What do restaurant owners really think about customers? And what happens when a lifelong people-person—raised in the restaurant business, trained in psychology, and now leading tourism and community development—sits down for an honest conversation about modern life, parenting, hospitality, and America?
In this episode of I Like That Story, Jeff Gould talks with Brittany Wagner, Tourism Director for Visit Yankton and a leader with Yankton Thrive in historic Yankton, South Dakota.
Brittany’s organization has invited Jeff to bring his acclaimed America’s Story presentation to Yankton as part of the community’s celebration surrounding America’s 250th birthday—an especially meaningful event for one of the most historic communities in the Dakota Territory.
Brittany shares her unique journey:
- Growing up in her family’s restaurant from the age of three
- Working more than a decade as a mental health therapist for youth and families
- Owning and operating a restaurant during the COVID era
- Transitioning into tourism, storytelling, and community building through Visit Yankton and Yankton Thrive
Together, Jeff and Brittany dive into:
- The hidden psychology of restaurants and tipping
- Restaurant cleanliness secrets diners never notice
- Parenting in the smartphone and social media era
- Gentle parenting vs. traditional parenting
- Mental health challenges facing young people today
- Why family dinners still matter
- Storytelling, history, and preserving family memories
- The beauty and challenges of small-town life
- Why Yankton and the Missouri River region still matter in America’s story
The episode is funny, thoughtful, nostalgic, and surprisingly personal — blending restaurant stories, parenting insights, psychology, American history, and candid reflections about modern culture and human connection.
Outside of work, Brittany and her husband Josh are raising four children while balancing the beautiful chaos of family life, youth sports, travel, hiking, and small-town living.
Learn more about Yankton Thrive at:
https://www.yanktonsd.com
Explore Visit Yankton at:
https://www.visityanktonsd.com/