The Davenport Pulse

In recognition of First Responders Day, we’re sitting down with Kyle Beale, Field Supervisor at MEDIC EMS of Scott County, to take a closer look at the people and processes behind emergency response. Kyle shares what inspired his career in EMS, what this job looks like beyond the 911 call, and some experiences that have stayed with him along the way. Tune in for an inside look at the dedication, training, and collaboration that help keep our community safe.

Get ready for another journey into all things eerie and downright chilling! Davenport Library Archivist Amy Driskill returns for our 4th annual haunted Halloween episode, sharing creepy stories and local history.

Crime Analysis Supervisor Allissa Hawk sits down with us to discuss her key role with the Davenport Police Department. Tune in to learn more about crime analytics and how leadership, technology, and people work together to keep our community safe.

Join us as we explore the newly expanded Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center. From its humble beginnings as a single room in 1982 to its new home on the second floor of Main Library, we dive into the center’s rich history and growth. Discover what the space offers and how visitors can make the most of their experience.

In this episode, we’re joined by Good Neighbor Project partners from Friendly House to discuss their incredible impact on the community over the past 130 years. Tune in for an overview of their diverse programs, from youth and family support to senior services, and how they’ve evolved to meet the needs of every stage of life. Learn how to get involved through volunteering, donations, or other support, and get the details on their upcoming open house event celebrating 130 years of services that continue to fill essential gaps in our community.

Tune in as we celebrate Small Business Saturday by spotlighting Isabel Bloom. Donna Young, co-owner and sculptor, shares the story behind Isabel Bloom’s rise to fame, the art of sculpture, how new designs come to life, and more. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the brand, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the art and heart that make this beloved small business a Quad Cities staple.

All things spooky, scary, ghoulish, and ghastly! Davenport Library Archivist, Amy Driskill joins us for our 4th annual haunted Halloween episode. Tune in for terror and get into the spirit!

Ben Gougeon and Sarah Robb from Quad City Arts stopped by for a fun chat! Listen as they share the story behind an inspiring new mural created for the Good Neighbor Project. Completed this summer by ten talented young artists, ages 15 to 21, through the QC Metro Arts apprenticeship program, this five-week project resulted in a powerful community-centered masterpiece. Tune in to hear about the impacts of this amazing program, how it’s nurturing the next generation of artists, and how Quad City Arts is celebrating 25 years of creative youth engagement.

In this episode, we sit down with School Resource Officers (SROs) to learn more about the vital role they play in creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Hear what a typical day looks like, how they build meaningful relationships with students and staff, and ways their presence positively influences school culture. From mentorship and conflict resolution to community engagement and crisis response, learn how these dedicated professionals are making a lasting impact in the lives of students every day.

Executive Director and CEO of the Figge Art Museum, Melissa Mohr joins us to talk art, education, community, and 100 years of museum magic! From the breathtaking new installation Evanescent Field, to impactful community outreach, go behind the scenes to discover what’s happening inside one of the Midwest’s most dynamic art museums!

In this episode, we’re joined by Bruce Berger, Director of Community and Economic Development, to celebrate National Community Development Week. Bruce sheds light on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), how the City of Davenport leverages community development grants from the federal government, and a variety of home assistance opportunities available to current homeowners, as well as individuals who are working towards the goal of home ownership.

Tune in to the latest episode of The Davenport Pulse to learn more about the Co-Responder Program, a collaboration between Davenport Police and Vera French Mental Health Center that provides a necessary service to those experiencing mental health crisis. Officer Kevin Carver with the Davenport Police Department and Crisis Co-responder Chris Koepke joined us recently to discuss the new program available to the community and shed light on the great impact made in its first year.

We’re celebrating five years of The Good Neighbor Project in Davenport, an initiative that has significantly enhanced community engagement and fostered strong, meaningful relationships among our residents. Tune in as hosts chat with the two who started it all: the founders of The Good Neighbor Project in Madison, Wisconsin, Wendy Reichel and Emily Samson. Hear the story of how The Good Neighbor Project originated, the motivations that drove its inception, and how it’s grown over the years.

Kick off the holiday season by shopping local during Small Business Saturday! Tune in to this episode of The Davenport Pulse to learn more about Airbrushed Sunless! Located at 419 Brady Street, this custom airbrush tanning and boutique has made it their mission to provide a welcoming experience for everyBODY. Listen to Lindsey’s story as she opens up and shares her journey on how she got to where she is today. It’s inspiring!

Listen to the latest episode of The Davenport Pulse as Lieutenant Zach Soliz discusses File of Life – a medical history card stored in a red, magnetized pouch that can be stuck on the refrigerator. It gives first responders access to a patient’s medical history in the event of an emergency. The form includes information about a patient’s allergies, medications, contact persons, and more.

Amy Driskill, Davenport Public Library Archivist and resident scary storyteller, joins us for an annual episode of haunted tales! Get into the Halloween spirit while listening to this chilling chat.

Tune in to this episode of The Davenport Pulse as hosts sit down with Quad City Times Bix 7 Race Director Michelle Juehring and Operations Director Laura Torgerud. Learn more about the history of the Bix, what it takes to plan an event this size, what’s new this year, and all of the fun things to expect this year in celebration of the 50th annual race. Interested in getting involved or running? Learn more: https://bix7.com/

The Explorer Program establishes awareness and highlights the complexities of police services in an environment that allows youth of the program to take initiative in becoming responsible leaders in our community. Learn more about The Davenport Police Department Explorer Program as Lieutenant Nick Shorten dives into specifics and shares what he hopes Explorers gain throughout their experience. If you or someone you know is interested in joining, tune in to this episode for details on upcoming opportunities!

A local favorite that has been serving the Quad Cities for over 30 years! Tune in to the latest episode of The Davenport Pulse Podcast as we talk all things craft beer with Brandon Mavis, Marketing Director for Front Street Brewery. Find out more about this beloved brewery’s humble beginnings, their expansion into western Wisconsin and western Iowa, what’s on their current beer rotation, and upcoming events to check out at the Tap Room and Pub & Eatery!

January is National Mentor Month! On this episode of The Davenport Pulse, hosts sit down with two fantastic Q.C. mentors, Kayla Kiesey and Sarah Sperry of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley, to talk about the importance of mentoring in the Quad Cities, when it began, and how it’s expanded over the years.