City of Ames’ Podcasts

What makes a community feel connected? Is it the events that bring people together, the conversations that help us understand one another, or the opportunities for everyone to have their voice heard? In Ames, the Human Relations Commission is working to make those connections stronger.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back City of Ames Engagement Coordinator Casandra Eames to explore the work of the Ames Human Relations Commission (AHRC) and its role in bringing people, organizations, and communities together.

Casandra explains the Commission's mission, how its members work to build trust and respect throughout Ames, and why connecting with residents is an important part of its work. She also discusses the Commission's three strategic priorities: gathering and analyzing information, connecting in the community, and speaking up on issues that affect Ames residents.

A major focus of the conversation is the Commission's effort to build stronger relationships with local organizations, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, and community members. Bill and Casandra discuss why AHRC wants more organizations to attend its meetings, share what they're doing, and explore opportunities to support one another.

They also explore the Commission's role in understanding discrimination concerns, the importance of making community engagement accessible and welcoming, and how residents can get involved even if they've never attended a City board or commission meeting.

In this episode:

What the Ames Human Relations Commission is and why it exists

The Commission's mission and its role in connecting communities

Who serves on AHRC and what commissioners do

The Commission's three strategic priorities: gather information, connect, and speak up

Community events, activities, and partnerships supported by AHRC

Why the Commission wants to hear from more local organizations

How community groups can attend meetings and explore opportunities for collaboration

The Commission's role in understanding discrimination concerns

How AHRC shares community perspectives with City leadership

Barriers that sometimes prevent residents from getting involved

Ways individuals can share ideas, concerns, and experiences

The long-term vision for building a more connected Ames

The Ames Human Relations Commission isn't just about meetings, policies, or programs. It's about people, relationships, and creating opportunities for everyone to feel connected to their community.

Get connected!

The Ames Human Relations Commission meets regularly on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room 235 at Ames City Hall, 515 Clark Ave. Meetings are open to the public.

Local organizations, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and community members are encouraged to attend, introduce themselves, share information about their work, and explore ways to connect with the Commission.

Learn more about the Ames Human Relations Commission, its meetings, events, and opportunities to get involved at www.CityOfAmes.org/AHRC.

Whether you're part of a community organization, interested in serving on a City commission, or simply looking for ways to become more involved in Ames, there's a place for you in the conversation.

From moving forward with a new animal services facility to addressing housing concerns and planning for future development, the Ames City Council has several important items on its upcoming agenda.

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

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave. Residents can attend in person or watch the meeting live on the City's YouTube and Facebook pages.

Bill and Mayor Haila begin with an update on the new Ames Animal Services Center, as approvals included on the Council's Consent Agenda would allow work to begin on the new facility. They discuss this next step in the project and what it means for the future of animal services in Ames.

The conversation then turns to radon testing in rental properties, a topic brought to the attention of City Council through emails from residents. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate inside buildings and pose health risks with prolonged exposure. Bill and Mayor Haila discuss the concerns raised by residents and how the City Council may address the issue of radon testing in rental homes.

Next, the discussion focuses on expanding housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income households through a potential partnership with the Story County Board of Supervisors. Mayor Haila explains how collaboration between local governments could help address housing needs and what Council will be asked to consider as part of this effort.

Finally, Bill and Mayor Haila explore the next steps in the Urban Renewal Areas process. They discuss how urban renewal planning can be used as a tool for community development, what the process involves, and the decisions Council will be considering as the City moves forward.

From community facilities and housing safety to housing opportunities and long-term development planning, these agenda items highlight the range of issues City Council addresses and how those decisions can affect the future of Ames.

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, without having to read through hundreds of pages of agenda materials.

In this episode, we discuss:

Consent Agenda approvals allowing work to begin on the new Ames Animal Services Center

Resident concerns about radon testing in rental properties

A potential partnership with the Story County Board of Supervisors to increase low- to moderate-income housing opportunities

The next steps in the City's Urban Renewal Areas process

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.

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

Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at eric.gebhart@CityOfAmes.org.

Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page.

View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityOfAmes.org/CCMeetings.

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.

Skip breakfast? Eat only during certain hours? Could watching when you eat be just as important as watching what you eat?

Intermittent fasting has become a popular topic in health and wellness, with people turning to this eating approach for weight management, potential health benefits, and a more structured eating schedule. But does it actually work? And more importantly, is it right for everyone?

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., host Kacie Schumann welcomes Mikaylah Grundtner, the City of Ames' new Health Promotion Intern and podcast co-host! Mikaylah is a kinesiology student at Iowa State University with an interest in physical therapy. After getting to know Mikaylah, the two explore the science behind intermittent fasting, different fasting methods, potential benefits, and important considerations before giving it a try.

They also dig into research comparing intermittent fasting with traditional calorie restriction and discuss why sustainable habits may be more effective than extreme dieting.

Episode Highlights
Meet Our New Co-Host
Get to know Mikaylah Grundtner! Mikaylah shares her journey to Iowa State University, her interest in physical therapy, and what wellness means to her.

What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat rather than simply what you eat. Kacie and Mikaylah explain how fasting works and introduce common approaches, including the 12/12 and 16/8 methods.

What Happens to Your Body When You Fast?
From changes in insulin levels to the body's use of stored energy, discover some of the biological processes associated with fasting, including cellular repair and metabolism.

