Travis McMillen

For the past 35 years, author/poet WALTER BARGEN has written a poem for Today's Farmer Magazine. His writing is inspired by the photograph he's been given for that particular issue, and sometimes that can be a "challenge." On today's show, he shares a few of the more recent ones he's done. January 16, 2020

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reached an agreement with the rest of the Royal Family, and will spending more time in Canada. What responsibility did the British press have for their decision? Also, a call for White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham to step up to the podium from 13 of her predecessors and Oprah Winfrey pulls out of a Sundance-bound documentary targeting Russell Simmons From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News. KBIA 91.3 FM

There are roughly 9 million people in the U.S. affected by osteoporosis, some as young as 12. If you find yourself diagnosed (by your physician), OsteoStrong Corporate Lake owner DAYNA GLANZ says she can help with the next step(s)! Also, WALLY PFEFFER invites everyone to the 18th annual Boone County Legislative Forum next Thursday in Columbia. Wally says this is your chance to visit with local delegation working in Jefferson City! (4:06) January 15, 2020

Did you know that you can do genetic testing on dogs? While not a necessary step as a pet owner, MU Veterinary Health Center's CB CHASTAIN recommends two companies, if interested, that'll do it much like 23andMe. Also, YVONNE KUTZ and JANIE MONKS introduces us to The Healing Chair, a St. Louis-based non-profit (now in Columbia) that provides a special mechanical chair to assist women post-mastectomy. (4:13) January 14, 2020

'The Foolish Corner' author JOHN HOWE cautions those who lived through the financial crisis of 2008/2009 but may have forgotten that during that time period the stock market dropped 50%, and those who are new to investing and think that a 19% return is normal, to not get too "complacent." January 13, 2020

National Federation of the Blind's GARY WUNDER understands why most people assume that those with a sight impairment have a heightened sense of hearing, smell and memory - and a certain innocence towards humanity in general - but he says it's just not true. January 10, 2020

"While a lot people think of socialism as controlling the production of goods, it goes well beyond that. When government makes a decision regarding our tax dollars, that's socialism." -- environmentalist KEN MIDKIFF on the reality of socialism in America January 9, 2020

2020 is going to be a busy year for politics, which means it's going to be a busy year for the League of Women Voters. MARILYN McLEOD tells us about and invites everyone to the first 'Lunch and Learn' of the year next week at the Columbia Public Library. Also, CHRISTY LOWE says Voluntary Action Center's Holiday Program was a great success, serving 948 local families. Their next event is 'Homes for Computers'. Find out if you qualify! (3:48) January 8, 2020

Making a change can start with one person, and that one person is today's guest, BARBARA BUFFALOE! Okay, not really, but she does tell what the City of Columbia has in store for 2020 in terms of her speciality: environmental sustainability. Meet her "little Buffaloes" at [6:50]. January 7, 2020

SMART Recovery is a non-secular four-point program that encourages those affected by drug, alcohol or any other addiction to choose for themselves to quit. SUZANNE OPPERMAN says owning the choice is key to a sustainable recovery. Also, Columbia Art League executive director KELSEY HAMMOND is here with details on this year's annual 'Taste' and 'Let Them Eat Art' gallery events. Anyone can enter, anyone can buy! (5:02) January 6, 2020

"Studies show people who restrict end up binging." -- health psychologist LYNN ROSSY on why most New Year's resolutions fail: the more you can't have something, the more you want it. Her advice: mindful eating. January 3, 2020

If you didn't see 'The Full Monty' last summer at Maples Rep Theatre in Macon, artistic director TODD DAVISON says you missed a "landmark" production. He and the team are hoping to capture the same level of energy this year with shows like 'Greater Tuna' and 'Menopause The Musical'! January 2, 2020

Alzheimer's Association volunteer LOIS LONG reminds us that at this time of year it's important to be considerate to those afflicted by dementia. The sudden onslaught of "new" faces and happenings can be confusing. Her advice: let them talk, even if you've heard the story over and over again. January 1, 2020

Columbia Daily Tribune editorial writer HANK WATERS and yours truly look back on the year that was, from Donald Trump to Sutu Forte, from roundabouts to Bird scooters, from a new airport terminal to a new head football coach. What are we forgetting?! Happy New Year, everyone. December 31, 2019

"Everyone's on an assignment to watch 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'." -- JILL WOMACK on how TRYPS is getting their actors up to speed on this oft-forgotten Dick Van Dyke classic. (Did you know that the movie was based on a novel by Ian Fleming?) Audition workshop is January 4! Also, DR. ARPIT AGGARWAL, MU Health Care, has advice on how to carry on through the remaining days of the holiday season if you're feeling a bit down. He says, "it's okay to have a good cry, but it's also important to ask for help." (3:36) December 30, 2019

