
Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know?Every once in a while, an episode comes along that's a little different from the rest. This is one of those episodes.Today, I'm joined by two men who share a unique connection with me. Dave Lyons, Myrle Wayne Swank, and I all married into the same family. More specifically, we're all sons-in-law of a man who had a tremendous impact on our lives: Don Favor.Don passed away in November of 2020 after a battle with ALS, but anyone who knew him knows that his influence didn't end there. He was the kind of man who left fingerprints on the lives of everyone around him. A devoted husband to Patty for 57 years. A loving father to four daughters. A proud grandfather and great-grandfather. A man of deep faith. A hard worker. A horseman. A storyteller. A friend.But if you ask the people who knew him best, they'll tell you that what made Don special wasn't found on a résumé or in a list of accomplishments. It was found in the way he treated people.Don never met a stranger. He welcomed people into his life without conditions. Whether you were family, a neighbor, a friend, or someone who had just shown up at the farm for the first time, you were treated like you belonged. That's a rare gift.In this conversation, Dave, Myrle, and I simply sat down and shared memories. Some are funny. Some are touching. Some are stories that only make sense if you've spent time on a farm, in a workshop, or around a campfire. We talk about Don's endless collection of tools and treasures, his willingness to help with any project, his love of horses, his unwavering faith, and his remarkable ability to stay calm no matter what life threw his way.As I listened back to this recording, I realized something. We started out intending to tell stories about Don, but what really happened is that we discovered how much of him still lives on in the lessons he taught us. The things he built. The people he loved. The example he set.If you've ever lost someone who helped shape who you are, I think you'll find something familiar in this conversation.So in honor of a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and one of the finest men we've ever known, here's our tribute to Don Favor.This is Well, What Do You Know?
Jun 26
51 min

Welcome back to “Well, What Do You Know?” I’m your host, Eric Padget.Today is Part 2 of my conversation with Jim Huber — and if you enjoyed the first episode, you’re really going to love this one.Jim is one of the most interesting people I’ve had the chance to sit down with. In this episode, we talk about his trip to England, visiting Stonehenge, life on his farm, raising sheep, making maple syrup, keeping bees, writing poetry, and creating all kinds of unique homemade products.But beyond all of that, this conversation is really about curiosity, lifelong learning, family, and appreciating the people and experiences that shape us.Jim also shares some incredible stories about his parents, the teachers who influenced him, and the advice he would give young people today.So settle in and enjoy Part 2 of my conversation with Jim Huber.
Jun 12
40 min

Welcome to Well, What Do You Know? I’m your host, and today we begin Part 1 of a fascinating conversation with Jim Huber. Jim grew up on a farm near Albia, Iowa, but his journey has taken him into archaeology, geology, environmental research, and even forensic science. Along the way, he’s worked on archaeological sites across the country, studied ancient environments through pollen analysis, and even assisted in a real criminal investigation. This episode is full of incredible stories, unexpected twists, and a lifetime of experiences. Here’s Part 1 of my conversation with Jim Huber.
May 29
35 min

Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know?.On this episode, I sit down with David Bultena for a conversation that covers nearly nine decades of life experiences and stories. David grew up in small-town South Dakota before moving to Anaheim, California, just as Disneyland was being built. He shares firsthand memories of watching Walt Disney’s dream come to life, along with stories from his time as a Berkeley water polo player, police officer, prosecutor, writer, and husband.This episode is full of humor, history, and perspective — including a few unforgettable law enforcement stories that had me laughing out loud.I’m really excited to share this one with you. Here’s my conversation with David Bultena.
May 15
44 min

Today we’re joined by Phil Skamser, a veteran educator and coach who’s wrapping up a thirty-year career. We’re diving into his 'full circle' journey—from his birth near the stadium where they filmed The Natural to his years coaching basketball greats like Ben McCollum. We’ll also talk about his quest to visit every MLB park and his wild travel stories from Norway to Albania.🔗 Catch up on past episodes and suggest my next guest at: https://sites.google.com/view/wwdyk/home
May 1
55 min

