Thinking Out Loud: Recent Episodes
KBIA
Darren Hellwege and Lee Wilkins interview people of note in the Columbia community.On Friday the show broadcasts Maplewood Barn Radio Theatre, a radio drama put on by the Maplewood Barn community theater. On Saturday it tackles the college sports scene.
KBIA'S Darren Hellwege talks to Tim Reinbott, Field Director for MU Extension and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, about opportunities in coming weeks to enjoy the sunflowers blooming at Mizzou's South Farm. They also discuss the research happening at the University's farms.MU South Farm
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Nancy West, author of the new book Agatha Christie, The Mother Of The Cozy Mystery. They discuss Christie's writing career and life, including her love of surfing. No, really! The book will be available at Skylark Bookshop
KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Maples Repertory Theatre's Artistic Director Todd Davison and with Brandon McShaffree, who directs their production of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown." which is running through Aug. 2nd at the Theatre in Macon.Maples Repertory Theatre
KBIA’s Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Clay Hurdle, Assistant Professor and 4-H State Specialist in Leadership and Civic Engagement at HDFS on the history of land grants in Missouri and how they impacted Mizzou’s identity, as well as the 4-H Extension, and how those seemingly unrelated things come together annually during the Missouri State Fair, happening this year August 13-23 in Sedalia.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Beth Pike and Joel Rhodes of the State Historical Society of Missouri, catching up on several events happening around the 4th of July, including a live reading of the Declaration of Independence. You can see the full schedule at State Historical Society events calendar
KBIA’s Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Bryon Wiegand, Division Director of Animal Sciences at CAFNR-MU on the long-awaited opening of the new Michael L. Parson Meats Education & Training Lab – or Meat Lab – and the long and winding journey that took this vision from its previous iteration as the Mizzou Meat Market, to the state of the art learning facility and public market that formally opens in July.
KBIA’s Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Kantha Channaiah, Assistant Professor of Food Science and State Extension Specialist of Food Processing and Safety at CAFNR on the food safety training programs offered through CAFNR and the importance of proper food handling - not only for manufacturers and businesses, but also individuals who work with popular methods of food handling such as canning.
In an episode dedicated to all things bugs, KBIA’s Rachael Norden is joined by KBIA Health Reporter Rebecca Smith to speak with Dr. Emily Althoff, Assistant Extension Professor and State Extension Specialist of Urban Entomology at CAFNR on the relationships between pollinators and pests – how they’re often one and the same – and how people can play a vital role in stewarding local environments to not only help our flying friends survive, but thrive.
KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Rick Relyea, inaugural director of the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands, and Aquatic Systems at CAFNR-MU on his vision in workforce development and regional collaboration as he sets the stage for this new institute at Mizzou.
In celebration of International Day of Play happening June 11, KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Rachel Thibodeau-Nielsen, Associate Professor at HDFS on the importance of play for children – namely, the evolving narratives around childhood play versus adulthood preparation, how play styles exist across a spectrum, and how adults can help facilitate true playtime for children, founded in a joy for play within themselves.
KBIA's Rachael Norden continues her conversation with Dr. Kale Monk, Associate Professor at HDFS, on all things relationships – the good, the bad, and the lonely. In this episode, we explore loneliness, breakups, and what it can look like to navigate the natural ebb and flow of our relationships. Plus, resources for rural community members through HDFS’ new ShowMe Connection project.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Kate Harry, President, and Patsy Stem, President-Elect, of Columbia non-profit Up To Good. The organization, formerly known as The Assistance League of Mid-Missouri, serves people in Columbia in a number of ways, including their thrift shop Upscale Resale. Up To Good
KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Scott Simon, longtime host of NPR's "Weekend Edition Saturday," about his new book. Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known explores the pets in Scott's life, and how we are all affected by the animals in our lives.
KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Drs. Shinyoung Jeon and Aileen Garcia on National Childcare Provider Appreciation Day, or Provider Appreciation Day, happening May 8th – a worldwide celebration meant to recognize the work of childcare providers, teachers, and other educators of young children.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Emily Ehling who directs "Catalyst," an upcoming dance concert, and about the new dance program within Mizzou's Theatre Department.Mizzou Theatre Department
KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with returning guest, Dr. Melissa Herzog, Associate Teaching Professor at HDFS on National Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW), happening April 20-24, 2026 as a time to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours and make a profound difference in the lives of youth.
KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Francisco Palermo, Associate Professor at HDFS on National Kindergarten Day, the impacts of technology on early learning, and how early childhood education emphasizes developing the social skills children require before academia.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Rev. Katie Collins of First Presbyterian Church about their Holy Week observances and the meaning of events like Maunday Thursday and Good Friday. First Presbyterian Church, Columbia MO
KBIA’s Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Brandon Boyd, Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Missouri on the MU Choral Union’s upcoming spring performance, Franz Schubert’s Mass in E flat Major, presented by the University Concert Series and in collaboration with the Columbia Civic Orchestra. Plus, a look at what’s coming down the line as the Choral Union plans its celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Jeffrey Stevens of the Mizzou History Department about this year's guest in the Fordyce Mitchel Lecture Series. Dr. Dimitri Nakassis of University of Colorado will speak on "At Mycenae the Gods Once Walked the Earth: The Rise and Fall of a Bronze Age Civilization."Schedule for 2026 Fordyce Mitchell Lecture Series
KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. So Young Park, Assistant Professor at HDFS on domestic and interpersonal violence in Missouri, how the research at HDFS helps victims of DV, and how to build awareness within yourself and our community in honor of October and Domestic Violence Awareness month.
KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Nina Thomas, Community Resilience Organizer with the City of Columbia's Office of Sustainability on CoMo Canopy, a new program in partnership with Forest ReLeaf dedicated to growing resilient tree canopies across Missouri to support healthy people, healthy habitats, and a healthy planet.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Steve Shankman, who is organizing the 3rd annual Evolution Festival which is coming Sept. 27 and 28 in St. Louis Forest Park. In addition to dozens of great musical acts, the Fest is also a benefit for United Way and their assistance to those affected by this year's tornado in St. Louis.
In this Grandparents Day special episode, KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Megan Gilligan, an Associate Professor at HDFS on the numerous types of relationships grandparents have with adult grandchildren in the modern age, and how can technology can bridge divides among multigenerational families.
KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. David Braun, Director of CAFNR-MU's Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) on their research, the Missouri Maize and Missouri Soybean Centers, and how the IPG fosters scientific collaboration in this uniquely MU program.
In a conversation expanding on her interview at The Daily Blend, KBIA's Rachael Norden chats with Miranda Clines, Director of the Child Development Lab (CDL) at MU's Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) on their expanding programs, what conscious discipline is, and why the CDL remains the best kept secret at Mizzou.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Stefan Freund about this week's Mizzou International Composers Festival, including the big concert Saturday night.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Rachel Thibodeau-Nielsen of the University of Missouri Dept. of Human Development and Family Science about why play isn't just fun for kids, but is a big part of their learning and development.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. So Young Park of the M.U. Dept. of Human Development and Family Science. As Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized in October. Dr. Park tells us about the latest research on the subject.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Melissa Herzog about her work and teaching in Positive Youth Development and how it helps young people find interests that can motivate them.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Steven Krauss of the University of Missouri Dept. of Human Development and Family Science about his work with 4-H Clubs of Missouri and his teaching in Volunteerism and Youth-Adult Parnerships.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Clay Hurdle of the MU School of Human Development and Family Science. Dr. Hurdle discusses teaching leadership to Mizzou students and working with young people through MU Extension and 4-H Clubs of Missouri.
KBIA’s Rachael Norden interviews Dr. Patrick Westhoff, Director of CAFNR’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Beth Pike and Laura Jolley of State Historial Society of Missouri about two events coming next Tuesday. First, at noon, is "Following The Paper Trail of Dewey and Danforth" about what can be learned in the archival papers of two Missouri legislators, Dewey Short and John Danforth. That will be followed at 6 with an event including a screening of "Generations: African-American Exoerience In Springfield And The Ozarks" from Ozarks Public Television.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Beth Pike and Laura Jolley of State Historial Society of Missouri about two events coming next Tuesday. First, at noon, is "Following The Paper Trail of Dewey and Danforth" about what can be learned in the archival papers of two Missouri legislators, Dewey Short and John Danforth. That will be followed at 6 with an event including a screening of "Generations: African-American Exoerience In Springfield And The Ozarks" from Ozarks Public Television.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Dr. Pamela Bruzina, recently named the first Ombudsperson at the University of Missouri, and they discuss the new role and her work at MU's Faculty Athletics Representative.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege in a conversation from several years ago with local historian David Sapp as the Boone County Historical Society worked towards preservation of the Easley Store, an old general store in the small town of Easley, about 14 miles south of Columbia. Nearly lost to the years, and the great flood of 1993, the store is now restored and is part of the Boone Village exhibit at the Historical Society at Nifong Park in Columbia.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Idethia Shevon Harvey of University of Missouri's MU College of Health Sciences about health disparities among rural and aging African-Americans.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Kelli Canada of MU's College of Health Sciences about recent research in improving living and working conditions within prisons.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Steve Ball about how exercise and strength training can benefit older adults in many ways.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Marty Scott, who portrays George Harrison and is one of the founding members of "Liverpool Legends," who will perform this Friday at the Missouri Theatre.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Brian Mitchell, who will be on campus Oct. 13th to give a keynote address as the conference on Peace and Security in Africa and the African Diaspora. They discuss his topic, "Burying The Sins Of Our Collective Past: Why Rewriting And Covering Up Difficult History Doesn't Work." Mitchell is Director of Research and Interpretation at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, IL.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Dr. Kathleen Preble of MU's College of Health Sciences about what's been learned about human trafficking in Missouri and nationwide and about myths and misconceptions that linger.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Adam Saunders of the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture about their 14th annual Harvest Hoontenanny event.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Beth Pike of the State Historical Society of Missouri about this month's "History On Elm" presentation looking at the German heritage of our state and how it's affected our culture.
In a discussion from 2011, KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with the great Missouri historian Bob Priddy about his book The Art of the Missouri State Capitol: History In Canvas, Bronze and Stone.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Dr. Joy Powell, director of the MU Repertory Theatre about their upcoming production of "Little Shop of Horrors."
KBIA's Darren Hellwege shares a conversation from 2009 with Lucille Salerno. They discuss the famous Blind Boone piano which is at the Boone County Historical Society, and efforts that were being made at that time to restore the great old instrument.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege and Quin Gresham of the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre discuss the upcoming season, including their opening show "The Addams Family, and Darren reveals a little known nickname from his earlier years.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege interviews Dr. Elie Ghanem about orthopedics, including how things work when a patient gets joint replacement surgery.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Kevin Walsh of the State Historical Society of Missouri about an upcoming screening of a film documenting the 1974 Ozark Music Festival, a massive and memorable Missouri music moment.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Bonnie Conley, Summer School Coordinator of Columbia Public Schools about this year's program
KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with legendary Columbia educator Eliot Battle in this interview from 2006. Also on here is a visit with the artist who designed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and Battle Garden at the Stadium Blvd. entrance to the MKT Trail.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Mid-Missouri native Ellie Grace about her upcoming visit to Columbia and her new CD, "On The Side Of Love."
KBIA's Lee Wilkins continues her visit with Camellia Cosgray, the new Director of the True/False Film Festival; and with Chris Boeckmann, the Director of Film Programming. They discuss their positions with the Festival, plans for the upcoming 2020 Fest, and recent controversy about some business partnerships.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins talks with Camellia Cosgray, the new Director of the True/False Film Festival; and with Chris Boeckmann, the Director of Film Programming. They discuss their positions with the Festival, plans for the upcoming 2020 Fest, and recent controversy about some business partnerships. You can hear part 2 of the conversation next week on the program.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins talks with Prof. Paul Crabb of the University of Missouri School of Music about some of the concerts they have coming this holiday season and beyond, and about the meaning of "Baroque" music.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege speaks with Andrew Grabau, Executive Director of Heart of Missouri United Way. We get an update on the United Way campaign on the Mizzou campus, and plans for 2020.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins talks with Carrie Koepke of Skylark Bookshop about what's happening in the world of books. Carrie has suggestions for you to enjoy on your holiday break, and gift ideas for grown-ups and children.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins speaks with Dr. Claire Siler and Dr. Heather Carver of the MU Theatre Department. They discuss a series of one-act plays the department did about climate change, and a larger conversation about how theater and art reflect the issues of the time in which it lives.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins talks with Angela Denker, a Mizzou grad and author of the book "Red State Christians." She recently gave a book talk at Columbia's Skylark Bookshop.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins talks with Susan Flader, retired MU professor, about two different topics. First, we hear the remarkable story of Leo Drey, who donated over 100,000 acres of land to the state of Missouri and changed attitudes towards forest conservation in the state.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins talks with Elizabeth Dinkins, administrator with Columbia Canine Sports Center. Whether you want your dog to compete, or just get some fun exercise, Elizabeth has great ideas for you and your dog.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins talks with Wendy Reinke of the new National Center for Rural School Mental Health at the University of Missouri. It's one of three centers in the U.S. with the goal of enhancing the capacity of rural schools to identify, prevent, and intervene in mental health concerns with their students.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins speaks with Dr. Richard Meadows of the MU College of Veterinary Medicine about how to keep your dogs healthy and happy.
Lee Wilkins speaks with the artists whose work is part of the "Explorations In Color" exhibit at the Boone County History and Culture Center. John Fennell, Scott Patrick Myers and Jenn Wiggs talk about the show, and the use of color in their own work.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins talks with Verna LeBoy and Judith Matamba of Columbia/Boone County Health and Human Services about disparities in health opportunities and outcomes in American society, and particularly in Columbia and Boone County.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Brian Weimer, Assistant Chief of University of Missouri Police Department about how MUPD is getting ready for a new school year and this week's influx of students. Then, they're joined by Nick Joos of the MU Athletic Department about the addition of beer and wine sales to game day at Mizzou's Memorial Stadium for this year's Tiger football games.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dale Sanders, the Interim Director of UM Stores, which operates outlets at all four University of Missouri Campuses, including the Mizzou Store in the Student Center and the Tiger Team Store at Memorial Stadium. They discuss how the stores are getting ready for the start of a new school year.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins talks with Gary Kremer about the opening of the new Center For Missouri Studies, home of the Missouri Historical Society.
KBIA's Lee Wilkins visits with Josh Chittum of the We Always Swing Jazz Series. The Series is selling tickets now for their 25th anniversary season.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Sherry Wohlgemuth of the Missouri Craft Brewers Association, and with brewers Tyson Hunt of Logboat Brewing of Columbia and Brian Nolan of Friendship Brewing in Wentzville about Show-Me Craft Beer Month and the stories of the craft breweries in our state.
KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dana Naylor of Curtains Up Columbia about the upcoming murder mystery dinner theatre production "Red, White and Homicide: A Peacelovin' Mystery Dinner Theatre." You can also hear a scene from the play with Dana, Chris Lynn, and Michael Miller.