The GNSF ”We Belong Here” Podcast

Episode #47 features special guests Jan Phifer and Andrea Zhorne—better known to many students and families as Miss Jan and Miss Andrea. As Early Childhood Special Education teachers at Fairview Elementary, they’ve spent more than 30 years shaping the earliest learning experiences of Grinnell students. In this episode, we take a look back at their remarkable careers, sharing stories and memories from decades of teaching preschool in Grinnell. With both educators set to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year, it’s a fitting time to celebrate the lasting impact they’ve had on generations of learners. Jan and Andrea truly embody what it means to say, “We Belong Here,” having laid the foundation for countless students’ educational journeys.

Episode #46 of the We Belong Here Podcast features special guest Josh Smith, Principal of Fairview Elementary. Josh has strong roots in the area—he grew up just down the road in Victor and made his way to Grinnell in 2018 as a first-year administrator after many years of teaching in the HLV Community School District and other districts. In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics, including exciting developments like the new elementary school. Josh’s journey and connection to the community make him a perfect example of what it means to say, “We Belong Here.”

Episode #45 features special guest Kevin Hosbond, an 11th grade English teacher and Speech Coach at Grinnell High School. In this episode, we dive into this year’s Large Group Speech season, highlighting standout performers and celebrating the groups that advanced to All-State. Kevin also shares insights from his experience coaching and working with students throughout the season. We’ll also take time to recognize Kevin’s recent honor—being named the 2026 Outstanding Educator in Speech/Debate by the Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). This prestigious award highlights his dedication, impact, and excellence in speech education.

🎙️ Episode #44 – Jill Harris This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome special guest Jill Harris, retired vocal teacher from Grinnell Middle School. Join us as we take a journey through Jill’s 33 years of teaching in Grinnell, reflecting on the memories, lessons, and impact she made on generations of students. We’ll also talk about what she’s doing today to stay connected and continue supporting the Grinnell Community School District. Jill is a wonderful example of the hard work, dedication, and passion our teachers bring to their students every day. Her story highlights what makes Grinnell Schools such a special place—one where truly We Belong Here. 🎶📚

Episode #43 – Zane Strawser-Picado This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guest — Zane Strawser-Picado, Grinnell alumnus and President of the GNSF Board. In this episode, Zane shares his journey through the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District and reflects on how his experiences shaped his path forward. He continued his education at Wartburg College and Southern New Hampshire University, building a strong foundation for his professional career. Now employed with Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., Zane talks about his work in the pharmaceutical industry and how both his family’s deep educational roots and his own experiences continue to draw him back to the Grinnell community. His passion for education and service is what led him to serve on — and now lead — the GNSF Board. Sit back, relax, and tune in. By the end of the episode, you’ll see why Zane Strawser-Picado is proud to say — “We Belong Here!”

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Kayla (Juni) Kelly, the new 4th grade teacher at Grinnell Middle School. A proud GHS alum, Kayla shares her inspiring journey back home and the path that led her to the classroom. Sit back and listen—by the end of the episode, you’ll agree: Kayla is a perfect fit to say, “We Belong Here.” Stay connected. Stay inspired. Because We Belong Here.

Episode #41 – Bill Kostow This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guest — Bill Kostow, Treasurer and GHS Student advisor liaison for the GNSF board. In this episode, Bill shares a little bit about himself — where he grew up, what brought him to Grinnell, and different roles he plays in the Grinnell community.  Bill also visits about his involvement with the Link Mentoring in the Grinnell Elementary Schools and how the program involves community men and women mentoring the youth of Grinnell.  Sit back and relax and when we are done you will see why we can say Bill Kostow, you are part of the class to say "We Belong Here!"

🎙️ Episode #40 – Peyton Stensrud and Sam Hatcher This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we dive into the “Great Debate” with Grinnell High School senior Debate Team members Peyton Stensrud and Sam Hatcher. We often welcome GHS students to the podcast to talk about the clubs and activities they’re involved in, and this episode is another great example of student leadership and engagement. Peyton and Sam share how they got started in Debate Club, what the process of becoming a debater looks like, how many tournaments they compete in, and the skills it takes to succeed along the way. By the end of the conversation, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the art of debate. So sit back, relax, and get ready to debate — Peyton and Sam truly embody what it means when we say, “We Belong Here!”

