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
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
A new podcast from the City of Ames. Up Close features stories from Ames' residents and works to build connections between guests and listeners.
The views and opinions shared by those interviews are their own and, in no way, reflect the views or stance of the City of Ames municipal government or it's employees.
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Sustainability Coordinator, Nolan Sagan is on the pod today. Nolan gives us a high level overview of the City's Climate Action Plan, two new grant programs, and some practical ways that everyone can contribute to sustainability.
Get more information about the City of Ames' sustainability initiatives and the Climate Action Plan at www.CityofAmes.org/Sustainability.
Ames in Focus is a City of Ames podcast.
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
City Forester, Gabriele Edwards, is on the pod this week talking about trees. She gives us details on how the City of Ames cares for trees in the winter months and also gives YOU some ideas on how you can care for your trees.
Get more information about Ames at www.CityofAmes.org.
Ames in Focus is a City of Ames podcast.
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Aquatics Manager, LeAnn Hawk, is on the pod this week talking about everything aquatic at Ames Parks and Recreation. Furman Aquatic Center, lifeguard hiring, and swim lessons, let's take a dip in what Ames Aquatics offers.
For more information about the Ames Parks and Recreation, check out www.AmesParkRec.org.
Get more information about Ames at www.CityofAmes.org.
Ames in Focus is a City of Ames podcast.
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Animal Control Supervisor, Ron Edwards, is on the pod this week talking about the Ames Animal Shelter, adopting a pet, ways to give back to the animals, and gives us an update on Good Boy.
For more information about the Ames Animal Shelter, check out www.AmesAnimalShelter.org.
Get more information about Ames at www.CityofAmes.org.
Ames in Focus is a City of Ames podcast.
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Budget Manager, Nancy Masteller, and Budget Analyst, Patti Lehman are on the pod this week talking about the City Budget. They highlight the process, but also the City Council Budget Overview meeting on Friday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. and the City Services Budget Presentation meetings on Feb. 4, 5, and 6 all beginning at 5:15 p.m. All of these are public meetings that will take place in the Council Chambers at City Hall (515 Clark Avenue) and are viewable online on the City's YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@CityofAmesTelevision), the City's Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/cityofames), and the City's website (https://ames.granicus.com/player/camera/3?publish_id=9&redirect=true)
Get more information about Ames at www.CityofAmes.org.
Ames in Focus is a City of Ames podcast.
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Utility Customer Services Supervisor, John Odenweller, is on the pod this week talking about Utility Customer Services, setting up accounts and services, and paying your bills.
For more information about Utility Customer Services and how you can create an account, check out www,AmesUtilities.com.
Get more information about Ames at www.CityofAmes.org.
Ames in Focus is a City of Ames podcast.
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Public Works Operation Manager, Justin Clausen, is on the pod this week talking about snow and how the City runs it's streets operations in the winter. Do you live on a Snow Route? Justin lets you know how you can find out!
For more information about the Snow Ordinance, Snow Routes, and our cool snow plow tracker, check out www.CityofAmes.org/Snow.
Get more information about Ames at www.CityofAmes.org.
Ames in Focus is a City of Ames podcast.