ARPA'S Impact in Topeka: How Funds are Supporting Mental Health Resources
Topeka Talk: Community Conversations
In this episode of the Topeka Talk podcast, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough wrap up their three-part series about how funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, commonly known as ARPA, are supporting local programs and making an impact in Topeka. If you missed the first two episodes, be sure to give them a listen! In this final episode of season two, Spiker and Yarborough are joined by Pam Evans, director of marketing and development for Family Service & Guidance Center, who shares how FSGC—a leader in children's mental health—benefitted from the funds and was able to open up...
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ARPA's Impact in Topeka: Why one nonprofit is putting funds toward housing
Topeka Talk: Community Conversations
In this episode of the Topeka Talk podcast, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough sit down with one of the local recipients of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, commonly known as ARPA. This episode is the second installment in a three-part series about how $10 million in ARPA grants are impacting social services in the Topeka area. Today's guest is Chris Palmer, executive director of . Palmer talks with the hosts about housing needs in the city—especially for individuals who are unhoused and those who are working but live below the poverty line—and dives into how ARPA funding...
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ARPA's Impact in Topeka: How once-in-a-lifetime funds are making a difference
Topeka Talk: Community Conversations
In this episode of the Topeka Talk podcast, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough kick off a three-episode series about how funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, commonly known as ARPA, is impacting social services in the Topeka area. It's been about a year since the City of Topeka, through its governing body, allocated $10 million in ARPA funding to community organizations in Kansas' capital city. In episode one of the series, Spiker and Yarborough sit down with member Spencer Duncan, who helped spearhead the city's grant allocation process, to learn more about the local...
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Aid for Small Business: How GO Topeka Incentives can Help
Topeka Talk: Community Conversations
In this episode of the Topeka Talk podcast, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough talk with two special guests about the funding supports available for small businesses in the Topeka area. Spiker and Yarborough are joined by Stephanie Norwood, GO Topeka's director of entrepreneurship and small business, and Pedro Concepcion, a local small business owner behind favorites like in Topeka's NOTO Arts & Entertainment District and , which supports many other local establishments. As a past recipient of , Concepcion shares his perspective on the program and how incentives open new doors for...
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An inside look at the Topeka Area Sports Commission game plan
Topeka Talk: Community Conversations
In this episode of the Topeka Talk podcast, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough cover the , a committee formed in 2022 to advance sports offerings in the greater Topeka area. The pair is joined by Jake Farrant, owner and CEO of and chair of TASC, and Mike Bell, of , who serves as TASC director. They dish on the creation of TASC, their focus on both youth and adult sports, how to address local facility needs, and so much more! It's a community conversation you don't want to miss. Listen today for a peek at the sports commission's game plan — and follow to keep up with their progress...
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Washburn University's playbook for keeping homegrown talent home
Topeka Talk: Community Conversations
In this episode of the Topeka Talk podcast, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough sit down with President Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek and Dr. Alan Bearman, Washburn's vice president for strategic enrollment management. Following an about new scholarship opportunities for Shawnee County students, they talk through what these scholarships provide, how they seek to address local talent needs, and so much more — including what may be on the horizon for this Topeka institution. Listen today to learn all about Washburn's effort to keep homegrown talent home.
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Meet Your 2023 Top City Small Business of the Year
Topeka Talk: Community Conversations
In this episode of the Topeka Talk podcast, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough sit down with Matt McGivern, president of , our community's Top City Small Business of the Year! They dive into the company's history, past and future projects, community impact and more. This episode also introduces listeners to the other winners of Topeka and Shawnee County's 2023 Small Business Awards held in early May. Listen today to hear about the amazing work being done by a variety of local small businesses, and visit for more on this annual community event!
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Spotlight on Washburn Tech
Topeka Talk: Community Conversations
In this episode of the Topeka Talk podcast, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough sit down with two leaders at the Washburn Institute of Technology — Mike Strohschein, dean, and Pam Masters, director of health occupations. Together, they talk all things Washburn Tech, including what programs the school offers, how the technical college is helping address the area's talent needs, and so much more! Listen to learn all about it. Then, visit to explore the institute's programs for yourself!
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Hear what's new at the Topeka Zoo
Topeka Talk: Community Conversations
In the second Topeka Talk episode of Season 2, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough are joined by Wrylie Guffey and Shanna Simpson, lead animal curators at the Topeka Zoo! The pair dishes details of the zoo's newest exhibit, Giraffe & Friends, which will be the largest habitat in its history. Listen to learn what you can expect from the new experience, and for a few fun facts about the zoo's furry friends, including how they get their names! For more on the zoo, visit .
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Culture of Belonging: Meet the city's first DEI officer
Topeka Talk: Community Conversations
To kick off Season 2 of Topeka Talk: Community Conversations, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough sit down with Ernestor De La Rosa, the City of Topeka's first Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer. Listen now to learn about Ernestor's path to finding Topeka, his plans and hopes for the role, and so much more! To contact the city's DEI Office, visit . P.S. We've got a great season ahead with lots of meaningful conversations in store, so be sure to stick around!
info_outlineIn this episode of the Topeka Talk podcast, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough sit down with two leaders at the Washburn Institute of Technology — Mike Strohschein, dean, and Pam Masters, director of health occupations. Together, they talk all things Washburn Tech, including what programs the school offers, how the technical college is helping address the area's talent needs, and so much more! Listen to learn all about it. Then, visit WashburnTech.edu to explore the institute's programs for yourself!