When Justin Armbruster and John Griffith launched Topeka Insider one year ago, they weren't just starting a podcast—they were embarking on a mission to transform perceptions about their city. Today, their anniversary episode provides an intimate look behind the scenes at how this local media phenomenon came to be.
The podcast's origin story is particularly fascinating. Five years before the first episode ever aired, Justin purchased the domain "TopekaInsider.com" with a vision of creating exactly what the show has become. Meanwhile, John had already been running his own podcast called "The Look Around," where he interviewed random people in coffee shops until COVID made that format impossible. When the two connected in late 2023, they discovered their shared passion for highlighting Topeka's positive aspects, and the modern iteration of Topeka Insider was born.
What makes this story remarkable is the deliberate approach they took. Rather than rushing to publish content, they spent six months preparing and recording episodes before releasing anything. They wanted to ensure quality and consistency—qualities that have become hallmarks of their production. Working with videographer Gabriel Butel, they've continuously improved their set, equipment, and format with each episode.
The podcast fills a unique need in the community. As they explain in the anniversary episode, Topeka has what they call "an identity problem." Many residents and former residents speak negatively about the city, despite its many positive attributes. Justin, who has lived in Topeka his entire life, and John, who moved there five years ago, share complementary perspectives on what makes the city special.
"This is an amazing place with amazing people. It's an amazing place to raise a family. What are you not seeing here?" John says during the episode, articulating the mission that drives their work. They've become, in their words, "a hype podcast for the city of Topeka," showcasing local business owners, community leaders, and interesting personalities.
Their persistence has paid off. The podcast recently secured sponsorship from the city of Topeka itself, a significant milestone that validates their impact. As Justin notes, reaching the one-year mark puts them in rarefied air—apparently in the top 1% of all podcasts, most of which don't make it past twenty episodes.
Looking ahead, the hosts confirmed they have no plans to stop. "We're not going anywhere," they declared triumphantly, already planning new episodes and innovations for year two. From their candid discussions about favorite local restaurants (Jong's Thai restaurant gets frequent mentions from guests) to dreams for Topeka's future (more specialized local eateries and youth sports facilities), the podcast continues to serve as both a celebration of what exists and a vision for what could be.
For anyone interested in local media, community building, or the power of consistent content creation, Topeka Insider's journey offers valuable lessons. Their anniversary isn't just a celebration of survival—it's proof that authentic, community-focused content can thrive even in smaller markets when created with passion and persistence.
This article, Topeka Insider: The Journey of a Local Podcast's First Year | Justin & Jon, was written by Justin Armbruster of the Armbruster Team at Genesis, LLC, REALTORS®—local experts in Topeka real estate, storytelling, and community connection. Justin is passionate about highlighting the people and institutions shaping Topeka’s future. For more local spotlights and real estate tips, follow Justin on Instagram or call 785-260-4384.