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13 Episodes 2019 - 2019
Episode 1
Thu, Jan 17, 2019
And We Walked - On a spring morning, members of the Ponca tribe gather near the town of Niobrara to walk. They're following the footsteps of their great-great grandparents who, 140 years earlier, were driven by soldiers from their traditional Nebraska homeland to Indian Territory-now the state of Oklahoma. Healing Art - An Omaha hospital takes cancer treatment to the next level with the creation of what may be one of the largest healing arts sanctuaries in the country premised on the idea that art has healing properties. Coming Home - Finding a stable home was a long shot for LeBeck Warren, but his journey from foster care ended at an unlikely destination- his coach's home. Sowbelly Canyon - A Pine Ridge paradise located near the town of Harrison, Sowbelly Canyon has experienced a number of natural disasters in the past decade including a major flood in 2015. Explore this little known treasure and meet the people who are working together to preserve this oasis for all to enjoy.
Episode 2
Thu, Jan 24, 2019
Aiming for the Old West - Cowboy action shooting is a sport with an Old West flavor. Wearing period costumes and adopting aliases like Panhandle Kate, Stirrup Trouble, and Grizzly Dave, competitors use six-shooters and single action rifles in a skill of marksmanship. Matt Sesow's Paint Therapy - Matt Sesow was forever changed the day he was playing football on grassy runway and didn't see the small aircraft coming in to land. He recovered from his physical injuries and continued to excel in school, but the trauma of the freak accident remained buried within him . Then Matt discovered art and emotions connected to the injuries he suffered as a child flowed through him and onto the canvas in vivid colors and aggressive lines. Sally Bard's War Stories - This has made an old man of me in both looks and ways" wrote Carl "Sally" Bard in a letter to his love. Until he went off to fight in World War I, the young farmer never ventured far from his home town of Wakefield. In his diary and letters to his girlfriend Mabel, Bard writes of meeting French girls and also, of returning from battle "pretty well shot up. Swapping Stories on the Buffalo Commons" - After two decades of swapping stories, the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival in McCook is stronger than ever. We visit with one of the featured performers, State Poet Twyla Hansen and meet some of the local storytellers keeping the heritage of the Plains alive with tales that are at times informative, sometimes challenging but always entertaining. Battling a Football State of Mind - In a state where football dominates the headlines, another sport is battling for recognition. La Crosse is the fastest growing sport in America, popular on both coasts, and now is finding steady growth with some high school athletes in Omaha.
Episode 3
Thu, Jan 31, 2019
Final Call for Lincoln Telephone - The Frank H. Woods Telephone Museum may have been Lincoln's biggest little secret. Spanning from the earliest days of the telephone to the present, the museum's collection featured a number of rare phones. Figaro across Nebraska - A cast of student actors and musicians take Mozart's opera "The Marriage of Figaro!" on the road through rural Nebraska where they perform in historic buildings to enthusiastic audiences. Earning His Stripes - John Higgins is considered to be one of the top NCAA basketball officials in the country. He has officiated the Final Four multiple times. Higgins, who comes from an Omaha family rich in athletic tradition, is on the road five to six days a week during the season. The Warrior's Pen - The Warrior Writers Workshop is a program for active duty military and veterans where they are encouraged to explore their personal experience as they master the skill of writing.
Episode 4
Thu, Feb 7, 2019
Guardians of the Baton - Hear the long-kept secret of how a historic baton connected to German composer Richard Wagner found its way to Nebraska and follow it's return to the composer's home through the efforts of two Nebraska women. River of Surprises - Photographer Mike Forsberg and Filmmaker Pete Stegen spent 35 days traveling by bike,on foot and by canoe to follow a mythical drop of water from the Rockies to the Plains. They face killer dams, ghosts of the past and a storm that turns the Platte River into a chocolate milkshake. Hometown Husker - Hayley Densberger's dream of playing college volleyball was fulfilled in 2017 when she walked on at Nebraska. She has a lot of pride about where she comes from and in her family which helped her succeed. Plein Air Poet - Britny Cordera is known as the Old Market poet. On weekends the she can be found typing on her 1904 Corona portable typewriter along Howard Street sidewalks. Like an artist painting a canvas in the park, Britny is a plein air poet... taking in her surroundings as inspiration for her poetry. Picturing Rodeo - Step into the captivating world of Nebraska rodeo through the lens of photographer Mark Harris, featuring his captivating images depicting the spirit of Nebraska rodeo from showman to spectator. Harris spent eight years traveling our state capturing the sport's essence, freezing raw energy and passion in breathtaking snapshots.
