Waukee Podcast

We're kicking off an exciting new chapter on the Waukee Podcast with the launch of Money Moves, a monthly segment designed to help our community think differently about money, planning, and long-term freedom. Financial strategist Travis Gaule joins us to start a year-long journey toward a work-optional lifestyle. In this introductory conversation, Travis lays the groundwork—breaking down approachable financial planning strategies and helping listeners understand how intentional decisions today can create flexibility and opportunity tomorrow.

We also highlight two powerful examples of community impact. Danae Edwards and Heather Behrens stop by to share everything families need to know about Waukee FamilyFest, a free, high-energy event designed to get kids moving and families connected. Then, Natalie Del Vecchio from Dallas County Public Health joins us to explain the Community Health Improvement Plan and the behind-the-scenes work being Click here to access the Dallas County Health Navigation Referral site: https://dallascounty.seamlessdocs.com/f/HealthNavigationReferral Of course, Jamie Thompson wraps it all up with what's happening around town this weekend.

Full show notes: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes

In this episode of the Waukee Podcast, we introduce Beyond the Scoreboard, a new segment focused on connecting the community to the wide range of activities happening within Waukee Schools. Host Clarence Hudson joins us to explain the vision behind the segment, share his background, and discuss why storytelling and accessibility matter when it comes to building stronger school-community connections.

We then sit down with Waukee Warrior Activities Director Eric Boyle for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to support and coordinate school activities at a high level. From long-term goals to day-to-day logistics, Eric offers valuable insight into the complexity behind the scenes. We wrap up with Jamie Thompson's first What's Up Waukee of 2026—packed with updates, events, and energy to kick off the new year.

Full show notes: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes

The Waukee Podcast Christmas Edition is a heartfelt pause in the hustle of the season, celebrating the people shaping our kids' futures while we take a short holiday break. Releasing December 23rd, this combined two-week episode reflects on community, gratitude, and the meaningful work happening while students enjoy their time off. We'll be back with fresh episodes on January 5th.

At the heart of this episode is a conversation with Tyler Wright from the Waukee Innovation & Learning Center—an exceptional educator who leads by example. With a background in manufacturing and construction, Tyler took on the challenge of building APEX's automotive program by first becoming a student himself, spending his summer learning the trade to better serve his kids. This episode is a sincere thank-you to Tyler and the entire WILC team for the passion, courage, and care they bring to their work every day.

Full show notes: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes

This episode of the Waukee Podcast captures the heart of the season and the strength of our community. From Jamie Thompson's roundup of Santa sightings and holiday happenings to Carina Woodward's inside look at the Waukee Schools Foundation and its upcoming Impact Gala on February 21, listeners get a front-row seat to the people and efforts making a difference across the district.

We also introduce "Beyond the Scoreboard," a new segment hosted by Clarence Hudson that goes deeper than game results. Joined by Activities Directors Justin Ohl and Eric Boyle, we preview how this segment will celebrate the coaches, athletes, and leaders whose influence reaches far beyond the field, court, or stage—telling the stories that define Waukee at its best.

Full show notes: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes

In this episode of the Waukee Podcast, we step behind the scenes with Heather Behrens and Rudy Koester, Public Works Director and Civil Engineer for the City of Waukee, to uncover the incredible coordination required to keep our streets clear and our community moving. With a limited team and a fleet of 12 dump trucks, Rudy shares how careful planning, communication, and experience come together to tackle everything from snow removal to daily street maintenance. It's a fascinating look at the work most of us don't see—but all benefit from every day. We also welcome Travis Gaule with Trust Bridge Wealth Advisors, who previews an exciting new series focused on helping Waukee families move toward a "work-optional" lifestyle. Through practical wisdom and simple tools, Travis shares how long-term planning can lead to greater confidence and clarity through 2026 and beyond. And of course, Jamie Thompson, #WaukeeRealtorMom, keeps us in the know with What's Up Waukee—your guide to cocoa, cookies, Christmas lights, crafts, and weekend fun around town.

