Explore every episode of the podcast Kansas City Bucket List Podcast

Why should every 7-year-old get an orthodontic screening, and is mouth tape actually a good idea? Dr. Jay Joshi of Stay Smiling Orthodontics in Overland Park and Lenexa makes orthodontics fun and clears up the myths.

Mindy sits down with the orthodontist her own daughter goes to, and they get into all the things you'd never think to ask. Dr. Joshi grew up in St. Louis, went through braces, headgear, and an expander himself, studied psychology, picked UMKC over the Ivy League, and then (with a big push from his wife) chose Kansas City over St. Louis. Now he's on a mission to make the orthodontist's office warm, welcoming, and anything but stuffy.

From the airway warning signs parents miss to the truth about veneers, looksmaxxing, and mewing, this episode is packed with info for parents with little ones and for adults thinking about braces again (his oldest patient is 81!). Plus, you'll hear what's on Dr. Joshi's personal Kansas City bucket list, from local beer to a James Beard-nominated Overland Park chef.

In this episode:

• The difference between a dentist and an orthodontist (and why you don't need a referral)
• Why every kid should be screened around age 7, and why screening doesn't mean treatment
• Phase 1 vs. Phase 2: why some kids get braces twice
• Metal, ceramic, gold braces, and clear aligners, plus how TikTok brought metal braces back
• Thumb sucking, mouth breathing, snoring, grinding, bedwetting, and the link between airway and ADHD
• Is mouth tape OK for kids? Dr. Joshi's take
• Palate expanders: when they help and when to see an ENT first
• GLP-1s like Ozempic, medications, and your gums and saliva
• Mouthwash, fluoride vs. hydroxyapatite, and whether to floss or brush first
• Myofunctional therapy explained
• Adult orthodontics, veneers vs. "natural veneers," and what makes a great smile
• Social media myths: lower jaw expansion, looksmaxxing, mewing, and MARPEs
• Dr. Joshi's Kansas City bucket list

Whether you're a Kansas City parent, an adult who skipped your retainer for a couple decades, or just love learning from local experts, this one's for you.

LINKS & MENTIONS

Dr. Jay Joshi / Stay Smiling Orthodontics 
Stay Smiling Orthodontics on Instagram
Kansas City Bucket List on Instagram
Kansas City Bucket List

Love the show? Follow Kansas City Bucket List on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode, leave us a 5-star rating and review, and share this episode with a KC parent who needs it. It helps more Kansas City voices reach more listeners!

CHAPTERS

0:00 – Intro and what's ahead
1:58 – Meet Dr. Jay Joshi: St. Louis roots and growing up around medicine
6:31 – His own braces, headgear, and expander story
9:08 – From psychology major to dental school
12:24 – Choosing UMKC over the Ivy League
15:04 – Why orthodontics, and building a warmer office experience
18:18 – Las Vegas residency, an MBA, and choosing KC over St. Louis
20:28 – KC art tangent: Riff Raff painting live at his wedding
22:10 – Dentist vs. orthodontist: what's the difference?
25:24 – The physics of moving teeth
26:59 – Why every kid should be screened at age 7
29:25 – Smiles, confidence, and making kids feel at ease
33:33 – Types of braces: metal, ceramic, gold, and aligners
36:04 – How long braces take
36:39 – Phase 1 vs. Phase 2: why some kids get braces twice
39:53 – Free screenings and consultations
40:37 – Adult orthodontics (his oldest patient is 81!)
42:24 – Veneers vs. "natural veneers"
44:43 – Two offices: Overland Park and Lenexa
49:41 – Thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and airway
52:38 – Warning signs: ADHD, bedwetting, grinding
55:42 – Long-term effects: TMJ and grinding in adults
57:15 – Mouth tape: yes or no?
59:41 – Airway, ENTs, and why not everyone needs an expander
1:04:44 – GLP-1s, Ozempic, medications, and your gums
1:08:56 – Mouthwash, fluoride, and floss-or-brush first
1:11:43 – Myofunctional therapy explained
1:14:23 – Expander history and new 3D tech
1:16:04 – Is a consultation worth it?
1:17:41 – Myth busting: lower expansion, looksmaxxing, mewing, and MARPEs
1:21:34 – What makes a great smile
1:22:27 – Adult habits and teeth grinding
1:23:39 – Rapid fire: teeth-falling-out dreams
1:24:14 – Dr. Joshi's Kansas City bucket list
1:25:18 – His ideal day off
1:26:32 – Where to find Stay Smiling, plus a brave patient story
1:29:16 – Outro

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Gangsters, speakeasies, the birth of Kansas City barbecue, and the forgotten genius who put KC on the map. Historian Bill Nicks of HistoryKC takes us on a tour of Kansas City history you didn't learn in school.

Bill Nicks is a self-proclaimed historian, first-person reenactor, and Kansas City tour guide with five characters in his closet: Octave Chanute, Wilbur Wright, Dr. James Naismith, President (and General) Eisenhower, and political boss Tom Pendergast. He says that means he never eats alone. Bill leads six-hour bus tours of Kansas City in character, from the wagon swales at Minor Park to Kaw Point, where Lewis and Clark camped, with lunch at the City Market along the way.

In this episode we dig into the man Bill says "made Kansas City": Octave Chanute. He designed the Hannibal Bridge, the first railroad bridge over the Missouri River, laid out the original town of Lenexa, designed the stockyards, and mentored the Wright brothers. Then we get into the wide-open days of the Pendergast machine: vote fraud, Johnny Lazia, the Union Station Massacre, and a very convenient street-widening right before Prohibition. Bill also traces KC barbecue from Henry Perry's pushcart in the Garment District to Gates and Arthur Bryant's, and explains how a New Yorker writer and the old Kansas City A's helped make us the Barbecue Capital of the World.

Along the way we bust a Union Station myth, tell the story behind Charlie Parker's "Yardbird" nickname, find out how the Country Club Plaza fountains got their start, and hear why Bill's favorite Kansas City spots are Kaw Point and the 8th Street Tunnel. And yes, there are bloopers, including the night a whole room of Riley County firefighters walked out on General Ike.

Whether you're a lifelong Kansas Citian, a KU (University of Kansas) fan, a true crime buff, or planning your first trip to KC, this one belongs on your Kansas City bucket list.

Key topics:
- Octave Chanute, the Hannibal Bridge, and how Kansas City beat Leavenworth and St. Joe
- Chanute's role in the Wright brothers' first flight
- Bill's five historical characters and how he got started
- His Kansas City and Lawrence (Dr. Naismith) bus tours
- Tom Pendergast, Johnny Lazia, and KC's "wide open town" era
- Prohibition, speakeasies, and the Union Station Massacre
- The Kansas City Stockyards
- The history of Kansas City barbecue: Henry Perry, Gates, Arthur Bryant's, Q39
- The World Cup, Fan Fest, and the Lenexa Barbecue Contest
- Myth-busting the Union Station bullet holes
- The Garment District and the Nelly Don kidnapping
- 18th and Vine and Charlie Parker
- The Country Club Plaza, J.C. Nichols, and the fountains
- Walt Disney and Ernest Hemingway in Kansas City
- Kaw Point and the 8th Street Tunnel
- Why everyone should have a "20-minute Rotary talk" about their hobby

Guest: Bill Nicks, HistoryKC
Email: historykc@gmail.com
Website: www.historykc.com

LISTEN ON:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18f1RGwssjqJLKK6Qk3SxW?si=qfjwisvkQNSEst3Nd36CHw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kansas-city-bucket-list-podcast/id1867855646

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kansascitybucketlist

Love this episode? Follow the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss a new KC adventure. Leave a rating and review, and share this episode with the history buff, barbecue lover, or KU fan in your life. It helps more Kansas City stories reach more listeners.

CHAPTERS

0:00 – Welcome Bill Nicks, historian and first-person reenactor
0:40 – Octave Chanute and the Hannibal Bridge
1:46 – Chanute, gliders, and the Wright brothers
4:32 – Chanute, Kansas, and laying out Lenexa
6:19 – How Bill became a first-person historian
7:44 – Bill's five characters: Wright, Naismith, Ike, and Pendergast
10:14 – Inside Bill's six-hour Kansas City history tour
12:39 – The Border War and Quantrill's raid on Lawrence
13:45 – Edutainment: "every town has interesting history"
15:21 – The world's largest sunflower collection
17:09 – From Lenexa Parks & Rec to 50 events a year
20:01 – The Dr. Naismith tour of Lawrence and Allen Fieldhouse
23:23 – Bloopers: firefighters walk out on General Ike
26:01 – Tom Pendergast, Johnny Lazia, and the Union Station Massacre
30:53 – KC's reputation as a "wide open town"
33:25 – Prohibition, speakeasies, and the Jefferson Hotel
36:07 – The Kansas City Stockyards
37:13 – Why isn't anything in KC named after Chanute?
41:23 – The history of Kansas City barbecue
45:49 – The World Cup, Fan Fest, and the Lenexa Barbecue Contest
49:05 – Q39 and competition barbecue
51:41 – Myth-busting the Union Station bullet holes
53:57 – The Garment District and the Nelly Don kidnapping
55:42 – Haunted and gangster tours
57:19 – 18th and Vine and Charlie Parker's "Yardbird" nickname
59:56 – The Country Club Plaza, J.C. Nichols, and the fountains
1:02:08 – A favorite tour memory
1:04:05 – Why first person? Plus Pendergast and Felix Payne
1:06:30 – Walt Disney and Hemingway in Kansas City
1:08:52 – Bill's favorite spots: Kaw Point and the 8th Street Tunnel
1:11:24 – How the KC Current got its name
1:12:27 – How to book Bill
1:13:31 – Why everyone needs a "20-minute Rotary talk"
1:18:41 – Western Kansas and Bill's ideal day in KC
1:20:44 – Wrap-up

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

He turned a college summer job at Applebee's into a 12-concept Kansas City restaurant empire, then planted his own vineyard in Sonoma Valley. Meet Whitney VinZant, Founder and CEO of W. VinZant Restaurant Group, on this episode of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast!

Whitney sits down with Mindy to trace the whole wild ride: growing up in Wichita, playing sports through high school and Wake Forest, and stumbling into restaurants almost by accident. He and his business partner Corey Gonzalez got their start franchising Old Chicago restaurants in Oklahoma, where a regression model on sales data led them to a surprising discovery,  their best-performing locations were all near military bases. From there, Whitney and his wife opened their first original concept, Louie's Wine Dive, in Des Moines, Iowa, before bringing it home to Kansas City's Waldo neighborhood, then Overland Park, and soon Lee's Summit.

