Best Returned Missionaries Podcasts (2025)

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FULL MONDAY: Jacks' CHASE for a national title, Twins '25 death / Canaries GM Duell Higbe on the making of a title contender 1:16:32

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2h ago1:16:32

1:16:32

It's back to the field for many Div. I college football teams this week as they start "fall camp" leading into their first game approximately a month from now. This includes the Jackrabbits and Coyotes. It's also back to work for Happy Hour host John Gaskins, who was on a vacation scheduled well before last week's Missouri Valley Football Conferenc…

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Canaries are red HOT! GM Duell Higbe on the making of a title contender 36:19

2h ago36:19

36:19

If you are school-girl-elated for football camps starting and the pigskin flying in real games within a month, cool. So are we! But that doesn't mean there is "nothing going on right now" in the Sioux Falls sports scene. The Canaries are going on. Big time! They are the hottest team in the 12-squad American Association of Professional Baseball with…

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John-o-logue: Jacks' CHASE for national title, irrelevance of MVFC's "Not Big 3," Twins '25 death 40:13

17h ago40:13

40:13

It's back to football for most college football teams this week, including the Jackrabbits and Coyotes. It's also back to work for Happy Hour host John Gaskins, who was on a vacation scheduled well before last week's Missouri Valley Football Conference Media Day in Sioux Falls. (For a look or listen at the extensive coverage Matt Zimmer and Marcus …

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7-28-25 Remote Tribes Contacted by Missionaries & Given Gadgets With Word of God 57:12

3h ago57:12

57:12

Are we still trying to convert indigenous tribes to Christianity? Yep. Ancient reptile had an awesome sail on its back. Plus, cool cave submitted by Wes! The After Party LIVE! Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TKFZSASB4VCALBy THE AFTER PARTY LIVE!

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Ian Johnson, "The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao" (Pantheon, 2017) 1:16:16

2d ago1:16:16

1:16:16

Ian Johnson’s new book, The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao (Pantheon, 2017), was called "a masterpiece of observation and empathy" by The New York Review of Books, and The Economist, who included the book on its Best of 2017 list, said the book, "Shows how a resurgence of faith is quietly changing the country." The Guardian said t…

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7-25-25 “Leonardo Da Pinchi” is Pinching Items From Neighbors, At the Movies With Tim Sika! 58:56

3d ago58:56

58:56

So far, a thieving cat has stolen more than 150 items from around his neighborhood. He can’t be stopped. There’s a new link between pollution and dementia. Plus, At the Movies With Tim Sika! The After Party LIVE! Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TKFZSASB4VCAL…

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Happy Hour: MVFC Media Day Finale, UND and a schedule breakdown 15:43

4d ago15:43

15:43

Our fourth and final part of Missouri Valley Football coverage is a chat with the University of North Dakota. New head coach Eric Schmidt says he's eager to take on the challenge of the Missouri Valley and that, as a former player, this is a "dream job" for him. The Fighting Hawks came in as the 7th-ranked team in the preseason poll, but offensive …

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S07E28 The 5 Stages of the Missionary Life Cycle with Jonathan & Elizabeth Trotter (Encore Episode) 49:28

5d ago49:28

49:28

What makes a strong family culture on the mission field? How do you keep your values intact when everything around you is shifting? And is it possible to raise emotionally healthy kids overseas—without losing yourself in the process? In this episode, Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter spill the tea about the joys and challenges of parenting abroad. Fro…

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Happy Hour: MVC Media Day part 3, NDSU, Illinois State, and a breakout player discussion. 19:52

5d ago19:52

19:52

Officially marked as the preseason favorites, the North Dakota State Bison are looking forward to showcasing their capabilities this season. WR Bryce Lance, LB Logan Kopp, and head coach Tim Polasek sat down with Marcus Traxler and Matt Zimmer at Missouri Valley Football Conference Media Day on Monday to break down their aspirations of making it to…

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7-22-25 Fox With Shoe Fettish Sought, Snake on a Train! 51:59

6d ago51:59

51:59

Campers beware! Your shoes aren’t safe around the wildlife. A train ride takes an exciting turn with a snake aboard! Let’s take a summer trip. The After Party LIVE! Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TKFZSASB4VCALBy THE AFTER PARTY LIVE!

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Happy Hour: MVC Media Day Part 2, USD, Northern Iowa, and Indiana State 28:31

6d ago28:31

28:31

Every team in the Missouri Valley Football Conference was represented in the Sanford Pentagon on Monday, including the head coach and two players from each. For Tuesday's Happy Hour, you'll hear from the University of South Dakota, Northern Iowa, and Indiana State. Travis Johansen took over the role of head coach after Bob Nielsen stepped down earl…

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7-21-25 Four Castles Added to UNESCO, What’s Wrong With Bottle Caps? 58:13

7d ago58:13

58:13

Amazing castles get new a distinction. Bottle caps and plastic pollution. Darth Vader’s Original Light Saber for sale! The After Party LIVE! Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TKFZSASB4VCALBy THE AFTER PARTY LIVE!

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Happy Hour: MVC Media Day featuring SDSU, SIU, and Youngstown State 32:41

7d ago32:41

32:41

College football season kicks off officially next week as teams hit the practice field Wednesday. On Monday, the Missouri Valley Football Conference was the talk of FCS as they hosted a media day that included the head coach and two players from each team. The Jackrabbits got the nod as the No. 2 team in the preseason poll, which comes as a surpris…

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7-18-25 Town Inundated With Squirrels, Much Movie News, Plus At the Movies With Tim Sika 1:02:29

10d ago1:02:29

1:02:29

They look cute, but large numbers of ground squirrels are not so fun for a town dealing with tens of thousands of them. Movie news from memorabilia to an exciting development for an independent theater in San Francisco. Plus, At the Movies With Tim Sika! The After Party LIVE! Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_bu…

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7-17-25 A Look at the Olympic Medal Design for Italy, New Hotel Complex Looks like Lanterns, Trivia Thursday 1:12:46

11d ago1:12:46

1:12:46

Italy’s 2026 Winter Games will include “minimalist medals” A new hotel complex in Thailand transforms the skyline with a soft lantern glow. Trivia Thursday is a little suspect this week. The After Party LIVE! 7/17/25 Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TKFZSASB4VCAL…

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FULL SHOW - DeBoer Day in SEC / Trent Singer from the Orion Pub (Swing-Off, All-Star games, Canaries, USD Pole Vault Dynasty, Wu Tang Clan, Nelly 1:28:28

13d ago1:28:28

1:28:28

Let's face it — Mid-July is the Sahara Desert of the sports events landscape, locally and nationally. But that doesn't mean there aren't some fun local and national topics for Happy Hour host John Gaskins to bounce around over beers on an idle Wednesday afternoon at The Orion Pub in downtown Sioux Falls with Sioux Falls Live sportswriter Trent Sing…

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DeBoer Day in the SEC! Why Kalen's Crimson Tide will contend for the national title 17:06

12d ago17:06

17:06

The college football world opened up its eager eyes toward Alabama and South Dakota native Kalen DeBoer on Wednesday. So, what was the former University of Sioux Falls Cougar's highlight while facing the white hot spotlight in Atlanta, just a few days after "Kalen-Palooza" swept Sioux Falls last week? While some Crimson Tide fans or talking heads l…

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A Midsummer's Daydream at the bar with Trent Singer (Sioux Falls Live) - Swing Off, MLB is best All-Star game, USD pole vaulting powerhouse, Wu Tang Clan & Nelly 1:11:23

12d ago1:11:23

1:11:23

Let's face it — Mid-July is the Sahara Desert of the sports events landscape, locally and nationally. But that doesn't mean there aren't some fun local and national topics for Happy Hour host John Gaskins to bounce around over beers on an idle Wednesday afternoon at The Orion Pub in downtown Sioux Falls with Sioux Falls Live sportswriter Trent Sing…

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7-16-25 Dolphins Use Sponges as Tools, Erotic Mosaic Returned to Italy, Glowing Dress Make of Algae 51:08

12d ago51:08

51:08

We knew dolphins were smart, but their use of tools to stave off injury is something else! A Nazi Captain stole a racy mosaic and gave it to a German citizen whose descendants are now trying to return it. Check out this glowing dress made of bioluminescent algae. Plus, Waterfall Wednesday takes us to India. The After Party LIVE! Looking for the sho…

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Struggling Spiritually? Attachment Theory Might Explain Why With Geoff & Cyd Holsclaw 49:27

13d ago49:27

49:27

Have you ever felt like you were doing all the right things spiritually—reading, praying, serving—but still felt disconnected from God? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Geoff & Cyd Holsclaw—pastors, authors, and spiritual formation experts—walk us through the Landscapes of the Soul, a transformative framework rooted in attachment theory th…

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7-15-25 Experience Animals From Interesting Angles in Japan, Joyful Surfing Seal 1:00:17

13d ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Using all of your senses to understand the animals we share the world with takes center stage at a Japanese aquarium. Speaking of animals, check out this pro level seal surfing the waves. 🌊 Plus, it’s Travel Tuesday. The After Party LIVE! Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TKFZSASB4VCAL…

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FULL SHOW - Jake Wieneke (SDSU's all-time leading receiver 2014-17) / "Summer of Buck" for Twins fans, who can't seem to just enjoy it 1:32:12

14d ago1:32:12

1:32:12

At first, a small town the size of Brookings is not what a Minnesota "Mr. Football" finalist from just outside of Minneapolis had in mind for college football. Then Jake Wieneke met South Dakota State coach John Stiegelmeier on his recruiting visit in January 2013, and everything changed on a dime. All Wieneke's decision to become a Jackrabbit led …

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John-o-logue: Summer of Buck! Just Enjoy It! 22:40

13d ago22:40

22:40

There's a classic Seinfeld episode (Season 8, Ep. 22) where, after he was fired by the New York Yankees but receieved a three-month severage package, George Costanza relishes in having an entire summer off and proclaimed "The Summer of George!" Tuesday, smack dab in the middle of July and midsummer, after Monday's MLB Home Run Derby and ahead of Tu…

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Jake Wieneke on his GOAT WR Jacks career, his new life as a Nebraska Cornhuskers missionary 1:09:33

13d ago1:09:33

1:09:33

At first, a small town the size of Brookings is not what a Minnesota "Mr. Football" finalist from just outside of Minneapolis had in mind for college football. Then Jake Wieneke met South Dakota State coach John Stiegelmeier on his recruiting visit in January 2013, and everything changed on a dime. All Wieneke's decision to become a Jackrabbit led …

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7-14-25 Orange Guppies Have More Fun! Prime Day Snafu! Caves of Belize 1:05:08

14d ago1:05:08

1:05:08

Researchers looked into the frisky habits of guppies and found… color makes a big difference! Unexpected Amazon deliveries really clog up the entry way. Coyote Rovers are the new scarecrows. Plus, "Hide in Your Cave Monday" takes us to beautiful Belize. The After Party LIVE! Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_but…

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Matt Zimmer on Buxton's cycle, HR derby, All-Star game, DeBoer in Sioux Falls 1:13:07

14d ago1:13:07

1:13:07

What a weekend it was to be at Target Field! Twins ace Joe Ryan got the 2-1 pitcher's duel win over National League All-Star starter and Cy Young candidate Paul Skenes in front of a sellout crowd, followed by a one-hour concert from still-jacked 50-year-old Nelly in front of a still-amped throng. While Happy Hour host John Gaskins attended that, hi…

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Struggling to Fast? Here’s What Finally Worked for Me 10:24

15d ago10:24

10:24

🙌 Ready to strengthen your spiritual and temporal self-reliance? Visit 👉 https://www.selfreliancewithchrist.com to access free resources, videos, and tools to help you center your life on Jesus Christ through inspired action. ✨ Whether you’re looking to build better habits, grow your testimony, or find direction—start your self-reliance journey wit…

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7-11-25 Happy 1st Birthday to Moo Deng! Giant Roman Shoe! At the Movies With Tim Sika 1:07:00

17d ago1:07:00

1:07:00

A beloved hippo in Thailand is celebrated. That’s a big Roman! A shoe pulled from a dig site shows some Romans were surprisingly large. At the Movies With Tim Sika. The After Party LIVE! Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TKFZSASB4VCALBy THE AFTER PARTY LIVE!

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Laurie Denyer Willis, "Go with God: Political Exhaustion and Evangelical Possibility in Suburban Brazil" (U California Press, 2023) 48:05

18d ago48:05

48:05

Through deep attention to sense and feeling, Go with God grapples with the centrality of Evangelical faith in Rio de Janeiro's subúrbios, the city's expansive and sprawling peripheral communities. Based on sensory ethnographic fieldwork and attuned to religious desire and manipulation, this book shows how Evangelical belief has changed the way peop…

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7-10-25 Great White is Too Close for Comfort , Whale Rainbows, Trivia Thursday 1:02:28

18d ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Paddle boarders realize they have company! It was a crazy paddle back to shore. A missing surfer found on a deserted island and…Trivia Thursday. The After Party LIVE! Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TKFZSASB4VCALBy THE AFTER PARTY LIVE!

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Terry Vandrovec, Part 2 - The SDSU years 51:07

18d ago51:07

51:07

He covered South Dakota State coaching legends John Stiegelmeier and Scott Nagy during both trying and triumphant times, and Aaron Johnston through a seemingly smooth ride to instant big-time success (partially interrupted by AJ's fleeting turbulence of leaving SDSU for another job only to change his mind). He witnessed and wrote about thrilling ga…

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Terry Vandrovec, Part 1 - Life before and after the SDSU beat 32:01

18d ago32:01

32:01

Before he became a decade-long Sioux Falls-based beat writer for South Dakota State athletics, Terry Vandrovec had spent nearly a decade forging his skills covering a wide variety of sports in Fargo-Moorhead, where the Jamestown native attended college. Since he stepped down from the Jackrabbits beat in 2015, Vandrovec has stayed in local sports as…

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Terry Vandrovec (SDSU reporter 2006-15) on early Jacks D1 days, Stig & Nagy & AJ, and his "media dropout" life at Sanford Sports 1:24:29

19d ago1:24:29

1:24:29

He covered South Dakota State coaching legends John Stiegelmeier and Scott Nagy during both trying and triumphant times, and Aaron Johnston through a seemingly smooth ride to instant big-time success (partially interrupted by AJ's fleeting turbulence of leaving SDSU for another job only to change his mind). He witnessed and wrote about thrilling ga…

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What It's Really Like to Raise Kids With Special Needs on the Mission Field 47:32

19d ago47:32

47:32

What happens when your missionary journey includes parenting a child with special needs?How do you handle therapy, schooling, and support in a cross-cultural setting? How do you balance your calling with your kid’s unique needs? In this very raw, hope-filled panel conversation, Stephanie, along with two missionary couples, the Maurers and Wurdemans…

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FULL SHOW - The Top 5 CFB games in South Dakota '25 / Matt Christensen (Brandon Valley football coach) 1:42:15

20d ago1:42:15

1:42:15

There is more than meets the eye and ear with Brandon Valley football coach Matt Christensen. A brawny and baritoned 6'4 former defensive end, Christensen carries an imposing presence. But his approach to players and students is far from it. "The strong just have to take care of the weak," is a motto the Yankton High and Augustana alumnus lives by …

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John-o-logue: Top 5 CFB games in South Dakota '25 25:31

19d ago25:31

25:31

With the kickoff of the college football season just eight weeks away, perhaps its time to leave behind NIL, transfer portal, and opt-in/opt-out talk behind for a while and talk about actual games. Sioux Falls Live's Matt Zimmer compiled a list of "The Biggest College Football Games in South Dakota This Fall." Happy Hour Host John Gaskins takes the…

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Matt Christensen (Brandon Valley football coach) on playing for Hawk & Heinitz, building BV brand with Chad Garrow 1:16:45

19d ago1:16:45

1:16:45

There is more than meets the eye and ear with Brandon Valley football coach Matt Christensen. A brawny and baritoned 6'4 former defensive end, Christensen carries an imposing presence. But his approach to players and students is far from it. "The strong just have to take care of the weak," is a motto the Yankton High and Augustana alumnus lives and…

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7-9-25 Meteorite Up For Auction, Pricey Cheese & Waterfalls 1:04:49

19d ago1:04:49

1:04:49

How much do you think this meteorite will go for? You won’t believe how much this stinky cheese went for! Let’s relax with waterfalls. The After Party LIVE! 7/9/25 Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TKFZSASB4VCALBy THE AFTER PARTY LIVE!

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FULL SHOW - Tom Billeter (Augie hoops 2003-24 and Emporia State coach) / Looking back on Canaries-to-Pheasants-to-Canaries change, Birds' controversial loss, Buxton in Home Run Derby 2:11:27

20d ago2:11:27

2:11:27

There are many reasons for Augustana's ascension from a struggling North Central Conference underdog in most sports to a national Div. II athletics titan. Tom Billeter's building of men's basketball is near the top of those reasons, as Matt Zimmer wrote a year ago when Billeter left for Emporia State . From his arrival in 2003 — when the Vikings we…

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John-o-logue: Buxton in HR Derby, Twins trade state, Canaries' controversial loss 36:41

20d ago36:41

36:41

While reputable reports circulated on Monday and Tuesday that the Twins had a potential legitimate buyer for the team and are potentially taking calls to "sell" some key players before the July 31 trade deadline, Byron Buxton again provided what little there is to celebrate this season. "Buck" announced he will participate in next Monday's All-Star…

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7-8-25 An Icy Accident Brings Man’s Best Friend to the Rescue, Travel to Menorca 52:12

20d ago52:12

52:12

A chihuahua may not look like a rescue dog, but looks can be deceiving. Four metal discs with lion heads emerge from the past. Travel Tuesday! Let's go to Menorca! The After Party LIVE! Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TKFZSASB4VCALBy THE AFTER PARTY LIVE!

