Travis McMillen
Senior Media ProducerTRAVIS McMILLEN is the senior media producer at the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute. In this role, McMillen directs and produces regular and occasional programming from RJI’s own production studio, including KBIA’s "The Daily Blend w/ AC." He is a Columbia native who started working at KOMU-TV, the University of Missouri’s NBC affiliate, at the age of 16. From 2001-2008, McMillen directed KOMU’s morning newscast. He is married to Jennifer, whom he met at KOMU. They have three boys.
-
Dr. Arminta Phelps, DC, CCWP, is the owner of Achieve Balance Chiropractic in Columbia. On today's show, Dr. Phelps emphasizes the need for people to take an active role in maintaining their health and well-being, something she says is quite challenging with today's modern lifestyles (think tech, think sedentary behavior). "Health is not passive. You got to work for it. And we like to teach people how to work for it." July 11, 2025 -
Marybeth Bohn co-founded the Christina Bohn Foundation after her daughter, Christina, died by suicide due to complications from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The foundation aims to raise awareness about PMDD and provide support and resources for those affected by the condition. Sign up today for the second annual Christina Bohn Memorial 5K - details on today's show! July 10, 2025 -
We're less than 10 days out from the start of the annual Show-Me State Games in Columbia. Executive director Bruce Ungles says, "everybody is there to do better than they did last year ...health, family, fitness, and fun: that's kind of the four pillars that we've always kind of modeled the Show-Me State Games after." July 9, 2025 -
The Daily Blend w/ AC: Betsy Knabe Roe & Donald Quist, PhD, "Echoes of Missouri at Montminy Gallery"'Echoes of Missouri' is on display now through August 2nd at The Montminy Gallery in Columbia. The exhibition explores African-American art, music, performance, culture, and history, with a focus on the legacy of John William "Blind" Boone. Donald Quist, PhD, says, "this feels like a celebration... It's been lovely to see these crossovers between these different types of artistry - rappers and poets and fine artists and painters all in this one place. It's been special." July 8, 2025 -
"You can't really leave a legacy if you didn't save and build for yourself all those years; and hopefully your money outlives you and you have something to pass down to your loved ones," Leslie Wilbers, managing partner at LaBrunerie Financial. "If you can get that willpower and those habits built at a young age, it will really pay off in the future." July 7, 2025 -
We're mere hours away from the 2025 Fire in the Sky event at Stephens Lake Park in Columbia! Parks and Rec specialist Moira Theis tells us everything we need to know before we leave the house. July 4, 2025 -
Solarize Columbia came about through local non-profit sponsors and the City of Columbia Office of Sustainability. Carolyn Amparan, steering committee member, says the program aims to make solar and battery storage more accessible by providing discounted pricing and financing options, and by using a vetted installer. Find out more about an upcoming launch event on today's show! July 3, 2025 -
"Sparklers are still not totally safe. They burn at about 1,200 degrees and they account for, I want to say 28% of most firework injuries," Fire Marshal Michael Bauer, Columbia Fire Department. "Leave the fireworks up to the professionals and everybody will have a safe 4th of July." July 2, 2025 -
Twain: Missouri BBQ and Taproom is getting a jump on Christmas by offering its popular drink, snack and movie series, 'Holiday Hideaway', throughout the month of July! On today's show, bartender Leyla Kiknadze, and Corté Allen, executive chef, prepare two unique items found on the menu. July 1, 2025 -
If you're anything like Scott Mansker, you too think of the Missouri River as an underutilized "adventure playground." 20 years ago, Scott founded MR340 - a 340-mile, non-stop paddling race - to take advantage of the nation's longest river while also raising money for Missouri River Relief. On today's show, meet past participant, Scott Swafford, and race director, Steve Schnarr. June 30, 2025