Episode 5
Thu, Feb 14, 2019
War Quilts - Explore brilliantly colored wool quilts made by men during wartime that were on exhibit at the International Quilt Study Center and Museum. Drilling for Perfection - General John J. Pershing formed a rifle drill team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln more than a century ago. Though the Nebraska team stopped performing a decade ago, a batch of new cadets have restarted the program with hopes to restore the proud tradition of the Pershing Rifles on the campus where it all began. Huskers March the Rose Parade - Follow the Cornhusker Marching Band's first appearance in the prestigious Rose Bowl Parade. In 1941, the same year the Cornhusker football team made their first ever bowl appearance at the Rose Bowl. Highway Paleontology - We follow a team of paleontologists as they dig along Nebraska's highways where they uncover new clues to our state's paleo history.
Episode 6
Thu, Feb 21, 2019
The Big Sounds of Bobby Layne - The Bobby Layne Orchestra has played ballrooms across the United States for over 65 years and it's been quite a journey for band leader, Bobby Layne. Over his long career Layne has guided many orchestra members through multiple eras and genres of music. Today Layne continues to travel coast to coast with his band playing music that keeps the dance floor crowded. Rez Squatchers - A pair of brothers set out to find Ci'tonga, a creature they say is similar to Bigfoot or Sasquatch. Their company, Rez Squatching, takes tourists into wooded areas around Macy to seek out the beast. They're certain Ci'tonga exists. Can they convince the skeptics? Newton's Apple Tree - When is an apple tree more than an apple tree? How about when it's a descendant of the tree that inspired Sir Issac Newton's law of gravity in the summer of 1666. Only a handful of 'Flower of Kent' trees exist in the world and one can be found right here in Nebraska on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. House of Art - An Omaha couple's reputation for adventurous, fearless collecting has raised eyebrows of the art world. On a modest budget, Laura Vranes and John McIntyre transformed their love of art into an immense collection of works from a variety of unknown, emerging artists.. In the last decade, this middle-class couple has quietly amassed what is said to be one of the most important contemporary art collections in the Midwest. A Love Leter to Louise - While students at the University of Nebraska, Louise Pound was greatly admired by Willa Cather. In a youthful letter penned by now the famous author, we get a glimpse into Cather's world and her desire for women.
Episode 7
Thu, Feb 28, 2019
Code Name: Looking Glass - For nearly 3 decades beginning in 1961, at the height of the US and Soviet Cold War tensions, Strategic Air Command operated airborne command posts, code named "Looking Glass" for its ability to mirror the nuclear command underground at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue. We look back at Operation Looking Glass and the historic aircraft credited with helping to prevent a nuclear war and winning the long Cold War with the Soviet Union. One of the last remaining EC-135 aircraft is being restored for permanent display at the Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland. We speak with volunteers and former crew members of 'The Glass,' as they call it, to hear about the pride and commitment they still have for this icon of the Cold War. William, Luther and Cody - Cody Cade Is a Nebraska National Guard soldier and curator of the Guard's museum in Seward. He reflects on the experiences of two other young Nebraska soldiers (William Dermann of Talmage and Luther Swanson of Oakdale), whose letters, uniforms, photos and equipment from World War I are part of the museum's collection. Instrumental Art - Jay Kreimer mixes his talent as a sculptor and musician to turn everyday objects into innovative musical instruments or as he says, 'scraps of possibilities.' Kreimer has taken his music on the road across Europe and into Asia. His work has also been exhibited across the US and most recently in Nebraska at Wayne State College. Rockin' the Big Red Van - Get in a jam-packed van and travel back to deep time with a group of teachers on a big-time geology adventure. They forge the Platte River, sleep in rough country, climb sandy buttes and turn back into students to explore what really drives learning.
