Send us a text The most profound truth about youth sports might just surprise you. For Gary Thrapp, founder of Beyond the Baseline and veteran coach with 40 years of experience, it's not about trophies or championships—it's about relationships. "I don't remember wins, losses, much of anything," Thrapp reveals, "but I remember the commitment and what's really cool is now my kids, who are parents themselves, remember that and are teaching it to their children." This powerful revelation anchors our...
Jul 16, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Send us a text Dylan Wiemers, Club Director at the QC Tennis Club, brings a unique perspective to the local sports scene. Growing up in Coal Valley and training at the very facility he now manages, his journey from competitive college player to club director reflects the deep community bonds formed through sports in the Quad Cities. The 50-year legacy of the QC Tennis Club has entered an exciting new chapter with the rise of pickleball. When the club converted three tennis courts into nine indoo...
Jul 07, 2025•24 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Send us a text Something extraordinary is about to light up the Quad Cities skyline. The Figge Art Museum's glass façade will soon transform into Evanescent Field – a breathtaking light installation and the largest public art display in Iowa's history. As the Figge celebrates its centennial year, Executive Director Melissa Mohr and one of the Senior Curators, Joshua Johnson, reveal the journey behind this monumental project. World-renowned artist Leo Villareal, creator of San Francisco's famous ...
Apr 30, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Send us a text We're diving deep into the transformative power of cultural exchange, as our guest, Emerald Johnson from the Iowa Resource for International Service, shares her insights on what it means to welcome someone from across the globe into your home. Discover how hosting fosters unforgettable connections, bringing families together through shared experiences. You'll hear heartwarming stories about students experiencing their first snowfall or traditional Midwest community events, showcas...
Mar 11, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Send us a text Captivating and unique, Books & Meows is not your average spot for coffee and cuddles. This podcast episode dives deep into the establishment's heart, exploring how Nicole Puryear has created a sanctuary blending feline friendlies with the love of reading. Nicole shares the journey behind opening her cat lounge, emphasizing its mission to promote children's literacy while providing a home for adoptable cats from the Humane Society. You will hear how Books & Meows serves as...
Feb 26, 2025•22 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Send us a text Rene Gellerman, President and CEO of United Way, joins us to share the inspiring journey behind her new book, "Adventures of Kids United: The Glass Bridge." Her personal story translates into a powerful narrative about five children discovering their unique superpowers. Through the lens of the iconic Sky Bridge (located in Davenport, Iowa in real life), Rene paints a vibrant picture of potential when community support meets youthful curiosity and talent. This episode digs into the...
Nov 13, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Send us a text What sparks a lifelong passion for music? Join us as we uncover the journeys of Jack and Anna, two spirited members of the University of Illinois Marching Illini, as they prepare for a heartfelt return to their hometown of Geneseo. From the sousaphone to the trumpet, Jack and Anna reveal their deep connections to their instruments, the thrill of their transition from high school to college marching band, and the meticulous logistics behind traveling with such a large ensemble. Ann...
Aug 30, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Send us a text Do not attempt the feats described in this podcast unless with a trained guide or professional. Always practice safety on the water. Find paddlecraft info on the US Coast Guard's website, here Adventurer Dana Starkell shares his awe-inspiring journey, starting from his unique upbringing with an eccentric father who turned ordinary days into extraordinary adventures. Listen as Dana relives his vivid childhood memories of rescuing crows and exploring forests, which ignited his lifel...
Jul 24, 2024•59 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Send us a text Can you imagine an air show that not only fills the sky with breathtaking maneuvers but also rocks out with three incredible concerts? Join us for an enlightening chat with Evan Hopper, the Vice President of Air Show Operations, as we unravel the magic behind this year's Quad City Air Show, set for June 22nd and 23rd. Take a nostalgic trip with us to the origins and highlights of the Quad City Air Show. Hear stories of the awe-inspiring capabilities of the U.S. Air Force F-22 Rapt...
Jun 10, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Send us a text What does it take to keep a family business thriving for generations? Join us as we sit down with Annika and Jon Tunberg from Whitey's Ice Cream, a beloved staple in the Quad Cities community. Jon reminisces about his early days with the company, from picking up trash in the parking lot before school to watching the business grow. Annika shares her insights on the unique dynamics of working with family, the invaluable lessons passed down through generations, and the essential role...