Potential Health Benefits
Could intermittent fasting support weight management, improve blood sugar regulation, or benefit heart health? Kacie and Mikaylah explore potential benefits and what research suggests about their effectiveness.

Is Intermittent Fasting Safe for Everyone?
Fasting isn't a good fit for everyone. Learn about possible side effects, including headaches, fatigue, irritability, and overeating, as well as groups of people who should avoid intermittent fasting or seek medical guidance.

What Can You Have While Fasting?
Does your morning coffee break your fast? What about vitamins or supplements? Kacie and Mikaylah discuss beverages, supplements, and other considerations during fasting periods.

Can You Exercise While Fasting?
Whether you enjoy running, lifting weights, or high-intensity workouts, learn how exercising while fasting may affect your energy and performance.

What Does the Research Say?
Kacie and Mikaylah independently selected the same research review, but found different takeaways! They discuss findings suggesting intermittent fasting can produce weight-loss results comparable to traditional calorie restriction, and why individual results may vary.

Finding What Works for You
Healthy habits don't have to involve extreme changes. Kacie and Mikaylah discuss the importance of sustainable approaches to nutrition and wellness and why consulting a healthcare professional before starting a fasting routine is important.

Resources
Johns Hopkins Medicine: Intermittent Fasting
An overview of intermittent fasting, how it works, different eating schedules, and potential health benefits.
Learn about intermittent fasting

Healthline: Intermittent Fasting for Beginners
An introduction to common fasting methods, potential benefits, and safety considerations.
Read the beginner's guide

Healthline: What Breaks a Fast?
Information about foods, beverages, and supplements that may affect fasting.
Learn what breaks a fast

University of Michigan: A Beginner's Guide to Intermittent Fasting
Information about the basics of intermittent fasting and considerations for choosing an eating schedule.
Read the University of Michigan guide

Harvard Health: 4 Intermittent Fasting Side Effects to Watch Out For
A look at potential side effects and considerations before beginning intermittent fasting.
Read about potential side effects

Prospect Medical: Working Out While Intermittent Fasting
Information about exercise, energy levels, and physical performance while following an intermittent fasting schedule.
Learn about exercising while fasting

National Library of Medicine: Beneficial Effects of Intermittent Fasting: A Narrative Review
A review of research examining intermittent fasting, weight management, metabolic health, and potential health benefits. This is the research review Kacie and Mikaylah discuss during the episode.
Read the research review

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

Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org.

What if Ames had more opportunities to play, exercise, and stay active all year long? From basketball and pickleball to indoor playgrounds and fitness areas, the possibilities are exciting. But what would a new indoor recreation facility actually look like, and what would it take to make it happen?

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back City of Ames Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham to discuss the City's exploration of a potential new indoor recreation facility and why community input is an important first step.

Keith discusses the recreational needs of the Ames community, how a new facility could complement existing opportunities, and some of the amenities being considered. These could include courts for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, along with artificial turf, exercise equipment, indoor playgrounds, batting cages, and multipurpose spaces.

But before any decisions are made, the City wants to hear from residents. Bill and Keith discuss the online survey, public input sessions, and how community feedback will help determine what happens next.

They also explore the planning process, including the role of the Ames Parks and Recreation Commission and Ames City Council, potential costs, and the questions that must be answered before a project could move forward.

In this episode:

Why Ames is exploring a new indoor recreation facility

Recreational needs and opportunities in the community

Potential amenities and activities being considered

How a new facility could complement existing recreation options

Why public input is important at this stage

How residents can participate in the online survey

What the City is learning from public input sessions

The next steps for the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council

Planning considerations, potential costs, and future decisions

The long-term vision for recreation in Ames

A new indoor recreation facility is still just a possibility, and no final decisions have been made. That's why now is the time for residents to share their ideas, priorities, and concerns.

Make your voice heard!

Complete the online survey at www.CityOfAmes.org/IndoorRecreationCenter.

Residents are also invited to attend the final public input session at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, 515 Clark Ave.

Whether you're interested in sports, fitness, family activities, or simply having more places to stay active throughout the year, your feedback can help shape the future of recreation in Ames.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Director Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, Oct. 27 Ames City Council meeting.

They begin with the Resident Satisfaction Survey staff report. Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the results of the survey, what residents are saying about City services, and how community feedback helps guide City priorities and future decisions.

The conversation then turns to the Ames Animal Services Center renovation. With City Council awarding a construction contract for the project, Mayor Haila discusses this important milestone and what the planned improvements will mean for animals, staff, and the Ames community.

Next, they tackle three traffic and transportation topics affecting different areas of Ames. First is a new study exploring a potential downtown transit hub and what the City hopes to learn through the process. They also discuss the Duff Avenue Corridor traffic study, including the Council's acceptance of the study report and how its findings could help inform future transportation improvements.

Finally, Susan and Mayor Haila discuss the Grand Avenue and 13th Street intersection, sharing information about this busy intersection and the City's ongoing consideration of traffic conditions in the area.

From listening to residents and improving animal care facilities to studying traffic and transportation needs, this episode highlights how City Council discussions and decisions help shape the future of Ames.

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 page.

View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CCMeetings.

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email Eric.Gebhart@CityofAmes.org.

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.