Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson might very well have the most important job that no one ever really thinks about. He shares with host Scott Heidner how he got to his current position and how the work of the treasury has an impact on the lives of every Kansan. On this episode we discuss:

• A family heritage of farming since 1868
• Growing up on the farm and the influence of 4H
• How farming has transformed over the years
• Working in the private sector
• Running for office to fix the underfunded pensions
• Making systems like KPERS work for Kansans
• The criticality of staff to make the legislature work
• Partnering with Kathy Wolfe Moore to work on the pension system
• The breadth of responsibility at the treasurer's office
• Helping Kansans find unclaimed property
• Supporting education savings through the Kansas Learning Quest program
• The ABLE Savings Plan

Other Resources:

The Office of the Treasurer

Kansas Able Savings Plan

KPERS

Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and Associates

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net

Twenty years ago an idea to collect the papers of Senator Bob Dole became the catalyst for the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. But the Dole Institute has become so much more than that, as Scott explores in his conversation with Audrey Coleman, Director of the Dole Institute as it approaches it’s 20th anniversary. On this episode we discuss:

• The original vision and goals for the Dole Institute
• A tribute to the leadership of Senator Bob Dole
• Features of the institution
• The connection to those who serve our country in the military
• Youth and student outreach and civic leadership
• The criticality of civil discourse
• The programming you can find at the Dole Institute
• Getting creative with engagement during COVID
• That stain glass window
• The efforts of Clinton and Dole to create a college fund for the children of victims from 9/11
• The exhibits you can find in the Dole Institute
• How Bob Dole overcame adversity through his disability
• The Dole Papers and archives
• The trailblazer that Elizabeth Dole was
• The 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Dole Institute

Other Resources:

Learn more about the Dole Institute

Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and Associates

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net

Being involved in politics wasn’t even on Blake Carpenter’s radar until a class project at Wichita State led him to an interview with Representative Jim Howell that changed everything. He shares with host Scott Heidner how that journey has led him to his current role as the House Speaker Pro Tem. On this episode we discuss:

• Growing up in Halstead
• Being ranked a top tier gamer at Call of Duty (when time allows)
• Trying to figure out what to study at Wichita State
• The value of the Eagle Scout achievement
• Becoming interested in politics
• Starting as a freshman legislator right out of college
• Growing into leadership roles and the associated time commitment
• The internship program
• Blake’s podcast, The Kansas Briefing
• Proposing on the cliffs of Ireland

Other Resources:

Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and Associates

Blake Carpenter, Kansas State Representative, 81st District

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net