Ope There It Is: Recent Episodes
Jennie Koenig & Emily Caulkins
A couple of small town midwestern ladies finding the gems hidden away in the hearts of small town people. We tell the stories and even interview people from our small-town Iowa area and learn about the incredible things they've seen and done. We'll also talk about Jesus and cake and butter cows and whatever the heck else. We (Jennie & Emily) believe God creates each person with unique beauty and purpose, like a gem buried waiting to be discovered. This doesn't always look fancy, or create "success" or fame. Our goal is to discover the gems hiding inside average, ordinary, small-town people. All it takes is a little digging and then, OPE! There it is!
Madilyn Rowson is a senior at PHS and the captain of Pleasantville's first ever girls wrestling team. We got to sit down with her and talk all things wrestling! We discuss how the sport has impacted her and what she loves most about it. We also talked about how Girls Wrestling is confronting the long-held and deeply rooted stigmas around weight and body image. Girls Wrestling is only in its second year as a sanctioned sport in the state of Iowa, and it is growing rapidly! We are so proud of Madilyn's courage, leadership, and willingness to share her heart and her faith with anyone who needs it. Let's Go Trojans!
We're back with another Jennie and Emily Chat! We like to throw these in between interview episodes whenever we can. In today's episode, we talk about the ingredients of Pumpkin Spice and just WHY it might be so addicting (lookin at you nutmeg). We share the results of the buzzfeed quiz: "What Cozy Fall Sweet Treat Matches Your Personality" (you can take it here). And we do an improvised commentary on the verse of the day from the YouVersion Bible App, which happened to be Hebrews 6:11.
Also, we try what is supposed to be the most difficult tongue twister in the english language. Hmmm.... Enjoy!
Summer is over and we are BACK with another Ope There It Is interview! If you don't know Mike Fust, you'll want to after this chat. Mike is hilarious and full of love for the Pleasantville Community.
We talk about, well, a LOT. This interview was a long one. But as you listen, you'll see why! Mike has a lot of good things to say about Youth Ministry, Fine Arts, and so much more. And trust us when we say, you will ENJOY listening. Prepare yourself for many side conversations that are sure to make you laugh.
Mike is co-host of a podcast called "Live From The Path". We LOVE this show and had to add in one of our favorite Live From The Path Segments: Dear Live From The Path, in which a "Dear Abby" letter is read as if it was sent to the co-hosts, and they give their answers. They then compare their answers to the answer that was given by the "expert". We had to give it a try!
A little about Mike:
He and his wife Jerra have two girls, Grace and Ella. They have lived in Pleasantville for about 10 years now, calling it home. In that time they have come to serve both as volunteers and supporters of Pleasantville Youth Initiative, the Pleasantville Fine Arts Boosters, the Webb Shadle Library, and much more. Mike also leads a small youth group gathering that meets Wednesday nights at the library.
We are so grateful to call Mike friend! We hope you enjoy this interview!
Emily and Jennie sit down with PHS alum and Pleasantville native Lindsay Phipps! She tells us about growing up in Pleasantville, her time with Lois Turnage as a mentor on the PHS Dance Team, her years at Central College, and her current role in Discipling other women in the Christian faith. We discuss how God's calling in our lives takes us on unexpected turns, and how He equips us for the work He calls us to.
We had a great time chatting with Lindsay! Pleasantville women: If you are interested in doing one on one Discipling with Lindsay (there is not cost), email us at pvilleyi@gmail.com and we will connect you with her.
Jennie and Emily discuss the beloved and ever trending Girl Scout cookies. They answer a listener question: "If you were a Spice Girl, what would your Spice Girl name be?". And then they get serious for a gosh darn second and talk about the recent Asbury Revival that many of you may have heard about.
Here are a few links we mention in the podcast:
NY Times Article on Asbury Revival: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/23/us/kentucky-revival-asbury-university.html
Pleasantville Girl Scout Troop Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gstroop624
Jennie and Emily sit down with Pleasantville Wrestling Coach and all around great guy Chad Rowson, aka the 1996 Class 2A 160lb State CHAMPION! Chad shares with us about wrestling, his career as a Park Ranger, clarifies a whole bunch of details about the DNR and conservation for Jennie, and walks Emily through the process of removing skunk "essence" if you are accidentally sprayed. Enjoy!!
We're rolling into the new year with a very special Christmas Break interview with Emily's son, Bryce, and Jennie's daughter, Adoniah (Addie). We discuss New Years resolutions, December birthdays, and fudge. Bryce and Addie also share their favorite devotionals, Emily and Bryce debate who is actually at fault for Bryce being called "The Late Kid" at school, and more!
Enjoy!
In this episode, Jennie and Emily talk about the first Thanksgiving, How mean Santa is on the classic Rudolph, and the season of Advent!
Trick or Treat! Emily and Jennie discuss Halloween costumes, favorite candy, and then interview the one and only CAROL BEIER! Born and raised in Pleasantville, Carol is a staple in the community and the reason MANY of us can read. Her teaching career focused on early education (Pre School, Kindergarten, T-K). After retiring, Carol was elected to the school bored just as the 2020 global pandemic hit. She is also a 4th Generation member of Fairview Christian Church, the beautiful little church under the bridge just outside of town. Carol told us about her background, gives advice for parents, explains the role that faith has played in her life, reminisces about a middle school dance in the "Cafetorium", and more!
You're sure to enjoy learning more about this incredibly kind and super funny Queen of Pre-K!
In this episode, Jennie and Emily chat about topics relating to Biblical Hospitality. They share about their early cooking mishaps, talk about what the Bible says about hospitality, and how it impacts how they interact with others. They also discuss Mary and Martha (spoiler: Martha IS NOT the worst).
This episode is at times light-hearted and at times faith heavy. Enjoy!
Scripture: Romans 12; Romans 12:13
Challenges for listeners:
- Cook a meal or bake something for someone.
- Invite people to your home.
- Show hospitality to people in closest proximity to you first.
Emily and Jennie discuss Homecoming and then have their very first interview with practice run Michael Koenig, aka Jennie's husband, who is also super smart and stuff. We think he's a crop doctor or something?
...In all seriousness, we do discuss Michael's journey, a few of the people who changed the direction of his life, and how important it is to have mentors that help direct you!
Welcome to "Ope, There it Is!" a podcast where we search for the gems hidden inside ordinary, every day, small town people. God has designed each of us with unique gifts. Often these gifts go unnoticed because they are hidden deep down within.
All it takes is a bit of digging and then, ope! there it is!
We, Jennie Koenig and Emily Caulkins, are co-founders of Pleasantville Youth Initiative in Pleasantville, IA. This podcast will have a little of this, a little of that, and interviews with local folks who are blessing their community in big ways.
On this episode, you'll hear the who, what, when, where, and why of this podcast. We talk a bit about the queen, our favorite seasons, and about why we believe in our small town.