Great stories. Shared by great Nebraskans.
Nebraska Gems is a podcast that is here to shine a light on those who make the State of Nebraska the Good Life. Not all are famous but all Nebraskans have a famous story to tell, and that's what we hope to allow people to do. Give those who call Nebraska home a chance to tell their story. There are hidden gems everywhere.
Episode 18: Bob Downey - Former President of the Capital Humane Society
Tom chats with Bob Downey about all things involving our furry, four-legged friends. Plus a great discussion on how Bob helped get dog fighting outlawed in the state of Nebraska.
12 Dec 2022
Episode 17: Tim 'Swede' Eliker - The man behind Der Viener Schlinger
Mike chats with the man who shows up at not just sporting events (wait until you hear the most unusual place), but all over to shoot Fairbury Brand hot dogs out of the air cannon affectionately know as Der Viener Schlinger. Swede is also an avid hockey fan and you'll hear some stories from the road as well.
30 Nov 2022
Episode 16: Part 2 with Lincoln & Omaha Radio Legend Tim Sheridan
In part two of Mike's conversation with Tim Sheridan you'll get to hear one of the funniest bits Tim & The Animal ever did, and you'll hear about some goofy morning show guests. They also talk about some ghost hunting Tim has done, what he's doing today and you will learn what career whiplash truly is.
23 Nov 2022
Episode 15: Lincoln & Omaha Radio Legend Tim Sheridan
Mike caught up with one of the most talented and versatile people to ever work in radio, Tim Sheridan. They cover how Tim got started in his now over 45 year long career, and what he's doing today. You'll hear the origins of The Blaze and highlights of The Wheel of Formats that launched that station in 1992. This is part 1 of 2.
13 Nov 2022
Episode 14: Lincoln Radio Legend Joe Skare
Tom Stephens has an opportunity to talk to one of the most talented people to ever work in radio, Joe Skare. Joe shares stories from his time as part of the dynamic duo of Joe & Timmo and his long career co-hosting mornings with Gina Sherwood-Kline at B-107. We also toss in a couple of segments from The Best of Joe & Timmo CD where you'll learn how to order a thumb salad, and how to properly chase down a wig. We know you'll enjoy these stories!
5 Nov 2022
Episode 13: Rex Amack - The Former Director of the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
Mike was honored to be able to chat with Rex Amack, the longest serving Director in the history of the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. Rex shares stories from his childhood, and tells who helped shape him into the successful leader of fish, game & natural resource conservation he became. Plus a moving story involving his dog Becker, and the grandson of a close friend on his first hunt.
27 Oct 2022
Episode 12: Ronni Willis - Founder of Lincoln Historical Ghost Quest
Halloween is right around the corner, and Mike was able to sit down with paranormal expert, Ronni Willis. You'll hear about personal super natural experiences, and about a couple of chilling incidents that happened at a favorite Lincoln, Nebraska restaurant. This episode is a spooktacular listen.
10 Oct 2022
Episode 11: John Chapo - President Emeritus of the Lincoln Children's Zoo
Tom Stephens sits down with the President Emeritus of the Lincoln Children's Zoo, John Chapo. A man who has made such a profoundly positive impact on the City of Lincoln and the State of Nebraska that words cannot describe it. Unless those words are his own. You'll hear them in this fantastic episode.
22 Sept 2022
Quick Gem 1: JAV Wine Name Stories with Jim Ballard
By request, this is our first Quick Gem. Winemaker Jim Ballard shares short stories on some of the more fanciful names of the James Arthur Vineyards wine collection. Did you know there's a grape called Lacrosse? Me either. Learn that, plus how to say 'I Love You' incorrectly in Latin during this entertaining Quick Gem.
15 Sept 2022
Episode 10: Erick Strickland - Nebraska's Best High School Athlete. Ever.
Tom Stephens chats with 9-year NBA veteran, Husker Hoops Captain, Nebraska High School Hall of Famer and one of the most genuine people you'll ever meet. Erick Strickland shares his thoughts on everything from multi-sport high school athletes, to the lack of African American staff at UNL, to the 1996 Husker Hoops team walkout/NIT Championship season plus his thoughts on current day Husker sports. It's a conversation you'll love.
17 Aug 2022
Episode 9 - Zach McKenzie of Hogeland's Market in Alma, NE
Mike had the opportunity to speak with Zach McKenzie, grandson of the founders of the iconic Hogeland's Market in Alma, NE. Learn the secret to outlasting the competition, taking on a national chain and what life is like near one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state.
10 Aug 2022
Episode 8: The Voice of Nebraska Volleyball - John Baylor
In this episode Tom Stephens sits down with one of the best play-by-play announcers of any sport at any time. This conversation isn't only about volleyball, or his business OnToCollege. It's about life, it's about passion, it's about difficult times and triumphs. It a story you'll want to listen to again and again. Enjoy.
31 Jul 2022
Episode 7: TV & Radio Legend Dick Chapin
Tom Stephens is joined by 99-year old TV & radio legend Dick Chapin. He wasn't in front of the camera or behind the mic, Dick was the man that built the TV and radio stations you watch and listen to, and found the talent you loved to listen to and watch. He sold ideas. And his ideas were gold.
5 Jul 2022
Episode 6: NASA Astronaut Clayton Anderson
David Sanderson had a chance to chat with former NASA Astronaut, Clayton Anderson. Among numerous other stories, the Ashland native tells how a hunting trip was the catalyst to him applying for an internship at the Johnson Space Center. That internship ultimately led to his 167 days in space, and 38 hours on space walks. We hope you enjoy this fantastic conversation.
1 Jul 2022
Episode 5: The Black Bandit - Lonnie Jensen
Mike is able to catch up with one of the fastest men to ever be strapped in behind the wheel of a sprint car, Lonnie Jensen. How many people have you ever heard of that are in five different Halls of Fame? Lonnie is. How did he get started, who were his rivals, who did he look up to? Listen and find out. Oh! There's also this little story about a homemade gun Lonnie made when he was young that could have ended in a very bad way. You're not going to want to miss this one.
28 Jun 2022
Episode 4: Jim Ballard of James Arthur Vineyards
This is Mike's conversation with Jim Ballard, the head winemaker at James Arthur Vineyards. You'll hear how the retired owner of a deli meat manufacturing plant (Jim's Father-In-Law) used his business savvy to help build what is now Nebraska's largest winery. Plus, why they say that at JAV they don't just sell wine, they sell an experience.
24 Jun 2022
Episode 3: Rick Allen Schwieger Part 2
Mike continues his conversation with the voice of NASCAR on NBC, Rick Allen.
Rick shares the story of being an 11 year old in Grand Island the night that 10 tornados hit the town. Plus he talks about his passion for wood working that led him to build the podium used by Tom Osborne at the end of his coaching career at Nebraska, and you know... his house. Simply more great conversation with a Nebraska great. Enjoy.
21 Jun 2022
Episode 2: Rick Allen Schwieger Part 1
Mike had the opportunity to sit down with Rick Allen and they talk about what it was like for Rick growing up in central Nebraska, his time as a decathlete at UNL, becoming a public address announcer and how he ultimately wound up as the lead announcer for NBC's coverage of NASCAR. You also find out who said: "There ain't no Schwieger's in NASCAR!" This is part one of two.
17 Jun 2022
Episode 1: A Nebraska Gems Introduction from Tom, Dave & Mike
Tom Stephens, David Sanderson and Mike Melbye introduce you to their new podcast, Nebraska Gems.
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