City of Ames’ Podcasts

• Up Close: Sarah Huffman

  In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames talks with Sarah Huffman, whose path to Ames included a lot of movement, from travel across the U.S. to couch surfing and time spent living abroad. Now rooted in Ames, Sarah shares how the city became more than just a stop along the way. As a volunteer and active community member, she finds Ames to be a place where connections happen naturally and often, a firm net of people who genuinely want to stay connected. She and Casandra talk about what it means to choose community over prestige, including the surprising moment Sarah turned down a job offer from Columbia University to stay in Ames. If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at [email protected]. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

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• Ames in Focus: Serving Beyond the Uniform with Jason Ziph and Brad Campbell

  In this Veterans Day edition of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart talks with two City of Ames employees who have dedicated their lives to service in more ways than one. Jason Ziph, a Fire Inspector and Navy veteran, and Brad Campbell, a Police Officer and member of the Army National Guard, share how their time in the military has shaped their careers and continues to influence their work in public safety. They reflect on the values instilled through military service and how those same principles guide them in their roles today. It's a conversation about purpose, resilience, and what it means to serve both country and community. Highlights: Jason and Brad’s journeys into fire service and law enforcement Insights into their military experiences and what they learned How service in the armed forces influences their current roles Reflections on the meaning of Veterans Day Personal messages to fellow veterans   Visit CityofAmes.org and follow us on social media for more stories and updates from around Ames.

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• Up Close: Dylan Kline

  In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames sits down with Dylan Kline, a builder in more ways than one. After arriving in Ames for a construction job, Dylan found himself laying deeper foundations as a leader, a volunteer, and a father. Dylan shares how his role with the Ames Alliance allows him to help shape the city’s future, while his evenings are filled with family life, youth sports, and the everyday rhythm of home. He and Casandra talk about what makes Ames feel alive, from community partnerships to promising developments on the horizon. With a foot in both the practical and the visionary, Dylan offers a grounded yet hopeful view of what it means to belong to a growing, dynamic city. If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at [email protected]. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

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• Ames in Focus: Powering Forward with Curtis Spence

  In this episode of Ames in Focus, we're joined by Curtis Spence, Assistant Director of Ames Electric Services, to explore the future of energy in Ames. At the heart of our conversation is the Ames Energy Center, a major initiative designed to modernize the city’s electric infrastructure, improve reliability, and support sustainability goals. Curtis shares insights into the planning process, the reasons behind retiring aging infrastructure, and why RICE (Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine) technology is key to the city’s next generation of power. He also discusses how Ames is thoughtfully integrating renewable energy, including wind and solar, and what steps are being taken to manage cost, reduce environmental impact, and engage the community throughout the process. Episode Highlights: Curtis’s background and role within Ames Electric Services Why the Ames Energy Center is a necessary and timely investment The planned retirement of Units 7 and 8 and what will replace them Benefits of RICE units: flexibility, efficiency, and readiness for renewable integration Project timeline from engineering in 2025 to operation in 2029 Long-term energy goals including 63 MW of wind and 26 MW of solar Balancing cost, reliability, and environmental responsibility How the City is addressing sound and infrastructure considerations To learn more about the Ames Energy Center and stay informed about upcoming projects, visit CityofAmes.org/Electric.

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• Up Close: Building Relationships with Casandra Eames

  It’s a five-Thursday month, which means it’s time for a special Up Close conversation with your host Casandra and Producer Bill! This is the first time Casandra and Bill have been on the pod together since Casandra was out recovering from knee surgery, and there’s a lot to catch up on. They talk about what it was like for Bill to guest host in her absence and reflect on what it means to step in when someone else needs a hand. From covering a podcast episode to offering support during a tough season, this conversation is all about showing up. Casandra and Bill share how acts of service, big or small, can deepen trust and build stronger connections within our community. Tune in for an honest, heartfelt, and occasionally humorous look at how relationships grow through shared responsibility and simple acts of kindness. 🎤 Want to Be On Up Close? Have a story to share? Reach out to Casandra Eames in the City Manager's Office or email [email protected] to be featured on a future episode.

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