Topeka Insider

Three Washburn basketball players—Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew Orr—reflect on their historic season that took them to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the first time in 24 years. They share insights on team chemistry, mental toughness, and their perspectives on basketball's place in their lives while celebrating the incredible community support they received throughout their championship run.

• Team chemistry was the biggest difference between this season and previous years—everyone genuinely liked each other
• Coach Ballard's consistent message that "basketball shouldn't be your identity" helped players maintain perspective
• Mental toughness was just as important as physical abilities during their championship run
• Washburn's exceptional athletic facilities played a major role in recruiting players to Topeka
• The packed home games and community-wide watch parties during tournament play created unforgettable moments
• Michael Keegan's highlight-reel dunks became a season-defining theme that energized fans
• Life lessons from basketball—time management, handling criticism, and facing adversity—prepare players for future challenges.

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0:00 - Mental Toughness and Team Camaraderie

8:17 - Introducing the Washburn Basketball Players

14:45 - Discovering Topeka's Hidden Charm

21:30 - Washburn's Impressive Athletic Facilities

27:02 - Basketball Identity and Team Chemistry

35:26 - Elite Eight Journey and Tournament Experience

43:20 - Lessons Learned and Life After Basketball ________________________________________
Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS

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Follow Your Hosts: 📱
Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.

Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/
Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd

For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram! 

Alex Buehler shares his journey from retail management to becoming Topeka's "Pi Guy" home inspector, offering insights into the surprising, dangerous, and sometimes creepy discoveries behind walls and underneath floors. His unexpected career change came after quitting his job without a plan, only to receive a call from an inspection company that would change his professional path forever.

• Moving from retail to home inspection through an unexpected opportunity
• Why he's known as "The Pi Guy" across Topeka
• Terrifying structural issues including support beams cut for laundry chutes
• Common problems found in almost every home inspection
• The padlocked freezer story and other creepy discoveries
• The difference between code compliance and safety concerns
• Why spray foam and Flex Seal are terrible foundation repair solutions
• Importance of monthly air filter changes for homes with pets
• Challenges and opportunities in the Topeka business landscape
• Only 2 homes out of thousands had completely clean inspection reports

If you're considering starting a business, Alex recommends patience - expect minimal traction for three months, limited business connections by month six, and a full year before customers reach out to you directly. Plan on three years before you'll feel truly established.

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 0:32 - Creepy House Discoveries

9:39 - Meet Alex Buehler: The Pi Guy

15:04 - Dangerous vs. Gross Inspection Finds

27:50 - Code Inspection vs. Home Inspection

32:10 - From Retail to Home Inspection

37:15 - Foundation Issues and Spray Foam Fixes

43:54 - Topeka Business Landscape

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Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS

Website -- https://topekainsider.com/
Facebook --- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider
Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider

Follow Your Hosts: 📱
Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.

Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/
Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd

For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram! 

Chad Parks transforms athletes through building culture and creating genuine connections, turning wrestling into a vehicle for character development far beyond the mat. His approach combines technical coaching with life lessons that prepare athletes for challenges in all aspects of their lives.

• Wrestling background that began with his Hall of Fame coach father
• Created distinctive team mottos like TCOB (Take Care of Business) and GET (Gratitude, Effort, Toughness)
• Observes significant generational changes in youth sports, particularly decreased free play
• Warns against sports specialization and over-scheduling that leads to burnout
• Encourages parents to separate their children's performance from expressions of love and approval
• Advocates for transformational coaching that focuses on developing the whole person
• Authored "Game Changing Moves," sharing wisdom gathered from mentors and personal experience
• Believes in the "two chairs" concept - taking time to not just speak to God but listen as well
• Recommends books including "The Noticer" by Andy Andrews and "The Men We Need" by Brant Hansen
• Shares practical approaches to helping athletes develop internal motivation rather than external pressure

If you want to connect with Coach Parks, find him on social media using the handle @CoachChadParks on Instagram or Chad Parks on Facebook.
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0:08 - Discipline and Consistency in Coaching

6:23 - Chad Parks: From Oklahoma to Kansas Wrestling

9:35 - Creating Team Culture Through Mottos

18:47 - The Value of Transformational Coaching

28:19 - Sports Specialization and Youth Development

32:06 - Early Coaching Career and Workload

52:45 - Applying Wrestling Lessons to Life

1:07:28 - The Book Writing Journey

1:17:04 - Parenting Advice for Young Athletes

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Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS

Website -- https://topekainsider.com/
Facebook --- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider
Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider

Follow Your Hosts: 📱
Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.

Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/
Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd

For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram! 

