The 39/94

What does it mean for a small town to be seen?

In this episode of The 39/94, host Jodie O’Brien is joined by life-long resident Dr. Jan Glenn to talk about Savannah's participation in the Missouri Humanities Small Town Showcase.

They discuss why this opportunity matters far beyond a single vote. Jan shares how the Small Town Showcase helps tell Savannah’s story to a statewide audience through professional video and podcast storytelling, highlighting the people, places, and history that make this community special.

From education and historic preservation to civic pride and collaboration, this conversation explores how small-town stories shape identity and attract future opportunity. You’ll hear about: -What the Small Town Showcase is and why it matters How storytelling strengthens community identity -Savannah’s rich history and vibrant present -The role of education in sustaining small towns -Why preserving local stories helps build the future

🗳️ Voting is open for the Missouri Humanities Small Town Showcase and ends Feb. 1st. This episode is a reminder that small towns aren’t small in impact — and that when we tell our stories well, people listen.

🔗 Learn more https://mohumanities.org/small-town-showcase/

📍 Recorded at The Space Between, Savannah Square

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🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast

✂️Hair by Morgan - This episode's community supporter

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Scooter's Coffee

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What happens when a small rural county decides to take care of its own? In this episode of The 39/94, host Jodie O’Brien sits down with Jennifer Edwards, Executive Director of The Sunshine Factory, Andrew County’s Senate Bill 40 Board.

Jennifer shares the powerful, behind-the-scenes story of how a group of trailblazing parents changed the future for children and adults with developmental disabilities — and how that legacy continues today. You may recognize the Sunshine Factory buses around town, but their impact goes far beyond transportation. From helping adults with disabilities access employment and day programs, to creating social connection, purpose, and dignity, this conversation reveals why these services matter so deeply to families — and to the community as a whole.

This episode explores:

-What Senate Bill 40 really is (and why it matters) How transportation became a lifeline for families

-The emotional transition from school to adulthood for individuals with disabilities

-The trailblazing parents who made it all possible Why community, friendship, and belonging are just as important as services

-What’s next for the Sunshine Factory, including new social opportunities and a new website

This is a story about stewardship, compassion, and showing up for one another — the very heart of Andrew County.

🔗 Learn more about The Sunshine Factory: Website launching soon: sunshinefactory.org

📍 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

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Scooter's Coffee

Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

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

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What does a good term in office actually look like—and who decides?

In this episode of The 39/94, Jodie O’Brien sits down with Missouri State Representative Dean VanSchoiack for an in-depth, candid conversation about how decisions made in Jefferson City ripple through Savannah, Andrew County, and small communities across Northwest Missouri.

Representative Van Schoiack shares his journey from Savannah High School and the family farm to the Missouri House, along with the principles that guide his leadership: voting his conscience, representing his district, and keeping government close to the people it serves.

Together, they discuss:

1. How tax policy (including capital gains and property taxes) affects everyday families
2. What budget cuts could mean for rural communities
3. Public vs. private education funding
4. Agriculture challenges, market pressures, and tariffs
5. Gerrymandering, Amendment 3, and political disagreement without being disagreeable

This conversation goes beyond party lines and talking points—offering listeners a clearer look at accountability, local impact, and how democracy works best when communities stay engaged.

Whether you agree with every position or not, this episode is an invitation to better understand the people and policies shaping life right here at home.

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

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

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Scooter's Coffee

✂️Hair by Morgan - This episode's community supporter

Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

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

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What if magic wasn’t just on stage — but right here at home? In this episode of The 39/94, Host, Jodie O'Brien talks with David Sandy and Lance Rich, two magicians turning a lifelong passion into an interactive museum in Country Club, Missouri.

From Harry Blackstone props to magical dinners and themed lodging, this 18,000-square-foot space is more than a museum — it’s a theatrical experience for the whole family. David and Lance share their journey, why they chose Northwest Missouri, and how they hope to inspire the next generation through magic, history, and creativity.

Whether you love magic, storytelling, or local innovation, this episode is full of surprises, history, and community spirit.

Listen, subscribe, and share — and step into the magic!

Takeaways:

1. The construction of the 18,000 square foot magic museum aims to enrich the cultural landscape of Northwest Missouri.
2. David Sandy's investment in this project is described as potentially his worst business decision ever due to its lack of a revenue model (he has a solution!)
3. The museum will showcase interactive exhibits that engage visitors in the art of magic and its history in a theatrical manner.
4. David and Lance's partnership exemplifies a shared passion for magic, with a vision to educate and entertain the community through their museum.
5. The project's location is strategically chosen to attract visitors from outside the state, leveraging its proximity to major highways.
6. Future phases of the project include themed lodging options, enhancing the overall experience for guests and visitors.

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

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

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast:

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Scooter's Coffee

🐶 Pancake's Pups & Suds

Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

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Santa Claus joins The 39/94 for a joyful holiday conversation about staying on the nice list, serving your community, and why Andrew County is one of his favorite stops each year.

From sleigh rides and reindeer treats to cookies, kindness, and neighborly love, this episode captures the true spirit of Christmas — local, warm, and full of cheer.

