Topeka Insider

Justin Armbruster & Jon Griffith
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Inside look into the entrepreneurs, business owners, & leaders who are shaping the future of Topeka, KS! 🌆

  1. How Unified Leadership Across The City Is Transforming Topeka | Molly Howey

    1D AGO

    How Unified Leadership Across The City Is Transforming Topeka | Molly Howey

    We share how a unified partnership model accelerates real wins for Topeka, from downtown housing to an aviation jobs strategy at Forbes Field. We also dig into Washburn’s rapid growth, youth sports momentum, and how small signals turn visitors into residents and founders. • How the Chamber, tourism, economic development, and downtown teams work as one • Visitor-to-resident pipeline and new immigrant-founded businesses • Housing demand across affordable, market-rate, and executive segments • Six-year downtown apartments deal with modern amenities • Shift to holistic economic development focused on place • MRO hangar strategy at Forbes Field and job creation • Downtown plateau and the push to a new level • Youth sports facilities and tournament potential • Washburn’s expansion, indoor track, and program agility • Developers attracted by historic buildings and value near the Capitol • Where to follow Greater Topeka Partnership updates Apply now at ChooseTopeka.com ________________________________________ 0:00 - What The Partnership Includes 2:07 - Why Unifying Groups Works 3:16 - From Visitor To Resident To Founder 4:18 - Housing Surge And Market Gaps 6:00 - Six-Year Downtown Lofts Deal 8:10 - Amenities, Location, And Local Impact 9:01 - Stepping Into The CEO Role 11:18 - Rethinking Economic Development 13:30 - Wins, Realism, And Civic Pride 15:05 - Airport Bet On MRO Jobs 17:20 - Downtown Plateau And Next Level 19:00 - Youth Sports As Growth Engine 20:44 - Washburn’s Expansion And Reach 23:10 - City-University Synergy 25:05 - Rapid Fire: Local Favorites 27:15 - Developers, Unity, And What’s Next 29:00 - Where To Plug Into GTP ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider  Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!

    30 min
  2. Recruiting, Culture, and Competing for Championships In Topeka, KS | Brett Ballard

    MAR 6

    Recruiting, Culture, and Competing for Championships In Topeka, KS | Brett Ballard

    A fast start meets a firm identity as Coach Brett Ballard shares how Washburn rebuilt around culture, clarity, and community support. We dig into Lee Arena’s $8M renovation, recruiting with purpose, and why process beats outcomes on the path to March. • returners setting standards and new players buying in • high expectations after Elite Eight and forging a new identity • Lee Arena renovation and game-night atmosphere • campus facility upgrades and practice quality • coaching highs, stress, and teaching life through sport • process over outcomes and daily controllables • recruiting pitch built on people, resources, and conference strength • MJ vs LeBron, Space Jam, and light locker-room banter • Topeka picks for food, coffee, and golf • where to follow schedules, content, and updates Learn more at washburn.edu  ________________________________________ 0:00 - Welcome And Season Momentum 2:20 - Rebuilding The Roster After Elite Eight 3:40 - Culture, Identity, And Standards 4:55 - Lee Arena’s $8M Renovation 7:40 - Campus Upgrades And Facilities Impact 10:20 - Coaching Joys, Stress, And Philosophy 12:40 - Best D2 Job And Recruiting Edge 15:20 - Generational Gaps And Trust 17:00 - Process Over Outcomes And Confidence 19:10 - One-On-One Trash Talk And Old-School Rules 21:10 - MJ vs LeBron And Space Jam 23:00 - The 30-Second Washburn Pitch 24:40 - Topeka Rapid Fire: Eats, Coffee, Golf 27:05 - Where To Follow Washburn Hoops ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider  Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!

