She works full time, serves on the fire department, and right now she's driving to Kansas City to sit with a sick baby who isn't even hers on paper — but is absolutely hers in every way that matters.

This week, Jodie sits down with Atheah Erickson, a foster mom and foster parent ambassador from Andrew County. In a year and a half, Athia and her husband have welcomed somewhere between 12 and 16 kids into their home — ranging from three days old to 16 years old. She talks reunification, attachment, the local foster home shortage, respite care, and how Northwest Missouri families can help even if becoming a foster parent isn't the right fit.

As of April 1st, there are 12,357 kids in foster care in Missouri. 146 of them are right here in Andrew and Buchanan County. The need is local. The need is now.

Resources mentioned this episode are in the links below.

Amazon Gift List for the Erickson Family

Interested in becoming a foster parent?

Interested in helping local families through respite care?

Missouri Department of Social Services

The 39/94 Podcast is Northwest Missouri's community podcast - sharing the stories of the people, businesses, and experiences shaping our area.

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Karen Rudolph grew up in Savannah, Missouri, earned one of the first women's athletic scholarships in University of Missouri history, and spent decades in sports media, education, and coaching. Now she's written the book women's college sports history has been waiting for.

In this episode, Karen takes us back to the turbulent decade after Title IX - the battle over who would actually control women's college athletics, the women's organization that resisted its own athletes, and the long road from $292 tuition scholarships to packed arenas. Her story starts right here in Northwest Missouri, and it's one you won't want to miss.

We talk about:

• How Karen and her twin sister Sharon petitioned the Savannah school board to start a girls basketball team - as high school juniors
• The North Missouri fast-pitch softball team that traveled the Midwest on a sponsor's grocery store income
• What a "scholarship" actually looked like in 1975 - and the job she got to earn it
• The women's athletic organization that fought against women's athletic scholarships
• Her first-ever newspaper byline — and who she was interviewing
• The Andrew County Aquatics Initiative and why Karen is cheering it on
• How to find Sidelined No Longer and connect with Karen on social media

Find the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, or Walmart — search Sidelined No Longer or Karen Rudolph.

Follow Karen on social: @sidelined_no_longer

The 39/94 Podcast — The Heartbeat of Northwest Missouri

Thank you to our sponsors: Crawford Construction, Pankakes Pups & Suds, Gina's Cafe and Catering, Greater Than Financial, North Central Missouri College Savannah Campus, and Scooter's Coffee.

Support the show by becoming a Patreon

She grew up in Union Star, moved to the "big city" of Savannah, chased a corporate job, ended up in California, performed on America's Got Talent, went viral in a leotard — and somehow landed back in Northwest Missouri with 1.3 million followers and a neighbor who is not impressed.

Elisabeth Wykert is an actress, writer, director, and stand-up comedian who has built a creative career on her own terms. In this conversation, Host, Jodie O'Brien and Elisabeth talk about what it really takes to put yourself out there, how she uses data and psychology to navigate social media, and why she posted that letter from her neighbor instead of throwing it away.

We also get into her time in LA, what Hollywood actually looks like from the inside, raising kids in St. Joe after Disneyland was their McDonald's play place, and the teacher from Savannah who helped shape everything.

If you've ever talked yourself out of something because you were scared? This one's for you.

In this episode:

• Growing up in Union Star and Savannah — and why "400 people" "broke-up" an LA casting class
• Her winding path from psych major to accounting to public speaking to California
• America's Got Talent and what reality TV doesn't show you
• The Water Under the Bridge video and 10 million views
• 1.3 million followers, one day a week of filming, and her husband's day off
• The neighbor letter - and what she did next
• Women supporting women (or not)
• How to find the fun in Northwest Missouri

Thank you to our sponsors: Greater Than Financial, The Space Between, Gina's Cafe, El Crawford Construction, NCMC Savannah Campus, Scooter's Coffee, Pancakes Pups & Suds

Follow Elizabeth and find her content across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

What happens when a 911 call goes unanswered - or worse, gets routed to someone who doesn't know your community? In this episode, we sit down with representatives from the Andrew County Sheriff's Office, the Savannah Police Department, the Rosendale Fire Department, and the Cosby-Helena Fire Department to talk about one of the most important issues on the April 7th ballot: a 1% sales tax to fund a centralized 911 dispatch system for the entire county.

They break down what's at stake — from response time delays and radio communication gaps to budget pressures on small volunteer fire departments — and explain why every agency in the county is united behind this proposal. Whether you're a taxpayer, a first responder, or just someone who wants to know help will arrive when you need it, this conversation is for you.