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Tom Billeter on his new job in Kansas, building Augie's powerhouse, and coaching for and against March Madness legends 1:34:46

20d ago1:34:46

1:34:46

There are many reasons for Augustana's ascension from a struggling North Central Conference underdog in most sports to a national Div. II athletics titan. Tom Billeter's building of men's basketball is near the top of those reasons, as Matt Zimmer wrote a year ago when Billeter left for Emporia State. From his arrival in 2003 — when the Vikings wer…

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Gary Weckwerth, Part 1 - KELO-TV days (working with legends, first Skyforce game, SDSU football show creation) 53:35

21d ago53:35

53:35

Maybe you know him as that guy that took over for legendary Sioux Falls sportscaster Jim Burt on the KELO-TV news in the 1980's. Maybe you know him as the guy that teammed with Pat O'Brien — then, a well-established national broadcaster on CBS Sports — and Mark Ovenden for the broadcast of the first-ever Sioux Falls Skyforce game in 1989. Maybe you…

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Gary Weckwerth, Part 2 - Canaries & Stampede launches, "Pheasants" name change, battling cancer, return to TV 55:00

22d ago55:00

55:00

Maybe you know him as that guy that took over for legendary Sioux Falls sportscaster Jim Burt on the KELO-TV news in the 1980's. Maybe you know him as the guy that teammed with Pat O'Brien — then, a well-established national broadcaster on CBS Sports — and Mark Ovenden for the broadcast of the first-ever Sioux Falls Skyforce game in 1989. Maybe you…

1
7-7-25 Tattoos Give Mistaken Impressions of People, Bench With a Memory 1:01:39

21d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

New study shows tattoos don’t really convey accurate impressions. Seating that remembers you long after you walk away. Hide in Your Cave Monday takes a trip to the Cradle of Humanity The After Party LIVE! Looking for the show PayPal link? https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=TKFZSASB4VCALBy THE AFTER PARTY LIVE!

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FULL CHAT - Gary Weckwerth (KELO-TV, Canaries & Stampede launches & ownership) 1:48:34

21d ago1:48:34

1:48:34

Maybe you know him as that guy that took over for legendary Sioux Falls sportscaster Jim Burt on the KELO-TV news in the 1980's. Maybe you know him as the guy that teammed with Pat O'Brien — then, a well-established national broadcaster on CBS Sports — and Mark Ovenden for the broadcast of the first-ever Sioux Falls Skyforce game in 1989. Maybe you…

1
Wang Yi, Hannah Nation ed., "Faithful Disobedience: Writings on Church and State from a Chinese House Church Movement" (IVP Academic, 2022) 1:14:43

24d ago1:14:43

1:14:43

In this important body of theology, key writings from the Chinese house church movement have been compiled, translated, and made accessible to English speakers. The documents in Faithful Disobedience: Writings on Church and State from a Chinese House Church Movement (IVP Academic, 2022) give readers an inside look at how the unregistered churches o…

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Disabled American Veteran of the Year '23 and Iraq War vet Kim Hubers on her Super Bowl & Justin Jefferson experience 1:03:44

24d ago1:03:44

1:03:44

On this Fourth of July day (and long weekend) when we celebrate America's independence and all those who have fought for our freedom in the Armed Forces, Happy Hour found it appropriate to bring back for an encore a February conversation with a true American badass — forgive our language, but that's the best way to describe her — Staff Sgt. Kim Hub…

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Augie & SDSU legend Jim Heinitz on his unique football, business, and community life 1:06:25

25d ago1:06:25

1:06:25

There are few better examples of walking, breathing South Dakota football history than Jim Heinitz, a recent inductee into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. The southwest Minnesota native came to play for South Dakota State in 1968 and has spent nearly 60 years since making football programs better and communities stronger through his coaching,…

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FULL WEDNESDAY: Buzz at The Birdcage — Patrick Lalley on stadium future as Canaries keep hitting and winning big / Is it Caitlin Clark or bust for WNBA viewing? 1:38:06

26d ago1:38:06

1:38:06

Bad news for those who were hoping for a new downtown baseball stadium in Sioux Falls: It isn't happening. Public sentiment and political forces in the city drove the Canaries owners' movement for that away, as the city-purchased "Riverline District," for now, is set to be occupied by a new convention center (with plenty of financial and political …