Omaha Magazine Podcast

How does a conversation in Grand Island, Nebraska, help inform decisions about the national—and even global—economy? 

In Part 2 of his conversation with The Inner Circle host Gil Cohen, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Jeff Schmid explains how the Fed connects with communities, business owners and industry leaders throughout its seven-state district. He shares what the Kansas City Fed learned during a recent visit to Grand Island, including the regional impact of the Lexington plant closure and the challenges facing housing, healthcare and agriculture. 

Schmid also previews the Kansas City Fed’s agricultural summit in Omaha, where experts examine the entire agricultural economy—from production and transportation to processing, credit and retail. 

The conversation then heads to Wyoming for an inside look at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium. Now approaching its 50th year, the internationally recognized event brings together central bankers, policymakers and leading economists from around the world to discuss the forces shaping the global economy. 

From Nebraska’s agricultural communities to decisions with worldwide consequences, this episode reveals how local insight becomes part of a much larger economic conversation. 

A Performance Podcast Production. ©Walnut Media USA 2026

What does the Federal Reserve actually do—and how do its decisions affect your money, your business and your financial future? 

In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, The Inner Circle host Gil Cohen sits down with Jeff Schmid, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. A Nebraska native, Schmid shares his journey from growing up in Papillion and beginning his career as an FDIC bank examiner to building community banks and eventually becoming one of the leaders helping shape monetary policy in the United States. 

Schmid takes us inside the Federal Reserve system, explaining how regional banks represent local economies, how interest-rate decisions are made and why the Fed’s independence matters. He also discusses inflation, employment, the nation’s payment system and the enormous responsibility that comes with decisions capable of affecting millions of Americans. 

Whether you’re a business owner, investor or simply trying to better understand the economy, this conversation offers a rare look behind the curtain of America’s central bank. 

A Performance Podcast Production. ©Walnut Media USA 2026

For more than 100 years, Boys Town has helped children and families rebuild their lives, but most people have no idea how far its impact truly reaches.

In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Rod Kempkes, President and CEO of Boys Town, and Father Jeff Mollner, the organization's spiritual director, for a powerful conversation about the legacy, evolution, and future of one of America's most recognized nonprofits.

From family reunification and mental health support to crisis intervention, education, healthcare, and faith, this episode reveals how Boys Town has expanded far beyond its Omaha campus while staying true to Father Flanagan's original mission of hope and healing.

You'll also hear the remarkable story behind Boys Town's founding, why it became its own municipality, and what Father Flanagan's recent elevation to "Venerable" means in the path toward sainthood.

If you think Boys Town is just a campus in Omaha, this conversation may completely change your perspective.

Learn more about Boys Town on Facebook - Instagram - X - YouTube - LinkedIn or online at boystown.org.

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

How do you balance two high-pressure careers—on the field and in the courtroom?

In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Clete Blakeman, a professional football referee with nearly two decades at the highest level and a practicing attorney with over 30 years of experience. From officiating the biggest games in football to managing a full legal career, Clete shares how he built a life that thrives in two completely different worlds.

You'll hear how his journey started as a Nebraska quarterback, transitioned into law, and unexpectedly led to officiating major professional games. Clete breaks down what it's like to make split-second decisions in front of millions, how preparation and communication drive success, and why his legal background gives him an edge on the field.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to operate at an elite level in two demanding professions, this episode delivers.

Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

What does it actually take for Omaha to compete with the top convention cities in the country?

In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Adam Straight, President and CEO of MECA, to break down what's working and what's missing as Omaha looks to elevate its national presence in conventions, events, and entertainment.

With over 25 years of experience leading major venues in Atlanta and New Orleans, Adam brings a fresh perspective on how cities win (or lose) convention business. From the recent expansion of the CHI Health Center to the importance of partnerships, infrastructure, and long-term planning, this conversation reveals the real strategy behind building a competitive destination.

But one key factor rises above everything else: the single biggest piece Omaha needs to truly compete at the highest level.

