Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast

Hosted by Sheila Jenkinson

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245

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Sheila Jenkinson is the owner and host of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast featuring tourism and annual events in small town Nebraska plus small business shoutouts throughout the Cornhusker State, stories of growth and revitalization, and exciting places to travel to in smaller towns beyond Nebraska as she explores the Midwest and more, showcasing her personal experiences and more through interviews with local the travel experts.

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November 6, 2026Episode 24514 min

#245: Foundation Fridays Ep. 46 - Dodge Area Community Fund

On this Episode of Foundation Fridays featuring the Dodge Area Community Fund thanks to the Nebraska Community Foundation, FAC member LynAnn Franzluebbers talks to host, Sheila Jenkinson, about their current VersaCourt project, beautification projects, grant funding, and how collaborative efforts can have a large impact in and around a small town or village now and in the future. Listen where you love to listen or on the Nebraska Community Foundation podcast page. Remember to follow, like, share, and subscribe to hear more heartfelt stories of what make small towns in America so special. https://www.nebcommfound.org/podcasts/ www.nebraskahometown.org https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/dodge-area-community-fund/ The Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast is owned, hosted, and edited by Sheila Jenkinson. Thank you to the GSTN Assistant, Jill Grovijohn. Thank you to pixabay music for background tracks! https://pixabay.com https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ Thank you to Nebraska Community Foundation https://www.nebcommfound.org/ Valentine & Cherry County Tourism: https://visitvalentine.org/ Visit Fort Dodge Iowa: https://www.dodgetheordinary.com/ VIsit Kearney Nebraska: https://visitkearney.org/ Visit Lincoln Nebraska https://www.lincoln.org/ Grand Island Tourism https://visitgrandisland.com/ Visit Knox County https://www.knoxcountynebraska.com/ Visit Shipshewana: https://visitshipshewana.org/ Communities for Kids and the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/ Norfolk Rotary Club: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6101 Intersect: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/ Music in the Park/Norfolk Rotary: https://rotarydistrict5650.org/ Norfolk Area Concert Association: https://concertassociation.net/norfolkne/ See more about the podcast and our amazing sponsors at: www.growingsmalltownne.com Find out how to book your spot on the show by sending an email to Sheila at growingsmalltownne.com or book her to speak. See more about that at https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ #gstnfoundationfridays #gstnpodcast #GreaterNebraska #hometown #CommonCourage

November 3, 2026Episode 24411 min

#244: Amelia on Assignment Ep. 4 - Ashley Caballero-Lazaro, Neligh Area Community Fund; Amanda Davis, Spencer Community Foundation Fund

On this episode of Amelia on Assignment with guest host Amelia Hakl, you'll hear from Ashley Caballero-Lazaro from Neligh, currently at UNL, and Amanda Davis from Spencer, currently at UNK, about their involvement within their hometown communities. Find out some of the things Ashley has learned through being a Hometown Intern for the Neligh Area Community Fund and why Amanda would encourage others to get involved in their communities after working with the Spencer Community Foundation Fund on various projects! Host of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast, Sheila Jenkinson, asked Amelia to select and interview youth who attended this year's Nebraska Community Foundation Youth Connection Summit: Common Courage, in Kearney. Look for more of these positive stories of youth engagement and generational community building on the GSTN Podcast, wherever you listen! Remember to follow, love, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platforms and social media to get the latest updates! www.nebraskahometown.org https://nelighareacommunityfund.wordpress.com/ https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/spencer-community-foundation-fund/ The Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast is owned, hosted, and edited by Sheila Jenkinson. Thank you to the GSTN Assistant, Jill Grovijohn. Thank you to pixabay music for background tracks! https://pixabay.com https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ Thank you to Nebraska Community Foundation https://www.nebcommfound.org/ Valentine & Cherry County Tourism: https://visitvalentine.org/ Visit Fort Dodge Iowa: https://www.dodgetheordinary.com/ VIsit Kearney Nebraska: https://visitkearney.org/ Visit Lincoln Nebraska https://www.lincoln.org/ Grand Island Tourism https://visitgrandisland.com/ Visit Knox County https://www.knoxcountynebraska.com/ Visit Shipshewana: https://visitshipshewana.org/ Communities for Kids and the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/ Norfolk Rotary Club: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6101 Intersect: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/ Music in the Park/Norfolk Rotary: https://rotarydistrict5650.org/ Norfolk Area Concert Association: https://concertassociation.net/norfolkne/ See more about the podcast and our amazing sponsors at: www.growingsmalltownne.com Find out how to book your spot on the show by sending an email to Sheila at growingsmalltownne.com or book her to speak. See more about that at https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ #gstnfoundationfridays #gstnpodcast #GreaterNebraska #hometown #CommonCourage

