City of Ames’ Podcasts

Latest Episodes:

Ames in Focus: The Show Must Go On with Craig Kaufman Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we step into the world of live events, historic venues, and community connection with Craig Kaufman, who manages the Ames City Auditorium, Durham Bandshell, and other Parks and Recreation facilities. Craig shares what it takes to keep these spaces running year-round, from booking performances and supporting local groups to balancing indoor and outdoor programming.

Whether you're a music lover, community performer, or just curious about that big stage downtown, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Ames’s cultural gems.

Episode Highlights:

A brief history and unique features of the Ames City Auditorium
What kinds of performances and events are hosted throughout the year
The role of the Durham Bandshell in summer programming
How the City partners with schools, nonprofits, and community groups
Managing the logistics and planning of public venues
Accessibility, amenities, and how residents can book or attend events
Future upgrades and opportunities on the horizon for these facilities

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Don’t miss an episode! Follow Ames in Focus wherever you listen to podcasts, and stay up to date on community stories, local government initiatives, and the people shaping life in Ames.

Up Close: Julie Saxton Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames sits down with Julie Saxton, whose story in Ames spans more than three decades. Casandra and Julie talk about how they first met, what originally brought Julie to Ames, and how her path through various roles eventually led her to her current position as the Mental Health Advocate for the Ames Police Department.

They explore the winding route of public service, the quiet impact of long-term community work, and the way Julie’s curiosity, especially for obscure bits of knowledge, has shaped how she approaches her life and career. Julie also shares her pick for the best view in Ames, and why, after all these years, this town still feels like home.

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.

Ames in Focus: Lifeguards (and More) Wanted with LeAnn Hawk Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

This week on Ames in Focus, we welcome back LeAnn Hawk, Aquatics Manager for Ames Parks and Recreation, for a splashy update on all things aquatics. From lifeguard recruitment to swim lessons that double as the perfect holiday gift, LeAnn dives into the many ways the community can get involved in the water.

With job openings now live at both the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center and Furman Aquatic Center, there are opportunities for everyone, whether you're a teen, college student, or retiree looking to stay active and connected. Plus, we talk about the big transition: the final swim lessons at ISU State Gym before everything moves full time to the brand new Fitch facility.

Whether you’re looking to make a difference poolside or just need a last-minute gift that actually matters, this episode has something for you.

Highlights:

🌊 Job opportunities at Fitch and Furman Aquatic Centers
🛟 No certifications? No problem, training is provided
🎓 Who should apply, from students to retirees
🎁 Swim lessons as meaningful holiday gifts
📅 Last swim session at ISU starts January 18
🏊‍♀️ What to expect from the new Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center

Up Close: Daniel Pixley Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames sits down with Daniel Pixley, whose journey started in Ames before taking him across borders. Casandra and Daniel reflect on what it means to live in different parts of the world, and how two people from very different places ended up meeting at Iowa State University.

They talk about the rhythm of life in Ames, from early mornings at the Main Street Farmers’ Market to the quiet, steady pull the city has on those who’ve called it home. Daniel shares what keeps drawing him back to Ames, and why, even after time away, it still feels like the place he belongs.

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.

Ames in Focus: Holiday Gifting with a Local Twist with Sheila Schofer and Lucy Carlson Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we zoom in on the Ames Public Library and how community support turns a great library into something extraordinary. From career journeys to curated booklists, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the library tick and how you can be part of it.

You’ll learn how donations fuel programs like the IDEA Center, youth outreach, and tech resources, and how the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation keeps it all running. We also talk holiday shopping with a twist: library-branded tees, gift certificates, and staff-picked booklists that double as great presents and subtle literacy encouragement.

Plus, hear about a clever tool for making smarter buying decisions with free access to Consumer Reports through your library card. And discover how even a small donation can help keep library magic going all year long.

What’s Inside:

How community support powers beyond-the-basics library services
The Foundation’s role in fundraising and outreach
Booklists tailored for readers of all ages and picky gift recipients
Local library-themed merch that gives back
Gift certificates from Literary Grounds Bookstore
Why Consumer Reports access is your new secret shopping weapon
How to donate, get involved, and make a difference

Explore More:
📚 Donate or Learn More: Ames Public Library Friends Foundation
🛍️ Bookstore, Booklists & Gift Ideas: AmesPublicLibrary

Don’t Miss Out:
Subscribe to Ames in Focus for more stories and ideas from around the City, plus a few gift ideas you won’t find in aisle five.

