Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast

Hosted by Sheila Jenkinson

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240

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Oct 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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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

September 11, 2026Episode 23521 min

#235 - Foundation Fridays Ep. 43: Axtell Community Fund

On this Foundation Friday episode, thanks to the Nebraska Community Foundation, we're going to find out about the Axtell Community Fund! You'll hear about some of the things this Nebraska village is known for and about what this NCF affiliated fund has been up to since it's start almost a decade ago, including a cadet program, their annual "Heart of Our Hometown" event, a summer lunch program and so much more! Listen where you love to listen or on the NCF podcast page. Thanks for loving, sharing, subscribing, following, and doing your part to get the positive word out about small towns throughout the Cornhusker State! #GreaterNebraska #gstnpodcast #gstnFoundationFridays #smalltownbigcharm #positivestoriesofcommunitybuilding

September 8, 2026Episode 23422 min

#234 - Growing Small Town Nebraska #95: Visit Kearney Nebraska 2027, Part 2

On this episode of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast, hear about some things to see and do in Kearney, Nebraska. Bobbi Dickerson, Marketing Coordinator for Visit Kearney, and host Sheila Jenkinson talk about the World Theatre, Downtown Kearney on the Bricks, the Musuem of Nebraska Art, annual events and much more! Listen where on your favorite podcast platform! Thank you for the likes, follows, shares, and most importantly...for listening! https://visitkearney.org/ https://downtownkearney.com/creative-district/ https://www.theworldtheatre.org/ https://nestspace.co/ https://www.alleyrose.com/ https://mona.unk.edu/ 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 #VisitKearney #gstnpodcast #podcast #Nebraska #travelandtourism

September 4, 2026Episode 23312 min

#233 - Amelia on Assignment Ep. 1 - Elle Sudbeck, Hebron Community Fund Hometown Intern

On this episode of Amelia on Assignment with guest host Amelia Hakl, you'll hear from Elle Sudbeck, NCF Hometown Intern and Junior at Wayne State College, about her passion for her hometown and her work with the Hebron Community 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! https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/hebron-community-fund/ hebronfundne@gmail.com https://www.hebronnebraska.us/327/Hebron-Community-Foundation http://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 2, 2026Episode 2325 min

#232 - Mug Moments Ep. 1 - All About Dolly

On this new episode series, host of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast, Sheila Jenkinson reflects on her mug collection, where and why they made it into her cupboard, and the mood or memory that makes her grab it on any given day. These are short little spotlights, just for fun. Episode number one had to be about the 9 to 5 mug in tribute to Dolly Parton. You can find all of the episodes: Growing Small Town Nebraska, Growing Nebraska & Beyond, Foundation Fridays, Sheila's Shoutouts, Mug Moments, and MORE wherever you love to listen to your favorite podcasts! 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 #GSTNPodcastMugMoments #dollytribute #coffeemugmemories #podcast #newpodcastseries