Nebraska Public Media
Nebraska Crossroads Musicians Perform Live | Friday LIVE
- Title
- Nebraska Crossroads Musicians Perform Live | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 13:16
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Discover three remarkable performances courtesy of the Nebraska Crossroads Festival, recorded live for Friday LIVE on Nebraska Public Media.
This collection showcases the festival's mission of celebrating musical traditions from around the world through unforgettable live performances from the Crossroads Festival Chamber Musicians and Tabla virtuoso Sandeep Das.
From chamber music to global musical traditions, these performances reflect the spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange that defines the Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival and Friday LIVE.
0:00 - Introduction
0:09 - Alex Weiser – "Benkshaft (Longing)" Performed By The Crossroads Festival Chamber Musicians
3:12 - Gabriela Lena Frank – "Conquesteos" Performed By The Crossroads Festival Chamber Musicians
8:05 - Sandeep Das – Tabla Performance
12:56 - Closing
Listen and explore more at nebraskapublicmedia.org/fridaylive.
© 2026 N...
- Title
- Ancient Buttes Shape Fort Robinson's Landscape | Conservation Works
- Runtime
- 1:19
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Fort Robinson State Park sits in the heart of northwest Nebraska's Pine Ridge Country, where millions of years of erosion have sculpted layers of sedimentary rock and volcanic ash into rugged buttes, canyons, and cliffs. This diverse landscape provides exceptional habitat for wildlife many people don't expect to find in Nebraska, including bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, mountain lions, and golden eagles.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
Conservation Works explores the creative and inspiring ways Nebraskans are helping people, wildlife, and the land thrive together.
Discover more inspiring conservation stories from across Nebraska at https://NebraskaPublicMedia.org/conservationworks
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X (Formerly...
- Title
- Brad Colerick Performs "Slipaway" & Talks New Album Travelers | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 15:52
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Singer-songwriter Brad Colerick returns to Friday LIVE with his band to perform two songs from his upcoming album, Travelers.
In this special performance from Nebraska Public Media's Ron Hull Studio, Brad shares the stories behind his newest music, including the heartfelt "Slipaway," and "Javier," a moving song based on poet Javier Zamora's memoir.
Between performances, Brad reflects on the inspiration behind Travelers, a camping trip with his son that sparked the album's title track and shaped the record's themes of memory, family and the journeys that connect us. He also discusses how personal experiences become lasting songs that audiences can carry with them.
0:00 - Introduction: Brad Colerick Live
0:34 - Live Performance: "Slipaway"
5:51 - Welcome & Meet Brad Colerick and His Band
6:38 - Why the Album Is Called Travelers
8:00 - Songs Like Souveniers
8:34 - The literary inspiration for "Javier"
10:13 - Live Performance:...
- Title
- The True Story Behind Omaha's TV Dinner
- Runtime
- 44:37
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The TV Dinner changed how Americans ate, but the famous origin story isn't quite true. Behind one of Nebraska's biggest food innovations is a story of marketing, convenience and the frozen meal that transformed kitchens across the country.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
LISTEN TO THE MORE EPISODES OF THE PODCAST & SUBSCRIBE:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2actiXc9METaibkfpGs6PIGjaJw7O1zh&si=4quECDnhZUHbZIp8
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18Yodeefl0NI2nZToXILpY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/once-again/id1810071172
Discover images and additional information about the series at https://NebraskaPublicMedia.org/onceagain.
“Once Again” is a history podcast from Nebraska Public Media where the past meets the present. Senior Producer Bill Kelly is on a mission: digging through archives, dusting off documents and uncovering compelling stories ...
- Title
- From Lawn to Wildlife Oasis, One Church's Story | Conservation Works
- Runtime
- 5:59
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Aldersgate United Methodist Church transformed its traditional 2-acre lawn into a thriving native prairie garden that's alive with birds, butterflies, pollinators, and open to the public. Explore Aldersgate Garden, a vibrant urban prairie that brings nature to the heart of Lincoln.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
Conservation Works explores the creative and inspiring ways Nebraskans are helping people, wildlife, and the land thrive together.
Discover more inspiring conservation stories from across Nebraska at https://NebraskaPublicMedia.org/conservationworks
FOLLOW US:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NebraskaPublicMedia
Nebraska Stories Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaStories
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaPublicMedia
X (Formerly Twitter): https://x.com/NebPublicMedia
Instagram: https://instagram.com/NebraskaPublicMedia
- Title
- The Wild Called. Now She's Dedicated Her Life to It | Conservation Works
- Runtime
- 4:52
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Conservation storyteller Carlee Moates takes viewers on a journey that began long before she ever picked up a camera. It started when she discovered that frogs fit surprisingly well in her pockets. That childhood curiosity sparked a lifelong passion for the natural world and ultimately led Carlee to dedicate her life to conservation. Join Carlee as she shares the moments, discoveries, and experiences that transformed a young girl's imagination and curiosity into a lifelong passion for inspiring others to protect the places and wildlife we all share.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
"Conservation Works" explores the creative and inspiring ways Nebraskans are helping people, wildlife, and the land thrive together.
Discover more inspiring conservation stories from across Nebraska at https://NebraskaPublicMedia.org/conservationworks
Nebraska Public Media has been dedicated to connecting Nebraskans through ne...
- Title
- Inside Nebraska's Only Public Underground Chalk Mine | Curious Nebraska
- Runtime
- 4:17
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Just outside the small town of Scotia lies one of Nebraska's most fascinating hidden destinations: Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine. From panoramic views of the North Loup River Valley to the only publicly accessible underground chalk mine in North America, this remarkable site is filled with history, geology and unexpected discoveries.