October 27, 2026Episode 24331 min

#243: Growing Nebraska & Beyond Ep. 23: SPARC - Sac County, Iowa, FAM Trip Part 2

On this episode of Growing Nebraska & Beyond on the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast, hear from host, Sheila Jenkinson, and Chris Mason, Executive Director and President of Sparc: Sac County Development. This is part two of their walk-through of a Midwest Travel Network FAM Trip with other selected travel content creators. On this one hear about the Grant Park Trailhead, Fat Guys, artist Tanner King, and Britt's Farm Market in Auburn; the Fish House and Black Hawk Lake in Lake View; and Hutch's Cafe, the Sac County Fair, and more in Sac city. Find out way Sac County Iowa is a great place to experience the unexpected! Listen where you love to listen and don't forget to follow and subscribe for new episodes and updates! https://saccountyiowa.com/visit/ https://saccountyiowa.com/ The Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast is owned, hosted, and edited by Sheila Jenkinson. Thank you to the GSTN Assistant, Jill Grovijohn. Thank you to pixabay music for background tracks! https://pixabay.com https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ Thank you to Nebraska Community Foundation https://www.nebcommfound.org/ Valentine & Cherry County Tourism: https://visitvalentine.org/ Visit Fort Dodge Iowa: https://www.dodgetheordinary.com/ VIsit Kearney Nebraska: https://visitkearney.org/ Visit Lincoln Nebraska https://www.lincoln.org/ Grand Island Tourism https://visitgrandisland.com/ Visit Knox County https://www.knoxcountynebraska.com/ Visit Shipshewana: https://visitshipshewana.org/ Communities for Kids and the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/ Norfolk Rotary Club: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6101 Intersect: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/ Music in the Park/Norfolk Rotary: https://rotarydistrict5650.org/ Norfolk Area Concert Association: https://concertassociation.net/norfolkne/ See more about the podcast and our amazing sponsors at: www.growingsmalltownne.com Find out how to book your spot on the show by sending an email to Sheila at growingsmalltownne.com or book her to speak. See more about that at https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ #gstnpodcast #growingnebraskaandbeyond #mwtnsaccounty #mwtravel #experiencetheunexpected

October 20, 2026Episode 24228 min

#242: Growing Small Town Nebraska Ep. 96 - EPIC Discovery Center, Grand Island Tourism

On this Episode of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast, hear about the EPIC Discovery Center in Grand Island, Nebraska, where children, teens, and adults can enjoy playing and learning through hands-on STEAM-based activities, plus camps, special programs, and more! Hear about how collaborative efforts helped to make this dream a reality, some of the challenges along the way, and why this is a space that benefits the local area and is a big draw for tourists, too! Listen where you love to listen! Thank you for loving, sharing, and subscribing! https://www.epicdiscovery.org/ https://www.visitgrandisland.com/ The Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast is owned, hosted, and edited by Sheila Jenkinson. Thank you to the GSTN Assistant, Jill Grovijohn. Thank you to pixabay music for background tracks! https://pixabay.com https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ Thank you to Nebraska Community Foundation https://www.nebcommfound.org/ Valentine & Cherry County Tourism: https://visitvalentine.org/ Visit Fort Dodge Iowa: https://www.dodgetheordinary.com/ VIsit Kearney Nebraska: https://visitkearney.org/ Visit Lincoln Nebraska https://www.lincoln.org/ Grand Island Tourism https://visitgrandisland.com/ Visit Knox County https://www.knoxcountynebraska.com/ Visit Shipshewana: https://visitshipshewana.org/ Communities for Kids and the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/ Norfolk Rotary Club: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6101 Intersect: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/ Music in the Park/Norfolk Rotary: https://rotarydistrict5650.org/ Norfolk Area Concert Association: https://concertassociation.net/norfolkne/ See more about the podcast and our amazing sponsors at: www.growingsmalltownne.com Find out how to book your spot on the show by sending an email to Sheila at growingsmalltownne.com or book her to speak. See more about that at https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ #GrandLife #gstnpodcast #STEAMbasedcenter #playmore #EPICDiscoveryCenter