    30 min
  3. From Topeka, KS To 61 Million YouTube Views | Andy McKee

    FEB 20

    From Topeka, KS To 61 Million YouTube Views | Andy McKee

    We trace Andy McKee’s path from Topeka guitar classes to a 61 million view breakout, touring the world while keeping family first. He plays Drifting and Africa live, explains fingerstyle, alternate tunings, and shares advice for learners and working musicians. • switching from electric riffs to solo acoustic fingerstyle • discovering altered tunings and percussive guitar • the YouTube front-page moment and CandyRat strategy • collaborations with Josh Groban, Toto circles, and Prince • composing by ear and arranging songs for one guitar • timing, practice habits, and practical learning advice • touring model, stage presence, and audience connection • why Topeka still feels like home and local favorites • signature Greenfield guitar and fan-fret intonation • where to follow Andy for music, tours, and lessons ________________________________________ 0:00 - Welcome And Origins In Topeka 2:46 - From Electric Riffs To Fingerstyle 6:10 - School Guitar Class And Early Bands 10:45 - Dust In The Wind And Tunings 13:45 - Dadgad, Drifting, And New Tunings 16:27 - YouTube Breakthrough And CandyRat 20:40 - Viral Impact And Big Collaborations 24:15 - Teaching, Timing, And Learning Advice 28:35 - Career Steps, Competitions, And Tours 33:10 - Prince, Josh Groban, And Life Balance 37:05 - Touring Today And Stagecraft 40:35 - Originals Vs Covers And Influences 44:00 - Why Topeka And Local Life 46:53 - Signature Guitar And Fan Frets 50:14 - Performing Drifting Live 56:35 - Technique, Dynamics, And Exploration 59:35 - Arranging Africa And Layering Parts 1:05:20 - Toto, Networking, And Teaching Retreat ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider  Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!

    1h 6m
  4. From Wyoming To Washburn: Building Teams & Culture In Topeka | Lora Westling

    FEB 6

    From Wyoming To Washburn: Building Teams & Culture In Topeka | Lora Westling

    We talk with head coach Lora Westling about building a program on high standards and real care, recruiting with intention in the portal era, and why joy and discipline can live side by side. Stories span Wyoming winters to Washburn wins and the energy of a campus that shows up. • Path from Wyoming to Washburn and coaching roots • People-first coaching and teaching the college athlete • Defining success beyond social media and comparison • Discipline as care and meeting players where they are • Recruiting tips, film, camps and playing with energy • Transfer portal, NIL and shifting roster realities • Multisport development, injury prevention and burnout • Women’s sports stereotypes challenged with evidence • Topeka life, trails, food spots and recruit visits • New arena, fan experience and campus momentum Come to a game: “Ichabod WBB on Instagram and X. We hope to get people to games, especially with the new arena… I’m just so proud of the fan experience we have at home games right now.” ________________________________________ 0:00 - Coach Lora’s Journey To Washburn 2:40 - Cold Weather Stories And Laughs 5:00 - Why Coaching Is A People Business 9:30 - Teaching, Generations, And Meeting Players 13:30 - Social Media, Success, And Belonging 17:30 - Expectations, Discipline, And Care 20:00 - Best Parts And Work-Life Integration 24:30 - Coaching Women And Busting Stereotypes 31:00 - New Leagues, Rule Changes, And Fun Ideas 38:00 - Soccer Year, Joy, And Perspective 42:00 - Recruiting Advice And Playing Hard 48:00 - Transfer Portal, NIL, And Retention ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider  Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!

