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11 Episodes 2025 - 2025
Episode 1
Thu, Feb 6, 2025
All the Livelong Day A lifelong train enthusiast, Sam Read is living his dream as a locomotive engineer for the Nebraska Central Railroad. On his daily treks moving freight along the scenic Loup River, Sam's made connections with folks throughout his route - especially a group of children who often greet Sam as he rolls by their home. Champions of Courage Neal Mosser is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in Nebraska high school history. During his tenure as Head Basketball Coach at Omaha Technical High School (1948-1968), Mosser openly challenged racial inequity by starting games with all-black athletes. In 1994, he was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame. Masquerade In the 1940s and 50s, Nebraska artist Doane Powell created a series of strange and wonderful masks. As a former cartoonist for the Omaha Bee, Powell eventually moved to New York City and shifted his focus from drawing faces to sculpting them with layers of craft paper and adhesive, creating exaggerated caricatures and realistic likenesses of famous figures. From Clark Gable to Mae West to Hitler, the masks range from playful to a bit spooky. After years of neglect, many of Powell's masks have been restored and are now in the collection of the History Nebraska Museum. Pint-Sized Justice Established in 1914 and operational until 1961, Arthur boasts what Ripley's "Believe it or Not" recognized as the smallest courthouse in the world. The 26 by 28-foot courthouse showcases distinctive artifacts dating back to the 1920s. A tiny jail was constructed a year later using two by fours, comprised of two rooms and a solitary confinement cell.
Episode 2
Thu, Feb 13, 2025
Lost in Loomis Does Loomis, Nebraska, make you think of the space race? Probably not. But back in 1934, this quiet prairie town became the focus of national attention when three members of the historic Explorer I expedition crash-landed in a local farmer's field during their daring attempt to reach the stratosphere. Mizer's Ruins A student designed project is nearing its completion at the Cedar Point Biological Station near Ogallala, NE. Mizer's Ruin is the culmination of a years long project that worked to connect students to both architecture and the land. The sustainable nature of the construction shows a rethinking of how we build today and what needs to be done for a better tomorrow. Portraits of Humanity Art and medicine are inextricably linked for Scottish-born artist Mark Gilbert, who creates portraits in the realm of medical humanities. Mark's recent work raises questions associated with the uncertainties, confusion and isolation associated with dementia for both patient and caregiver, while simultaneously offering glimpses into the healing aspects of art. In a visit to his studio, we capture Mark at work on his latest portrait of a nurse practitioner as part of his portraiture series on frontline healthcare workers that began during the pandemic. We examine how such works can inform humanity, transform patients and caregivers, and explore the relationship between medicine and the humanities. Legend in Bronze A visual essay on the new Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte sculpture.
Episode 3
Thu, Feb 20, 2025
The Grave For decades, residents of small-town Ravenna have whispered legends of a pioneer grave just north of town. Marked by a plot of 19th century perennial irises, the burial site is said to be the final resting place of a pair of infant twins. Though the children passed away more than a century ago, their story continues to resonate with their descendants and the community. Chimney Rock a towering sandstone spire rising 470 feet above the North Platte River Valley, has long been an iconic landmark for travelers and Indigenous Peoples alike, guiding Native Americans and over half a million emigrants heading westward in the 19th century. Although erosion has reduced its height by 80 feet, Chimney Rock remains an enduring symbol of the American West. Though now 80 feet shorter due to erosion, it remains a vital part of the landscape. Frequently mentioned in emigrant diaries, it stood as a beacon of progress and hope. Today, as a National Historic Landmark, it draws visitors worldwide, offering new walking trails across its protected site, allowing a closer connection to this natural and historical wonder. A Model to Remember Larry Bower's current model building project is extra special to him because it's a memorial to his dad. Larry's father was as a fireman who served on the Ralph J. Scott fireboat that was attached to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The historic fireboat was retired in 2003, but is undergoing restoration due to its storied past. When completed, Larry's model will have a permanent home with the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society. Willa Goes to Washington A 7 foot bronze statue of writer Willa Cather is now on display at the US Capitol, one of two statues representing Nebraska in the National Statuary Hall collection. We see the dramatic unveiling, speak with sculptor Littleton Alston, who created the work, and explore Cather's long journey from a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who created a new vision of the American frontier to a towering statue on display for the world to see at the US Capitol.
