From 2017 to 2022, I served as Producer/Director at Smoky Hills PBS, where I helped shape the visual and creative identity of the station. I conceived and crafted much of the interstitial content that gave the channel its distinctive character, while lending my expertise to every live broadcast and sporting event that aired. My responsibilities spanned the full creative spectrum — from designing motion graphics and curating a roster of voice-over talent to the hands-on demands of production itself: pulling cables, positioning cameras, testing equipment, and managing audio and graphics in the heat of a live show. Whatever a production needed to succeed, I made it happen. At the heart of it all was Real Ag, the flagship program that became the centerpiece of my work during those five years.
Real Ag
As the sole producer of Real Ag, I wore every hat the production world had to offer — directing, researching, conducting interviews, designing graphics, editing audio, and color correcting — breathing life into the show from concept to screen entirely on my own.
The bulk of production unfolded over the summer, culminating in a premiere during the first week of November. From there, new episodes graced the airwaves every Friday at 8:30 PM, carrying the show through to the close of the year.
From the rustling fields of the Flint Hills to the sweeping plains of western Kansas, the 2021 season of Real Ag took viewers on an immersive journey through the heart of agriculture. Corn, soybeans, cover crops, government policy, and a wealth of topics beyond were explored through candid conversations with the farmers and agricultural specialists who live and breathe this land every day.
Every episode is available on YouTube and on the Smoky Hills PBS website at smokyhillspbs.org — so whether you're a lifelong farmer or simply curious about where your food comes from, pull up a seat and dig in.
World War II Survivor. Mother. Grandmother. Indomitable spirit. While these words begin to paint a portrait of Mildred Schindler Janzen, they can scarcely scratch the surface of a life lived with extraordinary courage and resilience. From the darkest shadows of Nazi Germany to the suffocating grip of communist Russia, Mildred defied the odds at every turn — ultimately finding her way back to the cherished shores of her American homeland, where she built a life as remarkable as the journey that preceded it.
In recognition of her unwavering strength and the trials she so gracefully endured, the Daughters of the American Revolution proudly bestowed upon Mildred their most distinguished honor — the D.A.R. Medal of Honor — a testament to a woman whose story is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Smoky Hills PBS logo was born from a moment of transformation. When Smoky Hills Public Television was called to evolve — shifting its identity from Public Television to Public Broadcasting Station — a full rebrand became not just necessary, but an opportunity. Certain elements needed to remain anchored to the PBS national standard, but everything else was a blank canvas.
With a desire for simplicity and a deep sense of place, the creative vision took shape: a restrained, purposeful palette and the rolling silhouette of the Smoky Hills themselves woven into the heart of the design. Through rounds of iteration and thoughtful critique, the concept was refined, sharpened, and ultimately embraced. From there, the design made its journey through management and the board — and just like that, the Smoky Hills PBS logo was brought to life.
Doctors on Call
Doctors on Call was a live, weekly call-in program that brought together Kansas physicians and healthcare professionals to explore a wide range of health-related topics. Airing every Tuesday at 7 PM throughout its January–April season, the show offered viewers a direct line to trusted medical expertise.
In my role, I contributed to every facet of production — from assembling the set and positioning cameras and lighting, to operating live graphics and serving as the vital link between callers and the on-air host. I also shepherded encore presentations through post-production, ensuring polished replays were ready for later in the week and throughout the off-season.
The Kansas Legislature
Each February, the Kansas Legislature came to life as local Senators and Representatives gathered to engage directly with constituents on the pressing issues shaping the state. Broadcast as a live call-in program, the show offered viewers a rare and intimate window into the democratic process.
Much like my work on Doctors on Call, I played an integral role in bringing the production together — assembling the set, fine-tuning the cameras, and sculpting the lighting to create a professional on-air environment. During the live broadcast, I managed the graphics, served as the bridge between callers and the host, and seamlessly patched calls through at just the right moments. Beyond the live show, I also took ownership of preparing the encore airings, ensuring the program reached audiences throughout the rest of the week.
A Conversation with Bob Davis
Fourteen-time Kansas Sportscaster of the Year Bob Davis has distilled nearly five decades of play-by-play magic into a single volume — a sweeping chronicle of his 48 years giving voice to the Fort Hays State Tigers, Kansas Jayhawks, and Kansas City Royals. To celebrate the release, Smoky Hills PBS sat down with the legendary broadcaster as part of a special pledge drive, filming the conversation in the storied old gymnasium of Hays High School. There, host Jeremy McGuire joined Bob and author Jeff Bollig to reflect on a career that has become woven into the very fabric of Kansas sports history.
Smoky Hills PBS Kid's Club
The Smoky Hills PBS Kids Club was a cherished perk lovingly offered to the station's dedicated member donors. Beyond its heartwarming mission of gifting hundreds of books to local schools, the Club celebrated its youngest members in a truly special way — each month, the melodic voice of Jammin' Randy rang out across the airwaves in a jubilant birthday serenade, giving every child their moment in the spotlight. Young members were also treated to a delightful array of books, stickers, and other treasures from Smoky Hills PBS, making membership feel like a gift that never stopped giving.
Candlelight Concert
An honor to have contributed to the 58th Annual Candlelight Concert, a beloved tradition presented by the Choral Department of the Wichita State University School of Music. This luminous evening showcased the artistry of four distinguished ensembles — the WSU Choir, Shocker Choir, Concert Chorale, and Madrigal Singers — performing within the intimate elegance of Wiedemann Recital Hall. Captured for broadcast by Smoky Hills PBS on November 30, 2021, I served as a camera operator for this production, while also overseeing the full setup and strike of equipment.
Sound of Glory: An American Spectacular! with Max Haverfield & Friends was a rousing patriotic celebration of the American spirit, brought to life through the voices and instruments of local talent. Recorded at the storied Majestic Theatre in Scott City, Kansas, the production wove together music and melody into a heartfelt tribute to the nation — a true community affair, performed by the people and for the people.
Produced by Smoky Hills PBS, the program was a collaborative labor of love, and I was proud to serve behind the scenes — operating the camera and handling the full setup and teardown of production equipment to help bring the vision to the screen.
Smoky Hills PBS brings the magic of public media to life through its beloved Family Fun Days — a traveling celebration that winds its way through the communities of western Kansas. Families gather for sun-soaked afternoons filled with hands-on crafts, laughter, and the occasional surprise visit from a cherished character straight out of their favorite children's programs.
These spots were a joy to bring to life — and that joy was always the point. Crafted to spark excitement and draw families through the doors, each one was an open invitation to laugh, explore, and make real connections with the characters and staff of Smoky Hills PBS.
Every June, the small city of Beloit played host to something special — the 8-Man All-Star Game, a celebration of gridiron excellence that drew the finest players from across western Kansas. For one memorable afternoon, rivals became teammates, and the region's most talented athletes took the field together in the Kansas Division 1 & 2 showcase. For many of them, it was more than just a game — it was a farewell, a final chapter, one last chance to feel the weight of a helmet and the thunder of cleats on turf before trading the football field for whatever life had waiting next.
This recorded production typically graces the airwaves several weeks following the conclusion of the games. My role was multifaceted — I orchestrated the setup and operation of audio systems, managed camera work as needed, and kept the director primed with seamlessly prepared instant replays. Beyond that, I lent my hand wherever the production called for it, ensuring every component came together with precision. I also took charge of the post-production process, curating the DVDs and carefully assembling the show for both its debut broadcast and subsequent airings.
The Wild West Bowl
The Wild West Bowl served as the pinnacle of 6-Player Championship football, played under the wide-open skies of Dodge City, Kansas — where both the Championship and consolation games unfolded on a single, action-packed day.
Behind the scenes, I orchestrated the full technical production: deploying and managing audio systems and cameras, curating instant replays for the director's vision, and lending my hands wherever the operation demanded. When the final whistle blew, I saw the work through to the end — authoring DVDs and assembling complete show packages for every airing and re-airing of the games.
The Smoky Hills PBS Young Writers & Illustrators Contest celebrated the boundless imaginations of young storytellers in Kindergarten through 3rd grade, inviting them to craft original stories that were then brought to life on-screen in a dedicated broadcast on Smoky Hills PBS. As a crowning recognition of their creativity, each young author was presented with a trophy at their school at the close of the school year.
As the driving force behind the show's production, I shepherded each episode from page to screen — weaving together editing, voice-over, original music, custom graphics, and animation into a polished final product. Working in close collaboration with other Smoky Hills PBS departments, who provided the winning stories and essential production details, I guided every creative and technical element needed to honor these young storytellers in the way their work deserved.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for public media, forging dynamic business partnerships became a cornerstone strategy for unlocking new streams of revenue — fueling the programming and live events that bring Smoky Hills PBS to life.
Underwriting was the lifeblood of public television — the quiet, steady current that kept the lights on and the cameras rolling. At Smoky Hills PBS, the generosity of donors and supporters didn't merely fund a station; it breathed life into every broadcast, every story, and every moment of connection shared with the community.
At Smoky Hills PBS, the pursuit of excellence never rests. From the art of storytelling to the science of engineering, from the strategy of sales to the vision of leadership, we seek passionate individuals who are ready to make their mark in public broadcasting.
This is more than a job listing — it's an invitation. An invitation to be part of something meaningful, to lend your talents to a mission that informs, inspires, and connects communities. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an emerging voice, Smoky Hills PBS is where purpose meets possibility.
Your story starts here.
This holiday season, the halls of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Windhorst, Kansas will resonate with the spirit of the season as Dodge City Community College presents its annual Holiday Concert. Under the inspired direction of Kerry J. Kuplic, the Concert Choir, Choral Union, and Men's Trio will fill the sacred space with a rich and varied program — from the meditative beauty of Ose Shalom and the ethereal Nuit d'étoiles, to the sweeping grandeur of The Ground from Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass and the tender lullaby of Goodnight, among many more. Rounding out the evening, Nancy Sapp leads the Instrumental Ensemble through a selection of beloved seasonal pieces, including the timeless What Child Is This. An unforgettable night of music, community, and celebration awaits.
Beneath the soaring arches of the Basilica of St. Fidelis, the spirit of the season came alive in breathtaking harmony. The Fort Hays State Department of Music and Theatre, in partnership with Smoky Hills PBS, proudly presents the 34th Annual Christmas Cathedral Concert — a timeless celebration of music, faith, and community, captured in the heart of Victoria, Kansas, in December 2019.
Produced by Terry Crull, this cherished tradition unites some of the region's finest voices, bringing together the Choir of Fort Hays State, the Fort Hays Singers, the Fort Hays State Concert Choir, the Smoky Hill Chorale, and more — all performing within one of the most magnificent sacred spaces on the Great Plains.
As summer settled in, Smoky Hills PBS would breathe new life into the athletic triumphs of winter past, revisiting the spectacle and glory of championships and ceremonies that had captivated audiences months before. From the hard-fought gridiron battles of the Wild West Bowl and the 8-Player State Championships to the solemn, celebratory pageantry of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, these beloved productions found a second stage beneath the warm summer sun.
Celebrating the dawn of a new year, Smoky Hills PBS revisited some of its finest sporting moments with a New Year's Day marathon — a curated journey through the most thrilling football games of recent years, alongside the prestigious Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Ceremony.
Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The annual Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was a regular show on Smoky Hills PBS. Every year, the best athletes, coaches, and sports announcers are honored at the ceremony.
Brought to life from the timeless genius of Igor Stravinsky's beloved ballet, this enchanting production was lovingly reimagined for young audiences. Journey behind the curtain as the camera captures the magic in the making — intimate interviews and candid rehearsal moments with the conductor, playwright, and a talented ensemble of adult and youth actors and dancers, all united in their dedication to this cherished annual tradition with the Hays Symphony.
Recorded October 28, 2018, at the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University.
Among my earliest creative endeavors at Smoky Hills PBS were the PBS Nerd spots — a campaign born from a simple but infectious idea: what if we celebrated the unabashed joy of being a PBS devotee?
Camera in hand, I ventured out into our viewing area and captured real people in their element — proudly geek-ing out, speaking passionately, and living proof that being a PBS nerd is something worth wearing as a badge of honor.
In a deeply moving testimonial, a cherished friend of Smoky Hills PBS opened her heart to share Miranda's remarkable journey — the story of a young woman who, in the wake of a life-altering stroke, discovered healing, hope, and a path forward through the steadfast support of Smoky Hills PBS.