Producer Andy Hermann explores the story of frontier scout "Happy Jack" Swearingen, the entrepreneurs who mined the area's unusual rock, and the scientists uncovering what makes this deposit so unique. Along the way, you'll meet the mine's smallest residents — including Jimmy, one of its resident tricolored bats.
Discover how ancient lakes, prehistoric burrowing animals and generations of Nebraskans all helped shape one of the state's most curious landmarks.
Featuring:
Katie Davis, interim manager, Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine;
Matt Joeckel, State Geologist of Nebraska at the University of Nebraska-Lincol...
- Title
- Where Prairie Meets Desert in Nebraska | Conservation Works
- Runtime
- 1:09
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Enjoy an aerial view of Sugar Loaf Butte located in the Oglala National Grassland. This striking landscape is full of surprises, providing habitat for wildlife from both the prairie and the desert in one remarkable corner of Nebraska.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
Conservation Works explores the creative and inspiring ways Nebraskans are helping people, wildlife, and the land thrive together.
Discover more inspiring conservation stories from across Nebraska at https://NebraskaPublicMedia.org/conservationworks
Nebraska Public Media has been dedicated to connecting Nebraskans through news, sports, education, and entertainment since 1954. Providing global news and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, Nebraska Public Media also produces award-winning original content.
FOLLOW US:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NebraskaPublicMedia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaPublicMedia
- Title
- Inside Lincoln's Music Scene with Interrobang Zine | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 8:36
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- This week on Friday LIVE, we talk with Apple and Orange, also known as Sam and Mars, the creators of Interrobang, a Lincoln-based zine featuring artist interviews, show reviews, upcoming events and more. Since launching just over a year ago, Interrobang has become a valuable resource for artists and music fans alike.
In this conversation, they discuss how the publication got started, where the name "Interrobang" came from, their creative process, how Lincoln's DIY scene has evolved through their eyes and what advice they have for anyone interested in attending local shows.
0:00 - Introduction: Welcome Interrobang zine
0:51 - How did Interrobang begin?
3:50 - Where does the name come from
6:17 - Advice for First-Time Showgoers
7:35 - Where to Find Interrobang on First Friday
8:14 - Closing
Listen and explore more at nebraskapublicmedia.org/fridaylive.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights r...
- Title
- Why Nebraska Has America's Only Non-Partisan Legislature
- Runtime
- 41:08
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Nebraska's Legislature is unlike any other in America. In 1937 Senator George Norris’ envisioned a Unicameral eliminated partisanship and made government more accountable. Nearly a century later, it remains a one-of-a-kind experiment in American democracy.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
LISTEN TO THE MORE EPISODES OF THE PODCAST & SUBSCRIBE:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2actiXc9METaibkfpGs6PIGjaJw7O1zh&si=4quECDnhZUHbZIp8
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18Yodeefl0NI2nZToXILpY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/once-again/id1810071172
Discover images and additional information about the series at https://NebraskaPublicMedia.org/onceagain.
“Once Again” is a history podcast from Nebraska Public Media where the past meets the present. Senior Producer Bill Kelly is on a mission: digging through archives, dusting off documents and uncovering ...
- Title
- Larksong Writers Workshop Heads to Brownville | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 12:08
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- What happens when some of Nebraska's best writers gather in one of the state's most inspiring small towns?
On this edition of Friday LIVE, host Genevieve Randall talks with Nebraska writers Karen Gettert Shoemaker, Nick Salestrom and Lucy Adkins about the Larksong Writers Workshop's first "On the Road" event in Brownville. The conversation explores speculative fiction, creative journaling, the importance of writing communities and why Brownville's rich history and scenic setting continue to inspire creativity.
0:00 - Introduction: What is Speculative Fiction
0:57 - Reimagining the Journal with Karen Gettert Shoemaker
2:25 - Writing on Dragonback with Nick Salestrom
6:48 - Finding The Poet Within with Lucy Adkins
10:36 - Why Brownville Inspires Writers
11:27 - Workshop Details and Closing
Listen and explore more at nebraskapublicmedia.org/fridaylive.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
...
- Title
- How a Nebraska Farmer Invented the Center Pivot
- Runtime
- 39:38
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The center pivot irrigation system transformed agriculture around the world, and it began with a Nebraska farmer looking for an easier way to water his crops. Frank Zybach's invention reshaped farming while raising new questions about water use, irrigation and the future of agriculture.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
LISTEN TO THE MORE EPISODES OF THE PODCAST & SUBSCRIBE:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2actiXc9METaibkfpGs6PIGjaJw7O1zh&si=4quECDnhZUHbZIp8
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18Yodeefl0NI2nZToXILpY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/once-again/id1810071172
Discover images and additional information about the series at https://NebraskaPublicMedia.org/onceagain.
“Once Again” is a history podcast from Nebraska Public Media where the past meets the present. Senior Producer Bill Kelly is on a mission: digging through archives, dusting ...
- Title
- Who Really Invented the Reuben Sandwich? A Delicious Mystery | Curious Nebraska Omaha
- Runtime
- 4:09
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The Reuben sandwich is one of America's most iconic meals, but who actually invented it?
The story begins in Omaha during a poker game at the historic Blackstone Hotel nearly 100 years ago. Some credit grocer Reuben Kulakofsky with dreaming up the famous combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and rye bread. Others say hotel employee Bernard Schimmel created the sandwich in the kitchen after taking inspiration from Reuben's request.
