BHL Podcasting

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

Other Resources:

The Office of the Treasurer

Kansas Able Savings Plan

KPERS

Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and Associates

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

Other Resources:

Learn more about the Dole Institute

Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and Associates

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

Other Resources:

Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and Associates

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

Other Resources:

Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and Associates

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

Other Resources:

Learn more about Braden, Heidner, Lowe and Associates

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. 

The BHL Podcast Show is happy to welcome House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer to the show.

Join us as we learn about House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer’s childhood in Wichita, his penchant for numbers, and how he got involved with politics!

The BHL Podcast Show is happy to welcome Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes to the show.

Join us as we learn about Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes’ childhood in Tennessee, her first job selling vegetables from her parent’s farm, her fantasy football team, and her journey into Kansas politics! 

The BHL Podcast Show is happy to welcome House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins to the show. 

Join us as we learn about Representative Hawkins' youth working on a dairy farm, his experience bull riding, his affinity for golf, and his journey into the legislature.