City of Ames’ Podcasts

Latest Episodes:

Live Well, Be Well: Burnout, but We're Fine. Totally Fine. May 06, 2026

Show notes

Burnout is more than a rough week or needing an extra cup of coffee to get through the day. In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield take a closer look at what burnout really is, what causes it, and how to recognize it before it takes a bigger toll.

The bottom line: burnout is not a personal failure. It is often a response to prolonged stress, and there are ways to prevent it and recover from it.

Episode Highlights

What Is Burnout?
A breakdown of burnout as a recognized occupational phenomenon, including key components like exhaustion, detachment, and reduced sense of accomplishment.

Common Causes of Burnout
From heavy workloads and lack of control to unclear expectations and work life imbalance, the hosts walk through some of the most common contributors in the workplace.

Who Is Most Affected?
Burnout can impact anyone, but it is often more common in fields like healthcare, education, social work, and first response. The episode also highlights how neurodivergent individuals may experience additional challenges in certain environments.

The Biology Behind Burnout
Burnout is not just emotional. Kacie and Bailey explore how chronic stress affects the body, including hormone imbalance, nervous system disruption, and impacts on sleep and overall health.

Warning Signs to Watch For
Learn how to recognize burnout early, including chronic fatigue, irritability, lack of motivation, physical symptoms, and withdrawal from others.

How Employers Can Help
A look at the role workplaces play in preventing burnout through consistency, clear communication, flexibility, and building trust with employees.

Practical Ways to Prevent Burnout
Simple, realistic strategies like setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, practicing mindfulness, getting quality sleep, staying active, and asking for help when needed.

What Research Says About Burnout
The hosts discuss findings that show workplace and organizational changes can reduce burnout, especially when addressing working conditions rather than focusing only on individuals.

Resources

Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) Free 5 minute screening tool

https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net

Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?
Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org

Ames in Focus: Big Dreams, Bigger Parks with Keith Abraham May 05, 2026

Show notes

What makes a great park and how do you plan one that serves a growing community for decades to come?

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Keith Abraham, Director of Ames Parks and Recreation, to talk about the vision behind Ontario Community Park, a new park planned for the north side of Ames. From long-range planning and community input to balancing big ideas with practical realities, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how future recreation spaces take shape.

Whether you are a frequent park visitor or simply curious about how Ames continues to grow, this episode highlights the role parks play in building a vibrant, connected community.

Episode Highlights

Why Ames continues to invest in new parks as the community grows
What defines a community park compared to a neighborhood park
The vision and proposed location for Ontario Community Park
How resident feedback helps shape park design and amenities
Balancing community ideas with budget, maintenance, and long-term sustainability
Where the project currently stands and what timeline to expect
How parks contribute to quality of life and future development in Ames
Keith’s personal excitement about the project

Key Takeaways

Parks are planned with a long-term perspective, often years in advance of construction
Community parks serve a broader audience and typically include larger, more diverse amenities
Public engagement is a critical part of shaping spaces that reflect community needs
Thoughtful planning helps ensure parks remain sustainable, accessible, and impactful over time
Ontario Community Park represents an investment in the future growth and livability of Ames

Learn More

To stay updated on Ontario Community Park and other projects, visit the City of Ames website for updates and opportunities to provide feedback.

Thanks for listening to Ames in Focus. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow and share it with others who care about the future of our community.

From Agenda to Action: What Happened at the Ames City Council April 28 Meeting May 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, April 28 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation highlights important topics related to community growth and essential utility services. Susan and Mayor Haila walk through what was discussed, why it matters, and how these decisions impact residents across Ames.

In this episode, we discuss:

The proposed Baker Subdivision and what it means for future development in Ames
Updates and considerations related to the City’s water system
Sewer-related agenda items and ongoing infrastructure needs

From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real world impacts across Ames.

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Get involved:

Watch meetings live or on demand on the City’s YouTube
View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email Eric.Gebhart@CityofAmes.org

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Ames in Focus: Touch Grass, Ames with Joshua Thompson Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

With spring in full swing, it’s the perfect time to explore everything Ames parks have to offer. In this episode, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Parks Superintendent Joshua Thompson from Ames Parks and Recreation to talk about the work behind maintaining Ames’ park system, seasonal preparations, and exciting updates for the community.

Joshua shares insights into his role, what it takes to keep parks running smoothly during the busiest months, and highlights one of Ames’ most popular destinations, Ada Hayden Heritage Park. The conversation also covers a newly completed trail, updated usage guidelines, and tips for safely sharing park spaces with others.

Whether you’re a frequent park-goer or just looking for a reason to get outside, this episode offers a helpful look at how to make the most of Ames’ outdoor spaces.

Episode Highlights

Joshua Thompson’s path to becoming Parks Superintendent
Behind the scenes of managing Ames’ parks system
Spring and summer park preparation and maintenance
Spotlight on Ada Hayden Heritage Park and what makes it unique
Overview of the new trail addition and its benefits
Updated trail guidelines, including pedestrian and wheeled traffic lanes
Why trail etiquette and safety measures matter
Tips for respecting parks, nature, and fellow visitors
Programs, improvements, and hidden gems across Ames parks
Encouragement for residents to explore local outdoor spaces

Learn more about parks, trails, and programs: www.AmesParkRec.org

Ames’ parks offer something for everyone, whether it’s a quiet walk, time on the water, or exploring a new trail this season.

