Becka's Talking
A weekly podcast featuring everyday people with an interesting story to tell.
Episodes
32 episodes
Omaha and the Origins of Boys Town
Local author, Fletcher Reel, uses historical fiction in his new book that looks at Omaha in the Early 20th century and the early days of Boys Town.
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Episode 32
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37:20
Owner and Publisher of Omaha Star Pushing to keep North Omaha Newspaper Relevant
Terri Sanders is only the fifth publisher of the Omaha Star newspaper since its founding in 1938. She took over ownership in 2023. Good news remains the focus of the newspaper while continuing to be a staple in the community.
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Episode 31
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36:01
Give New Life to Leftovers
Leftovers are never as good the next day. But this week's guest on Becka's Talking, Diane Watson, is an expert on turning leftovers into tasty new dishes.
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Episode 30
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27:28
Discovering Iowa's Hidden Gems
What is there to do and see in Iowa? Travel blogger Sara Broers says there are plenty of options in her home state where you can spend an afternoon, a day or a even a weekend exploring.
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Episode 29
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34:30
How Do We Deal with Mental Health Challenges
Dr. Bill Lydiatt with Clarkson Regional Health Services shares insights on recognizing and addressing mental health struggles.
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Episode 28
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38:04
From MMA to Bare Knuckles, Omaha Fighter Focused on Community
Houston Alexander retired from mixed martial arts in 2017, but still competes in bare knuckles boxing. Alexander has also been part of Omaha's hip hop culture for decades and actively promotes hip hip through his own local radio show and educat...
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Episode 27
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39:32
Much More Than a Great Voice
Hall of fame broadcaster, musician, comedian and author, Otis XII reminisces about his years on stage and in the radio booth.
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Episode 26
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42:16
Real Estate Investor Shares His Keys to Success
Jerry G. Banks, an Omaha real estate investor and author, has used his setbacks in life as a springboard for success. He shares his insights with Tom on this week's Becka's Talking.
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Episode 25
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29:36
Turning Print into the Spoken Word
Radio Talking Book Service, based in Omaha, makes visual media available to the blind and visually impaired. Ryan Osentowski is the program director for RTBS and explains some of the challenges he faces as a blind person and how this nonprofit ...
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Episode 24
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34:49
The Face of Omaha Police
Chief Todd Schmaderer has been the head of the Omaha Police Department for the last 12 years. He shares what he has learned while leading his department of 900+ officers through challenging times like the George Floyd riots of 2020.
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Episode 23
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38:15
Omaha's Film Historian
Bruce Crawford started producing classic film events in Omaha in the early 90s. Since then he has created 50 of these events that combine special viewings of classic movies with special appearances by VIPs connected to those films.
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Episode 22
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37:57
University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold Shares His Vision
Dr. Jeffrey Gold took over as the ninth president of the University of Nebraska system on July 1st. This week on Becka's Talking, Dr. Gold talks about the latest updates on new projects at UNMC as well as his vision for the entire University of...
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Episode 21
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33:00
Paranormal Problems? An Omaha Ghost Hunter Can Help
Shawn Halpenny used to be cynical about the paranormal until he discovered electronic voice phenomenon.
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Episode 20
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39:43
Surviving Breast Cancer
Tom's guest this week is breast cancer survivor Heather Smith who shares her journey of healing and encourages others to never take their health for granted.
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Episode 19
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22:11
Nebraska Football Legend
Johnny "the Jet" Rodgers, the legendary member of two Nebraska National Championship teams, shares about his journey from a highly recruited high school athlete to Heisman Trophy winner to youth advocate.
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Episode 18
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36:00
It's Election Time...Be an Informed Voter
Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse encourages voters to do their homework before casting their ballots.
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Episode 17
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42:14
Nebraska's Astronaut and His Long Road to Success
Just like many other kids in his generation, Clay Anderson wanted to grow up to be an astronaut. The Ashland, Nebraska native pursued this dream by earning science degrees and eventually landing a job with NASA. But that was just the start of a...
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Episode 16
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52:03
Show Business Manager: Making Big Things Happen from Behind the Scenes
Carolyn Snell, manager for Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlisle, got her start as an intern at KFAB radio in Omaha. Over her career she has worked with artists from Reba McEntire to Justin Timberlake while having the opportunity to see the wor...
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Episode 15
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40:57
From Shoeshine Boy to Bank CEO: Omaha Philanthropist Michael Yanney
The Chairman Emeritus of Burlington Capital, Michael Yanney, shares some of the lessons he has learned while building a multi-billion dollar investment banking firm.
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Episode 14
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35:05
Omaha Performing Arts: A Little Something for Everyone
Tom sits down with Joan Squires, president of Omaha Performing Arts, to talk about what is available these days at OPA venues like the Holland Center, Orpheum Theater and Steelhouse Omaha.
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Episode 13
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23:35
Fighting Youth Homelessness in Omaha: Helping Couch Surfers Find a Permanent Home
Homeless youth and young adults may not always be living on the streets. Kalisha Reed, executive director of Youth Emergency Services in Omaha, shares how she and her team are working to get youth in crisis the help and housing that they need.
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Episode 12
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31:25
Three Years to Life: Does Prison Time Change Hearts and Minds?
Former director of the Nebraska Department of Corrections Bob Houston shares about his experience inside the prison system. Overcrowding, recidivism, and transitioning back into society are just a few of the challenges he shares with Tom Becka ...
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Episode 11
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43:02
Counter Terrorism Research Right Here in Omaha
The National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Innovation Center (NCITE) is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and is based at the University of Nebraska Omaha. The center's director shares her insights into what they do...
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Episode 10
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41:12
Omaha's Streetcar: Do we really need it? And who foots the bill?
Tom's guest, Steve Jensen, who is the former planning director for the City of Omaha and now a member of Mayor Stothert's economic development team, addresses concerns about funding for the Omaha Streetcar project as well as other concerns voic...
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Episode 9
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37:51
Living on the Streets: Omaha Homeless Share their Stories
When you see a homeless person holding a sign at an intersection asking for help, have you ever wondered how that person ended up in that situation? This episode of Becka's Talking features the stories of several homeless men who share with Tom...
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Episode 8
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33:03