From that first neighborhood wine bar, the group has grown into a true Kansas City restaurant family: Louie's Wine Dive, Gram & Dun (including a hidden-gem location and sushi bar inside Argosy Casino), Heritage on the Plaza, Taco Republic and its food truck, BRGR, Waldo Pizza, ViBenet, the historic Latin King (founded in Des Moines back in 1942), and Bemiston Cocktail Club in St. Louis. Whitney also opens up about the recent acquisition of Cafe Trio, which is being reimagined and relaunched this year under a brand-new name — Emerald Bistro — with a grand opening event benefiting Children's Mercy Kansas City. He also teases what's next for the long-vacant former Houlihan's building in Fairway.

The conversation digs into how the Kansas City dining scene has changed since Whitney arrived in 2011, why supporting local restaurants keeps dollars circulating in your own community, how the group engineers menus to deliver value through inflation, and the story behind Whitney's biggest personal passion project: a 63-acre vineyard in Sonoma Valley with roots dating back to an 1834 property deed. He walks through starting VinZant Wines, joining the wine club, where to buy the bottles locally, and why he's now a licensed vineyard chemical applicator instead of a certified sommelier.

Whether you're planning your next night out in Kansas City, curious about the business behind your favorite local restaurant group, or just love a good wine story, this episode is packed with Kansas City restaurant recommendations, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few can't-miss dishes to add to your list.

Key topics covered:
Whitney VinZant's path from Wichita to Kansas City restaurant owner
Building W. VinZant Restaurant Group from Louie's Wine Dive to 12 concepts
The Cafe Trio to Emerald Bistro transformation and Children's Mercy partnership
Gram & Dun inside Argosy Casino and the group's other original concepts
The future of the former Houlihan's building in Fairway
Why eating and drinking local matters for Kansas City's economy
How the W. VinZant team handles inflation and menu value
The story behind VinZant Wines, the Sonoma Valley vineyard, and the wine club
Whitney's favorite dishes, restaurants, and perfect day in Kansas City
Kansas City hosting the World Cup

W. VinZant Restaurants

Instagram

Facebook

Whitney VinZant on LinkedIn

Loved this episode? Follow the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode, and if you're enjoying the show, leave us a rating and review — it helps more Kansas Citians discover the people and places making this city amazing.

CHAPTERS

0:00 – Welcome Whitney VinZant to the Show
1:58 – Growing Up in Wichita and Finding the Restaurant Bug
6:24 – Franchising Old Chicago and the Military Base Discovery
8:32 – Launching Louie's Wine Dive in Des Moines
10:16 – Bringing Louie's Wine Dive to Kansas City
13:24 – The Cafe Trio Acquisition
16:04 – Unveiling the New Name: Emerald Bistro
18:24 – Partnering with Children's Mercy for the Grand Opening
20:23 – Why They Officially Formed W. VinZant Restaurant Group
22:52 – New Concepts vs. Taking Over Existing Restaurants
23:12 – Acquiring Gram & Dun During COVID
24:24 – The Hidden Gem Patio Inside Argosy Casino
26:57 – The Story Behind BRGR, Taco Republic and Chicken Mary's
27:53 – Fresco in Des Moines and Merchants in Lawrence
28:36 – What's Coming to the Former Houlihan's in Fairway
30:27 – Why You Should Still Get Out and Support Local Restaurants
32:16 – Fighting Inflation and Engineering Menus for Value
34:12 – Social Media Trends and Menu Experimentation
34:44 – A Tour of the Full W. VinZant Restaurant Lineup
36:00 – From Dinner Parties to Heritage on the Plaza
39:00 – What Whitney Loves Most: His Team
41:13 – How the Kansas City Food Scene Has Evolved
45:43 – The Real Impact of Eating Local
50:07 – How Whitney Became a Sonoma Valley Vineyard Owner
53:28 – The 1834 Property Deed and Rare Grape Clones
54:11 – Family Adventures at the Vineyard
57:22 – Sourcing Grapes Beyond Sonoma
58:25 – Inside the VinZant Wines Wine Club
1:00:53 – Where to Buy VinZant Wines
1:02:24 – The Story Behind the Wit's End Cabernet
1:03:28 – Rapid Fire: Favorite KC Restaurants
1:07:26 – Must-Try Dishes Across the Restaurant Group
1:09:13 – Whitney's Perfect Kansas City Day
1:11:09 – World Cup Fever and Kansas City's Global Moment
1:12:44 – Thinking About Legacy
1:13:39 – What's Missing From Kansas City's Food Scene
1:14:07 – Who Whitney Wants to Hear on the Podcast Next
1:14:45 – Closing Thoughts and Thank You

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

He played alongside Kobe Bryant and Shaq on the Lakers — now Kansas City native and former NBA first-round pick Kareem Rush is back home building a university-themed bourbon, coffee, and menswear empire.

In this episode of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast, Mindy sits down with Kareem Rush — Kansas City native, Pembroke Hill grad, Mizzou Athletics Hall of Famer, and seven-season NBA veteran who played alongside Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal on the Los Angeles Lakers. Kareem shares what it was really like coming up in the inner city with his basketball-phenom brothers Jaron and Brandon Rush, choosing Mizzou over KU on principle, getting drafted in the first round, and getting traded to the Lakers on draft night. He opens up about the ACL injury that ended his career at 29, his pivot into music as a Billboard Top 40 R&B recording artist, and how he channeled all of it into founding University Heritage Group — the company behind Club 1839, Club 1919, and a growing lineup of university-themed bourbon, coffee, cigar, and custom menswear brands built for college alumni everywhere. Kareem also breaks down his membership clubs, private dinner experiences, an upcoming mobile shipping-container lounge, his new podcast with brother Brandon, and his big vision for bringing back a professional alumni basketball league. Plus: behind-the-scenes Kobe and Shaq stories, his favorite KC spots, and what's still on his own Kansas City bucket list.

Key topics covered: growing up in Kansas City, the Rush basketball brothers, Pembroke Hill and Mizzou basketball, getting drafted and traded to the Lakers, playing with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame, life after a career-ending injury, becoming an R&B recording artist, University Heritage Group, Club 1839 and Club 1919 bourbon, NIL support for student athletes, the Alumni Basketball League, custom suits with the Gentleman Brand, cigars, coffee, and Kareem's Kansas City favorites.

University Heritage Group: universityheritage.club
Kareem Rush: www.linkedin.com/in/kareem-rush

If you loved this episode, hit follow or subscribe so you never miss one, leave a rating and review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it — it helps these Kansas City voices reach even more listeners.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 – Welcome & Intro
1:44 – Growing Up in Kansas City: The Rush Basketball Brothers
6:05 – Choosing Mizzou Over KU
7:20 – Mizzou Career & Getting Drafted to the NBA
10:55 – Traded to the Lakers: Playing With Kobe Bryant & Shaquille O'Neal
15:06 – Getting Inducted Into the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame
16:59 – The Injury That Ended His NBA Career
19:41 – Reinventing Himself as an R&B Recording Artist
21:30 – Founding the Alumni Basketball League
23:09 – Building University Heritage Group & the Bourbon Clubs
26:20 – Membership Tiers, Perks & Supporting NIL Funds
33:48 – Private Dinners, Mobile Lounges & VIP Experiences
36:04 – Merch, Letterman Jackets & the PT's Coffee Partnership
40:03 – Launching the Gentleman Brand Custom Suit Line
42:42 – Cigars With Compadres and Cigador
43:31 – Launching the Spirit of the Game Podcast With Brandon Rush
44:55 – NBA Lessons That Built His Business Mindset
54:34 – The Billion-Dollar Vision for a New Pro Alumni League
56:11 – Mentors, Role Models & Behind-the-Scenes Shaq Stories
1:00:03 – Why Kansas City Will Always Be Home
1:03:02 – The Story Behind His Lakers Timeout Jingle Song
1:03:53 – New Project: Music
1:07:09 – Kareem's Kansas City Bucket List
1:07:47 – Where to Follow Kareem Rush & University Heritage Group

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Ever wonder what actually happens on the couch during therapy, or why EMDR has become the buzziest word in mental health?

On this episode of Kansas City Bucket List, Mindy sits down with Katie Montgomery, a licensed professional counselor and the owner of Emerald Counseling Services right here in Kansas City, for a wide-ranging, refreshingly honest conversation about trauma, healing, and what it really takes to feel better. Katie, a Kansas City native who grew up in Olathe and now practices out of Corporate Woods, pulls back the curtain on her own path into therapy, why she's built a practice around helping men, high achievers, and women navigating life transitions (hello, perimenopause), and why she believes therapy isn't just for "when something is really wrong."

The heart of this episode is a deep dive into EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), what it is, how it was discovered, and how Katie actually uses it in session with real Kansas City clients. She breaks down big-picture brain science (the amygdala vs. the frontal lobe), the four trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), the difference between "Big T" and "little t" trauma, and why nobody is immune to a stress response, whether it's from combat, a car accident, or a really bad boss. Katie also gets candid about imposter syndrome, core beliefs around worthiness, the pressure of social media and beauty standards, and the real risks of turning to AI chatbots for "therapy." Plus, she shares client transformation stories, tips for anyone too scared to walk through a therapist's door for the first time, and why the relationship with your therapist matters more than any specific technique.