Episode 8
Thu, Mar 21, 2019
The Statue on the Hill - Overlooking the former homeland of the Ponca people in the scenic Niobrara River Valley is a newly installed bronze statue of their great chief, Standing Bear. Alice Erickson, his great-great-great granddaughter, recently traveled to the site and as she studied artist Ben Victor's depiction of the Chief in a scene from his historic trial, she reflected on her ancestor's legacy. Today he is recognized as a civil rights hero, but to Alice the Chief is simply family, 'He's up on that hill overlooking our land and he's with us always.' Half-Way to St. Pat's. - The village of Greeley celebrates its founding heritage every year by throwing a big Irish party. The day long festival includes music, food, history, culture and a whole lot of fun. Held on the third Saturday in September, which is about half-way to St. Patrick's Day, the popular event attracts national and international musicians and the town grows four times its size. A Hopping Success - An innovative startup company that has successfully grown hops in Nebraska has partnered with the University of Nebraska and it's taking their business to a whole new level. Looking for Bliss - Only remnants remain of a settlement called Bliss where African Americans tried to build a life on the edge of the Sandhills. Big-Time Radio in Clay Center - During the 1920s in the town of Clay Center, a chicken incubator baron found a way to market his products by starting a radio station. KMMJ became a regional tourist attraction that launched the careers of several performers.
Episode 9
Thu, Mar 28, 2019
Nebraska Star Party - It's a celestial celebration like no other in the country. The 25th year of the Nebraska Star Party welcomed people from all over the country to some of the darkest skies in the nation. At Merritt Reservoir in Valentine, young and old, novices and well-versed veteran stargazers gathered to witness the night sky as it was seen before the invention of the lightbulb. This multi-day event draws hobbyists who seek to escape light pollution in the sanctity of the Sandhills. The Hat Maker - There are around 60 custom hat makers in the United States and one lives in the heart of the Sandhills. Using antique tools and machinery, Kaycee Orr Hoffman is a master of her craft. She'll build any hat you'd like, but her cowboy hats are among the finest made - bar none. Kindergarten Grandma - Charlotte Miller of Lincoln has been involved with education all her life. She's a former teacher and teacher's aide. Now, at 88-years-old, Charlotte is still in the classroom, volunteering for an hour a week with kindergarten students at Elliott Elementary in Lincoln. She's passing on her love for learning to a new generation of students. Jazz Reunion - Jazz greats reunite for a special performance celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra. A Safer Game - With the growing concern over the impact of concussions on football players, Omaha high schools are employing new technology to help keep students safe on the field. See how coaches are using science on the playing field to learn how to better protect their athletes from injury.
Episode 10
Thu, Apr 4, 2019
Schmackary's Cookies - When Zachary Schmahl left Nebraska for the bright lights of Broadway, he wanted to make it big on Broadway and he did, but it wasn't through theater. It was through cookies. Learn how this small town kid became the self-proclaimed 'cookie king of New York.' Kolache Queen - In the small town of Morse Bluff, Nebraska lives royalty. In fact, some call her the queen-the Kolache Queen. For more than half a century, Nadine Racek has been mixing, kneading and baking delicious treats that have delighted people across the globe. Nadine had baked as many as 1500 kolaches in one order and shipped them as far as Afghanistan. And at 84 it doesn't look like she'll stop any time soon. Crafting Fine Vodka - Local wineries and brew pubs are commonly found within our state, but in West Point two men decided they try their hand at crafting vodka. The result? An award winning Nebraska made vodka that is among the finest in the United States. Saving Sacred Seeds - With the blessing of tribal elders, Omaha tribe member Taylor Keen plants indigenous heirloom seeds with the hope that someday everyone in his tribe could be self-sustaining by planting their own corn, bean, squash, and sunflower crops from those sacred seeds. "The Piemaker" For a man with deep memories of the depression and the extreme drought of the 1930's, going without is nothing new. So at 98-years old, a Hastings man uses those memories as motivation to keep his apron on... baking pies and giving them away to anyone in need: family, friends, hospice workers, cancer patients, and other causes.