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

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

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Scooter's Coffee

✂️Hair by Morgan - This episode's community supporter

Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

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

Connect with us:

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On this episode of The 39/94, host Jodie O’Brien sits down with Jessica Bledsoe, Director of the Andrew County Health & Safety Coalition and owner of Evolve Studio.

Jessica is a true Swiss Army knife in our community — working across schools, families, seniors, and local organizations to improve safety, wellness, and overall well-being in Andrew County.

We talk about the real data behind youth mental health, the growing need for therapists in schools, breaking family cycles and how eating lunch at The Senior Center is keeping our elderly population thriving. Don't fret, we also talk water consumption, yoga and breathing tricks.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening behind the scenes to support our kids, our parents, and our neighbors — or what Evolve Studio is....this conversation will surprise you.

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

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

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Scooter's Coffee

Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

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

Connect with us:

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In this powerful and heartwarming episode of The 39/94, Jodie O’Brien sits down with Roger McCush, the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2020 Fan of the Year and a beloved member of the Savannah and Andrew County community.

Roger shares the incredible story of how he was nominated for the NFL’s first-ever Fan of the Year award — not for going viral, not for wild costumes, but for something deeper: family, faith, and loyalty. While undergoing treatment for lymphoma, Roger refused to sell his season tickets, a moment that unexpectedly landed him on the Chiefs’ radar.

Roger opens up about:

• His journey through Hodgkin’s and Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Kidney and Skin Cancer
• How faith, family, and community carried him through
• Announcing the Chiefs’ 6th-round pick at the 2021 NFL Draft
• His decades-long love of Chiefs football — even “back when the stands were empty”
• His involvement in Andrew County Ministries and giving back through service
• Why Savannah is the place he’s proud to call home

You’ll walk away inspired by Roger’s resilience, humility, and love for this community.

This episode is a reminder of what it means to fight, to believe, and to belong #GoChiefs

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

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

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Scooter's Coffee

Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

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

Connect with us:

Facebook

Instagram

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This week on The 39/94, Jodie O’Brien sits down with North Andrew High School senior and emerging community leader, Joslin Ungles — FCCLA President, FFA Vice President, NHS member, student volunteer, and one of Northwest Missouri’s most inspiring young voices.

From growing up in rural communities to navigating school transitions, leadership programs, and the pressures faced by today’s teens, Joslin offers a refreshingly honest look at what life is really like for young people in our region.

We talk about:

• The unique sense of community found in small schools

• Why connection between adults and teens matters more than ever

• Rural mental health challenges and why kids often hide behind a smile

• The educators and mentors who are shaping her journey

• Her plans to pursue occupational therapy — inspired by her grandparents

• FCCLA’s biggest fundraiser, Christmas in November, and how it supports local students

• What draws her back to Andrew County and why she believes in its future

Whether you're a parent, educator, neighbor, or community leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder of how connection builds confidence — and how today’s youth can shape the future of Northwest Missouri.

Episode Sponsors: Scooters Coffee, Greater Than Financial, The Space Between, Gina’s Café, Sweet Storage, Edward Jones, The Bunker Club, North Central Missouri College, and United Fiber.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps more local listeners discover The 39/94.

This holiday season, host Jodie O’Brien sits down with Jennifer Hegeman, president of the board at Andrew County Ministries, to talk about the incredible work being done right here in our community. From food pantries to the Adopt-a-Family Christmas program, this episode reminds us how small acts of giving can make a world of difference.

Jennifer shares stories of families, volunteers, and local churches coming together to make sure no one in Andrew County goes without a Christmas meal—or without joy. If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved or give back, this conversation will inspire you to do just that.

🎁 Learn more or adopt a family: andrewcountyministries.com

📅 Deadline: December 9

☕ Warm stories. Real people. Small-town good. — Only on The 39/94.

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

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

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

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

Connect with us:

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This Veterans Day, Jodie O’Brien sits down with Mark Goss, a two-tour veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm and spent 27 years with the Missouri National Guard.

Mark shares heartfelt stories from his time in the military, what it was like to leave his young family behind during deployment, and why the American Legion means so much to him and to the community of Andrew County.

He also opens up about what the Legion is doing for veterans today — from helping navigate benefits to supporting youth programs, scholarships, and local families.

If you’ve ever wondered what life looks like after service, or how to support the veterans in your hometown, this episode is a meaningful listen.

🎧 In this episode:

• Mark’s journey through two military tours
• Life and faith during deployment
• How the American Legion serves Andrew County
• Why every generation can take part in honoring veterans
• FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE – Veterans Crisis Line: DIAL 988, THEN PRESS 1, TEXT 838255, OR CHAT ONLINE

📍 Recorded in Savannah, Missouri.

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

🎙️ Sponsors of This Podcast

💛 Sweet’s Storage

🏌️‍♂️ The Bunker Club

💼 Greater Than Financial

🍗 Gina’s Café

📊 Edward Jones — Jason J. Sarsany, Financial Advisor

🎓 North Central Missouri College

🌐 United Fiber

☕ Enjoying the show? Support us here or Venmo

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

Connect with us:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok