The 39/94

Jodie O'Brien
  • 5.0 (5)
  • News

Welcome to The 39/94. Every great story starts with a place, and this is our place. Named after the coordinates of our region (39°N, 94°W), Jodie O'Brien hosts a weekly dive-in with the people, stories, and conversations shaping life across Northwest Missouri. Big topics, small towns, and the people who make this place worth talking about. Your neighbor's story. Your town's news. Your community's voice. We pull up a chair, ask the tough questions, share the good laughs, and bring you the stories you didn't know you needed - the stuff that makes you proud, makes you think, makes you laugh, and reminds you why Northwest Missouri feels like home. 🎙️ New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one.

  1. 1d ago

    Friends, Fried Chicken & Following Your Dreams With Gina Calderwood

    The 39/94 is officially one year old! 🎉 For this special anniversary episode, the microphone changes hands. Gina Calderwood of Gina’s Café & Catering turns the table and interviews Jodie (after Jodie asks a ton of questions). We hear about Gina's journey and they discuss female friendships, but we also get the story behind the podcast and everything that has happened during its first year. Jodie and Gina talk about: • How The 39/94 began and why local storytelling matters • The people who encouraged Jodie to believe the podcast could work • What Jodie has learned after more than 50 podcasts • The importance of friendship and having people who will tell you the truth • Gina’s passion for cooking and the story behind Gina’s Café & Catering • The challenges of staying authentic in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and AI • Why local voices and local journalism still matter • The evolution of The 39/94 and what’s ahead for Season Two • And, of course, Gina's unforgettable San Francisco Waymo adventure 😂 This conversation is part anniversary reflection, part friendship conversation and part "look behind the scenes/peak behind the curtain" of The 39/94. Most of all, it’s a thank-you to the people who have shared their stories and to everyone who has listened, watched and supported the show during its first year. About Gina CalderwoodGina Calderwood is the owner and head chef of Gina’s Café & Catering in Cosby, Missouri. She returned to her hometown and followed her passion for cooking, building Gina’s into a destination for home cooking, catering, meal kits and more. Learn more: Gina’s Café & Catering The 39/94 Podcast – New episodes every week! ▶️ Watch more episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the3994podcast ❤️ Support The 39/94 Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/the3994 Our SponsorsScooter's Coffee – Savannah & St. Joseph https://www.facebook.com/scooterscoffeesavannah Wollenman Family's Deluxe Truck Stop https://www.deluxetruckstop.com/ Gina's Cafe & Catering https://www.ginascafeandcatering.com/ E.L. Crawford Construction http://www.elcrawford.com/ Greater Than Financial https://www.greaterthanfinancial.com/ Pankakes, Pups & Suds https://www.facebook.com/cpankake/ North Central Missouri College https://www.ncmissouri.edu/ Mentioned in this episode: Missouri Western State UniversityKQ2-Mike BraccianoLute AtiehPatterson FoundationAnnette Weeks

    Friends, Fried Chicken & Following Your Dreams With Gina Calderwood

  2. Sep 10

    Local Realtor, Army Veteran & New Dad: Louie Guardado on Finding Purpose & Giving Back

    Louie Guardado joins The 39/94 for a conversation about finding his path, building a career in real estate, becoming a husband and new dad, and learning what it means to give back. After struggling to figure out what came next, Louie joined the Army, a decision he says was one of the best he ever made. Today, he's a young realtor navigating a competitive industry while building relationships and establishing himself in Northwest Missouri. Louie and I also talk about the whirlwind of the past two years. He and his wife got married, moved to a new city, bought a house, got a dog and had a baby. We get into fatherhood, faith, family, the challenges of being an introvert in a relationship-driven business and the lessons Louie has learned along the way. Louie is also spearheading The One Invitational, a golf fundraiser supporting Sisters of Solace. We talk about why giving back is important to him, the challenges of organizing his first fundraiser and what he hopes the event will accomplish. And, of course, we have to talk about his 10-month-old son, who apparently doesn't believe in quietly waking Dad up. 😂 The One Invitational golf tournament (Oct 9, Fairview Golf Course) for Sisters of Solace Register to Play or Become A Sponsor: https://birdease.com/THEONEINVITATIONALSTJOE The 39/94 Podcast – New episodes every week! ▶️ Watch more episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the3994podcast ❤️ Support The 39/94 Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/the3994 Our SponsorsScooter's Coffee – Savannah & St. Joseph https://www.facebook.com/scooterscoffeesavannah Wollenman Family's Deluxe Truck Stop https://www.deluxetruckstop.com/ Gina's Cafe & Catering https://www.ginascafeandcatering.com/ E.L. Crawford Construction http://www.elcrawford.com/ Greater Than Financial https://www.greaterthanfinancial.com/ Pankakes, Pups & Suds https://www.facebook.com/cpankake/ North Central Missouri College https://www.ncmissouri.edu/ Companies mentioned in this episode: Realty One Group CornerstoneSisters of SolaceFairview Golf CourseWellspring Community Church

