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. From Professor to President: Leading Washburn Forward | Dr. Mazachek

    5D AGO

    From Professor to President: Leading Washburn Forward | Dr. Mazachek

    We sit down with Washburn University President Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek to trace her path from professor to president and what she refuses to lose as Washburn grows. We dig into affordability, campus expansion, and why real connection still beats a purely online future.  • Her backstory from Topeka roots to engineering to business and an accounting PhD  • What a PhD in accounting really trains you to do  • Why internal leadership growth is rare and why it helps Washburn  • How planning shifts when technology and AI move fast  • Campus space limits with housing as the biggest constraint  • Parking tradeoffs including surface lots vs a future garage  • Enrollment growth at Washburn and Washburn Tech  • Scholarships, donors, and why finances still block college decisions  • The Advisors Excel Hall renovation timeline and what moves in  • Washburn Law’s new building impact and rising student credentials  • The “magic” of small classes and faculty who know students  • Why Topeka works for students, jobs, and quality of life  • What it means to be a municipal university and how funding works  • Rapid-fire local picks from restaurants to coffee shops to date night  • How to connect with Dr. Mazachek and Washburn online  Learn more at washburn.edu. ________________________________________ 0:00 - Cold Open On Student-Focused Faculty 0:16 - Washburn Snapshot And Benefits 0:41 - Meeting President Julian Mazachek 3:03 - From Engineering To Accounting Research 3:56 - Leading From Within At Washburn 7:35 - Space Housing And Parking Realities 14:38 - Growth Scholarships And Low Student Debt 18:36 - New Buildings And Law School Boom 24:09 - The Magic Of Small Classes 28:21 - Why Topeka Works For Students 32:16 - What A Municipal University Means 35:06 - Rapid-Fire Favorites And How To Connect ________________________________________ 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!

    43 min
  2. How Raising Cane’s Turns First-Time Guests Into Caniacs In Topeka, KS | Kansas Leadership Team

    APR 17

    How Raising Cane’s Turns First-Time Guests Into Caniacs In Topeka, KS | Kansas Leadership Team

    We sit down with the Raising Cane’s Kansas leadership team to unpack how “one love” turns chicken fingers into a loyal fanbase in Topeka and beyond. We talk training, culture, community work, and the small operational choices that make the experience feel identical every single time.  • leadership starting in the restaurant as fry cook and cashier  • earning collars and building credibility through hands-on training  • pandemic lessons and respect for restaurant operations  • what “one love” means and why fans call themselves Caniacs  • the origin of the Raising Cane’s name and the Cane mascot story  • why Topeka was on the expansion list and how markets get chosen  • opening new restaurants by developing leaders instead of filling roles  • handling Google reviews and unrealistic complaints without losing focus  • why the menu stays intentionally small and why ranch is never coming  • Todd Graves’ business plan story and the one-thing-done-right gamble  • Plush Puppies campaigns and partnering with local pet welfare groups  • people-first culture and supporting short-staffed restaurants  • toast strategy, “the Bob,” and off-menu honey mustard  • why only managers make Cane’s sauce and how often it’s made  • catering large orders and showing up for community events  ________________________________________ 0:00 - Cold Open And Choose Topeka 0:38 - Meet The Cane’s Kansas Leadership 3:39 - One Love And Caniac Loyalty 7:46 - Why Topeka Got A Cane’s 10:17 - Training And Promotion From Within 12:44 - Google Reviews And Guest Expectations 15:52 - Focused Menu And Founder’s Gamble 19:33 - Plush Puppies Charity And Topeka Build 23:04 - Work Hard Have Fun Culture 30:10 - Toast Tricks Off-Menu Custom Orders 33:36 - Sauce Secrets And Catering Stories 37:11 - Rapid Fire Favorites And Farewell ________________________________________ 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!

    45 min
  3. Inside Trash Mountain Project: Topeka Leaders, Global Impact | Dave Henry

    APR 3

    Inside Trash Mountain Project: Topeka Leaders, Global Impact | Dave Henry

    We sit down with Dave Henry, executive director of  ⁨@Trashmountain⁩ , to unpack how local-led partnerships transform communities living on the edges of trash dumps. We trace his path from pastor and professor to nonprofit leader, and why education is the non-negotiable engine of long-term change. • scale of dump communities worldwide and daily survival work • why TMP partners with local Christian leaders instead of sending staff abroad • countries served and how language access and culture shape impact • core supports such as nutrition, medical access and education • education protected through funding cuts and its long-term outcomes • alumni returning as professionals to rebuild safer homes and systems • community transformation over relocation as a guiding value • executive director role, fundraising, donor communication and accountability • growing the donor base beyond Topeka through personal networks • how to attend the Spoken fundraiser and get involved ________________________________________ 0:00 - The Global Reality Of Dump Communities 2:45 - Dave’s Path From Pastor To TNP 6:48 - What Trash Mountain Project Actually Does 10:45 - Why Partner With Local Leaders 13:50 - Countries, Language, And On-The-Ground Networks 18:35 - Nutrition, Medical Access, And Education 23:05 - Education As The Non-Negotiable 27:20 - Community Transformation Over Relocation 31:10 - Executive Director Role And Fundraising 36:00 - Highs, Lows, And Partner Accountability 41:00 - Growing The Donor Base Beyond Topeka 47:20 - Theology Teaching And Practical Faith ________________________________________ 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!

    49 min
  4. How Unified Leadership Across The City Is Transforming Topeka | Molly Howey

    MAR 20

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Topeka Insider
  • Show Website
    Topeka Insider

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