As we kick off the New Year, we’re revisiting one of our most compelling conversations — a Best Of episode featuring Peter Mallouk, President and CEO of Creative Planning, one of the fastest-growing independent wealth management firms in the United States with more than $370 billion in assets under management.

Before becoming a nationally recognized leader in finance, Peter’s story began right here in Kansas City. The son of Egyptian immigrants, he learned the value of hard work early — delivering newspapers, working as a “clubbie” at Kauffman Stadium, and finding opportunity through perseverance. After earning both his business and law degrees from the University of Kansas, Peter set out to reimagine financial services by creating a true one-stop shop that integrated financial planning, investing, and legal guidance. That vision became Creative Planning.

Beyond the world of finance, Peter is also a Kansas City Royals owner and, alongside his wife Veronica, leads KC CAN!, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting at-risk youth across the Kansas City metro.

In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Peter shares how his family’s decision to settle in KC shaped his journey — from humble beginnings to entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader. It’s a timely and inspiring listen for the start of a new year.

🎧 A Best Of encore — perfect for reflecting on leadership, legacy, and what’s possible in the year ahead.

As we ring in the New Year, we’re revisiting one of our most inspiring conversations — a Best Of episode featuring Danny O’Neill, founder of Kansas City’s iconic The Roasterie Coffee Company.

Born one of ten children in Denison, Iowa, Danny always knew he wanted to build something meaningful. That spark turned into a calling during a high school exchange semester in Costa Rica, where he picked coffee beans by hand — an experience that changed the course of his life.

After years of saving, Danny invested $17,000 in a coffee roaster, transformed his basement with corrugated tin, blue tarps, and fluorescent lights, and began air-roasting coffee. His first sale? A ten-pound bag for a coffee cart at KU Med. From there, The Roasterie grew into one of the most recognizable coffee brands in Kansas City and beyond.

This episode is a powerful story of fear, perseverance, entrepreneurship, and hard work — and a reminder that big dreams often start in humble places.

☕ A New Year’s week encore and a perfect listen for anyone thinking about what’s possible in the year ahead.

This Christmas week, we’re revisiting one of our all-time favorite conversations — a Best Of episode celebrating the legendary Denny Matthews, the longtime radio voice of the Kansas City Royals.

Denny Matthews has been behind the mic since the Royals’ very first game in 1969, making him one of the longest-tenured broadcasters in Major League Baseball history. From mailing his résumé and demo tape to the Royals on a Schlitz beer tray to earning his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Denny’s career is inseparable from Kansas City sports history.

In this episode, Denny reflects on growing up listening to broadcasting icons like Jack Buck and Harry Caray, his early days calling Royals baseball, and the moments that defined five decades in the booth. He also shares stories from his own athletic days — including playing in spring training games under Whitey Herzog and catching passes from Len Dawson.

Warm, nostalgic, and full of unforgettable KC memories, this Best Of rerun is the perfect listen for longtime Royals fans and anyone who loves the golden age of baseball broadcasting.

🎄 A holiday week encore celebrating one of Kansas City’s true treasures.

Marilyn Maye is an American treasure and one of the greatest American Songbook and showtune singers of all time. A true cabaret legend, she made history with a record 76 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and has spent decades captivating audiences around the world.

In this episode, Marilyn reflects on her extraordinary career, her deep connection to Kansas City’s jazz legacy, and what it means to represent her hometown wherever she performs. Named Kansas Citian of the Year in 2012, Marilyn continues to perform, teach, and inspire new generations of artists.

At 97 years young, she’s still “kicking it,” still commanding the stage, and still proving why she’s often called the Taylor Swift of cabaret singers. This unforgettable conversation celebrates talent, longevity, and the magic of the American Songbook through the voice of one of its greatest champions.

Mary Don Beachy has devoted her life to inspiring others, first as a beloved Kansas City schoolteacher, and now as an author whose stories, humor, and heart continue to make an impact. She’s published five books, including two Kansas City–themed cookbooks: Step Up to the Plate, KC and Step Up for Seconds, KC.

In this episode, Mary Don reflects on her years in education, the lessons that shaped her, and the unexpected path that led her from the classroom to the world of writing. She shares how teaching informs her storytelling, why she’s committed to creating work that uplifts others, and how she continues to live with purpose long after the school bell stopped ringing.

Mary Don also speaks about her commitment to giving back: net proceeds from both of her Kansas City cookbooks are donated to The Community Baby Shower Program at Children’s Mercy, supporting mothers and babies across the region.

It’s a warm, witty, and heartfelt conversation with an author who has spent a lifetime helping others learn, laugh, and grow.

In this special episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, the tables are turned as Executive Director—and Frank’s wife—Sarah McEnerney-Boal steps into the host chair to interview the man behind the mic.

Frank opens up about his remarkable journey before Kansas City ever entered the picture: the unlikely and hilarious story of his recruitment to Villanova, the tough decision that broke his mother’s heart when he turned down Notre Dame, and the high draft lottery number that kept him out of the Vietnam War—and the complicated emotions that followed.

From there, Sarah guides Frank through the twists that shaped his career: the moment he walked away from coaching and into broadcasting, his stint as a DJ on the West Coast, his unexpected chapter in Green Bay, and the move that ultimately brought him home to Kansas City sports.

Listeners will also get a more personal side of Frank—his love of hiking 14ers, the golf community that grounds him, reflections on raising his kids, and the true origin story of the podcast he and Sarah built together. He even shares who his dream guests would be (and why).

Warm, candid, and full of stories he’s never shared on mic before, this episode is a rare chance to hear Frank Boal in a new light—and to understand how this podcast continues to keep him curious, energized, and young at heart.

In this episode, Frank Boal sits down with Jonathan Thomas, President & CEO of American Century Investments, to explore how one of Kansas City’s most influential financial firms has woven purpose directly into its business model.

Jonathan breaks down the company’s unique ownership structure, where over 40% of profits support life-changing medical discoveries at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. He shares how this mission-driven approach fuels the company’s culture, values, and long-term strategy, proving that a global investment firm can deliver both performance and impact.

They also dig into American Century’s long-running connection to the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe — a celebrity golf tournament that blends star athletes, entertainment icons, charitable giving, and national visibility. Jonathan shares behind-the-scenes stories from the event, its philanthropic reach, and how it reinforces American Century’s belief in prospering with purpose.

Whether you’re interested in leadership, philanthropy, finance, Kansas City business, or the intersection of profit and purpose, this episode offers a powerful look at what it means to build a company around making a difference.

Step into The Rabbit hOle, the world’s first immersive storybook museum right here in North Kansas City.

In this episode, co-founder Pete Cowdin shares how he and Deb Pettit pulled from their experience at Reading Reptile, Kansas City’s beloved children’s bookstore, to create a groundbreaking cultural landmark where classic characters leap off the page and into real life.

Pete takes us behind the scenes of the creativity, grit, imagination, and vision required to build an experience unlike anything else in the world. From interactive installations to literary adventures big enough for grownups, discover how The Rabbit hOle is redefining the way families experience children’s literature — and why Kansas City was the perfect place to make it happen.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, creative, or KC culture enthusiast, this episode offers a magical look into a museum designed for everyone.

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Meet Richard Harper, better known as Teal Man: the ultimate Kansas City Current superfan who brings unstoppable energy and love to every match. From the first whistle to the final minute, Richard’s passion for KC Current soccer is contagious.

In this episode, he shares how it all started, why he dedicates so much of himself to supporting the team, and what being part of the KC soccer community means to him, both on and off the pitch.

Whether you’re a KC sports fan, a Current supporter, or just someone who loves a good story about heart and hometown pride, this episode is a guaranteed mood-booster.

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Every city has one legendary bar. The kind of place where stories start, friendships grow, and the night never really ends. In Kansas City, that place is Kelly’s Westport Inn. 

Standing tall in its original 1800s building, once owned by Daniel Boone’s grandson, Kelly’s isn’t just a bar - it’s a living piece of Kansas City history. Wagon trains once stopped here before heading west, and today, locals still pack the place for cold beer, live music, and good conversation. Oh, and did we mention it’s haunted? 

In this episode, Pat Kelly and Dave “Red” Cross share stories of hangovers, high jinks, hauntings, and heart, plus memories of the Grand Old Man (GOM) who gave Kelly’s its name. Whether you love KC nightlife, local lore, or a good ghost story, this episode will make you wish the walls could talk.

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Buckle up, Kansas City—this one’s a wild ride. He’s loud, he’s funny, and he’s been shaking up the airwaves for over three decades. In this episode, we sit down with Johnny Dare, the legendary host of The Johnny Dare Morning Show on 98.9 The Rock, to talk about his journey from high school dropout to one of the most recognizable voices in Midwest radio.

Johnny opens up about 34 years of radio mayhem, the sidekicks and skits that made headlines, and the moments that nearly got him kicked off the air. But behind the “shock jock” persona, you’ll also meet the man with a big heart: the one who started Bikers for Babies, Hope for the Holidays, and Hand Up!

It’s raw, it’s hilarious, and it’s real. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Kansas City radio, this episode captures the chaos, comedy, and compassion that make Johnny Dare a local legend.

What does it take to run a world-class zoo and aquarium?

In this episode, we’re joined by Sean Putney, Executive Director and CEO of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, to explore how this beloved KC institution balances conservation, education, and family fun.

From the Zoo’s brand-new state-of-the-art aquarium to its role in wildlife care and community engagement, Putney shares insider stories on animal conservation, the challenges of running a major attraction, and what’s ahead for the popular destination in the heart of Kansas City.

Discover how the Black Archives of Mid-America has become a cornerstone in documenting the Black experience in the Midwest and beyond—through rare photographs, artifacts, and stories that illuminate a legacy of resilience, achievement, and community.

Kansas City isn’t just famous for barbecue—it’s making history with the world’s first Museum of Barbecue.

In this episode, we sit down with founder and food writer Jonathan Bender, an East Coast foodie turned KC convert, who has dedicated his life to documenting America’s most mouthwatering comfort food. From burnt ends and rib tips to the pitmasters who built KC’s reputation, Jonathan shares the stories, culture, and traditions behind why Kansas City barbecue is truly unmatched.

Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or simply someone who craves the smoky flavor of authentic BBQ, this episode will leave you both hungry and inspired.

Do you know the real story behind Ted Lasso?

Meet Donnie Campbell: the longtime Kansas high school basketball coach known not just for his winning record, but for the way he builds relationships, instills confidence, and teaches life's lessons through the game.

Years ago, Donnie coached a young Jason Sudeikis, who would later model his Emmy Award winning character, Ted Lasso, after Coach Campbell’s style of leadership and relentless optimism.

From the locker room to the small screen, Coach Campbell’s influence has reached far beyond the hardwood. We talk about his coaching mentorship and what it’s like to see your philosophy come to life as a global phenomenon.

Discover the incredible journey of Michael Mackie: 8-time Emmy Award–winning journalist and one of Kansas City’s most recognizable media personalities. Known for interviewing nearly 1,000 celebrities, including 11 Oscar winners, Mackie shares the untold stories behind his new book “You Have 4 Minutes!” and his life as a go-to celebrity interviewer.

He’ll tell you he’s locally famous for being locally famous, but his story goes much deeper than that. In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Michael opens up about his battle with food and alcohol and how the two almost cost him his life, along with the powerful steps he took to reclaim his health. We also explore his recent travel writing for Lonely Planet ahead of World Cup 2026 in Kansas City, plus his feature series on the KC Streetcar line for The Pitch Magazine.

If you’re interested in celebrity interviews, Kansas City culture, World Cup 2026 travel tips, or a real story of addiction recovery and reinvention, this conversation is for you.

In this milestone episode, hear firsthand how Kansas City’s top voices are shaping the city’s future—from tourism and sports to history, culture, and economic growth. Whether you’re a KC local, history buff, or sports fan, this inspiring conversation spotlights the people and places that make Kansas City one of the most dynamic cities in America.

Cheers to the next 100!

Deron Cherry is a Kansas City Chiefs legend and one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history.

In this episode, Deron reflects on his incredible journey from undrafted free agent punter to six-time Pro Bowl safety and member of the Chiefs Hall of Honor. We dive into the defining moments of the 1980s Kansas City Chiefs defense, the lessons that fueled his NFL success, and the impact of his leadership on and off the field.

Deron also opens up about his life after football—his business ventures, community work, and his lasting commitment to giving back to Kansas City.

If you’re a fan of Kansas City Chiefs history, legendary NFL players, or inspiring athlete stories, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

From the creation of the AFL-NFL merger, to how the name “Super Bowl” was born, to why we see Roman numerals on the big game, Lamar Hunt’s influence reaches far beyond Kansas City. Mike dives deep into the Chiefs’ rich history, insider moments from his 22 years with the team, and the legacy that still defines the NFL today.

Whether you’re a lifelong member of the Chiefs Kingdom or a football fan curious about the history of the Super Bowl, this episode is packed with rare insights and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

In this episode, he discusses:

• His international path through some of the world’s most prestigious art museums

• How he’s shaping the Nelson-Atkins as a hub for culture, creativity, and community in Kansas City

• The museum’s bold new 61,000-square-foot expansion project currently underway

• Why he believes art should be accessible to everyone, across all generations and communities

If you’re passionate about art, culture, or the future of Kansas City, this conversation with Julian Zugazagoitia offers an inspiring inside look at leadership, creativity, and vision.