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 Oct 09, 2025
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Host Casandra Eames sits down with Jen Tipton, a longtime Ames resident, for a heartfelt conversation about finding home in a place that is always changing.
Jen shares what it is like to build a life and raise a family in a college town, and why she feels so connected to the Ames community. She and Casandra talk about the energy that Iowa State brings to the city, how to stay grounded amid change, and the quiet joy of appreciating where you are.
This episode is a warm, personal reminder that home is not just where you live. It is where you choose to invest your time, your care, and your heart.
If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org.
The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
In this episode of Ames in Focus, we’re turning up the heat in the best way possible. Deputy Chief Karen Tapper and Commander Brad Jerkins from the Ames Fire Department join Bill Gebhart for an inside look at Fire Prevention Week, the department’s annual Open House, and important updates about the future of Fire Station 2.
Whether you're a longtime Ames resident or new to the area, this conversation is full of practical fire safety tips, family-friendly event details, and a look at how the City is planning for public safety as our community grows.
🔑 Episode Highlights:
The history and importance of Fire Prevention Week
What to expect at the Fire Department Open House on Saturday, October 11, including a sensory-friendly hour and interactive demos
Essential fire safety tips every resident should know (yes, including when to replace your smoke detectors!)
Why Ames is considering relocating Fire Station 2, and what’s at stake in the upcoming November 4 vote
Details on the Fire Station 2 Spotlight Event on October 8, where residents can learn more and ask questions
📍 Featured Events:
Open House: Saturday, October 11 at Fire Station 1
Fire Station 2 Spotlight: Wednesday, October 8 from 4–6 p.m. at 132 Welch Avenue
Vote on Fire Station 2 Relocation: Tuesday, November 4
For more information, visit CityOfAmes.org/FireStation.
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
After a short break for knee surgery, host Casandra Eames returns to Up Close with a special guest: Dr. Zhengyuan Zhu, professor in the nation’s oldest statistics department at Iowa State University.
In this intimate and engaging conversation, Dr. Zhu shares his journey from China to Ames, and what drew him to a career in statistics and life in a small Midwestern city. With his children growing up, Dr. Zhu now spends his weekends on the badminton court, a pastime that brings him joy and connection. He also reflects on how Ames has evolved during his time here, becoming increasingly diverse and vibrant.
Casandra and Dr. Zhu talk about the rhythms of academic life, the surprising joys of a changing family dynamic, and the sense of community that keeps people rooted in Ames.
If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org.
The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineer for the City of Ames, to talk about a quiet revolution in local transportation: the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).
From adaptive traffic signals to fiber-connected intersections, Ames is stepping into the future with technology designed to make your daily commute smoother, safer, and more sustainable.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
What ITS is and how it works in Ames
How smart signals reduce congestion and improve travel times
Why Duff Avenue was the starting point and what corridors are next
The environmental benefits of smoother traffic flow
The long-term vision for a connected and multi-modal Ames
Whether you're driving, biking, or walking, this episode shows how Ames is using innovation to enhance everyday mobility and build a greener and more efficient city.
👉 Subscribe to Ames in Focus on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.💬 Enjoying the show? Leave us a review. It helps others discover the stories shaping Ames.
🔗 For more on transportation projects, visit CityofAmes.org and follow the City of Ames on social media.
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
For his final week filling in for Casandra Eames, guest host Bill Gebhart brings back all three recent guests—Bobby King, Donald Kom, and Annabella “Bella” Marquez—for a roundtable conversation that’s all about connection.
Though they come from different backgrounds and walks of life, Bobby, Don, and Bella discover surprising overlaps in their stories—whether it’s a shared sense of purpose, love for community, or the different ways each has found (or rediscovered) home in Ames.
They reflect on what drew them here, what keeps them rooted, and how even in a town that feels familiar, new relationships and stories are always waiting to be uncovered.
It’s a warm, wide-ranging episode about place, people, and the threads that quietly tie us together.
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.
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Fire Chief Rich Higgins to talk about the future of Fire Station 2. The discussion covers why relocation is needed, the benefits of the proposed State Avenue site, and the partnership with Iowa State University that helps make the project possible.
Chief Higgins explains how the relocation will improve emergency response times, expand service coverage, and create a modern facility that meets the needs of a growing community. The conversation also highlights what will happen with the current Campustown station and outlines the steps residents can expect as the project moves forward.
This project will appear as a bond referendum on the November 4 ballot. Residents are encouraged to learn more so they have the information they need when they go to the polls.
For additional details about the Fire Station 2 relocation project, visit CityofAmes.org/FireStation.
Be sure to subscribe to Ames in Focus wherever you get your podcasts. Leave us a review and share the episode with a friend to help spread the word.
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Guest host Bill Gebhart continues his run on Up Close with a heartfelt and hopeful conversation with Annabella Marquez.
Bella shares her family’s journey to Ames and what it’s been like to grow up in the place her parents chose to call home. Born and raised here, Bella reflects on how that deep connection has shaped her—especially through her work with the Ames Human Relations Commission.
The episode also gives us a glimpse into Bella’s world beyond public service: her love of crafting, video games, and quality time with friends. And while Ames will always be home, Bella opens up about feeling ready for something new—and what it means to leave a place you love in search of growth.
It’s a story about legacy, identity, and the quiet courage it takes to chase the next chapter.
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.
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
In this episode, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back Justin Clausen, now Director of Public Works, to talk trash and the exciting changes coming to Ames’ waste and recycling systems. From the end of waste-to-energy to the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C), get the inside scoop on how Ames is rethinking sustainability, curbside recycling, and what it means for your bin at the curb.
Episode Highlights:
Why Ames is phasing out its waste-to-energy model
What the new R3C facility will offer, including composting, recycling, and landfill transfer
What to expect from proposed curbside recycling, such as cart size, pickup schedule, accepted items, and added fees
How the city plans to reduce landfill use and recover more materials
How to provide feedback and help shape the future of waste management in Ames
Fill out the Residential Curbside Recycling Survey and help shape Ames’ strategy: CityofAmes.org/ResourceRecovery
Enjoying the show?Subscribe to Ames in Focus wherever you listen to podcasts, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend who cares about our community’s future.