Discover how Gray Marshall, creative director at AIM Strategies, is shaping the social media landscape for Topeka businesses. In this episode, we delve into the strategies he uses to manage numerous social media accounts while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community engagement. As local businesses strive to connect with a younger demographic, Gray shares valuable insights on what works and what doesn't in today's digital age.

From understanding your audience to creating engaging content that resonates, we discuss essential tactics that drive engagement and foster community. Tune in as we explore the challenges of maintaining a consistent voice across multiple platforms and the significance of supporting local initiatives in building a vibrant economy. With a mix of humor, honesty, and thoughtful discussion, this episode encourages listeners to think critically about their online presence. Join us for an enlightening exchange that inspires action, creativity, and collaboration in your local community! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

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0:00 - Introduction to Gray Marshall

3:28 - Insights from Topeka Insider's Instagram

10:21 - The Unique Role of a Creative Director

32:26 - Pushing the Envelope with Social Media Strategies

3:16:31 - Challenges of Managing Multiple Social Media Accounts

4:14:35 - Creating Engaging Content: What’s Working?

4:47:03 - Trends in Social Media: The Good and the Bad

5:08:12 - Sincerity in Social Media Marketing

9:01:33 - Closing Thoughts and Connecting with Gray

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Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS

Website -- https://topekainsider.com/
Facebook --- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider
Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider

Follow Your Hosts: 📱
Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.

Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/
Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd

For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram! 

The episode explores the vital role of the Kansas Children's Discovery Center in fostering creativity and curiosity among children through hands-on learning. Laura Burton shares insights into the philosophy of educational play, the importance of community outreach, and the exciting plans for expansion, emphasizing the Center's commitment to accessibility and innovation in child development. 

• Importance of play in child development and learning 
• Personal story of Laura Burton's journey to the Discovery Center 
• Focus on interactivity and hands-on experiences in educational spaces 
• Upcoming expansion plans and new exhibit highlights 
• Community outreach efforts to make learning accessible for all families 
• Integration of local stories and cultural narratives into exhibits 
• Celebrating the process of trial and error as a learning opportunity 
• Creative marketing strategies to engage with the public

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0:00: Exploring Children's Museum Innovations

11:33: Creating Interactive Museum Experiences

19:38: Expansion and Programs at Children's Museum

30:39: Enhancing Museum Experience With Unique Ideas

34:41: Creating Memorable Experiences Through Marketing

43:46: Teamwork, Growth, and Innovation

50:18: Topeka Community Conversations

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Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
 Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS
Website // Facebook // Instagram

Follow Your Hosts: 📱
 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.
 Jon Griffith // Instagram
Justin Armbruster // Instagram

For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram! 

Transforming Topeka takes more than grand investments; it requires community spirit, adaptability, and a vision for the future. Don Heiland discusses his journey from finance to architecture and details various projects that are breathing new life into Topeka while addressing the city's crucial needs.

• Highlights the impact of the Cyrus Hotel on local tourism 
• Discusses the unique characteristics of boutique hotels versus chains 
• Explores The Pennant as an innovative dining and entertainment option 
• Insights into youth sports facilities’ importance for community retention 
• Explains the balance of historic preservation and modern development 
• Emphasizes the role of architects in shaping community and urban spaces 

Here’s how you can get involved and influence the future of Topeka today!

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 0:00: Topeka Developing

12:35: Preserving History vs. Economic Development

16:33: Entrepreneurship and Community Development

27:56: Future Developments in Topeka

39:27: Topeka Community and Opportunity Perspectives

49:25: Connecting With Topeka Community Through SDG

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Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
 Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS
Website // Facebook // Instagram

Follow Your Hosts: 📱
 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.
 Jon Griffith // Instagram
Justin Armbruster // Instagram

For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram! 

John Cantrell shares his powerful journey from addiction and prison to becoming a heavyweight boxing champion. He highlights the transformative power of faith and community, offering insight into overcoming personal demons and the importance of sharing one's story for healing and growth.

• Discusses early life struggles with addiction
• Chronicles a near-death experience leading to a renewed faith
• Explains the journey from prison to professional boxing
• Highlights the importance of community and mentorship in recovery
• Shares the story of becoming a father against all odds
• Talks about ongoing business efforts aimed at community upliftment
• Advocates for a love-driven approach to neighborhood healing
• Explores themes of redemption and the role of faith in transformation.
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0:00: From Addiction to Redemption
14:17: Finding Redemption Through Faith
27:49: From Ironman to Redemption
41:50: Dream Fights and Boxing Strategy
48:34: Life With Super Coop
55:47: Community Outreach and Addiction Recovery
1:08:28: Community Building Through Local Engagement
1:13:07: John Ironman Cantrell's Social Media Presence ________________________________________

Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
 Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS
Website // Facebook // Instagram

Follow Your Hosts: 📱
 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.
Jon Griffith // Instagram
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For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram! 