October 16, 2026Episode 24125 min

#241: Foundation Fridays Ep. 45 - Ravenna Area Vision Fund

On this Episode of Foundation Fridays featuring the Ravenna Area Vision Fund thanks to the Nebraska Community Foundation, FAC members Ashlin Behrendt and McKenzie Behrendt talk to host, Sheila Jenkinson, about how small towns can create vibrant, connected communities through intentional efforts. They share about their area, collaborative efforts, youth engagement, and how they believe unrestricted endowments can create lasting impact beyond immediate projects. Listen where you love to listen or on the NCF podcast page. Remember to follow, like, share, and subscribe to hear more heartfelt stories of what make small towns in Nebraska so special. www.nebraskahometown.org https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/ravenna-area-vision-fund/ The Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast is owned, hosted, and edited by Sheila Jenkinson. Thank you to the GSTN Assistant, Jill Grovijohn. Thank you to pixabay music for background tracks! https://pixabay.com https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ Thank you to Nebraska Community Foundation https://www.nebcommfound.org/ Valentine & Cherry County Tourism: https://visitvalentine.org/ Visit Fort Dodge Iowa: https://www.dodgetheordinary.com/ VIsit Kearney Nebraska: https://visitkearney.org/ Visit Lincoln Nebraska https://www.lincoln.org/ Grand Island Tourism https://visitgrandisland.com/ Visit Knox County https://www.knoxcountynebraska.com/ Visit Shipshewana: https://visitshipshewana.org/ Communities for Kids and the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/ Norfolk Rotary Club: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6101 Intersect: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/ Music in the Park/Norfolk Rotary: https://rotarydistrict5650.org/ Norfolk Area Concert Association: https://concertassociation.net/norfolkne/ See more about the podcast and our amazing sponsors at: www.growingsmalltownne.com Find out how to book your spot on the show by sending an email to Sheila at growingsmalltownne.com or book her to speak. See more about that at https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ #gstnfoundationfridays #gstnpodcast #GreaterNebraska #hometown #CommonCourage

October 9, 2026Episode 2409 min

#240 - Amelia on Assignment Ep. 3 - Frank Kovacs, Minden Legacy Fund

On this episode of Amelia on Assignment with guest host Amelia Hakl, you'll hear from Frank Kovacs, a high school senior from Minden. Hear why Frank feels it's important for youth to get involved in their community, plus some of the things he's enjoyed while working with the Minden Legacy Fund. Host of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast, Sheila Jenkinson, asked Amelia to select and interview youth who attended this year's Nebraska Community Foundation Youth Connection Summit: Common Courage, in Kearney. Look for more of these positive stories of youth engagement and generational community building on the GSTN Podcast, wherever you listen! Remember to follow, love, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platforms and social media to get the latest updates! www.nebraskahometown.org https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/minden-legacy-fund/ The Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast is owned, hosted, and edited by Sheila Jenkinson. Thank you to the GSTN Assistant, Jill Grovijohn. Thank you to pixabay music for background tracks! https://pixabay.com https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ Thank you to Nebraska Community Foundation https://www.nebcommfound.org/ Valentine & Cherry County Tourism: https://visitvalentine.org/ Visit Fort Dodge Iowa: https://www.dodgetheordinary.com/ VIsit Kearney Nebraska: https://visitkearney.org/ Visit Lincoln Nebraska https://www.lincoln.org/ Grand Island Tourism https://visitgrandisland.com/ Visit Knox County https://www.knoxcountynebraska.com/ Visit Shipshewana: https://visitshipshewana.org/ Communities for Kids and the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/ Norfolk Rotary Club: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6101 Intersect: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/ Music in the Park/Norfolk Rotary: https://rotarydistrict5650.org/ Norfolk Area Concert Association: https://concertassociation.net/norfolkne/ See more about the podcast and our amazing sponsors at: www.growingsmalltownne.com Find out how to book your spot on the show by sending an email to Sheila at growingsmalltownne.com or book her to speak. See more about that at https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ #gstnfoundationfridays #gstnpodcast #GreaterNebraska #hometown #CommonCourage

October 2, 2026Episode 23919 min

#239 - Foundation Friday Ep. 44 - Fairmont Legacy Foundation Fund

On this episode of Foundation Fridays, thanks to the Nebraska Community Foundation, we meet a member of the Fairmont Legacy Foundation Fund to talk about some of the things this newer affiliate fund in this small Nebraska village located in Fillmore County have been up to since it's start in 2024. Listen in to this honest conversation as host, Sheila Jenkinson, interviews Shelia Lauby about the Common Courage it takes to start community building in your hometown and the resources that are available, plus more! Find this episode on the Nebraska Community Foundation Podcast page or wherever you find all of your favorite podcasts. Remember to follow along on social media and to love, share, and subscribe to help more people find these positive stories to help build a Greater Nebraska! https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/fairmont-legacy-foundation-fund/ www.nebraskahometown.org The Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast is owned, hosted, and edited by Sheila Jenkinson. Thank you to the GSTN Assistant, Jill Grovijohn. Thank you to pixabay music for background tracks! https://pixabay.com https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ Thank you to Nebraska Community Foundation https://www.nebcommfound.org/ Valentine & Cherry County Tourism: https://visitvalentine.org/ Visit Fort Dodge Iowa: https://www.dodgetheordinary.com/ VIsit Kearney Nebraska: https://visitkearney.org/ Visit Lincoln Nebraska https://www.lincoln.org/ Grand Island Tourism https://visitgrandisland.com/ Visit Knox County https://www.knoxcountynebraska.com/ Visit Shipshewana: https://visitshipshewana.org/ Communities for Kids and the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/ Norfolk Rotary Club: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6101 Intersect: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/ Music in the Park/Norfolk Rotary: https://rotarydistrict5650.org/ Norfolk Area Concert Association: https://concertassociation.net/norfolkne/ See more about the podcast and our amazing sponsors at: www.growingsmalltownne.com Find out how to book your spot on the show by sending an email to Sheila at growingsmalltownne.com or book her to speak. See more about that at https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ #gstnfoundationfridays #gstnpodcast #GreaterNebraska #hometown #CommonCourage

September 25, 2026Episode 23833 min

#238 - Growing Nebraska & Beyond Ep. 22: SPARC - Sac County, Iowa, FAM Trip Part 1

On this episode of Growing Nebraska & Beyond on the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast, hear from host Sheila Jenkinson, and Chris Mason, Executive Director and President of Sparc: Sac County Development. This is part one of their walk-through of a Midwest Travel Network FAM Trip with other selected travel content creators. On this one, hear about the Rustic River Winery and Vineyard, Soak'd - a bar, eatery, and live music venue, several small businesses throughout the county, plus a local museum with a world-wide draw, and more. Hear why Sac County Iowa is a great place to visit! Listen where you love to listen and don't forget to follow and subscribe for new episodes and updates! https://saccountyiowa.com/visit/ https://saccountyiowa.com/ The Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast is owned, hosted, and edited by Sheila Jenkinson. Thank you to the GSTN Assistant, Jill Grovijohn. Thank you to pixabay music for background tracks! https://pixabay.com https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ Thank you to Nebraska Community Foundation https://www.nebcommfound.org/ Valentine & Cherry County Tourism: https://visitvalentine.org/ Visit Fort Dodge Iowa: https://www.dodgetheordinary.com/ VIsit Kearney Nebraska: https://visitkearney.org/ Visit Lincoln Nebraska https://www.lincoln.org/ Grand Island Tourism https://visitgrandisland.com/ Visit Knox County https://www.knoxcountynebraska.com/ Visit Shipshewana: https://visitshipshewana.org/ Communities for Kids and the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/ Norfolk Rotary Club: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6101 Intersect: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/ Music in the Park/Norfolk Rotary: https://rotarydistrict5650.org/ Norfolk Area Concert Association: https://concertassociation.net/norfolkne/ See more about the podcast and our amazing sponsors at: www.growingsmalltownne.com #gstnpodcast #growingnebraskaandbeyond #mwtnsaccounty #mwtravel #experiencetheunexpected