The election is April 7th. Get informed. Get out and vote.

In this episode:

• Why local 911 dispatch matters for response times across Andrew County
• How outsourcing could create dangerous communication gaps between agencies
• What a 1% sales tax actually costs you at the register
• Why every law enforcement and fire department in the county is united behind this proposal
• The real story of a 911 call delayed by more than 5 minutes — and what it means
• How a centralized dispatch would add more staffing coverage per shift
• What happens to the $1 per device fee if the tax passes
• Where the funding would go and how a standalone dispatch center would be built
• Why keeping dispatch local means callers get someone who knows their community
• What's on the line if Andrew County voters say no on April 7th

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast:

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 EL Crawford Construction

🎓 North Central Missouri College

☕ Scooter's Coffee

🐶 Pankake's Pups & Suds

💇‍♀️💇‍♂️✂️ Hair By Morgan

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When most people think about building a national real estate empire, they think coast.

Steven Craig thought home.

Craig is the founder and CEO of Craig Realty Group, a Savannah High School graduate, and one of the most quietly influential investors in northwest Missouri. In this episode of The 3994, he sits down to talk to host, Jodie O'Brien about where it all started, what drove him back, and what he's building next.

It starts with a 12-year-old selling fireworks in Andrew County and ends with a man who owns 11 outlet centers nationwide, just acquired the Pan Am brand, and is breaking news on a proposed convention center at the more than 600,000 square foot facility in St. Joseph. In between, there's a lot worth hearing.

Steve talks candidly about why he walked away from Los Angeles - and USC - after watching both drift in a direction he didn't recognize anymore. He talks about what small-town midwest values actually look like in practice, why he believes people and companies vote with their feet, and why this region is worth betting on.

In this episode:

• Growing up in Country Club Village and the business owners who mentored him early
• Running fireworks stands at 12, leasing properties at 13, and borrowing $10,000 at 16
• Why college mattered even for someone who could already run a business
• What's really happening with East Hills Mall — and the convention center planned inside it
• The Pan Am acquisition: hotel, FBO, travel agency, and a retro in-flight experience
• His investment in Missouri Western — the entrepreneurship program, the scoreboard, and what he hopes it becomes
• Ownership of the St. Joseph Goats and what the Kelce's Garage Beer has to do with it
• The Savannah High School Foundation and how it grew from a $50K idea to over $2 million
• Why he still meets with aspiring entrepreneurs every single week
• His one word for why he does all of it: joy

Steve Craig didn't just leave northwest Missouri and look back fondly. He came back, wrote checks, built things, and kept going. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the best investment you can make is in the place that made you.

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast:

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 EL Crawford Construction

🎓 North Central Missouri College

☕ Scooter's Coffee

🐶 Pankake's Pups & Suds

💇‍♀️💇‍♂️✂️ Hair By Morgan

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In honor of School Board Recognition Month, Jodie O’Brien host of The 39/94 sits down with Joseph Barbosa—President of the Savannah R3 School Board and Assistant Director of the Savannah Campus at North Central Missouri College.

Joe shares his journey from growing up in Andrew County to becoming a leader deeply invested in education, community development, and student success. From school board leadership and navigating today’s educational challenges to expanding opportunities through NCMC, this conversation highlights what it means to serve where you live.

They also dive into challenges faced by local leaders of Savannah R3, including what’s ahead in terms of state funding.

1. Joe’s roots in Andrew County and why he chose to come back home
2. What it’s really like serving on a school board today
3. Why Savannah schools are gaining attention from other districts
4. The truth about school funding, policy changes, and what’s ahead
5. Mental health resources for students and why they matter more than ever
6. A powerful new 20-week healthcare program at NCMC
7. Workforce training opportunities (welding, nursing, radiology & more)
8. Why community involvement is easier—and more important—than you think
9. Leadership Savannah and stepping into your next level

Joe Barbosa serves as President of the Savannah R3 School Board and Assistant Director of the Savannah Campus of North Central Missouri College. He also teaches history, coaches youth sports, and is deeply involved in his community as a husband, father, and leader.

Interested in programs at NCMC or getting involved locally? Reach out, visit campus, and explore opportunities right here in your community.

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👉 Comment: What do YOU think schools should focus on right now?

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🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast:

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 EL Crawford Construction

🎓 North Central Missouri College

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A confirmed case of mumps connected to a local elementary school has raised questions for many families in the community.

