Travis McMillen

If you're in the market for new flooring, particularly vinyl wood flooring, SCOTT BRADLEY from Carpet One Floor and Home in Columbia has some tips on what to look out for no matter where you do your shopping. Also, JEFF CHINN tells us who's eligible for AARP's annual free tax aide at Columbia Public Library! (4:52) February 27, 2020

Did you know human trafficking (both sex and labor) is the second-largest criminal enterprise? Stop Human Trafficking Coalition of Central Missouri advocate NANETTE WARD tells the story of a U.S. citizen from Florida who was hired for a construction job here in Columbia but never got paid and was left behind by the team that hired him. February 26, 2020

If you're turning 65 this year, SCOTT MINIEA and his team at Primaris Foundation want to help you make an informed decision based on all the Medicare options available. Their services are free and unbiased. Scott also touches on the upcoming 2020 Census and how some senior citizens may go uncounted if they don't adapt to new procedures. February 25, 2020

There will be an all-around "celebration of the arts" this Friday at the Missouri Theatre in Columbia! Director JOY POWELL says the 15th annual Chancellor's Arts Showcase will feature a little something for everyone, from jazz performances to familiar show tunes. Also, SUSAN COOK-WILLIAMS is looking for anyone willing to come help build nine houses in four months. (Yes, you read that correctly.) It's all part of River City Habitat for Humanity's upcoming 'Blitz Build' in Jefferson City. Four of the houses constructed will benefit those affected by last year's tornado. (4:41) February 24, 2020

If you're hesitant about saving money, as many people are - whether short-term or long-term - ALEX LaBRUNERIE, LaBrunerie Financial, says next week will be the week to put your fears aside and take part in what the Consumer Federation of America is calling 'America Saves Week'! February 21, 2020

Some dogs are good about handling whatever comes their way, but then there are those who overreact to something as innocent as a hair brush. MAR DOERING, DVM, All Paws Medical and Behavioral Center, has tips on how to approach little Fido in a way that eases the tension. February 20, 2020

Former ABC News White House Correspondent Sam Donaldson endorsed Michael Bloomberg for president. Does offering such an opinion compromise a retired journalist in the way it does those still working in the newsroom? Also, McClatchy files bankruptcy, and British Prime Minister wants to end the licensing model that’s funded the BBC for 100 years. From Missouri School of Journalism professors Amy Simons, Earnest Perry and Kathy Kiely: Views of the News. KBIA 91.3 FM

Looking to improve your credit score? MEL ZELENAK recommends Experian Boost, but does it really work? Mel says yes, it does, but you have to be careful because your credit rating "could conceivably go down." February 19, 2020

This year's 4th annual Mid-MO Expo will appeal to not just farmers and gardeners, but to the general public as well. Committee member JILL EDWARDS tells us about a few of the planned sessions, like Boone County's bicentennial, snakes in Missouri, non-native invasive species and a program on the Missouri River - just to name a few! Also, RACHEL BREKHUS invites everyone to two events honoring Black History Month: a panel discussion on slavery reparations on the MU campus and a multimedia trivia night at the Columbia Public Library. (5:07) February 18, 2020

A number of local churches are taking part in the 'Christianity and Transgender Inclusion' event this weekend in Columbia. Transgender theologian and author Austen Hartke will serve as the keynote speaker. Pastors NICK LARSON (Broadway Christian Church) and SARAH KLAASSEN (Rock Bridge Christian Church) tell us why they've chosen to take part in what hopes to be affirmation for those who maybe don't know how to be themselves. February 17, 2020

Local singer/songwriter/storyteller LARRY BROWN performs 'Carry Me Home', an original composition that's making its over-the-air debut on our show today. Happy Valentine's Day! [1:02] February 14, 2020

Meet the stars of Capital City Productions' presentation of 'The Bodyguard', RENATA JOHNSON and PETER LYSKOWSKI. On taking on Whitney Houston's iconic role of Rachel Marron, Renata says the task was overwhelming, but the end result is "beautiful." Curtain goes up tonight and runs for two weekends (in Jefferson City). February 13, 2020

Actress MICHELE CURRY says 'Legally Blonde: The Musical' is a story about hard work, triumph, failure and over-coming obstacles. But it's more than just a show! Director/choreographer MARVIN BYAS tells us about 'Legally Blonde Gives Back', an outreach program that benefits all ages. Also, MARILYN McLEOD invites everyone to a number of events sponsored by the League of Women Voters. Up first: Conversations with Legislators tomorrow night at The ARC in Columbia. (4:18) February 12, 2020

One takeaway from our conversation with MU Health Care nephrology specialist DR. SMRITA DORAIRAJAN: our kidneys are very sensitive. Dr. Dorairajan touches on common issues like hydration and over-the-counter medication. On medication (such as aspirin), she says: "People know that it can cause gastritis and acidity, but not many people know that it can get your kidneys." February 11, 2020