Full show notes: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes

Winter in Iowa doesn't play around, and this episode of The Waukee Podcast takes on two things we all dread this time of year: illness and icy roads. Dr. Josh Kindt from The Iowa Clinic joins host Leisa to explain what's circulating right now—from RSV and Influenza to lingering colds—and how to tell when symptoms are mild versus when medical care may be needed, especially for children and the elderly. He also shares everyday comfort strategies for congested infants, including a helpful at-home tool parents often swear by, the NoseFrida nasal aspirator. Heather Behrens follows with a helpful, behind-the-scenes look at how the City of Waukee handles winter weather, including snow-removal protocols and what residents should expect when storms roll in. And because winter isn't all survival mode, Jamie Thompson closes out the episode with a full lineup of Christmas activities, shopping spots, and community events in Waukee and beyond to keep the season merry. It's practical, local, and just what you need as winter settles in.

Full show notes: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes

As we head into Thanksgiving, we didn't want to let the week pass without saying a heartfelt thank-you to our listeners and to every guest, partner, and contributor who helps us "connect community one voice at a time." This special holiday episode is short and sweet, designed to send you into the long weekend with gratitude and a full slate of festive things to enjoy around Waukee and the greater Des Moines area. From family-friendly traditions to beloved annual events, we've pulled together the highlights so you can make the most of the season. We cover everything happening from Wednesday through Sunday—the light parade and free community meal at Centennial Park, Thanksgiving morning traditions like the Playgrounds Café crafts, the Turkey Bowl at Lutheran Church of Hope, and Iowa's biggest Turkey Trot downtown. The weekend ahead is packed with holiday magic: Festival of Trees & Lights, Santa's Rock N Lights, tree lightings, fireworks at Jordan Creek, Winterset's Festival of Lights, the Hy-Vee Holiday Parade, Val Air Holiday Fair, Jolly Holiday Lights, and more. Whether you're looking for kid-friendly outings, live music, or a cozy way to kick off the season, this episode has you covered. And above all—thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of the Waukee Podcast community.

Full show note: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes

On this week's Waukee Podcast, we spotlight both personal wellness and community connection. Aly Davis and Alex Beltrame join Well Waukee to share how their combined approach to chiropractic care, physical therapy, and individualized coaching helps people get stronger, move better, and stay accountable to their long-term health goals. Their philosophy emphasizes functional strength, smart movement, and treating the root cause—not just the symptoms. Learn more about their practice here. We also hear from fifth-generation Waukee resident Kathryn Sandie with BankIowa, who highlights the bank's deep community roots and its ongoing commitment to giving back. From scholarships to philanthropic funding, Kathryn explains how Waukee residents can apply for meaningful support through BankIowa's donation request form.

And, of course, Jamie Thompson rounds out the show with a festive list of all the tree lightings and shop-and-sip events happening around town.

Full show notes:

This week on the Waukee Podcast, host Jamie Thompson kicks off the holiday season with cheer, updates, and community happenings that make Waukee sparkle this time of year. Keerti Kode and Tushita Mullick from Waukee FBLA join to spotlight their annual Holiday Craft Fair, a fun and meaningful event supporting student leadership and travel opportunities.

Later in the show, Heather Behrens from the City of Waukee joins to preview WinterFest — one of the community's most cherished annual events. From carriage rides to Santa visits and the tree lighting, Heather shares all the details that make WinterFest a must-attend celebration for families across Waukee.

Full show notes: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes

This episode is all about community connection — from volunteering to vigilance. Logan Murray joins Leisa to highlight how Waukee residents can get involved through city boards and commissions, sharing how even one person's participation can shape local parks, culture, and policy. With the application deadline near, this conversation is a timely call to action for anyone who wants to give back and be part of Waukee's next chapter. Then, JB Shearer offers critical insight into Iowa's high radon levels, explaining how simple testing and mitigation can prevent one of the most common causes of lung cancer. Rounding out the show, Jamie Thompson captures Waukee's warm transition from spooky season to holiday sparkle.

Full show notes: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes