In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we sit down with Trisha Smith, Director of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge (Friends of Maxwell) in Canton, KS. Trisha shares how a winding, resilient life journey led her to steward one of Kansas’s most remarkable prairie preserves. We talk about the refuge’s mission, the impact of bison and elk on native grasslands, and the community of volunteers and partners that make preservation possible. It’s a conversation about restoration—of land, purpose, and people.

Link

Space Pen - https://a.co/d/5cx3MML

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge: https://maxwellwildliferefuge.com/

Outro

Kansas Jayhawks Fans - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EkVQsNw3r/

I Grew Up in Kansas - https://www.facebook.com/share/16Dk2PQYNr/

Canton, Kansas

In this week’s Ask A Kansan, we’re honored to sit down with Jim Richardson, acclaimed photographer for National Geographic and contributing editor for TRAVELER Magazine. Over the course of his career, Jim has photographed more than fifty stories for National Geographic, traveling from volcanic peaks to the depths of the soil beneath our feet, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and countless places in between.

ABC News Nightline even followed Jim into the field and behind the scenes at National Geographic headquarters, capturing the depth and dedication of his storytelling process. In our conversation, Jim reflects on how his Kansas roots shaped his perspective, the journey that launched his career, and the lessons learned from seeing the world through a lens.

Jim Richardson: https://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/index 

National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/experts/jim-richardson/

Crossbow Productions Bio: https://youtu.be/Bn04SCwE_GY?si=pIOarCTCdQFFXCX0 

Geo Catching: https://www.geocaching.com/play 

Sponsors 

Cohort.Digiral - https://cohort.digital/

Renaissance Cafe - https://www.renaissancecafeassaria.com/ 

City: LIndsborg 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carlton Shield Chief Gover, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Kansas, and Curator at the Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum. A proud member of the Pawnee Nation, Carlton shares his expertise on Kansas archaeology, Native history, and cultural preservation.

Our conversation explores the significance of the Pawnee Nation’s heritage, what Kansans can do to help protect and respect artifacts and sites, and how anyone interested can get involved in archaeology. Carlton offers a deeper understanding of the connections between culture, history, and community here in Kansas.

Carlton - https://biodiversity.ku.edu/people/carlton-shield-chief-gover

Carlton Podcasts

KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum

https://biodiversity.ku.edu/

Pawnee Nation - https://pawneenation.org/

Outro

Bee TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@madie.mathews/video/7535269598564764958

Kansas Bee Association - https://www.facebook.com/groups/902499509808882/

Newsletter Link - https://www.askakansan.com/news

Sponsors

Cohort.Digital - https://cohort.digital/

Renaissance Cafe - https://www.renaissancecafeassaria.com/ 

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we sit down with Marci Penner, co-founder of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. Alongside her father, Marci has dedicated her work to showcasing the heart of Rural Kansas, enhancing tourism outreach, and strengthening small-town communities. As a leading expert on what Rural Kansas has to offer, she shares her insights, stories, and passion for helping others discover the hidden gems across the state.

Show Links

About Marci - https://kansassampler.org/about-marci 

Kansas Sampler Foundation - https://kansassampler.org/ 

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we meet James Bowden—a local farmer, volunteer, leader, and true change maker. Known for his unmatched energy and dedication, James shares his insights on agriculture, leadership, and building stronger communities. We dive into his work with Sustain-A-Grain, his passion for sustainable farming practices, and the ways he’s inspiring others to think big and lead with purpose.

Topic Links

James Bowden - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-bowden-1756a4b1/ 

Sustain-A-Grain - https://www.sustainagrain.com/ 

Salina Innovation Foundation - https://www.salinatemple.com/ 

Sponsors 

Renaisance Cafe - https://www.renaissancecafeassaria.com/ 

Cohort.Digital - https://cohort.digital/ 

In this episode of Ask a Kansan, we sit down with Erika Nelson—an independent artist, educator, and roadside attraction enthusiast. Erika shares how her passion for unconventional art and storytelling has taken her across the country in search of the world's largest things. She brings those experiences back home to Kansas through her unique project: The World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things. Based in Lucas, Kansas, Erika's whimsical and thought-provoking work invites us to see art and community in unexpected places.

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we sit down with Ryan Fairchild — a father, business owner, musician, and passionate community change maker. Ryan shares the story of how his journey into homebrewing became more than a hobby, evolving into a way he connects with and gives back to his community. From his creative process in brewing to his reflections on family, music, and leadership, Ryan offers a thoughtful look at what it means to build something meaningful — both in a glass and in a town.

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we talk with Jordan Roemerman, Deputy Director of Kansas Tourism and Administrator of the Sunflower Summer App. Jordan shares her passion for showcasing the hidden gems across Kansas and how her work helps spark state pride among residents.

We dive into the impact of the Sunflower Summer App—an initiative that encourages families to explore museums, zoos, historical sites, and more across the state for free—and discuss how everyday Kansans can become ambassadors for local tourism. This episode is a call to adventure, community pride, and discovering just how much Kansas has to offer.

Kansas Tourism Website

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we sit down with Margaret Philbrick of Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue & Retirement, a woman whose lifelong passion for horses has shaped a career rooted in compassion, advocacy, and education. Margaret shares how her journey in the equine industry began, what led her to join Rainbow Meadows, and how the organization provides sanctuary, rehabilitation, and hope to horses in need. From the emotional stories of rescue to the practical realities of running an equine nonprofit, this episode is a heartfelt look at what it means to serve both horses and the Kansas communities who care for them.

In this episode of Ask A Kansan, we sit down with news anchor and reporter Abby Wray to talk about what it really means to work in local journalism. Abby opens up about the misconceptions people often have about reporters, the responsibility of sharing accurate stories, and why telling the news in her own community is both challenging and deeply rewarding. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of local media—and the Kansans who bring the headlines to life.

The Ultimate Problem Solver - KAKE News Story

Abby Wray - KAKE Bio