BHL Podcasting

In part two of our series with Tony Migliore, you’ll learn what it was like to play piano for Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, and Don McLean. This episode takes you through the extraordinary career of Tony Migliore, recounting his electrifying experiences in the music industry. From the blinding flashbulbs at an Elvis concert to having sandwiches with Chet Atkins, Tony shares unforgettable moments and insights. He reflects on his time recording with legends like Carl Perkins and Hank Williams Jr., collaborating with top-tier musicians, and leading orchestras in prestigious halls. Discover the personal stories behind iconic performances and learn about the deep emotional connections that have driven Tony’s lifelong journey in music. Perfect for any music enthusiast eager to hear behind-the-scenes tales from a true industry veteran.

00:00 Introduction and Elvis Presley Experience

02:51 Working with Carl Perkins

04:05 Hank Williams Jr. and Iconic Albums

05:51 Eddy Arnold and Final Performances

09:20 Janie Frickey and Jingle Singing

11:53 The Tonight Show with Don McLean

14:49 Touring with Chet Atkins

37:10 Discovering Jerry Reed's Guitar Genius

37:56 Working with Don McLean: A 40-Year Journey

39:19 Chet Atkins' Selflessness and Respect for Don McLean

45:20 The Magic of Don McLean's Music

01:00:50 The Business Side of Music

01:11:57 Reflections on a Musical Career

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The BHL podcast is thrilled to bring you this conversation with Tony Migliore!  Tony has played on Grammy-winning records, toured with some of the greatest artists of all time (Elvis Presley, anyone?), and recorded in the studio with more artists than we’d ever have time to talk about.  Tony is one of the most prolific studio and touring musicians of the last half century.  Join us as we learn his story from being a childhood prodigy at Juilliard through his current role as band leader for one of the all-time great singer-songwriters (you’ll have to listen to find out who!).  And this story is so rich we are bringing it out in two parts.  Enjoy Part 1, and we’ll bring you Part II in a couple weeks!

Ever wonder what it takes to be a legend behind the scenes in the music industry? Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating career of Tony Migliore, a maestro who transitioned from classical roots at Julliard and Eastman to become a pivotal figure in Nashville's music scene. Hosted by Scott Heidner at the Cigar Bar Especial in Nashville, this episode uncovers Tony's unique path, his elite musical training, and unforgettable stories working with icons like Shania Twain, Steve Warner, Mickey Gilley, and countless others. From playing with top session musicians to crafting orchestral scores, Tony’s journey is a testament to talent, versatility, and the boundless love for music. Listen in for part one of an intimate look at the life of a true behind-the-scenes legend.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:36 Early Life and Musical Beginnings

02:21 Juilliard and Eastman School of Music

05:43 Transition to Jazz and Pop

10:03 Military Service and Broadway

16:55 Move to Nashville

21:07 Breaking into the Nashville Session Scene

26:41 Working with Music Legends

33:24 Charlie McCoy: A Living Legend

33:51 Recording with Country Music Icons

34:52 Shania Twain's Early Nashville Days

36:52 Ray Price and the Cherokee Cowboys

39:38 Ed Bruce: The Underappreciated Singer-Songwriter

42:43 Mickey Gilley: The Nine Lives of a Country Star

51:17 Joe Diffie: From Demos to Stardom

55:12 Alan Jackson: Before the Fame

56:51 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

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Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and Associates

The BHL podcast welcomes House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard to the show.  Join us as we discuss his journey from childhood through the world of volunteering with the campaigns of others, and finally to his election to the Kansas Legislature and quick rise to be House Minority Leader.  Along the way we’ll discuss people, hobbies, and experiences which shaped his life and commitment to public service.

Have you ever wondered what drives someone to pursue a career in public service? Raised in Topeka, Kansas, Brandon shares his unique childhood experiences, from turning entrepreneurial at 13 with a lawn-mowing business to his vibrant involvement in theater and music. Learn how his early interest in policy was sparked by debates on same-sex marriage, leading him to active participation in student government at the University of Kansas, and finally, a career in politics. Discover the pivotal moments and key influences, including his mentors and the bipartisan relationships that have shaped his political stance. Plus, get a glimpse into his favorite dining spots, vacation destinations, and musical preferences. This episode is not just about policy but understanding the person behind the leadership role.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:45 Childhood Memories and Early Influences

02:16 Entrepreneurial Spirit and School Activities

03:49 Musical Pursuits and High School Decisions

08:17 Mentors and Inspirational Figures

12:07 Journey into Public Policy

14:27 College Activism and Early Political Involvement

18:40 Forming the Johnson County Young Democrats

21:09 Decision to Run for Office

24:06 The Moment of Decision

25:21 Journey to House Minority Leader

26:57 Navigating the State House

28:22 Leadership Roles and Responsibilities

30:35 Challenges and Triumphs

37:00 Building Bipartisan Relationships

42:47 Engaging with Constituents

46:30 Personal Favorites and Closing Thoughts

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Brandon Woodard

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The BHL Podcast is delighted to welcome Kansas Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi to the show.  Join us as we go from an idyllic childhood in Colwich, KS to working on multiple campaigns, being a legislative staffer, running for the Senate and eventually attaining the role of Senate Majority Leader.  Along the way we learn about Senator Blasi’s inspirations, philanthropic work, and some of his favorite parts of being a legislator and public servant.

