City of Ames’ Podcasts

Crime prevention doesn't always involve flashing lights or an investigation. Sometimes, it can be as simple as locking your car, recognizing the warning signs of a scam, or speaking up when something doesn't seem right.
In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Police Community Resource Officer Nate Rivera to talk about preventable crimes and the everyday steps residents can take to protect themselves, their property, and those around them.
They start with scams, including impersonation calls, romance and grandparent scams, and fake job offers. Nate shares what to do when you suspect someone is trying to scam you, including staying calm, protecting your personal information, ending the conversation, and reporting the incident.
The conversation also looks at theft from vehicles and how simple habits can make your car a less appealing target. Nate explains why locking your doors, removing valuables, parking in well-lit areas, and even locking your vehicle while it's parked in your own driveway can make a difference.
Finally, Bill and Nate discuss the more complex issue of workplace violence, including potential warning signs, the importance of reporting concerns, and how a workplace culture built around awareness, support, and communication can contribute to prevention.
In this episode:
What makes some crimes preventable
Common scams and how to recognize them
What to do if you think you're being targeted by a scam
Simple ways to help prevent theft from vehicles
Everyday habits that can make you and your property less vulnerable
Warning signs of potential workplace violence
Why reporting concerns and speaking up matters
How awareness and small actions can help prevent crime
The goal isn't to live in fear. It's to stay alert, trust your instincts, and take simple steps that can reduce opportunities for crime.
Learn more about the Ames Police Department and crime prevention resources at www.CityofAmes.org.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart is joined by Ames Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave. Residents can attend in person or watch the meeting live on the City's YouTube and Facebook pages.
This episode highlights several agenda items that may be of interest to residents and the community. While it does not cover every topic, it offers a closer look at a few of the discussions Council will be considering and what they could mean for Ames. Think of it as your meeting preview, without having to read through hundreds of pages of agenda materials.
From Agenda to Action is designed to give listeners a clearer understanding of what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to make, and how those decisions may impact daily life in Ames.
In this episode, we discuss:
• A presentation from Discover Ames regarding the Ames Event Center• The City's plan for the Data Center Study Committee and its work moving forward• An update on the City's Climate Action Plan• A staff report on Senate File 2472 and how changes to Iowa's property tax system could impact Ames and the City's budget
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org.
Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page.
View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil.
City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording.
From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Our minds are busy places. We replay yesterday, worry about tomorrow, jump from one task to another, and sometimes struggle to simply pay attention to what's happening right now.
In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., Kacie Schumann explores mindfulness: what it actually means, where the practice comes from, what research says about its benefits, and how you can incorporate it into everyday life. And no, you don't have to sit cross-legged on the floor saying "ohhhmmm" for 30 minutes.
Kacie looks at research connecting mindfulness with reduced stress, improved sleep, increased focus, and psychological well-being. She also explains why mindfulness isn't about emptying your mind or being perfectly focused. Instead, it's about noticing the present moment without judgment and gently bringing your attention back when your mind inevitably wanders.
Episode Highlights
What Is Mindfulness?Learn what it means to pay attention to the present moment with curiosity and without judgment, and why a wandering mind doesn't mean you're doing mindfulness "wrong."
Does Mindfulness Actually Work?Explore what research says about mindfulness and its potential benefits for stress, sleep, focus, anxiety, depression, and overall psychological well-being. Mindfulness isn't a replacement for professional treatment, but research suggests it can be a useful addition to other approaches.
Mindfulness Doesn't Have to Mean MeditationMindfulness can happen almost anywhere. Kacie shares simple ways to practice, including mindful breathing, walking, eating, and paying closer attention to everyday experiences.
Try the Five Senses Check-InPause and notice five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. It's a simple exercise designed to bring your attention back to the present moment.
Make Everyday Transitions More MindfulBefore starting work, driving home, entering a meeting, or sitting down for dinner, take 30 seconds to notice how you're feeling before moving into the next part of your day.
Find What Works for YouMindfulness doesn't have to take a lot of time. A few intentional moments throughout the week can be a great place to start.
Resources
Clark University: History of MindfulnessLearn about the history of mindfulness
The Empirical Status of Mindfulness-Based InterventionsA systematic review of 44 meta-analyses representing more than 300 randomized controlled trials.Read the research review
Palouse Mindfulness: Free Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction CourseExplore the free MBSR course
Sakshi and Dhyana: The Origin of Mindfulness-Based TherapiesRead the article
Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?
Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org

Wellness looks different for everyone. For some, it might mean lifting weights or cycling. For others, it could be yoga, dancing, tai chi, or simply finding a way to become a little more active.
In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Public Wellness Manager Claire Eagan to explore the wide variety of fitness and wellness opportunities available through Ames Parks and Recreation. With more than 50 fitness classes offered each week, there are options for different interests, experience levels, ages, and fitness goals.
They also discuss resources for those who prefer to work out on their own, including the Community Center weight and cardio rooms, personal training, fitness assessments, and InBody scans. Plus, Claire shares advice for anyone who wants to become more active but isn't quite sure where to begin.