    Local Realtor, Army Veteran & New Dad: Louie Guardado on Finding Purpose & Giving Back

  3. Sep 3

    The Stories We Carry: A Conversation with Tom Brand

    Tom Brand, St. Joseph author, storyteller, and weekly columnist for about 12 Missouri newspapers, and director of the St. Joseph Community Alliance joins Jodie O'Brien this week on The 39/94 to talk about his unusual hobby of buying old photographs at thrift stores and inventing fictional stories for the strangers pictured in them, a project he sees as a way of preserving people who might otherwise be forgotten....but that's not all. The conversation moves through his writing life, from his newspaper columns to his books, including the origin of his memorably titled first book, a tribute to his father through personal essays, and his kids' book inspired by Pony Express rider, "Johnny Fry". Tom also opens up about surviving a massive heart attack and bypass surgery in 2013, including the moment his heart stopped and a surgeon held it by hand to keep him alive, reflecting on how it reshaped his outlook on life. The episode closes with a candid, deeply personal conversation about the loss of his son, Alex, to suicide in 2015, suspected ties to CTE from repeated concussions, and how he and his wife have carried that grief while continuing to find meaning and gratitude. Topics Covered: Preserving forgotten lives through fiction inspired by discarded photographsThe evolution of a weekly newspaper column into published booksFamily, faith, and rural Missouri as recurring themes in his writingPractical guidance for first-time authors on publishing and independent bookstoresSurviving cardiac arrest in 2013 and the perspective it producedLosing a child to suicide, the role of concussions, and living with griefBuilding community through the St. Joseph Community Alliance You can learn more about Tom here: https://tombrandwrites.com/ The 39/94 Podcast – New episodes every week! ▶️ Watch more episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the3994podcast ❤️ Support The 39/94 Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/the3994 Our SponsorsScooter's Coffee – Savannah & St. Joseph https://www.facebook.com/scooterscoffeesavannah Wollenman Family's Deluxe Truck Stop https://www.deluxetruckstop.com/ Gina's Cafe & Catering https://www.ginascafeandcatering.com/ E.L. Crawford Construction http://www.elcrawford.com/ Greater Than Financial https://www.greaterthanfinancial.com/ Pankakes, Pups & Suds https://www.facebook.com/cpankake/ North Central Missouri College https://www.ncmissouri.edu/ Companies mentioned in this episode: KFEQEL Crawford ConstructionGreater Than FinancialGina's Cafe and CateringWollenman Family's Deluxe Truck StopPankakes, Pups and SudsScooters CoffeeNorth Central Missouri CollegePony Express MuseumRichardson Press Links referenced in this episode: richardsonpress.com

