I would have never dreamed my second interview with Patrick Dame would be a discussion of how we would get our once-skyrocketing air service "back on track". That's all part of finding our new normal. Nothing is unaffected by the pandemic. Join us for a conversation that promises to NOT be ALL "gloom and doom"! Good times are ahead!

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EPISODE #33: THE FUTURE OF FLYING 'RAP' with Airport Director Patrick Dame

As Stephen Gurgel puts it, "the Black Hills is the best place to be quarantined!". Even in troublesome times, the optimism inherent among us hearty folks from Rapid City can't be contained forever. Joe Avvampato, this week's other guest, echoes that sentiment. Listen and find out why.

EPISODE #32: "THE BEST PLACE TO BE QUARANTINED!" with Stephen Gurgel and Joe Avvampato

Join us for a very candid visit with four major leaders in our Rapid City Hospitality sector.Listen as they share their accounts detailing how the COVID virus hit their businesses, how they view their challenges, their efforts to adapt, and their reasons to be hopeful for the future.

EPISODE #31: THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY IN THE BLACK HILLS

We're all asking the same question...in Rapid City, in South Dakota, all across America, all over Planet Earth! What will our 'New Normal' be in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic? Join us for a candid conversation with nationally-known Economist & Author Jonathan Williams, local Community Leader Darren Haar, and local Business Owner Trevor Johnson.

EPISODE #30: FINDING OUR 'NEW NORMAL' AFTER COVID-19

It's the "talk of the town" in Rapid City...the new organization called Elevate Rapid City!Learn how this innovative concept is taking our city to new heights! Join me for a conversation with Elevate Rapid City Board Chair, David Lust!

EPISODE #29: ELEVATE RAPID CITY! with Board Chair David Lust

New career options for School of Mines graduates and entrepreneurs from all over are available in a big way right here in Rapid City! That's because of the fast-growing organization called Ascent Innovation! Join us for an enlightening visit with Ascent Executive Director, Terri Haverly!

EPISODE #28: ASCENT INNOVATION! with Executive Director, Terri Haverly

Most folks in the Rapid City, the Black Hills, and our neighboring states are familiar with the name "Black Hills Energy". It's a company that has quietly, gradually grown and evolved over its history of nearly 140 years from a small, local power company into a significant, publicly traded utility that now serves over 1 million customers in 8 states! Join me for a very revealing conversation with Black Hills Energy President and CEO, Linn Evans.

EPISODE #27: IMPROVING LIFE WITH ENERGY! with Black Hills Energy CEO Linn Evans

Whether people agree or disagree with his policies, Mayor Steve Allender is dedicated to doing what he feels he was elected to do....lead. And he does so with a style all his own. Meet our dynamic and driven mayor in this hour-long candid interview covering many topics of interest!

EPISODE #26: "THIS CITY CAN'T HELP BUT MOVE FORWARD!" with Mayor Steve Allender

Look across Rapid City's landscape and ask yourself..."What was here 140 years ago that is still here today?" One answer that may surprise you is...The Rapid City Journal! Meet Publisher Matthew Tranquill and Editor Kent Bush. Find out why they compare our newspaper (very fittingly) to a crocodile!

EPISODE #25: THE RAPID CITY JOURNAL..."LIKE A CROCODILE"?

Chris has a Holiday message for you!Here's a big "thank you" to all you Amplify Rapid City listeners!Pleased stay tuned in the New Year of 2020 for more great weekly episodes!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! with your host, Chris Johnson

What in the world does one of the 15 funniest movies of all time have to do with Rapid City and the Black Hills? As it turns out... A LOT! Join me for a fun-filled visit with Napoleon Dynamite Producer, Sean Covel. Find out the surprising ways he is applying his success, both here in Rapid City and all over America!

EPISODE #24: NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, PORTER THE HOARDER, AND PIZZA...GOSH! with Producer, Sean Covel

IF YOU WERE A YOUNG FAMILY GETTING ALL GEARED UP TO MOVE TO ANOTHER CITY….…ITS PRETTY SAFE TO SAY THAT CHECKING OUT THE K-12 SCHOOLS IN YOUR NEW CITY WOULD BE PRETTY CLOSE TO THE TOP OF YOUR LIST OF PRIORITIES. WELL...HERE IS YOUR CHANCE! JOIN ME AS I VISIT WITH RCAS SUPERINTENDENT, DR. LORI SIMON!

EPISODE #23: SCHOOLS IN PROGRESS! with RCAS Superintendent, Dr. Lori Simon

We want to grow and develop as a city. And we want to do it the right way. So how do we make that happen? The first step is to get familiar with some important facts. Join me for the first installment of an ongoing series and learn why I call it The “Sculpture Within The Stone”. CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO FOLLOW OUR CONVERSATION BY REFERENCING HIS BOOK DURING THE PODCAST!https://www.alec.org/app/uploads/2019/04/2019-RSPS-State-Pages_FINAL_WEB_R1.pdf

EPISODE #22: RICH STATES, POOR STATES...HOW WE RATE. with Author Jonathan Williams

In years gone by, local theaters were always to be found in a city's downtown area. In larger cities, you may have had several to choose from. Now...not so much. And if you do find one, it would be pretty difficult to beat the experience you are sure to have when you visit this downtown Rapid City "Hidden Gem". Find out all the reasons why as we visit with owner Curt Small.

EPISODE #21: THE ELKS THEATRE...A RARE FIND! with theatre owner Curt Small

What takes 100 volunteers, draws 10,000 people every Thursday night to Downtown Rapid City, and consists of 3 hours of fun for the whole family? It's Rapid City's signature summer weekly event, Summer Nights! Learn all about it from Summer Nights President, Dave Goodwin!

EPISODE #20: "SUMMER NIGHTS...OUR WEEKLY SUMMER SHIN-DIG!" with Dave Goodwin

Traveling to Rapid City? Whether you are one of our 2 million + annual visitors, whether you are planning to move yourself, your family, or your business here...even if you already live here...Amplify Rapid City is your ticket to exciting and interesting news and information about the people, the opportunities, and the attractions that make Rapid City one of the best places in America! Hosted by Chris Johnson

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