Producer Andy Hermann explores the competing family stories, historic menus, and the evidence behind one of Nebraska's most famous culinary legends.
Whether the Reuben was invented by Reuben Kulakofsky, Bernard Schimmel or through a little collaboration, one thing is certain: this American classic has deep Nebraska roots.
Featuring:
Sarah Baker Hansen, food writer;
Mary Bernstein, youngest daughter, Bernard Schimmel;
Connie Shapiro, middle daughter, Bernard Schimmel;
Judy Weil...
- Title
- LUX Center for the Arts Showcases International Printmaking in Lincoln | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 9:52
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The LUX Center for the Arts in Lincoln is celebrating the opening of its fourth biennial international print exhibition, Surface Impressions: Coloratura, featuring artists from around the world and juried by acclaimed printmaker Janine Wong. The exhibition also includes a live installation of the Nine Nebraska Artists Mural, a collaborative printmaking project led by Karen Kunc of Constellation Studios.
On this episode of Friday LIVE, host Genevieve Randall talks with Karen Kunc, founder and director of Constellation Studios, and Maddie Hinrichs, one of the featured Nebraska artists and a gallery specialist at LUX. They discuss the inspiration behind Surface Impressions: Coloratura, the juried exhibition process, the Nine Nebraska Artists Mural, and how printmaking connects artists from Nebraska to an international creative community.
0:00 - Introduction: Nebraska Printmaking at the Lux Center for the Arts
0:46 - Meet Karen Kunc and Maddie Hinrichs
1:04 ...
- Title
- What If Artists Only Had 20 Minutes To Paint? | What If...Nebraska
- Runtime
- 5:33
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- What happens when artists have just 20 minutes to create a winning painting?
In this What If… story we step inside Omaha's vibrant Art Battle competition at CULXR House, where creativity, pressure, and community collide. Artists race against the clock through multiple rounds of live painting while a crowd of supporters watches every brushstroke unfold.
Hosted by Omaha artist and community leader Marcey Yates, Art Battle challenges participants to create original artwork in front of a live audience. After two preliminary rounds, audience voting determines which artists advance to the finals and ultimately claims the championship.
Hear from competitors Ryan Malm, Denise Kapke, Madison Rogers, and Mark Davis Jr. as they share what it's like to paint under pressure, connect with fellow artists, and experience the energy of one of Nebraska's most unique creative events.
From last-second countdowns to crowd cheers and inspiring artistic e...
- Title
- He Builds Guitars from Bleachers & Battleships | What If...Nebraska
- Runtime
- 6:20
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- What happens when historic wood gets a second life as music? In this episode of What If…, meet Nebraska guitar maker Phil Whitmarsh, founder of Old Market Guitarworks, who transforms reclaimed wood from battleships, stadium bleachers, barns and historic buildings into one-of-a-kind guitars with stories built into every grain.
From the decommissioned USS Texas to Memorial Stadium bleachers and the clinic of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, Phil’s handcrafted instruments preserve history while creating something entirely new. What began as a COVID-era hobby evolved into a passion project rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and storytelling.
Through sawdust, splinters and song, Phil proves that the past can still resonate in powerful ways.
🎸 Featured in this story:
• Guitars built from reclaimed historic wood
• The story behind Old Market Guitarworks
• Memorial Stadium bleacher guitar gifted to Maroon 5 guitarist Jame...
- Title
- The Famous Study Guides That Started in Lincoln | Curious Nebraska
- Runtime
- 4:03
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Before students turned to the internet for study help, many relied on the familiar black-and-yellow Cliff’s Notes guides. What many people don’t realize is that the company behind those iconic literary summaries started in Lincoln, Nebraska.
In this Curious Nebraska story, producer Andy Hermann explores the history of Cliff’s Notes through conversations with family members, former employees and University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty. Learn how Clifton and Catherine Hillegass built the company from their basement, how the study guides became a cultural phenomenon, and why the phrase “the Cliff’s Notes version” remains part of the American vocabulary today.
Discover the Nebraska roots of one of the most recognizable educational brands of the 20th century.
Featuring:
Jim McKee, former advertising and sales manager, Cliff's Notes;
Linda Hillegass, daughter, Clifton and Catherine Hillegass;
Ken Price, Hillegass University ...
- Title
- Bel Canto Duo Performs Original Music and Shares Award-Winning Film Project | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 9:17
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Omaha's Bel Canto Duo joins Friday LIVE from the Brownville Concert Hall for an unforgettable performance and conversation about music, nature and storytelling.
Cellist David Downing and composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Darci Griffith Gamerl perform "Magic," and discuss their award-winning documentary film project, "Taking Flight: The 8th Wonder of the World," created in collaboration with the Crane Trust in Wood River, Nebraska.
The duo also shares how their NeuroArts-inspired creative process explores the emotional connections between music, health and the natural world, along with David's innovative looping techniques that help create their distinctive sound.
0:00 - Introduction: Meet the Bel Canto Duo
0:17 - The Story Behind Taking Flight Documentary
1:33 - Music, Nature and NeuroArts
2:19 - Live Looping Explained
4:04 - Bel Canto Performs “Magic”
8:49 - Closing
Listen and explore more at nebraskap...
- Title
- Julie Smith Phillips Performs “La Source” | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 5:17
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Enjoy a beautiful live performance of La Source by Alphonse Hasselmans, performed by internationally acclaimed harpist Julie Smith Phillips during Friday LIVE at the Brownville Concert Hall.