Episode 4
Thu, Feb 27, 2025
Brandon Bailey's Vision of the West A profile of up-and-coming artist Brandon Bailey, a Western and wildlife artist who is getting attention for his bronze sculptures. His paintings are old-school cowboy style. In 2019, he began adding Native American art to his repertoire. He was inducted into the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America in the fall of 2021. He lives south of Scotts Bluff National Monument and is a member of the Ottawa and Chippewa nations. He draws inspiration from Western landscapes near his home and the history of the West. Signal Butte, Hidden in Plain Sight While iconic landmarks like Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff Monument dominate the western landscape, Signal Butte quietly rises above the plains, holding secrets dating back thousands of years. Stunning drone footage showcases the butte's natural beauty and towering presence, offering a breathtaking view of this National Historic Landmark. As one of the first sites to use radiocarbon dating, Signal Butte revealed layers of ancient human activity. Though lesser-known and tucked away on private land, it remains a significant window into Nebraska's prehistoric past. Dancing in the Dirt Jami Kment and her teenage daughter, Lexie, share a common love for horses and competition. They form a dynamic duo in the sport of dressage and spend a significant amount of time together traveling the country to compete in United States Dressage. They share similar aspirations: to compete in the Olympics. Pixel Handler Ami Sheffield and her dog Pixel, a miniature American shepherd, are serious competitors in the rapidly growing sport of agility. They have serious fun doing it, too. Ami and Pixel are reigning titleholders in the 12-inch division of Westminster Kennel Club Master's Agility Championship (they've won back-to-back titles). Ami's competed and won on the international level, too. We visit Ami and Pixel at their training grounds to learn more about this popular sport.
Episode 5
Thu, Mar 20, 2025
The Olde Main Street Inn is a place where old friends meet and new ones are made. Current owner Jeanne Goetzinger has worked tirelessly to make the historic hotel a welcoming destination. When she took over the hotel and bar from her mother, she had no idea she was stepping into the role of caretaker for a significant piece of Chadron's history. Vesuvius Scrolls Luke Farritor etched his name in history by deciphering words from ancient scrolls that were once buried under volcanic ash in Herculaneum, Italy. As a student at Nebraska, Luke became the first to decode a passage from these scrolls using artificial intelligence. His groundbreaking achievement earned him co-winner honors and the $700,000 Vesuvius Challenge Grand Prize. Science Fun Factory Omaha's newest cultural gem, the Kiewit Luminarium, aims to spark curiosity in STEM careers among young visitors. The 82,000-square-foot museum sits along the Missouri River and features more than 120 exhibits that blend science, math, and technology with art, music, and local culture. Splitting Records Seward native Jesse Rood realized a childhood dream when he became a firefighter at the Nebraska Air Guard Base; however, this was just the beginning. A chance encounter sparked a new passion for him-axe throwing-and ignited a quest to set a World Record.