    The Stories We Carry: A Conversation with Tom Brand

  4. Aug 27

    Making the Big Time Where You're At: Wes Simmons on Culture, Legacy, and Hope

    Wes Simmons played on back-to-back NCAA Division II national championship teams at Northwest Missouri State, then spent his career coaching coaches...not just in athletics, but in business, education, healthcare and beyond. Today, he is the founder of the 3D Institute and founder/president of the Joseph Company, the group behind St. Joseph's movement to reclaim its identity as the “City of Coaches.” This week, Wes joins Jodie O'Brien on The 39/94 to talk leadership, legacy, hope and what it really means to coach beyond the scoreboard. He explains the 3D Coaching framework and why the areas where leaders can have the greatest impact...mindset, identity, character, significance and self-worth often receive the least training. He also shares how losing his brother and being surrounded by extraordinary coaches shaped his understanding of what a healthy culture can mean when people are going through hard things. Then we turn to St. Joseph. A community survey conducted this year found that 78% of respondents did not believe St. Joseph was headed in a healthy direction for future generations. Wes says that should be a reason to “call a timeout”...not to give up, but to have an honest conversation about where the community goes from here. We talk about the trust gap between citizens and community leadership, the importance of building culture intentionally, and Wes's vision for St. Joseph as the City of Coaches, a place where people can be resourced, equipped and launched to pursue their dreams. Wes also shares the “halftime” moment during the pandemic that caused him to rethink whether he should leave St. Joseph, the difference between success and significance, and why he believes you can “make the big time where you're at.” And, of course, we talk about Bob Ross. This is a conversation about where St. Joseph has been, where it is now, and what it could become if its people decide to build the next chapter together. Interested in signing up to be part of the conversation Sept 1st? https://thejosephcompany.com/events/coaches-timeout/ The 39/94 Podcast – New episodes every week! ▶️ Watch more episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the3994podcast ❤️ Support The 39/94 Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/the3994 Our SponsorsScooter's Coffee – Savannah & St. Joseph https://www.facebook.com/scooterscoffeesavannah Wollenman Family's Deluxe Truck Stop https://www.deluxetruckstop.com/ Gina's Cafe & Catering https://www.ginascafeandcatering.com/ E.L. Crawford Construction http://www.elcrawford.com/ Greater Than Financial https://www.greaterthanfinancial.com/ Pankakes, Pups & Suds https://www.facebook.com/cpankake/ North Central Missouri College https://www.ncmissouri.edu/ Companies mentioned in this episode: 3D InstituteThe Joseph CompanyNorthwest Missouri State UniversityEL Crawford ConstructionGreat than FinancialGina's Cafe and CateringWolleman Family's Deluxe Truck Stop PancakesScooters CoffeeNorth Central Missouri College

    Making the Big Time Where You're At: Wes Simmons on Culture, Legacy, and Hope

  5. Aug 20

    Behind the Headlines at the Bartlett Center: VP of the Board, Tama Wagner on What Comes Next

    For over 50 years, the Bartlett Center has been a fixture in Midtown St. Joseph, child care, preschool, after-school programs, and a lifeline for families across a low-income part of the city. This year, it's also been in the headlines: financial strain, a request to the city for rent relief, and hard questions about what comes next. In this episode, I sit down with Tama Wagner, Vice President of the Bartlett Center's board of directors, for an honest conversation about where things stand. We talk about the Center's shoestring budget and reliance on inconsistent state subsidies, what really happened when the board went to the city council for help, the delicate balance of separating executive director Latonya Williams' political life from her role serving nearly 90 children a day, and the board's new "Friends of the Bartlett Center" push to refocus attention on the kids, families, and staff who depend on it. We also get into Tama's own remarkable career, a journalism degree from Kansas State, a decade covering the Kansas legislature and politics for public radio (including some memories with Senator Bob Dole), a jump to the "dark side" of political campaigns, and 15 years at Mosaic Life Care before roles in manufacturing, at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, and at Missouri Western, before retiring this past June. This is a candid look at what it actually takes to keep a community institution alive, and what you can do to help. In this episode: What the Bartlett Center does day to day, and why it's always operated on the edge financiallyThe real story behind the city council rent-relief requestNavigating the politics around executive director Latonya WilliamsThe board's brand refresh and new fundraising pushTama's path from TV reporter to political operative to nonprofit board leaderWhat a thriving Bartlett Center looks like a year from now, and how to help today How to help: Follow "Friends of the Bartlett Center" on Facebook, or donate directly via the Center's online portal or Venmo @BartlettCenter. The 39/94 Podcast – New episodes every week! ▶️ Watch more episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the3994podcast ❤️ Support The 39/94 Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/the3994 Our SponsorsScooter's Coffee – Savannah & St. Joseph https://www.facebook.com/scooterscoffeesavannah Wollenman Family's Deluxe Truck Stop https://www.deluxetruckstop.com/ Gina's Cafe & Catering https://www.ginascafeandcatering.com/ E.L. Crawford Construction http://www.elcrawford.com/ Greater Than Financial https://www.greaterthanfinancial.com/ Pankakes, Pups & Suds https://www.facebook.com/cpankake/ Links referenced in this episode: facebook.com/friendsofthebartlettcenter Companies mentioned in this episode: Scooter's CoffeeWollenman Family's Deluxe Truck StopGina's Cafe and CateringGreater than FinancialEL Crawford ConstructionPankakes, Pups and Suds

    Behind the Headlines at the Bartlett Center: VP of the Board, Tama Wagner on What Comes Next

  6. Aug 13

    From Refugee to Author at 80: Rewriting Your Story in Life’s Later Chapters with Sieglinde Othmer

    Northwest Missouri author Sieglinde Othmer is proof that life doesn’t stop at 80, it can actually begin a whole new chapter. On this episode of The 39/94, Sieglinde and I talk about resilience, reinvention, purpose and what it means to embrace aging with joy and intention. After losing her longtime husband and navigating significant changes in her life, Sieglinde turned her experiences into wisdom—and eventually into her book, “Joyous Longevity: The A to Z Field Guide.” We talk about the habits that can contribute to a longer, healthier life, why relationships and community are so important, the connection between trauma and aging, and why having a sense of purpose can make such a difference. Sieglinde also shares five essential habits for longevity and explains why the environment and people around us can have such a profound impact on our health and well-being. This is a conversation about getting older, but it’s really about something much bigger: how to keep growing, connecting, finding purpose and living fully in every chapter of life. In this episode: Sieglinde’s journey of resilience and reinventionJoyous Longevity: The A to Z Field GuideThe importance of purpose and social connectionFive habits that can support longevityManaging trauma and looking toward the futureHow our communities and environments influence our well-beingWhy aging can be an opportunity—not an ending The 39/94 Podcast – New episodes every week! ▶️ Watch more episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the3994podcast ❤️ Support The 39/94 Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/the3994 Our SponsorsScooter's Coffee – Savannah & St. Joseph https://www.facebook.com/scooterscoffeesavannah Wollenman Family's Deluxe Truck Stop https://www.deluxetruckstop.com/ Gina's Cafe & Catering https://www.ginascafeandcatering.com/ E.L. Crawford Construction http://www.elcrawford.com/ Greater Than Financial https://www.greaterthanfinancial.com/ Pankakes, Pups & Suds https://www.facebook.com/cpankake/ Links referenced in this episode: joyouslongevity.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Bradley CommunicationsThe Metropolitan OperaWashington UniversityUniversity of KentuckyScooter's CoffeeWollenman Family's Deluxe Truck StopGina's Cafe and CateringGreater than FinancialEL Crawford ConstructionPankakes, Pups and Suds

    From Refugee to Author at 80: Rewriting Your Story in Life’s Later Chapters with Sieglinde Othmer