Originally from Hastings, Nebraska, Phillips is principal harpist of the San Diego Symphony and an internationally recognized soloist and educator. She returned to Brownville to lead the Nebraska Harp Retreat, bringing her artistry to audiences with this elegant and expressive performance.
0:00 - Introduction
0:22 - Harpist Julie Smith Phillips Performs La Source by Alphonse Hasselmans
Listen and explore more at nebraskapublicmedia.org/fridaylive.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
“Friday LIVE” is a weekly arts and humanities program hosted by Genevieve Randall on Nebraska Public Media's News / Classical radio station on Fridays at 10am CT. The program features live musical performances, poetry readi...
- Title
- Humanities Nebraska Chautauqua Returns to Hastings for America 250 | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 13:02
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The Humanities Nebraska Chautauqua returns to Hastings June 26-27 with living history presentations, family activities, workshops and conversations exploring America's 250th anniversary.
On this episode of Friday LIVE, Humanities Nebraska Executive Director Chris Sommerich and Program Manager Kristi Hayek discuss the history of Chautauqua, how the tradition has evolved over time and why gathering in person to learn, connect and share stories remains important today.
This year's theme, "Weaving a Nation," explores the many stories that make up the fabric of American history. Presentations will feature historical figures, immigrant experiences, women's suffrage, Black homesteaders, Nebraska's connection to Holocaust liberators and more.
The free, family-friendly festival takes place in Hastings and includes programs hosted by the Hastings Public Library, Hastings Museum and Hastings College.
0:00 - Introduction: What Is Chautauqua?
2:17 - Why The Name Chau...
- Title
- Meet the Entrepreneur Behind Pat on Tap | What If...Nebraska
- Runtime
- 6:31
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- What if an entrepreneur turned vintage vehicles into unforgettable beverage experiences?
Meet Abby Miller, founder of Pat on Tap — a Nebraska-based mobile beverage catering business built around restored classic trucks and Cushmans serving everything from craft cocktails to hot cider at weddings, tailgates, graduation parties, and major events. In this “What If…” story, Abby shares how a childhood full of entrepreneurial experiments led her to create a business that blends hospitality, creativity, and community connection.
From “Pat,” a restored 1957 Chevy pickup, to “Dot” and “Inez,” Abby’s fleet has personality, charm, and a whole lot of hard work behind it. Follow along as Pat on Tap serves thousands of drinks at a University of Nebraska-Lincoln homecoming event while Abby reflects on entrepreneurship, family inspiration and her dream of becoming Nebraska’s ultimate beverage caterer.
This story explores:
• Small business entreprene...
- Title
- Lloyd McCarter on Music, Tradition and Honky Tonk | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 13:12
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Nebraska musician Lloyd McCarter joins Friday LIVE for a performance of his original song "13 Gears" and a conversation about the enduring appeal of traditional country music.
Growing up surrounded by music and performing from a young age, McCarter developed a deep appreciation for honky tonk and western swing. He discusses the importance of preserving these classic styles while finding ways to keep them fresh for modern audiences.
Learn more about Lloyd McCarter and the Honky Tonk Revival, his musical influences and why traditional country music continues to resonate with listeners today.
0:00 - Introduction
0:24 - Lloyd McCarter Performs "13 Gears"
4:05 - Upcoming Performances
5:25 - Who are Lloyd McCarter and the Honky Tonk Revival?
8:15 - Why Traditional Country Matters
9:40 - Keeping Honky Tonk and Western Swing Fresh
10:35 - The Story Behind the Guitar
12:32 - Final Thoughts
Listen and explore more at...
- Title
- The Fight to Protect Our Visionary Highway Art | I-80 Sculptures #Shorts Series
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The sculptures that were commissioned to celebrate our nation's bicentennial have stood along I-80 for nearly 50 years. Now there’s a push to protect them.
This final episode in our shorts series looking at the I-80 sculptures features "Nebraskan Gateway" by artist Anthony Padovano. The sculpture is made of granite and located at the Brady westbound rest area.
About the Series:
Fifty years ago, Nebraska celebrated the nation’s Bicentennial in an unusual way. To bring nationally renowned art to people across the state, it commissioned large-scale outdoor sculptures at interstate rest areas.
In this new seven-part digital series, Nebraska Public Media producer Amanda Christi, along with videographer Sam Broderson and audio engineer Jerrad Stutzman hit the road, reflecting on the meaning and significance of the remaining sculptures, designed to celebrate Nebraska’s strength and imagination.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Fo...
- Title
- Inside ECHO Collective’s Mission | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 8:49
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- In this Friday LIVE conversation, host of Nebraska Public Media’s “What If...” series Mike Tobias and ECHO Collective founder Kelly Ross discuss a new episode following refugee and immigrant women in Lincoln as they build businesses through ECHO Collective’s entrepreneurship program. The discussion explores entrepreneurship, community support and the challenges many newcomers face while creating opportunities for themselves and their families. We also highlight a special screening and community discussion at Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln.
0:00 - Introduction
0:40 - How the Collaboration Began
1:14 - What are some elements of this ECHO Collective project
1:45 - The Mission of ECHO Collective
3:02 - Challenges Facing Immigrant Entrepreneurs
4:25 - Why the Screening Is at Sheldon Museum of Art
4:56 - Hyphen American
7:59 - Screening Information and Closing
Listen and explore more at nebraskapublicmedia.org/f...
- Title
- How a family farm became a social media business | What If...
- Runtime
- 7:54
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- What if a Nebraska farm was actually a social media marketing business?
Near Kenesaw, Nebraska, Noah Young and his family run The Shiloh Farm — a five-acre operation filled with chickens, alpacas, emus, vegetables, berries and more. But the crops and animals aren’t what pay the bills. Instead, millions of followers around the world tune in to Noah’s funny, educational farming videos across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
What started as “chicken fact of the day” videos during the pandemic became a full-time business built on storytelling, agriculture and social media marketing. Today, The Shiloh Farm creates viral content that helps people better understand where their food comes from while making audiences laugh along the way.
In this “What If…” story Noah and Sierra Young share how they turned a hobby farm into a digital media business, the realities of influencer life in rural Nebraska, and why connecting people to agri...
- Title
- The Sculpture the Wind Loved--and the One It Destroyed | I-80 Sculptures #Shorts Series
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- One sculpture was built for the wind, but another couldn’t survive it.
About the Series:
Fifty years ago, Nebraska celebrated the nation’s Bicentennial in an unusual way. To bring nationally renowned art to people across the state, it commissioned large-scale outdoor sculptures at interstate rest areas.
In this new seven-part digital series, Nebraska Public Media producer Amanda Christi, along with videographer Sam Broderson and audio engineer Jerrad Stutzman hit the road, reflecting on the meaning and significance of the remaining sculptures, designed to celebrate Nebraska’s strength and imagination.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
Nebraska Public Media has been dedicated to connecting Nebraskans through news, sports, education, and entertainment since 1954. Providing global news and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, Nebraska Public Media also produces award-winning original content.
- Title
- Exploring the History of Fort Robinson | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 9:54
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- From military history to archaeology, new discoveries continue to shape how Nebraskans understand Fort Robinson and its complicated past. In this episode of Friday LIVE, Nebraska State Historic Preservation Officer Michael Sothan joins Nebraska Public Media to discuss the history and archaeology of one of Nebraska’s most significant historic sites.
The conversation explores Fort Robinson’s role in frontier history, the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, archaeological discoveries at the fort, and the ongoing effort to preserve difficult but important stories — including the surrender of Crazy Horse and the Fort Robinson Massacre.
The discussion also highlights the free public presentation “History and Archaeology at Fort Robinson,” held at the Fort Robinson History Center during National Historic Preservation Month.
0:00 - Introduction
0:58 - The History of Fort Robinson
2:20 - Buffalo Soldiers at Fort Robinson
3:08 - Preserving Difficu...
- Title
- How ECHO Collective Helps New Americans Become Entrepreneurs \ What If...Nebraska
- Runtime
- 13:46
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- What happens when immigrant and refugee women are given the tools, mentorship and confidence to build businesses of their own?
In Lincoln, Nebraska, ECHO Collective’s “The Refinery” is helping women from around the world turn dreams into reality through entrepreneurship training, mentorship and community support. Over four months, participants learn branding, finance, networking, marketing and business planning while building lasting relationships with women who share similar journeys.
Meet Ayat from Sudan, who hopes to open a bakery and one day a restaurant celebrating Sudanese culture. Meet Mo, who came to Nebraska from a refugee camp in Thailand and now dreams of launching her own interpretation business to help families feel connected and understood. Alongside women from Iraq, Libya and Myanmar, these entrepreneurs are building more than businesses — they’re building confidence, independence and community.
This “What If…” story...
- Title
- The Art Project Nebraskans Thought They Were Paying For | I-80 Sculptures #Shorts Series
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Some Nebraskans thought their tax dollars were paying for these sculptures, and they weren’t happy about it. In fact, state funds weren't used. The project's budget included some bicentennial grants, and the rest was raised through donations from businesses and community members. This episode looks at "Memorial to the American Bandshell," which was fabricated out of COR-TEN steel at Valmont Industries in Valley, Nebraska.
About the Series:
Fifty years ago, Nebraska celebrated the nation’s Bicentennial in an unusual way. To bring nationally renowned art to people across the state, it commissioned large-scale outdoor sculptures at interstate rest areas.
In this new seven-part digital series, Nebraska Public Media producer Amanda Christi, along with videographer Sam Broderson and audio engineer Jerrad Stutzman hit the road, reflecting on the meaning and significance of the remaining sculptures, designed to celebrate Nebraska’s strength and imaginati...
- Title
- Nebraska’s Age of Majority Law Explained | Curious Nebraska
- Runtime
- 4:12
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- In most states, turning 18 means becoming a legal adult. In Nebraska, it’s different.
For decades, Nebraska has set the age of majority at 19 — meaning 18-year-olds can vote, serve in the military and live independently, while still needing parental involvement in some legal and medical decisions.
In this Curious Nebraska report, producer Andy Hermann explores how Nebraska became an outlier, why lawmakers have struggled to change the law, and how the policy impacts real Nebraskans navigating healthcare, housing and independence.
Featuring interviews with advocates, former lawmakers and young adults affected by the law, this story examines the complicated balance between protection and autonomy.
Featuring:
Lauren McNeal, UNL honors thesis, An Examination of Nebraska’s Law Setting the Age of Majority at Nineteen (2020);
Kent Rogert, former Nebraska state senator (2007-2011);
Sheridan Macy, featured in Lauren McNe...
