Becka's Talking
A weekly podcast featuring everyday people with an interesting story to tell.
Episodes
15 episodes since 2024
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...
September 17, 2024
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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.
September 10, 2024
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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.
September 03, 2024
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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.
August 27, 2024
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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 ...
August 20, 2024
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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...
August 13, 2024
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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...
August 06, 2024
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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...
July 30, 2024
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Episode 8
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33:03
From Bombing Survivor, to Refugee, to Omaha Businessman
Cyrus Jaffery was a toddler when his family fled Afghanistan in the 1990s. When he was a teenager his family moved from Pakistan to the United States where he was forced to learn a new language and a new culture. But as Jaffrey shares with Tom ...
July 23, 2024
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Episode 7
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38:24
Don't Click on That!
Cyber security expert, Dr. Lisa McKee offers advice and warnings about keeping your devices as well as online profiles and information safe from hackers.
July 16, 2024
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Episode 6
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44:19
Life Undercover: True Crime Stories
Former undercover officer and SWAT team member Paul Milone shares his stories of gangs, guns and narcotics, and breaking down doors with the Omaha Police Department.
July 09, 2024
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38:55
Mike McKnight: Omaha TV Icon
Longtime WOWT reporter, Mike McKnight, joins the podcast to share about his decades of experience and offer advice on dealing with scams and rip-offs.
July 01, 2024
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Episode 4
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29:23
Political Cartoonist: No Longer a Newspaper Job
Jeffrey Koterba worked for the Omaha World Herald for more than 30 years as a political cartoonist. He shares how his career has progressed since being laid off by the newspaper in 2021.
June 21, 2024
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Episode 3
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33:01