  7. Aug 6

    Using Her Voice for Good: Tracy Lindley on Purpose, Passion & Making an Impact

    What if one unexpected opportunity completely changed the direction of your life? That’s exactly what happened to Tracy Lindley. A Missouri Western graduate, nationally recognized voice actor, LinkedIn educator and entrepreneur, Tracy has voiced projects for brands including Google, Walmart, Uber, NASCAR and realtor.com, all from her home studio in St. Joseph. In this episode, Tracy shares how she accidentally discovered voice acting, the networking strategy that completely changed her business, why LinkedIn became one of her greatest marketing tools, and how she's helping creatives build sustainable careers. She also discusses balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, creating online courses, mentoring the next generation, and advocating for voice actors through the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) as artificial intelligence reshapes the industry. Topics include: • Building a national business from a small town • Voice acting behind major brands • LinkedIn networking strategies • Creating passive income through online courses • Faith, family and entrepreneurship • AI and protecting human voices • Finding your purpose and using your gifts If you've ever wondered how to turn a unique skill into a successful business—or how to stand out in today's digital world—this episode is full of practical insight and inspiration. The 39/94 Podcast – New episodes every week! ▶️ Watch more episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the3994podcast ❤️ Support The 39/94 Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/the3994 Our SponsorsNorth Central Missouri College https://www.ncmissouri.edu/ Scooter's Coffee – Savannah & St. Joseph https://www.facebook.com/scooterscoffeesavannah Wollenman Family's Deluxe Truck Stop https://www.deluxetruckstop.com/ Gina's Cafe & Catering https://www.ginascafeandcatering.com/ E.L. Crawford Construction http://www.elcrawford.com/ Greater Than Financial https://www.greaterthanfinancial.com/ Mentioned in this episode: WalmartBusinessNASCARGoogleUberMissouri Western State UniversityLinkedInVoices.comVoice123.comOutworksNAVATruth TravelersAndy WilliamsFrederick Blvd Baptist

    Using Her Voice for Good: Tracy Lindley on Purpose, Passion & Making an Impact

  8. Jul 30

    Higher Education Unfiltered with Dr. Lenny Klaver: His Story and Our Future

    This week on The 39/94, we sit down with Dr. Lenny Klaver, President of North Central Missouri College, for a conversation about his path into higher education leadership and his perspective on a statewide issue that affects every college campus in Missouri: funding. Dr. Klaver walks us through his career, from Wayne State College to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside to a small Michigan university that later closed, and into the presidency he's now held for nearly a decade. He talks about the philosophy of "uncommon attention" that guides how he leads, the tradeoffs rural and community colleges face compared to four-year universities, and his view on why Missouri ranks 46th in the nation for higher ed funding per capita and what that means for students and families across the state. He also shares how dual credit works for local high schoolers, and reflects on a defining personal moment, surviving a 1979 tornado that destroyed his family's Iowa farm. In this episode: (02:39) The affordability gap between community colleges and four-year universities(03:22) The story behind recruiting Clarence Green(05:14) Dr. Claver's path into a college presidency(07:49) Surviving the 1979 tornado that shaped his sense of purpose(14:46) The "uncommon attention" philosophy behind his leadership(19:11) His take on why Missouri ranks 46th in the nation for higher ed funding per capita(22:22) Dual credit and dual enrollment, explained(25:29) What he's watching for in the years ahead The 39/94 Podcast – New episodes every week! ▶️ Watch more episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the3994podcast ❤️ Support The 39/94 Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/the3994 Our SponsorsScooter's Coffee – Savannah & St. Joseph https://www.facebook.com/scooterscoffeesavannah Wollenman Family's Deluxe Truck Stop https://www.deluxetruckstop.com/ Gina's Cafe & Catering https://www.ginascafeandcatering.com/ E.L. Crawford Construction http://www.elcrawford.com/ Greater Than Financial https://www.greaterthanfinancial.com/ Pankakes, Pups & Suds https://www.facebook.com/cpankake/ North Central Missouri College https://www.ncmissouri.edu/ Links referenced in this episode: NCMissouri.edu

    Higher Education Unfiltered with Dr. Lenny Klaver: His Story and Our Future
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to The 39/94. Every great story starts with a place, and this is our place. Named after the coordinates of our region (39°N, 94°W), Jodie O'Brien hosts a weekly dive-in with the people, stories, and conversations shaping life across Northwest Missouri. Big topics, small towns, and the people who make this place worth talking about. Your neighbor's story. Your town's news. Your community's voice. We pull up a chair, ask the tough questions, share the good laughs, and bring you the stories you didn't know you needed - the stuff that makes you proud, makes you think, makes you laugh, and reminds you why Northwest Missouri feels like home. 🎙️ New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one.

Information

  • Creator
    Jodie O'Brien
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jodie O'Brien
  • Show Website
    The 39/94

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