- Title
- Plowing Up A Storm | America 250
- Runtime
- 1:28:14
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- The American family farm is often seen as the backbone of the nation, but it has also been at the center of some of the most powerful protest movements in U.S. history.
“Plowing Up a Storm” (1984) is a sweeping 90-minute documentary that explores the roots of the farm crisis, tracing more than a century of agrarian protest across the Midwest. From the aftermath of the American Civil War to the economic collapse of the 1980s, this film reveals how financial pressure, falling land values, and mounting debt pushed farmers to the brink and into action.
Narrated by acclaimed journalist Richard Reeves, the story begins with a foreclosure sale in the early 1980s, then expands into a broader historical journey. Along the way, the film uncovers how organized movements like the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, the People's Party, the Nonpartisan League, and the Farmers' Holiday Association challenged powerful banks, railroads, and political syst...
- Title
- A Nebraska city built a road using 2 million plastic bags | What If...Nebraska
- Runtime
- 10:20
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- What if millions of discarded plastic grocery bags could help build better roads?
In South Sioux City, Nebraska, an innovative experiment is turning plastic waste into pavement. Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, city leaders, engineers, and construction partners teamed up to create Nebraska’s first road made with recycled plastic bags mixed into asphalt.
Follow the journey from floating plastic bags and shredded materials to laboratory testing, asphalt production, and the final paving of Foundry Road. Along the way, scientist Jamilla Teixeira and her research team test whether recycled plastics can improve road durability, reduce cracking, and help communities reuse waste materials in a smarter way.
The project uses nearly two million recycled plastic bags and could help reshape how future roads are built in Nebraska and beyond.
Featuring:
• South Sioux City Administrator Lance Hedquist
• UNL researcher ...
- Title
- Sparking Outrage Across Nebraska; Erma's Desire | I-80 Sculptures #Shorts Series
- Runtime
- 2:17
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Before it was even built, this sculpture had Nebraskans asking, “Where are the cowboys and covered wagons?” Ride along as we uncover hidden history at Interstate 80 rest stops. This episode's stop is at the Grand Island eastbound rest area where we take a closer look at the controversial sculpture "Erma's Desire" by John Raimondi.
About the Series:
Fifty years ago, Nebraska celebrated the nation’s Bicentennial in an unusual way. To bring nationally renowned art to people across the state, it commissioned large-scale outdoor sculptures at interstate rest areas.
In this new seven-part digital series, Nebraska Public Media producer Amanda Christi, along with videographer Sam Broderson and audio engineer Jerrad Stutzman hit the road, reflecting on the meaning and significance of the remaining sculptures, designed to celebrate Nebraska’s strength and imagination.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
- Title
- Edgerton & His Incredible Seeing Machines | America 250
- Runtime
- 46:25
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- How do you capture the exact moment a bullet pierces an apple or freeze a balloon mid-explosion? For over half a century, Harold Eugene Edgerton, known as “Doc,” changed how we see the world by making the invisible visible.
“Edgerton and His Incredible Seeing Machines” is an award-winning documentary that explores the life and groundbreaking work of the Nebraska-born innovator who pioneered ultra-high-speed photography. From his early days in Aurora to his legendary career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Edgerton’s inventions transformed science, photography, and visual storytelling.
At the heart of his work was the invention of the electronic strobe, a technology that allowed images to freeze time and reveal split-second events the human eye could never perceive. His iconic photographs turned everyday moments into something extraordinary, blending scientific discovery with striking visual art.
But Edgerton’s impact...
- Title
- Czech It Out | America 250
- Runtime
- 29:20
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Every August, the small town of Wilber transforms into a vibrant celebration of heritage, filled with colorful folk costumes, lively polka music, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh-baked pastries. Known as the official Czech Capital of the United States, Wilber keeps Old World traditions alive through one of the Midwest’s most unique cultural festivals.
“Czech It Out” is a joyful 1988 documentary that takes you inside the world-famous National Czech Festival. Hosted by Regina Shonka Carlson and Roger Bartlett, the program captures how a small-town celebration grew into a major cultural and economic event, drawing visitors from across the country to experience Czech American traditions firsthand.
From the excitement of the kolache eating contest to the elegance of the Beseda, one of the oldest traditional folk dances of the Czech lands, the film showcases the music, movement, and meaning behind this deeply rooted celebration. It also explores the rich hi...
- Title
- Elizabeth I Comes to Life in Lincoln | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 9:16
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- What would Queen Elizabeth I say if she could tell her own story?
Playwright and UNL Emerita Professor of History Carole Levin joins Friday LIVE to discuss “Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words,” a live performance presented by the International Quilt Museum and the Glenn Korff School of Music at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Performed by Tamara Meneghini with live guitar accompaniment from Rick Pruitt, the production explores the life, leadership and legacy of one of England’s most influential rulers using Elizabeth’s own writings and historical records.
Levin shares the research behind the project, what surprised her most about Elizabeth I and why performance offers a powerful way to connect modern audiences with women’s voices from history.
“Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words” takes place Wednesday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Westbrook Music Building on UNL’s City Campus in Lincoln. The event is free and open to the public.
0:00 - In...
- Title
- Frontier University Dreams | America 250
- Runtime
- 58:22
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- In the 1860s, the idea of building a university on the American frontier seemed almost impossible. But from the rugged landscape of Nebraska emerged a bold experiment, one that would change higher education forever.
“Frontier University Dreams” tells the remarkable origin story of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, founded on a radical idea: free tuition and access for all, regardless of gender, race, or religion. This groundbreaking vision, rooted in the land-grant mission, helped redefine who education was for and transformed the future of the American West.
