In this episode of The Vault by FNBO, host David Cota sits down with Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts, to explore her journey in the arts and the evolution of one of Nebraska’s most influential cultural institutions. Joan reflects on her path from music educator to arts executive, sharing how she helped build Omaha Performing Arts from the ground up into a statewide leader that now serves hundreds of thousands annually. She discusses her leadership philosophy—centered on high standards, adaptability, and strong teamwork—and highlights the importance of arts education, community investment, and creating shared experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways. 

The conversation also spotlights the newly opened Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, a transformative addition to Omaha’s arts landscape. Designed to expand access to arts education, the center offers a wide range of programs—from Broadway masterclasses and dance workshops to early childhood and community-based initiatives. Squires emphasizes how the facility addresses growing demand while strengthening community connections through creative expression. Looking ahead, she envisions continued growth, innovation, and expanded reach, reinforcing the role of the arts in enhancing quality of life, fostering economic impact, and making Omaha a vibrant, culturally rich destination. 

To learn more about Omaha Performing Arts Tenaska Center for Arts engagement, please visit https://o-pa.org/tenaska. 

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00:00 - Meet Joan Squires
01:45 - From Music Teacher to Arts Leader
03:05 - Starting Omaha Performing Arts
04:28 - OPA Today and Its Growing Impact
05:20 - Leading with High Standards
06:39 - Why the Tenaska Center Was Needed
07:50 - Programs for Kids, Families, and the Community
09:01 - The Role of Tenaska and Other Community Partners
10:27 - The Power of Shared Arts Experiences
12:25 - Arts, Workforce, and Economic Impact
13:26 - How Families Can Get Involved
14:08 - Community Day Preview
14:51 - Looking Ahead for OPA
16:29 - Future Plans and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Vault, host Amelis Long speaks with Barry Benson, Vice President, Agribusiness Banking at FNBO. Barry shares key insights about the U.S. agriculture industry, noting that about 90% of farms are family-owned and many span multiple generations. He highlights the role of corn across thousands of everyday products and discusses current conditions in the cattle industry, where the U.S. cow herd is at a 70-year low due to drought and shifting land use. With strong consumer demand for high-quality beef and limited supply, prices have risen, and rebuilding the herd will take several years due to the long production cycle.

The conversation also explores the challenges facing row crop farmers in 2026, as high input costs for seed, fertilizer, and labor collide with declining grain prices. Barry explains how producers are managing through these pressures by closely controlling costs and exploring new market opportunities. He also shares how FNBO supports agricultural customers with financing, cash management, and insurance solutions to help maintain stability through industry cycles. Despite current headwinds, the outlook for several sectors remains positive, underscoring the resilience and innovation of America’s farming families.

To learn more about FNBO and our Agribusiness Banking, please visit our website, fnbo.com/commercial-banking/agribusiness or our 2026 Agricultural Outlook.

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Podcasts are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. When making decisions about your financial situation, consult a financial professional for advice. Podcasts are not regularly updated and information may become outdated.

Chapters

0:00 - Welcome to The Vault Podcast

0:26 - Barry Benson on Agribusiness

0:49 - U.S. Farming Facts and Trivia

3:03 - Beef Prices and Cattle Supply

6:12 - Row Crop Costs and Margins

8:14 - Why Food Prices Are Higher

10:16 - Interest Rates and Farm Planning

12:14 - FNBO Agribusiness Solutions

14:16 - 2026 Agriculture Opportunities

15:24 - Protecting the Family Farm

17:18 - National Agriculture Month

18:20 - Agribusiness Closing Thoughts

In this episode of The Vault, host Amelis Long sits down with Patty Gong, Managing Director, Mortgage to talk about what homebuyers and homeowners can expect in 2026. Patty explains how mortgage rates have stabilized around 6% after the dramatic swings of the pandemic years, offering some welcome predictability for buyers. While affordability and limited inventory are still challenges, home price growth has slowed to a more moderate pace, and wages are expected to outpace inflation - all signs of a gradually balancing market.

Patty also discusses how the “lock-in effect” has kept some homeowners from selling, while increased building activity is helping add inventory and shift a bit more negotiating power back to buyers. Her key advice: be flexible, be patient and partner with a trusted loan officer. Whether you’re refinancing, buying your first home, or planning your next move, this episode offers practical guidance to help you navigate today’s evolving housing market with confidence.

To learn more about mortgages from FNBO, visit fnbo.com/personal-banking/mortgage-loans.

*Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome to The Vault

(00:29) Meet Patty Gong

(01:24) 2026 Market Snapshot: Affordability and Availability

(02:06) Why 0.25% Matters More Than You Think

(02:44) The Real Drivers Behind Mortgage Rates

(05:01) Where Rates are Headed in 2026

(06:22) The Lock-in Effect and Why Inventory is Tight

(07:54) From Bidding Wars to Negotiation: Buyer Power Returns

(09:35) Smart Buying Strategy: Patient, Flexible, Prepared

(14:15) Wages vs inflation: What it Means for Your Budget

(15:09) Refinance Check: When it Makes Sense

(16:23) Down Payment Myths and Help you Might Qualify For

(17:03) Real Example: Getting Buyer-ready Over Time

(17:54) 3 Takeaways for Buying in 2026

(18:44) Final Thoughts

Podcasts are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. When making decisions about your financial situation, consult a financial professional for advice. Podcasts are not regularly updated and information may become outdated.

In this episode of The Vault, host Amelis Long welcomes FNBO Chief Information Security Officer Jeff Weeks for a timely conversation on cyber resilience and what it really takes to stay safe in today’s digital world. Jeff breaks down why many high-profile breaches still come down to simple issues like outdated systems, weak passwords, and rushed decision-making and how attackers increasingly exploit human behavior rather than complex technology.

Together, they discuss how awareness, skepticism, and preparation can make a meaningful difference for both businesses and consumers. From recognizing emotionally charged scams to building basic plans at work and at home, the episode reinforces a clear message: cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue, it’s a shared responsibility that starts with slowing down, asking questions, and practicing good digital hygiene.

For more fraud and security tips, visit fnbo.com/security-center.
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0:00 - Welcome to The Vault: Unlocking Cybersecurity 1:41 - Why Breaches Happen: Ignoring Known Vulnerabilities2:28 - Major Breaches: Mongo DB & The US Judiciary System 4:13 - Social Engineering Tactics: The "Unpaid Toll" Scam 6:17 - How AI is Perfecting Phishing Attacks7:25 - Advice for Business Leaders: The Incident Response Plan 9:11 - Family Safety: Why You Need a "Safe Word" 10:18 - AI Voice Cloning: A Real-World Horror Story 12:37 - Teaching Teens to Spot Scams13:48 - Core Cyber Hygiene: MFA, Patching & Passwords 15:33 - The Hidden Dangers of Smart Home Devices 16:45 - When to Avoid Public Wi-Fi17:33 - Are Smart Speakers Listening to Your Passwords? 19:00 - FNBO Security Resources & Closing

In this episode of The Vault, host Amelis Long is joined by FNBO investment leaders Kurt Spieler, Senior Vice President of Investment Management, and Rusty Vanneman, FNBO’s new Chief Investment Officer, to break down FNBO’s 2026 Investment Outlook and what it means for investors heading into 2026. Together, they explore current market conditions, economic trends, and the key factors shaping the investment landscape, including economic resilience, corporate earnings growth, inflation dynamics, and the continued impact of artificial intelligence on markets.

The discussion is guided by the core themes of The 2026 Investment Outlook: Stay Invested, Diversified, and Disciplined. Kurt and Rusty explain why staying invested through market volatility is essential for long-term growth, why diversification is increasingly important amid market concentration in large-cap technology stocks, and how fixed income and alternative investments can play a role in managing risk and improving portfolio balance. They also address common investor questions around AI stocks, gold, and cryptocurrency, emphasizing the importance of rebalancing, avoiding emotional decision-making, and working with a financial advisor to stay aligned with long-term goals.

To read the 2026 Investment Outlook, visit fnbo.com/outlook

Only deposit products are FDIC insured.

Investment Products are: NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT A DEPOSIT OR OTHER OBLIGATION OF THE BANK • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK • MAY LOSE VALUE

0:00 2026 Investment Outlook Preview0:38 Meet Our Wealth Experts1:10 A Big Leadership Transition3:37 Meet the New CIO6:18 The 3 Rules for 20269:13 Rule 1: Stay Invested12:44 What We’re Watching in the Economy15:46 Rule 2: Stay Diversified23:20 Rule 3: Stay Disciplined25:29 Rebalancing Made Simple26:20 FAQs: AI, Gold, Crypto30:15 Top Takeaways for 202632:36 Final Thoughts + Next Steps33:23 Disclosures

In this episode of The Vault, host David Cota speaks with Chanda Chacón, MPH, FACHE, President and CEO of Children’s Nebraska, about her leadership journey and the evolving role of pediatric healthcare. Chanda shares how a personal childhood medical experience shaped her commitment to children’s health, what drew her to Omaha, and why the mission of Children’s Nebraska - to improve the life of every child - continues to guide the organization’s work.