If you care about Omaha's growth, tourism, and economic future, this episode offers an inside look at what's next and what it will take to get there.

Learn more:

https://omahameca.org/

Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

The Omaha Star isn't just a newspaper it's a living piece of history that has never missed a publication since 1938.

In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Terri Sanders, publisher of The Omaha Star, one of the longest-running African-American newspapers in the United States. Founded by Mildred Brown, the paper has spent nearly nine decades documenting community milestones, preserving untold stories, and focusing on something rare in today's media landscape: good news.

Terri shares how The Omaha Star has evolved in the digital age while staying true to its mission, why positive storytelling still matters, and how the next generation is stepping in to carry the legacy forward. From launching a museum dedicated to Black journalism to building new platforms like podcasts and digital media, this conversation highlights the power of storytelling, community, and resilience.

If you care about local journalism, cultural legacy, and the future of media, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Learn more:

https://www.theomahastar.com/

Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Nebraska's economic future depends on more than just good intentions; it requires thoughtful policy, long-term planning, and the courage to make difficult decisions.

In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil sits down with Jim Vokal, CEO of the Platte Institute, a statewide policy think tank focused on economic growth, tax policy, workforce development, and government transparency. A former Omaha City Council President and mayoral candidate, Vokal now works on the research and legislative side of the issues shaping Nebraska's future.

The conversation explores how the Platte Institute works with Nebraska's unicameral legislature to turn policy research into real legislation, the role of Blueprint Nebraska in driving long-term economic strategy, and why tax policy remains one of the biggest factors influencing whether people and businesses choose to stay in or leave the state.

If you care about Nebraska's competitiveness, workforce challenges, and how policy decisions shape the future of the state, this episode provides an inside look at the ideas and research driving those conversations.

Learn more:

https://platteinstitute.org/

Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Douglas County elections operate under intense scrutiny and for ten years, Brian Kruse was the man responsible for running them.

In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with the former Douglas County Election Commissioner to discuss what it's really like to oversee elections in today's political climate. From early voting growth and signature verification to voter ID, ballot security, and managing media pressure during presidential cycles, Kruse shares how transparency and communication became his office's foundation.

You'll also hear how Nebraska's unique split electoral vote draws national attention, why trust in the system matters more than ever, and what most voters don't see happening behind the scenes.

Then the conversation shifts to Kruse's return to his first calling, funeral service, as Executive Director of Forest Lawn, one of Omaha's most historic resting places.

This is a thoughtful conversation about public trust, civic responsibility, and a life built around service.

Learn more:

https://www.votedouglascounty.com https://www.forestlawnomaha.com

Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

FBI Omaha is working closer to home than most people realize. In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Omaha Field Office, overseeing Nebraska and Iowa operations.

From cyber threats and foreign interference to gang violence, drug trafficking, and agricultural security, Kowal explains how federal, state, and local agencies work shoulder to shoulder to protect our communities. You'll hear how the FBI responds to ransomware attacks, ATM jackpotting, terrorism threats, and organized crime — and why partnerships are the backbone of modern law enforcement.

Kowal also shares his personal journey from Manhattan prosecutor to FBI leadership, what a day in his role actually looks like, and how the Bureau is recruiting the next generation of agents and analysts.

If you've ever wondered what the FBI is really doing in Nebraska and Iowa, this episode provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look.

Learn more about Operation Winter Shield: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber/wintershield

Follow the links to learn more:

https://www.fbijobs.govhttps://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/omaha

Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Before algorithms, outrage, and 24/7 news cycles, journalism was built on trust, relationships, and deep knowledge of the community. In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with two true legends of Omaha media, investigative reporter Mike McKnight and sports broadcaster Dave Webber, whose combined careers span nearly 100 years.

They reflect on what it meant to earn credibility before social media, how investigative journalism really worked behind the scenes, and why knowing a city's people and history mattered more than speed or clicks. From newsroom culture and career-defining stories to bowl trips, live shots, and the rise of "keyboard courage," this episode is a rare, candid look at how journalism has changed and what we've lost along the way.

Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.