Narrated by legendary broadcaster Dick Cavett, the documentary brings history to life through more than 300 rare photographs and vivid storytelling. From its uncertain beginnings to its rise in the 1890s “Golden Era,” the film captures the personalities, struggles, and ambition that built a frontier institution from the ground up.
Along the way, the university became a launching p...
- Title
- Inside CULXR House: Where Music, Art & Community Collide | What If...
- Runtime
- 8:54
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- What if one space could bring together music, art, fashion, and community—and change lives in the process?
Inside Omaha’s CULXR House, performing artist and entrepreneur Marcey Yates is building more than a creative hub—he’s creating a launchpad. From music production and art battles to youth programs and community events, this space is where culture, collaboration, and opportunity collide.
Follow along as we explore how Marcey turned a small recording setup into a vibrant, multi-purpose creative ecosystem rooted in North Omaha. Whether it’s empowering young artists, hosting fashion shows, or creating space for underrepresented voices, CULXR House proves that creativity can spark real change.
🎧 Featuring original music from Marcey Yates, including tracks from 9 Months
🎨 Live Art Battle competitions
👟 Fashion, music, and grassroots community engagement
🌱 A vision growing from the heart of 24th Street
This is more than a sto...
- Title
- Turning Skeptics Into Supporters; the Artist in Residence Program | I-80 Sculptures #Shorts Series
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- The artists behind these sculptures weren’t all working from afar. Many spent time in Nebraska as the pieces took shape. Ride along as we uncover hidden history at Interstate 80 rest stops. This episode's stop is at the westbound rest area near Ogallala where we take a closer look at "Up/Over" by Linda Howard.
About the Series:
Fifty years ago, Nebraska celebrated the nation’s Bicentennial in an unusual way. To bring nationally renowned art to people across the state, it commissioned large-scale outdoor sculptures at interstate rest areas.
In this new seven-part digital series, Nebraska Public Media producer Amanda Christi, along with videographer Sam Broderson and audio engineer Jerrad Stutzman hit the road, reflecting on the meaning and significance of the remaining sculptures, designed to celebrate Nebraska’s strength and imagination.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
Nebraska Public Medi...
- Title
- Standing Bear's Footsteps | America 250
- Runtime
- 54:11
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- In 1879, a historic courtroom in Omaha became the stage for a moment that would redefine civil rights in America. Standing Bear, leader of the Ponca Tribe, stood before a U.S. judge and declared, “I am a man. The same God made us both.” His words ignited a landmark legal battle that challenged whether Native Americans were recognized as persons under the U.S. Constitution, decades before citizenship was granted.
“Standing Bear’s Footsteps” is an award-winning documentary that brings this powerful story to life. It traces the forced removal of the Ponca people from their Nebraska homeland to Indian Territory. After the death of his son, Standing Bear made a promise to return him to their ancestral land for burial. What followed was a grueling 600-mile winter journey on foot, ending in arrest by the U.S. Army.
The film reveals how Standing Bear, alongside a determined frontier journalist and two pro bono attorneys, took on the federal government in a g...
- Title
- 500 Mile Sculpture Garden | America 250
- Runtime
- 58:37
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- In 1976, the state of Nebraska set out to transform Interstate 80 into a bold cultural statement, an ambitious statewide art installation designed to be experienced by millions of travelers each year. What followed was far more than a public art project. It became a cultural flashpoint.
“Five-Hundred-Mile Sculpture Garden” chronicles the dramatic and often contentious journey of the Nebraska Bicentennial Sculpture Project, from its visionary launch to its explosive public reception and ultimate July 4 dedication. This powerful 1976 documentary captures a moment when modern art collided with Midwestern values, sparking debate over public funding, artistic merit, and regional identity.
Spanning from Omaha to Kimball, the film follows the creation of ten monumental sculptures placed along Interstate 80. After a national competition drew more than 120 artists, controversy erupted when all selected sculptors were from outside Nebraska, prompting an official inv...
- Title
- Lincoln Community Band Honors America 250 Through Music | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 8:10
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- The Lincoln Community Concert Band is closing its season with a special “America 250” concert celebrating the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday through music, history and Nebraska art.
On this episode of Friday LIVE, Executive Director Dr. Lance Nielsen and co-music director Mike Murphey discuss the inspiration behind the concert, including a new composition by Nebraska composer Nolan Schmit inspired by the I-80 Sculpture Garden project and the tradition of community bands across America.
The free concert takes place Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Kimball Hall on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus.
Discover how Nebraska history, public art and hometown music traditions come together in this milestone performance.
0:00 - Introduction
0:51 - Celebrating America’s 250th Through Music
2:11 - Nebraska’s I-80 Sculpture Connections to America 250
3:46 - Working With Composers
6:32 - Closing Remarks
Listen and ...
- Title
- Keeping #Nebraska informed 🌎📰
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- One of our core pillars is to keep Nebraskans informed through in-depth, trusted journalism. From local stories to national and international updates, we're here to create valuable conversations.
- Title
- From Refugee Camp to Community Leader | Hasan Khalil’s Story | What If...
- Runtime
- 10:49
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- What if soccer, music, and barbering could change lives?
Meet Hasan Khalil — a Lincoln-based entrepreneur, Yazidi refugee, and community builder who is using his passions to bring people together. From founding a free soccer camp for immigrant and refugee youth to running a barbershop and creating deeply personal music, Hasan’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose.
