Waukee Podcast

In this week's Waukee Podcast, Jamie Thompson brings her signature enthusiasm to all things Waukee with a full lineup of "frightening happenings" and festive fall fun around town. You'll get the inside scoop on what's happening this week and how to make the most of it. We also meet local business owner Tiffany Wilson-Lillard, who's simplifying life for Waukee residents with her new shipping hub on Alice's Road—offering UPS, FedEx, and U.S. Mail under one roof. And as Election Day approaches, Michael Shrodt reminds us that local ballots matter most for our schools, safety, and community direction.

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

This episode features Leigh White, a seasoned business owner in Waukee now campaigning for a seat on the Waukee City Council. With her background as founder and CTO of Myriad Advisor Solutions, she brings a strong entrepreneurial mindset to civic service. In our conversation, Leigh shares her priorities of public safety, quality education and fiscally responsible growth — emphasising how smart planning can preserve Waukee's welcoming feel even as the city expands. Her insights provide a compelling look at the blend of business acumen and community commitment required for local leadership. In the second half of the show, we pivot to Shawnda Newton and her work with Empigo Academy, a faith-based micro high school in Des Moines focused on entrepreneurial and technical education. Shawnda talks about the new event she's organizing for women of faith, inviting attendees into meaningful community and "daughter" identity, with me as keynote speaker. We explore how empowering women in faith and business can ripple into wider community impact. Jamie Thompson wraps things up with his regular "What's Up Waukee" update, ensuring listeners stay in the loop on local happenings and are inspired to participate in the positive momentum.

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

In this episode of the Waukee Podcast, host Leisa Fox sits down with Allie Fick from Aloft Hotel Waukee to explore how this stylish Marriott brand chose our city as its very first Iowa location. Allie shares the vision behind Aloft's modern, community-driven approach—one that goes beyond hospitality to become a true gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Then, Jamie Thompson joins the conversation twice—first as our guide to all the weekend's local happenings through What's Up Waukee, and later as one of the area's top realtors. She dives into market trends, neighborhood highlights, and what buyers and sellers should know heading into the next season. It's an episode full of insider insight and hometown pride—celebrating where Waukee's been, and where it's headed next.

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

Fall is in the air, and the Waukee community is buzzing with excitement! In this week's episode of the Waukee Podcast, host Leisa Fox is joined by Jamie Thompson #waukeerealtormom from What's Up Waukee to chat about all the ways you can make the most of the season—from spooky Halloween happenings to cozy autumn adventures right here in town.

Then, we shift gears to explore some of the incredible programming happening for adults at the Waukee Public Library. Jenny Goulden, Adult Program Director, and Heather Behrens with the City of Waukee join Leisa in the studio to reveal the lineup of engaging, educational, and sometimes spine-tingling events coming this fall. Don't miss one of the most intriguing events on the calendar: A History of Axe Murder, a fascinating look at true crime through the lens of history—perfect for the season! Learn more here.

Finally, Leisa welcomes Jeff Schmidt, Board Member for the Iowa Spine Association and committee member for the upcoming IowABILITY Fair, happening October 18th from 10 AM to 3 PM at Camp Sunnyside. Jeff shares the mission behind this inspiring event—celebrating accessibility, inclusion, and ability for all Iowans—and how you can take part in the Walk and Roll Fundraiser that kicks off the day. Details here.

From pumpkins to purpose, this episode captures everything that makes Waukee such a vibrant, connected community. Tune in, share with your neighbors, and celebrate fall in Waukee!

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

In this episode of the Waukee Podcast, listeners will hear from two community icons who embody the spirit of Waukee. Don Frazer of the Waukee Leadership Institute explains how the program develops future leaders and why it's vital to the city's growth. His stories showcase the value of joining the next class, whether you're looking to expand your leadership skills or build deeper community ties. Then Terry Snyder of the Waukee Historical Society takes us behind the scenes of their most important fundraiser, Wauktoberfest, sharing what attendees can expect while underscoring how the event preserves Waukee's history. As always, Jamie Thompson adds her lively rundown of weekend activities—including apple orchard season highlights—to ensure you don't miss a thing.

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

This week's Waukee Podcast delivers both comfort for the heart and clarity for the mind.

Jamie Thompson kicks off the episode with What's Up Waukee – What's Up? A whole lot of Octoberfest!

Then Leisa interviews Joshua Binns, Spiritual Director and Bereavement Care Counselor at EveryStep. Joshua shares the deeply meaningful work of supporting individuals and their families during life's final days. With compassion and wisdom, he describes how spiritual care and bereavement services provide peace, dignity, and hope when it's needed most. His words are a reminder that while the journey of grief is never easy, no one has to walk it alone.

The episode then turns to the practical side of health and wellness with Well Waukee. This week, Marcie Strouse of Capitol Benefits Group https://capitol-benefits.com/ is joined by Aly Davis to guide us through the often-confusing world of health care. Together, they help listeners better understand insurance and health care decision-making, offering practical tools to become more effective consumers. Their strategies empower families to get the most value from their health care plans while building confidence in navigating a complicated system.