We've all been there: an awesome 'try it' deal that automatically rolls into a regular subscription (at full price) if you forget to cancel. Consumer expert MEL ZELENAK says to read the fine print carefully before signing up. If there's a fee to cancel, maybe don't do it. December 27, 2019

You probably know that Kwanzaa begins December 26 (today!) and ends January 1, but what else? Why is the number 7 important? What do the candles mean and in which order do you light them? And finally, who can celebrate? Guest: YVONNE MATTHEWS December 26, 2019

Local folk musician DAVE PARA spends his Christmas Day with us remembering his late wife and fellow music partner Cathy Barton, who passed away in April of this year. The two of them would always perform for us at or near this time of year going back decades. Watch them perform 'Last Month of the Year' from 2011 at [1:21] and 'Make My Present Small' from 2018 at [4:38]. December 25, 2019

All Quentin wanted for Christmas was a brand new Spalding basketball and a portable, adjustable backboard. Will he get it via Christmas miracle? His family was in need of one. The answer in LARRY BROWN's story: 'Hoop Hopes'. December 24, 2019

'Tis the season to be giving, and there are few organizations in our community that need your donation more than Heart of Missouri United Way. For instance, executive director ANDREW GRABAU tells us that last year over 200 school-aged children were 'couch surfers', meaning they didn't know where they were going to be sleeping each night. December 23, 2019

If you're over the age of 55, ALEX LaBRUNERIE, LaBrunerie Financial, says the IRS will let you contribute additional amounts to your tax-sheltered savings using a 'catch-up provision'. "Age has its benefits!" What that amount will be in 2020 remains to be seen. December 20, 2019

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri executive director HEATHER LOCKARD estimates that there are currently 107 children waiting to be paired with a 'Big'. Volunteers decide how much they want to participate. She says, "it's not about creating something new...it's just about spending quality time with that 'Little'." Also, KATHY BIRKES tells us how Midwest Special Needs Trust can help someone with a disability protect any money for which they are a beneficiary of so that they don't lose the government services they need to live their day-to-day lives (like Medicaid). (3:37) December 19, 2019

Here's a dish that's sure to go quick at your next holiday party: healthy chocolate truffles! Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' KRISTEN EIFFERT walks us through this easy-to-do recipe. Also, SCOTT BRADLEY tells us about a new product available at Carpet One Floor and Home: Revo-Tile, a mess-free, "rapid installation tile system" with many unseen benefits! (3:18) December 18, 2019

What can one do to reduce waste during this time of year? Make your presence your present! That's just one of many ideas from BARBARA BUFFALOE from the City of Columbia's Office of Sustainability. Here's another: tissue paper is not recyclable - reuse it! December 17, 2019

"True/False could not happen without all of the hundreds of volunteers that show up the weekend of the fest." -- TRISCHA SPLITTER, volunteer coordinator for the True/False Film Festival. Applications are now being accepted for various levels of involvement. Additional guest: STACIE POTTINGER | Also, HANNAH REEVES invites everyone to visit the 6th annual Masters Exhibit - featuring 70 original pieces from the mid-20th century - this month at Sager | Braudis Gallery in Columbia. (4:26) December 16, 2019

Local musician DAVE PARA is again hosting the annual 'Christmas Homecoming Sing & Potluck' at the Old School House in Arrow Rock this Sunday. This year's get-together is a celebration of the life of Cathy Barton-Para, who died earlier this year. Dave performs 'Cold Winter is Coming/Remember the Poor' at [3:30]. December 13, 2019

In an effort to keep the salt from losing it's flavor, PATRICK CLARK says instead of 'The Nutcracker' this year, his Southside Philharmonic Orchestra - in cooperation with Dancers' Alley - will perform 'Peter and the Wolf' (and more) this weekend at Miller Performing Arts Center in Jefferson City. Also, Stage Right Theatre Company founders ELIZABETH CURRAN and JOHN STAPLES invite everyone to their second-ever production, 'Robin Hood...' later this month at Columbia Entertainment Company. (3:46) December 12, 2019

DR. MAR DOERING, DVM, All Paws Medical and Behavioral Center, wants you to be aware of some oft-forgotten holiday hazards around the house that could be a danger to your pet. We all know about chocolate being bad, but ornaments, too? The list goes on! December 11, 2019