Ever wonder where those grocery store flowers actually come from? Most of us never think twice about it—until we meet someone like Ashley Vail, who turned a pandemic chicken hobby into a thriving half-acre specialty cut flower farm in Kansas. From planting nearly 2,000 peonies to surviving 110 mph winds, Ashley's journey proves that flower farming is way more intense (and way more rewarding) than you'd think.

HIGHLIGHTS

• A McPherson antique store's viral TikTok ad featuring Sarah McLachlin's iconic ASPCA song—but for abandoned antiques

• How Ashley went from zero gardening experience to farming thousands of flowers on half an acre

• The difference between annuals and perennials, and why Ashley's back is grateful for the peony pivot

• Why Kansas weather is the biggest challenge for flower farmers (spoiler: it's not just the tornadoes)

• The surprising number of flower farmers across Kansas—probably one in your county

• How Bobcat let Ashley test drive a tractor for a week, knowing she'd never give it back

• Why Ashley prefers being the grower over being the florist (wedding pressure is real)

• The "reluctant farmer husband" phenomenon and how military training prepared Matt for flower farming

• Victory Gardens during WWII: Kansas grew 17 million quarts of canned food in 1943 alone

• Container gardening tips and when to plant: potatoes on St. Patrick's Day, tomatoes on Mother's Day, peppers by Memorial Day

CHAPTERS

[0:00] Local TikTok Find: McPherson Antique Store Ad That Cracked Us Up
[1:02] Why the Ad Works: Sound Effects, Song Choice & Instant Nostalgia
[1:53] Welcome to Ask A Kansan + Meet Today's Guest (Vail Family Farms)
[2:53] Getting Set Up: Ashley Joins the Conversation
[3:22] What Is a Specialty Cut Flower Farm? Size, Scale & What They Grow
[4:41] Annuals vs Perennials: The Peony Pivot (and Saving Your Back)
[5:58] How It Started: Pandemic Chickens to Full-On Flower Farming
[7:40] Year One Reality Check: No Tunnels, No Tractor, Just Prairie Ground
[10:22] Extending the Season: High Tunnels, Grants & Kansas Wind Survival
[12:39] Selling the Blooms: Subscriptions, Farmers Markets & U-Pick Events
[15:35] Bouquets & Weddings: Design Pressure vs Being the Grower
[17:10] From Nursing to Farm Life: Making the Jump + Family Behind the Business
[19:18] 'Reluctant Flower Farmer': Matt's Role and the Support System
[19:60] Reluctant Farmer Husband: Military Life Meets Flower Farming
[21:25] How Many Flower Farmers Are in Kansas? Finding Local Growers
[22:14] The Biggest Challenge: Kansas Weather, Wind & Growing Zones
[23:51] Support Networks & The Insurance Gap for Specialty Crops
[26:23] Next 5 Years: Peony Expansion + Spring Crop Strategy
[27:42] Building the Farm Brand on Social Media (and Keeping It Real)
[29:32] Scaling Advice: Home Garden Tips vs Farming Thousands of Plants
[30:44] Where to Find Vail Family Farm + Wrap-Up of the Interview
[31:40] Post-Interview Chat: Farm Visits, Book Clubs & Photo Sessions
[32:27] Theme Segment: Victory Gardens—History, Kansas Stats & Why It Matters
[36:19] Planting Calendar & Container Gardening: Potatoes to Peppers
[39:31] Final Thoughts: Gardening Trends + Subscribe, Newsletter & Merch

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Vail Family Farm
Instagram: @vailfamilyfarm
Facebook: Vail Family Farm

Learn more about Victory Gardens: https://kgi.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16884coll1/id/2183

https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-life/victory-gardens-were-growing-all-across-kansas-during-wwii

Learn more about the podcast at askakansan.com!

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What does it take to transform a community when you're barely old enough to drive? Andres Mata was just 13 years old when he was appointed to Salina's Human Relations Commission, and that was only the beginning of his civic journey. Six years ago, at age 21, he founded the Kansas Civic Network with a simple belief: the resources to solve our communities' biggest challenges already exist—we just need to connect the right people with the right ideas. From launching the first food pantry in Lindsborg's history to helping Latino farmers understand organic certification, Andres and his team have learned that the most powerful solutions often come from the simplest actions: picking up the phone, asking questions, and refusing to accept "that's not my role" as an answer. Kansas faces real challenges—by 2050, 76% of the state's population will live in just 19 counties—but Andres has seen firsthand that when young people are invited to the table instead of told to wait their turn, remarkable things happen. The question isn't whether Kansas has what it takes to thrive; it's whether we're willing to work together to make it happen.