Episode #39 – Blake Walker This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome a special guest — Blake Walker, Class of 2019 and Social Media Manager at Bound-Iowa. Even though it has only been five and a half years since Blake graduated from Grinnell, we take a step back to explore his journey through high school and college. His story fits right alongside the student voices featured in recent weeks, showing how the activities and experiences students engage in throughout high school can pay dividends later in life. Blake shares a remarkable story of a childhood dream he never stopped chasing. Today, many may know him as “Blake, the guy from Bound social media,” but an increasing number now recognize him as Blake Walker — one of the voices of Knoxville Raceway! Sit back and enjoy this episode. We think you’ll agree that Blake embodies our slogan: “We Belong Here!”

Episode #36 – Harper Benesh & Lucy Skouson This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guests — Harper Benesh and Lucy Skouson, both juniors and dedicated members of the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) chapter at Grinnell High School. Harper and Lucy share their experiences from the National FCCLA Competition in Orlando last June, as well as their recent service trip to the Ronald McDonald House at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. Their stories highlight the leadership, compassion, and community commitment that make Grinnell High School students shine. After listening, you’ll agree — **Harper and Lucy truly embody the message of our show: We Belong Here! **

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guests — Peyton Stevenson, a senior, and Lucy Truley, a junior — both proud members of the Grinnell High School Thespian Troupe. Peyton and Lucy join us to share their experiences at the State Thespian Festival held at the University of Northern Iowa. They also reflect on their time in high school theatre — from the energy of Fall and Spring plays and musicals to the creativity and challenge of Large Group and Individual Speech events. Their passion, dedication, and leadership shine through every part of their story. After listening, you’ll agree — Peyton and Lucy truly embody the message of our show: We Belong Here!

Episode #36 – Maggie Dayton, Aden Wolfe & Ashley Wolfe This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guests — Maggie Dayton, a senior; Aden Wolfe, a junior; and Ashley Wolfe, Agricultural Science and FFA Teacher at Grinnell High School. Maggie and Aden share their experiences in the FFA program, discuss the annual Fruit Sales fundraiser, and reflect on their trip to the National FFA Conference in Indianapolis. Their stories highlight the leadership, dedication, and community spirit that make Grinnell High School students stand out. After listening, you’ll agree — Maggie and Aden truly embody the message of our show: We Belong Here!

Episode #35– Rebecca Sallee Hanson This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guest — Rebecca Sallee Hanson, At-Large Candidate for the Grinnell-Newburg School Board. In this episode, Rebecca shares a bit about herself — where she grew up, what brought her to Grinnell, and what inspired her to run for the Grinnell-Newburg School Board. Sit back, tune in, and get to know Rebecca Sallee Hanson, School Board Candidate.

Episode #34 – Ben Cooprider This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guest — Ben Cooprider, At-Large Candidate for the Grinnell-Newburg School Board. In this episode, Ben shares a bit about himself — where he grew up, what brought him to Grinnell, and what inspired him to run for the Grinnell-Newburg School Board. Sit back, tune in, and get to know Ben Cooprider, School Board Candidate.

Episode #33 – Chris Starrett This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome our special guest — Chris Starrett, current Grinnell-Newburg School Board President. As Chris winds down his first 4-year term on the school board, we will discuss challenges over the past four years and items that he is prioritizing as he prepares for another 4 years on the GHS School Board.  When we are done, you will see why Chris Starrett is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.  

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guest — Aaron Backlin, 9th–12th Grade Spanish and Computer Science Teacher at Grinnell High School. Aaron began teaching at GHS in 2009 after starting his career in the Tri-County School District. He was recently honored with the “Pack the Backpack” award from KIX 101.1 in Marshalltown after being nominated by a student’s parent. In this episode, we take a step back to explore Aaron’s journey — from where he attended high school to the values, experiences, and passion for education that drive him today. We think you’ll agree — Aaron Backlin is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

🎙️ Episode #31 – 2025 GHS Homecoming Candidates This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome 10 incredible students from the GHS Class of 2026 — the 2025 Homecoming Court, elected by their peers. These students didn’t shy away from the tough questions and delivered thoughtful, high-quality answers. Of course, there were plenty of laughs and lighthearted moments along the way! The Homecoming Court is a shining example of the spirit, leadership, and character we’re proud to celebrate at GHS. They truly embody what it means when we say: "We Belong Here!"