Up Close: Dylan Kline, Sarah Huffman, and Angie DeWaard Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames welcomes back three recent guests: Dylan Kline, Sarah Huffman, and Angie DeWaard. Together, they reflect on the themes that connect their stories, including community, curiosity, and care.

Casandra shares the threads she noticed across their conversations, from volunteering and raising kids to the small but meaningful ways people find connection in Ames. The group talks about what draws them to seek out new experiences, how the community shows up for one another, and what it means to build a life here.

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.

Ames in Focus: Squad Goals with Community Resource Officer Nate Rivera Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

Curious what it’s like to ride shotgun in a patrol car or dust for fingerprints at a mock crime scene? In this episode, Community Resource Officer Nate Rivera returns to Ames in Focus to pull back the curtain on the Citizen Police Academy. This hands-on program gives Ames residents a rare peek inside the day-to-day world of local policing.

Since launching in 1999, the Academy has served as a bridge between the Ames Police Department and the community. Participants don’t just sit and listen. They step into the action with crime scene simulations, controlled scenarios, and real-time ride-alongs with patrol officers.

Whether you’re interested in law enforcement or simply want a new way to connect with your city, this eight-week Thursday night program is a standout experience.

🔍 Episode Highlights

What the Citizen Police Academy offers and who it’s for
Hands-on activities like mock investigations and patrol shifts
The goals of transparency, education, and relationship building
The program’s 25-year legacy in Ames
Details on how and when to sign up for the next session

Who’s eligible: Anyone age 19 or older who lives or works in Ames
When: Thursday evenings starting January 8, 2026
Where to sign up:
Visit the Ames Police Department at 515 Clark Avenue
Call the non-emergency number at 515.239.5133
Email Officer Nate Rivera at nathan.rivera@cityofames.org

Cost: Free

Want to see your city from a whole new angle? Apply for the Citizen Police Academy and subscribe to Ames in Focus for more stories from around town.

Up Close: Angie DeWaard Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames talks with Angie DeWaard, who first came to Ames to study literature at Iowa State. Though her career path has taken her into the world of IT, Angie’s love for stories and observation shines through in a different way, behind the lens of her camera.

Angie shares some of her favorite spots around Ames to take photos and enjoy time with her family. She and Casandra reflect on the experience of raising kids in Ames, the little things that make the city special, and how a place can grow with you over time.

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.

Ames in Focus: Carrying the Legacy Forward with Vanessa Baker Latimer Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we welcome back Vanessa Baker-Latimer, Housing Coordinator and longtime organizer of the City’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Vanessa shares what’s in store for the 2026 event, happening January 19 at the Ames City Auditorium. From powerful speakers and moving tributes to student voices and community connection, this celebration continues to honor Dr. King’s legacy in meaningful ways.

What You’ll Hear:

A preview of the MLK Day Celebration: what to expect (COOKIES) and how to attend
Details on the Humanitarian Award and its importance to our community
Information about the MLK Essay Contest for high school students, including deadlines and prizes
How the event invites all Ames residents to reflect, connect, and act

Event Details:
🗓️ Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
📍 Ames City Auditorium
🍪 Cookies at 6 p.m. | 🎤 Program at 6:30 p.m.
📺 Livestream available on Facebook and YouTube

Essay Contest Info:
Open to students in grades 9–12 in Ames and Story County.
Prompt: “How has Dr. King, Jr.'s advocacy impacted your life, and how does it motivate or inspire you to continue his legacy?”
Deadline: Sunday, Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m.
Prizes: $500 (1st), $300 (2nd), $200 (3rd)
Winning essay will be read during the celebration.

🔗 Learn more and enter at: CityofAmes.org/MLKDay

Up Close: Sarah Huffman Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames talks with Sarah Huffman, whose path to Ames included a lot of movement, from travel across the U.S. to couch surfing and time spent living abroad.

Now rooted in Ames, Sarah shares how the city became more than just a stop along the way. As a volunteer and active community member, she finds Ames to be a place where connections happen naturally and often, a firm net of people who genuinely want to stay connected.

She and Casandra talk about what it means to choose community over prestige, including the surprising moment Sarah turned down a job offer from Columbia University to stay 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.

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