And because this is Kansas City Bucket List, the conversation wraps with a fun, local flavor -> Katie's go-to Kansas City restaurants (Rudy's Tenampa, Bella Napoli, and Carmen's in Brookside all make the list), what she's watching and reading to decompress, and some good old-fashioned Kansas City World Cup excitement.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What EMDR actually is, who created it, and why it's considered the "gold standard" for trauma processing
• How the brain stores trauma in the amygdala, and how the frontal lobe (which doesn't fully develop until your mid-20s) factors in
• The difference between fight, flight, freeze, and fawn stress responses
• "Big T" trauma vs. "little t" trauma, and why both matter
• PTSD vs. Complex PTSD, explained in plain English
• What a real EMDR session looks like, step by step, including the "buzzies" and light bar
• Why core beliefs like "I have to be perfect" or "I'm not worthy" show up again and again in therapy
• The dangers of relying on social media influencers or AI for mental health advice
• Why the therapeutic relationship matters more than the specific modality
• How Katie built and grows her Kansas City private practice, including the local therapist referral network
• Katie's favorite Kansas City restaurants, books, shows, and how she unwinds

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Emerald Counseling Services: emeraldcounselingkc.com
• Instagram: emeraldcounselingserviceskc
• Kansas City Bucket List on Instagram: instagram.com/kansascitybucketlist
• Kansas City Bucket List Website: kansascitybucketlist.com/

Keywords: Kansas City therapist, Kansas City counseling, EMDR therapy Kansas City, trauma therapy, mental health podcast, Emerald Counseling Services, Prairie Village therapist, Corporate Woods counseling, KC mental health, anxiety and trauma, Kansas City bucket list podcast, Kansas City wellness, therapy stigma, high achiever therapy, perimenopause and mental health

Enjoyed this episode? Hit subscribe so you never miss a Kansas City story, leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend who could use a little EMDR education (or just a new Brookside sandwich spot). Follow Kansas City Bucket List on Instagram for more local recommendations, and let us know your favorite KC therapy or wellness spot!

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Right outside Kansas City sits one of the most notorious buildings in American history, and almost nobody knows its real story. In this episode of Kansas City Bucket List Podcast, Mindy sits down with Kenneth LaMaster, a 31-year correctional officer and official historian of FCI Leavenworth, to pull back the curtain on the flagship of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Kenneth spent three decades behind those 40-foot walls and has since become a go-to expert for documentaries, books, and true crime podcasts, and he brings receipts, wild stories, and zero filter.

You'll hear the real history behind Leavenworth's construction (yes, inmates built it themselves), the brutal early days of American corrections, and how the prison's rotunda ended up modeled after the U.S. Capitol. Then things get dark fast: Kenneth breaks down the true story of Carl Panzram, one of the most disturbing serial killers in U.S. history; separates fact from Hollywood fiction on Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz"; and traces the surprising Leavenworth connection to boxing legend Jack Johnson, Chuck Berry, and Iceberg Slim. Along the way, Kenneth shares first-person stories from the job - a foiled prison break plot, a knife attack in his first month on the job, mafia confessions about Jimmy Hoffa, and an eerie CPR call he'll never forget.

Whether you're a Kansas City local who's driven past those walls a hundred times, a true crime junkie, or just love a good "you can't make this up" story, this episode is one of the wildest deep dives Kansas City Bucket List has ever done.

In this episode:

• The real history of Leavenworth Penitentiary and how it became the "flagship" of federal prisons
• Life as a correctional officer at one of the most dangerous facilities in the country
• The true story of serial killer Carl Panzram
• Fact vs. fiction on Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz"
• Iceberg Slim, Jack Johnson, and Leavenworth's surprising pop culture ties
• Notorious inmates: the Aryan Brotherhood, the mafia, cartel leaders, and more
• Close calls, CPR saves, and life-or-death moments from a 31-year career

Links & Resources:

• Kenneth LaMaster's books: 
  • Killer: A Journal of Murder (Carl Panzram documentary/film)
  • The Spirit of Hatred and Vengeance (John Borowski documentary)
• Follow Kansas City Bucket List

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Kansas City Bucket List on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode, and leave us a rating and review — it helps more Kansas City locals (and curious minds everywhere) find the show. Got a story, guest, or Kansas City legend you think we should cover? Send us a message — we'd love to hear it.

• 0:00 – Intro: Meet Kenneth LaMaster, Leavenworth's official historian
• 0:27 – Why FCI Leavenworth changed names in 2005
• 2:50 – Brutal early prison punishments and torture
• 4:59 – The Three Prisons Act: why Leavenworth was chosen
• 7:49 – Leavenworth's new facility and the closing of the old penitentiary
• 10:18 – Kenneth's path from the Army to a 31-year corrections career
• 17:50 – How he became the institution's official historian
• 20:09 – Warden Thomas Bruce White and the Osage Murders (Killers of the Flower Moon)
• 21:45 – The birth of fingerprinting at Leavenworth
• 27:14 – Carl Panzram: the meanest man who ever lived
• 35:53 – Iceberg Slim: from Leavenworth inmate to literary icon
• 40:26 – Jack Johnson, Chuck Berry, and the Man Act
• 42:51 – Robert Stroud: the truth behind the "Birdman of Alcatraz"
• 56:04 – Leavenworth in movies, TV shows, and songs
• 58:17 – The Aryan Brotherhood, cartel leaders, and a foiled prison break plot
• 1:01:47 – Mafia stories: Russell Buffalino and the Jimmy Hoffa confession
• 1:03:16 – Prison hierarchy and the story of white supremacist group The Order
• 1:09:08 – Inside a cell house: overcrowding and daily danger
• 1:13:06 – How 31 years in corrections changed him
• 1:17:09 – Witnessing homicides on the job
• 1:22:07 – The knife attack in his first month
• 1:27:23 – A CPR save with an eerie coincidence
• 1:34:47 – Cell fires and being a true first responder
• 1:37:04 – Who's incarcerated at Leavenworth today
• 1:39:17 – The most notorious inmates of his career

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Wendy Doyle, CEO of United WE, sits down on Kansas City Bucket List to unpack why Kansas City — and the country — still has systemic barriers holding women back from the workforce, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership. From the sky-high cost of childcare in Missouri and Kansas to outdated occupational licensing laws that make it harder for women to work, Wendy breaks down the research behind United WE's 35 years of impact in Kansas City and beyond.

We also go behind the scenes of United WE's Champions for Change event at CPKC Stadium — the first stadium in the world built for a women's professional sports team — including the inaugural Champion for Change Award presented to KC Current owner Brittany Holmes.

In this episode, we cover:

• What United WE does as a nonpartisan "think and do tank" based in Kansas City
• Why childcare costs in Missouri and Kansas now rival in-state college tuition
• The economic case for women's workforce participation (and why it's not just a social issue)
• Occupational licensing reform happening in Kansas and Missouri
• The "invisible work" women carry at home — and emerging policy fixes like caregiving tax credits
• Inside look at the Champions for Change event at CPKC Stadium
• Why it could take 150 years to reach gender economic equity in the U.S.
• Advice for women considering entrepreneurship, and how to raise confident daughters
• How Kansas Citians can get involved with United WE

This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in Kansas City nonprofits, women in business, local economic development, and the future of Kansas City women's sports and leadership.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• United WE
• Follow Kansas City Bucket List: instagram.com/kansascitybucketlist/
• Follow United WE on social media: instagram.com/unitedwe__/

👉 If you loved this episode, hit subscribe so you never miss a Kansas City story, and leave a rating and review — it helps more Kansas Citians find the show. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

#KansasCity #UnitedWE #WomenInBusiness #KCBucketList

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Kansas City Mavericks COO James Arkell talks playoff hockey, family, and the ultra-accessible "city within a city" he's building in Kansas City for son Michael.

James Arkell wears a lot of hats around Kansas City — COO of the Kansas City Mavericks hockey team, founder of Halo Care Collective, and the driving force behind Michael's WonderWorld, a first-of-its-kind ultra-accessible theme park, arena, and hotel complex coming to Johnson County. In this episode, James and Mindy dig into what makes Mavericks games one of the best-kept secrets in Kansas City sports — affordable tickets, free parking, the chase for the Kelly Cup, and why hockey fights are 100% organic. Then the conversation turns personal: James opens up about his son Michael's ultra-rare genetic diagnosis, the family's years-long fight with insurance, and how that experience sparked Halo Care Collective — a first-in-the-nation hub bringing 18+ clinical partners and 60+ community organizations under one roof, opening January 2027.

In this episode, we cover:

• What to expect at a Kansas City Mavericks hockey game (and why it's one of the most affordable nights out in KC)
• The Mavericks' affiliation with the Seattle Kraken and their push for the Kelly Cup
• James's road to sobriety and finding home in Kansas City
• Raising a son with a one-in-a-million rare genetic diagnosis
• The insurance fight that changed everything for their family
• Building Michael's WonderWorld — an ultra-accessible amusement park, arena, and hotel
• Inside the Halo Care Collective, opening January 2027 in Johnson County

Links & Resources:

• Kansas City Mavericks
• Halo Care Collective
• Michael's WonderWorld
• Kansas City Bucket List

Loved this episode? Share it with a Kansas City family who could use a little extra inspiration — and follow Kansas City Bucket List for more local stories, hidden gems, and can't-miss KC experiences.

Chapters

0:00 – Intro
1:02 – Meet James Arkell: From Wichita to Kansas City
7:00 – How James Met His Wife Sarah & His Sobriety Story
8:22 – The History of the Kansas City Mavericks
13:57 – Gameday Traditions & the Mavericks Fan Experience
19:10 – ECHL vs. AHL vs. NHL & the Seattle Kraken Affiliation
25:13 – Why Mavericks Tickets Stay Affordable for Families
30:44 – Chasing the Kelly Cup & Team Culture
36:14 – Giving Back: Mavericks Community Partnerships
38:04 – Meeting Michael: A One-in-a-Million Diagnosis
44:02 – The Insurance Fight No Family Should Face
48:47 – The Idea Behind Michael's WonderWorld
54:44 – Building a "City Within a City" in Johnson County
1:00:05 – Inside the Halo Care Collective (Opening Jan 2027)
1:07:02 – Reinventing the Philanthropy Model
1:09:20 – Vision for the Future & Final Thoughts

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Grab your headphones, Kansas City — this episode is a wild ride from the Northeast side all the way to Hollywood. Mindy sits down with Courtney "Big Court" Richardson II, a Kansas City, Missouri native who went from mailing handwritten demo tapes to record labels in the '90s to landing a record deal with Master P's No Limit Records, becoming the first Kansas City rapper to bring home a gold plaque, and building one of the most respected podcasts in the game, Holdin' Court, with Revolt TV. Big Court opens up about his childhood on the Kansas City streets, his journey to LA, his 30-year friendship with Master P, and how a phone call to Ice-T turned into The OG Network — a fast-growing streaming platform built to champion independent creators the way big platforms never did.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Growing up in Kansas City's Northeast neighborhood and catching his big break with No Limit Records in 1995
• What it was really like coming up alongside Kansas City hip hop names like Tech N9ne, Vel Bacardi, and Rich DeFactor
• The origin story of Holding Court Podcast and how a pandemic phone call with a friend turned into a media career
• Launching The OG Network with Ice-T — now streaming in 186 countries with a brand-new production studio right here in Missouri, in St. Louis
• Real talk on relationships, reputation, purpose over paychasing, and what it means to live your bucket list before you turn 50
• What Kansas City looks like today through the eyes of someone who left, and why he still calls it home

Whether you're into Kansas City hip hop history, entrepreneurship, streaming media, or just love a great local-boy-does-big story, this conversation has something for you.