Episode 6
Thu, Mar 27, 2025
Flat Iron, A Cut Above - Nebraska has been known as the Beef State since 1956. The state produces 1 in every 4 steaks that come out of this country, and cattle outnumber people in Nebraska 3 to 1. With the right beef producing conditions, it makes sense that the University of Nebraska would focus on issues affecting the beef industry. Chris Calkins spent decades researching and developing the industry, but he's best known for his part in developing the flat iron steak. His team figured out a way to re-fabricate that part of the beef carcass, so that instead of all meat from that section going to roasts and ground beef, it now goes to the second most tender steak in the entire carcass. Today about one hundred million pounds of flat irons are sold annually. Haunting in the Heartland - Rolling through northern Nebraska, a 53-foot-long 'Trailer of Terror' delivers spine-tingling thrills wherever it parks. But this is no ordinary haunted attraction-it's the brainchild of a family from Atkinson with a natural knack for fright. What started as harmless fun has evolved into a mobile nightmare, spreading chills to small towns around the state. On this weekend, the eerie spectacle arrives in Wausa, daring locals to step inside. With Helpless Terror - On Easter Sunday in 1913, Beulah Adams was walking in an Omaha park when a tornado dropped from the sky. She survived and shared her story of helpless terror in a letter to her mother. Sandhills Speed - On the second weekend of August, the community of Arnold hosts its annual Sandhills Open Road Challenge. It's one of only three open road races in the USA. Racers from across the country compete in a variety of challenges, including the main event - a timed contest on a 55-mile winding, scenic Sandhills highway. These racers feel the need, the need for controlled speed.
Episode 7
Thu, Apr 3, 2025
Sandoz, the Storyteller's Mark Mari Sandoz, a celebrated writer of the American West, gained widespread recognition with her 1935 publication of her novel "Old Jules." Her powerful storytelling and in-depth research brought the history and spirit of the West to life. Today, her work continues to inspire, as efforts to preserve her legacy ensure new generations can discover the enduring impact of her voice. Love, Laughter and Legos A fun-loving couple from Arnold has found the perfect pastime - building LEGO sets together. While some folks spend their free time golfing or fishing, Harvey Foran would rather dive into a pile of bricks and, with the help of his wife Barb, turn them into something amazing. The duo works side by side, sorting bricks and snapping sets together, piece by piece. (They've completed over 500 LEGO sets so far!) It's a hobby that keeps their hands busy, their minds sharp, and their bond stronger than a well-clicked LEGO brick. North Omaha Legacies Join Preston Love Jr. on a guided tour of his beloved North Omaha, where history is honored and the community continues to evolve. Explore this historic neighborhood and visit the iconic "Street of Dreams." Made for Market A visit to the Norfolk Farmers Market introduces us to twin sisters Stacy and Sandy Dieckman, whose shared passion for growing fresh, local produce is rooted in love for their community. We also meet baker Caleb Nihira, who started by selling homemade bread at the market and has since risen to create a thriving downtown bakery.
Episode 8
Thu, Apr 10, 2025
Flat Iron, A Cut Above Nebraska has been known as the Beef State since 1956. The state produces 1 in every 4 steaks that come out of this country, and cattle outnumber people in Nebraska 3 to 1. With the right beef producing conditions, it makes sense that the University of Nebraska would focus on issues affecting the beef industry. Chris Calkins spent decades researching and developing the industry, but he's best known for his part in developing the flat iron steak. His team figured out a way to re-fabricate that part of the beef carcass, so that instead of all meat from that section going to roasts and ground beef, it now goes to the second most tender steak in the entire carcass. Today about one hundred million pounds of flat irons are sold annually. Haunting in the Heartland Rolling through northern Nebraska, a 53-foot-long 'Trailer of Terror' delivers spine-tingling thrills wherever it parks. But this is no ordinary haunted attraction-it's the brainchild of a family from Atkinson with a natural knack for fright. What started as harmless fun has evolved into a mobile nightmare, spreading chills to small towns around the state. On this weekend, the eerie spectacle arrives in Wausa, daring locals to step inside. With Helpless Terror On Easter Sunday in 1913, Beulah Adams was walking in an Omaha park when a tornado dropped from the sky. She survived and shared her story of helpless terror in a letter to her mother. Sandhills Speed On the second weekend of August, the community of Arnold hosts its annual Sandhills Open Road Challenge. It's one of only three open road races in the USA. Racers from across the country compete in a variety of challenges, including the main event - a timed contest on a 55-mile winding, scenic Sandhills highway. These racers feel the need, the need for controlled speed.