Episode #30 – Lisa Sharp This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome a very special guest — Lisa Sharp, Interim Principal for the 4th- and 5th-grade “school within a school” at Grinnell Middle School, while also assisting with the Special Education Program for the Grinnell-Newburg School District. This is truly a conversation you won’t want to miss! Lisa reflects on her remarkable 43 years as an educator, but even more inspiring is the love she has consistently shown for students, teachers, and schools — a passion that continues well beyond her retirement. Through our conversation, you’ll gain insight into the values and experiences that shaped her leadership — and you’ll see why Lisa Sharp is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

🎙 Episode #29 – Mike Baker This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re honored to welcome Mike Baker, retired math teacher and long-time coach at Grinnell High School. Join us as we sit high above TT Cranny Field in the press box, taking in the Grinnell vs. Cedar Washington freshman football game, while diving deep into Mike’s journey. From the classroom to the sidelines, Mike shares the values, stories, and experiences that shaped his career and his leadership style. Through this conversation, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of educators and mentors like Mike — and understand why he’s yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

Episode #28 – Brandon Sharp This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome a special guest — Brandon Sharp, S.A.M. at Grinnell High School and Special Education Coordinator for the Grinnell-Newburg School District. As Brandon begins his second year in these roles, we take a step back to explore his story: growing up in Grinnell, his college journey, and the path that ultimately led him back home. Through our conversation, you’ll gain insight into the values and experiences that shaped his leadership — and you’ll see why Brandon Sharp is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

Episode #27 – Danielle McDonough This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome a very special guest — Danielle McDonough, Instructional Coach and 9th–12th Grade Spanish Teacher at Grinnell High School. Danielle has dedicated 22 years to teaching Spanish and is now stepping into a new role as an Instructional Coach for the 2025–26 school year, while continuing to inspire students in her Spanish classes. In this conversation, Danielle shares the values, experiences, and passion for education that guided her journey and prepared her for this new position. We think you’ll agree — Danielle McDonough is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

🎙️ This Week on the We Belong Here Podcast We’re wrapping up our New Teacher Series with Duncan Delzell, the new high school chemistry teacher at Grinnell High School! Duncan grew up in Burlington, Iowa, attended Central College, and is excited to be joining the Grinnell community. Tune in to hear about his journey, passion for teaching, and what he's looking forward to this school year. Stay connected. Stay inspired. Because We Belong Here.

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome Morgan Savant, new 5th grade teacher at the Grinnell Middle School. Morgan came to the Grinnell-Montezuma from southeast Louisiana, and this will be her first year of teaching.  Trisha Arment also joins us on the second part of the podcast.  Trisha comes back to Grinnell from the Waterloo School District where she was a teacher at the Waterloo Expo. She will share memories as a GHS Alumni and how she is excited to be back in Grinnell teaching and being around her family. Stay connected. Stay inspired. Because We Belong Here.

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome Eli Rose, the new Grinnell Middle School PE Teacher. Eli is GHS Alumni and after graduating from Central College, returns to teaching where he was once a student. Nell Hatch also joins us on the second part of the podcast.  Nell is a fourth-year Spanish teacher at Grinnell. She will share her experience as a GHS Alumni and Grinnell College graduate coming back to teach. Nell was first year teacher starting a new Spanish curriculum for 5th and 6th graders 4 years ago and talks about those challenges.   Stay connected. Stay inspired. Because We Belong Here.

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome Haily Collins, the new ninth-grade English teacher at Grinnell High School. Get to know Haily and hear about her passion as she starts her first year of teaching and connecting with students. We’re also diving into our podcast archives to revisit Podcast #4 with Kevin Hosbond, who is now stepping into the 11th-grade English position. It’s the perfect chance to hear Kevin’s story once again and how he interacts with the students. Stay connected. Stay inspired. Because We Belong Here.