Links & Where to Watch/Listen:

• Holding Court Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/HoldinCourtPodcast
• The OG Network (Roku, Google Play, Fire TV, Apple TV, App Store): https://www.theognetwork.net/
• Follow Courtney "Big Court" Richardson II: https://www.instagram.com/iambigcourt/ + https://www.instagram.com/ognetworklive/

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Kansas City Bucket List so you never miss a story, leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a fellow KC native who needs to hear it. Got a bucket list moment or a Kansas City story worth telling? Reach out — we'd love to feature you.

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

• 0:00 – Intro
• 0:30 – Growing up in Kansas City & catching the hip hop bug
• 0:52 – Getting signed: the Master P and No Limit Records story
• 9:02 – Kansas City's early rap scene, Tech N9ne, and the hometown hustle
• 13:07 – The real origin story of Holding Court Podcast
• 17:55 – The power of relationships, integrity, and building a brand from nothing
• 33:44 – What's next for Holdin' Court — taking it live
• 34:45 – Launching The OG Network with Ice-T
• 41:16 – Why Ice-T (and not Master P) became his business partner
• 45:36 – How The OG Network picks content, and the Tubi problem it was built to solve
• 50:48 – Authentic storytelling and cultural accountability
• 53:37 – Expanding to Missouri: the new OG Network Studios in St. Louis
• 56:46 – New projects, verticals, and Ice-T's upcoming album drop
• 1:01:59 – Behind-the-scenes stories with Master P and Ice-T
• 1:05:04 – Working with his daughter Rachel Renee
• 1:06:30 – Dream podcast guests: Mike Tyson, Magic Johnson, Obama, and more
• 1:08:03 – Favorite memories of growing up in Kansas City
• 1:12:34 – His mom's influence and becoming a father himself
• 1:17:57 – Kansas City today: growth, gentrification, and what still needs work
• 1:22:41 – KC go-to spots and favorite restaurants
• 1:23:36 – Living his bucket list and advice on never being "too old to pivot"
• 1:26:55 – Closing thoughts & where to find The OG Network

Over 110,000 Americans are waiting for a life-saving transplant right now — and about 2,500 of them live right here in Kansas and Missouri. On this episode of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast, I sat down with Kim Harbur, co-founder of Kansas City non-profit Gift of Life, and Kirsten Finn, the organization's Transplant Mentors Program Director, for a conversation that's equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful.

Kim shares the deeply personal story behind Gift of Life: Her son Luke was born with liver failure and received a life-saving transplant at just 11 months old — an experience that led Kim and her husband to found the organization nearly 30 years ago. What started as two people and a homemade budget has grown into a nationwide nonprofit that has educated over half a million high school students, matched more than 1,200 families with transplant mentors across 28+ states, and helped make Kansas City one of the highest organ-donor-rate cities in the country.

Kirsten opens up about her own family's journey — her son Connor's cord blood transplant — and explains how Gift of Life's Transplant Mentors program pairs patients and caregivers with trained mentors who've walked the same path, offering support no medical professional can replicate.

In this episode, we cover:

• The real stats behind the national transplant waiting list and why Kansas City leads the nation in donor rates
• How to register as an organ donor and why the conversation with your family matters more than the checkbox on your license
• The difference between living donors, deceased donors, and DCD donors
• What you can actually donate (organs, tissue, bone marrow, cord blood — and yes, even part of a lung, while you're alive)
• Common myths about organ donation, religion, and funeral arrangements
• How Gift of Life's Lifesavers program reaches 100+ Kansas City-area high schools
• The Transplant Mentors program and its recent launch of a Living Donor Program
• Upcoming Gift of Life events in Kansas City: Go See Do, Golf for Life, the Lifesavers Rally, and Trivia Night
• Advice for families navigating a child's medical crisis — and how not to forget the siblings along the way

This is a call-to-action episode. Whether you're ready to register as an organ donor, want to volunteer, or are simply looking to start the conversation with your own family, Gift of Life makes it easy to get involved right here in Kansas City — and wherever you're listening from.

Links & Resources:

• Gift of Life website: https://giftdonor.org/
• Register as a donor: https://giftdonor.org/participate/become-an-organ-donor/
• Learn Lifesavers online program: https://giftdonor.org/programs/life-savers/
• Gift of Life upcoming events https://giftdonor.org/category/events-and-news/
• Follow Gift of Life on social media: 
  • https://www.instagram.com/giftoflifeks/
  • https://www.facebook.com/GiftofLifeKC
  • https://www.linkedin.com/company/giftdonor/

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who might be waiting for a transplant, considering becoming a donor, or looking for a meaningful way to give back in Kansas City. And don't forget to subscribe to Kansas City Bucket List so you never miss a story worth telling.

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

0:00 – Intro & episode preview

1:27 – Meet Kim Harbur & Kirsten Finn of Gift of Life

2:07 – The staggering stats behind the transplant waiting list

3:53 – Kim's story: son Luke's liver failure diagnosis

5:27 – Building a nonprofit from scratch: 28 years of Gift of Life

7:01 – Education, mentoring & advocacy: the three pillars

7:04 – Inside the Lifesavers high school program

8:16 – The Transplant Mentors Program with Kirsten Finn

9:46 – Why Kansas City leads the nation in organ donor rates

12:14 – Going national: how COVID changed everything

13:02 – Busting common organ donation myths

16:26 – What can you actually donate? Organs vs. tissue explained

19:19 – The hardest moments: losing teens who chose to be donors

20:23 – Aaron's story: a direct donation connection

22:31 – Kirsten's son Connor and his cord blood transplant journey

24:14 – The "10 Truths" of organ donation

26:39 – Living donors, deceased donors & DCD donors explained

28:38 – Connecting donor families and recipients

29:39 – What you can donate while you're still living

32:16 – Lessons from nearly three decades running a nonprofit

35:39 – How to get involved: register, volunteer, donate

36:45 – Golf for Life, the Lifesavers Rally & Trivia Night

38:06 – Go See Do: Gift of Life's signature KC fundraiser

39:52 – The future of Transplant Mentors & living donation

43:14 – Why kidney transplants are the most common

44:21 – Advice for families: don't forget the siblings

52:45 – Fighting for organ donation education in Missouri schools

54:22 – Why they love calling Kansas City home

57:20 – Final call to action & how to register as a donor

Overland Park native and KU nursing school grad Brie Morgan Bauer sat down with me for one of the most powerful conversations I've ever recorded. At 27 weeks pregnant, Brie went into septic shock from an undiagnosed case of strep throat — and in a matter of days, she lost all four limbs, underwent emergency surgery, spent 10 days in a coma, and later received a kidney transplant from her brother. What she didn't lose? Her sense of humor, her belief, or her drive to help others.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Brie's path from K-State to KU nursing school to life in Kansas City
• The terrifying 24 hours that led to septic shock while 27 weeks pregnant
• What sepsis actually is — and why pregnancy makes you more vulnerable
• Making life-or-death decisions about amputation with her husband and mom
• Hallucinations, near-death moments, and finding "a second version of life"
• Rehab and recovery at Ability KC, learning to walk and use prosthetics again
• The kidney transplant journey with her brother George
• Building a 400k+ Instagram following (@beauandbrie) and launching Brie's Hope to raise sepsis awareness and support families across Kansas City and beyond

This is a Kansas City story about resilience, motherhood, nursing, faith, and community — and why listening to your body (and advocating for yourself at the doctor's office) can save your life.

Links & Resources:

• Brie's Hope: https://www.brieshope.org/
• Follow Brie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauandbrie
• Kansas City Bucket List Podcast: https://www.kansascitybucketlist.com/podcast

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Kansas City Bucket List on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Got a KC story we should feature? DM us — we'd love to hear it.

She grew up on a farm in Sedgwick, Kansas, went to the University of Kansas , and ended up co-founding one of the most iconic fashion brands in American history. I sat down with Elyce Arons, Co-founder of Kate Spade, CEO of Frances Valentine, and author of We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade, for a conversation that's equal parts inspiring, heartfelt, and seriously fun.

In this episode, we cover:

• Elyce's Kansas roots growing up on a farm in Sedgwick, vintage shopping in Wichita, and what the Midwest instilled in her
• How she and Kate Brosnahan met at KU (spoiler: they were not alike!)
• The wild early days of building Kate Spade in New York City in the '90s...broke, scrappy, and unstoppable
• What it was like launching a second iconic brand, Frances Valentine, and how it became a tribute to Kate
• Her upcoming Mary Tyler Moore collection and why Mary Tyler Moore is the reason she (and a generation of women) went into journalism
• What she wants every woman to know about best friendship, grief, and taking risks

Whether you're a KU alum, a fashion lover, a Kate Spade fan or a Kansas or Kansas City native, this episode is for you!!

• 📖 We Might Just Make It After All — Amazon
• 👜 Frances Valentine — francesvalentine.com
• 🛍️ Shop Frances Valentine locally at Halls KC
• 📸 Follow Elyce on Instagram: @elycearons
• 🎙️ Follow Kansas City Bucket List: Instagram

If this episode made you call your best friend — share it with her. ❤️

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Episode Chapters

Get ready to cross off another must-meet icon on your ultimate Kansas City bucket list!

In this episode, I sit down with a true local trailblazer making massive waves in the heart of America: Elaina Page. As the CEO and founder of the Next Page Talent Agency and the Next Page Foundation, Elaina is on a mission to elevate our city's incredible youth by unlocking massive opportunities in the arts and entertainment world. But that's not all—she's also the Community Engagement Director for Xavier Worthy's foundation, The Worthy Ones! Oh, and did we mention she casually skipped college classes to land a gig as a backup dancer for Beyoncé? Pop in your earbuds for a fun, adventurous, and deeply inspirational conversation that proves why Kansas City is the place to be for big dreams and even bigger talent.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Power of the Cape: Elaina shares the inspiring story behind her signature hats and how a touch of personal style can fuel business confidence.

• Dancing with Queen Bey: Stepping onto the stage for Beyoncé's "Run the World" Oprah show audition and what she learned about world-class work ethic.

• Building a Creative Empire in KC: The birth of Next Page Talent Agency and how Elaina is advocating to bring the entertainment spotlight directly to the Midwest.

• Elevating the Arts Scene: A look at KC's entertainment landscape, hosting Red Bull dance battles, and the major impact of the historic new tax film credit.

• Local Bucket List Favorites: Elaina shares her ultimate hidden gems, top happy hour hangouts, and the places making Kansas City's food scene unforgettable.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about The Next Page Talent Agency: https://www.nextpaigellc.com/

• Support the youth through the Next Page Foundation: https://www.nextpaigefoundation.org/

• Check out Xavier Worthy's foundation, The Worthy Ones: https://www.shoptheworthyones.com/

• Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor, and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full-service audio and video production!

Are you loving our local adventures? Don't forget to hit that Follow button on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with your fellow KC arts and culture lovers! Keep exploring, Kansas City!

• 0:00 – Intro: Welcome Next Gen Leader Elaina Page

• 2:00 – Red Lipstick & Timberlands: The Story Behind the Hats

• 3:19 – Skipping Class for Queen Bey: Landing the Beyoncé Gig

• 7:31 – Leadership & Poise: Life Lessons from Rehearsals

• 11:04 – Runway, Reality TV, and Chasing the Dream

• 12:06 – Writing 3 Childhood Goals in the Third Grade

• 14:04 – Growing Up in Lee's Summit & Learning Entrepreneurship

• 24:44 – Is KC a "B-Market" for the Arts? Expanding Infrastructure

• 25:35 – Celebrating the 2026 Next Gen Leader Award

• 26:43 – Production in KC: Sound Stages & The US Highest Tax Film Credit

• 31:50 – Front & Center: Hosting the Red Bull Dance Battles

• 55:18 – World Cup Prep & Merch Collabs at Union Station

• 57:24 – Three Ingredients to Reach KC's Full Entertainment Potential

• 1:12:17 – Local Bucket List: Happy Hour Spots & Hidden Gems

She vanished over the Pacific in 1937 — and nearly 90 years later, the world still can't stop talking about her. In this episode, Mindy sits down with Jacque Pregont, treasurer of the Amelia Earhart Foundation, to uncover the surprising Kansas roots of one of history's most iconic aviators and pull back the curtain on the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison, KS — one of the coolest day trips from Kansas City you probably haven't taken yet (but absolutely should).

In this episode:

• Amelia's childhood in Atchison and why she always called it home
• The wild 30-year journey to restore the last Lockheed 10E Electra — the same model she was flying when she disappeared
• The $17M museum experience built with Kansas City's own Dimensional Innovations (yes, the same team behind Atlas9!)
• VR flights across the Atlantic, riveting contests, and STEM activities for all ages
• The unsolved mystery — from Japanese spy theories to giant crabs 🦀
• The annual Amelia Earhart Festival (July 17–18!) featuring concerts, an air show, fireworks set to music, and a pioneering achievement award
• New books, ongoing search expeditions, and why Jacque kind of hopes they never find the plane

Whether you're a Kansas City local planning a weekend day trip, a history buff, a STEM-curious family, or just obsessed with unsolved mysteries — this one's for you.

Links & Resources:

• 🌐 Visit Atchison: [visitatchison.com]
• ✈️ Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum: [ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org]
• 🎟️ Festival info & tickets: [Link placeholder]
• 📍 Plan your KC-area day trip: [Link placeholder]

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs a Kansas City bucket list adventure. New episodes dropping regularly — don't miss a thing!

Chapters:

0:00   – Welcome & Introducing Jacque Pregont
1:12   – Jacque's Role: Foundation Treasurer & Gift Shop Queen
2:04   – Amelia's Kansas Roots & Atchison Childhood
3:12   – The Amelia Earhart Festival: 25+ Years Strong
3:47   – The Last Lockheed 10E: A 30-Year Restoration Story
4:18   – How the Hangar Museum Was Born
5:02   – Building the Museum with Dimensional Innovations
6:10   – USA Today's Best History Museum Rankings
7:22   – Why Are We Still Fascinated with Amelia Earhart?
9:42   – Jacque's Personal Journey with the Foundation
11:00  – What Does the Foundation Actually Do?
13:45  – Amelia's Path to Aviation (and All the Jobs She Worked)
15:31  – Inside the Museum: STEM Activities & Hands-On Experiences
15:56  – The VR Atlantic Flight Experience
17:17  – Riveting Contests & The Plane Up Close
18:07  – Virtual Dress-Up: Fashion Designer, Pilot & More
19:35  – Amelia's Childhood Stories: Rollercoasters & Sleds
22:44  – More Museum Highlights: Cockpit Replica & Constellations
24:06  – Visitors from All 50 States & 21 Countries
28:06  – The Unsolved Mystery: Theories & the Voting Wall
32:08  – Festival Deep Dive: Concerts, Air Shows & Fireworks
32:58  – The Pioneering Achievement Award & Past Honorees
35:38  – New Expeditions to Find the Plane (NCO Update)
43:52  – Should the Mystery Ever Be Solved?
45:19  – Book Recommendations & New Releases
49:40  – Documentaries Worth Watching
51:06  – Things to See Around Atchison Beyond the Museum
53:13  – How to Support the Foundation & Visit
54:37  – It's Only 35–40 Minutes from KC!
55:01  – Closing & $2 Festival Buttons for Fireworks 🎆

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Is traditional self-care leaving you feeling more exhausted than empowered? In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Ginger Rothhaas, the founder and owner of Compassion Fix in Kansas City, to explore why traditional healing narratives fall short and what it truly means to navigate the messy, beautiful spectrum of being human.

Ginger shares her fascinating pivot from climbing the corporate ladder as a change management consultant to graduating with a Divinity degree from seminary. Through her own existential crisis, she discovered a foreign language that changed everything: Clinical data on the profound power of self-compassion.

Now leading a diverse team of 10 licensed therapists and certified coaches, Ginger explains how Compassion Fix fills a critical gap in the mental health world by tackling self-worth issues, grief, trauma, nutrition, and teen confidence without relying on traditional clinical diagnoses.

Tune in to discover practical ways to move your inner "encourager" out of the basement, foster healthier friendships, apply immediate practices from Ginger's self-published book, and understand how a collective awakening of self-love can push back the heavy darkness in the world today.

✨ Learn more about Compassion Fix:

https://www.compassionfix.com

https://www.instagram.com/compassionfix

📌 TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction & Meet Ginger Rothhaas 
02:30 - What is Compassion Fix? Filling the Mental Health Gap
05:00 - Ginger's Backstory: From Big Six Consulting to Seminary 
09:00 - Conditional Love vs. The Power of Self-Compassion
12:30 - Moving from Coffee Shops to Brookside (Bella Napoli Shoutout!)
14:00 - Navigating the Modern World: Why Our Generation Needs Advocates
15:40 - Meet the Team: Licensed Therapists, Nutrition, & Teen Coaching
18:00 - Building Teen Confidence & Quietening the Internal Critic
22:00 - Practical Self-Love: How to Apply Daily Devotionals & Writing a Book
25:30 - Faith, World Religions, & Personal Spiritual Experiences
29:00 - The Collective Awakening: Why Ugliness Comes Before the Light

Hosted by digital content creator Mindy Hargesheimer, this podcast features the ultimate wide variety of topics, local business owners, restaurateurs, nonprofits, and community figures making a unique impact in Kansas City.

#KansasCityTherapy #SelfCompassion #MentalHealthKC #CompassionFix #MindsetCoaching #KCPodcast #SelfCareTurnaround #TeensConfidence #BrooksideKC

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Liz Doyle, a veteran mortgage consultant with First Bank who has over 10 years of lending experience. Together, we break down the complexities of buying a house, debunk common industry myths, and reveal the financial strategies necessary to ensure your next home purchase is seamless and successful.

Whether you are looking to buy a home in the near future (6 to 12 months out) or a real estate agent wanting to partner with a reliable lender, this conversation provides actionable insights to keep your finances safe and your mortgage on track.

• The Recast Advantage: For "step-up buyers" moving into larger homes, Liz introduces the concept of a mortgage recast. Unlike a standard principal reduction, a recast explicitly lowers your monthly payment without the need to refinance.

• Preemptive Equity Access: If your money is tied up in your current home, Liz advises setting up a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) before listing your property on the market. This gives you the liquidity needed for a down payment so you can make a non-contingent offer on a new house.

• The 20% Down Myth: You do not need a 20% down payment to buy a home. Liz notes that buyers can secure a loan with as little as 5%, 3%, or even 0% down depending on the program.

• Demystifying PMI: Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required if you put less than 20% down, but it is often much more affordable than people think. For example, a $300,000 purchase with 3% down carried a nominal PMI fee of around $60 a month for one of her recent buyers.

• Scrutinize the Loan Estimate: To save thousands of dollars on fees, buyers must carefully review the fine print of their loan estimate. Liz warns against lenders advertising below-market interest rates without being transparent about upfront costs or "paying points".
  
  Liz prides herself on open communication, tailored client relationships, and making complex financial terminology easy to understand. Operating as a well-oiled machine alongside her team, she guides clients from application to a standard 30-day close. While she specializes in the Kansas City and Missouri markets, her positioning at First Bank grants her the ability to assist clients with home lending across all 50 states.

  To connect with Liz Doyle for an in-person or virtual consultation, you can reach her by calling her directly at (913) 687-0674 or at https://www.instagram.com/liz_doyle/

  • Chapters: 00:00 – How to Avoid a Mortgage Disaster When Buying a House 02:39 – Personal Banker Career Path: How I Got Into Real Estate Lending 04:34 – When Should I Talk to a Mortgage Lender Before Buying? 11:18 – What is a Mortgage Recast and How Does it Work? 12:40 – Can I Buy a House Non-Contingent Using a HELOC? 16:03 – How to Read a Loan Estimate to Save Thousands in Hidden Fees 19:25 – Financial Mistakes to Avoid Before Closing on a House 23:38 – Debunking the 20% Down Payment Myth and Understanding PMI 32:45 – Rapid Fire: Mid-Century Modern Homes and Best Kansas City Restaurants

  Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services! 

In this emotional and inspiring Kansas City podcast episode, Mindy sits down with local Kansas City couple Matt and Chrissy Stewart to share their unbelievable journey of both facing stage 4 cancer while raising three kids and choosing to live life to the fullest. Known locally through Kansas City media and their growing "All The Things" memoir platform, the Stewarts open up about navigating cancer treatments, marriage, faith, family, mental resilience, and finding joy in everyday moments.

