Episodes

Recorded live from the podcast lounge at the BOOST Conference 2026, this conversation is all about the people behind afterschool programs and why caring adults matter so much in the lives of young people. We talk about how the needs of kids are changing, what it looks like to be a mentor today, and how afterschool spaces can become places where students feel safe, comfortable, heard, and valued. We also dig into how policy decisions connect to real programs happening every day in communities. F...

This episode is basically a group therapy session for 2025. We talk about the highs, the lows, and the “wow, how is it already December?” moments. We revisit some of the best parts of the year, including the very grown-up decision to do fewer episodes so we could keep our sanity intact. We dig into the Popcorn Series, which somehow turned into one of the most meaningful and fun things we’ve done to the Walkie Talkies conversations with seasoned professionals that were equal parts insightful, h...

In this shorter than normal but power packed episode, Desi and Billy conclude the Popcorn edition of Afterschool Snack with Eve, Ava, Erica and Carson. Listen as these professionals give their thoughts, insights and vibrant energy to conclude the Popcorn Edition of Afterschool Snack , SodakSACA.

Quick questions. Real stories. Big heart. In this Popcorn Edition of After School Snack, afterschool leaders from across South Dakota share what fills their bucket, why kids keep them coming back, and how one connection can change everything. Afterschool is more than a program. It is community.

Holy Moly! Desi and Billy sit down with Afterschool Leader, Advocate, Author, and Veteran — the one and only Juan Alvarado. Juan, founder of We Raize The Bar, joins Afterschool Snack to dive into life, leadership, and the power of afterschool programs. This episode is packed with energy, inspiration, and insights from across the country. Juan recently delivered a dynamic keynote for the South Dakota Afterschool Network — and he absolutely delivered! Tune in for a one-of-a-kind conversation you w...

Billie Jo Bakeburg...you've heard the name we are sure! Sit down with Desi and Billy as they talk to South Dakota's one and only Billie Jo. Listen to her passion as she weaves her story of bringing professionalism, organizational leadership and true empathy for our families and kids in Afterschool. This is a rare opportunity to hear the history of the South Dakota After School Care Alliance (SodakSACA), and the early days of Afterschool programming intertwined with the hope for the future! This ...

In a first ever for Afterschool Snack, we recorded in front of a live audience! Billy and Desi sit down with four students from the Belle Fourche JAM program in Belle Fourche, SD, recorded live at the Joy Center in Spearfish, SD. Listen as these four students make us laugh, think and feel our feels as they discuss navigating life in their own special ways! THIS is an episode you do not want to miss!

Billy sits down with Julie Garreau from the Cheyenne River Youth Project for a heartfelt conversation about what it truly means to be resilient. Together, they challenge the idea that strength must come from struggle and explore how communities can build a future where thriving, not just surviving, is the goal. Rooted in Lakota values and lived experience, the discussion highlights how honoring culture and embracing technology can coexist. Julie shares insights from her work with Lakota youth.

Desi and Billy sit down with the Deputy Executive Director of Black Hills Special Services, Dr. Pam Lange (and her granddaughter) for her eye-opening insight into the Ecosystem of South Dakota's afterschool world. Listen as Pam shares leadership insights, vision and her own mark of humor navigating leaders, teams and people in today's world.

Billy and Desi head up North! In this emotionally charged Taki About It, Enrique, Kingston, Sara and Lalanie open up about their lives, families and a little about their daily lives in Eagle Butte, SD. They may be only juniors and seniors in high school, but they have a voice unlike what we've heard before. Take a moment and get to know some of the youth at the CRYP!

In this special episode, Billy and Desi sit down with not one but two school administrators who have created a true co-curricular community with their afterschool program. Darren (principal) and Jeanne (asst. principal) straight talk the benefits of having an OST program and how it captures so many of those students who might not have anything available to them afterschool if it wasn't for their "Club Hub". This is a great listen not only to capture how to work with school administration but to ...