May 31, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Send us a text Join us as we delve into the unique world of Midwest parenting with Sierra Stuart and Alyssa Williams, of Quad Cities Mom. They share their journey of creating a digital space for parents, filled with practical tips, personal stories, and a directory of family resources. From toddler tantrums to family outings, we discuss the resources Quad Cities Mom offers to readers, and the community they've built to support and laugh together through the journey of parenthood. Sierra and Alys...
May 02, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Send us a text There's a special kind of connection that occurs when books and coffee come together, and this episode's guest, Kara Taghon from The Atlas Collective, is a true magician in that respect. With the scent of freshly brewed coffee in the air and a library of stories at our fingertips, we explore the creation of a community hub that's reinvigorating the Quad Cities. Kara reveals the life of a new business owner and how her introverted nature thrives within this extroverted venture, pro...
Apr 26, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Send us a text Embark on a delightful journey with me as I sit down with Kristen Vito, the passionate assistant Director of Alumni Events and Community Engagement at St Ambrose University. During our conversation, we traverse Kristen's surprising path from exercise science to the vibrant world of community engagement, uncovering how her work is integral to nurturing the future through the SAU Wine Festival Series. Sip and savor the essence of the SAU Wine Fest Series' 23 years of togetherness, p...
Apr 11, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Send us a text Did you know the Davenport Junior Theater is the second-oldest kids' theater in the country? Daniel Sheridan shares with us the secrets to the theater's longevity and some updates on what's in store for the community staple. Imagine a place where the vibrancy of young performers infuses life into the rich tapestry of arts in the Quad Cities. Daniel takes us behind the scenes, sharing how his personal evolution from a reserved child to a theater aficionado led him to shape the futu...
Apr 10, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it feels like to truly belong? Ashley Gore, the VP of Marketing and PR for the Quad Cities Jaycees, joins us to unravel the tapestry of community engagement and how it's not just about the events, but the connections that blossom from them. From teaching to telecommuting, Ashley's journey to find her tribe in her 30s is a tale that resonates with anyone seeking a deeper sense of community. Her insights into the Quad Cities' open-armed approach to newcom...
Mar 27, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Send us a text When you get a golden idea - run with it. That's what Rachel Stahle and Kelsey Watson did, leading to the creation of Snap Wagon. Embark on a journey with us and discover how a mobile photo booth became the cornerstone of a thriving business. This episode unravels the tapestry of their hard-won success, detailing the metamorphosis of a simple concept into a community-connecting phenomenon and marketing powerhouse. Rachel and Kelsey's passion for local growth and their unique blend...
Mar 20, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Send us a text When Grace Boffeli decided to take her basketball talents to Northern Iowa, little did she know that her story would become an inspiration for countless young athletes in her hometown of the Quad Cities. In our latest episode, Grace, a former North Scott High School phenom and now a key player for UNI, sits down to recount her exhilarating journey. She shares how the roar of her local fans fuels her on-court prowess and reminisces about the pivotal moment she chose to become a Pan...
Mar 06, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Send us a text The Quad Cities is quickly becoming a fitness hotspot. On "QC, That's Where" we dive into the up and coming world of bungee fitness, which has found a home in Moline, Illinois. Stephanie Duffield, the brave pioneer of Bungee QC, shares her tale of venturing into the fitness frontier and the joy she's found in helping others discover their own 'Peter Pan' dreams. In our deep dive into bungee fitness, we're graced with the insights of a certified instructor who specializes in aiding...
Nov 22, 2023•31 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Send us a text Christina, along with her husband Brooks, own Board and Brush Quad Cities, a vibrant DIY creative studio. They've made it their mission to provide a creative getaway for groups and individuals looking to get creative, with paint and sip workshops, kids' parties, and more. Christina walks us through her journey of owning a business, the twists and turns she's encountered, and how she's carved out a unique niche in the bustling Quad Cities community. Christina’s infectious passion f...
Nov 08, 2023•31 min•Season 4Ep. 22
Send us a text Have you ever felt the urge to escape the unrelenting pace of life and simply breathe? If so, this episode with Rebecca Sebastian, the owner of Sunlight Yoga + Apothecary in Davenport, is just the respite you need. We delve into her journey from struggling with chronic hip pain, to discovering the healing power of yoga, and eventually becoming a yoga therapist. Rebecca's story is a testament to the transformative power of yoga and the nourishing sanctuary she has created at Sunlig...