The conversation highlights the opening of the Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska, a first-of-its-kind facility in the state designed to meet rising mental and behavioral health needs. Chanda explains the center’s “no wrong door” continuum of care - from 24/7 crisis assessment and urgent care to inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient services - while also discussing her people-first leadership philosophy, the importance of supporting caregivers, and the vision for integrating behavioral health as an essential part of overall health.

*Member FDIC, equal housing lender. Podcasts are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. When making decisions about your financial situation, consult a financial professional for advice. Podcasts are not regularly updated and information may become outdated.

00:00 Welcome to The Vault
00:00:49 Chanda’s “Why” in Healthcare
00:01:28 Her Path to Children’s Nebraska
00:03:36 Why Pediatric Care Is Different
00:04:37 Children’s Nebraska Origin Story
00:05:13 New Behavioral Health Center
00:06:18 “One Door” Continuum of Care
00:09:02 Access, Compassion, Hope
00:10:33 What to Expect 24/7
00:12:18 Levels of Care Explained
00:13:37 Integrating Care With Primary
00:14:17 Supporting Parents and Caregivers
00:16:18 Tech + Innovation in Mental Health
00:16:53 Building a People-First Culture
00:20:33 When the Culture “Clicked”
00:22:04 Leading Change With Clarity
00:23:38 The Suitcase Leadership Story
00:25:35 What’s Next for Children’s Nebraska
00:26:28 Navigating Healthcare Uncertainty
00:28:47 Becoming a “Shatterproof” Team
00:29:48 Closing Thanks and Wrap-Up

In this episode of The Vault, we’re celebrating FNBO’s 168th anniversary with a conversation between host Amelis Long and David Cota, Executive Vice President of Banking and a 26-year FNBO veteran. Together, they reflect on FNBO’s history and the moments that have shaped us into who we are today.

The episode explores our beginnings in frontier Omaha, where the Kountze Brothers founded FNBO in 1857, and traces our evolution into one of the nation’s earliest nationally chartered banks and a six-generation family enterprise. Amelis and David discuss key innovations on FNBO’s history—from pioneering women’s banking services in the early 1900s to becoming an early credit card issuer in the 1950s—and the belief that each generation must reinvent us to ensure our longevity.

Looking ahead, the conversation turns to how we’re carrying that mindset forward through digital innovation, community partnerships, and a culture of constantly raising the bar as we enter our 169th year serving communities across nine Midwestern states.

* Member FDIC, equal housing lender. Podcasts are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. When making decisions about your financial situation, consult a financial professional for advice. Podcasts are not regularly updated and information may become outdated.

⁠00:00⁠ Introduction & FNBO's Historical Overview⁠

00:41⁠ How did FNBO get started 168 years ago in Omaha?⁠

02:20⁠ Origins of FNBO: From 1857 to National Charter⁠0

6:22⁠ Innovations & Milestones in FNBO's History⁠

10:51⁠ Family Leadership & Legacy⁠

13:50⁠ Modern Achievements & Technology Integration⁠

19:12⁠ Commitment to Excellence & Future Plans

⁠21:10⁠ Conclusion & Next Steps

In this kickoff episode of The Vault by FNBO, host Amelis Long, director of employee programming and belonging, sits down with Regina DeMars, director of content marketing and social media, to discuss the evolution of FNBO’s storytelling platform and the inspiration behind The Vault.

Together, they reflect on how The Vault brings the best of Cashology and Banking on KC into one expanded format that goes deeper into authentic stories across FNBO’s markets. Tune in for conversations that go beyond the numbers, exploring how FNBO is making a difference through financial insight and community-driven initiatives.

Listeners will also get a first look at what is ahead, including upcoming guests from across our markets, nonprofit leaders, innovators, sponsorship partners, and FNBO experts who are ready to share the stories that matter for our customers and communities.

fnbo.com/TheVault

*Member FDIC, equal housing lender. Podcasts are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. When making decisions about your financial situation, consult a financial professional for advice. Podcasts are not regularly updated and information may become outdated.