    50 min
  5. Championship Culture & Mental Health Movement | Damon Parker

    JAN 23

    Championship Culture & Mental Health Movement | Damon Parker

    We sit down with Coach Damon Parker to trace how a girls’ wrestling experiment became the largest team in the world and why a funeral changed his path toward founding the Jones Project. The conversation moves from culture and leadership to mental health, ownership, and hope. • Building a program that prioritized family, voice, and belonging • Why girls’ wrestling exploded and how leadership sustains it • Turning down trophy talk to focus on culture • The single‑parent stat and what support looks like • Student leaders holding teammates and coaches to account • The resignation, grief, and the birth of the Jones Project • Three critical steps for teen mental health • Social media as a lifeline for students in crisis • 29029 endurance climbs and fundraising with “bricks” • Community, goals, and guardrails for mental health • Topeka’s strengths, local spots, and date‑night rituals ________________________________________ This podcast has been brought to you by Choose Topeka. If you're thinking about making a move, Choose Topeka can get you up to fifteen thousand dollars to relocate. Apply now at ChooseTopeka.com ________________________________________ 0:00 - Opening Banter & Sponsor 0:39 - Meet Coach Damon Parker 2:58 - Early Teaching And Coaching Years 5:02 - Rebuilding Washburn Rural Wrestling 6:31 - Birth Of Girls’ Wrestling In Kansas 7:19 - Building The Largest Girls’ Team 8:18 - Choosing Girls Over Boys Program 9:11 - The Single‑Parent Statistic And Its Meaning 11:26 - Coaching For Needs And Relationships 13:34 - Culture Over Trophies 16:28 - Teaching Real Family And Conflict 19:00 - Wanting It For Them Vs. Their Choice 22:07 - Student Leadership That Holds Everyone Accountable 25:56 - Introducing The Jones Project 27:28 - Resignation, Loss, And A Wake‑Up Call 30:02 - Launching A Free School Tour On Mental Health 33:05 - Word‑Of‑Mouth Growth And Impact 35:02 - Social Media As A Safety Net 37:10 - 29029 Everest Challenge As Fundraiser 40:12 - Carrying Bricks And Washington Post Spotlight 42:20 - Habits For Mental Health: Community And Goals 44:17 - The Three Critical Steps: Not Alone, Get Help, Own The Work 48:08 - Why Ownership Matters In Recovery 50:10 - Life In Topeka: Community And Schools 53:15 - Local Favorites, Food Gaps, And Date Night 1:03:33 - Closing And Where To Find The Jones Project ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider  Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!

    1h 8m
  6. Movement With Meaning: Running, Teaching, & Community In Topeka | Paul Wagner

    JAN 9

    Movement With Meaning: Running, Teaching, & Community In Topeka | Paul Wagner

    We trace Paul Wagner’s path from a shared professorship at Washburn to leading the Sunflower Striders and unpack how Topeka’s running scene grew from race-first to community-first. Practical training tips, trail highlights, and the real costs of putting on local races round out a lively, useful conversation. • why a shared teaching role made space for family and service • how running clubs shifted from PR chasing to social connection • conversation pace, run‑walk, and simple plans that work • Topeka routes from Deer Creek to Lake Shawnee and Shunga • trail running skills, fueling, and staying present on technical terrain • what it takes to stage a race, from volunteers to sponsors • Boston qualifying, big-race energy, and destination events • weekly meetups, paces for all levels, and post‑run spots • Topeka’s future: riverfront vision, connectors, and a marquee race • how to join Sunflower Striders via Facebook or Fleet Feet ________________________________________ This episode is brought to you by Washburn University. Graduates of Shawnee County High Schools and homeschools are eligible for the Thrive Scholarship at Washburn University. Other local graduates may qualify for the Promise Scholarship so you can go to college tuition free. Washburn is just right, just for you. Learn more at washburn.edu ________________________________________ 1:41 - The Job-Share Experiment At Washburn 7:20 - Campus Growth And Athletics Momentum 8:40 - What A Running Club Really Is 13:45 - Social Running, Tech, And Timing Evolution 18:10 - Trails, Ultrarunning, And Run‑Walk Method 24:00 - Marathon Class, Group Ethos, And Community 28:20 - Weekly Meetups, Paces, And Routes 34:20 - Trail Systems, Long Routes, And Events 41:35 - Boston Qualifying, Big Races, And Costs 47:20 - Shoes, Mileage, Triathlons, And Training Load 54:30 - Experience Over Speed And Race Economics 1:01:20 - Topeka’s Race Potential And Trail Vision ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider  Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!

    1h 5m
  7. TK Business Magazine To Compass: Building Community-Driven Marketing in Topeka | Tara Dimick

    12/26/2025

    TK Business Magazine To Compass: Building Community-Driven Marketing in Topeka | Tara Dimick

    We trace Tara Dimick’s path from Washburn to TK Business Magazine and Compass, exploring how a premium print brand thrives alongside a full-service agency that acts like an embedded marketing team. Along the way we unpack entrepreneurial mindset, hiring creatives, and why Topeka’s underdog energy fuels real growth. • TK Business Magazine acquisition story and evolution • Why print still works when quality is high • Advertiser-funded model and multi-channel distribution • Letting experts lead and avoiding micromanagement • Building Compass as a plug-in marketing department • Strategy, content, media buying, and execution end-to-end • Entrepreneur strengths, failure tolerance, and momentum • Topeka’s scrappy identity and community advantages • Practical advice for starting a business locally • Local favorites, rapid fire, and where to find TK and Compass ________________________________________ This podcast has been brought to you by Choose Topeka. If you're thinking about making a move, Choose Topeka can get you up to fifteen thousand dollars to relocate. Apply now at ChooseTopeka.com ________________________________________ 0:00 - Cold Open, Sponsor, And Guest Intro 0:39 - Tara’s Washburn Roots And Sports Culture 3:20 - Entrepreneurial Upbringing And Mindset 9:28 - Acquiring TK Business Magazine 12:05 - Why Print Endures And How It’s Funded 17:12 - Let Great People Do Great Work 24:32 - Launching Compass Marketing And What They Do 30:10 - Clients, Community, And Growth Strategy 34:00 - Why Topeka: Underdog Energy And Belonging 39:10 - Chaos, Strengths, And The Entrepreneur’s Drive 45:15 - Practical Advice For New Founders 49:25 - Rapid Fire: Local Favorites And Hot Takes 52:42 - Where To Find TK And Compass _________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider  Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!

    53 min
  8. Lighting Up Our Community: Inside Topeka Zoo Lights | Cynthia McCarvel

    12/12/2025

    Lighting Up Our Community: Inside Topeka Zoo Lights | Cynthia McCarvel

    We sat down with Cynthia McCarvel, Strategic Partnerships Director at the Topeka Zoo, to unpack how Zoo Lights grew from a winter idea into a citywide tradition. From 28 miles of LEDs to volunteer crews, soundscapes, igloos, and access programs, we trace the people and plans behind the glow. • role of strategic partnerships and community ties • why a small zoo is a strength for families • memberships and reciprocal discounts driving value • origins, growth, and yearly redesign of Zoo Lights • scope and logistics of power, LEDs, and frames • corporate and school volunteers wrapping trees and testing lights • in-kind support from electricians, lifts, and fabricators • themed music for holidays around the world • igloos, Santa’s Forest, and photo ops that invite sharing • promotions including Wild Wednesdays and Museums for All • rentals and concierge service for private nights • challenges like reindeer transport and permits • ticket prices, dates, and how to visit Everyone, go visit the Topeka Zoo Lights! ________________________________________ 0:00 - Meet Cynthia And Her Role 1:04 - How Sponsorships Power The Zoo 3:30 - Why A Small Zoo Works Big 5:15 - Membership Value And Regional Draw 5:48 - Zoo Lights Origins And Impact 8:10 - Community Partners And Igloos 10:20 - The Scale Of The Lights 12:05 - Power, Logistics, And Setup 14:05 - Volunteers, Lifts, And Design Teams 16:00 - Sound, Music, And Global Theme 17:50 - Business Rentals And Annual Cycle 19:20 - Planning Ahead And Topping Last Year 21:00 - What’s Worked, What’s Hard: Reindeer 22:40 - Santa’s Forest And Photo Ops 25:10 - Social Buzz, Tunnels, And Stats 26:40 - Local Favorites And Rapid Fire 28:30 - Tickets, Access, And Promotions 30:00 - Favorite Displays And Closing Invite _________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider  Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!

    31 min
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Trailer

5
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About

Inside look into the entrepreneurs, business owners, & leaders who are shaping the future of Topeka, KS! 🌆

Information

  • Creator
    Justin Armbruster & Jon Griffith
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Topeka Insider
  • Show Website
    Topeka Insider

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