September 18, 2026Episode 2379 min

#237 - Amelia on Assignment Ep. 2 - Ryker Schroeder, Bertrand Youth Advisory Committee & Miri Johnson, Spencer Community Foundation Fund

On this episode of Amelia on Assignment with guest host Amelia Hakl, you'll hear from Ryker Schroeder, Junior at Wayne State College, and Miri Johnson, a high school sophomore at Boyd County Schools from Spencer, about their involvement within their hometown communities. Find out why Ryker feels called to continue to help with the Bertrand Youth Advisory Committee, and Miri enjoys helping the Spencer Community Foundation Fund any chance she gets! Host of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast, Sheila Jenkinson, asked Amelia to select and interview youth who attended this year's Nebraska Community Foundation Youth Connection Summit: Common Courage, in Kearney. Look for more of these positive stories of youth engagement and generational community building on the GSTN Podcast, wherever you listen! Remember to follow, love, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platforms and social media to get the latest updates! https://www.nebcommfound.org/podcasts/ http://www.nebraskahometown.org/ The Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast is owned, hosted, and edited by Sheila Jenkinson. Thank you to the GSTN Assistant, Jill Grovijohn. Thank you to pixabay music for background tracks! https://pixabay.com https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ Thank you to Nebraska Community Foundation https://www.nebcommfound.org/ Valentine & Cherry County Tourism: https://visitvalentine.org/ Visit Fort Dodge Iowa: https://www.dodgetheordinary.com/ VIsit Kearney Nebraska: https://visitkearney.org/ Visit Lincoln Nebraska https://www.lincoln.org/ Grand Island Tourism https://visitgrandisland.com/ Visit Knox County https://www.knoxcountynebraska.com/ Visit Shipshewana: https://visitshipshewana.org/ Communities for Kids and the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/ Norfolk Rotary Club: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6101 Intersect: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/ Music in the Park/Norfolk Rotary: https://rotarydistrict5650.org/ Norfolk Area Concert Association: https://concertassociation.net/norfolkne/ See more about the podcast and our amazing sponsors at: www.growingsmalltownne.com #gstnpodcast #gstnameliaonassignment #GreaterNebraska #HometownInterns #youthengagement

September 15, 2026Episode 23619 min

#236 - Sheila's Shoutout Ep. 65: Nebraska Community Foundation 2026 Bus Tour Part 3

On this Special Shoutout Episode, Host Sheila Jenkinson talks with Nebraska Community Foundation Co-Directors of Network Learning, Maggie Smith and Elizabeth Troyer-Miller, about the NCF Communities Bus Tour they went on exploring common courage in several NCF affiliate fund locations across the state. Part three includes Albion, Petersburg, Neligh, and Newman Grove. You can hear more about the incredible community work being done throughout Nebraska on Foundation Friday Episodes on the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast launching two Fridays each month! Listen where you love to listen and please remember to share, love, subscribe, and follow along on FB, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Thanks for listening! https://www.nebcommfound.org/event/bus-tour-2026/ https://www.nebcommfound.org/podcasts/ http://www.nebraskahometown.org/ The Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast is owned, hosted, and edited by Sheila Jenkinson. Thank you to the GSTN Assistant, Jill Grovijohn. Thank you to pixabay music for background tracks! https://pixabay.com https://midwesttravelnetwork.com/midwest-travel-network-speakers-bureau/ Thank you to Nebraska Community Foundation https://www.nebcommfound.org/ Valentine & Cherry County Tourism: https://visitvalentine.org/ Visit Fort Dodge Iowa: https://www.dodgetheordinary.com/ VIsit Kearney Nebraska: https://visitkearney.org/ Visit Lincoln Nebraska https://www.lincoln.org/ Grand Island Tourism https://visitgrandisland.com/ Visit Knox County https://www.knoxcountynebraska.com/ Visit Shipshewana: https://visitshipshewana.org/ Communities for Kids and the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/ Norfolk Rotary Club: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6101 Intersect: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/ Music in the Park/Norfolk Rotary: https://rotarydistrict5650.org/ Norfolk Area Concert Association: https://concertassociation.net/norfolkne/ See more about the podcast and our amazing sponsors at: www.growingsmalltownne.com #GreaterNebraska #communitybuilding #TouringNebraska #gstnpodcast #gstnfoundationfridays