South Dakota Storytellers
South Dakota Storytellers brings you powerful, personal conversations with South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductees—individuals whose lives and achievements have helped shape our state and reach far beyond its borders. Each episode explores the defining moments, values, and lessons behind a life of excellence, offering insight and inspiration for anyone curious about the impact one person can make in their lifetime. Rooted in the South Dakota Hall of Fame’s mission to Champion a Culture of Excellence, this podcast honors remarkable legacies while preserving and sharing the stories that continue to inspire future generations.Listen, learn, and be inspired. Subs...
A Life of Curiosity and Compassion with Dr. Frank Alvine
Dr. Frank Alvine, a 2009 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee, left a legacy of innovation, perseverance, and integrity. From developing the Agility Total Ankle Replacement System to transforming orthopedic care for patients worldwide, his work continues to inspire generations.
In this interview, Laurie Becvar, CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame, talks with Dr. Frank Alvine about his journey, his approach to solving complex challenges, and the values that guided his life and career.
Watch to learn:
• How hard work and early life experiences shaped his success
• Why know...
Healing Across Generations with Dr. Sophie Two Hawk, M.D.
Dr. Sophie Two Hawk, M.D., a 2025 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, is a physician, educator, and trailblazer whose work bridges Indigenous healing traditions and Western medicine. As the first Native American to graduate from medical school in South Dakota, her career has focused on listening, compassion, and improving health outcomes for Native American communities.
In this interview, Angela Kennecke, 2021 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, talks with Dr. Two Hawk about her journey, her cultural roots, and her lifelong commitment to healing.
Watch to learn:
• How a lineage of La...
Opportunity Through Technology with Roger Musick
Roger Musick, a 2018 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee, helped pioneer the growth of telecommunications and software technology in South Dakota. From designing early communications networks to founding Innovative Systems in Mitchell, his work created opportunities for engineers and technology professionals across the region.
In this interview, 2021 Inductee Angela Kennecke talks with Roger about the mentors who inspired him, the early days of computers and telecommunications, and why he chose to build his career and company in South Dakota.
Watch to learn:
• How an early interest in electronics led to a ca...
Equality and Opportunity with Dr. Pamela "Pam" Homan
Dr. Pamela “Pam” Homan, a 2023 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee, left a lasting legacy as an educator, administrator, and advocate for students of all backgrounds and abilities. From becoming the first woman superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District to creating innovative educational pathways, her work continues to shape generations of learners.
In this interview, 2021 Inductee Angela Kennecke talks with Dr. Homan about her vision for education, leadership philosophy, and why every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Watch to learn:
How Dr. Homan’s early life shaped her sense of purpos...Getting Things Done with Michael “Mike” Huether
Michael “Mike” Huether, a 2025 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee, built a legacy through bold leadership, public service, and an unwavering commitment to getting things done. From corporate success at PREMIER Bankcard to serving two terms as Mayor of Sioux Falls, Mike’s journey reflects resilience, teamwork, and faith.
In this interview, Laurie Becvar, CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame, talks with Mike about the risks he took to pursue public service, the leadership principles that guided him, and why making the most of every day matters.
Watch to learn:
How Mi...Steadfast Dedication to Community with Greg Carmon
Greg Carmon, a 2025 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, left a legacy defined by integrity, generosity, and dedication to community. From building a nationally recognized railcar repair operation to investing deeply in philanthropy, conservation, and workforce development, his impact continues to shape South Dakota.
In this interview, 2021 Inductee Angela Kennecke talks with Greg Carmon about the values that guided his life, the lessons learned through leadership and adversity, and why giving back has always mattered.
Watch to learn:
How Greg’s rural upbringing shaped his leadership valuesWhy integrity and treating people well ar...Healing Across Generations with Dr. Sophie Two Hawk, M.D.
Dr. Sophie Two Hawk, M.D., a 2025 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, is a physician, educator, and trailblazer whose work bridges Indigenous healing traditions and Western medicine. As the first Native American to graduate from medical school in South Dakota, her career has focused on listening, compassion, and improving health outcomes for Native American communities.
In this interview, Angela Kennecke, 2021 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, talks with Dr. Two Hawk about her journey, her cultural roots, and her lifelong commitment to healing.
Listen to learn:
• How a lineage of La...
Leading with Service and Vision with Mike Cartney
Mike Cartney, a 2020 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee, left a legacy of service, leadership, and vision. From his Air Force career to his transformational leadership at Lake Area Technical College, his work continues to empower students and communities across South Dakota.
In this interview, 2021 Inductee Angela Kennecke talks with Mike about the values that shaped his journey, his belief in servant leadership, and how education can change lives.
Listen to learn:
How service guided Mike’s leadership philosophy The transformation of Lake Area Technical College under his visionHis advice for future lea...Strengthening a Modern Judiciary with Chief Justice Robert A. Miller
Chief Justice Robert A. Miller, a 2025 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, served fifteen years on the South Dakota Supreme Court and played a key role in modernizing the state’s judicial system. Known for his clarity, ethical standards, and commitment to public trust, his leadership shaped South Dakota’s courts for generations.
In this South Dakota Storyteller Interview, Angela Kennecke, 2021 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, talks with Chief Justice Miller about his career, judicial philosophy, and lasting impact on the state.
Watch to learn:
• Why clarity and independence mattered in his...
Integrity and Excellence with Angela Kennecke
Angela Kennecke, a 2021 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, has built a legacy rooted in integrity, resilience, and service. From decades in broadcast journalism to founding Emily’s Hope, her work continues to educate communities and save lives.
In this interview, Shawn Martin, Manager of the South Dakota Hall of Fame Visitors and Education Center, talks with Angela Kennecke about her career, values, and how she turned personal loss into purpose.
Listen to learn:
• Why Angela says, “I didn’t want to be the person being interviewed. I wanted to do the inte...
Building Harmony Through Music with Delta David Gier
Delta David Gier, a 2020 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee, has spent two decades transforming the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra into a national model of innovation and inclusion. From launching the groundbreaking Lakota Music Project to championing living composers, Gier’s work builds harmony, both musical and cultural.
In this interview, Marci Burdick, a South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director, talks with Delta David Gier, Music Director of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, about his vision, challenges, and the enduring power of music to unite communities.
Watch to learn:
How the La...A Life Dedicated to People, Tourism, and South Dakota with Johnny Brockelsby
Johnny Brockelsby, a 2025 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee, has left a lasting legacy in tourism, hospitality, and community advocacy. From his early days at Reptile Gardens to his work uniting leaders across the state, Johnny’s impact continues to inspire.
In this interview, Shawn Martin, Manager of the South Dakota Hall of Fame Visitors and Education Center, talks with Johnny about his lifelong commitment to people, service, hunger relief, and Lakota advocacy.
Watch to learn:
• How Reptile Gardens shaped Johnny’s early life and career
• His role in securing...
Championing the First Amendment with Jack Marsh
Jack Marsh, a 2020 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee, is celebrated as a Champion of the First Amendment and a leader in ethical journalism. From his years as editor of the Argus Leader to co-founding South Dakota News Watch, Marsh’s work continues to inspire new generations of journalists and citizens.
In this interview, Marci Burdick, a South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director, talks with Jack Marsh about his career, values, and legacy of integrity, innovation, and kindness.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How Marsh’s journalism journey led him from New...Capturing Worlds Through Art With Richard “Dick” Termes
Richard “Dick” Termes, a 2014 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, has fostered a legacy of vision and creativity. Best known for inventing the Termesphere, a six-point perspective system painted on spheres, his work captures complete worlds in a way no one else has.
In this interview, South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Marci Christensen Burdick talks with Dick about his art, philosophy, and impact.
