Laura Crawley is the 16th president of Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, bringing more than two decades of experience in higher education to the role. Her journey to Kansas reflects a passion for student success, community connections, and discovering what makes a place feel like home. As president, she is focused on honoring Bethany College’s traditions while exploring new opportunities for the college and the Lindsborg community to grow together.

Take a trip through the Ask A Kansan archives as Gus, Sydney and Julie revisit memorable conversations with the people, places and stories that make Kansas special. From hidden gems and cultural traditions to community connections and unexpected adventures, this episode celebrates the people making a difference across the Sunflower State and reminds us there's always something new to discover close to home.

Simone Elder, Executive Director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, is working to preserve and sustain rural Kansas culture while helping communities recognize their strengths and build a future of their own. A lifelong advocate for rural communities, Simone brings years of experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, and community building to her work across the state.

From fiddle contests and barn dances to banjos and mandolin clubs, Kansas has a rich musical history that often goes undocumented. Musician and historian Derrick Doty, known as the Flint Hills Fiddler, is working to preserve those traditions while sharing the stories behind the sounds that helped shape Kansas.

From a difficult childhood in Miami to becoming a Kansas executive and community leader, Rafael Mendes’ journey is one of transformation, perseverance, and the power of relationships. Now based in Salina, Rafael uses his experiences to connect people, serve his community, and share the stories that make Kansas stronger.

Laura Avery is an author, educator, and executive director of the Kansas Book Festival. A Topeka native, Laura returned to Kansas in 2020 after more than a decade away and now combines her passion for writing and reading with her work celebrating Kansas authors, stories, and the importance of books.

Curtis Wolf, director of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, has spent more than 17 years helping Kansans discover the remarkable ecosystem of Cheyenne Bottoms and understand why wetlands matter.

Matthew Tyler Miller Wells, Associate Director of Automotive Studies at McPherson College, is helping prepare the next generation of automotive restoration professionals. A 2020 graduate of the program, Matt brings years of experience in restoration, museum education and automotive history. His work focuses on connecting students and the public with the craftsmanship, culture and future of the collector car world.

Kansas State University President Richard Linton has spent more than four decades in higher education, beginning his career as a food microbiologist before moving into university administration. In this episode of Ask A Kansan, Linton discusses his journey to the presidency, the role of mentors in shaping his career, and what it means for K-State to serve as a next-generation land-grant university.

Cathy Hopkins serves as chair of the Kansas State Board of Education and represents District 5, a 44-county region spanning much of western and north-central Kansas. A lifelong Kansan, Cathy grew up near Garnett on her family’s dairy farm before eventually settling in Hays.

Hanna Mick is an elementary school counselor in Topeka and a counselor leader consultant with the Kansas State Department of Education. A Kansas native and K-State graduate, Hanna was named Kansas School Counselor of the Year and a finalist for the national award. Her work focuses on helping students build academic, social-emotional and career skills while preparing them to navigate an increasingly digital world.

For 24 years, Matt Gary has been inspiring Salina students through music education and guitar. What began as a classroom experiment has grown into a program serving hundreds of students each year. From national recognition to performances at the Stiefel Theatre, Matt believes music teaches more than notes—it builds confidence, work ethic, creativity and a lifelong connection to others.

Economics doesn't have to be complicated. Jeremy Hill, Regional Executive for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, joins Ask A Kansan to explain inflation, interest rates, and the forces shaping Kansas' economy. From manufacturing growth to household budgets, Jeremy shares the stories behind the data and why they matter to every Kansan.

From falconry to zoo leadership, Ryan VanZant has dedicated his life to wildlife conservation. As Executive Director of Rolling Hills Zoo, he discusses Kansas' disappearing prairies, endangered species, and how modern zoos inspire the next generation to protect the natural world. It's a fascinating conversation about conservation, education, and the wild side of Kansas.

Katie Woods is the Tournment Director of the National Baseball Congress (NBC) in Wichita, where she is helping preserve and reimagine one of America's most storied amateur baseball traditions.

Kristen Epps is a historian, author, and educator whose work explores the people and events that have shaped Kansas and the nation. A professor at Kansas State University, Epps also serves as editor of Kansas History: A Journal of the Central Plains, a peer-reviewed publication produced in partnership with the Kansas Historical Society. Although born in Colorado and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she considers herself an adopted Kansan after discovering a deep appreciation

Jeri Brungard is the co-founder of Women Hiking Kansas and Beyond, a community that has inspired thousands of women to discover the beauty of the outdoors while building lasting friendships. What began in 2019 as a way to organize hikes with a handful of friends has grown into a thriving Facebook community of more than 12,000 members. Through monthly hikes across Kansas and annual adventures beyond the state's borders, Jeri and Cindy have helped create an organization that we

Cowboy, historian and author Jim Gray joins Ask A Kansan to share stories from Kansas' cattle-driving era, reflect on the evolution of the cowboy way of life, and discuss his role in preserving the unique UFO history of Geneseo, Kansas. From cattle towns and trail drives to prairie horizons and unexplained encounters, Gray offers a fascinating look at the people, places and legends that continue to shape the Kansas story.

Shane Carter is the executive director of the Kansas African American Museum in Wichita, Kansas. Originally from Troy, Ohio, Carter earned a business degree from the University of Wisconsin while playing collegiate football and later completed a master's degree in educational administration. Before joining the museum, he spent 13 years leading the Lincoln Community Center in Ohio, where he expanded educational programs, community services, and capital projects that positively

Tanner Johnson is a professional wood carver, and passionate Kansan from Lindsborg. While studying anthropology at Kansas State University, he traveled to Ecuador as a student researcher and ultimately spent nearly two decades living in remote rural communities. There, he worked as an English teacher, translator, farmer, and cultural observer while immersing himself in local traditions and raising a family. His experiences abroad profoundly shaped both his worldview and his a