From Radio to Rural Roots: Sheila Jenkinson on Podcasting & Community

Storytelling has power—especially when it amplifies the voices of those working to transform their communities. Sheila Jenkinson knows this firsthand. After 20 years behind the radio microphone, she discovered new creative freedom through podcasting that allows her to showcase the renaissance happening across rural Nebraska.

During our conversation, Sheila shares her journey from adjusting cassette tapes and cart machines at her first radio gig to launching "Growing Small Town Nebraska," a podcast that started as a modest hobby and has grown into a platform publishing seven or more episodes monthly. What drives her? A cheerleader's heart and the belief that small towns deserve to "thrive rather than just survive."

The transformation we're witnessing in Norfolk exemplifies what's happening across the state—"This is not your mama's downtown," as Sheila puts it. Where once stood just a coffee shop and two restaurants, vibrant businesses now flourish. This revival mirrors stories she encounters in communities from Burwell to Grand Island, Shickley to Alliance. Through monthly features like "Sheila Shout Outs" and tourism partnerships, she creates ripples of visibility for small-town entrepreneurs and attractions.

Beyond content creation, Sheila offers valuable insights into the differences between traditional media and podcasting. While radio offered limited speaking opportunities—"you had like eight, ten seconds" between songs—podcasting provides the freedom to have meaningful conversations that connect with listeners seeking authentic human interaction. Her partnership with Intersect Coworking demonstrates how collaborative spaces foster both productivity and community connections.

Ready to discover Nebraska's hidden gems and the changemakers behind them? Subscribe to "Growing Small Town Nebraska" and join the movement celebrating rural revitalization. Better yet, follow Sheila's example and support local businesses on your next road trip—you might just find yourself in a transformed downtown that exceeds all expectations.