Jeff Around Town 2025

What happens when Jeff Koterba gives his time-traveling snow globe a gentle shake? He takes you on a magical—and true—sleigh ride to a Christmas Eve many years ago. And okay, maybe it wasn’t a sleigh but an old Plymouth sedan. Either way, it’s a Jeff Around Town filled with wonder and joy.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Whether you know him as the “Mayor of the Market,” or as Roger Durand, you’ll often find him doing a crossword puzzle at La Buvette or Mr. Toad in Omaha’s Old Market. That’s when he’s not busy dreaming up his latest endeavor. Listen as Jeff Koterba chats with Roger—a true creative force in the Old Market.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Although Mary Jo Pane has lived in New York for many years, she’s not only still connected to a great many Omahans, but national celebrities, as well. Many of whom wear her jewelry. It was, in fact, a bracelet with the patron saint of radio that first connected Jeff Koterba to Mary Jo.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

It’s a Jeff Around Town filled with reds, purples, and golds — from leaves to bookmarks and beyond — as Jeff Koterba shares what he’s thankful for this season.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

On last week’s Jeff Around Town, Pat Hazell spoke about how his Midwestern upbringing helped him land a spot on The Tonight Show. Now in part two of Jeff Koterba’s interview with Pat, you’ll hear more about the creative process and how he finds inspiration.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Jeff Koterba shares how a twitch leads to his flying through the air and landing into a human-metal pretzel. Which ultimately leads to a moment of unexpected kindness.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Born on October 28, 1846, Auguste Escoffier was known as the “Chef of kings,” and “king of the chefs.” He also modernized commercial kitchens. And on this Jeff Around Town, we are celebrating his birthday with Marty Skomal. Marty is retired from the Nebraska Arts Council where he was director of programs and is now president of the Alliance Française Omaha. He’s also an actor who has often performed a one-man show as the famous chef.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Although Brad Dickson spent many years in Los Angeles writing for the Tonight Show, he finds more happiness and inspiration in Omaha. Hear more of his story on this episode.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

During his 35 years on the road as a manufacturing rep, Joe Pane was always meeting new people. And because of that he came to believe that “Everybody has a story,” a theme which has served him well–not only as a financial advisor, but also as a board member for the Alzheimer’s Association of Nebraska. Hear more of his story as he chats with Jeff.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Let’s say you live in California but you’re ready to make a move. Where do you go? Omaha! And on top of that, you launch Omaha’s first entirely gluten-free bistro and bakery. Join Jeff as he chats with cooking creative, Beth Gregory.

 Audio Transcript of this Episode.

If you’ve never been to Ashland, Nebraska—or if it’s been a few years—you’ll be astonished by how magical it is. Recently, Jeff Koterba chatted with Abbi Eccleston from Postscript—a delightful boutique for paper, books, lettering arts, and coffee. Abbi moved from Chicago to Ashland, which now includes a rustic French bakery, galleries, and more.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Tom Becka began his broadcasting career at KVNO. So how does he celebrate as the station turns 53? By doing a little radio reminiscing with Jeff Koterba–all from a bench in Dundee where two world-famous people once ate ice cream.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

From Big Omaha to Millwork Commons, Jeff Slobotski is what many would consider an “entrepreneur’s entrepreneur.” You’ll hear why this mentor, and connector loves Omaha for its creativity.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Matt Geiler is a comedian, animator, musician, and more. He also claims to be over 175 years old. Does creativity truly keep one young? Find out as Jeff Koterba and Matt chat about their creative pursuits and more.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

How does the chairman of Omaha Steaks cook his steak? Listen as Jeff Koterba and Todd Simon chat not only about steak but Omaha’s thriving and inspirational arts scene.

Audio Transcript for this Episode.

Originally from Kansas City, Kyle Thomas is director of marketing and communications for Opera Omaha. He’s also a creative powerhouse who has worked in Minneapolis but loves his adopted hometown of Omaha. Jeff Koterba chats with Kyle about what makes Nebraska a special place to pursue one’s passions.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Jeff Koterba had such a great conversation with Anne Marie Kenny on last week’s Jeff Around Town, she’s back for part 2. This time, Jeff and Anne Marie chat about the authenticity of language, how dreams can inspire creativity, and more.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

As artists and storytellers, Jeff Koterba and Maureen Toberer Mangan have often been struck by sudden bursts of inspiration. They’ve also both been struck by lightning. On this Jeff Around Town, Maureen shares her close encounter with Mother Nature and how it shifted her work as an artist.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

A native of Turkey, Dr. Meral Koldaş had a dream of helping those with autism. After studying in the U.K., where she also learned English, she landed at UNMC where she works as a post-doctoral fellow. During her time in Omaha, she’s enjoyed that good ol’ Midwestern hospitality not to mention how the warm weather reminds her of home. (But just don’t ask her about winter!).

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Omaha native Tag Ryan is a musician and music manager who performs six days a week. But if you want to catch his act, you’ll have to book a cruise. Tag spends 8-10 months a year at sea, and yet, he shares with Jeff Koterba how the ocean allows his imagination to drift off to the plains of Nebraska.

Audio Transcript of this Episode

May 5th was National Cartoonist Day and on this episode, Jeff Koterba will chat with cartoonist, Denise Natali, who finds humor in all things tech. She also once worked in military intelligence and brings a unique perspective when discussing art and AI.

Audio Transcript of this Episode

Have you visited Omaha’s newest addition? If you haven’t yet had a chance to walk the Baby Bob, you can join Jeff Koterba as he does just that with longtime friend, Liz Hruska. Liz not only once worked with Bob Kerrey, she’s also a fan of his namesake bridge, not to mention, the bridge’s offspring.

Audio Transcript of this Episode

Even though Ann Brugenhemke is a lifelong artist, it wasn’t until she began teaching that she began to approach her work as a child might—just diving in without worry. She’s also a cofounder of a creativity and coffee meetup in Council Bluffs. Hear all about it as she chats with Jeff Koterba on this episode of Jeff Around Town.

Audio Transcript of This Episode

Whether you know him as the “Mayor of the Market,” or as Roger Durand, you’ll often find him doing a crossword puzzle at La Buvette or Mr. Toad in Omaha’s Old Market. That’s when he’s not busy dreaming up his latest endeavor. Listen as Jeff Koterba chats with Roger—a true creative force in the Old Market.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

They say laughter is the best medicine. So how about pursuing your creativity? Join Jeff Koterba as he chats with counselor and cartoonist, Bob Atherton, on this episode of Jeff Around Town.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

From Big Omaha to Millwork Commons, Jeff Slobotski is what many would consider an “entrepreneur’s entrepreneur.” And on the next Jeff Around Town, you’ll hear why this mentor, and connector loves Omaha for its creativity.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Do you love cheese? Hear what a certified cheese professional has to say about why Omaha is a great place to explore the creative aspects of…cheese!

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

What’s the best coffee you’ve ever had? For that matter, what’s the best question a barista has ever asked you? Before you ask, yes, you can hear more about this inquisitive episode of Jeff Around Town.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Jack Phillips is a poet, nature writer, and founder of The Naturalist School, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people connect more deeply with nature through creativity. He teaches wild poetry workshops and who knows? If you listen to this edition of Jeff Around Town, he may even inspire you to get out into nature and to write about it.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Just like George Gershwin’s An American in Paris, Bernie Duhaime was an American who easily could have lived in France but instead called Nebraska home. Not only did he help bring French language learning to Omaha, but he was also instrumental in establishing Omaha’s sister city in the Normandy region of France. Hear Jeff Koterba’s tribute to a fellow Francophile who chose Omaha over Paris on this Jeff Around Town.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

How does a spilled vanilla latte on another customer at a popular Omaha coffee shop lead to a discussion about 70 chickens? One of which is named Dolly Parton? Find out the full story on this episode.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Creativity connects us all and The Hoff Family & Arts Culture Center in Council Bluffs celebrates creativity for the entire community, on both sides of the river. Join Jeff Koterba on this edition for Jeff Around Town as he chats with Danna Kehm, CEO of Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

How important is the location of a film, especially if you’re an Oscar-winning filmmaker shooting a film in your hometown? Not to mention the powerful role music plays in movies. To hear all about it, listen to this episode of Jeff Around Town when he’s joined by special guest, Alexander Payne.

Here is of the Alexander Payne print that Jeff drew! The Omaha Symphony presented Payne with a framed copy before the performance.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

A creative powerhouse, Erika Hansen is the Vice President of Commercial Entertainment for Omaha Performing Arts. She’s also the founder of a lifestyle brand, and digital course creator that blends fashion, music, and more to inspire others. Hear why Erika finds Omaha to be a supportive and collaborative community that allows for limitless creativity as she joins Jeff Koterba on this episode of Jeff Around Town.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.

Charlene Donaghy is an award-winning playwright based in Connecticut whose work has been staged across the U.S. and beyond. And yet, time and again, she returns to Nebraska to teach at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Find out what it is about Omaha that keeps calling to Charlene.

Audio Transcript of this Episode.