Becka's Talking
by Tom Becka
Latest episode
Furniture for Families in Need
Furniture for Families in Need
About this podcast
A weekly podcast featuring everyday people with an interesting story to tell.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 78 episodes
- Furniture for Families in Need · 33 min · Episode 78Omaha Firefighter Drew Gerken saw a need 13 years ago when he found a family living in an empty apartment. His effort to provide them with furniture has led to The Furniture…
- A Nun Who Went to Jail · 32 min · Episode 77Omaha author Mary Kay Leatherman provides a glimpse into her new book about her own aunt called Her Religious Conviction.
- Challenges Facing North Omaha · 53 min · Episode 76Community Organizer, Leo Louis II, joins the podcast to share about his efforts to improve life in North Omaha.
- Don Bacon Takes on Hot Button Issues · 35 min · Episode 75Congressman Don Bacon (R) joins the podcast to share his efforts to end the government shutdown and to discuss other topics including immigration, tariffs, and his future in…
- Medical Marijuana in Nebraska · 49 min · Episode 74Dominic Gillen continues to push for access to medical cannabis in Nebraska to help his son who suffers from multiple seizures every day.
- Helping refugee women integrate into society in Omaha · 40 min · Episode 73Pam Font-Gabel, executive director of Refugee Women Rising, explains how her Omaha-based non-profit is helping hundreds of refugee women to get settled and thrive in America.
- Creston, Iowa Native and World-Renowned Drummer Brings Band to Omaha · 42 min · Episode 72John “JR” Robinson has played drums on some of the biggest hits of the past 50 years. He joins the podcast this week along with fellow Iowa-born musician Mitch Towne to talk…
- Human Trafficking Survivor and Advocate · 54 min · Episode 71Julie Shrader is the founder and CEO of Innocence Freed, a faith-based nonprofit working to help children and adults escape human trafficking and other types of sexual…
- Omaha filmmaker explores political division within his family and community · 38 min · Episode 70Nick Beaulieu’s feature length documentary, My Omaha, releases in select theaters across the country in a few days. He joins the podcast this week to talk about the film’s deep…
- Omaha Chamber focusing efforts on economic development, housing challenges, and infrastructure · 46 min · Episode 69Omaha Chamber President Heath Mello joins the podcast to share what the Chamber is doing to bring more jobs and amenities to the metro area in the midst of a tight housing market.
- Accomplished jazz drummer sharing his passion for music as leader of North Omaha Music and Arts · 36 min · Episode 68Dana Murray came back to his hometown of Omaha after spending years on the road as a professional jazz drummer. He serves as executive director of North Omaha Music and Arts and…
- The Radio Voice of Husker Men’s Basketball · 40 min · Episode 67Longtime play-by-play announcer Kent Pavelka joins the podcast to reminisce about his career in the radio booth including his years as the voice of Nebraska Football.
- Omaha Whiskey Fest is back for 2025 · 31 min · Episode 66Chaz Kline and Zac Triemert, creators of Omaha Whiskey Fest, join the podcast this week to share their whiskey knowledge and explain what whiskey fans can expect to learn and…
- What does it take to publish a book? · 36 min · Episode 65Book publishing expert, Lisa Pelto, helped Tom Becka publish his book a few years ago. And she joins the podcast this week to provide insight on the publishing process.
- The Many Layers of Council Bluffs History · 44 min · Episode 64Historian and retired Council Bluffs dentist, Dr. Richard Warner, shares some lesser-known stories about Iowa’s 10th largest city and how it established itself as the railroad…
- Teachers Helping Teachers · 42 min · Episode 63Kathy Poehling, president of the Omaha Education Association, shares her perspective on the challenges facing public school teachers.
- Nebraska State Senator’s Long History of Work in Ukraine · 46 min · Episode 62Tom Brewer joins the podcast this week to talk about how he uses his military combat experience to help on the ground in Ukraine.
- Food Bank for the Heartland expanding as need rises · 44 min · Episode 61Tens of thousands of families across Nebraska and western Iowa benefit from the Food Bank for the Heartland. CEO Brian Barks, joins the podcast to talk about the Omaha-based food…
- Omaha’s KVNO Radio continues to bring classical music to Omaha despite funding uncertainties · 31 min · Episode 60KVNO’s general manager, Sherry Kennedy Brownrigg, joins the podcast to talk about her station’s impact on Omaha culture and the future of public radio without the Corporation for…
- Patient Advocates Help Seniors Navigate Health Care System · 29 min · Episode 59Nicky Wik and Becky Korinek with Outreach Patient Advocates explain how they work side-by-side patients throughout their healthcare journey.