Matt Stewart, longtime Kansas City TV news anchor, and Chrissy Stewart candidly discuss rare cancer diagnoses, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, caregiving, and the mindset shifts that changed how they approach life in Kansas City and beyond. From MD Anderson treatments to local Kansas City support systems, they share raw stories, humor, heartbreak, and hope while encouraging others to stop waiting and start living boldly.

This Kansas City Bucket List Podcast episode is a powerful conversation about resilience, relationships, community support, and embracing "all the things" while you still can. Perfect for listeners interested in Kansas City stories, inspirational podcasts, cancer journeys, family relationships, faith, mental health, and real-life conversations that matter.

Chapters:

00:00 – Kansas City Couple Shares Their Stage 4 Cancer Story
02:15 – Rare Cancer Diagnosis in Kansas City: Chrissy Stewart's Journey
04:07 – How Colon Cancer Spread to Matt Stewart's Brain & Lungs
08:58 – Living With Stage 4 Cancer as Husband and Wife
12:40 – The Shocking Watermelon-Sized Tumor Story
15:22 – What Is Angiosarcoma? Rare Cancer Explained
18:53 – How Cancer Changed Their Marriage, Family & Mindset
20:31 – "Do It Now": Why They Started Living Life Differently
24:30 – Why They Started Sharing Their Cancer Journey Online
32:43 – How to Stay Positive During Cancer Treatment
35:22 – Talking to Kids About Cancer & Death
39:16 – Using Humor to Cope With Cancer and Chemo
40:05 – How to Tell Your Children You Have Cancer
45:10 – The Reality of Caregiving During Cancer Treatment
52:40 – Faith, Mental Strength & Facing the Fear of Death
1:00:12 – Why Healthy Boundaries Matter During Hard Times
1:08:35 – The Meaning Behind "All The Things" Memoir
1:15:50 – Advice for Families Going Through Cancer
1:22:10 – How Kansas City Community Support Changed Their Lives
1:28:44 – Final Thoughts: Living Boldly Before It's Too Late

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Kansas City is stepping into a new era of health, based on individualized data.

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Jabr, co-founder of BodymetRx in Overland Park, to break down how people across the KC metro are transforming their healthity using advanced body composition testing, metabolism analysis, and real data.

Whether you're working out in Kansas C, exploring the local food scene, or trying to finally hone in on your health, this conversation will completely change how you approach weight loss and fitness.

We cover:

• Why so many people in Kansas City are unknowingly undereating
• The truth about muscle loss vs. fat loss (and why it matters long-term)
• What visceral fat is and how it impacts your health
• How BodymetRx is helping KC locals personalize their fitness and nutrition
• The biggest mistakes people make, even when they're "doing everything right"

From athletes to busy professionals to parents navigating the KC lifestyle, this is for anyone who wants real answers about their body.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Why Kansas City Is Rethinking Weight Loss
01:10 – Meet Alex Jabr (BodymetRx Overland Park)
03:00 – Bringing BodymetRx from California to Kansas City
05:25 – What Makes This Different in KC's Health Scene
07:00 – Why the Scale Isn't Telling KC the Truth
08:40 – Most Accurate Body Testing Available Locally
10:10 – The 4 Tests KC Clients Are Using
12:15 – VO2 Max & Longevity for Everyday KC Life
14:00 – Who in Kansas City Should Be Doing This?
16:30 – GLP-1s (Ozempic) & What KC Needs to Know
21:00 – The Muscle Loss Problem No One Talks About
22:20 – Why Muscle Matters as You Age in KC
25:20 – Visceral Fat & Long-Term Health Risks
28:00 – Custom Nutrition (Even Eating Out in KC)
32:40 – The #1 Mistake: KC Is Undereating
35:30 – Why 1,200 Calories Doesn't Work
38:30 – How to Track Food Without Stress
40:00 – Why Diet Trends Don't Work for Everyone
42:00 – Using Real Data to Get Results

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

What happens when community capital meets intentional culture? In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Calloway, the CEO and Co-Founder of Kansas City G.I.F.T. (Generating Income For Tomorrow), a nonprofit dedicated to reversing the effects of systemic racism in Kansas City's historically redlined neighborhoods.

Brandon shares the "math" behind economic development—from the "Troost Avenue walk" that sparked citywide buzz to a grant program that has distributed over $1.6 million to local Black-owned businesses. We dive into why storytelling is "the stock price" of community impact and how G.I.F.T.'s full-service business center provides the legal, accounting, and marketing hygiene necessary to turn a startup into a community engine.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Collective Giving: How a simple question—"What if 15,000 people donated $10?"—built a movement.

• Beyond the Check: Why technical assistance (accounting, legal, and coaching) is just as vital as capital.

• Representing the Future: Brandon's work with Dark Moon Comics and Blurred Media to normalize Black heroes in media.

• Measurable Impact: How G.I.F.T. recipients have seen an average revenue growth of 200%+ and created over 130 new jobs.

• [00:00] Intro: Meet Brandon Calloway and the Vision for KC G.I.F.T.

• [05:30] The "Troost Walk" and Identifying the Resource Gap

• [12:15] The Math of Impact: Closing the Racial Wealth Gap

• [18:45] Capital x Culture: Representing Black Excellence in Media

• [26:10] The G.I.F.T. Business Center: Coaching, Accounting, and Legal Support

• [34:50] Success Stories: How Grants Changed Lives in the Urban Core

• [42:10] Scalability and the Future of Inclusive Philanthropy

• [50:00] Outro: How to Become a Monthly "Gifter"

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

In this episode, we sit down with Kansas City's most visionary design duo, Cory Infinite and Svea Herstar. Known for their "one-of-one" handmade creations—ranging from jumpsuits made of recycled keyboards to hoodies featuring hundreds of Scrabble tiles—Cory and Svea are redefining what it means to be an artist in the modern fashion world.

We explore their origin stories, including how Cory chose his "Infinite" brand name to represent limitless potential and Svea's transition from collegiate athlete to experimental designer. They share insights into their creative process, their commitment to sustainability through upcycling, and the surreal experience of meeting industry icons like Jeremy Scott. Whether you are a fashion enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers a deep dive into the power of staying true to your vision and the infinite possibilities of art.

• 00:00 – Intro: Meet Cory Infinite and Svea Herstar

• 01:33 – The Story Behind the Names: Branding Herstar and Infinite

• 03:28 – From High School to Entrepreneurship: Cory's Journey

• 04:09 – Collaborating at Home: The Wooden Scrabble Hoodie

• 07:55 – Signature Pieces: The 100-Hour Keyboard Jumpsuit

• 10:39 – The Dream: Runway Shows and Infinite Goals

• 15:16 – Sustainability & Thrifting: Designing with What's Around You

• 19:36 – Defining Avant-Garde in the Midwest

• 20:55 – Meeting a Legend: Lunch with Jeremy Scott

• 26:52 – Evolution of Art: Architecture vs. Fashion Design

• 28:13 – From the Track to the Studio: Svea's Creative Shift

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Dani Welniak, VP of Communications for the Kansas City Current, shares the incredible journey of how the Current became a global leader in women's soccer, including the story behind the world's first stadium built specifically for a professional women's sports team.

We dive into:

• The vision of the ownership group - Angie and Chris Long and Brittany and Patrick Mahomes - and how they brought professional soccer back to KC

• The "First and Historic" milestones the club continues to set on a global scale

• What fans can expect at CPKC Stadium, from world-class culinary experiences to inclusive spaces like sensory and mother's rooms

• A look ahead to the World Cup and why the Netherlands chose Kansas City as their home base

Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or a "foodie" looking for your next Kansas City adventure, this episode is a deep dive into the passion and momentum driving the "Teal" movement.

• (00:00:00) Welcome to the Kansas City Bucket List – Mindy introduces guest Dani Welniak.

• (00:02:01) Dani's Journey: From Sports Director to KC Current – Making the transition and becoming a role model for the next generation.

• (00:04:12) Empowering Women in Sports – Breaking barriers in male-dominated fields and the importance of female representation.

• (00:05:38) A World First: CPKC Stadium – Discussing the global impact of building the first stadium dedicated to women's sports.

• (00:06:51) The Origin Story – How the Longs and the Mahomes family brought the team to Kansas City.

• (00:10:17) Setting the Global Standard – Why countries like Brazil, Japan, and Australia are looking to KC as a blueprint.

• (00:12:42) Meet the Players – Storytelling and the electric personalities of stars like Temwa Chawinga and Lo'eau LaBonta.

• (00:14:52) The Matchday Experience – Culinary partnerships, accessibility, and what makes CPKC Stadium a community asset.

• (00:26:54) From the Sidelines to the Front Office – Dani's background with the Chiefs and the "napkin" moment that started it all.

• (00:45:11) World Cup Fever – Why the Netherlands chose Kansas City and what to expect this summer.

• (00:57:06) What's in a Name? – The meaning behind "The Current" and the power of the Missouri River.

• (01:06:18) How to Follow the Current – Information on tickets, social media, and joining the Teal movement.

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

In this episode, we dive deep into the booming Kansas City real estate market with Trent Gallagher, a top 1% real estate advisor at ReeceNichols. Trent shares exclusive insights into why KC has become a top destination for out-of-state buyers from markets like Chicago, Dallas, and Denver.

We explore Trent's unique transition from flipping houses to becoming a $100M+ luxury advisor, his "lifestyle-first" approach to helping families relocate, and the sophisticated marketing strategies he uses to sell multimillion-dollar homes in half the time. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to enter the luxury market, or curious about the future of redevelopment in KC, this conversation is packed with expert advice.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why 30–40% of Johnson County buyers are moving from out of state

• The critical difference between a "real estate agent" and a "real estate advisor"

• How professional staging and custom marketing plans can reduce time on market by 80%

• What defines "luxury" in Kansas City and how to navigate negotiations

• Trent's favorite local spots and his "Uncle Trent" philosophy on client relationships

• 00:00 – Intro: Meet Kansas City's Top 1% Advisor, Trent Gallagher

• 02:00 – The Great Migration: Why People are Flocking to Kansas City

• 05:15 – From House Flipping to $100M in Sales: Trent's Career Journey

• 07:40 – Real Estate Advisor vs. Agent: Building Relationships Over Transactions

• 12:20 – The ReeceNichols Advantage: In-House PR & Local Marketing Teams

• 13:20 – The Power of Staging: Selling Homes 80% Faster

• 17:00 – Navigating the Home Buying Consultation

• 24:50 – Defining Luxury in KC: Mindset vs. Price Point

• 28:10 – Urban vs. Suburban: Finding Your Perfect KC Lifestyle

• 37:25 – High-End Redevelopment & The Future of Flipping

• 43:55 – Podcast Bloopers: The "Grandma's Ashes" Story

• 48:10 – Rapid Fire: Best Places to Eat in KC

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

What if the magic of Disney didn't start in California… but in Kansas City?

