City of Ames’ Podcasts

Sleep affects nearly every aspect of our health, yet many people struggle to get enough of it. In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield explore why sleep is so important, what happens when we don't get enough of it, and practical ways to improve both the quantity and quality of our rest.

From understanding sleep cycles and sleep debt to recognizing the signs of sleep apnea, this episode offers research-backed information and simple strategies that can help you wake up feeling more rested and ready for the day.

Episode Highlights
Why Sleep Matters
Sleep plays a critical role in physical, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing. Kacie and Bailey discuss how sleep helps the body recover, supports memory and learning, and restores energy for the day ahead.

How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?
The hosts break down recommended sleep durations for different age groups, from infants and children to teenagers and adults.

Benefits of Quality Sleep
Learn how consistent, restorative sleep can improve mood, strengthen the immune system, support heart health, improve memory and concentration, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

The Consequences of Sleep Deprivation
Lack of sleep can affect everything from reaction time and decision-making to metabolism, emotional health, and long-term wellness.

Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common but often undiagnosed condition that disrupts breathing during sleep. The episode explores symptoms to watch for, risk factors, and why treatment is important.

Can You Catch Up on Sleep?
The hosts discuss the concept of sleep debt and what research says about recovering from chronic sleep deprivation. The answer may not be as simple as sleeping in on the weekend.

What Dreams May Tell Us About Sleep Quality
New research suggests that vivid, immersive dreams may be linked to deeper, more restorative sleep. Kacie and Bailey take a look at what scientists are learning about the connection.

Practical Tips for Better Sleep
Simple strategies like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and avoiding heavy meals late at night can make a meaningful difference.

Resources

Sleep: What It Is, Why It's Important, Stages, REM & NREM Sleep (Cleveland Clinic)

About Sleep (CDC)

Johns Hopkins Medicine Sleep Health Resources

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/why-do-people-snore-answers-for-better-health

Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?

Send suggestions to [email protected].

Nourishing Summer: How Ames Public Library Is Helping Feed Kids
When school lets out for the summer, many families face a new challenge: making sure kids have consistent access to nutritious meals. In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Brianne Anderson, Youth Services Manager at Ames Public Library, to talk about the library’s Summer Meals Program and the growing impact it’s having across the community.

Brianne shares how the program works, who can participate, and why this year marks an exciting milestone with new USDA funding support. The conversation highlights how the library continues to evolve as a community hub, offering not just books and programs, but meaningful support for families throughout the summer months.

Whether you’re a parent looking for resources, a community member interested in local initiatives, or simply curious about the many ways the library serves Ames, this episode offers an informative and encouraging look at a program making a real difference.

Episode Highlights

What the Summer Meals Program provides for local families

How USDA funding strengthens and expands the program

Who is eligible to receive meals

Program schedule and location details

Why reducing barriers to access matters

The broader role of Ames Public Library in community support

Brianne’s rapid-fire summer favorites

Summer Meals Program Details

Open to anyone 18 years old and younger

Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m.

Runs June 8 through August 14

Hosted at Ames Public Library

Connect & Learn More
For more information about the Summer Meals Program and other library services, visit www.AmesPublicLibrary.org.

Be sure to subscribe to Ames in Focus, leave a review, and follow the City of Ames on social media for updates on upcoming episodes and community programs.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, May 26 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation covers several topics connected to development, transportation, and long-term planning in Ames. Susan and Mayor Haila walk through the discussion surrounding a proposed solar project at the Ames Municipal Airport, updates on neighborhood traffic calming efforts, and a zoning request tied to future development along Tabor Road.

The episode also highlights the importance of public participation, with several residents sharing feedback and perspectives during the meeting. Council always appreciates hearing directly from community members as part of the decision-making process.

From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real world impacts across Ames.

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Get involved:

Watch meetings live or on demand on the City’s YouTube pages
View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email [email protected]

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we take a closer look at what construction season means for the community in 2026. Host Bill Gebhart sits down with Municipal Engineer Mindy Bryngelson to unpack the projects, planning, and coordination that keep Ames moving forward, even when the roads get a little crowded.

From major infrastructure updates to the reasoning behind summer roadwork, Mindy shares insight into how decisions are made, how projects are prioritized, and what residents can expect in the months ahead. If you have ever wondered why construction seems to pop up all at once, or how to stay ahead of detours, this conversation has you covered.

Episode Highlights

A big-picture overview of 2026 construction projects in Ames

Key corridors and high-impact projects to watch

Why construction season ramps up in the summer months

How projects are selected, planned, and funded

Behind-the-scenes coordination between City teams and contractors

Tips for staying informed on closures, detours, and updates

A candid conversation about patience and the long-term benefits of the work

Stay Connected
Visit www.CityofAmes.org or follow us on social media.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 26, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.

This episode highlights several agenda items that may be of interest to residents and the community. While it does not cover every topic, it offers a closer look at a few of the discussions Council will be considering and what they could mean for Ames. Think of it as your meeting preview, minus the need to clear your evening or master parliamentary procedure.

From Agenda to Action is designed to give listeners a clearer understanding of what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to make, and how those decisions may impact daily life in Ames.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Parklets on Main Street and how they could shape the downtown experience
• The work of ASSET and how funding supports local organizations and services
• The Alliance annual report and what it highlights about community partnerships
• Roadway improvements and what is planned across the city
• Ongoing budget discussions and what they mean for City priorities

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Have a question or topic you would like covered?

Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil

Important note

City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording.

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.