In this episode of The 39/94, Jodie O’Brien sits down with Andrew Hoffman, administrator of the Andrew County Health Department, to talk about what mumps is, how it spreads, and what parents should know moving forward.

Andrew explains how local health departments respond when a communicable disease is identified, how schools and public health officials work together, and the important role vaccinations play in preventing outbreaks.

This conversation focuses on facts, prevention, and awareness — giving families clear information without unnecessary alarm.

1. What mumps is and how it spreads
2. Symptoms parents should watch for
3. Why swollen salivary glands are a key indicator
4. How long symptoms can take to appear after exposure
5. How the health department conducts contact tracing
6. Why vaccination still plays a critical role
7. What parents should do if their child develops symptoms
8. Resources available through the local health department

Early awareness and communication between families, schools, healthcare providers, and the health department can help limit the spread of illness and keep communities healthy.

1. Andrew County Health Department
2. Mental health and community health resources available through their website

Follow The 39/94 for conversations about the people, issues, and stories shaping our region.

👉 Subscribe, share, like and comment to be part of the conversation that keeps our community connected.

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast:

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

☕ Scooter's Coffee

🐶 Pankake's Pups & Suds

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What does leadership look like at 17 years old?

In this episode of The 39/94, Jodie O’Brien sits down with 1st Sgt. Barry Adwell, instructor of Junior ROTC at Savannah High School, to talk about discipline, structure, respect — and why today’s teenagers may be more capable than we think.

After 24 years of service in the Army National Guard, Sgt. Adwell retired and stepped into the classroom. What he’s building at Savannah isn’t a recruitment pipeline — it’s a leadership pipeline.

You’ll hear:

1. Why Junior ROTC is about citizenship, not enlistment
2. The surprising impact of cell phone restrictions in schools (for staff)
3. How discipline can be taught without breaking a student’s spirit
4. What teenagers today are really struggling with
5. Why structure actually gives kids confidence
6. A powerful story about a senior who rediscovered her spark through archery

Sgt. Adwell shares what gives him hope about this generation — and what parents need to understand about the quiet battles their kids may be fighting.

If you're raising teenagers, teaching them, coaching them — or simply care about the next generation in Andrew County — this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

👉 Subscribe, share, like and comment to be part of the conversation that keeps our community connected.

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast:

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

☕ Scooter's Coffee

🐶 Pankake's Pups & Suds

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On this episode of The 39/94, we sit down with Cora Jackson, owner of Body Works to talk about well being and why women (and men) don’t have to accept pain, fatigue, or discomfort as “just a part of life.”

Cora shares how she built her business in Andrew County, what structural integration really means, and how movement, massage, and nervous system care can transform everything from sleep to back pain.

We also talk about:

• Pelvic floor therapy and why more women are seeking it

• Lymphatic drainage and post-surgery recovery

• The rise of “tech neck”

• Perimenopause, stress, and nervous system health

• Why self-care isn’t selfish

If you’ve ever wondered what bodywork actually does - or if you’ve been putting yourself last - this conversation is for you.

📍 Recorded at The Space Between, Savannah Square

👉 Subscribe, share, like and comment to be part of the conversation that keeps our community connected.

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

☕ Scooter's Coffee

🐶 Pankake's Pups & Suds

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In Episode 20 of The 39/94, Jodie O’Brien sits down with Cathy Bunse—a former teacher, dairy farmer and now reporter for the Savannah Reporter—for a conversation that flips the script.

Kathy shares her journey from life on a dairy farm outside Cosby to covering community stories in Andrew County, offering a firsthand look at the pivot of a family farm. She also opens up about entering journalism later in life, adapting to corporate newspaper ownership, and why “good news” reporting still matters deeply in small towns. Cathy then turns the tables and interviews Jodie about The 39/94.

Together, Jodie and Kathy explore:

1. The quiet end of an era for family dairy farms
2. How one dream can emerge (even later in life) and come to fruition
3. How the local newspaper is still making a great attempt to bring local coverage
4. The power of telling everyday stories in print & on this new podcast
5. The why and how behind The 39/94

This episode is a love letter to small-town storytellers, community builders, and anyone who believes local voices still deserve to be heard.

📍 Recorded at The Space Between, Savannah Square

👉 Subscribe, share, like and comment to be part of the conversation that keeps our community connected.

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Scooter's Coffee

🐶 Pankake's Pups & Suds

Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at [email protected]

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