Omaha Magazine Podcast

What Most People Don't Know About Boys Town

For more than 100 years, Boys Town has helped children and families rebuild their lives, but most people have no idea how far its impact truly reaches. In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Rod Kempkes, President and CEO of Boys Town, and Father Jeff Mollner, the organization's spiritual director, for a powerful conversation about the legacy, evolution, and future of one of America's most recognized nonprofits. From family reunification and mental health support to crisis intervention, education, healthcare, and faith, this episode reveals how Boys Town has expanded far beyond its Omaha campus while staying true to Father Flanagan's original mission of hope and healing. You'll also hear the remarkable story behind Boys Town's founding, why it became its own municipality, and what Father Flanagan's recent elevation to "Venerable" means in the path toward sainthood. If you think Boys Town is just a campus in Omaha, this conversation may completely change your perspective. Learn more about Boys Town on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/BoysTown] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/boystown/] - X [https://x.com/BoysTown] - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BoysTownUSA] - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/boys-town/] or online at boystown.org [http://boystown.org]. Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/OmahaMagazine/] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/omahamagazine/] - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/omaha-magazine/] - Twitter [https://twitter.com/omahamagazine]. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com [http://omahamagazine.com]. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative [https://www.twobrotherscreative.com].

He's a Pro Football Ref AND a Practicing Lawyer. Here's How.

How do you balance two high-pressure careers—on the field and in the courtroom? In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Clete Blakeman, a professional football referee with nearly two decades at the highest level and a practicing attorney with over 30 years of experience. From officiating the biggest games in football to managing a full legal career, Clete shares how he built a life that thrives in two completely different worlds. You'll hear how his journey started as a Nebraska quarterback, transitioned into law, and unexpectedly led to officiating major professional games. Clete breaks down what it's like to make split-second decisions in front of millions, how preparation and communication drive success, and why his legal background gives him an edge on the field. If you've ever wondered what it takes to operate at an elite level in two demanding professions, this episode delivers. Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/OmahaMagazine/] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/omahamagazine/] - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/omaha-magazine/] - Twitter [https://twitter.com/omahamagazine]. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com [http://omahamagazine.com]. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative [https://www.twobrotherscreative.com].

The #1 Thing Omaha Needs to Become a Top Convention City

What does it actually take for Omaha to compete with the top convention cities in the country? In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Adam Straight, President and CEO of MECA, to break down what's working and what's missing as Omaha looks to elevate its national presence in conventions, events, and entertainment. With over 25 years of experience leading major venues in Atlanta and New Orleans, Adam brings a fresh perspective on how cities win (or lose) convention business. From the recent expansion of the CHI Health Center to the importance of partnerships, infrastructure, and long-term planning, this conversation reveals the real strategy behind building a competitive destination. But one key factor rises above everything else: the single biggest piece Omaha needs to truly compete at the highest level. If you care about Omaha's growth, tourism, and economic future, this episode offers an inside look at what's next and what it will take to get there. Learn more: https://omahameca.org/ Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/OmahaMagazine/] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/omahamagazine/] - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/omaha-magazine/] - Twitter [https://twitter.com/omahamagazine]. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com [http://omahamagazine.com]. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative [https://www.twobrotherscreative.com].

The Omaha Newspaper That Only Publishes Good News (Since 1938)

The Omaha Star isn't just a newspaper it's a living piece of history that has never missed a publication since 1938. In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Terri Sanders, publisher of The Omaha Star, one of the longest-running African-American newspapers in the United States. Founded by Mildred Brown, the paper has spent nearly nine decades documenting community milestones, preserving untold stories, and focusing on something rare in today's media landscape: good news. Terri shares how The Omaha Star has evolved in the digital age while staying true to its mission, why positive storytelling still matters, and how the next generation is stepping in to carry the legacy forward. From launching a museum dedicated to Black journalism to building new platforms like podcasts and digital media, this conversation highlights the power of storytelling, community, and resilience. If you care about local journalism, cultural legacy, and the future of media, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Learn more: https://www.theomahastar.com/ Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/OmahaMagazine/] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/omahamagazine/] - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/omaha-magazine/] - Twitter [https://twitter.com/omahamagazine]. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com [http://omahamagazine.com]. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative [https://www.twobrotherscreative.com].

The "Uncompetitive" Trap Destroying Small Business in Nebraska

Nebraska's economic future depends on more than just good intentions; it requires thoughtful policy, long-term planning, and the courage to make difficult decisions. In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil sits down with Jim Vokal, CEO of the Platte Institute, a statewide policy think tank focused on economic growth, tax policy, workforce development, and government transparency. A former Omaha City Council President and mayoral candidate, Vokal now works on the research and legislative side of the issues shaping Nebraska's future. The conversation explores how the Platte Institute works with Nebraska's unicameral legislature to turn policy research into real legislation, the role of Blueprint Nebraska in driving long-term economic strategy, and why tax policy remains one of the biggest factors influencing whether people and businesses choose to stay in or leave the state. If you care about Nebraska's competitiveness, workforce challenges, and how policy decisions shape the future of the state, this episode provides an inside look at the ideas and research driving those conversations. Learn more: https://platteinstitute.org/ Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/OmahaMagazine/] - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/omahamagazine/] - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/omaha-magazine/] - Twitter [https://twitter.com/omahamagazine]. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com [http://omahamagazine.com]. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative [https://www.twobrotherscreative.com].