In this episode, we uncover the little-known Midwest roots of Walt Disney, from his early struggles to the people, places, and moments that shaped one of the most iconic brands in history.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• 🎥 How Walt Disney got his first big break with the Alice Comedies
• ❄️ The brutal Kansas City winters that built his work ethic
• 🎨 The role of early collaborators like Ub Iwerks in Disney's success
• 🎢 Hidden "Easter eggs" in Disneyland inspired by Missouri roots
• 🏗️ The effort to preserve Disney history in Kansas City today

About the guest:
Dan Viets is one of the foremost experts on Walt Disney's history, especially his deep connections to Missouri and Kansas City. Through decades of research and preservation work, he's helping bring Disney's origin story back to life. Disney isn't just a brand - it's a story of grit, creativity, and unlikely beginnings. And that story starts closer to home than most people realize.

Call to Action:
👉 Follow the podcast for more untold Kansas City stories
👉 Share this with a Disney fan—you'll blow their mind
👉 Leave a review to help more people discover these stories

00:00 – The Hidden Disney Story Nobody Talks About
01:45 – Meet Dan Viets (KC's Disney Historian)
05:00 – Walt Disney's Early Life in Kansas City
10:30 – The Alice Comedies & First Big Break
15:20 – The Harsh Reality of Walt's Childhood
20:00 – Ub Iwerks & The Creative Genius Behind Disney
25:30 – How Kansas City Influenced Disneyland
32:00 – Missouri Easter Eggs Inside Disney Parks
40:00 – The Creation of Disneyland Explained
48:00 – Preserving Disney History in Kansas City
55:00 – The Future of the Disney Museum Project
01:00:00 – Final Thoughts & Why This Story Matters

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Is your body stuck in a cycle of pain?

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning expert Dr. Justin Grabouski of Grabouski Chiropractic in Overland Park, KS to explore why modern chiropractic care is about much more than just "cracking backs" and explore the profound impact of corrective chiropractic care . Dr. Grabouski shares how a college baseball injury led him to a career where he now helps patients find relief from unexpected issues like perimenopause, fertility, allergies, and migraines .

We dive into:

The Three Major Stresses: How physical, chemical, and emotional stresses impact your nervous system every day.

Corrective vs. Symptom Relief: Why breaking the cycle of recurring pain requires a specialized approach .

The Nervous System Connection: How adjusting specific vertebrae can regulate organ systems, from IBS to hormonal "chaos."

Women's Health: Navigating the complexities of perimenopause, prenatal care, and thyroid health through a chiropractic lens .

Finding Your "Magician": Tips on navigating the diverse world of chiropractic techniques and the importance of professional referrals .

Whether you are dealing with a sports injury, struggling with sleep, or navigating the "chaos" of perimenopause, this episode provides a roadmap for returning your body to its natural state of balance .

About the Guest: Dr. Justin Grabouski is a 16-year veteran in the field and co-owner of Grabouski Chiropractic in Overland Park, Kansas . He has been voted "Best Chiropractor" by the Kansas City Star and honored for nine consecutive years as a top doctor in the U.S. .

• [00:00:00] Intro: Meet Dr. Justin Grabouski and the Grabouski Chiropractic Team

• [00:03:24] The College Injury That Changed Everything: Dr. Grabouski's Journey

• [00:05:07] Chiropractic School vs. Medical School: The Education Gap

• [00:07:56] Why All Chiropractors Aren't the Same: Finding Your Specialized Fit

• [00:09:26] Corrective Care: Breaking the 10-Year Cycle of Pain

• [00:11:15] Patient Success Stories: From Immobility to Pain-Free Breakthroughs

• [00:15:31] Maintenance vs. Emergency Care: A Lifelong Health Strategy

• [00:19:38] The 3 Major Stresses: Physical, Chemical, and Emotional Health

• [00:21:11] The Nervous System: Solving IBS, Migraines, and Internal Imbalances

• [00:25:17] Perimenopause & Hormonal "Chaos": How Adjustments Help Women

• [00:28:40] Debunking Stigmas: TikTok Trends vs. Real Healing

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

I sit down with Rose Woolsey, owner of the Kansas City-based agency Where To Go Travel Co, to demystify the world of travel planning. Rose shares her unique journey from working in a microbiology lab to becoming a premier travel advisor specializing in high-detail destinations like Disney World, Hawaii, and Universal Studios. 

In this episode, you'll discover:

The Travel Advisor Advantage: Why booking with an expert can actually save you money and grant you access to exclusive perks you can't find on Expedia. 

Mastering the "Complex" Destinations: Insider tips for navigating Disney's Lightning Lanes and choosing the perfect resort category for your family's style. 

The Magic of Disney Cruises: What makes these voyages unique, from private islands like Castaway Cay to the all-inclusive amenities that eliminate "nickel and diming."

Beyond the Parks: Expert advice on planning all-inclusive Caribbean stays and privately guided international tours in places like New Zealand. 

Whether you are dreaming of a tropical getaway or a magical theme park adventure, Rose explains how a professional advisor handles the logistics so you can focus on making memories. 

Connect with Rose Woolsey:

• Website: https://www.google.com/search?q=wheretoogotravelco.com

• Social Media: @wheretogotravelco on Instagram and Facebook

Tune in to simplify your travel and book your best trip yet!

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

What does it take to build one of the most iconic barbecue brands in America, right in the most competitive BBQ city in the world?

In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Magee, CEO and co-founder of Q39, to unpack the story behind one of Kansas City's most beloved restaurants. From launching in a crowded market to scaling multiple locations and now expanding into Lawrence, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build a standout brand in hospitality.

But this episode goes far beyond business.

Kelly shares the powerful personal story behind Q39, including the legacy of her late husband, Chef Rob Magee, and how his passion, competitive drive, and culinary excellence shaped everything Q39 is today. She also opens up about navigating grief, leadership, and honoring his legacy through purpose-driven growth.

You'll also learn:

• The real reason Q39 stood out in a city with 100+ BBQ spots
• What "chef-driven barbecue" actually means (and why it matters)
• How Q39 scaled fast—and paid off its initial investment in under 18 months
• The strategy behind their expansion into Lawrence + Lee's Summit
• How Kansas City became the BBQ capital of the world
• What's coming next with major events like the World Cup

Whether you're a foodie, entrepreneur, or someone building a brand—this episode is packed with insight, heart, and behind-the-scenes stories you won't hear anywhere else.

🔥 Warning: You will be craving burnt ends by the end of this.

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

What if the most valuable art in your home isn't from New York or LA—but from right here in Kansas City?

In this episode of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast, Mindy sits down with Paul Dorrell, founder of Leopold Gallery, to uncover how he helped transform the KC art scene into a thriving cultural movement.

From curating art inside Arrowhead Stadium to working with Marvel Studios and Apple TV, Paul shares the untold story behind building one of the Midwest's most influential galleries—and why investing in local art might be the smartest (and most meaningful) decision you can make.

You'll learn:

• How Leopold Gallery shaped Kansas City's art culture over 35+ years
• The difference between buying art you love vs. buying for investment
• Why regional artists are finally getting the recognition they deserve
• How to start collecting art (even on a budget)
• The surprising psychology behind what makes art timeless
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Arrowhead Stadium, corporate collections & more

Plus, Paul shares his unconventional journey—from aspiring novelist to art consultant for major brands—and why following your instincts might be the best strategy in both art and life.

Whether you're an art collector, creative, entrepreneur, or just love discovering Kansas City's hidden gems—this episode will completely change how you see art.

Follow the Kansas City Bucket List for more local stories, hidden gems, and conversations with the people shaping KC.

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

The Workout Jennifer Aniston Swears By Is now in Kansas City!

What if the way you've been working out… is actually working against your body?

In this episode, we sit down with Katie & Danny Deenihan, the duo bringing Pvolve and Pause Studio to Kansas City, to break down the workout method that's exploding in popularity, and why it's completely different from traditional fitness.

From functional movement and resistance training to hormone-friendly workouts and injury prevention, this conversation dives into the future of fitness - especially for women.

Plus, yes… we talk about the Jennifer Aniston connection 

• Why high-intensity workouts may be hurting your progress

• The science behind functional fitness + joint stability

• How Pvolve improves strength, mobility, and balance

• The real reason your body feels different after 40

• How this method supports longevity + injury prevention

• What makes this workout feel energizing instead of draining

  Pvolve Studio + Pause Studio are open in Fairway, KS with additional locations in the Kansas City area.

  If you're in KC and into fitness, wellness, or just feeling better in your body — this is something you'll want to experience.

  Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators shaping Kansas City and beyond!

  Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services! 

What does it take to turn a small walk-up taco shop into one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in Kansas City?

In this episode, Mindy Hargesheimer sits down with Eric Knott, CEO of Tiki Taco, to talk about the explosive growth of the beloved Kansas City taco concept. What started as a late-night taco window in Midtown has expanded into multiple locations across the metro, with ambitious plans for even more growth.

Eric shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Tiki Taco scaled its brand, built a loyal following, and created a restaurant culture that prioritizes great food, strong leadership, and community impact.

You'll also hear how the company approaches restaurant expansion, menu innovation, technology, AI in hospitality, and community partnerships that help each location become part of its neighborhood.

If you love food, entrepreneurship, or the Kansas City restaurant scene, this episode is packed with insights.

• The origin story of Tiki Taco
• How a walk-up taco window became a growing restaurant brand
• Scaling a restaurant concept the right way
• Building a strong team culture in hospitality
• Why community involvement fuels business growth
• Restaurant technology and the future of AI in hospitality
• Tiki Taco's menu inspiration: Mexican street tacos with a Southern California twist
• Expansion plans across the Kansas City metro
• Partnerships with hospitals, universities, and sports venues

Eric Knott is the CEO of Tiki Taco, one of Kansas City's fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant brands. With a background in hospitality leadership and restaurant operations, Eric joined the company to help scale the brand while maintaining its culture, quality, and community focus.