Oct 17, 2023•26 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Send us a text Ever wondered how to transform your passion into a thriving online presence? Join us as we pick the brains of food connoisseurs and successful content creators, Annie Froeschle and Bailey Thompson, as they dish out their journey to the digital world. Launching into the vibrant food scene in the Quad Cities, they recount how their platforms turned from mere hobbies into profitable ventures, bringing to the table insights about fostering community, collaboration, and overcoming perc...
Sep 27, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 20
Send us a text Ever wonder how an engineer in aeronautics becomes a real estate aficionado? Our guest, Alex Skeen, takes us through his extraordinary journey from rockets to helping people find their dream home in the Quad Cities real estate market. His fascinating story will captivate you, as he shares his unique experiences, including the awe-inspiring sight of a rocket launch in Florida and the rewarding shift to real estate. It's time to embark on a detailed exploration of life in Iowa with ...
Sep 13, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Send us a text Scott Beck and Bryan Woods met back when they were 11-year-old kids at Bettendorf Middle School, bonding over a shared interest of making movies. Through the years they moved from stop-action films with action figures to getting friends to act in their films, holding casting calls and getting their movies played on screen at places like "The Adler Theatre" or "The Putnam." As professionals, writing unique favorites like "A Quiet Place" has turned into daily life. Now, in pursuit o...
Aug 30, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Send us a text Quad Citizen and author, Jonathan Turner, has made a lifelong career as a writer. One of his latest works is "100 Things to do in the Quad Cities Before You Die," which is a guide book to help people navigate must-see and do activities in the Quad Cities region. The book is broken down topically, with recommendations and brief descriptions to help readers find an experience that fits their interests. Jonathan explains that the brief writing style was a challenge, as there was much...
Aug 16, 2023•46 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Send us a text Kathy Wine, the Executive Director of River Action got inspired by a trip she took to Baltimore. She had ridden a pedestrian boat and saw the opportunities the Quad Cities had to have a similar service, on the Mississippi River. Enthused with the idea, Kathy wrote a grant for a feasibility study to see if such a service as a water taxi could work in the Quad Cities. With $25,000 in hand, and encouragement from a River Action board member, the crew forewent the feasibility study an...
Aug 02, 2023•30 min•Season 4Ep. 16
Send us a text The owners of Buttercupp Candles, which now has three locations around the Quad Cities, share the story of their start. Jennifer initially wanted to make candles to support the aesthetic of another business endeavor, and ultimately she and her husband K.C. discovered "Buttercupp" could be a venture of its own. The pair started making candles in their home, working to keep overhead costs down, but expanded beyond the means of their at-home workspace, and have grown into multiple sp...
Jul 12, 2023•37 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Send us a text Dan Bush from Bummer City Inc. is an entrepreneur with a passion for improving the quality of life and place in the Quad Cities. The owner of multiple businesses, Dan says he tries to create spaces that are more than just bars, but are hangouts. Analog Arcade Bar, being one, is just as it sounds. A bar and an arcade. It brings together the nostalgia of childhood video gaming while fostering a place for adults to gather, have a drink, and destress with some carefree fun. Dan has cr...
Jun 28, 2023•38 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Send us a text Patrick Allie, the director of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum gives us an inside look at the hard work and thought that's gone into the renovation of the museum. Originally opened on July 4, 1905, the museum has been revamped only three times, once in response to WWI, another time in response to WWII, and the third in response to a the global COVID-19 pandemic. The mission of the museum is to showcase the Rock Island Arsenal's history, commands, the products, processes and people ...
Jun 14, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Send us a text Sonny Soliz is the artist behind the Hero Street USA monument in Silvis, Illinois. It has been documented that as of the present day there have been over 100 young men and women from Second Street who have given service to the United States Military Forces. It had been researched and documented by The Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. that (there is no other street of comparable size) that has had as many men and women render service to the Armed Forces of the United State...
Jun 05, 2023•9 min
Send us a text Ryan Collins, executive director of the Midwest Writing Center in Rock Island explains what the organization does in the community and how its programming works to serve writers from all backgrounds, levels and aspirations. The center hires interns, hosts writing workshops and a large annual event every summer, as well as partners for community outreach. If you're interested in working with the Midwest Writing Center, find them here: https://www.mwcqc.org/ #VisitQuadCities #Midwes...
May 31, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 12