Highlights:

• Started civic engagement at age 9 with a Haiti relief fundraiser that raised $3,400

• Appointed to Salina's Human Relations Commission at 13, then Planning Commission at 16

• Founded Kansas Civic Network at age 21 during COVID-19 pandemic

• Helped establish Lindsborg's first food pantry in city history after discovering 1/3 of Bethany College students were food insecure

• Built a remote, all-volunteer team of young professionals from 7+ states using Handshake platform

• Conducted USDA-funded seminars revealing critical gaps in organic farming education for Latino farmers in southwest Kansas

• Operates with radical transparency: "We're basically a club of young doers"

• Core philosophy: "We just do it" - removing barriers and focusing on community benefit over organizational ego

Chapters:

[0:00] Introduction - Meet Semi Quinn the Bison

[1:58] Meet Andres Mata: Early Life and Civic Engagement

[6:56] The Kansas Civic Network: Mission and Impact

[11:17] Challenges and Success Stories in Rural Kansas

[13:54] Building a Team of Young Doers

[26:40] Organizational Structure and Future Goals

[36:20] Founding the Kansas Civic Network

[37:02] Challenges and Hopes for Kansas

[39:16] The Role of Politics in Community Work

[41:29] Engaging Communities and Institutions

[44:49] Organic Farming Project

[47:47] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

[48:31] Post-Interview Reflections

[54:27] Who's A Kansan: Community Organizer Edition

[63:21] Closing

Resources Mentioned:

• Kansas Civic Network - https://www.kscivicnetwork.org/

• Bethany College (Lindsborg, Kansas) - https://www.bethanylb.edu/

• Kansas 250 - https://www.travelks.com/kansas-250/

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What happens when a school administrator discovers TikTok during a pandemic and decides Kansas deserves better representation? Steven Kimmi joins us to share his journey from isolation to becoming one of Kansas' most dedicated content creators. From sleeping in his car at Little Jerusalem to eating three burgers in one day, Steven reveals the adventures, challenges, and philosophy behind his mission to celebrate Kansas' food scene and small-town businesses. Plus, he settles the score on Cozy Inn, shares his most memorable meals, and explains why he'll never post a negative restaurant review.

Highlights:

• How pandemic isolation and TikTok sparked Steven's Kansas content creation journey
• The infamous Little Jerusalem camping fail and reversing a mile down a muddy road in a minivan
• Why Steven focuses on promoting small-town Kansas businesses instead of just Wichita and Kansas City
• The colorblind video that hit 2 million views and temporarily impressed his teenage kids
• Steven's burger philosophy: three in one day was a mistake, and why he won't trash restaurants publicly
• Partnerships with Kansas State Fair and River Festival, plus dreams of World Cup content
• The gap in Kansas' food scene: where's a good bagel shop when you need one?
• Steven's most memorable meals: pasta in Italy, farm-to-table in Fort Wayne, and rare AHI tuna in Wichita
• Why Steven can't schedule content more than a day ahead (and the stressful 4-6 PM scramble)
• Teaching, social media, and staying authentic both on and off camera
• The Volga Germans' legacy: how Catherine the Great, Turkey Red wheat, and bierocks transformed Kansas

Chapters:

• [0:00] Discovering a Supercell Shelf Cloud
• [1:50] Introducing Steven Kimmi
• [2:41] Welcome, Steven Kimmi
• [3:22] Steven's Journey as a Content Creator
• [4:03] Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Taste Test
• [6:08] Adventures and Challenges in Kansas
• [14:52] Focusing on Food and Small Businesses
• [17:46] Collaborations and Future Plans
• [21:02] The Influence of Social Media on Teaching
• [21:57] Handling Negative Experiences at Restaurants
• [22:48] Burger Eating Adventures
• [23:51] Content Scheduling Struggles
• [25:00] Kansas Food Scene and Restaurant Gaps
• [28:45] Memorable Dining Experiences
• [31:45] Thanks for joining us
• [33:48] The Volga Germans and Kansas Wheat
• [39:04] The Legacy of Volga German Cuisine
• [40:55] Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Features