After spending 11 years in a refugee camp, Hasan knows firsthand the challenges many families face. That’s why he created Lincoln International Football Club — a space where kids can learn, play, and access resources beyond the field. Whether he’s cutting hair, mentoring youth, or performing music rooted in Yazidi culture, everything Hasan does is about connection.
This is more than a story about success — it’s about impact, identity, and building community across cultures.
👉 Watch to see how one person’s journey is changing lives in Lincoln, Nebraska.
- Title
- Changing the State with a Massive Art Experiment | I-80 Sculptures #Shorts Series
- Runtime
- 1:35
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- In 1976, Nebraska chose to look forward, using art to imagine what the future could be. Ride along as we uncover hidden history at Interstate 80 rest stops. This stop, our second on our trip across the state, is at the eastbound rest area between Milford and Seward (Nebraska's Fourth of July city).
About the Series:
Fifty years ago, Nebraska celebrated the nation’s Bicentennial in an unusual way. To bring nationally renowned art to people across the state, it commissioned large-scale outdoor sculptures at interstate rest areas.
In this new seven-part digital series, Nebraska Public Media producer Amanda Christi, along with videographer Sam Broderson and audio engineer Jerrad Stutzman hit the road, reflecting on the meaning and significance of the remaining sculptures, designed to celebrate Nebraska’s strength and imagination.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
Nebraska Public Media has been de...
- Title
- “Inspiration & Courage” — A Look Inside Lincoln’s Symphony’s Final Concert | Friday LIVE
- Runtime
- 11:44
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Music Director Ed Polochick, concertmaster Anton Miller and composer-in-residence Elena Ruehr join Friday LIVE to preview Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra season finale, “Inspiration & Courage,” May 2 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
The program features Ruehr’s Violin Concerto No. 3, written for Miller, alongside her lively “Broadway Boogie Woogie,” inspired by a Mondrian painting. The concert concludes with Beethoven’s powerful Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.”
In this conversation, the artists share insight into the creative process, musical storytelling and what audiences can listen for in this dynamic season finale.
0:00 - Introduction Meet Ed Polochick, Anton Miller & Elena Ruehr
0:56 - The Story Behind “Broadway Boogie Woogie”
2:57 - A New Violin Concerto for Anton Miller
3:51 - Composing the Concerto
8:09 - What to Listen for in the Music
9:01 - Beethoven’s “Eroica” and the Grand Finale
...
- Title
- Inside a Student-Run Grocery Store in Rural Nebraska | What If
- Runtime
- 10:46
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- What if a school ran a grocery store—and it kept an entire town alive?
In the tiny Sandhills village of Cody, Nebraska (population just 170), students at Cody-Kilgore Schools aren’t just learning in the classroom—they’re running a real grocery store. The Circle C Market is a unique, student-powered business that provides essential food access to a rural community where the nearest grocery store is nearly 40 miles away.
From stocking shelves and managing inventory to helping customers and balancing finances, these students gain hands-on, real-world experience you simply can’t teach from a textbook. What started as a bold idea from local educators has become a lifeline for the community—and a powerful example of innovation in rural America.
Follow along as we explore how this unique program works, meet the students behind the counter, and discover how a small town is proving it’s “too tough to die.”
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation...
- Title
- #PublicSafety matters, Nebraska Public Media is there to keep communities informed
- Runtime
- 1:13
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Severe weather can strike fast, and can be unpredictable in Nebraska. With statewide coverage and advanced alert systems, Nebraska Public Media helps protect communities with timely, trusted information.
- Title
- You’ll Never Believe What’s Hidden at Our Rest Areas | I-80 Sculptures #Shorts Series
- Runtime
- 2:06
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Nebraska built a 500-mile sculpture garden along I-80, and most people drive past it without ever noticing. Ride along as we uncover hidden history at Interstate 80 rest stops. Our first stop is the westbound rest area near York, Nebraska.
About the Series:
Fifty years ago, Nebraska celebrated the nation’s Bicentennial in an unusual way. To bring nationally renowned art to people across the state, it commissioned large-scale outdoor sculptures at interstate rest areas.
In this new seven-part digital series, Nebraska Public Media producer Amanda Christi, along with videographer Sam Broderson and audio engineer Jerrad Stutzman hit the road, reflecting on the meaning and significance of the remaining sculptures, designed to celebrate Nebraska’s strength and imagination.
© 2026 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved.
Nebraska Public Media has been dedicated to connecting Nebraskans through news, sports, educati...
- Title
- NSAA High School Speech Championships: Best of the Best 2026
- Runtime
- 2:34:39
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- During "NSAA Speech Championships: Best of the Best 2026," you get to watch Nebraska’s top high school speakers perform in 11 different speech categories. From powerful presentations to dramatic interpretations, experience championship-level competition, including interviews with winning students and coaches.
Hosted by Lincoln media personality D-Wayne Taylor, an MC, TV and radio host and former Nebraska high school speech champion, it's a showcase you won't want to miss.
Enjoy these great performances:
00:00 - Opening and introduction with Host D-Wayne Taylor and NSAA Assistant Director Taryn Retzlaff
03:13 - Explainer of Oral Interpretation of Humorous Prose Category by Cejay Dahlberg from Humphrey-Lindsay
03:30 - Oral Interpretation of Humorous Prose - "Sports Atheist" performed by Taven Borcher from Lewiston
11:41 - Interview with Taven Borcher and Coach Angie Hunzeker
15:03 - Explainer of Oral Interpretation of Poetry...
