City of Ames’ Podcasts

Up Close: Erin Kimle

In this heartfelt episode of Up Close, Casandra sits down with Erin Kimle, a lifelong storyteller whose journey begins and comes full circle in Ames, Iowa. From childhood memories to the decision to return, Erin shares the meaningful threads that connect her past and present.
Casandra and Erin reflect on their shared hometown and the unexpected ways their paths nearly crossed professionally. Together, they explore what it means to truly belong to a place—and how stories, both personal and communal, help shape that feeling.
Tune in for an intimate conversation about roots, reconnection, and the power of storytelling.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.
🎤 Want to Be On Up Close?Have a story to share? Reach out to Casandra Eames in the City Manager's Office or email Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org to be featured on a future episode.

Ames in Focus: Street Smarts with Matt Elbert

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we’re taking a ride through the ins and outs of street maintenance with Matt Elbert, Streets Supervisor with Ames Public Works. From pothole patching to joint sealing, Matt shares what it takes to maintain over 500 lane-miles of City streets—and that’s just the beginning. Whether you’re curious about how roads are prioritized for repair or wondering why Iowa winters are so tough on pavement, this episode has you covered.
Episode Highlights:
Matt’s journey to becoming Streets Supervisor
How the City prioritizes street patching and repairs
Key differences between maintaining asphalt and concrete roads
The impact of weather, traffic, and time on pavement condition
Other responsibilities of the Streets division, from sidewalks to sweeping
How residents can assist with street maintenance and safety
One thing Matt wishes everyone understood about his team’s work
Resources & Links:
Learn more about street maintenance in Ames: CityofAmes.org
Report a street issue or maintenance concern: https://www.cityofames.org/Resident-Services/Ames-on-the-Go-Mobile-Reporting
Subscribe and Follow:Stay informed about the people and projects shaping Ames—subscribe to Ames in Focus on your favorite podcast platform, and follow the City of Ames for more updates.

Up Close: Noah Camp

In this episode of Up Close, Casandra Eames sits down with Noah Camp, a lifelong Ames local who’s rediscovering his hometown with fresh eyes. Born in Ames and once eager to leave, Noah shares how he's grown to love being here—and why the city continues to surprise him. Together, they explore the charm of comedy shows, culinary experiments, and the complicated comfort of knowing everyone around you.
Noah brings a thoughtful perspective on what it means to stay, to change, and to look at something familiar in a new light. Whether it’s through laughter, food, or shared moments, this episode captures the essence of community—up close and personal.
What You’ll Hear
Finding fun close to home—how Noah recently attended his first ever comedy show and left hooked, ready to explore more local entertainment.
Cooking for connection—what Noah’s been making in the kitchen and how cooking has become a new kind of joy.
Small-town closeness—Casandra and Noah talk about the double-edged sword of familiarity in a place where everyone knows your name (and probably your parents too).
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.
🎤 Want to Be On Up Close?
Have a story to share? Reach out to Casandra Eames in the City Manager's Office or email Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org to be featured on a future episode.

Ames in Focus: Building Second Chances with Nancy Carroll

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Nancy Carroll, former Director of Ames Parks and Recreation, who now champions the campaign for a new Ames Animal Shelter. Nancy shares her personal passion for animal welfare, the current state of the fundraising efforts, and the creative ways the community is stepping up—including through custom t-shirts and a heartwarming book, Second Chances. Together, they discuss why a new shelter matters, how it will benefit both animals and residents, and how everyone in Ames can get involved.
Episode Highlights:
Nancy’s journey to animal advocacy
An update on fundraising progress and campaign goals
Behind the scenes of the campaign’s creative outreach: t-shirts and the Second Chances book
Upcoming events and opportunities to support the shelter
Why a new facility is vital for Ames’ animals and the broader community
Easy ways listeners can contribute to the cause
To learn more about the Ames Animal Shelter capital campaign and discover how you can help, visit www.AmesAnimalShelter.org. Follow the City of Ames (or the Ames Animal Shelter) on social media for campaign updates, stories, and upcoming events.

Up Close: Kati Frahm

In this warm and candid episode, Casandra sits down with Kati Frahm to talk about what it really means to build community—and how sometimes, it means bringing your community with you. Kati shares stories of connection, creativity, and the unexpected ways relationships grow. Along the way, she turns the tables and asks Casandra some thoughtful questions of her own. And yes, an impromptu deep dive into N'SYNC fandom may have sparked the beginnings of a new podcast within a podcast.
 
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: Water Wisdom with John Dunn

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with John Dunn, Director of Water and Pollution Control for the City of Ames, to dive into everything water-related—from why your utility rates change to how simple conservation steps can make a big impact. John brings decades of expertise in water management and a deep commitment to sustainability in municipal services. Whether you're curious about how Ames compares to other Iowa cities, or you're just looking for easy ways to reduce water use this summer, this conversation flows with valuable insights for every resident.
 
Episode Highlights:
John Dunn shares his path to working in water and environmental management.
The real reasons behind water and sewer rate adjustments.
How Ames’ rates compare to other communities.
Why conservation matters, even in a city with a solid water supply.
Practical outdoor water-saving tips for summer.
Everyday indoor habits to reduce water usage.
Resources available through the City of Ames, including tools, tips, and rebate programs.
Connect with Us:Subscribe to Ames in Focus and never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a rating or review—it helps others discover the show.
Follow the City of Ames on social media for updates, tips, and more ways to stay connected.

Up Close: Jen Hibben, Leah Locke, and Chris Aukes

Welcome to our end-of-the-month group conversation on Up Close! In this episode, Casandra brings together three previous guests—Jen Hibben, Leah Locke, and Chris Aukes—for a thoughtful and lively discussion about life, community, and what it means to call Ames home.
Each guest brings a unique perspective, and as their individual stories intertwine, new connections emerge. Join us as we reflect on shared values, surprising parallels, and the ways our neighbors help shape the fabric of this city.
Up Close is a podcast from the City of Ames.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: Orange Cones & Game Plans: Inside Ames Construction Season with Mindy Bryngelson

It’s summer in Ames—which means sunshine, detours, and a symphony of beeping construction equipment. In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart chats with Mindy Bryngelson, Municipal Engineer for the City of Ames, to break down what’s under construction and why it matters.
From street resurfacing to underground utility upgrades, Mindy offers an insider look at how projects are planned, prioritized, and communicated to the public. If you've ever wondered, “Why are they tearing up this road now?”—this episode is for you.
🚧 Topics Covered:
Why summer is construction season
How projects are chosen and scheduled
Major road and infrastructure updates
Communication tools and resident resources
Why temporary inconvenience equals long-term improvement
💬 Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review—it helps more people discover the stories shaping life in Ames!