Desi sits down with Wakiyan, Dalton, and Johnny from the CRYP, in Eagle Butte, SD. Listen as these leaders provide a rich cultural experience and hopeful outlook for the youth they lead. These three young men describe the challenges and celebrations that are all part of living and working within an organization that is truly a hub of the community! From gardening to Lakota values, the CRYP is doing BIG things!! You don't want to miss this episode.

Desi sits down with students from South Middle School in Rapid City, SD. Alyssa, Crimson and Zoey give us an insight into their daily lives and some A-HA moments you don't want to miss. Listen as the youth of today talk about the same things we are all thinking about with their youthful outlook.

Join Desi on this episode Afterschool Snack , Walkie Talkie Edition with Matt Sutton, Grants & Evaluation Specialist at Black Hills Special Services Cooperative. Matt shares his philanthropic approach to creating a better world while breaking down the barriers and stigma around out-of-school time grant writing. Whether you’re just getting started, trying again, or working to sustain established programs, his practical tips and insights are invaluable.

Join us for our final popcorn episode featuring participants of the SodakSaca Keystone Leadership Retreat. In this amazing episode we have compiled 3 incredible leaders who are making a difference each and every day. Malachi, Mike and Lisa talk about more than just afterschool but how we connect as people. This is a great finish to a fantastic segment!

Snap, crackle and more Pops! Come "popcorn" with participants of the Keystone Leadership Retreat hosted by SodakSACA. Desi dives in and gets to know some of your South Dakota OST professionals navigating their personal lives, work and play! This is a great episode as Jena, Morgan, Taylor, Morgan and Miranda let us into their day to day lives and some of what keeps them coming back for more.

Summary In this episode, Billy Mawhiney sits down with Jodi Grant from the Afterschool Alliance about the recent unfreezing of the 21st Century funds, the impact of funding freezes on afterschool programs, and the importance of grassroots advocacy and community engagement in securing political support for these initiatives. They discuss the challenges faced by programs during funding freezes, the role of media in highlighting the importance of afterschool programs, and strategies for engaging l...

Join Desi at the SodakSACA Leadership Retreat in Keystone SD as he "popcorns" with several participants about what motivates them to continue working and striving in Afterschool programs all across the state. Give a listen as Kat, Kaylee, Kaitlin, Kellsie and Kolby share their insights!

Join us as we immerse ourselves in one of the premiere out of school time retreats in Keystone, SD. Desi sits down with not one, not two, but over a dozen OST care providers from across the state as they attend the SodakSACA annual Keystone Leadership Retreat. Taking a page from their traditional Afterschool Snack this fun and quick episode connects us via the stories from each of the participants and reminds us what fills our buckets. Join Penny, Bailee, Ava, Delanie, Crista and Daniel as they ...

Billy and Desi sit down and experience the "burn" with students from the Great Afterschool Place Camelot in Brookings. Listen as we talk, listen and experience the heat of the Taki Challenge, with Chloe, Ashley and Henry. Be prepared for a perspective change as we hear what makes the youth in GAP so special.

Desi and Billy sit down with Koby Leisinger and find out what has kept him in the field so long. Listen as we hear Koby's passion and commitment to bettering the youth in today's society. With a focus on personal relationships, health, and setting a positive tone, you don't want to miss this episode.

Billy and Desi sit down in a "first" for the Afterschool Snack Podcast having group discussion with Jake, Emma and Emma. Listen as we discuss the transition from a job to a career with young adults in the field of Afterschool / Summer Programming.

Billy takes another walk this time in Brookings, SD with Stacey from the Great Afterschool Place (GAP) Program. We take a deep dive into journaling, behind the scenes involvement, and the longevity of staff and program in the community. Come take a walk with us.

Feel the heat as we talk with Riley, Bonnie Julianna and Jack. Desi and Billy "Taki About It" with four participants of the Watertown Boys and Girls Club. Hearing the genuine conversations, laughs and concerns of today's youth is a great way to refresh your vigor for all things OST!