This conversation bridges life's hardest moments with everyday decisions that impact long-term well-being. Whether finding spiritual strength in times of loss or learning how to use health care wisely, listeners will leave this episode feeling supported, informed, and inspired to live well here in Waukee.

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

This week's Waukee Podcast highlights both the heartbeat and the future of our community. From Jamie Thompson's roundup of events in What's Up Waukee to Rachel Wacker's insights on county-wide economic development, listeners will hear how Waukee and Dallas County are attracting major international businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and building infrastructure to support growth for years to come. We also shine a light on Chelsy Dahms, who has launched a stunning new magazine designed to connect neighbors through stories, photos, and features that reflect the vibrant spirit of our community. Together, these voices paint a powerful picture of collaboration, innovation, and the deep pride that makes Waukee such a special place to live and work.

Full show notes: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes/f/the-people-powering-our-community%E2%80%99s-future

This week's episode of the Waukee Podcast is filled with local voices, inspiring stories, and community impact. We kick things off with Jamie Thompson and her popular What's Up Waukee segment, highlighting the latest happenings around town. From there, listeners meet two student athletes, Kayne VanDis and Tut Chuol, who are launching their own podcast, Kee Sportss, straight out of the Waukee Innovation Learning Center. These young leaders are bringing fresh energy and perspective to the world of sports broadcasting and give us a preview of what's to come.

Next, we welcome Officer Beehler of the Waukee Police Department, who shares an unforgettable story of arriving just in time to deliver baby Alexander alongside the Davis family. With only 30 seconds to spare, Officer Beehler stepped into a life-changing moment that brought joy, relief, and a new appreciation for first responders' courage and quick thinking.

Finally, we spotlight community champions Bruce Huckfeldt and Marcy Ostrander, who return with their annual #heartandsole Shoe Drive. Their goal: to collect and distribute over 3,000 pairs of gently worn shoes to those who need them most. With three drop-off locations available through October, this effort is a tangible way for the Waukee community to come together and make a lasting difference. For more information, contact [email protected].

Don't miss a minute of this inspiring episode—it's packed with local updates, heartwarming moments, and opportunities to get involved. The Waukee Podcast continues to be your place to connect with community, one voice at a time.

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

In this episode of the Waukee Podcast, host Leisa Fox welcomes local author Clarence Hudson to share the powerful stories behind his new book, Making Your Life Worth It.

Clarence opens up about his journey from growing up in the Jim Crow South to building a career in Division I football, and ultimately to writing a book designed to inspire readers to rise above challenges and live with purpose. He reflects on how today's perceptions of racism intersect with his lived experiences, offering perspective rooted in resilience and faith.

The conversation takes listeners inside some of the book's most memorable stories, including the sting of a devastating defeat as offensive coordinator at the University of Minnesota against powerhouse Nebraska and the unforgettable Des Moines police ride-along where Clarence met a bright, athletic 17-year-old who had already given up on his future. As he wrote Making Your Life Worth It, Clarence imagined that young man reading the book—finding hope, encouragement, and the possibility of a different outcome.

Through his storytelling, Clarence reminds us that even in moments of loss, frustration, or discouragement, we all have the power to create lives that matter. His reflections challenge us to confront barriers honestly, while embracing the choices that lead to meaning and fulfillment.

Alongside Clarence's interview, Jamie Thompson, #WaukeeRealtorMom, returns with the What's Up Waukee segment, spotlighting the weekend's best events and happenings in our community.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of Waukee's own voices. Listen now and pick up your copy of Clarence Hudson's Making Your Life Worth It to carry these stories—and their lessons—into your own journey.

Full show notes: https://waukeepodcast.com/show-notes/f/author-spotlight-clarence-hudson%E2%80%99s-making-your-life-worth-it

This week's Waukee Podcast brings you a special Labor Day edition filled with community updates, celebrations, and ways to get involved. We start with Dr. Brad Buck, Superintendent of the Waukee Community School District, who shares key updates as the school year begins. From the rollout of new bus passes to the exciting opening of Trail Ridge, listeners will hear what's new and what's next for our growing school system. Dr. Buck also discusses staffing levels, district priorities, and his hopes for a successful school year ahead.

Next, we welcome Todd McDonald, board member for the Waukee Betterment Foundation. With the annual Waukee Betterment Games right around the corner, Todd fills us in on how to snag one of the last remaining team slots before registration closes. You can learn more and register at https://www.waukeebetterment.org/event-details/waukee-betterment-games/form. Beyond the games, Todd also announces the launch of the Waukee Community Betterment Grant program. This year, $7,000 will be distributed to 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose services positively impact our community. The grant application window runs from September 1 through October 11, and organizations can apply directly at https://www.waukeebetterment.org/endowment.

Whether you're gearing up for Labor Day fun, preparing kids for school, or looking for ways to give back, this episode is full of timely insights and opportunities to engage. And if you need a little extra energy or recovery this holiday weekend, don't forget to check out 4EverYoung IV Therapies, your go-to spot for wellness and rejuvenation.

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