Thinking Out Loud

KBIA’s Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Kantha Channaiah, Assistant Professor of Food Science and State Extension Specialist of Food Processing and Safety at CAFNR on the food safety training programs offered through CAFNR and the importance of proper food handling - not only for manufacturers and businesses, but also individuals who work with popular methods of food handling such as canning.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Scott Simon, longtime host of NPR's "Weekend Edition Saturday," about his new book. Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known explores the pets in Scott's life, and how we are all affected by the animals in our lives.

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Drs. Shinyoung Jeon and Aileen Garcia on National Childcare Provider Appreciation Day, or Provider Appreciation Day, happening May 8th – a worldwide celebration meant to recognize the work of childcare providers, teachers, and other educators of young children.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Emily Ehling who directs "Catalyst," an upcoming dance concert, and about the new dance program within Mizzou's Theatre Department.Mizzou Theatre Department

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with returning guest, Dr. Melissa Herzog, Associate Teaching Professor at HDFS on National Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW), happening April 20-24, 2026 as a time to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours and make a profound difference in the lives of youth.

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Francisco Palermo, Associate Professor at HDFS on National Kindergarten Day, the impacts of technology on early learning, and how early childhood education emphasizes developing the social skills children require before academia.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Rev. Katie Collins of First Presbyterian Church about their Holy Week observances and the meaning of events like Maunday Thursday and Good Friday. First Presbyterian Church, Columbia MO

KBIA’s Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Brandon Boyd, Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Missouri on the MU Choral Union’s upcoming spring performance, Franz Schubert’s Mass in E flat Major, presented by the University Concert Series and in collaboration with the Columbia Civic Orchestra. Plus, a look at what’s coming down the line as the Choral Union plans its celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Jeffrey Stevens of the Mizzou History Department about this year's guest in the Fordyce Mitchel Lecture Series. Dr. Dimitri Nakassis of University of Colorado will speak on "At Mycenae the Gods Once Walked the Earth: The Rise and Fall of a Bronze Age Civilization."Schedule for 2026 Fordyce Mitchell Lecture Series

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Nicole Johnston of the Missouri Historic Costume and Textile Collection and Joan Stack of the State Historical Society of Missouri about the new display " W[A]RN and TRANSFORMED: Uniforms as Stories of U.S." with U.S. military veterans sharing stories as art around the military uniforms. W[A]RN and TRANSFORMED: UniformW[A]RN and TRANSFORMED: Uniforms as Stories of U.S.s as Stories of U.S.

Growing up, what did you want to be? KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Kellie Seals, Assistant Extension Professor and 4-H State Specialist in College and Career Pathways on Career Awareness Month happening in March, and how programs like 4-H are equipping young people with the skills necessary to be life and work-ready.

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Melissa Herzog, Associate Teaching Professor at HDFS and co-pilot of ShowMe Healthy Relationships (SMHR) on how SMHR provides free researched-based, federally funded relationship education to Missourians state-wide, changing how both single and coupled people navigate their relationships in all aspects of life.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Brandi Hamilton, a environmental specialist with the Missouri State Department of Health and Senior Services and Environmental Epidemiology, about the dangers of household radon. This tasteless and odorless gas can greatly increase risk of lung cancer and other cancers. The good news is the State of Missouri provides free, easy to use radon test kits, and if radon is detected they can recommend mitigation measures. MO Department of Health and Senior Services radon test kits

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Kale Monk, Associate Professor at HDFS on how framing our relationships through a lens levity and preventative care can ensure we remain connected in our partnerships, and create greater sense of commitment with loved ones of all kinds.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Brian Kisida of Mizzou's Open Minds Initiative about a visit to Columbia from Sebastian Junger, author of the recently released book, "Tribe: On Homecoming And Belonging." Junger will be appearing as part of the University's Thomas Lecture and Performance Series. Darren and Brian also discuss the Open Minds Initiative at M.U. Open Minds Initiative from Mizzou A&S

KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Stacia Schaefer of the State Historical Society of Missouri about many events happening at the Center for Missouri Studies around the 100th anniversary of Route 66. 100 Years of Route 66 at State Historical Society of Missouri

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Audra West about the upcoming Children's Mission and Movie Day at Columbia's First Presbyterian Church. You can sign up at First Presbyterian Church

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Leigh Kottwitz, Neighborhood Services Manager and Adam Friesz, Code Enforcement Specialist at the City of Columbia on the tenant resources offered by Neighborhood Services, including the Rental Inspection Program and Energy Scoring, and how the City can assist in managing the relationship between tenants, landlords, and property managers.

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Steven Krauss, Associate Professor at HDFS on Youth Mentoring Month, taking place this January, and the different ways engaged mentorship can impact youth, and sew the seeds for lifelong success and relationships.

The Connector Helps Missourians Understand Research at MizzouKBIA’s Darren Hellwege talks with Senior Engagement Programming Director Christal Huber about her work at The Connector — a team that connects Missourians to people, resources, tools and ideas from Mizzou's research and creative activity. They discuss the upcoming Columbia Young Scientists Expo, happening at Mizzou on Saturday, Feb. 28.The Connector Young Scientists Fair and Expo

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Antoinette Landor, Associate Professor at HDFS on reflecting on lived history in 2025, the ‘3 buckets’ of effective goal setting, and how prioritizing connection with loved ones can make our new year resolutions feel more satisfying and sustainable.

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Keri Jacobs, Executive Director of the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL) on providing research-based executive and emerging leader education, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing agricultural cooperatives.

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Jamie Courter, Director of the National Center for Applied Reproduction (NCARG) and advisor the Show Me Select Replacement Heifer Program on the evolving reproductive technologies of the American cattle industry.