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.
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Gray Media news executive and experienced anchor/reporter Lee Zurik has seen AI’s power as an investigative tool and time-saving asset in broadcast news — when implemented responsibly. -
Gavin King, founder of AI agent and bot traffic analytics platform Known Agents, says news organizations should be tracking and monetizing the bots that now make up half of all web traffic.
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From the controversial frontier of AI-generated images to the importance of defending against invasive data scrapers, veteran news marketer and AI consultant Jon Accarrino talks frankly about strategies that can keep newsrooms ahead of the curve.
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Experience Maplewood Barn Theatre’s outdoor production of Kate Hamill’s hilarious and heartfelt adaptation of Little Women June 18-28 under the stars in Columbia. Follow the March sisters as they grow from little girls into little women with all the humor, heart, and family dynamics audiences love. Directed by Jamie Yelton and featuring Sarah Hurt as "Meg." Don’t forget your chairs and bug spray! June 17, 2026 -
Discover the gripping true story behind Photograph 51, a play about Rosalind Franklin’s pivotal yet uncredited role in uncovering the structure of DNA, co-produced by Talking Horse Productions and Minimal Art Productions. Set in the 1950s and framed through the memories of colleague Maurice Wilkins, this intimate, six-role ensemble drama (directed by Heather Hatton and starring Mary Shaw) explores scientific rivalry, gender bias in academia, and the personal cost of a “critical error in judgment.” June 16, 2026 -
Voluntary Action Center’s chief development officer, Stacie Pottinger, tells us how their annual fan drive helps low-income neighbors beat the dangerous summer heat at home. Learn how to qualify for a free fan or how to donate new/gently used fans (or just make a monetary donation) to support this life-saving community program. June 15, 2026 -
Don't miss tonight's “From Slavery to Fashion,” a street fashion show honoring Black culture and designers like today's guest, Franky Karmen! Franky and The District's Nickie Davis tell us how how this community-driven event will transform downtown Columbia into an outdoor runway, complete with blocked-off streets, local vendors, and a celebration of Black creativity, fashion, and entrepreneurship at The Shops at Sharp End. June 12, 2026 -
Olivet Christian Church’s 68th annual barbecue fundraiser on Saturday, June 13 is a drive-through-only event serving up chicken dinners with all the fixins. Lori Valleroy says money raised will go to support Olivet’s ministry fund, P.E.A.C.E. and H.O.P.E. Center for Youth, and Good Dads, Inc. June 11, 2026 -
Celebrate The Montminy Gallery’s 2nd annual birthday party fundraiser with cakes, champagne, and art on Saturday, June 20 at the Boone County History & Culture Center in Columbia; plus, explore the whimsical “Tea Time” exhibit inspired by vintage tea cozies. Guests: Robin LaBrunerie, Vicky Berry and Chris Campbell June 10, 2026 -
You're invited to Crane’s Country Store in Williamsburg on Saturday, June 13 for a special Father’s Day event featuring giveaways, a food truck, and great gifts for dad! Plus, a big “100 Years in the ’Burg” - marking 100 years in their 1926 building - is happening later this year. Owner David Crane joins us with details. June 9, 2026