Today’s episode is a really special one. I’m joined by Justin Flaws—head coach of the 3A State Champion Carlisle Wildcats.But this conversation goes way beyond basketball.We start at the beginning—growing up in Carlisle, the influence of family, and some unexpected twists along the way… including a journey through music that helped shape who he is today.Then in the second half, we dive into that championship season—what made this team special, the moments that defined the run, and what it takes to build something truly great.It’s a longer episode—but it’s one I think you’re really going to enjoy.So sit back, relax, and enjoy my conversation with Justin Flaws.Listen to episodes and suggest a guest on our website!
Apr 17
1 hr 8 min

Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know?If you listened to the last episode, you heard Part 1 of my conversation with siblings Jack Albers and Beth Laws, where we talked about their childhood growing up in a large farm family in Iowa—including the remarkable story of their mother having three sets of twins.Today we’re continuing that conversation in Part 2.In this episode, Jack and Beth share even more stories from their lives—what it was like as they got older, how their family experiences shaped them, and some of the moments that stand out most when they look back on those years. As you might expect with a family this size, there are plenty of memorable—and sometimes hilarious—stories along the way.If you haven’t listened to Part 1, you might want to go back and start there. But if you’re ready to keep the story going, let’s jump right in.This is Part 2 of my conversation with Jack Albers and Beth Laws.Check out my new website and suggest a guest there!https://sites.google.com/view/wwdyk/home
Apr 3
30 min

Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know?Today’s episode is a little different—and a lot of fun—because I’m joined by two guests at the same time. Siblings Jack Albers and Beth Laws sit down with me to talk about growing up in a big farm family in Iowa… and when I say big, I mean really big. Their family story includes multiple sets of twins, life on a farm near Belle Plaine, and the kind of childhood experiences that only come from growing up surrounded by brothers, sisters, and a lot of stories.In Part 1, we start at the beginning—what it was like growing up in a family with five kids, the unique dynamics of having so many twins in one family, and some great memories from their early years in Iowa before life eventually took them to Missouri.And trust me, this conversation gets even better. In Part 2, coming out Friday, April 3rd, we dig deeper into more stories from their lives, their family history, and some moments you definitely won’t want to miss.So settle in and enjoy Part 1 of my conversation with Jack Albers and Beth Laws.Check out my new website and suggest a guest there! https://sites.google.com/view/wwdyk/home
Mar 20
36 min

Today’s guest is Gene Buis — and let me just say this: if you enjoy stories that start with, “Well, I probably shouldn’t tell this…” then you’re in the right place.Gene grew up when a good job paid about a dollar an hour, a push mower built character, and if something broke… you just figured it out. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t complain much, doesn’t exaggerate much — and somehow still ends up with stories that sound almost unbelievable.In this episode, we talk about growing up in small-town Missouri, getting drafted into the Army, lifelong friendships, raising a family, and a few moments that may or may not have involved questionable decision-making — all told with the calm confidence of someone who’s seen just about everything.He’s steady. He’s funny in a way that sneaks up on you. And he proves that some of the best storytellers don’t even realize how good they are.So buckle up — and enjoy my conversation with Gene Buis.Know someone who would be a great guest? Let me know here:https://linktr.ee/wwdyk
Mar 6
36 min

Welcome back to Well, What Do You Know?Today’s episode is a really fun one — and a first for the podcast. This is my first international interview!I’m joined by Emma Robbins, who grew up in England and took a huge leap of faith to move to Boone, Iowa on a basketball scholarship… despite barely having played basketball before. We talk about social anxiety, stepping out of your comfort zone, the culture shocks between the UK and the Midwest, and how that experience helped shape where she is today — working in a microbiology lab and doing some modeling on the side.It’s a great conversation about risk, growth, and the people who change our lives along the way.As always, if you know someone that would be a great guest, let me know! https://linktr.ee/wwdyk
Feb 20
49 min
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