exploring how discipline, character, and faith can shape athletes for life. With over 20 years of coaching at Shawnee Heights,...

Boosting Topeka Businesses: Social Media Strategies with Gray Marshall

Boosting Topeka Businesses: Social Media Strategies with Gray Marshall

In this episode, Gray Marshall from AIM Strategies shares insights on managing social media for Topeka businesses. He discusses the power of authenticity, community engagement, and creative storytelli...

The Magic of Play: How the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is Shaping Young Minds

The Magic of Play: How the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is Shaping Young Minds

Laura Burton shares how the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center blends play and learning to inspire creativity, accessibility, and hands-on discovery for kids.

Raising the Bar: The Pennant, The Cyrus, and Topeka’s Future

Raising the Bar: The Pennant, The Cyrus, and Topeka’s Future

In this episode, we sit down with Don Heiland, Director of Finance at SDG Architecture, to discuss Topeka’s transformation through urban development. From revitalizing downtown with projects like the ...

Dino Days, Sumatran Tigers, & Future of The Topeka Zoo | Dennis Dinwiddie
June 13, 2025
20
00:52:1635.93 MB

Dino Days, Sumatran Tigers, & Future of The Topeka Zoo | Dennis Dinwiddie

Dennis Dinwiddie shares his 15-year journey as Director of Conservation at the Topeka Zoo, where he oversees initiatives protecting endangered species ...

Winners Focus on Winning: Former Greater Topeka Partnership CEO | Matt Pivarnik
May 30, 2025
19
00:44:3730.68 MB

Winners Focus on Winning: Former Greater Topeka Partnership CEO | Matt Pivarnik

Matt Pivarnik reflects on nearly a decade of service as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership and the remarkable transformation the community has exper...

Through the Lens: Photojournalism, Topeka, and Capturing Moments That Matter | Evert Nelson
May 16, 2025
18
00:53:0036.44 MB

Through the Lens: Photojournalism, Topeka, and Capturing Moments That Matter | Evert Nelson

Evert Nelson, chief photojournalist at the Topeka Capital Journal, shares his journey from growing up in Topeka to capturing iconic moments that have a...

The Rise of Saved Soles: Where Sneakers and Faith Create Community in Topeka | Eric Patterson
May 02, 2025
17
00:44:2730.57 MB

The Rise of Saved Soles: Where Sneakers and Faith Create Community in Topeka | Eric Patterson

Eric Patterson turned his childhood sneaker obsession into Saved Soles, Topeka's first high-end sneaker store where faith and footwear create unexpecte...

Washburn Basketball’s Final Four Journey: Team Culture, Mental Toughness & Community Support | Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew Orr
April 18, 2025
16
00:45:3031.29 MB

Washburn Basketball’s Final Four Journey: Team Culture, Mental Toughness & Community Support | Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew Orr

Three Washburn basketball players—Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew Orr—reflect on their historic season that took them to the NCAA Division II ...

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