Backroads and Byways With Fred Uhe

The ever dynamic Jasmyn Goodwin, Executive Director of Visit Omaha, joins host Fred Uhe to discuss everything going on in the world of tourism in the metro, including the impact of visitors on our economy, events and attractions. No discussion on Omaha tourism is complete without mentioning the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Joslyn and Berkshire Hathaway. We touch on the future and how various construction projects will impact the face of Omaha going forward. Tune in! 

Join host Fred Uhe, and Brad Mellema, Executive Director of Grand Island Tourism as they focus on all the activities, events and attractions that has made this Nebraska’s favorite island. From the world-famous Sandhills crane migration to the historic Stuhr Museum to the Nebraska State Fair, GI has a little of something for everyone in your group. For you sports fans, activities are as varied as Fonner Park Thoroughbred Racing, to the Heartland Hoops, to Golden Gloves boxing, to outstanding local fishing. Numerous festivals provide enjoyment throughout the year, these include the Global Roots Festival, Husker Harvest Days, Kite Festival, the Craft Brew & Sausage Festival, Bockfest and Oktoberfest (yes it’s in September). You’ll run out of time before you run out of things to do!

Martie Cordaro, President of your Omaha Storm Chasers, joins host Fred Uhe to discuss the upcoming 2026 season and minor league baseball in general. Players are in camp and the March 31 home opener will be here before you know it. We take a look back at Martie’s career and a look forward to new promotions and a new manager, Patrick Osborn. Cosmic Baseball pays a visit to Werner Park for two games this year for an interesting twist on America’s pastime. Join us as we talk about memories, favorite players and a little Union Omaha soccer as well.

Lindsay Toussant, Executive Director of the Omaha Sports Commission, joins host Fred Uhe for a behind the scenes look at the role of the Commission in preparing bids, staffing events and more. A look back at events such as the Olympic Swim and Curling Trials plus upcoming events including the IronMan coming this summer. So many great sports events happening in the metro and many more to come. We can’t forget the OSCAS (Omaha Sports Commission Awards Show) where the latest inductees into the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame are announced and others are honored for their contributions to the local athletic scene. Be one of the first to know the Hall of Famers in this podcast.

Brian Barks, President and CEO of the Foodbank for the Heartland, joins host Fred Uhe to discuss the challenges in serving 93 counties during these troubling times. Learn the difference between food banks and food pantries and how changes at the USDA impact the delivery systems attempting to address the growing needs across the Midwest. Hunger is not only a Holiday issue but a year-round occurrence that Brian and his team work hard to serve those needing assistance.Our show is sponsored by Jerzes Sports Bar in Papillion!

Unleash Council Bluffs! Mark Eckman, Executive Director of Unleash Council Bluffs (formerly the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau) joins host Fred Uhe as they discuss happenings and attractions in western Iowa. Activities at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock, the former Mt. Crescent Ski Area, are just around the corner so tune in soon. Our show is sponsored by Jerzes Sports Bar in Papillion!

Is Nebraska's capital city of Lincoln going bananas? Join host Fred Uhe and Jeff Maul, executive director of Visit Lincoln as they discuss the Savanna Bananas upcoming visit to the city. They also discuss Lincoln’s hidden gems, thriving and diverse culinary scenes and the power of sports tourism.

It is really fall if you haven’t visited Vala’s? Kirsten Vala Fong, co-owner of Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, joins host Fred Uhe to discuss everything new and exciting at the farm. She offers some background on how those new attractions and food items come about and other topics to give you a behind the scenes look at this leading fall attraction. Kirsten shares her first job at Vala’s and how her family’s passion has become a family tradition for so many in the region. This month’s episode is brought to you by Jerzes Sports Bar in Papillion.

From the front of the house to each line cook in the back, life lessons abound in at Sage Student Bistro. Brian O'Malley is at the center of it all at Metro Community College as the Associate Dean of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Horticulture. In this episode, he joins host Fred Uhe to share insights on his time in the hospitality industry, the impact it's had on his life, how Metro's student-run restaurant operates and so much more.This month's episode is brought to you by Jerzes Sports Bar in Papillion.

Fred Uhe sits down with College World Series Executive Director Amy Hornocker and Board of Directors member Herb Hames to get a behind the scenes look at Omaha's greatest sporting event. From host families to ballpark food, there's plenty to learn about backstage.

Fred Uhe chats with Visit Nebraska Executive Director John Ricks about the hidden gems of the state, how he ended up in the Cornhusker State and his opportunities to work alongside the late Bob Uecker promoting tourism in Wisconsin.

In the inaugural episode of the Backroads and Byways podcast, host Fred Uhe is joined by longtime Omaha radio star Dave Wingert. The duo share highlights from Wingert's career, his latest chapter with Boomer Radio and his upcoming induction into the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame.