Let's Learn More with Andrew Grabau

29/06/2023

Thank you so much to Kathy Steinhoff for the 45th for stopping by KOPN 89.5 FM for this week's show. I appreciated the detailed information she shared and insights into her first year representing the 45th District. ICYMI: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letslearnmorepod/episodes/Lets-Learn-More---June-28--2023-e26ahdt

Selected music was from the 1973 Bill Withers Live at Carnegie Hall. An amazing album!

This week Andrew sits down with Representative Kathy Steinhoff for the 45th District of the Missouri State House of Representatives.

21/06/2023

Listen today at 5pm on KOPN 89.5 FM to hear my interview with State Representative David Tyson Smith. We will discuss the 2023 legislative session, new laws, and what's to come in the near future for our community and Missouri.

Music for today celebrates Son Volt, a very fine band from Missouri!

15/06/2023

ICYMI: Yesterday's show on KOPN 89.5 FM, thank you to Dr. Shaashawn Dial, Rev. James Gray, and Martha McClary. Click on the additional information below.

Planned Parenthood Great Plans Education: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-great-plains/education

More information on Como Juneteenth:
https://fb.me/e/1g3WCwVas

As always, you can listen to all past episodes here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letslearnmorepod/episodes/Lets-Learn-More---June-14--2023-e25ob57

S*x education for youth, parents, caregivers and teachers at Planned Parenthood Great Plains.

07/05/2023

Join us on Wednesday, May 10th at 5pm on KOPN 89.5 FM for a interview and conversation with Mayor Barbara Buffaloe! As a part of the one-year anniversary of Let's Learn More with Andrew Grabau we'll discuss the future of our community and some of the present opportunities & challenges facing our great city. No trash talk (promise!) .

There won't be any birthday cake but I'll provide some wonderful music from The Jayhawks, Neko Case, and a surprise pick!

05/05/2023

Thank you to Al Plummer for sharing an update on the Boone County Upward Economic Mobility efforts with early grade literacy. To read more about the Economic Mobility report:https://www.showmeboone.com/community-services/common/pdf/MAP%20Community%20Report%20-%20Digital.pdf

Check back soon for the podcast link to listen to the full conversation!

20/04/2023

ICYMI, yesterday's conversation on KOPN 89.5 FM regarding the Columbia Community Land Trust, see more here:

The CCLT is a non-profit corporation formed by the City of Columbia with the primary duties of creating and stewarding permanently affordable housing. The widening gap between housing costs and household median income makes home ownership increasingly less affordable. The CCLT is working to address....

19/04/2023

Join us tonight from 5-6pm on KOPN 89.5 FM to learn more about the Columbia Community Land Trust. Board President Anthony Stanton will share more about this important housing strategy and how it's connected to the greater affordable housing continuum!

As always, great conversation, great tunes!

13/04/2023

ICYMI: Yesterday's conversation on KOPN 89.5 FM with Margaret Conroy, Executive Director at Daniel Boone Regional Library about the current State budget that removes State aid funding for libraries. For more information about the impact of this decision as well as how to take action, see: https://www.molib.org/

Go here to listen to the full interview (and an interview with First Ward Council Member Nick Knoth): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letslearnmorepod/episodes/Lets-learn-More---April-12--2023-e22935i

Representative Smith expressed in the House Budget Committee hearing his concern that State Aid dollars sent to the 160 library districts in Missouri were being spent to fund a lawsuit in which MLA has been named as a plaintiff. 

12/04/2023

Listen on KOPN 89.5 FM at 5pm today for interviews with newly elected member of the City of Columbia City Council Nick Knoth (Ward One). I will also have an interview and update with Daniel Boone Regional Library Executive Director Margaret Conroy about the concerning move by the Missouri State House to remove all funding for public libraries in the 2023-2024 state budget.

As always, great conversation and great music! Listen and learn!

05/04/2023

TODAY! Listen at 5pm April 5th on KOPN 89.5 FM to learn more about the ongoing madness around the Missouri State budget, including the drastic proposed changes to library funding & DEI programs. My guest is Amy Blouin with the Missouri Budget Project.

As always, join for the conversation and enjoy some great music too! Tunes by Belle and Sebastian, Midnight Oil, and a throwback to The Traveling Willburys.

Go to https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letslearnmorepod to hear past episodes and interviews.

Get to know Spotify for Podcasters, the free, all-in-one podcast platform for every creator.

02/04/2023

ICYMI Listen to the 2nd CPS School Board candidate forum on KOPN 89.5 FM on Monday at 5 PM. You can listen to the 1st candidate forum on KOPN.org.

Thanks to all the candidates who participated and don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, April 4.

It's not just radio, it's community radio! Mid-Missouri's volunteer-run & listener-supported source for independent news, diverse talk, & music of the world.

16/03/2023

ICYMI last night on KOPN 89.5 FM, check out the science notes created by MOST Policy Initiative, Inc. here: https://mostpolicyinitiative.org. You can also listen to the episode here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/pod/show/letslearnmorepod/episodes/Lets-Learn-More---March-15--2023-e20gm23

Thank you!