From Agenda to Action: Preview of the Ames City Council Meeting for Tuesday, April 28 Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames City Councilmember Anita Rollins, who is stepping in for Mayor John Haila, to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 28, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.

This episode highlights several agenda items that may be of interest to residents and the community. While it does not cover every topic, it offers a closer look at a few of the discussions Council will be considering and what they could mean for Ames.

From Agenda to Action is designed to give listeners a clearer understanding of what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to make, and how those decisions may impact daily life in Ames.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Proclamations recognizing members of the community
• Infill zoning considerations in a South Campus neighborhood
• Plans for the Baker Subdivision

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Have a question or topic you would like covered?

Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil

Important note

City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording.

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Ames in Focus: Give Ames a Clean Sweep with Mark Peebler Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mark Peebler, Resource Recovery Superintendent for the City of Ames, and Matt Bradner of Iowa Home Consulting to talk about Stash the Trash, a community-wide cleanup event that empowers residents to make a visible difference.

More than just picking up litter, Stash the Trash is about building community pride, strengthening partnerships, and supporting long-term sustainability efforts in Ames. With participation from individuals, families, and organizations, this annual event shows how simple actions can lead to meaningful impact.

Episode Highlights

What Stash the Trash is and how it got started
How the event encourages community stewardship and pride
The partnership between the City of Ames and Iowa Home Consulting
Event details, April 24–26, and how to participate
How volunteers can choose cleanup locations across the city
Supplies, support, and guidance available for participants
The environmental and community impact of the initiative
How efforts like this connect to broader waste management and sustainability goals
Opportunities for individuals, groups, and organizations to get involved

Event Details

Stash the Trash
🗓️ April 24–26
🌎 Locations throughout Ames

Participants can select a park, green space, or neighborhood area to clean, then bring collected materials to designated drop-off sites.

Learn more and sign up: www.stashthetrash.com

Why It Matters

Stash the Trash demonstrates how local action contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable community. By bringing together residents, businesses, and city resources, the event highlights the power of collaboration and reinforces the importance of responsible waste management.

From Agenda to Action: What Happened at the Ames City Council April 14 Meeting Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames City Councilmember Anita Rollins, who is stepping in for Mayor John Haila, to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, April 14 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation highlights several important topics that impact infrastructure, long range planning, and utility services across the community. Susan and Councilmember Rollins break down what was discussed, why it matters, and how these decisions connect to the day to day lives of Ames residents.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Paving improvements planned for Freel Drive and what that means for the upcoming Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus
• The Planning and Housing Department workplan and how it will guide future growth and development in Ames
• Water and sewer rate adjustments

From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real world impacts across Ames.

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Get involved:

Watch meetings live or on demand on the City’s YouTube
View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode?
Email Eric.Gebhart@CityofAmes.org

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Live Well, Be Well: Benefits 101 with Krista Hammer Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Employee benefits can sometimes feel complicated or easy to overlook, but they play an important role in overall well being. In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield are joined by Krista Hammer, HR Officer for the City of Ames, to talk about understanding and making the most of employee benefits.

Episode Highlights

Krista’s Path into Human Resources
Krista shares how she began her career in HR and what led her to work with employee benefits at the City of Ames.

Managing Benefits for City Employees
A look at how benefits programs are managed and how HR supports employees in understanding their options.

Navigating Your Benefits
Tips for employees on how to better understand and use the benefits available to them.

Lesser Known Benefits
A discussion about benefits that employees sometimes overlook but could be taking advantage of.

Common Misconceptions
The hosts talk about misunderstandings people often have about employee benefits and how to approach them with better information.

Benefits and Well Being
How employee benefits contribute to overall health, stability, and well being for employees and their families.

Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?
Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org.

Ames in Focus: Fair Housing in Focus with Vanessa Baker-Latimer Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

April is Fair Housing Month, and this episode of Ames in Focus explores what that means for the Ames community. Host Bill Gebhart is joined by Vanessa Baker-Latimer, Housing Coordinator for the City of Ames, along with Beth Skluzacek from the Iowa Board of Realtors. Together, they discuss why fair housing still matters, how to recognize housing discrimination, and the role local partnerships play in creating more equitable opportunities for residents.

They also highlight how Ames is bringing awareness to the community this month, including a City Council proclamation on Tuesday, April 14, a social media trivia campaign with prizes, and an upcoming panel discussion on April 22 at 9 a.m. at the Iowa Board of Realtors education center. The panel will bring together experts to share insights, answer questions, and connect residents with resources.

For more information on Fair Housing Month and upcoming events, visit CityofAmes.org.

From Agenda to Action: Preview of the Ames City Council Meeting for Tuesday, April 14 Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.

The Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 14, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.

A meeting of the Ames Conference Board will be held earlier that evening at 5:30 p.m. in the same location.

This agenda includes a number of items for Council consideration, and while this episode does not cover every topic, it highlights several discussions that may be of particular interest to residents and the community.

This podcast is designed to help listeners better understand what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to consider, and how those discussions may impact Ames.

In this episode, we discuss:

Key highlights from the April 14 City Council agenda
Proclamations
The Planning department's workplan presentation
Temporary changes to the nuisance and towing ordinances

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Have a question or topic you would like covered?

Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil

Important note

City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording.

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

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