Behind What Matters
A twice-monthly podcast series hosted at Art of Aries, featuring a rotating lineup of guests and conversations that explore a wide range of topics shaping the Jefferson community.
Episodes
12 episodes
Why Not Us: The Story Behind the Centennial Block | Episode #11
In this episode of Behind What Matters, we sit down with members of Why Not Us to hear the story of the Centennial Block Building, how the group came together, what it took to bring the building back to life and why preserving spaces like this ...
Celebrating 60 Years of the Mahanay Bell Tower | Episode #12
For 60 years, the Mahanay Bell Tower has stood in the heart of Jefferson, but how did it get here?In this episode of Behind What Matters, Don Van Gilder and Pat Richards join us to share the history, stories and people behind one of Jeff...
Behind What Matters Ep. 10: "Everything Matters" | Bob Cisneros
What happens when a longtime zookeeper and world traveler trades California for small-town Iowa? You get Bob Cisneros. 🎙️In Episode #10 of Behind What Matters, we sit down with Bob to talk about his journey to Jefferson, a 30+ year caree...
Behind What Matters: Sara Huddleston & Building a Welcoming Greene County
What does it look like to help people feel at home in Greene County?In this episode of Behind What Matters, we sit down with Sara Huddleston, Executive Director of the Multicultural Family Resource Center, to hear about her jour...
From "This Place Matters" to Jefferson Matters with Reagan Osborne, Episode #8
Reagan Osborne has been part of Jefferson's growth, and in this episode of Behind What Matters, she shares how she and Rich first found their way to town, the early days of the "This Place Matters" campaign, and how downtown has evolved ...
Cruisin' Through the Years with Chuck Wenthold
For more than 16 years, Chuck Wenthold has helped shape one of Jefferson's favorite summer traditions, Cruisin' to the Square. In this episode of Behind What Matters, Chuck shares how a lifelong passion for classic cars turned into yea...
The Story Behind Fudge's Flowers, Episode #6 with Bonnie Silbaugh
What does it take to own one of Jefferson's small businesses?In this episode of Behind What Matters, Matt sits down with Bonnie Silbaugh of Fudge's Flowers to talk about becoming a small business owner, taking over a business that...
From Murals to Rooftops: Exploring Jefferson's Public Art Scene | Episode 5 with Deb McGinn
In Episode 5 of Behind What Matters, Matt Wetrich sits down with Deb McGinn, Chair of the Tower View Team and Secretary of Jefferson Matters, to explore the public art projects that have helped shape Jefferson's identity.Ring Ou...
Behind What Matters Ep. 4: Why the Old Middle School Was Worth Saving, featuring Chris Deal
For nearly a decade, one question has lingered in Jefferson: What will happen to the former middle school?In Episode 4 of Behind What Matters, Matt Wetrich sits down with Chris Deal to discuss The Jeffersonian, the ambi...
Jefferson's Most Iconic Landmark: The Mahanay Bell Tower
Episode #3 of "Behind What Matters" takes listeners to the top of one of Jefferson’s most recognizable landmarks: the Mahanay Bell Tower. Matt is joined by Molly Cunningham, the Bell Tower’s Tour Coordinator, and Peg Raney, President of the Bel...
Behind the '26 Bell Tower Festival, featuring Philip Heisterkamp
This episode features Philip Heisterkamp, Chair of the Bell Tower Festival, as he shares why Jefferson became home and what keeps him invested in the community. From what’s new at this year’s festival to the work behind the scenes, Philip gives...
Behind what Matters: Intro to this Series!
"Behind what Matters" is a new way to share the stories, people, and efforts that continue to shape Jefferson. In our first episode, Executive Director Matt Wetrich, Office Coordinator Kevin Paulsen, and Community Engagement Coordinator Emily R...