Host Dan Walker kicks off August with a special recap of the first six months of the We Belong Here Podcast, reflecting on the incredible stories, inspiring guests, and the strong sense of community that’s been built along the way. He’ll also share a preview of the exciting plans for the future of the podcast — and why you won’t want to miss what’s coming next. This month also features Podcast #2, highlighting an outstanding local educator: Ms. Holly Hunter, a 3rd grade teacher at Davis Elementary, who was recently honored with the prestigious Milken Educator Award. Tune in to hear her story, her passion for teaching, and what this national recognition means to her and the Davis Elementary community. Stay connected, stay inspired — because We Belong Here.

Episode #21- Beaux Blanchard- This week, we’re excited to welcome a special guest to the podcast — Beaux Blanchard, 2025 Grinnell High School graduate. As Beaux wraps up his senior year, we visit about his journey of officiating in high school sports and what his future looks like as an official and post high school education. Grinnell has some pretty incredible students that graduate and go out in the world and do great things. Beaux Blanchard's name will come up in one of the discussion in the future and we think you’ll agree that Beaux Blanchard today, and in the future is yet another example of why “We Belong Here.”

Episode #20- Trent Edsen- This week, we’re excited to welcome a special guest to the podcast — Trent Edsen, Principal of Grinnell High School. As Trent wraps up his first year in this new role, we’re taking a step back to explore his journey: where he grew up, his college years, and the path that ultimately led him to Grinnell Schools. Through our conversation, you’ll gain insight into the values and experiences that shaped his leadership — and we think you’ll agree that Trent Edsen is yet another powerful example of why “We Belong Here.”

Episode #19 Chris Grundler- of the We Belong Here Podcast. The special guest for this week's podcast is Chris Grundler, Vice President of the Grinnell-Newburg School Board. Chris will take a walk down memory lane as a former student at Davis Elementary in the late 70's-early 80's to the now sitting on the school board.  Sit back and enjoy a great conversation of history Grinnell and the exciting future of the school system.  Chris is a great example of "We Belong Here", with his years spent in Grinnell and now giving back to the school.

Episode #18 Ethan Meints- of the We Belong Here Podcast. The special guest for this week's podcast is Ethan Meints, Grinnell Middle School 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher. Ethan was selected by the Class of 2025 to be the faculty speaker for the 2025 GHS commencements. We will visit with Ethan about this honor and the journey that he experienced to become a teacher at Grinnell. We will also discuss the influential people along the way that impacted his life. Ethan is a great example of our teacher’s commitment to our students over the their years in the Grinnell Schools and fits into the podcast theme of "We Belong Here".

Episode #17 Malissa Juni- of the We Belong Here Podcast. The special guest for this week's podcast is Malissa Juni, Grinnell Middle School 7th Grade Teacher. We will take a journey over the past 38 years of Malissa's teaching career at Grinnell and share a few memories of her time teaching various grades at Grinnell.  She will retire at the end of the 24-25 school year.  Malissa is a great example of our teacher’s hard work and dedication to our students over the years making Grinnell Schools a place where "We Belong Here".

Episode #16 -Rhonda Gohlmann- of the We Belong Here Podcast. The special guest for this week's podcast is Rhonda Gohlmann, Grinnell Fairview Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher. We will take a journey over the past 25 years of Rhonda's teaching career at Grinnell and  share a few memories of her total of 32 years of teaching in Iowa.  Rhonda will retire at the end of the 24-25 school year.  Rhonda is a great example of our teacher’s hard work and dedication to our students over the years making Grinnell Schools a place where "We Belong Here".

Episode #15 -Lori Elliott- of the We Belong Here Podcast. The special guest for this week's podcast is Lori Elliott, Grinnell Davis Elementary 4th Grade Teacher. We will take a journey over the past 38 years of Lori's teaching career at Grinnell as she will retire at the end of the 24-25 school year.  Lori is a great example of our teacher’s hard work and dedication to our students over the years making Grinnell Schools a place where "We Belong Here".

Episode #14 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Special guest for this week's podcast is Amy Skouson, Grinnell High School Family Consumer Science Teacher. We will discuss Amy's involvement with two GNSF Mini Grants and how her students were able to interactive with a local Read2Lead literacy program by reading with Head Start kids and also providing quilts to the kids as part of the project. The second mini grant is a follow-up to the growing pods mini grant that we discussed two weeks ago.  Amy is another great example of our school's teachers working to make Grinnell Schools a place where "We Belong Here".