Episode 9
Thu, Apr 17, 2025
The Well-Dressed Museum The renowned Sheldon Museum of Art is home to an impressive collection of American masterpieces. Explore iconic paintings, stunning sculptures, and uncover the fascinating story behind a recent acquisition. Located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, the museum is celebrated for its striking architecture and commitment to showcasing both historic and contemporary works. Johnny Carson, I Simply Call It Home Discover the life of comedian and late-night legend Johnny Carson, famously known as "The King of Late Night," through an updated exhibit at the Elkhorn Valley Museum in his hometown of Norfolk. The display explores Carson's journey from his childhood to his iconic tenure as host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.. Art of the Unexpected Join former Sheldon Art Museum Director George Neubert on a guided tour of the Flatwater Folk Art Museum in Brownville. Unlike the fine art showcased at the Sheldon, this museum reflects Neubert's lifelong passion for folk art, featuring everything from refined masterpieces to quirky, unconventional pieces.
Episode 10
Thu, Apr 24, 2025
Our Mrs. Batten Growing up, Jody Batten watched her mother navigate a world that denied her an education beyond high school-fueling her own deep belief in the power of learning. From her time as a Nebraska cheerleader to her pioneering work in gifted education and the founding of the Lincoln Children's Museum, she dedicated her life to making sure every child had opportunities to grow. Her legacy lives on in the students she mentored, forever cheering them toward success. Speedy Swaps Inspired by a book exchange concept, Scott Philbrick repurposed a little library to allow kids to trade and collect Hot Wheels, bringing joy to children and fostering curiosity about cars. His generosity extends beyond the library, as he randomly hides Hot Wheels around town for kids to discover, turning it into a community-wide treasure hunt. A Vision for the Game Mark Wetzel of Omaha is a nationally-recognized hitting coach, working for more than four decades with young baseball and softball players from Nebraska and across the country. He's also legally blind. Mark uses his peripheral vision to see an outline of the hitter, and from that, can usually help improve their swing. He calls his sight problems a "gift," and has helped thousands become better hitters. The Last Homesteader's Tractor A 1940s tractor used by the last homesteader in Alaska in the 1970s is restored by volunteers at UNL before going to the Homestead National Monument for permanent display. We follow members of UNL's tractor club as they refurbish the tractor and learn the story of the last homesteader.
Episode 11
Thu, May 1, 2025
Big Sounds, Little Town In the quiet town of Sutherland, Nebraska, where original music venues are few and far between, musician Rascal Martinez is building something extraordinary. After years of making a living through music, touring out of state, and performing for corporate and private events, Martinez took a bold step-he bought an empty bank building in his hometown and transformed it into Stolen Vault Records. More than just a recording studio, it's a hub for independent artistry, a new music venue, and a home for local and regional talent. As he continues crafting his own sound and inviting other musicians to share the stage, Martinez is turning a small-town dream into a movement, proving that great music doesn't need a big city to thrive City Sprouts In 1995, Omaha City Sprouts planted a seed in Omaha, NE to promote urban gardening. 30 years later, that seed has blossomed into an organization with multiple education sites, and an urban farm which grows and donates over 15,000 pounds of healthy and culturally preferred produce each year. Through education and outreach they are cultivating food equity and having a huge impact on the community. A Tale of Two No-Hitters In the history of Nebraska baseball, only two players have pitched nine-inning no-hitters: Richard Geier in 1954 and Jackson Brockett in 2024. Although their feats span different eras, the players share surprising similarities. Return of the Swan They were nearly hunted to extinction in the early 20th Century, but today the largest waterfowl species in the world is once again thriving in the Sandhills - the trumpeter swan. Meet the researchers who worked tirelessly to protect these magnificent birds and their habitat, the ranchers who coexist on the land with them, and a photographer whose love for this species emanates through his breathtaking images.