Jeff Around Town
A Message From Jeff Koterba:
I truly love my hometown of Omaha. I grew up in South Omaha, and have lived north and south of Dodge Street, from Benson to Dundee, Downtown to West Omaha.
There are so many incredible things happening in our area these days—arts and cultural events, and new developments on nearly every corner, it seems. That’s why, as much as I enjoy traveling, I find equal enjoyment in exploring our bustling metro on both sides of the river. However, it’s the people here that really make Omaha so special.
Being able to connect with strangers and strike up warm conversations wherever I go are just a couple of the myriad reasons I love Omaha. You just never know where I may pop up. Maybe on the riverfront. Maybe in Council Bluffs. Maybe Papillion. Heck, maybe sitting next to you at your favorite coffee shop (I’m obsessed with coffee).
I’ve been known to carry a sketchbook or notebook with me when I’m out for coffee or a walk. As a cartoonist, you have to always be ready to jot down an idea, or to remember an unexpected but wonderful moment. So, if you see a guy with pen in hand, it might be me, and he just might ask how you are.
After all, that’s why I love hosting on KVNO. Yes, it’s about the beautiful and uplifting music, but it’s also about bringing that music and connection to you, dear listener. And now I’ll be sharing even more of my experiences with you on KVNO, as I’ll be sharing my stories on Morning Classics. And with you.
December 2nd
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.
November 25th
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.
November 18th
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.
November 11th
November 4th
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.
October 28th
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.
October 21st
October 14th
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.
October 7th
September 23rd
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.
September 16th
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.
September 9th
September 2nd
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.
August 26th
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.
August 19th
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.
August 12th
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.
August 5th
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.
July 29th
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.
July 22nd
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.
July 15th
July 8th
Imagine, it’s a rainy morning and you’re home with a good book and a cup of coffee. So, what do you do? How about heading off to the Missouri River for a stroll. At least that’s what Jeff Koterba did recently. What inspires you to get out of your comfort zone?July 1st
What happens when Jeff Koterba stops at a café in Paris with a friend and fellow French speaker from Omaha? They chat about how his friend’s love of learning French, Spanish, and other languages has led to her helping people from all over the world back home in Omaha.June 24th
June 17th
Recently, Jeff Koterba co-lead a French conversation tour to Paris and Normandy. While in Normandy, he and his fellow Omahans attended D-Day celebrations in Omaha’s sister city of Isigny-Omaha Beach. Listen as Jeff reflects on the deep connections one experiences on D-Day in Normandy.June 10th
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.
June 3rd
May 27th
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!).
May 20th
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.
May 13th
May 6th
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.
April 29th
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
April 22nd
April 15th
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.
April 8th
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.
March 25th
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.
March 18th
March 11th
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.
March 4th
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!