Episode #13 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Special guest for this week's podcast is Doug Cameron, retired teacher and principal from Grinnell Schools. Doug will take us on a journey of his experiences at the Grinnell schools starting as a new teacher, through his years as an administrator, to his continued commitment to the school system after his retirement.  Doug is another great example of our school's teachers/administrators/retires working together to make Grinnell Schools a place where "We Belong Here".

Episode #12 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Special guests for this week's podcast are Ashley Wolfe, Agriculture Teacher and Michele Barker, At Risk Teacher, both Grinnell High School Teachers will discuss the GNSF Mini Grant they applied for to purchase growing pods to help add fresh produce to the GHS Food Closet and give the vocational ag students an opportunity to learn in the process. Ashley and Michele are another great example of our school's teachers working together to make Grinnell Schools a place where "We Belong Here".

Episode #11 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Special guests for this week's podcast are Allison Pease, K-4 librarian and Chelsey Kolpin, 5-12 grade librarian. Allison and Chelsey will discuss the education curriculum and activities at the Grinnell K-12 Libraries and why the month of April is a special month for the programs. Allison and Chelsey are another great example of our school's librarians working together to make Grinnell Schools a place where "We Belong Here".

Episode #10 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Special guests for this week's podcast are Holly and Adam Kelley-Chown, GHS spring play directors. Holly and Adam will discuss what it is like to choose a play and then the process of planning, involvement of the students and and bringing all of the pieces together to have a final production for "Opening Night". Holly and Adam are another great example of individuals i the Grinnell community working together to make Grinnell Schools a place where "We Belong Here".

Episode #9 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Special guests for this week's podcast are Chelsey Kolpin, GNSF Board Member, Maggie Kaup and River Haenfler, student GNSF Board Members and Advisory Committee Members. The three board members will review the recent student lead mini grants and past years student lead grants. Another great example of student and adult leaderships working together making Grinnell Schools a place where "We Belong Here".

Episode #8 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Special guest for this week's podcast is Brian Conway, Davis Elementary Principal. Brian will discuss Grinnell-Newburg's summer school program and the success over the past years that this program has had on the student's literacy scores in our schools.

Episode #7 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Special guest for this week's podcast is Barb Baker, Director-Advertising & Community Relations at Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance. Barb will discuss Grinnell Mutual's involvement in the Partners in Education program with the Grinnell Middle School. 

Episode #6 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Special guests for this week's podcast is Julie Gosselink, Ahrens Family Foundation and Chad Nath, Ahrens Park Foundation. Julie and Chad discuss the gift of the land from Ahrens Family and the Foundation to the Grinnell-Newburg School District for the purpose of building a new K-4 elementary schools.

Episode #5 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Special guest for this week's podcast is Lisa Beames, Grinnell-Newburg Interim Superintendent. Lisa will breakdown the information and the facts behind the PPEL Levy on March 4, 2025 and how it will impact the Grinnell School District. 

Episode #4 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Our special guest for this week's podcast is Kevin Hosbond.  Kevin is an English Teacher and Speech Coach at the Grinnell High School and we will visit about the latest accomplishment of the GHS Speech Team and their accomplishments at All-State Large Group Speech in Ames, IA.  

Episode #3 of the We Belong Here Podcast. Special guests for this week's podcast are Stephanie Lair and Zach Van Arkel representing the Building Our Community Together - Grinnell Group to discuss questions about the upcoming Grinnell-Newburg PPEL vote on March 4, 2025.

Episode #2 of the We Belong Here Podcast.  Our guest for this week is Davis Elementary 3rd grade teacher Holly Hunter.  Ms. Hunter was recently recognized for receiving the Milken Educator Award.

Episode #1 of the We Belong Here Podcast.  This podcast is the introduction of the weekly conversations within the Grinnell-Newburg School district discussing positive, refreshing, and exciting information about the school, teachers, staff and students. Guest for this episode will be Liz Hansen and Chelsey Kolpin from the Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation.