Thinking Out Loud

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Rick Relyea, inaugural director of the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands, and Aquatic Systems at CAFNR-MU on his vision in workforce development and regional collaboration as he sets the stage for this new institute at Mizzou.

In celebration of International Day of Play happening June 11, KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Rachel Thibodeau-Nielsen, Associate Professor at HDFS on the importance of play for children – namely, the evolving narratives around childhood play versus adulthood preparation, how play styles exist across a spectrum, and how adults can help facilitate true playtime for children, founded in a joy for play within themselves.

KBIA's Rachael Norden continues her conversation with Dr. Kale Monk, Associate Professor at HDFS, on all things relationships – the good, the bad, and the lonely. In this episode, we explore loneliness, breakups, and what it can look like to navigate the natural ebb and flow of our relationships. Plus, resources for rural community members through HDFS’ new ShowMe Connection project.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Kate Harry, President, and Patsy Stem, President-Elect, of Columbia non-profit Up To Good. The organization, formerly known as The Assistance League of Mid-Missouri, serves people in Columbia in a number of ways, including their thrift shop Upscale Resale. Up To Good

KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Scott Simon, longtime host of NPR's "Weekend Edition Saturday," about his new book. Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known explores the pets in Scott's life, and how we are all affected by the animals in our lives.

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Drs. Shinyoung Jeon and Aileen Garcia on National Childcare Provider Appreciation Day, or Provider Appreciation Day, happening May 8th – a worldwide celebration meant to recognize the work of childcare providers, teachers, and other educators of young children.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Emily Ehling who directs "Catalyst," an upcoming dance concert, and about the new dance program within Mizzou's Theatre Department.Mizzou Theatre Department

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with returning guest, Dr. Melissa Herzog, Associate Teaching Professor at HDFS on National Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW), happening April 20-24, 2026 as a time to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours and make a profound difference in the lives of youth.

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Francisco Palermo, Associate Professor at HDFS on National Kindergarten Day, the impacts of technology on early learning, and how early childhood education emphasizes developing the social skills children require before academia.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Rev. Katie Collins of First Presbyterian Church about their Holy Week observances and the meaning of events like Maunday Thursday and Good Friday. First Presbyterian Church, Columbia MO

KBIA’s Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Brandon Boyd, Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Missouri on the MU Choral Union’s upcoming spring performance, Franz Schubert’s Mass in E flat Major, presented by the University Concert Series and in collaboration with the Columbia Civic Orchestra. Plus, a look at what’s coming down the line as the Choral Union plans its celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Dr. Jeffrey Stevens of the Mizzou History Department about this year's guest in the Fordyce Mitchel Lecture Series. Dr. Dimitri Nakassis of University of Colorado will speak on "At Mycenae the Gods Once Walked the Earth: The Rise and Fall of a Bronze Age Civilization."Schedule for 2026 Fordyce Mitchell Lecture Series

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Nicole Johnston of the Missouri Historic Costume and Textile Collection and Joan Stack of the State Historical Society of Missouri about the new display " W[A]RN and TRANSFORMED: Uniforms as Stories of U.S." with U.S. military veterans sharing stories as art around the military uniforms. W[A]RN and TRANSFORMED: UniformW[A]RN and TRANSFORMED: Uniforms as Stories of U.S.s as Stories of U.S.

Growing up, what did you want to be? KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Kellie Seals, Assistant Extension Professor and 4-H State Specialist in College and Career Pathways on Career Awareness Month happening in March, and how programs like 4-H are equipping young people with the skills necessary to be life and work-ready.

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Melissa Herzog, Associate Teaching Professor at HDFS and co-pilot of ShowMe Healthy Relationships (SMHR) on how SMHR provides free researched-based, federally funded relationship education to Missourians state-wide, changing how both single and coupled people navigate their relationships in all aspects of life.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Brandi Hamilton, a environmental specialist with the Missouri State Department of Health and Senior Services and Environmental Epidemiology, about the dangers of household radon. This tasteless and odorless gas can greatly increase risk of lung cancer and other cancers. The good news is the State of Missouri provides free, easy to use radon test kits, and if radon is detected they can recommend mitigation measures. MO Department of Health and Senior Services radon test kits

KBIA's Rachael Norden speaks with Dr. Kale Monk, Associate Professor at HDFS on how framing our relationships through a lens levity and preventative care can ensure we remain connected in our partnerships, and create greater sense of commitment with loved ones of all kinds.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Brian Kisida of Mizzou's Open Minds Initiative about a visit to Columbia from Sebastian Junger, author of the recently released book, "Tribe: On Homecoming And Belonging." Junger will be appearing as part of the University's Thomas Lecture and Performance Series. Darren and Brian also discuss the Open Minds Initiative at M.U. Open Minds Initiative from Mizzou A&S

KBIA's Darren Hellwege visits with Stacia Schaefer of the State Historical Society of Missouri about many events happening at the Center for Missouri Studies around the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

KBIA's Darren Hellwege talks with Audra West about the upcoming Children's Mission and Movie Day at Columbia's First Presbyterian Church. You can sign up at First Presbyterian Church