Malik El-Amin (Malik In The Street) shares his journey as a comedian, discussing the importance of laughter, community support, and resilience in navigating life’s struggles. His story highlights the connection between personal experiences and comedic expression, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one’s passion while remaining grounded in family and community.

• Malik's childhood experiences leading to his comedic career
• The role of Top City Comedy in his development as a performer
• The significance of timing and delivery in stand-up
• Balancing family life with a comedy career
• The mission to uplift and support Topeka's creative scene
• Lessons learned through years of performing and honing his craft
• The evolving future of comedy and personal aspirations

Discover more about Malik and his journey by tuning into this episode!
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0:00 - Interview With Comedian Malik in Topeka
9:21 - Life in Topeka and Stand-Up Comedy
14:26 - Comedy Style and Influences
25:45 - The Path to Comedy Success
33:22 - Family, Comedy, and Life in Topeka
45:15 - Topeka Date Night Ideas
49:22 - Topeka's Missing Barbecue Hotspot
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Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
 Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS
Website // Facebook // Instagram

Follow Your Hosts: 📱
 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.
 Jon Griffith // Instagram
Justin Armbruster // Instagram

For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram! 

The episode with Davis Atteberry delves into the intersection of mental performance and golf, emphasizing how mindsets shape outcomes on and off the course. Through practical strategies like the four-step method, Davis illustrates how shifting language, breathing techniques, and awareness can facilitate deep personal change and resilience. 

• Introduction to Davis Atteberry, golf mindset and performance coach 
• Importance of mindset in enhancing performance 
• Effects of language on emotions and performance 
• Overview of the Four-Step Method for changing mindsets 
• Techniques to manage emotions during play 
• The concept of generational change in personal growth 
• Practical advice for golfers and non-golfers alike 
• Final thoughts on connecting mental fitness to overall well-being
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0:00 - Mindset and Performance Coaching in Golf
10:14 - Changing Mindset Through Words and Stories
17:33 - Empowering Golfers Through Mindset Coaching
23:55 - Unlocking Potential Through Self-Empowerment
37:15 - Transforming Self-Love and Generational Change
51:18 - Shifting Mindsets and City Living
58:05 - Free Mindset Coaching Sessions Offered
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Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS
Website // Facebook // Instagram

Follow Your Hosts: 📱
Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.
Jon Griffith // Instagram
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For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram! 

Prepare to be inspired by the incredible journey of Jackson Bo Jensen, the world's strongest 12-year-old powerlifter, and his supportive father, Joe Jensen. This episode takes you through Jackson's remarkable achievements, including his record-breaking lifts and his memorable experiences at a USA powerlifting event in Wichita. Discover how the world of powerlifting, often seen as an individual sport, is rich with community and camaraderie. Bo’s story is not just about lifting astonishing weights but also about the friendships and inspirations he's gained along the way.

But there's more to Jackson than powerlifting. He’s also an accomplished baseball player, and we share his thrilling moments on the field, from hitting his first home run to meeting baseball hall-of-famer Frank Thomas. Bo balances his dual passions for baseball and powerlifting with school and family life, supported by a family willing to make lifestyle changes, like switching to a Tesla, to fuel his dreams. Learn how he navigates the commitments of an aspiring athlete, offering a glimpse into his rigorous training and nutrition routine, and his dreams of playing for the New York Yankees.

Our conversation with Jackson also paints a vibrant picture of life in Topeka, with favorite local hangouts and amusing anecdotes about school life. We discuss his aspirations, the inspiration he draws from sports legends, and the simple joys of childhood. Engage with Jackson’s vision for enhancing youth sports facilities in his hometown, and take away a sense of the broader connections and inspirations he's forged through his athletic journey. From pulling a truck on the Steve Harvey show to playing at the Field of Dreams, Jackson's story is one of strength, ambition, and the undeniable power of community.
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0:00 - World's Strongest 12-Year-Old Powerlifter
8:21 - Powerlifting Journey of Young Athlete
20:09 - Baseball and Beyond
28:35 - Elite Youth Powerlifting Nutrition and Training
34:12 - Strength, Inspiration, and Connections
44:23 - Topeka, Teachers, and Baseball Dreams
50:19 - Local Favorites and Topeka Wishlist
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Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS
Website // Facebook // Instagram

Follow Your Hosts: 📱
Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.
Jon Griffith // Instagram
Justin Armbruster // Instagram

For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!