Listen to Anchor audio from Pod

14/03/2023

Curious about where the top issues in Jefferson City sit at the midpoint of this session? Then listen on KOPN 89.5 FM Wednesday 15th from 5-6pm to hear from Brittany Whitley, Executive Director of the MOST Policy Initiative, Inc. We will discuss these top issues as well as the nonpartisan approach MOST takes in working to connect science to policy at the state level in Missouri.

This week's music is from three movies that included great soundtracks from the 90s! Enjoy!

07/03/2023

I'm excited for tomorrow's show on KOPN 89.5 FM. Tune in at 5pm! We are going to learn more from Empower Missouri representatives, Amber Smith and Sarah Owsley, about their Affordable Housing Coalition. They will also share insights about pending legislation in Missouri impacting affordable housing, including HB284 & 587 as well as SB15 (track them here: https://empowermissouri.org/affordable-housing-bill-tracker/)

I will also talk with Conrad Hake from Love Columbia about local challenges with affordable housing and the work they are doing to help people in Boone County! We will discuss their 23 ways to help with the housing crisis (https://lovecolumbia.org/23-ways-to-step-into-the-housing-crisis).

Listen to these wonderful guests! It will be an informative show!

And, the music for the week is based on some of my memories of MTV (when they played videos!).

R.E.M. (band)"Half A World Away" from their 1991 Unplugged show. I think this is better than the original recording on their album Out Of Time.

The Replacements"Merry Go Round". I remember seeing this during the MTV Sunday program for alternative music, 120 Minutes. My brother and I recorded these episodes on VHS and rewatched them ad nauseam!

The Pretenders "Brass in Pocket", one of the earliest videos I remember seeing on MTV. I loved the video of them in a diner lip syncing the words "special". What a great rock band!

Find the affordable housing bills we’re keeping an eye on below. Subscribe to this list to receive email updates. ShareShareTweetPin0 Shares

28/02/2023

A great conversation on KOPN 89.5 FM with Kristin Bowen and Catey Terry, volunteers with Moms Demand Action for sharing information on the latest legislation in Jefferson City on gun laws. The latest bill, an Anti-Red Flag law, prevents the adoption of any Federal laws related to red flag laws.

This blocks $5 million dollars in federal funds from helping our law enforcement and mental health providers from minimizing and addressing gun violence (domestic violence, su***de, homicides, etc.). Finally, it should be noted that Red Flag laws currently do not exist in Missouri.

For more information about Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, text "Act" to 644-33.

This week, Andrew sits down with Kristin Bowen and Catey Terry from Moms Demand Action

09/02/2023

Thank you again to Dr. Eric Parsons for our continued conversation on education policy and the complexity wrapped up.

Also, here is the poem by Dr. Clyde Ruffin that he wrote and recited for celebrating Columbia's bicentennial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRwevMVEnkc

Songs by The Clash, self-titled and London Calling!

In remembrance of Columbia's Bicentennial

01/02/2023

Tonight on KOPN 89.5 FM is the first of a two part series devoted to better understanding funding for K-12 education in Missouri. Hear from Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education( https://dese.mo.gov/ ) and MU professor Dr. Eric Parsons ( https://parsonses.mufaculty.umsystem.edu/ ) to discuss the complexities and policy implications of Missouri's $10 billion budget for K-12 education.

Planned music in memory of Tim Verlaine from the band, Television, and a few other bands that have been on my list this past week.

Missouri Connections is a comprehensive, online, career development and planning program that is provided free of charge to all Missouri citizens

26/01/2023

ICYMI- Interview on KOPN 89.5 FMwith Co-Founders of Nclusion Plus, Brandon Banks and Anthony Plogger. Thank you to both of them! https://anchor.fm/letslearnmorepod/episodes/Lets-Learn-More---Jan--25--2023-e1u0t9d

One of the more remarkable comments that stood out from yesterday's interview is that Missouri legislators have introduced 27(!) bills labeled as anti-LGBTQ. This is the most in the nation...

At the top of the show I played the City of Columbia Principles of Community as a reminder of where we stand as a community. Here's the link: https://www.como.gov/principles-of-community/

Music played: "Mlk", U2, "Youth Against Fascism" (Sonic Youth), covered by The New Mellow Edwards, and "Good Kid", Kendrick Lamar.

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to the City of Columbia's website.

22/01/2023

Interested in listening to past shows? Look on Spotify and follow:

Listen to Let's Learn More with Andrew Grabau on Spotify.

19/01/2023

Last week's show on KOPN 89.5 FM was very informative! Thank you to Dr. Saku Aura and the City of Columbia, Mo. Government Finance Director Matthew Lue to help us understand the Wayfair Tax/Use Tax that officially started on January 1st, and the revenue implications on the City of Columbia budget.

