Omaha Magazine Podcast

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 - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.   This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.  

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 - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com.   This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.  

Running Douglas County Elections in Today's Climate

Douglas County elections operate under intense scrutiny and for ten years, Brian Kruse was the man responsible for running them.   In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with the former Douglas County Election Commissioner to discuss what it's really like to oversee elections in today's political climate. From early voting growth and signature verification to voter ID, ballot security, and managing media pressure during presidential cycles, Kruse shares how transparency and communication became his office's foundation.   You'll also hear how Nebraska's unique split electoral vote draws national attention, why trust in the system matters more than ever, and what most voters don't see happening behind the scenes.   Then the conversation shifts to Kruse's return to his first calling, funeral service, as Executive Director of Forest Lawn, one of Omaha's most historic resting places.   This is a thoughtful conversation about public trust, civic responsibility, and a life built around service.   Learn more: https://www.votedouglascounty.com https://www.forestlawnomaha.com   Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

FBI Omaha: Cyber Threats, Gangs & Homeland Security

FBI Omaha is working closer to home than most people realize. In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Omaha Field Office, overseeing Nebraska and Iowa operations.   From cyber threats and foreign interference to gang violence, drug trafficking, and agricultural security, Kowal explains how federal, state, and local agencies work shoulder to shoulder to protect our communities. You'll hear how the FBI responds to ransomware attacks, ATM jackpotting, terrorism threats, and organized crime — and why partnerships are the backbone of modern law enforcement.   Kowal also shares his personal journey from Manhattan prosecutor to FBI leadership, what a day in his role actually looks like, and how the Bureau is recruiting the next generation of agents and analysts.   If you've ever wondered what the FBI is really doing in Nebraska and Iowa, this episode provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look. Learn more about Operation Winter Shield: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber/wintershield  Follow the links to learn more: https://www.fbijobs.govhttps://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/omaha Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

When Journalism Meant Trust: Inside Omaha's Newsroom with Mike McKnight & Dave Webber

Before algorithms, outrage, and 24/7 news cycles, journalism was built on trust, relationships, and deep knowledge of the community. In this episode of The Inner Circle, Gil Cohen sits down with two true legends of Omaha media, investigative reporter Mike McKnight and sports broadcaster Dave Webber, whose combined careers span nearly 100 years.   They reflect on what it meant to earn credibility before social media, how investigative journalism really worked behind the scenes, and why knowing a city's people and history mattered more than speed or clicks. From newsroom culture and career-defining stories to bowl trips, live shots, and the rise of "keyboard courage," this episode is a rare, candid look at how journalism has changed and what we've lost along the way.    Follow Omaha Magazine on Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - Twitter. Visit us online at omahamagazine.com. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.