Watch to learn:
How the Termesphere was created and why it is uniqueThe challenges and lessons of building a career as a professional artistThe values that continue to guide Rich...The Legacy of Harold “Spitz” Spitznagel: Building South Dakota by Design
On June 9, 1930, with nothing but $20 and a one-room office in Sioux Falls, Harold “Spitz” Spitznagel (1896–1975) set out to build a business. He wasn’t thinking about legacy. He wasn’t dreaming of decades of success. But nearly a century later, his company, known today as TSP, remains a cornerstone of architecture, engineering, planning, and design across the region.
Spitz, inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2006, left behind far more than buildings. He left core values, stories, and a way of approaching work and life that continues to guide TSP 95 years after its founding.
In this...
A Legacy of Leadership in Learning with Judy Olson Duhamel
In the heart of South Dakota, where the values of community, education, and perseverance shine brightly, Judy Olson Duhamel has left an indelible mark. Her induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2014 was not just a recognition of a career well-spent but a celebration of a lifetime devoted to service, education, and advocacy.
Judy joined South Dakota Hall of Fame CEO, Laurie Becvar, to talk about her life and legacy as a leader in education in South Dakota.
In this episode, you will hear about:
From Struggles to Second Chances with Greg Sands
Life doesn’t always take a straight path. For Greg Sands, the road was winding, filled with obstacles that tested his resilience. But through perseverance, faith, and an unwavering belief in second chances, Greg turned his story from struggle to success—both in business and in giving back to the community.
Greg was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2024 for his legacy of giving and his ability to inspire others to live their best lives. He joined South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Marci Burdick to discuss the path that brought him to wher...
Leading the Way with Judith Knittel Meierhenry
Coming from humble roots on her family’s homestead, Judith Knittel Meierhenry has led a life of excellence, paving the way for generations as a trailblazer for women in Law. Judith has had many firsts, overcoming adversity to rise to the highest position a judge can reach within South Dakota’s Supreme Court. She was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2024 for her exemplary leadership and service to the state.
Judith joined South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director, Cathy Clark to discuss her life and career as an educator, lawyer, and judge...
Pursuing Passion and Giving Back with Jim Entenman
Jim Entenman was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2024 in recognition of his impactful contributions to the state. His strong business leadership has sparked economic growth, while his philanthropic efforts have enriched communities throughout South Dakota.
Jim joined 2021 Inductee, friend, and nominator Angela Kennecke to discuss his life and legacy.
In this episode, you will hear about:
A pivotal turning point in Jim’s Life that set him on a path to successWhat it means to give back to one’s communityJim’s public service involvement and philanthropic endeavors“I tr...
A Profound Impact on Mental Health with Dr. Robert Arnio
Dr. Robert Arnio was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2023 for his contributions to the betterment of mental healthcare across South Dakota. South Dakota Hall of Fame board member and 2015 Inductee Ann McKay Thompson sat down with Dr. Arnio to discuss the ways in which he has championed excellence in South Dakota.
In this episode, you will hear about:
Dr. Arnio’s early lifeThe impact a positive mindset focused on possibility had in his lifeDr. Arnio’s impact on mental health across the state.“If we work together, we can have a f...
Giving Back and Preserving South Dakota with Gary Conradi
Gary Conradi comes from deep South Dakota roots. With two sets of great-grandparents who homesteaded in Aurora County South Dakota, he holds a keen interest and strong love for the state. Gary was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2011 for his devotion to South Dakota.
Gary recently joined South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Steve Flanery to discuss his legacy and contributions to the state he loves.
In this episode, you will hear about:
Gary’s early life that set him on the path to where he is to...Building a Strong Community with Bruce Bad Moccasin
Bruce Bad Moccasin’s 30-year career dedicated to building a stronger tomorrow started with building roads in 1977. His leadership within the Indian Health Service (IHS) as an engineer, and eventually as Area Director of the Aberdeen Office, allowed him to effectively bring many changes to funding processes for projects important to improving the lives of Native Americans living on reservations. The initiatives taken by Bad Moccasin paved the way for connecting tribal leaders and tribal health boards to IHS leadership and Congress.
Bruce joined South Dakota Hall of Fame (SDHoF) Board Director Marci Burdick to discuss his lif...
