City of Ames’ Podcasts

Rummage RAMPage is back for its 10th year, giving residents an easy way to declutter, shop for bargains, support local nonprofits, and keep thousands of reusable items out of the landfill.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Iowa State University Director of Sustainability Merry Rankin and City of Ames Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda to di...

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, July 14 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation focuses on two significant topics from the meeting. First, they discuss the City Council's actions regarding proposed policies for future development ...

Screens are everywhere. From work and school to entertainment and social media, the average person spends hours each day looking at a phone, tablet, computer, or television. But what does all that screen time do to our brains and overall well-being?

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield explore the growing impact of screen time on our dail...

How do federal dollars help improve neighborhoods, support affordable housing, and strengthen the Ames community? More importantly, how can you help decide where those funds go?

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer to discuss the 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Annual Action Plan. They expla...

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 6 p.m. with the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting, immediately followed by the Ames City Council meeting in the Ames City H...

Thinking about finishing your basement, building a deck, replacing windows, or tackling that long overdue home project? Before you pick up the tools, make sure you know when a permit is required and what the 2026 Building Code updates mean for you.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Assistant Building Official Scott McCambridge to break down the latest code chang...

Peptides are everywhere right now. From social media influencers and fitness communities to medical clinics and weight-loss advertisements, these compounds are generating a lot of attention. But what exactly are peptides, and do they live up to the hype?

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield take a closer look at peptides, how they work in...

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Megan Klein-Hewett, Adult Services Manager for the Ames Public Library, to explore the history and future of one of Ames' most beloved community spaces.

The conversation begins with the Library's roots as a Carnegie-funded institution, tracing its journey from its 1904 opening to the vital role it plays in the commun...

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, June 9 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation covers an overview of a data center development request by Lightedge. They also cover traffic control and pedestrian safety in the Lincoln Way and...

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Layne Fober, Energy Services Coordinator for Ames Electric Services, to talk about one of everyone's favorite topics: saving money.

The conversation focuses on the City of Ames Smart Energy rebate program and the many ways residents can reduce the cost of energy-efficient home improvements. From smart thermostats and...

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 23, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.

This episode highlights several agenda items...

Wellness can take many forms. Sometimes it is building healthy habits, and sometimes it is simply knowing that support is available when you need it most.

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield sit down with Sergeant Amber Christian of the Ames Police Department and her four-legged partner, Crisis K9 Penny. Together, they explore the import...

Summer in Iowa means gardens are growing, sprinklers are running, and everyone is hoping for that picture-perfect green lawn. But when, how, and how often we water can have a bigger impact than many people realize.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Water and Pollution Control Director John Dunn to talk about outdoor water use and why it matters to the entire community. They discuss what happens behind th...

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, June 9 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation covers a wide range of topics that will help shape the future of the community. Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the recent joint workshop with the Ames C...

Ames is rolling out curbside recycling, and with it comes one of life's most persistent questions: "Does this belong in the recycling bin, or am I just being optimistic?"

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Sustainability Coordinator Nolan Sagan to discuss the City's new curbside recycling program launching this summer. They cover when service begins, what ...

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 9, beginning at 6 p.m. following the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) meeting in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark ...

Sleep affects nearly every aspect of our health, yet many people struggle to get enough of it. In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield explore why sleep is so important, what happens when we don't get enough of it, and practical ways to improve both the quantity and quality of our rest.

From understanding sleep cycles and sleep debt to recognizing the signs of sleep apnea, this episode offe...

Nourishing Summer: How Ames Public Library Is Helping Feed Kids

When school lets out for the summer, many families face a new challenge: making sure kids have consistent access to nutritious meals. In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Brianne Anderson, Youth Services Manager at Ames Public Library, to talk about the library’s Summer Meals Program and the growing impact it...

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, May 26 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation covers several topics connected to development, transportation, and long-term planning in Ames. Susan and Mayor Haila walk through the discussion surro...