Resources Mentioned:

• Steven Kimmi on TikTok
• Steven Kimmi on Instagram
• Steven Kimmi’s website: https://stevenkimmi.com/
• Cozy Inn (Salina, Kansas)
• Jiffy Burger (Smith Center, Kansas)
• Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
• Kansas Sampler Foundation
• Kansas State Fair
• Salina River Festival

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What if your family farm could reach 250 million people worldwide? Greg Peterson of Peterson Farm Brothers fame turned a college project into a viral phenomenon that's been educating the world about agriculture for over 13 years. From nursing home performances as a toddler to appearing on national television just four days after posting his first farming music video, Greg's journey shows how passion, faith, and creativity can transform an entire industry's conversation. But behind the viral success lies a deeper story—one of balancing family farming with content creation, living with Type 1 diabetes, and staying rooted in Kansas values while traveling the globe.

Highlights:

• How a K-State ag communications student created a viral farming music video that got 5 million views in one week—with zero marketing budget

• The moment everything changed: being on Fox & Friends in New York City just four days after posting their first video

• Why "I'm Farming and I Grow It" became a cultural phenomenon and launched a 13-year YouTube career

• Balancing full-time farming with content creation, speaking engagements, and managing multiple social media platforms

• Living with Type 1 diabetes as a farmer and traveler—playing the "video game" of insulin management on expert level

• What Greg learned about agriculture by visiting all 50 states twice and 10 countries

• The current challenges facing American farmers and why community support matters more than ever

• Why the "Tractor Stuck" video resonates with farming families and teaches an important lesson about asking for help

• How faith, family, and farming intertwine in Greg's daily life

• Why traveling the world made Greg love Kansas even more

Chapters:

[0:00] Madeline's Photography Adventures

[1:30] Introducing Greg Peterson

[2:37] Greg's Musical and Farming Background

[5:05] The Viral Success of Peterson Farm Brothers

[14:17] Balancing Farming and Content Creation

[19:23] Living with Type 1 Diabetes

[24:35] Building a Community Around the Channel

[26:35] Kids and Tractors: The Viral Video

[27:26] Challenges in American Agriculture

[29:35] The Importance of Community in Farming

[31:25] Educating the Public About Farming

[35:26] The Role of Faith in Farming

[36:42] Love for Kansas: A Farmer's Perspective

[39:50] TikTok Fun and Kansas Culture

[46:54] Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Pride

[48:30] A Hobbit-Inspired Pub in Kansas

[50:07] Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewell

Resources Mentioned:

• Peterson Farm Brothers YouTube Channel

• Kansas State University

• Pilgrim's Keep Pub in St. Mary's, Kansas

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

As we mark Kansas' 165th birthday, we're exploring what it means to truly know and love this state. From hidden rock formations in the northwest to thrift stores that draw travelers from across the country, Kansas holds surprises even for those who've lived here their whole lives. We sit down with Colby Sharples Terry from Kansas Tourism to talk about her journey from wanting to leave Kansas to becoming one of its biggest champions, the power of local guides like "Patty from Goodland," and why Kansas Day matters more than most people realize. Whether you're a lifelong Kansan or just passing through, this conversation will change how you see the Sunflower State.

Highlights

• Colby's "On the Road and to the Stars" TV show has expanded statewide across Kansas

• Kansas Tourism is releasing 34 gift boxes featuring Kansas artisan products for Kansas Day

• The importance of local community warriors who share their towns with visitors

• Why Castle Rock deserves as much attention as Monument Rocks

• How thrift shopping has become a legitimate travel draw for Kansas towns

• Big Ed's Steakhouse in Bird City as a must-visit Kansas dining destination

• The surprising fact that most states don't celebrate their birthday like Kansas does

• Why winter is actually the best time to explore Kansas state parks and hiking trails

• How Kansas continues to surprise visitors with its progressive history and diverse topography