Episode 11
Thu, Apr 11, 2019
Building A Dream - What do you do when your small school needs a theater space, If you're Tami Maytum, you organize a barn raising. When the Malcome High School drama coach won a 10,000.00 dollar national grant, it kickstarted her plan to build a practice space for her drama students. The Malcolm community rallied around Maytum and her students - raising another 50,000.00 dollars in cash donations along with volunteering their muscle, skill labor and construction equipment. The result is a brand new home for the Malcolm High School drama program. The Dundee Theater - The Dundee Theater is the cornerstone of Omaha's historic Dundee district. The Dundee neighborhood is also home to Warren Buffet and the childhood home of Academy Award Winning filmmaker Alexader Payne. The neighborhood theater opened in the1925 and is the last of its kind in Omaha. The theater closed in 2013 and sat dormant until 2017 when Susie Buffet's Sherwood Foundation restored the building as a gift to Omaha's Film Streams. The once classic cinema has a renewed urban community design, Today Fild Streams' Dundee Theater is fitting place to appreciate international and locally crafted films as an art form. Winston, Kid Composter - Winston Schneider is a typical fifth grader who likes insects, Legos, and Star Wars. Winston is also an award-winning classical composer who recently wone the National Association for Music Education's Student Composers Competition for his piece Scherzo of the Feather Stars. Winston says his compositions are inspired by insects and chemistry. Nebraska's Schindler - During his tenure as president of a prestigious university, Alvin Saunders Johnson worked to save the lives of 184 German Jewish scholars under persecution by Hitler. Born on a farm near Homer in 1874 to immigrant parents, Johnson went on to earn a PhD in economics. He went on to become the first president of the legendary New School University located in New York City. It was while serving as school president that Johnson established the University in Exile where he hired Jewish scholars fleeing Nazi Germany.
Episode 12
Thu, Apr 18, 2019
In the Key of Glass - At first glance, Philip Glass and Paul Barnes are a study in contrasts. The former is one of the most highly regarded and influential composers of the late 20th century, famous for his frequently understated and minimalistic music and personality. The latter has been described as a 'ferociously virtuosic' pianist who is intensely expressive. Together, they've formed an unlikely friendship and creative collaboration born of a chance encounter and spanning more than 2 decades, culminating with the world premiere of Glass's latest work featuring Barnes at the keys. We explore the music and the magic between these two world-class artists. Victims of Peace - Profile of Kathryn Bolkovac a former Lincoln, Nebraska police officer who became well-known for her work as a monitor with the United Nations International Police Task Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1999 to 2001. While employed by a military contractor, she discovered abuses by law enforcement personnel, international peacekeepers, private contractors and local police, who were frequenting brothels staffed by underage girls, many of whom were being held via debt-bondage. Bolkovac became a whistleblower and, in the process, lost her job. Bolkovac now speaks internationally as a human rights advocate and consultant. (Originally submitted in connection with Women, War and Peace initiative / tie-in for Women's History month) Weekend on Horseback - Held annually at Nebraska National Forest, near Halsey, the 4-H Foundation Trail Ride is a popular social event that attracts riders across Nebraska and other states. The event benefits a 4H camp and a college scholarship program. A Championship Legacy - Through all the championship teams in the Nebraska Volleyball dynasty, no two players have been more decorated than Kenzie Maloney and Mikaela Foecke. Two national championships, two conference titles, and four final four appearances in 4 years brought the meaning of a championship legacy to new heights.
Episode 13
Thu, Apr 25, 2019
In the Listening Room with Andrea von Kampen - Join singer-songwriter Andrea von Kampen in the music studio as she records songs for her first full album. Her soulful folk songs have amassed millions of streams on Spotify and her following continues to grow as this young Nebraska talent takes her music to listening rooms across the country. Haute Stacker - Chocolatier Melissa Stephens is the owner of The Cordial Cherry in Omaha. Her handmade candies are works of art in their own right. But, her creativity extends beyond the kitchen. Stephens has advanced degrees in science and has a patent pending on her invention she calls the Haute Stacker. The Stacker is an elegant method for displaying or serving decadent desserts. D-Day and the Oldfield Effect - Tecumseh native Barney Oldfield was the first journalist to become a paratrooper and he was also General Eisenhower's press aide during World War 2. Learn how Oldfield influenced war coverage during the Good War. St. Gerald's Garden - Connecting kids to nature has been St. Gerald's school mission for over a decade. The school developed a hands-on program where students learn how to grow a garden from start to finish...and they simply love it. The Sound of Spring - For writer Doreen Pfost, the Platte River is a place for respite, escape, and a source of inspiration. We captured her reflections on the annual spring migration of the the Sandhills cranes.