Today, Tiki Taco operates multiple locations, a food truck, and numerous off-premise partnerships across the region.

This podcast highlights entrepreneurs, business leaders, and local innovators shaping Kansas City and beyond. Through candid conversations, we explore the stories behind successful brands, career journeys, and the lessons learned along the way.

• Entrepreneurs
• Restaurant founders
• Local business leaders
• Creators and innovators

Follow along for more stories from the Kansas City business and food scene.

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

What happens when a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan accidentally discovers he looks exactly like Andy Reid?

Meet Matt Black, better known across Chiefs Kingdom as "Almost Andy Reid." From a Halloween costume to going viral on TikTok… to filming commercials alongside Patrick Mahomes… to working with Eric Stonestreet… this story is absolutely unreal.

In this episode, we dive into:

🏈 How Matt accidentally became Andy Reid's most famous lookalike
🎭 The moment Chiefs players thought he was actually Coach
🎬 Behind-the-scenes stories from NFL & State Farm commercials
📱 Growing to 500K+ followers on TikTok organically
🎶 His surprising career as a professional opera singer
👑 Winning the Andy Reid lookalike contest at Chiefs training camp
🎧 The story behind his real Bose headset from the NFL
🔥 What it was like meeting Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes

If you love the Kansas City Chiefs, NFL culture, viral sports stories, or behind-the-scenes football moments — this one is for you.

Whether you're part of Chiefs Kingdom or just love an incredible, feel-good story about passion turning into opportunity… you'll love this conversation.

👇 COMMENT BELOW
Would you do a double take if you saw him at Arrowhead?

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

🍷 Missouri Wine Like You've NEVER Heard Before | TerraVox Winery | Kansas City Bucket List Podcast

Did you know that Missouri was once the Silicon Valley of global viticulture? In this episode of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast, host Mindy sits down with Jerry Eisterhold, founder of TerraVox Winery, and winemaker Jean-Louis Horvilleur to uncover the fascinating story behind one of the most innovative vineyards in the Midwest.

Located just 20 minutes north of Kansas City, TerraVox Winery is redefining Missouri wine by reviving rare and historic American grape varietals — including the legendary Norton grape, which won Best of Class at the 1873 Vienna World Exposition.

🌿 In this episode, we dive into:

• The history of Missouri's pre-Prohibition wine dominance

  Jerry Eisterhold Jean-Louis Ter…

• How TerraVox is bringing back forgotten American grape varieties

• What makes Norton wine so unique and award-winning

• The science and art behind small-batch, estate-grown wines

• The stunning vineyard experience in Weston, Missouri

• Wine tastings, igloos, wine club perks, and the new outdoor wine bar coming soon

From museum archives to rolling vineyard hills, Jerry shares how TerraVox was born from research into historic Midwest grape breeding

Jerry Eisterhold Jean-Louis Ter…

— while Jean-Louis reveals his journey from Texas engineering student to Missouri winemaker after a life-changing documentary.

If you love:
✔️ Wine travel
✔️ Kansas City hidden gems
✔️ Farm-to-glass experiences
✔️ Unique American wine history
✔️ Vineyard getaways near Kansas City

…this episode is for you.

📍 Plan your visit to TerraVox Winery near Weston, MO
🍇 Explore Missouri Norton wine
🥂 Join the TerraVox wine club
🌄 Experience one of the most beautiful vineyard views in the Midwest

Subscribe for more Kansas City food, drink, travel, and local stories!

#KansasCity #MissouriWine #TerraVox #NortonWine #KCWinery #VisitKC #MidwestWine #WestonMO #WinePodcast #KansasCityBucketList

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

In this episode of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast, we sit down with Emily Bordner, founder and creative director of EBandCo, a Kansas City–based modern accessories brand that has grown from a single booth into multiple retail locations, national wholesale, airport shops, and viral fame. Emily shares her journey as a KC native entrepreneur, from early career stops at Hallmark and Five Points to launching EBandCo and scaling strategically. We dive into the moment her brand went viral thanks to Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and Donna Kelce, how that exposure changed her business overnight, and what it really takes to manage growth after a viral moment. This conversation also explores: Building a successful retail brand in Kansas City Opening and operating multiple brick-and-mortar locations The balance between retail vs. wholesale growth Appearing on How I Built This (Advice Line) with Guy Raz & Tim Ferriss Licensing challenges, business strategy, and sustainable scaling Giving back locally, including EBandCo's partnership with Newhouse KC Whether you're a small business owner, creative entrepreneur, or a fan of Kansas City success stories, this episode is packed with real-world insights, honesty, and inspiration. 👉 Subscribe for more Kansas City stories 👉 Like & share if you love supporting local businesses 👉 Comment with your favorite takeaway from Emily's journey #KansasCityPodcast #EBandCo #WomenOwnedBusiness #EntrepreneurPodcast #KansasCityBusiness #RetailEntrepreneur #TaylorSwiftKC #TravisKelce #SmallBusinessGrowth #HowIBuiltThis

🎙️ Kansas City Bucket List Podcast | Billy & Allison Brimblecom – Steps of Faith Foundation In this inspiring episode of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast, host Mindy Hargesheimer sits down with Kansas City power couple Billy and Allison Brimblecom, founders of the Steps of Faith Foundation and co-creators of the beloved annual fundraiser Thundergong, headlined by Jason Sudeikis. Billy and Allison share the deeply personal story behind Steps of Faith Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping amputees regain mobility through prosthetic limbs. The conversation dives into their journey through the music industry, Billy's life as a drummer, their long-running yacht rock band Summer Breeze, and how Kansas City became the heart of their mission-driven work. This episode blends inspiration, music, philanthropy, and Kansas City culture, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of KC's most impactful nonprofits and events. Whether you're passionate about nonprofit leadership, community storytelling, or iconic Kansas City events, this is a must-listen. 👇 In this episode, we cover: • The origin story of Steps of Faith Foundation • How Thundergong became one of Kansas City's biggest annual events • Life, music, and marriage in the nonprofit world • Building a mission-driven organization with heart • Why Kansas City continues to show up for good causes 🎧 Subscribe for more Kansas City stories, local leaders, and bucket-list-worthy conversations. #KansasCityPodcast #StepsOfFaithFoundation #Thundergong #BillyBrimblecom #AllisonBrimblecom #KansasCityNonprofit #KCEvents #JasonSudeikis #SummerBreezeBand #KCCommunity #InspirationalPodcast #KansasCityBucketList

🎬 Inside B&B Theatres: 100 Years of Movies, Innovation & Community | Paul Farnsworth Interview

What does it take to run one of the largest family-owned movie theater circuits in America?

In this episode, Mindy sits down with Paul Farnsworth, Executive Director of Communications & Content at B&B Theatres, to talk about the evolution of the movie theater industry, the power of community experiences, and how this Midwest-based company has stayed relevant for over 100 years.

From immersive formats like Grand Screen, ScreenX, and MX4D, to innovative concepts like ScreenPLAY for kids, sensory-friendly showtimes, and the free Backstage Pass loyalty program, B&B Theatres is redefining what it means to "go to the movies."

We also dive into:
✔️ The history behind B&B (Bills & Bagby families)
✔️ How the theater industry has evolved since 2020
✔️ Why streaming hasn't replaced the big screen
✔️ TikTok marketing & building a massive digital presence
✔️ Community events, trivia nights & special screenings
✔️ Inclusion initiatives like sensory backpacks & open captions
✔️ Upcoming blockbusters like Avatar, SpongeBob, and more

If you love movies, entrepreneurship, Kansas City business stories, or behind-the-scenes entertainment marketing — this episode is for you.

🎟️ Learn more about B&B Theatres
🌟 Join the Backstage Pass
📍 Explore Kansas City experiences

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

In this episode of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast, host Mindy Hargesheimer sits down with Jenny Vergara, one of Kansas City's most trusted voices in food and dining, for a deep dive into the evolution of the local food scene—and what's ahead for 2026.

Jenny shares her unconventional path into the food world, proving it's never too late to pivot. After years in corporate marketing and advertising, she found her way into the restaurant industry through Z's Italian Kitchen, where she learned the business, creative, and operational sides of food. That experience sparked what would become a decades-long career advocating for chefs and educating diners.

The conversation traces the origin of Jenny's early food blog, Making of a Foodie, which focused less on reviews and more on translating chef techniques, ingredients, and culinary innovation for everyday diners. That mission led to the creation of Test Kitchen, her underground supper club designed to connect people directly with chefs and emerging culinary ideas—long before experiential dining became mainstream.

Jenny also discusses her many roles today: food columnist for Kansas City Magazine, co-host of the Hungry for MO podcast, marketing and PR consultant for restaurants, media food contributor, and founder of Foodie LLC—plus how she balances it all alongside a career in real estate.

Looking ahead, Jenny and Mindy talk about what made Kansas City's food scene stand out in 2025 and what to get excited about in 2026, especially as the city prepares for increased global attention with major events like FIFA. From evolving dining experiences to hidden gems and must-try concepts, Jenny shares insight on how Kansas City continues to grow as a serious food destination.

At its core, this episode is about curiosity, community, and championing the people behind the plate—while encouraging listeners to explore beyond their comfort zone and truly experience Kansas City through food.

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast! 🎙️
Host Mindy Hargesheimer, founder of Kansas City Bucket List, officially launches the podcast alongside her very first guest, Brad Burrow, founder of Real Media in Kansas City.

In this kickoff episode, Mindy and Brad dive into the power of storytelling, podcasting, and local entrepreneurship, sharing how the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast came to life and why Kansas City is such a special place for creators, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Brad shares his journey from playing in bands and audio production to founding Real Media and producing podcasts for businesses across Kansas City.

You'll hear candid conversation about:

• The behind-the-scenes launch of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast

• Why Kansas City is a thriving city for entrepreneurs and creatives

• Brad Burrow's transition from music to media production

• The importance of telling authentic local business stories

• How podcasting creates powerful, raw connections with audiences

If you love Kansas City, local business stories, entrepreneurship, media, or podcasting — this episode is for you.

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Guest: Brad Burrow – Founder, Real Media
Host: Mindy Hargesheimer – Kansas City Bucket List

#KansasCityBucketList #KansasCityPodcast #KansasCityEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessStories #PodcastLaunch #KCEntrepreneurs #RealMedia #KansasCityMedia #LocalBusinessKC

Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!