Chapters

[0:00] Family Christmas and My Kansas Flag

[1:30] Introduction to Kansas Day

[2:45] Interview with Kolby from Kansas Tourism

[5:17] Kansas Tourism Campaigns and Celebrations

[8:30] Exploring Kansas: Hidden Gems and Local Experiences

[15:45] Fashion and Thrift Shopping in Kansas

[20:15] Kansas Food Adventures

[25:30] Kansas History and Fun Facts

[30:00] Nostalgic School Memories

[32:15] Kansas Day Traditions

[34:00] Planning a Kansas Trip for Influencers

[38:45] Challenges of Traveling in Kansas

[41:30] Winter Adventures in Kansas

[44:00] Surprising Facts About Kansas

[48:15] Celebrity Encounters and Kansas Destinations

[52:30] Who's That Kansan? High Flying Edition

[58:45] Closing Remarks and Farewell

Resources

• Kansas Tourism website: travelks.com

• Kansas Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

• Sunflower Summer app

• Wild Man Vintage (Lawrence, Kansas)

• Big Ed's Steakhouse (Bird City, Kansas)

• Castle Rock (northwest Kansas)

• Monument Rocks (western Kansas)

• Garden of Eden (Lucas, Kansas)

• Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum (Atchison, Kansas)

• Cosmosphere (Hutchinson, Kansas)

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What does it take to celebrate 250 years of American history—and why should Kansas be at the center of that celebration? This year marks the Sesquicentennial of the United States, and Kansas is going all in with year-long events, community challenges, and unique partnerships that showcase the resilience and spirit of Kansans. We sit down with Rosa Cavazos, Special Projects Coordinator for Kansas Travel and Tourism, who shares how the Kansas 250 Commission is bringing communities together through everything from outdoor challenges to chocolate festivals. Rosa also opens up about her journey from thinking there was "nothing to do" in Kansas to becoming a passionate advocate for the state, her work with national Latino organizations, and the power of volunteering. Plus, we take a trip to Waldo, Kansas—yes, that Waldo—and discover how this tiny town embraces its connection to the famous red-and-white-striped character.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kansas is celebrating America's 250th birthday throughout the entire year with events in communities across the state

• The Kansas 250 Commission has partnered with organizations like Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for a 250-point challenge and From the Land of Kansas for special product boxes

• A statewide service day is planned for September 11, 2026, encouraging Kansans to volunteer in their communities

• Rosa Cavazos created the Topeka Chocolate Festival, which drew 50,000 people and featured 100 chocolate entries

• Rosa chairs a national Latino organization based in DC and has spoken at the National Mall about women's healthcare and equal pay

• Communities like Ottawa have created "250 things to do" lists, while Junction City and Atchison are planning special parades and events

• The Great American Picnic on July 5th will encourage neighbors to gather in parks and on their blocks

• Waldo, Kansas—population 30—fully embraces its connection to the "Where's Waldo?" book series with a statue in the city park

• Waldo was founded in 1888 as a railroad town and once had three newspapers serving 300 residents

CHAPTERS

00:00 - New Year Resolutions and Family Stories

02:36 - Celebrating the Sesquicentennial: Kansas 250 Commission

03:26 - Meet Rosa Cavazos: Special Projects Coordinator

05:08 - Kansas 250 Events and Community Involvement

15:15 - Personal Insights and Volunteering

22:47 - Event Planning Tips and Teamwork

23:52 - Challenges of Organizing a Large Festival

26:52 - Unique Challenges of Planning for the 250th Anniversary

32:21 - Celebrating Kansas' Heritage and Diversity

36:45 - Exploring Waldo, Kansas

39:56 - Where's Waldo?

43:02 - Conclusion and Farewell

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• America250KS.com - Official Kansas 250 Commission website with events, merchandise, and community celebrations - https://america250ks.com

• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks - Partner for the 250 Challenge featuring state parks, fishing, hiking, and camping - https://ksoutdoors.com

• From the Land of Kansas - Organization promoting Kansas-grown products with special Kansas 250 boxes available January through July - https://fromthelandofkansas.com

• Kansas State Library - Monthly book series featuring Kansas authors and topics - https://kslib.info

• Boot Hill Distillery - Creating a special bourbon collection for Kansas 250 - https://boothilldistillery.com

• MANA National Organization - National Latino organization focused on women's healthcare and equal pay issues - https://hermana.org

• Watkins Museum (Lawrence) - Hosting "Hide the Semiquins" scavenger hunt with the Kansas 250 bison mascot - https://watkinsmuseum.org

• Newspapers.com - Historical newspaper archive - https://newspapers.com

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

What does it mean to stand in the gap for your community? Discover the journey, challenges, and unexpected stories behind Kansas State Troopers as we sit down with Joe Owen, lead recruiter for the Kansas Highway Patrol. From the rigorous training academy to the lighter side of law enforcement, and even a detour into ham radio, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and heartfelt moments that will change the way you see those who serve and protect Kansas.