Representing the 26th district in West Sedgwick County, you will get a personal glimpse into his life, the importance of community and relationships, and hear his advice for those looking to get involved in public service.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:55 Senator Blasi's Early Life and Childhood

01:20 Growing Up in a Small Town

07:14 Influences and Early Political Interests

10:57 First Steps into Politics

12:22 College Years and Community Service

13:50 Early Career and Political Campaigns

15:07 Working in the Kansas Legislature

19:11 Transition to Chief of Staff

21:48 Decision to Run for Office

22:52 A Resignation and a New Opportunity

23:44 Early Political Career: City Council at 18

25:13 Running for the Senate: The Precinct Path

26:50 Winning the Senate Seat and Leadership Reflections

30:35 The Importance of Building Relationships

37:53 Lightning Round: Personal Insights

38:28 Encouraging the Next Generation

48:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Chase Blasi

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Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson might very well have the most important job that no one ever really thinks about.  He shares with host Scott Heidner how he got to his current position and how the work of the treasury has an impact on the lives of every Kansan.  On this episode we discuss:

• A family heritage of farming since 1868
• Growing up on the farm and the influence of 4H
• How farming has transformed over the years
• Working in the private sector
• Running for office to fix the underfunded pensions
• Making systems like KPERS work for Kansans
• The criticality of staff to make the legislature work
• Partnering with Kathy Wolfe Moore to work on the pension system
• The breadth of responsibility at the treasurer's office
• Helping Kansans find unclaimed property
• Supporting education savings through the Kansas Learning Quest program
• The ABLE Savings Plan

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The Office of the Treasurer

Kansas Able Savings Plan

KPERS

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This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Twenty years ago an idea to collect the papers of Senator Bob Dole became the catalyst for the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.  But the Dole Institute has become so much more than that, as Scott explores in his conversation with Audrey Coleman, Director of the Dole Institute as it approaches it’s 20th anniversary.  On this episode we discuss:

• The original vision and goals for the Dole Institute
• A tribute to the leadership of Senator Bob Dole
• Features of the institution
• The connection to those who serve our country in the military
• Youth and student outreach and civic leadership
• The criticality of civil discourse
• The programming you can find at the Dole Institute
• Getting creative with engagement during COVID
• That stain glass window
• The efforts of Clinton and Dole to create a college fund for the children of victims from 9/11
• The exhibits you can find in the Dole Institute
• How Bob Dole overcame adversity through his disability
• The Dole Papers and archives
• The trailblazer that Elizabeth Dole was
• The 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Dole Institute

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Learn more about the Dole Institute

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This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Being involved in politics wasn’t even on Blake Carpenter’s radar until a class project at Wichita State led him to an interview with Representative Jim Howell that changed everything.  He shares with host Scott Heidner how that journey has led him to his current role as the House Speaker Pro Tem.  On this episode we discuss:

• Growing up in Halstead
• Being ranked a top tier gamer at Call of Duty (when time allows)
• Trying to figure out what to study at Wichita State
• The value of the Eagle Scout achievement
• Becoming interested in politics
• Starting as a freshman legislator right out of college
• Growing into leadership roles and the associated time commitment
• The internship program
• Blake’s podcast, The Kansas Briefing
• Proposing on the cliffs of Ireland

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Blake Carpenter, Kansas State Representative, 81st District

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Minority Leader Vic Miller.  They examine his life from the one room schoolhouse to his love for fantasy sports, as well as his involvement in politics beginning with his time at Emporia State as student body president.  On this episode we discuss:

• Growing up in a one room schoolhouse
• The impact of his father’s involvement
• The role of Associated Students of Kansas and the act they got passed
• The importance of having attorneys (at least a few) in the legislature
• Starting out young as an elected official
• Trying to balance service and a public practice
• How serving in property valuation gave him an in-demand skill
• The fraught challenge of drawing district lines
• Influence and responsibility
• Getting young people involved in public service
• A love of fantasy sports

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Vic Miller, Kansas State Representative, 58th District

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Majority Leader Chris Croft.  They talk about his life and military career that eventually brought him to Kansas and led him to taking on his current role in state government.  On this episode we discuss:

• The role his mother played in his life and finding role models for him
• Growing up outside
• Joining the Army and seeing the world
• How he met his wife
• What he learned from Popeye’s Fried Chicken
• Jumping out of the first plane he rode on
• The value of mentors in his life
• Working at the Pentagon and military mobility equipment
• Finding a home in Kansas
• A vision for transportation infrastructure in the state
• Getting started in public service
• Taking on the house majority leader mantle
• Going out on Black Friday and Christmas Eve

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Chris Croft, Kansas State Representative, 8th District

This podcast is brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas.  

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Join the BHL podcast as we go inside the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum in Abilene and talk to some of its most passionate leaders! We discuss seldom-known parts of Ike’s career and presidency, the staggering array of artifacts and history on display at the facility, and the educational opportunities and programming that carry on Ike’s legacy to this day. Dawn Hammett, Director, and Joy Murphy, Learning and Engagement Director, share some fascinating facts during this episode.