Bridging The Gap

Madison County Chamber of Commerce
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Bridging the Gap. A podcast from Madison County Iowa dedicated to the growth and sustainability of small business in our community.

  1. 12h ago

    Fly Iowa | Bridging the Gap

    Fly Iowa

    Fly Iowa | Bridging the Gap

  2. Aug 13

    Road Trips, Kindness, Quirky Adventures | Brandy & Tamara, You Can't Be Serious | Bridging the Gap

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce podcast, where Madison County's stories and businesses connect. In this episode, Sarah sits down with Brandy and Tamara Bane of You Can't Be Serious, Winterset friends whose road trips, humor, and kindness have become a bright spot for our community and for people they meet along the way. In this episode, we cover: • How Brandy and Tamara met on a rec volleyball team • Raising kids in Winterset and staying close as friends for 16+ years • The 2019 Iowa waterfall trip that started their yearly adventures • Hiking, kayaking, and saying yes to outdoorsy weekends • Quirky roadside restaurants and small town stops • The "skipper rope" truck moment that had them laughing for miles • Markerboard signs for strangers on the interstate • A moose encounter (and poison ivy) near Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons • Turning travel joy into a kindness mission • Local support from Winterset and Madison County • How friendship pushed them out of their comfort zones • Why paying it forward matters as much as the destinations Whether you love road trips, local friendship stories, or a good reason to smile, this conversation is a reminder that joy is meant to be shared. Learn more & connect: • You Can't Be Serious: [GUEST LINK - please confirm] • Madison County Chamber of Commerce: https://madisoncounty.com If you enjoyed this episode, like, comment, and subscribe so more neighbors can find Bridging the Gap. Thanks for supporting local stories across Madison County. #MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #Podcast #YouCantBeSerious #RoadTrips #Kindness #IowaTravel #WomenWhoExplore #LocalFriends

    Road Trips, Kindness, Quirky Adventures | Brandy & Tamara, You Can't Be Serious | Bridging the Gap

  3. Aug 7

    Building a Destination Quilt Shop | Tony Jacobson, Piece Works Quilt Shop | Bridging the Gap

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Tony Jacobson, owner of Pieceworks Quilt Shop, to explore creativity, craftsmanship, and how a small shop on the Winterset square became a destination for quilters from around the world. From a childhood spent learning to quilt at his grandmother's side to 30 years in publishing and design, Tony shares how a lifetime of making things led him and his wife to take over the shop next door to the Iowa Quilt Museum. We also discuss hand dyed fabric, the pattern that unexpectedly took off internationally, his work with Quilts of Valor, and why a strong local business community keeps visitors coming back. In this episode, we cover: Tony's 30 year career in publishing, graphic design, and art directionLearning to quilt from his grandmother as one of six boys growing up in Menlo, IowaHow Pieceworks opened alongside the Iowa Quilt Museum ten years agoTaking over ownership of the shop with his wife in February7,000 bolts of fabric and building a destination shop around designers you can't find anywhere elseDesigning more than 60 exclusive patterns, including Iowa Raised, Stellar Joy, and All Linked UpThe Swatch Book fabric line recreated from a 1920s swatch book to benefit the Iowa Quilt MuseumSnow dyeing, ice dyeing, and creating one of a kind art quilts"Quilting and the art of what if" as a design philosophyHow a Kaffe Fassett post sent orders for one pattern around the worldQuilts of Valor, the national board, and honoring veterans across IowaNew products including quilter's seating and Cherrywood hand dyed fabricsUpcoming classes, monthly retreats, and an appliqué piece for the Clark Tower 100th anniversaryWhether you're a quilter, a small business owner, or someone curious about the creative people behind Winterset's historic square, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to build something original and keep a community thriving. Learn more & connect: Pieceworks Quilt Shop: https://pieceworksquiltshop.comMadison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison County Supporting local shops and makers helps preserve the creativity, character, and craftsmanship that make our communities unique. #MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #Podcast #Quilting #QuiltShop #IowaQuiltMuseum #QuiltsOfValor #HandDyedFabric

    Building a Destination Quilt Shop | Tony Jacobson, Piece Works Quilt Shop | Bridging the Gap

  4. Jul 29

    Inside Winterset Public Library with Youth Services Librarian Rachel Cole | Bridging the Gap

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Cole, Youth Services Librarian at the Winterset Public Library, to explore how the library has grown into a true community hub, far beyond just checking out books. From weekly story time and the Library of Things to hands on STEM experiments and the beloved Stuffy Sleepover, Rachel shares how the library meets families where they are and builds connection across generations. We also discuss the importance of early childhood reading, how the library listens and adapts to community needs, and the exciting projects coming up this year.In this episode, we cover:Rachel's path from Winterset native to Youth Services LibrarianThe library's evolution into a "beyond books" community spaceDigital resources, Wi-Fi hotspots, and the Library of ThingsWeekly story time and thematic children's programmingTouch a Truck and its 850 plus person turnoutListening to community needs, like the new Power Hour quiet spaceWhy early childhood reading builds language, bonding, and confidenceTips and encouragement for reluctant readersCommunity partnerships across Madison CountyThe egg parachute drop, a hands on STEM experimentUpcoming events, the Stuffy Sleepover, and new meeting spaces under constructionWhether you're a parent, an educator, or someone curious about what your local library has become, this episode offers a warm look at a space built for everyone in the community.Learn more & connect:Winterset Public Library:Madison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison CountySupporting your local library helps sustain a space where every family in Madison County can learn, play, and belong.#MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #Podcast #Library #YouthServices #ReadingMatters #SummerReading #CommunityPrograms

    Inside Winterset Public Library with Youth Services Librarian Rachel Cole | Bridging the Gap

  5. Jul 23

    Inside Madison County Conservation with AmeriCorps Member Haiden Johnson | Bridging the Gap

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Hayden Johnson, AmeriCorps member serving with Madison County Conservation, to explore youth environmental education, the wildlife and habitat that make our parks special, and what a year of service looks like from the inside. From summer camps and school visits to pond prowls, guided hikes, and spring field trips, Hayden shares how getting kids outdoors builds curiosity that sticks with them long after camp ends. We also discuss the new conservation center, the limestone bluffs and remnant prairie that give Madison County its unique habitat, and simple ways anyone can support conservation locally. In this episode, we cover: Hayden's path from environmental science at Simpson College to serving in Madison CountyWhat AmeriCorps is and how the Iowa State 4-H branch focuses on positive youth developmentK-12 programming, school visits, spring field trips, and summer campsThe Toadally Rad Reptiles camp and a very muddy pond prowlTimber rattlesnakes, flying squirrels, and the surprising diversity of Iowa habitatsLimestone bluffs, bird watching, and becoming a birder along the wayCriss Cove and its remnant prairie, land that has never been tilledThe new conservation center as a public space, event venue, and camp shelterWhy time outdoors matters for mental health and for kids growing up on screensHayden's recent Governor's Volunteer Award and plans to stay in Madison CountyHow to volunteer, donate, or attend the annual Evening Under the Stars auctionWhether you're a parent looking for summer camp options, a lifelong Madison County resident, or someone curious about the wildlife right outside your door, this episode offers a close look at the people working to protect it and the kids learning to love it. Learn more & connect: Madison County Conservation: https://madisoncountyparks.orgCamps, events, and Pammel campground reservations: https://mycountyparks.comMadison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison County Supporting local conservation protects the parks, prairies, and wildlife that make Madison County worth exploring, one kid covered in mud at a time. #MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #Podcast #AmeriCorps #IowaOutdoors #CountyConservation #EnvironmentalEducation #PammelPark Hayden Johnson spelling, the transcript is clean on this one but worth a glance.Criss Cove and Pammel, both came through garbled and I corrected them to the standard spellings.madisoncountyparks.org, reconstructed from "madison county parks dot org" in the audio.Evening Under the Stars, Hayden mentions it's run by the nonprofit associated with conservation but the org name got cut off. If you want that named in the bullet, let me know what it is.A few things to confirm before posting

    Inside Madison County Conservation with AmeriCorps Member Haiden Johnson | Bridging the Gap

  6. Jul 16

    Celebrating 100 Years of Clark Tower | Ellen Wade & Linda Smith

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Ellen Wade, Chair of the Friends of Winterset Parks and Recreation, and Linda Smith, local historian and member of the planning committee, to explore the story behind Clark Tower and the community effort to celebrate its 100th anniversary. From the Clark family's original 1925 vision to the stonemasons who quarried and built the tower by hand, Ellen and Linda share how this hidden landmark became one of Winterset's most beloved traditions. We also discuss the returning Clark family descendants, the newly restored Bennett Cabin, a full weekend of centennial festivities, and why preserving local landmarks matters now more than ever.In this episode, we cover:The history and mission of the Friends of Winterset Parks and RecreationHow the Clark family built Clark Tower by hand in 1925 and 1926Why the Clark family, who were stonemasons, chose stone for the towerThe tower's role as a memorial to Ruth and Caleb ClarkPlans for the August 7 and 8 centennial celebration weekendThe ticketed Friday night fundraiser dinner and the lighting of the towerThe free Saturday family fun day with music, food trucks, and history talksA reunion photo with 30 to 60 returning Clark family descendantsThe newly restored Bennett Cabin, furnished with period piecesA 5K trail run past Clark Tower, the covered bridge, and the stone bridgeParking and logistics for the big weekendWhy preserving landmarks like Clark Tower matters for future generationsWhether you're a Madison County history buff, a longtime park visitor, or someone curious about the stories behind our local landmarks, this episode offers a behind the scenes look at what it takes to bring a century old tradition back to life.Learn more & connect:Friends of Winterset Parks and Recreation: https://friendsofwintersetparks.orgMadison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison CountySupporting local parks organizations helps preserve the landmarks and green spaces that make Madison County such a special place to call home.#MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #Podcast #ClarkTower #WintersetParks #LocalHistory #IowaHistory #CentennialCelebration

    Celebrating 100 Years of Clark Tower | Ellen Wade & Linda Smith

  7. Jul 11

    400 Kids, 2,000 Entries, One Week | Inside Madison County 4-H | Bridging the Gap Podcast

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Naven, Madison County Extension Director, and Lindsay, 4-H Coordinator, of ISU Extension and Outreach, to explore 4-H, county fair preparation, and the youth programming that shapes the next generation of leaders in Madison County. From livestock barns and static exhibits to babysitting clinics, art camps, and the premium auction, Nicole and Lindsay share how the Extension Office supports nearly 400 young people and the volunteers who make it all possible. We also discuss the quiet leadership skills kids pick up without realizing it, the workshops Extension offers for adults, and why community support is the reason this program keeps growing. In this episode, we cover: How Nicole and Lindsay got their start at the Madison County Extension OfficeWhat 4-H stands for and how it connects to ISU Extension and OutreachThe four Extension program areas, from ag and natural resources to health and human sciencesYear-round 4-H, with enrollment starting in September and projects building all yearFair by the numbers, including 286 4-H members, 111 Clover Kids, and 50 volunteersMore than 2,000 fair entries across livestock, clothing and communications, and static exhibitsWhy the fair is for everyone, not just farm families, with dog, cat, rabbit, photography, and food projectsLeadership, confidence, and communication skills kids gain along the wayThe Youth Council member who built the 4K for 4-H fundraiser from scratchAdult programming, from private pesticide training and farmland leasing to beekeeping 101 and ServSafeThe premium auction, the awards banquet, and how the community rallies behind local youthWhether you're a 4-H family, a longtime fairgoer, a business owner looking for a way to give back, or someone curious about what really happens behind the scenes of fair week, this episode offers a look at the people and the planning that make the Madison County Fair happen. Learn more & connect: ISU Extension and Outreach, Madison County: [GUEST ORG LINK — please confirm]Madison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison County Supporting local youth programs like 4-H helps build the confidence, leadership, and community pride that stay with kids long after fair week ends. #MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #Podcast #4H #ISUExtension #MadisonCountyFair #YouthLeadership #CloverKids

    400 Kids, 2,000 Entries, One Week | Inside Madison County 4-H | Bridging the Gap Podcast

  8. Jul 2

    Inside Winterset's American Legion with Rod Beam | Bridging the Gap

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Rod Beam, Adjutant of American Legion Post 184 in Winterset, to explore what it means to serve veterans and the community for over five decades. From the Legion's founding pillars to the Madison County Freedom Rock, Rod shares how the post connects Vietnam era veterans, World War II history, and today's younger service members through one shared mission of support. We also discuss the challenges veterans face today, the Quilts of Valor program, and why showing up for veterans, on Memorial Day and every other day, still matters. In this episode, we cover: Rod's 55 years as a member of American Legion Post 184His service with the First Cavalry in Vietnam and family ties to the LegionThe Legion's four founding pillars, veteran affairs, national security, Americanism, and youth programsThe difference between American Legion and VFW membership requirementsModern challenges facing veterans, including suicide, PTSD, and VA benefits accessThe post's informal "buddy system" for checking on struggling veteransScholarships, citizenship awards, and Boys State sponsorship for local studentsThe Madison County Freedom Rock at the John Wayne Museum and its upkeepThe Poppy Days fundraiser and how it supports flags, cemeteries, and veteran assistanceQuilts of Valor and Winterset's role as the program's national headquartersHow to join the post and get involved as a community memberWhether you're a veteran, a family member of one, or someone who wants to better understand how Madison County supports those who served, this episode offers a firsthand look at what community really means to the people who've given the most for it. Learn more & connect: American Legion Post 184: [GUEST ORG LINK, please confirm, transcript references "Screen Rogers Post 184" but the URL was garbled]Madison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison County Supporting local veterans organizations like the American Legion helps preserve the history, sacrifice, and service that shaped our community. #MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #Podcast #AmericanLegion #VeteransSupport #QuiltsOfValor #FreedomRock #IowaVeterans

    Inside Winterset's American Legion with Rod Beam | Bridging the Gap
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Bridging the Gap. A podcast from Madison County Iowa dedicated to the growth and sustainability of small business in our community.

Information

  • Creator
    Madison County Chamber of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Madison County Chamber of Commerce
  • Show Website
    Bridging The Gap