Good Life, Great Careers

In the 27th and final episode of the Good Life, Great Careers podcast, we sit down with Lieutenant Monty Lovelace, Director of the Nebraska Information Analysis Center (NIAC) and the Technical Crimes Division for the Nebraska State Patrol. With 24 years of service under his belt, Lt. Lovelace shares his journey from growing up in Missouri to building a meaningful and multifaceted career in Nebraska law enforcement.Throughout the episode, Monty reflects on pivotal career moments—from his first assignment in Auburn to leading efforts across the state to combat online threats against children. He shares the importance of collaboration, faith, and mentorship, while offering valuable insights into digital safety, the dangers of online exploitation, and the role of education in prevention. As Commander of the Nebraska Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, he also emphasizes the critical work being done by his team and partner agencies to keep Nebraska’s youth safe.In addition to his impactful career, Monty gives us a glimpse into his personal life, including his love of bluegrass music, his role as a 4-H and FFA leader, and the importance of balancing a demanding job with family and community life. Tune in for a powerful conversation on service, leadership, and the evolving landscape of public safety in Nebraska.Many are unaware that the Nebraska state government stands as one of the largest and most varied employers in the state, offering a plethora of career paths. The Good Life, Great Careers Podcast aims to spotlight these abundant opportunities within Nebraska's state government.Intro and Outro Song: Electric Rock (King Around Here) by AlexGrohl on pixabay.com

In the 26th episode of the Good Life, Great Careers podcast, we sit down with Jadyn Gentleman, Wellness Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Corrections. Jadyn shares her journey from a small town in Nebraska to finding her ideal role in wellness after graduating from UNL with a degree in Nutrition, Health, and Exercise Science. As the first person in her position, she has developed a comprehensive wellness program focused on six key dimensions of well-being, including physical, emotional, and occupational health. She discusses her innovative initiatives, such as "Wellness on the Go" and wellness fairs, which have been well received by staff. Jadyn also highlights the importance of leadership support and employee engagement in building a successful program. In addition to her career, Jayden shares her experience as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, emphasizing the impact of giving back and encouraging others to get involved in mentorship. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on building a culture of wellness and resilience in the workplace!   Many are unaware that the Nebraska state government stands as one of the largest and most varied employers in the state, offering a plethora of career paths. The Good Life, Great Careers Podcast aims to spotlight these abundant opportunities within Nebraska's state government.   Intro and Outro Song: Electric Rock (King Around Here) by AlexGrohl on pixabay.com

In the 25th episode of the Good Life, Great Careers podcast, we are joined by Patrick Redmond, Deputy Director of the Nebraska Broadband Office. Patrick has played a key role in expanding broadband access across the state, managing operations, long-term planning, and representing Nebraska with the NTIA. Beginning his state career in the Budget Office, he quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Nebraska’s Infrastructure and Broadband Coordinator before stepping into his current leadership role. In this episode, Patrick shares insights into the challenges of resource management, the impact of broadband expansion on Nebraskans, and the many career opportunities within state government. Tune in for an engaging discussion on leadership, public service, and professional growth! Many are unaware that the Nebraska state government stands as one of the largest and most varied employers in the state, offering a plethora of career paths. The Good Life, Great Careers Podcast aims to spotlight these abundant opportunities within Nebraska's state government. Intro and Outro Song: Electric Rock (King Around Here) by AlexGrohl on pixabay.com

In the 24th episode of the Good Life, Great Careers podcast, we are joined by Casey Ricketts, Director of the Nebraska Racing & Gaming Commission. In 2022, Casey joined the newly established Racing & Gaming Commission, where she played a pivotal role in building the agency from the ground up. Initially hired as an investigator, she quickly advanced to Director of Compliance before being named Interim Executive Director in January 2024 and officially appointed as Director in October 2024. In this episode, Casey shares her insights into the challenges and rewards of building a new agency, as well as her commitment to fostering a healthy work-life balance for her team. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about leadership and growth in Nebraska State Government! Many are unaware that the Nebraska state government stands as one of the largest and most varied employers in the state, offering a plethora of career paths. The Good Life, Great Careers Podcast aims to spotlight these abundant opportunities within Nebraska's state government.   Intro and Outro Song: Electric Rock (King Around Here) by AlexGrohl on pixabay.com

In the 23rd episode of the Good Life, Great Careers podcast, we are joined by Deirdre Barney from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Deirdre is an Office Technician for the agency, where she processes applications for food permits and handles annual renewal payments for existing permits. She also answers phone inquiries, manages phone payments, types up reports for food complaints, and tracks outstanding food permit applications that still require payment. Deirdre’s career journey began as a temp for the SOS team at the Department of Environment & Energy, where she worked primarily during the COVID outbreak. During this time, she focused on scanning documents and helping connect people to the database from remote settings. Inspired by her experience, she decided to stay in the government sector. After working as a temp for the Department of Revenue, she joined the Department of Agriculture in a permanent role. Don’t miss this engaging conversation! Many are unaware that the Nebraska state government stands as one of the largest and most varied employers in the state, offering a plethora of career paths. The Good Life, Great Careers Podcast aims to spotlight these abundant opportunities within Nebraska's state government.   Intro and Outro Song: Electric Rock (King Around Here) by AlexGrohl on pixabay.com

In the 22nd episode of the Good Life, Great Careers podcast, we are joined by Nancy Mann from the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy (NDEE). Nancy is the Section Supervisor of the Petroleum Remediation Section and has dedicated 32 years to serving the state. Her team manages petroleum spills across Nebraska, covering aboveground and underground storage tanks, as well as surface spills. With a deep passion for her mission to support Nebraska’s citizens, Nancy shares insights from her remarkable career and highlights the diverse opportunities within NDEE. Don’t miss this engaging conversation!   Many are unaware that the Nebraska state government stands as one of the largest and most varied employers in the state, offering a plethora of career paths. The Good Life, Great Careers Podcast aims to spotlight these abundant opportunities within Nebraska's state government. Intro and Outro Song: Electric Rock (King Around Here) by AlexGrohl on pixabay.com

Katie McGuire, from the Nebraska Department of Revenue, is our guest on the 21st episode of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast. Katie is a Revenue Section Manager and has been with the state for over three years. She co-leads a team of agents, senior agents and supervisors state-wide in efforts to assist Nebraska citizens with resolution of any tax filing or account balances to include individual income tax and business tax programs. Katie brings great passion to her mission to help the citizens of Nebraska. Join us as she shares insights from her career journey and discusses the various opportunities available within the organization. Many are unaware that the Nebraska state government stands as one of the largest and most varied employers in the state, offering a plethora of career paths. The Good Life, Great Careers Podcast aims to spotlight these abundant opportunities within Nebraska's state government.   Intro and Outro Song: Electric Rock (King Around Here) by AlexGrohl on pixabay.com

Leslie Remus from the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services is our guest on the 20th episode of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast. Leslie is an attorney and has been with the state for over three years. She specifically works with the Division and Children and Family Services within DHHS. Join us as she shares insights from her career journey and discusses the various opportunities available within the organization.   Many are unaware that the Nebraska state government stands as one of the largest and most varied employers in the state, offering a plethora of career paths. The Good Life, Great Careers Podcast aims to spotlight these abundant opportunities within Nebraska's state government.   Intro and Outro Song: Electric Rock (King Around Here) by AlexGrohl on pixabay.com

Sergeant Kayla Kildare from the Nebraska State Patrol is our guest on the 19th episode of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast. With encouragement from her brother, she transitioned from factory work to her dream job with the Nebraska State Patrol. Join us as she shares insights from her career journey and discusses the various opportunities available within the organization. If you're considering a career as a Nebraska State Trooper, visit nebraskatroopers.com (https://nebraskatroopers.com/). For information on other career options within the Nebraska State Patrol, check out https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/become-trooper. Many are unaware that the Nebraska state government stands as one of the largest and most varied employers in the state, offering a plethora of career paths. The Good Life, Great Careers Podcast aims to spotlight these abundant opportunities within Nebraska's state government. Intro and Outro Song: Electric Rock (King Around Here) by AlexGrohl on pixabay.com

In our eighteenth episode we focus on one of Governor Pillen's primary initiatives: youth mentoring in the State of Nebraska. Through the initiative, public servants are given the opportunity to invest in our youth by volunteering as a mentor. This episode is the second of a two-part series where we take a deeper dive into mentoring, it's impact, and how Nebraska public servants can make a difference. In this episode we are joined by guests Melissa Mayo, the Executive Director for Mentor Nebraska, and Jason Jackson, the Director of the Department of Administrative Services. Melissa and Jason share their experiences with mentoring, and provide some guidance for those who may be interested in mentoring. We hope you will join us for this conversation. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.

In our seventeenth episode we shift gears a bit, and focus on one of Governor Pillen's primary initiatives: the mentoring of our youth in the State of Nebraska. Through the initiative, public servants are given the opportunity to invest in our youth by volunteering as a mentor. This episode is part 1 of a 2 part series where we take a deeper dive into mentoring, it's impact, and how Nebraska public servants can make a difference. In this episode we are joined by guests Trudy Clark from the Department of Education, and her mentee, Keisha. Trudy and Keisha share with us how their mentoring relationship has impacted both of them, and provide some guidance for those who may be interested in mentoring. We hope you will join us for this unique and fascinating conversation. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.               Epic Cinematic Trailer | ELITE by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Happy Upbeat Corporate | WORK by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In our sixteenth episode we are joined by guest Brigadier General Craig Strong, the 34th Adjutant General of the Nebraska Military Department. In this episode, Brigadier General Strong talks about the vast and noble work of the Nebraska Army National Guard and Air National Guard, as well as employment and career opportunities within the Nebraska Military Department. We hope you will join us for this unique and fascinating conversation. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.                   Epic Cinematic Trailer | ELITE by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Happy Upbeat Corporate | WORK by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In our fifteenth episode we are joined by guest Mitchell Bruening from the the Department of Health and Human Services. Mitchell is the Interim Hospital Administrator at the Lincoln Regional Center. Listen in as Mitchell shares a little about himself and why the great mission of DHHS resonates so strongly with him. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.     Epic Cinematic Trailer | ELITE by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Happy Upbeat Corporate | WORK by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In our fourteenth episode we are joined by guest Kelly Lammers from the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance. While Kelly did not plan to stay at the state of Nebraska very long when he first started with the state, he ended up building a very successful career and now serves as the Director of the agency. Listen in as Kelly shares a little about himself, his career journey, and gives some great advice for job seekers. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.         Epic Cinematic Trailer | ELITE by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Happy Upbeat Corporate | WORK by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In our thirteenth episode we are joined by guest Holden Armstrong from the Nebraska Department of Veteran's Affairs (NDVA). Holden is the Communications Director for the NDVA. Listen in as Holden shares a little about himself and why the great mission of the NDVA resonates so strongly with him.   A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.         Epic Cinematic Trailer | ELITE by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Happy Upbeat Corporate | WORK by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In our twelfth episode we are joined by guest Chuck Chase from the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources NDNR. Chuck is an Outreach Coordinator with the NDNR, and he joins us to share about his unique career journey and why he loves serving the great people of Nebraska. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.

In our eleventh episode we are joined by guest Mark Fischer from the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Mark is a great example of someone who has built a lasting and successful career in state government. Mark shares with us his journey from starting out as an intern at NDOT while attending UNL to becoming a Research Program Manager. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.     Epic Cinematic Trailer | ELITE by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Happy Upbeat Corporate | WORK by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In our tenth episode we are joined by guest Michael Broderick from the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services. Michael is an Air Force veteran who utilized the SkillBridge program to help him transition back into civilian life. As a veteran friendly employer, the State of Nebraska is a proud partner of the SkillBridge program which helps veterans gain valuable experience in areas of interest as they transition out of their military service. In this episode Michael shares is own personal story of serving his nation in the Air Force, and then moving back home to serve the citizens of his home state. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.                   Epic Cinematic Trailer | ELITE by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Happy Upbeat Corporate | WORK by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In our ninth episode we are joined by guest Jasmine Gruhn from the Nebraska Department of Education. Jasmine where she is the Director of Talent Management. Jasmine sits down with us to share about her own career journey, some insights into her agency, as well as some great career opportunities. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.       Epic Cinematic Trailer | ELITE by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Happy Upbeat Corporate | WORK by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In our eighth episode we are joined by guest Carrie Gans from the Public Service Commission where she is the Assistant Telecommunications Director. Carrie sits down with us to share about her own career journey, some of the upcoming career opportunities in her agency, as well as providing insight into the great work the Public Service Commission does for the citizens of Nebraska.   A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.           Epic Cinematic Trailer | ELITE by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Happy Upbeat Corporate | WORK by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In our seventh episode we are joined by guest Jason Jackson from the Department Administrative Services. Jason is the the Chief Human Resource Officer for Governor Pete Ricketts as well as the Director of Administrative Services. Jason sits down with us to share about his career journey which has taken him from the Navy, to the tech sector, and now to public service in Nebraska. He also delves into some of the exciting initiatives to make Nebraska State Government an employer of choice. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.                         Epic Cinematic Trailer | ELITE by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Happy Upbeat Corporate | WORK by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In our sixth episode we are joined by guest Tammy Foley from the Department of Health and Human Services. Tammy is a Clinical Nurse Supervisor and shares with us her own unique career journey as well as opportunities in nursing within Nebraska State Government. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.       Epic Cinematic Trailer | ELITE by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Happy Upbeat Corporate | WORK by Alex-Productions | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx0_M61F81Nfb-BRXE-SeVA Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In our fifth episode we are joined by two guests, Director Scott Frakes and Warden Craig Gable from the Department of Correctional Services. Be sure to join us to hear about the unique career journeys of both Director Frakes and Warden Gable. They also share some of the exciting development and career advancement opportunities there are in the Department of Correctional Services. A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.

In our fourth episode we are joined by Michael Gries, a Radiological Health Physicist with the Department of Health and Human Services.   A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government.

A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government. In our third episode we are joined by Gloria Eddins, Business Manager and ADA Coordinator with the 309 Task Force.

A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government. In our second episode we are joined by Travis Shepler, Assistant Division Administrator of the Law Enforcement Division for the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission.

A lot of people don’t realize Nebraska state government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in the state when it comes to career opportunities. The purpose of the Good Life, Great Careers Podcast is to highlight the great career opportunities in Nebraska state government. In our inaugural episode we are joined by Cody Thomas, the Nebraska State Patrol Public Relations Director.