City of Ames’ Podcasts
The City of Ames Podcast Network is a collection of shows designed to help residents better understand, connect with, and participate in life in Ames. Rather than following a single format, the network brings together a variety of conversations that blend civic information, behind-the-scenes insight, community education, and personality-driven storytelling. Each podcast takes a more approachable, conversational tone, going beyond basic announcements to explore why topics matter, who is involved, and how they impact everyday life in the community.
Get more information about things happening in Ames at www.CityofAmes.org
Listen on:
Ames in Focus
Ames in Focus is the City’s flagship conversational podcast, featuring City staff, community partners, and local experts discussing programs, projects, and everyday topics that shape life in Ames, from parks and recreation to construction, sustainability, public safety, and library programming. The tone is relaxed and personable, often starting with how guests got into their work before diving into the topic, which helps humanize City staff and make local government feel more approachable. At its core, the show takes topics that might otherwise feel technical or bureaucratic and turns them into clear, engaging conversations that residents can easily understand and connect to.
These 15 to 20 minute episodes drop every Tuesday.
Is there a City program, initiative, ordinance, or department that you would like to know more about? Email Eric.Gebhart@CityofAmes.org
From Agenda to Action
From Agenda to Action is the City’s City Council-focused podcast that helps residents understand what is coming up for discussion and what decisions are being made, typically featuring conversations with Mayor John Haila and occasional councilmembers. The show highlights key agenda items, explains why they matter, and breaks down how those decisions may impact daily life in Ames, from infrastructure and housing to public safety and community development. By turning complex agenda packets into clear, conversational insights, it serves as an accessible guide that helps residents feel more informed, engaged, and connected to local government.
Each meeting cycle includes two episodes. On the Friday before each City Council meeting, we preview key agenda items and upcoming topics for discussion. On the Friday after each meeting, we recap the actions taken by Council, including votes, next steps, and what those decisions mean for the community.
The podcast is designed to make local government more accessible and to help residents feel informed and connected every step of the way.
Live Well, Be Well
The goal is simple: honest conversations that make wellbeing feel more human, achievable, and relevant.
Up Close
How well do you know your neighbors? Up Close is a podcast all about connections. Each week, Engagement Coordinator, Casandra Eames, builds connections with Ames' residents. These stories range from those born and raised in Ames to those from other parts of the world. No matter how different we are, we can all find a way to connect with those around us.
These 45 to 60 minute episodes drop every Thursday.
Would you like to have a conversation with Casandra? Send her an email at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org
Episodes
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
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!
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
In this heartfelt conversation, Casandra talks with Chris Aukes about her journey to Ames and what makes the town feel like home. They touch on her work with Humans of Iowa State and how it sparked a deeper connection to the community. Chris also opens up about her passion for cosmetology, the joy of creative expression, and the relationships that have shaped her along the way.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
In this episode of Ames in Focus, we connect with Donald Kom, Director of Electric Services for the City of Ames, for a timely conversation about summer electricity usage, upcoming rate changes, and how residents can stay efficient and informed. Don shares practical advice on managing energy use during peak hours, explains the goals of the Summer Shift program, and invites listeners to a special event at the SunSmart Solar Farm.
Episode Highlights:
Don Kom’s background and role with Ames Electric Services
How the city prepares for increased summer electricity demand
What the “Summer Shift” program is and how you can take part
Easy tips to reduce energy consumption at home
Details on the upcoming SunSmart Solar Farm Open House (June 18, 4–6 p.m.)
How local solar fits into Ames’ broader sustainability goals
Learn more at CityofAmes.org
Subscribe to Ames in Focus for more conversations that help you stay connected to your community.
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
This week on Up Close, we sit down with Leah Locke, a lifelong Ames resident and business advisor at the Small Business Development Center. Leah shares how growing up in Ames shaped her community-minded approach to business and what it’s like supporting entrepreneurs across Iowa. From small-town roots to big-picture impact, Leah’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and egg allergies.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
In this episode of Ames in Focus, we sit down with Jennifer Hubbs, the most dedicated volunteer in the history of the Ames Animal Shelter. With more hours logged than anyone else, Jennifer shares her journey into animal welfare, the moments that have touched her heart, and the vital role volunteers play in the shelter’s day-to-day success. We also discuss the challenges of the current facility and why a new shelter is so urgently needed.
Episode Highlights:
How Jennifer first got involved with the Ames Animal Shelter
The learning curve and rewards of animal shelter volunteering
Memorable animal stories and adoption moments
The behind-the-scenes dedication of shelter staff
Current facility limitations and the push for a new shelter
How the community can support the Capital Campaign
Learn more and donate to the Ames Animal Shelter Capital Campaign at AmesAnimalShelter.org
Subscribe to Ames in Focus for more stories that highlight the people and programs making a difference in our city.
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
In this episode of Up Close, we sit down with Jen Hibben—a community builder, spiritual leader, and self-professed 90s music enthusiast. Jen opens up about what it means to live a life that’s busy, how she navigates a jam-packed schedule with intention, and why Ames holds such a special place in her heart.
From the rhythms of her daily life, Jen shares stories that are both grounded and galvanizing. We talk about the beauty of collaboration in small towns, the power of showing up for one another, and being a welcoming community.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Liz Calhoun, Stormwater Resource Analyst for the City of Ames, to explore the vital work underway at Ioway Creek in Brookside Park. Liz shares insights into the ambitious restoration project that addresses erosion, improves water quality, and enhances public access to one of Ames’ most beloved natural spaces.
Highlights Include:
What led to the Ioway Creek restoration and why it's needed
Key project goals: slope stabilization, streambank protection, native planting, and habitat improvement
How construction is phased and what features are being added
Impacts to park access during construction
Ways the Ames community can stay informed and get involved
Project Timeline:Construction begins June 2025 and runs through December 2025, with continued plant establishment into the following year.
Stay Connected:Visit CityofAmes.org and search “Ioway Creek at Brookside” for project updates and engagement opportunities.
Follow Us:Subscribe and follow Ames in Focus on your favorite podcast platform. Join the conversation on our social media channels to stay up to date on the people and projects shaping life in Ames.
Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
Welcome to Up Close, the podcast where we have meaningful conversations with our neighbors about life in Ames, Iowa.
This is not a normal episode. In a typical month, Casandra will have three individual guests and one group podcast. In May, there is a fifth Thursday! Any time there is a fifth Thursday, you get Casandra (and her producer, Bill Gebhart). In this episode, Casandra and Bill talk about building relationships with the people around you.
If you would like to be a guest on Up Close, contact Casandra at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org
Up Close is a podcast from the City of Ames.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the City of Ames or its employees.