For Immediate Release
Nebraska Public Media’s ‘Once Again’ History Podcast Connects Past to Present
LINCOLN, Neb. (April 16, 2025) – Nebraska Public Media’s new “Once Again” history podcast is where the past meets the present.
Senior Producer Bill Kelly is on a mission: digging through archives, dusting off documents and uncovering compelling stories that matter – once again.
Beginning Thursday, May 1, listeners will be able to download episodes of the “Once Again” history podcast on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube. “Once Again” is also available online at NebraskaPublicMedia.org/onceagain.
Devoted history hunters and those who are casually curious about history will all find that each episode of “Once Again” revisits a fascinating chapter from recent Nebraska and Great Plains history and draws stunning parallels from the past to the present.
“As a longtime reporter, I think it’s important to view current events through the lens of history. This podcast dives deep into intriguing news stories from Nebraska’s past and connects them to today’s headlines,” said “Once Again” podcast host Bill Kelly.
The new Nebraska Public Media podcast features rich sound effects, music that is specific to the history of each episode and voice actors who make the stories come alive and create a picture for the podcast listener, much like a throwback to radio theater.
“You hear creaking benches, church bells, footsteps on gravel and horses neighing. The sound becomes another character,” said Nebraska Public Media Audio Engineer Emily Kreutz.
The six “Once Again” podcast episodes include:
May 1 – First Two Episodes Drop - Meyer v. Nebraska and The Rise and Fall of the Ak-Sar-Ben Racetrack
Meyer v. Nebraska
Nebraska law makes teaching German to children illegal in the 1920s and today the case sets legal precedent for the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Rise and Fall of the Ak-Sar-Ben Racetrack
After 70 years, Ak-Sar-Ben shuts down an iconic Omaha horse track. Can casinos revive the horse racing industry and traditions?
May 8 – Passenger Rail Service
After 100 years, railroads left passenger service to Amtrack. Should the government expand routes and offer high-speed rail service today?
May 15 – Methodist Church Split
An Omaha minister is put on trial for conducting a same-sex wedding and today LGBTQ debate leads to a split within the United Methodist Church.
May 22 – Hallam Nuclear Plant
Nebraska’s first nuclear plant went online near Lincoln in 1962 and soon failed. Years later, the state considers a new generation of small reactors.
May 29 – Immigrant Labor
In the 1930s, Panhandle farms recruit Mexican field workers to harvest sugar beets. Today, immigrant labor takes center stage in a divisive national debate.
The “Once Again” history podcast is a production of Nebraska Public Media News.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Kim Rogers, 402-470-6512
About Nebraska Public Media
Nebraska Public Media has connected citizens with news, sports, education and entertainment since 1954. Providing global and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, the statewide public media network also produces award-winning local content. Its programs and services reach Nebraskans on television, radio, online, social media and mobile apps. Visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org for more information.