Choosing Opportunity with Larry Rohrer
Larry Rohrer was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2023 for his work in public broadcasting. His vision of public media has had an impact on every South Dakota high school, creating ahead-of-its-time coverage of events on the internet, and increased television broadcasts of high school athletics and fine arts.
Larry joined South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Ann McKay Thompson to discuss his life’s work and the lessons he has learned along the way.
In this episode, you will hear about:
Advocating For a Healthy South Dakota with Kitty Kinsman
Kitty Kinsman is a passionate advocate who has used her voice to positively influence the health and quality of life in South Dakota and her community.
Inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame (SDHoF) in 2020, she is known for her strong leadership and ability to energize, engage, and support others to get things done.
Kitty sat down with SDHoF Board Director Steve Flanery to discuss her life’s impact on South Dakota, and to share some of the lessons she has learned along the way.
In this episode, you will hear abou...
Building a Dynamic Future with Dr. José-Marie Griffiths
Dr. José-Marie Griffiths was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame (SDHoF) for her outstanding accomplishments in the field of higher education. These accomplishments are a coalescence of her professional drive and lifelong passion for learning.
She has transformed South Dakota since her arrival to the state in 2015 and has moved Dakota State University (DSU) to a new place in the higher education world.
Dr. Griffiths sat down with 2013 Inductee Beacom to discuss the path that brought her to South Dakota and the leadership lessons that have helped her make a lasting impact o...
Opportunity and Solving Problems for Others With Gary Cammack
Gary Cammack was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2021 for his community impact. Both for his work at Cammack Ranch Supply—a pillar of Union Center—and his time serving South Dakota through public service.
Gary’s public service career began when he was asked to serve as a Meade County Commissioner. In 2012, he was elected to serve as District 29’s Representative. In 2014, he was elected to serve in the South Dakota State Senate. He also served as President pro tempore. In 2020, Gary became the majority leader of the Senate.
Gary sat down wit...
Preserving Language for Generations to Come with James Emery
James Emery was a humble man who overcame challenges in his life to forge a better future for his community. He was born on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in 1904, at a time when speaking the Lakota language was discouraged. One of Emery’s greatest contributions in life was saving his native language. Our host, Miles Beacom joined David Emery, James Emery’s grandson, to discuss his grandfather’s legacy.
In this episode you will hear:
James...
Solving South Dakota’s Most Challenging Problems with Paul Gnirk
Dr. Paul Gnirk was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2022 for his work as an engineer, professor, and dedicated community servant to South Dakota. Dr. Gnirk joined Board Director Steve Flanery to share more about his professional career which has spanned nearly six decades.
In this episode, you will hear:
“When I got the award at School of Mines, I th...
A Foundation For Child and Family Welfare: the Legacy of Grace Martin Highley
Grace Martin Highley (1895–1985) was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame for laying the foundation for child welfare practices across the state. Her descendants, Karen Lockhart (granddaughter), Cheryl Zimiga (granddaughter), and Toni Hansen (great-granddaughter), recently joined Steve Flanery, South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director, for a conversation about Grace’s lasting impact in South Dakota.
In this episode, you will hear:
Documenting the Life of Gregory and Charles Mix Counties
South Dakota Hall of Fame 1987 Inductee Adeline Gnirk had a love for writing, and a drive to tell the collective story of the place she called home. In this Legacy Podcast episode, her two sons – Paul and David Gnirk – share the legacy of their mother’s work to document the lives of the people who called Gregory and Charles Mix counties home.
In this episode, you will hear:
Adeline Gnirk’s early life and the now fifth generation family farm in BurkeHer process to document the history of her communityThe legacy she created for not just...Creating Connection in South Dakota: the Legacy of Mark Shlanta
Mark Shlanta (1965–2022) was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2022 for his life’s work in the telecommunications industry in South Dakota. Mark led by example, and his legacy of vision, community involvement, and a love of work and learning brought an entire region together. He created jobs and opportunities across many communities in South Dakota and exemplified excellence in the way he connected the state.
In this episode, you will hear:
Seeing Adversity as an Opportunity with Craig Lloyd
2015 Inductee Craig Lloyd began his career with the management of 100 apartment units, and transitioned into work as a contractor, growing exponentially to include a portfolio of nearly 4,000 apartment units and 1.5 million square feet of commercial space. Lloyd Companies’ construction division experienced a series of record-breaking years with over 50 million dollars worth of construction value being completed annually.
In this episode, you will hear:
Craig’s creativity, vision, tenacity...
Cultivating Success in Higher Education with Robert Burns
2016 Inductee Robert (Bob) Burns made a massive impact on the State of South Dakota and joined Miles Beacom to talk about his legacy in higher education. During his tenure at South Dakota State University, Robert Burns received many teaching awards including being named College of Arts and Sciences “Teacher of the Year” seven different times.
In this episode you will hear:
Bob was invited by his...
Following Faith and Building Community with 2007 Inductee Bill Walsh
William (Bill) Walsh was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2007 for his service to South Dakota through multiple forms of outreach. Bill has served five parishes as an ordained catholic priest and teacher; he has helped shape prison reform in the state; he served in positions with Social Services for the Black Hills and West River Mental Health Services; he formed the Black Hills Forum and Press Club; and he has helped restore Deadwood to its old west appearance.
Bill sat down with the Hall’s Board Chair, Marci Burdick during the 2022 Honors Ceremony, to...
A Life Dedicated to Creating Change with 2022 Inductee Ron Reed
The impact of Ron Reed’s work can be felt all across the state, from Vermillion to Pierre to the Black Hills. For over five decades, Dr. Reed has worked tirelessly and behind the scenes to enrich the lives not only of individuals with special needs but of all South Dakotans. He joined Marci Burdick for a conversation about his life’s work.
In this episode, you will hear:
The way Ron navigated challenges to provide the best life possible for his daughter Kathleen.The impact he had in creating special education systems in Sout...Legacy Interview: Duane Reichert
1991 Inductee Duane Reichert has become best known to rodeo fans all over the country as "Dr. Ben Krazy", the nut with the ersatz ambulance. Reichert brought a wide variety of comedy to the spectator. He is highly visible throughout the rodeo with his animals, magic, excitement, and humor.
In this episode you will hear:
“I went back to get my degree in elementary educ...
Legacy Interview: Craig Tieszen
2021 Inductee Craig Tieszen led a dedicated career as a Police Chief and legislator with honesty, kindness, and integrity. As a leader, he was analytical, practical, and respectful. In this episode of the Legacy Podcast, retired CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame Greta Chapman joined the Tieszen family to talk about Craig’s legacy.
In this episode you will hear:
“In his...
Legacy Interview: Lynn Seppala
2011 Inductee Lynn Seppala has exhibited what it means to overcome great adversity to continue to pursue one’s dreams. Mid-career as a world-leading designer of state-of-the-art optics for pure and applied science, Lynn suffered a massive stroke, which paralyzed his right side and seriously affected his speech and cognitive abilities. A month into his rehabilitation, still wheelchair bound, he realized with surprise that he could not add or subtract. The doctor in charge of his rehabilitation suggested a career change to a job that would not involve numbers. He chose not to heed that advice.
In th...
Legacy Interview: Bill Hinks
Believing that the key to success is hard work and caring about other people, 2011 Inductee William A. (Bill) Hinks left his Wisconsin home in 1960, at age 22 with nothing more than $50 and an old Buick, to work with his uncle and make his mark in South Dakota. This led him to start his own furniture company, Furniture Outlets USA.
In this episode you will hear:
“People are so impo...
Legacy Interview: Ryan McFarland
Ryan McFarland is an entrepreneur with a passion for mountain biking and motorsports. He spent his early years with a grandfather who was a race car owner and a father who owned a motorcycle dealership. After the birth of his first son Bode, Ryan was anxious to share his passions with Bode, and the Strider Bike was born.
In this episode you will hear:
