Well, What Do You Know?

Today we’re joined by Phil Skamser, a veteran educator and coach who’s wrapping up a thirty-year career. We’re diving into his 'full circle' journey—from his birth near the stadium where they filmed The Natural to his years coaching basketball greats like Ben McCollum. We’ll also talk about his quest to visit every MLB park and his wild travel stories from Norway to Albania.🔗 Catch up on past episodes and suggest my next guest at: https://sites.google.com/view/wwdyk/home

Today’s episode is a really special one. I’m joined by Justin Flaws—head coach of the 3A State Champion Carlisle Wildcats.But this conversation goes way beyond basketball.We start at the beginning—growing up in Carlisle, the influence of family, and some unexpected twists along the way… including a journey through music that helped shape who he is today.Then in the second half, we dive into that championship season—what made this team special, the moments that defined the run, and what it takes to build something truly great.It’s a longer episode—but it’s one I think you’re really going to enjoy.So sit back, relax, and enjoy my conversation with Justin Flaws.Listen to episodes and suggest a guest on our website!

Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know?If you listened to the last episode, you heard Part 1 of my conversation with siblings Jack Albers and Beth Laws, where we talked about their childhood growing up in a large farm family in Iowa—including the remarkable story of their mother having three sets of twins.Today we’re continuing that conversation in Part 2.In this episode, Jack and Beth share even more stories from their lives—what it was like as they got older, how their family experiences shaped them, and some of the moments that stand out most when they look back on those years. As you might expect with a family this size, there are plenty of memorable—and sometimes hilarious—stories along the way.If you haven’t listened to Part 1, you might want to go back and start there. But if you’re ready to keep the story going, let’s jump right in.This is Part 2 of my conversation with Jack Albers and Beth Laws.Check out my new website and suggest a guest there!https://sites.google.com/view/wwdyk/home

Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know?Today’s episode is a little different—and a lot of fun—because I’m joined by two guests at the same time. Siblings Jack Albers and Beth Laws sit down with me to talk about growing up in a big farm family in Iowa… and when I say big, I mean really big. Their family story includes multiple sets of twins, life on a farm near Belle Plaine, and the kind of childhood experiences that only come from growing up surrounded by brothers, sisters, and a lot of stories.In Part 1, we start at the beginning—what it was like growing up in a family with five kids, the unique dynamics of having so many twins in one family, and some great memories from their early years in Iowa before life eventually took them to Missouri.And trust me, this conversation gets even better. In Part 2, coming out Friday, April 3rd, we dig deeper into more stories from their lives, their family history, and some moments you definitely won’t want to miss.So settle in and enjoy Part 1 of my conversation with Jack Albers and Beth Laws.Check out my new website and suggest a guest there! https://sites.google.com/view/wwdyk/home

Today’s guest is Gene Buis — and let me just say this: if you enjoy stories that start with, “Well, I probably shouldn’t tell this…” then you’re in the right place.Gene grew up when a good job paid about a dollar an hour, a push mower built character, and if something broke… you just figured it out. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t complain much, doesn’t exaggerate much — and somehow still ends up with stories that sound almost unbelievable.In this episode, we talk about growing up in small-town Missouri, getting drafted into the Army, lifelong friendships, raising a family, and a few moments that may or may not have involved questionable decision-making — all told with the calm confidence of someone who’s seen just about everything.He’s steady. He’s funny in a way that sneaks up on you. And he proves that some of the best storytellers don’t even realize how good they are.So buckle up — and enjoy my conversation with Gene Buis.Know someone who would be a great guest? Let me know here:https://linktr.ee/wwdyk

Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know?Today’s episode is a really fun one — and a first for the podcast. This is my first international interview!I’m joined by Emma Robbins, who grew up in England and took a huge leap of faith to move to Boone, Iowa on a basketball scholarship… despite barely having played basketball before. We talk about social anxiety, stepping out of your comfort zone, the culture shocks between the UK and the Midwest, and how that experience helped shape where she is today — working in a microbiology lab and doing some modeling on the side.It’s a great conversation about risk, growth, and the people who change our lives along the way.As always, if you know someone that would be a great guest, let me know! https://linktr.ee/wwdyk

My guest today is Zach Backus.If you have lived around Baxter, IA in the last couple of decades, there’s a good chance you already know Zach—or at least remember him as “Jimmy.” From front-yard cookie sales and mission trips to running live sports broadcasts with me as an eighth grader, Zach always seemed to have something going on.In this episode, we talk about growing up, trying a lot of different things, and what it’s like to realize that the path you thought you were on might not be the one you end up taking. We get into aviation, career changes, creativity, and learning to be okay with not having everything figured out yet.It’s a conversation full of laughs, memories, and some surprisingly thoughtful moments—and I’m really glad I get to share it with you.This is Well, What Do You Know?Do you have a great story or know someone who does?? Fill out the guest form found here!

Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know?This week’s episode features a conversation that’s honest, raw, and at times hard — but also incredibly powerful.My guest, Kelsey Lust, shares her story of growing up in a complicated family, navigating loss and trauma at a young age, and finding resilience through some truly difficult chapters of her life.This is a conversation about perseverance, accountability, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go the way you planned.I’m really grateful that Kelsey was willing to share her story — and I think you’ll take something meaningful away from it.This is Well, What Do You Know?Know someone that would be a great guest? Fill out the guest form found in this link: https://linktr.ee/wwdyk

Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know? Today we’re jumping into Part 2 of my conversation with Livv Seddon.Even though Livv and I barely knew each other when we sat down to record, the conversation flowed so easily that it became a two-part episode.In Part 2, Livv dives into the college recruiting process, her time as a player, her coaching career at Kansas State, Iowa State, and Oregon State, and the transition into her current role working with young athletes. It’s a great second half.Here’s Part 2 of my conversation with Livv Seddon.Know someone who would be a great conversation? Fill out the guest form here: https://linktr.ee/wwdyk

Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know?When I sat down with today’s guest, Livv Seddon, it was only the second time we had ever spoken — but the conversation took off so naturally that we ended up recording for more than an hour, which turned into this two-part episode.In part 1, Livv talks about her childhood, moving all over the country, her family, and how soccer became such a huge part of her life. It’s a great story, and I’m excited for you to hear it.Please enjoy part 1 of my conversation with Livv Seddon.Know someone who would be a great guest? Fill out the form here: https://linktr.ee/wwdyk

Today’s episode is a special one — and a little different. This conversation wasn’t recorded by me. Instead, Rosalie Lyons, a longtime resident of Westminster, California, sat down with her son Dave and her granddaughter Karissa to share some stories from her life. And honestly, that makes this episode feel even more personal and warm. It’s three generations, all in the same room, capturing precious family memories.And here’s the best part: this episode is only 19 minutes long. It won’t take much time to listen, but it will give you so much—stories from small-town South Dakota, adventures in Japan, landing airplanes near cows and oceans, raising three boys, bowling 300 games, and living a life Rosalie herself rates as a “9.5 out of 10.”It’s short, heartfelt, and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from a life well-lived.I hope you enjoy hearing Rosalie's stories as much as I did.Know someone who would be a great guest? Fill out the form here: https://linktr.ee/wwdyk

In this episode of Well, What Do You Know?, I sit down with Kenny Long — a lifelong Iowan, master mechanic, and comedian masquerading as one.Kenny’s stories take us from his childhood on the family farm near Moravia to a life spent fixing engines, raising a family, and turning everyday moments into laughter. It’s part history, part stand-up routine, and a full dose of small-town Iowa charm.🎙️ Stick around for a quick mid-episode message from me — I’m looking for new guests! If you’ve got a story to tell or know someone who does, visit my Linktree below to get in touch.👉 https://linktr.ee/wwdykWell, What Do You Know? — proving that if we just sit down and listen to people’s stories, we’ll find we’re not all that different.

In this episode, I sit down with Steve and Gloria Crall, a couple who’ve spent their entire lives in southern Iowa. Steve has worked the land as a farmer, while Gloria has worn many hats — including years as a dedicated cook at Moravia Community School District.Married for 55 years, the Cralls have built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. Together, they’ve raised three wonderful children, watched five grandchildren grow, and now get to enjoy three great-grandchildren.Our conversation is a touching reflection on their family history, their deep connection to their community, and the strength of a marriage that’s stood the test of time.I think you’ll find a lot of warmth, wisdom, and maybe even a few lessons about what it really means to build a life together.

Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know? — the podcast where we explore the stories behind the people you think you know.Today, we’re kicking off Part 2 of my conversation with Rob Luther. If you missed Part 1, Rob shared his Iowa roots, his start in coaching, and his unlikely journey into school administration.In this episode, we go deeper. Rob opens up about his coaching philosophies, the leadership lessons he’s learned over decades in schools and on the field, and how he balances all of it with being a devoted father and husband.It’s a conversation full of insights, stories, and practical wisdom from someone who has truly done it all—and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

Today kicks off part one of a two-part conversation with Rob Luther. Rob has lived a life full of chapters—successful high school athlete, New York actor, long-time high school principal, football coach at programs across Iowa, and above all, a devoted father and husband.In this first episode, Rob takes us back to his roots in Des Moines and Maxwell, shares how he found his way into coaching, and opens up about his unexpected journey into school administration. It’s a story of drive, change, and the importance of finding purpose in every stage of life.

I had the pleasure of sitting down over Zoom with Rose Cochran who lives in Wisconsin and just recently turned 85. Rose has such a wonderful way of telling stories, and she shared some truly meaningful memories from her life. You’ll hear about the special bond she had with her grandmother, the way her two older brothers looked out for her as she grew up, and how listening to St. Louis Cardinals games created a lasting connection with her father. It’s a conversation full of love, family, and nostalgia, and I’m so excited for you to hear it.

Whether you know her as Jane Stupka, Bauman, or Fuhs you know her as a passionate educator and loyal friend. You’ll love her story! 

In this episode, Jerry picks up where we left off, reflecting on starting his own business, the people who shaped his path, his marriage to Judy, and the unforgettable experience of taking an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. It’s another chapter in a life full of resilience, faith, and community.

Kicking off the Well, What Do You Know podcast, I’m joined by Jerry Power from Moravia, Iowa.Jerry’s done it all—a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, a small-town businessman who’s kept things running for more than 40 years, and a husband, dad, and grandpa who’s never too busy to lend a hand or share a story. Around south central Iowa, if something needs to get done, chances are Jerry’s the one doing it.This is part of 1 of 2 of my conversation with Jerry. It is full of wisdom, laughs, and a few stories you won’t forget. Let’s dive in.

Know someone with great stories? I'd love to talk to them!