This week Andrew sits down with Saku Aura and Matthew Lue to discuss the Wayfair Tax. Saku Aura is an Associate Professor and the Director of Master's Programs for the Department of Economics at Mizzou, University of Missouri. Matthew Lue is the Director of Finance for the City of Columbia, Missouri

19/01/2023

ICYMI: Check out yesterday's interview on KOPN 89.5 FM with Empower Missouri Executive Director Mallory Rusch: https://anchor.fm/letslearnmorepod/episodes/Lets-Learn-More---Jan--18--2023-e1tmm47

You can read more about their work: https://empowermissouri.org/

Featured music during the show by Grandaddy (track: The Go in the Go For It), Big Thief (Simulation Swarm), and Wilco (Cruel Country).

A voice for the voiceless. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, we focus on improvement and extension of affordable essential services for the people of Missouri.

06/01/2023

Thank you to Ted Teddy from the City of Columbia for helping us to better understand CDBG and HOME funds for addressing social and housing issues in our community. Also, if you are interested in attending the public hearing next week on Jan. 11th, see the link below for more information.

If you missed the live interview on KOPN 89.5 FM, you can hear a podcast version here: https://anchor.fm/letslearnmorepod/episodes/Lets-Learn-More---Jan--4--2023---Tim-Teddy-e1t5fe8

https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=8318&tbiframe=1

The City of Columbia will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at 7 p.m.  in Rooms 1A/1B of City Hall, 701 E. Broadway. The City estimates it will receive approximately $1 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and $600,000 in HOME funds in FY 2024. The purpose of the hearing...

29/12/2022

On last night's show on KOPN 89.5 FM, I was able to play a few of my favorite songs from my favorite albums of 2022. Here's the list, if interested:

1. Big Thief, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You (track played: Change). This is such a wonderful album and a continuation of putting out amazing music. "Simulation Swarm" was my backup to play on the air if time allowed). When can I see them live?!

2. Spoon, Lucifer On the Sofa (track played: Wild) My favorite live show of the year at The Blue Note and my top album of the year.

3. Belle and Sebastian, A Bit of Previous (track played: If They're Shooting At You- since being released, it has been dedicated to Ukraine and their fight. It's composed in the beautiful style that only Belle and Sebastian can do)

4. Band of Horses, Things Are Great (favorite track: In Need of Repair). One of my all time top bands. When I saw them in St. Louis this summer I was disappointed that their set wasn't three hours long. :)

5. The Smile, A Light for Attracting Attention (favorite track: The Smoke). I didn't listen to this until late this year but it's really great!

6. Wilco, Cruel Country (favorite track: Cruel Country). It was great seeing them headline at Roots N Blues Festival this year! I've followed Wilco since their inception (and even during the Uncle Tupelo days) so it's wonderful hearing new material.

29/12/2022

ICYMI on KOPN 89.5 FM, we had a great conversation last night with Representative-elect Kathy Steinhoff for the 45th about her priorities and the upcoming legislative session. The podcast will be up soon but you can listen to the recorded live stream:

20/12/2022

Listen tomorrow (Wednesday) at 5pm on KOPN 89.5 FM for an interview with three leaders from Columbia REDI as we continue our look at local systems and drivers of economic development.

As always, we'll enjoy a few tunes too! Thank you!

14/12/2022

On tonight's show on KOPN 89.5 FM I am interviewing Co-Director Elyse Max and Board Chair Ni**od Chapel from Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty to discuss capital punishment in Missouri. Please join us at 5pm for the conversation.

Thank you!

08/12/2022

I really appreciated the conversation on KOPN 89.5 FM with Carrie Gartner with The Loop and Nickie Davis with The District to discuss Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) and economic development.

I enjoyed their focus on local economic impact in advancing equity through the support of small businesses while also contributing to the larger economy in Columbia. You can listen to a recording here: https://www.kopn.org/programs/lets-learn-more/

For some additional information, see the following links:

https://theloopcomo.com/

https://www.discoverthedistrict.com/

22/11/2022

On today's program on KOPN 89.5 FM, Margaret Conroy Daniel Boone Regional Library joins me to discuss the current Secretary of State's proposed rule 15 CSR 30-200.015 (Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors) and SB 775 that went into law in August. Both create challenges and concerns about intellectual freedom in our community & local libraries and threatens local control on determining what materials are appropriate.

As you listen and learn more, you can follow up by submitting comments to the Secretary of State's office on the proposed rule before December 15th at "[email protected]" (12 CSR 30 200 015 must be included in the subject line) or mailed to: Office of Missouri Secretary of State PO Box 1767, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

Enjoy the conversation, selected music, and learning more about an important issue. Thank you!

20/10/2022

Thank you to Randy Cole, CEO of the Columbia Housing Authority, for a great conversation on affordable housing. We discussed the various points along the housing continuum, as seen below, and how Columbia is trying to address the housing crisis felt by so many (regardless of where one falls on the continuum). If you missed the live conversation, you can check at a recording KOPN 89.5 FM here: https://www.kopn.org/programs/lets-learn-more/