This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Taylor Clark, Field Specialist in Community Development with MU Extension, and Jamarcus Williams, Superintendent of the Charleston, Missouri School District, to discuss the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows (NLF) program. Taylor Clark describes NLF as an applied civic leadership program designed for those already leading within their organizations who are ready to take the next step, whether that means joining a board, influencing policy, or making a larger community impact. JaMarcus Williams shares how the program expanded his perspective beyond the school district and helped him connect with like-minded leaders across Mississippi and Scott counties. Together, they explore how NLF's first Boot Heel cohort tackled real community challenges, including childcare access, affordable housing, and youth development, and how the relationships built during the program continue to drive positive change across Southeast Missouri.

In this episode, the host, Luke Dietterle, sits down for a chat with Laura Mize, a code enforcer and Neighborhood Specialist with Excelsior Springs Community Development, and David Burton, an MU Extension Field Specialist. This episode explores how Neighboring 101 isn't just for new homeowners. Laura leveraged her connection with her community as a code enforcer to figure out who might benefit from a little help, and then used the assets around her to help her neighborhood. David Burton sheds light on how to identify those assets and how Neighboring 101 can be a next step if you're interested in engaging further with those around you.

This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Adrienne Ohler, Associate Director of Policy Research for the Financial Research Institute, and Alex Antal, Principal at the Regulatory Assistance Project, to discuss the Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute (RULI). Alex Antal explains the unique business context of regulated utilities and how they differ from other investor-owned firms from a managerial perspective. Adrienne Ohler describes the value of this leadership development program for utility professionals and regulators as they navigate rapid transformations in public utility systems. Together, they explore how the program prepares leaders to understand how electricity, natural gas, and water systems are likely to evolve in the years ahead.

This episode explores how employers and community members can support individuals who are or have been justice-involved in finding meaningful employment. We discuss the challenges they face, the resilience and skills they bring, and the pathways that help them rebuild their lives while strengthening our communities.

This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Elena Stephenson, field specialist in community development, and Rachelle Gardner-Roe, a fiber artist and poet, following up on our previous episode on the Dorothy Day Cabin almost two years ago! Rachelle Gardner-Roe describes what her experience was like as the inaugural artist in the Dorothy Day Cabin residency program, along with the stories of how that time sparked future creative inspiration for her. Elena Stephenson explains the work she did as one of the program’s organizers to create a space for local artists to create in a way they hadn't before, and how the program connects with the larger community through artistic action.

MU Extension podcasts: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/podcasts

This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Ashley Beard-Fosnow, Executive Director of the Missouri Humanities in Kansas City, and Matt Pezold, field specialist in labor and workforce development. Ashley Beard-Fosnow describes her current experience with humanities work and how she still uses the lessons from the Labor Studies program in her position, along with the hands-on perspectives she gained that have benefited her. Matt Pezold explains how he works as one of the program’s instructors to shape these courses to provide knowledge leaders can take into their communities, and how he sees these experiences change for every one of his students.

MU Extension podcasts: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/podcasts

Labor Studies Certificate Program: https://www.umsl.edu/political-science/labor-studies/index.html

Labor and Workforce Development: https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/urban-west-region/labor-and-workforce-development

This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Hillary Green, an immigration paralegal with Lathrop GPM in Kansas City, and Matt Pezold, field specialist in labor and workforce development. Hillary Green describes her experience as a law student balancing full-time work and responsibilities with her studies, and the way that MU Extension’s Labor Studies Certificate program provided courses that fit her needs. Matt Pezold explains how he works as one of the program’s instructors to shape these courses for the varied backgrounds of his students, and how the program evolves with the needs of current leaders.

MU Extension podcasts: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/podcasts

Labor Studies Certificate Program: https://www.umsl.edu/political-science/labor-studies/index.html

Labor and Workforce Development: https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/urban-west-region/labor-and-workforce-development

This episode, host Luke Dietterle speaks with Kris Knutson, founder of Shot Bot LLC, and Kris Bockting with Missouri APEX Accelerator. Kris Knutson developed the programming and hardware design of Shot Bot’s mobile targeting system, an advanced system of targets to enhance firearm training for law enforcement. After realizing the potential for this product to serve police training practices, Shot Bot LLC crossed paths with Missouri APEX Accelerator in order to pursue federal opportunities. Kris Bockting explains some of the processes that Missouri APEX Accelerator aids small businesses with, including government contracting and proposal advising.