Highlights

• The unique path Joe Owen took from Oklahoma to Kansas and into law enforcement
• What it’s really like to become a Kansas State Trooper: selection, training, and the meaning behind the uniform
• The broader role of the Kansas Highway Patrol beyond policing highways—including supporting federal and local agencies, and running the state’s Criminal Justice Information System
• The importance of integrity, humility, and discipline in recruiting new troopers
• How ham radio became a surprising passion and its relevance to emergency communications
• Winter driving safety tips every Kansan should remember
• How major events like FIFA coming to Kansas City impact law enforcement collaboration
• Personal stories of loss, resilience, and the deeper meaning behind wearing the badge
• Amusing and quirky moments from Kansas history, including windowless churches and blue laws

Chapters

0:00 – Kansas Comedy: Kathleen Madigan’s take on Kansas toll booths

2:18 – Welcome & Introduction to Kansas State Troopers

3:20 – Interview with Joe Owen: Background and Journey to Kansas

4:30 – Joe’s Path into Law Enforcement

6:07 – Lessons from the Road: No Stop is Insignificant

15:21 – The Many Roles of Kansas State Troopers

26:36 – Training, Recruitment, and What Makes a Good Trooper

29:50 – Pop Culture, Agency Collaboration, and Favorite Law Enforcement Depictions

44:14 – Ham Radio: A Trooper’s Unexpected Hobby

49:34 – Winter Driving Safety Tips

59:01 – FIFA’s Impact on Kansas City Law Enforcement

1:03:01 – Reflections: The Meaning of the Badge

1:09:28 – Post-Interview Reflections & Fun with Mustaches

1:11:08 – Kansas History: Amusing Incidents and Blue Laws

1:32:25 – Closing Remarks & Appreciation

Resources Mentioned

• Kathleen Madigan’s Comedy Special (available on Prime Video): Kathleen Madigan on Prime Video
• Kansas Highway Patrol: https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/
• Blue Bloods (TV Show): Blue Bloods on CBS
• Super Troopers (Movie): Super Troopers on IMDb
• Newspapers.com (Kansas history research): newspapers.com
• FCC Ham Radio Licensing: FCC Amateur Radio Service
  
  

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

Do you have a passion for furry companions? Join us for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation with Brandon Sokol, director of Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Manhattan, Kansas. Brandon shares the realities of shelter life, from the emotional challenges of animal rescue to the logistics of managing capacity, volunteers, and community partnerships. Discover how compassion, creativity, and teamwork come together to save lives, and hear unforgettable stories of animals (and people) who make a difference.

Highlights

• The mission and structure of Prairie Paws Animal Shelter
• Emotional and practical challenges of shelter work
• What “no-kill” really means and how it’s achieved
• The role of volunteers and “Dog Day Outs”
• Memorable animal rescue stories, including Moose the dog
• Managing unusual animal drop-offs and Kansas animal ordinances
• The importance of community support and spay/neuter programs
• Advice for supporting your local shelter and adopting pets

Chapters

4:59 – Introducing Brandon Sokol from Prairie Paws Animal Shelter

6:43 – Challenges and rewards of shelter work

10:30 – Managing capacity and maintaining no-kill status

14:18 – Volunteer contributions and “Dog Day Outs”

26:35 – Odd animal drop-offs and unusual pets

27:56 – Animal control, ordinances, and shelter operations

31:04 – Feral cats and trap-neuter-return programs

32:41 – Personal pet stories and naming pets

36:39 – Community support for animal shelters

Resources Mentioned

• Prairie Paws Animal Shelter: prairiepaws.org
• Adopt a Pet: adoptapet.com
  
  

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net