The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Reverend Livingston Wills, the Omaha Broom Man

   Some people become part of a city's identity without ever becoming famous beyond it. Rev. Livingston Wills was known across Omaha as the Broom Man... and his legacy lives on in bronze. Producer Andy Hermann has his story for Curious Omaha. Guests, in order of appearance: John Ewing, Mayor, Omaha; Kent Sievers, photojournalist; Tyron Criswell, great-grandson, Livingston Wills. Additional audio: "Reverend Livingston Wills: The Broom Man (2004)" video, courtesy Kent Sievers.

   September 04, 2026·5min
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   Number 2: World's Largest Kolach

   Nearly 40 years ago, the Village of Prague celebrated its centennial by baking the World's Largest Kolach. Curious Nebraska producer Andy Hermann serves up a story of Czech ingenuity and a 14-foot, 2600-pound pastry. Guests, in order of appearance: Ken Kuncl, former mayor, Prague; Ray Paseka, village utilities, Prague; Theresa Konecky Klein, executive director, Wahoo Chamber of Commerce. Music: "7 Step Polka" by the Prague Czech Brass Band.

   August 22, 2026·5min
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   Number 3: St. Joseph's Grotto

   Hidden underneath some brush in South Omaha sits a stone grotto that few people even know exists. St. Joseph's Grotto was once a place for prayer, healing, and quiet reflection, but now it's been locked up for more than a decade. Curious Omaha producer Andy Hermann explores the history, and uncertain future, of one of the city's forgotten landmarks. Guests, in order of appearance: Blake Ursch, former Omaha World-Herald features reporter; Beth Cody, garden historian, Lourdes Grottos of North America; Mike Miller, photography hobbyist and self-described seeker.

   August 07, 2026·5min
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   Number 4: Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine

   Just outside the small town of Scotia is one of Nebraska's most curious attractions. It's home to sweeping valley views as well as an underground wonder. Curious Nebraska producer Andy Hermann explores the history above and below the surface. Guests, in order of appearance: Katie Davis, interim manager, Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine; Matt Joeckel, State Geologist of Nebraska at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Music: "The Ballad of 'Happy Jack' Swearingen" by Lawrence Molczyk.

   July 18, 2026·5min
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   Number 5: Cliff's Notes

   Before the internet, students turned to Cliff's Notes. The black-and-yellow study guides helped generations understand classic literature. Did you know the company called Nebraska home? Curious Nebraska producer Andy Hermann provides a summary. Guests, in order of appearance: Jim McKee, former advertising and sales manager, Cliff's Notes; Linda Hillegass, daughter, Clifton and Catherine Hillegass; Ken Price, Hillegass University Professor of American Literature, Co-Director of the Walt Whitman Archive, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Additional audio: excerpt from Nebraska Nightly on the Nebraska Public Radio Network (April 16, 1997), reported by Carolyn Johnsen. Special thanks to Alexis Scargill, Media Archivist, Nebraska Public Media.

   June 20, 2026·5min
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