"If you can sing in the shower, you can sing with us." How's that for a confidence builder? The point is, it doesn't take a lengthy resume to join the Boonslick Chordbusters, and the range in skill is part of the fun. CHUCK BAY and LAFE ARENS tell us about their rehearsal process and about an upcoming concert. Not familiar with the group? We take a look back at two of their performances on our show: 'My Old Man' at [2:30] and 'Zombie Jamboree' at [5:54]. February 10, 2020

You're invited to come see the State Historical Society of Missouri's Black History Month exhibit at Ellis Library on the MU campus! JOAN STACK says this exhibition features editorial cartoons that chronicle the history and the struggle of black voting rights in America. February 7, 2020

The theme of this year's Masquerade Ball, an annual fundraiser for Columbia's Rainbow House, is Grease! RICHIE VANSKIKE invites everyone to hop in your own greased lightin' and cruise on over to the Holiday Inn Executive Center to help raise money for and awareness of child abuse in our community. Also, what is the Mizzou New Play Series? DAVID CRESPY says it's "26 new plays in a single week in concert performance." Get your tickets now for this long-running showcase of student talent! (4:15) February 6, 2020

Join Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America later this month at the Capitol in Jefferson City for their annual Advocacy Day. Meet with legislators and let your voice be heard! Guests: CATEY TERRY and KRISTIN BOWEN | Also, STACIE POTTINGER is back with details on True/False's 'True/Love' day in downtown Columbia. Participating businesses will donate a portion the each sale to the True/False Film Festival! (4:07) February 5, 2020

If you've not heard of Big Muddy Fish and Wildlife Refuge, you're not alone. Founded in 1994, TIM HALLER says it's thanks to the "duck stamp" - a license, of sorts, for hunting water fowl - that so much land has been purchased and therefore protected. Also, February is National Heart Month. Hy-Vee dietitian MICHAEL O'HALLORAN joins us with tips on how to keep your ticker ticking! (5:16) February 4, 2020

Applications are now being accepted for Voluntary Action Center's latest program, Homes for Computers. NICK FOSTER tells us who is eligible to apply and a little about their upcoming trivia night fundraiser! Also, MU Black Studies celebrates Black History Month with the theme: 'Black Vote. Black Liberation.' DAIVE DUNKLEY joins us with details on several of the events taking place that will further the discussion on this important topic. (4:26) February 3, 2020

"Adversarial artificial intelligence is a field of study which looks at how do you trick these algorithms. One of the things that a lot of people don't understand about this new science of machine learning is that the way these machines learn is we give them lots of examples. We train them." -- SCOTT CHRISTIANSON, MU assistant teaching professor January 31, 2020

The Assistance League of Mid-Missouri bakes chocolate-chip cookies four times a year. CARLA McFARLAND tells us how the money raised is spent and a little about their baking process (it takes 75 volunteers to pull it off)! Also, KEVIN TOSIE invites everyone to Missouri River Relief's 10th annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival next Sunday in Columbia! Fourteen films will be shown, including 'Ashes to Ashes', which Kevin says is relevant to those of us here in mid-Missouri. (3:15) January 30, 2020

The purpose of Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman is threefold: advocate - educate - empower. KAYLA CURRY and JENNY HOLLANDSWORTH say the need for oversight into patients' rights comes daily; find out about their annual advocacy day coming up in March in Jefferson City. Also, ROB CROUSE is excited because Capital City Productions is getting a new home! He says, "all the challenges we had in our old building...will be solved." The first production is a fundraiser, and it opens next week! (3:43) January 29, 2020

When it comes to providing accessible, affordable housing to those who need it, RANDY COLE says "there's no silver bullet." There's a lot to look at, a lot to discuss; and that's why he invites everyone to the Affordable Housing Summit next month in Columbia! Also, ADRIAN HENDRICKS tells us how his youth development program at Lincoln University in Jefferson City benefits the whole state. (4:25) January 28, 2020

In need of a rug? Carpet One Floor and Home has got you, well, covered! SCOTT BRADLEY shows us a number of unique examples, including one that looks like what you might find on the bottom of the ocean floor. Also, CAMERON REEVES (a.k.a. Mr. Green) and JAKE ELMORE (a.k.a. Col. Mustard) invite everyone to come see 'Clue: On Stage' this weekend at Hickman High School in Columbia. Cameron says the stage version is an adaptation of the hilarious 1985 movie starring Tim Curry! (4:37) January 27, 2020

Why is DR. ANAND CHOCKALINGAM, MU Health Care cardiologist, seeing more and more people under the age of 40 with high blood pressure? For starters, he says the number of hours of sleep is going down and the food being consumed is not healthy. But why? "Probably because life pace has increased...so many more things people are doing." January 24, 2020

What's new in 2020? Well, as 2019 was wrapping up, Congress passed the 'SECURE Act', a provision of which moved the required minimum distribution (RMD) withdrawal age of 70 1/2 to 72! ALEX LaBRUNERIE, LaBrunerie Financial, tells us what that means for your IRA and your workplace 401K. January 23, 2020