Small Town Big Stories - Columbus, Indiana: Recent Episodes
Josh Robinson Productions
The people are what makes Columbus, Indiana such an awesome place to live. Join our hosts Nate West, Will Wagner, Bob Schafstall, and Eric Heyob as they interview some of the most interesting people in our community.
Check out these Columbus based ghost hunters. Most people run away when they hear a bump in the night. Bridget and Colin run towards it.
Nick and Josh Hogan are excited about the upcoming Mill Race Theatre Company production, Dog Sees God. Check it out the first weekend of March. Tickets.millracetheatre.org
Looking for something fun to do? Check out Columbus Rock Gym. Ilio tells us all about his experiences and indoor rock climbing.
Ruthie and Abby interview Mr. Budd. He is working hard to create the best choir programs at Columbus East and at Central Middle School
Charlotte and Lyndsay have seen the effect of suicide on local families. They have started a support group that meets at the Bartholomew County Public Library.
Nikki could have moved her family and business anywhere in the world, but she chose Columbus. Learn about life in South Africa and her challenges relocating to the US.
Do you enjoy local authors? Sydney shows off her freshly published children's book. Its a fun book that brings dreams to life for your little ones. It is available now at Viewpoint Books downtown.
Do you know any other local creators we should have on the show?
Clai tells us about his game store on Central Avenue. It's a great place to try out new games for your family. Nerding out is encouraged!
Santa Claus is in the studio! We were able to land an exclusive interview with Jolly Ole' Saint Nick!
JR talks to us about the school he will be opening in the fall of 2023. His mission is to use traditional curriculum to create lifelong learners.
Bob is an icon in the Columbus business scene. On this episode we learn about his history and his version of the American dream. This amazing man is just “Bob from Oklahoma”.
The Ethnic Expo is back in action and better than ever! Jody has been working hard to bring back this great Columbus event.
Dr. Mandy has a new approach to healthcare and she tells us about her recent world travels.
Coach Coop tells us about their winning season. We talk about character building and the challenges of building a comprehensive team with athletes that compete individually.
The 2008 flood kicked off Eric's career in not-for-profit work. He is currently working on pollinator habitats, planting native plants, and getting rid of invasive plants.
Learn why you should support Duane. He is all about helping the community and is way nicer than you'd think the sheriff would be.
Learn why you should support Dom. This guy is a barrel of fun. At least until he crashes at 8pm.
Learn why you should support Crissy. She is always helping other people, let's return the favor!
Learn why you should support Daniel. He is a great father, husband, and business person.
Raina Jones talks child abuse prevention and the programs Family Service provide the community. The CAP prom is coming up, learn how you can support the organization.
The C4 program offers 131 courses for high school students that provides college credits and prepares them for their careers. C4 is based in Columbus, but they have students from 5 counties. Gene started out as a building trades teacher and now is the director.
Novelle talks about being a local singer songwriter. She draws on her family, faith, and life experiences to create music that is heartfelt and meaningful.
Learn what a chaplain does and the support they give our first responders. John is creating a not for profit to provide this resource for Columbus officers on a full time basis.
Columbus is a great place to start a business. If you have a new business or even just a business idea, you need to stop by the Columbus Chamber to tell Elise about it. Your business could qualify for a free program.
Chris is a mental health counselor specializing in depression and anxiety in teenagers. He and Ruthie talk about the current state of mental health in our schools.
The mayor talks about his long history with our city, and the plans to keep our community going in the right direction.
Kelly and Julie talk about giving back to our community. The local Toys for Tots program serves 700 families in Bartholomew and Jennings Counties.
Take a break from all this serious stuff and get to know the funniest guy in Columbus, Jeff Bodart. Standup comedy, acting, writing, wand making – He does it all.
Did you know that working with horses can be therapeutic? Calli Johnson tells us about Reins to Recovery. They have been helping Bartholomew county and the surrounding area since 2008.
This week we are focused on the art of dance. Stacie Woempner is the director of Dancer’s Studio on Cottage Avenue. Ruthie helps interview since she loves being a part of the Dancer’s Studio family.
Ruthie West and Addison Robinson take over the show! They brought in Northside Middle School’s assistant principal, Evan Burton. School is a positive force in their lives and they are all excited to be back.
Doctor Sitaram gives us a refresher on dental health. It is more than just teeth. Mouth breathers beware!
Think Local Columbus! Crissy and Kaitlyn tell us all about the Think Local Columbus campaign. Learn how you can make an impact on our community by spending your dollars at local establishments.
Chuck Wells has a rich history in Columbus. We talk about getting his start, his days working for the local newspaper, his future at Overhead Door, and how he gives back to our community.
This week we sit down with Spencer Thompson to talk about Hoosier Egg Fest and the Big Green Egg. Egg fest is an awesome event with great food that raises money for local charities.
John Cunningham shares his story with us. Addiction has led to some very low points in his life, but he was given a second chance. Learn more about Recover Out Loud and how John is lifting up others that suffer from the same demons that have haunted him.
Recover Out Loud
recoveroutloudinc.org
You can’t mention music in Columbus without talking about Tom Pickett. Tom visits the show to talk about music, instruments, and his store’s history. His Columbus roots go back to 1956. Tom even plays us a couple of songs!
Aubrey Jackson-Conner and Kelly Weisner stop by the studio to talk about a different approach to physical therapy. They take a holistic look at staying active. Bob talks about his role at the chamber of commerce and how they help small businesses like Flourish Columbus.
On this episode, we talk with Scott Hundley and Dana Bowling about mental health issues in Columbus. Find out about the counseling program at Community Downtown as well as what you can do to improve mental health for you and your loved ones.
You can say John Sims is a great PE teacher, but that's an understatement. Tune in to learn more about his growing family, how he challenges his students, and his position as athletic director at St Peters.
On this episode Nate and Eric learn more about Sam Simmermaker. Sam is a local legend. Anyone that has listened to a radio around Columbus will recognize his voice. Tune in to find out how Sam developed his passion for sports and broadcasting.
In this episode Will and Bob hang out with Lou Krempel from Hog Molly Brewing Company. Learn more about the craft brewing process and Hog Molly’s taproom.
In this episode Nate and Bob talk about Bartholomew county’s bicentennial with Dr. Tami Iorio. Tami is a local pediatrician as well as our County Historian. Did you know there is a new film about our local history? You still have time to catch It Began With Bartholomew Part One on April 24th at Yes Cinema. Part Two debuts on May 1st.
In this episode Nate and Will find out more about Clifty Creek Elementary principal, Doctor Mike Parsons. His background has helped him change the lives of his students and faculty. Sports, special projects, caring for others, working hard, being a father and being a good husband keep Dr. Parsons busy. Learn his perspective on the effect of Covid-19 on the education system and elementary aged students.
On this episode we talk with Jake Atkins about his struggle with addiction. Addiction has affected most US households in some way. Listen in to Jake’s story of turning his life around, getting sober, and becoming a valuable member of our community.