St. Joseph's Grotto

For generations of Nebraskans, a trip to Memorial Stadium is a rite of passage. But what does it feel like for a first-timer... especially one rooting for the visiting team? Producer Andy Hermann, an Ohio University alum, experienced his first Husker game and has the story for Curious Nebraska. Guests, in order of appearance: Michael Edler, Ohio grad, sports enthusiast, good friend of the host; Jay Moore, former Husker and new Husker Radio Network color commentator; Tony Falcone, Cornhusker Marching Band director; Brody Farver, Ohio Athletics social media; Ryan O’Connor, Ohio Athletics; Matthew Mills, UNLimited Sports. Music and additional audio: recorded live at the game (09/05/26) and Cornhusker Marching Band Memorial Stadium rehearsal (09/11/26).

Some people become part of a city's identity without ever becoming famous beyond it. Rev. Livingston Wills was known across Omaha as the Broom Man... and his legacy lives on in bronze. Producer Andy Hermann has his story for Curious Omaha. Guests, in order of appearance: John Ewing, Mayor, Omaha; Kent Sievers, photojournalist; Tyron Criswell, great-grandson, Livingston Wills. Additional audio: "Reverend Livingston Wills: The Broom Man (2004)" video, courtesy Kent Sievers.

Nearly 40 years ago, the Village of Prague celebrated its centennial by baking the World's Largest Kolach. Curious Nebraska producer Andy Hermann serves up a story of Czech ingenuity and a 14-foot, 2600-pound pastry. Guests, in order of appearance: Ken Kuncl, former mayor, Prague; Ray Paseka, village utilities, Prague; Theresa Konecky Klein, executive director, Wahoo Chamber of Commerce. Music: "7 Step Polka" by the Prague Czech Brass Band.

Hidden underneath some brush in South Omaha sits a stone grotto that few people even know exists. St. Joseph's Grotto was once a place for prayer, healing, and quiet reflection, but now it's been locked up for more than a decade. Curious Omaha producer Andy Hermann explores the history, and uncertain future, of one of the city's forgotten landmarks. Guests, in order of appearance: Blake Ursch, former Omaha World-Herald features reporter; Beth Cody, garden historian, Lourdes Grottos of North America; Mike Miller, photography hobbyist and self-described seeker.

Just outside the small town of Scotia is one of Nebraska's most curious attractions. It's home to sweeping valley views as well as an underground wonder. Curious Nebraska producer Andy Hermann explores the history above and below the surface. Guests, in order of appearance: Katie Davis, interim manager, Happy Jack Peak & Chalk Mine; Matt Joeckel, State Geologist of Nebraska at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Music: "The Ballad of 'Happy Jack' Swearingen" by Lawrence Molczyk.

Before the internet, students turned to Cliff's Notes. The black-and-yellow study guides helped generations understand classic literature. Did you know the company called Nebraska home? Curious Nebraska producer Andy Hermann provides a summary. Guests, in order of appearance: Jim McKee, former advertising and sales manager, Cliff's Notes; Linda Hillegass, daughter, Clifton and Catherine Hillegass; Ken Price, Hillegass University Professor of American Literature, Co-Director of the Walt Whitman Archive, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Additional audio: excerpt from Nebraska Nightly on the Nebraska Public Radio Network (April 16, 1997), reported by Carolyn Johnsen. Special thanks to Alexis Scargill, Media Archivist, Nebraska Public Media.

In most states, turning 18 means becoming a legal adult. It's more complicated than that here in Nebraska when you're a minor until you're 19. Curious Nebraska producer Andy Hermann investigates why it's like this and how it's impacted real people. Guests, in order of appearance: Lauren McNeal, UNL honors thesis, An Examination of Nebraska’s Law Setting the Age of Majority at Nineteen (2020); Kent Rogert, former Nebraska state senator (2007-2011); Sheridan Macy, featured in Lauren McNeal's thesis; Faith Walker, advocate for children.

A roadside museum, a million marbles, and one man's lifelong passion. Curious Nebraska producer Andy Hermann plays for keeps in this report on Lee's Legendary Marbles and Collectibles. Guests, in order of appearance: Lee Ann Klemz, daughter, Lee Batterton; Michael Legband, manager, Lee's Legendary Marbles and Collectables; Chris Haussler, glassworker, Pixybug Designs. Additional audio: "Nebraska's Marble Museum" (2008) from KETV Omaha; "GONE MARBLIN' - A Cross Country Marble Hunt and Road Adventure" (2024) from Refresh Quest.

Why are three-sided glass bottles from nearly a century ago going for up to $100 on auction sites and antique shops? In this report for Curious Nebraska, producer Andy Hermann cracks open the story of Ankle Deep soda pop from David City. Guests, in order of appearance: Renee Kosch, co-owner, Renee's Same As It Ever Was; Nicole Kosch, co-owner, Renee's Same As It Ever Was; Jim Reisdorff, historian, Butler County Nebraska Historical Society; Nathan Hoff, antique glass bottle hunter. Special thanks to the "Nebraska bottle collectors" Facebook Group and The Token Store.

You've probably seen them in taverns across Nebraska... those small cards with pull tabs for instant winnings. In this report for Curious Nebraska, producer Andy Hermann set out to find how they came to be called pickle cards. Guests, in order of appearance: Evan Schrodek, new Nebraskan and pickle card enthusiast; Brian Rockey, Director, Nebraska Lottery and Charitable Gaming Division; Arlis Steiner, accounting and finance, Technik Mfg.; Doug Obal, sales and marketing, Technik Mfg.; John Adams, former regulator, Nebraska Department of Revenue & former general counsel, International Gamco.