And there's no better time to give something new a try. Free Drop-In Fitness Week runs through Saturday, Aug. 22, with classes available on a first-come, first-served basis. The next six-week fitness session begins Monday, Aug. 24.
In this episode:
The variety of fitness and wellness programs offered through Ames Parks and Recreation
How classes accommodate different experience and intensity levels
Fitness opportunities for older adults, including Fitness for 50+ and SilverSneakers
Weight and cardio room equipment at the Community Center
Personal training, fitness assessments, and InBody scans
How Free Drop-In Fitness Week works and what first-time participants should know
Tips for getting started if exercise feels intimidating
What's ahead for wellness programming in Ames
To explore fitness schedules, programs, registration, and more, visit AmesParkRec.org.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, Aug. 11 Ames City Council meeting.
Their conversation focuses on three topics from the meeting. First, they discuss plans to move forward with a roundabout at George Washington Carver Avenue and Cameron School Road as part of traffic improvements in northwest Ames.
They also review the City Council's discussion about forming a specialty committee to research the potential environmental impacts of data centers and provide information to help guide future Council discussions.
Finally, Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the plans and specifications for the new Ames Animal Services facility and the next steps toward bringing the project to life.
From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real-world impacts across Ames.
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Get involved:
• Watch meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page• View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil
Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email Eric.Gebhart@CityofAmes.org.
From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Streets are one of the most visible and heavily used parts of our community, but maintaining them requires far more than filling potholes. Behind every smooth commute is a long-term strategy built on data, planning, and careful investment.
In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Municipal Engineer Mindy Bryngelson to explore how the City of Ames manages and maintains its street network. They discuss the City's new RMT pavement data system, how engineers determine whether a street needs maintenance or full reconstruction, and the many factors that influence when and where road projects take place.
From Iowa's challenging weather to long-range capital planning, this conversation provides an inside look at the work that keeps Ames moving safely and efficiently every day.
In this episode:
How the City evaluates the condition of its streets
What the RMT pavement data system is and how it improves decision-making
The difference between street maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction
How projects are prioritized based on condition, traffic, and available funding
The challenges of maintaining streets through Iowa's changing seasons
Why road construction happens when it does and what residents can expect
To learn more about current street projects and other City initiatives, visit CityofAmes.org.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart is joined by Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 28, beginning with the Ames Conference Board meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Ames City Council meeting at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.
This episode highlights several agenda items that may be of interest to residents and the community. While it does not cover every topic, it offers a closer look at a few of the discussions Council will be considering and what they could mean for Ames. Think of it as your meeting preview, without having to read through hundreds of pages of agenda materials.
From Agenda to Action is designed to give listeners a clearer understanding of what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to make, and how those decisions may impact daily life in Ames.
In this episode, we discuss:
• A presentation on the Child Care Feasibility Study, including local data and a roadmap for strengthening child care options in Ames• Proposed direction to staff regarding data center research and a timeline for the current pause on new data center development• Contracts for major equipment at the Ames Municipal Energy Center, following discussion during the July 21 City Council Workshop• Planned improvements to the intersection of 13th Street and Grand Avenue to enhance safety and traffic operations
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org.
Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page.
View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil.
City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording.
From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Wellness at work is about more than fitness programs or healthy snacks in the break room. It is about creating an environment where employees can thrive, feel supported, and bring their best selves to work every day.
In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., host Bailey Dingfield sits down with fellow host Kacie Schumann, Health Promotions Coordinator for the City of Ames, to turn the tables and learn more about the person behind the podcast. Kacie shares how she found her passion for health promotion, what her role looks like behind the scenes, and why employee well-being plays such an important role in building healthy organizations and communities.
The conversation explores the many dimensions of workplace wellness, including the unique challenges faced by employees who work directly with the public, common misconceptions about health and wellness, and practical ways organizations can foster a culture where employees feel supported and empowered to succeed.
As Bailey wraps up her internship with the City of Ames, this episode also marks her final appearance as co-host of Live Well. Be Well. Thank you, Bailey, for bringing curiosity, thoughtful conversations, and a passion for wellness to the podcast. We wish you all the best in your next adventure.
Episode Highlights
Getting to Know KacieKacie shares her journey into health promotion, what inspired her career, and what she enjoys most about helping others improve their well-being.
What Does a Health Promotions Coordinator Do?An inside look at the variety of programs, initiatives, and partnerships that help promote employee wellness across the City of Ames.
Practicing What You PromoteKacie discusses the habits and routines she uses to care for her own physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The Connection Between Work and WellnessA conversation about how workplace culture, personal health, and overall well-being are closely interconnected.
Supporting Public-Facing EmployeesThe discussion explores the unique wellness challenges experienced by employees who regularly serve the public and strategies for building resilience.
Breaking Wellness MythsKacie addresses common misconceptions about health and wellness and explains why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to living well.
Building a Healthier WorkplaceThe episode concludes with a look at the goals of employee wellness programs and how investing in people benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.
Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?
Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org