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  • Katie Hastert: Thomas Hart Benton’s History, Art, & Stories
    2025/08/05

    Explore the life and legacy of Thomas Hart Benton, one of America’s most influential 20th-century artists, in this special episode recorded inside his original Kansas City studio at 3616 Belleview.

    Our guest, Katie Hastert, site administrator and Benton historian at the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, shares untold stories about Benton’s rebellious youth, turbulent education, and eventual rise as a leading figure in American art. Katie brings his spirit to life through her lively & humorous perspective paired with a deep understanding of Kansas City’s iconic muralist.

    From being expelled from military school to clashing with top art institutions, Benton’s path was anything but smooth, but his perseverance paid off. His iconic murals now hang in institutions like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and his impact on American Regionalism still resonates today.

    Learn why President Harry Truman once called him “the best damn painter in America”, and why his Kansas City studio is a must-visit for art lovers, history buffs, and locals alike.

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    51 分
  • Browne’s Irish Marketplace: America’s Oldest Irish Business & A Kansas City Legacy
    2025/07/29

    As we gear up for the Kansas City Irish Fest, we’re revisiting our episode with Kerry Browne and John McClain, 4th-generation owners of Browne’s Irish Marketplace — the oldest Irish-owned business in the world outside of Ireland, and Kansas City’s oldest retail business.

    Located in Midtown Kansas City, Browne’s is beloved for its Irish hospitality, curated imports from Ireland, and authentic Irish food, drinks, and gifts. It’s more than a store — it’s a living piece of Irish-American history.

    In this episode, Kerry and John share how Browne’s has survived and thrived through:

    • Two pandemics

    • Two World Wars

    • The Great Depression

    • Prohibition (with rumors of visits from Tom Pendergast!)

    • And every economic downturn for nearly 150 years

    We also hear from their son Ian and longtime friend Pete McCluskey, a key player in both the KC St. Patrick’s Day Parade and KC Irish Fest, as they reflect on Irish culture, resilience, and the immigrant legacy that helped shape Kansas City.

    Whether you’re Irish by birth or Irish at heart — this is a story worth raising a glass to. Sláinte!

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    47 分
  • Alex Gordon: Kansas City’s Homerun
    2025/07/22
    • We’re throwing it back to our conversation with Alex Gordon, one of the greatest players in Kansas City Royals history and a future Royals Hall of Famer. Known for his grit, gold gloves, and iconic leadership during the 2015 World Series Championship run, Alex shares the story behind his legendary career.

      From being labeled the “next George Brett” to struggling early on at third base, Alex’s path was anything but smooth. But a key move to left field changed everything — sparking a career defined by elite defense, hard work, and unshakable determination.

      In this episode, Alex opens up about:

      • His transformation from top prospect to team leader

      • Winning the World Series with the Royals

      • The meaning behind the “Alex Gordon Heart and Hustle Award”

      • His pride in being a Nebraska Cornhusker and College Baseball Hall of Famer

      • How he and his family are now giving back to the Kansas City community

      If you're a fan of baseball, underdog stories, or hometown heroes — this one’s for you.

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    1 時間 11 分
  • Allan Swan: Inside Panasonic’s $4 Billion EV Battery Plant in Kansas
    2025/07/15

    In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we revisit our powerful conversation with Allan Swan, President of Panasonic North America, about the largest economic development project in Kansas history — the new $4 billion lithium-ion battery plant in De Soto, Kansas.

    Allan shares how Kansas beat out over 100 other locations across 13 states to become home to Panasonic’s cutting-edge EV battery manufacturing facility, a key player in the booming electric vehicle (EV) industry. The factory will create up to 8,000 new jobs and is already partnering with local schools and universities to develop the skilled workforce needed.

    We also dive into Panasonic’s vision for the future of clean energy, electric transportation, and lithium battery innovation.

    Plus, Allan offers a personal look at how he and his family have embraced Kansas City — and what sets this community apart.

    Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most transformative tech projects in the Midwest.

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    44 分
  • Jim Eddy: Remembering Kansas City’s Beloved Restaurateur
    2025/07/08
    • Today, we're bringing back our conversation with our dear friend, the late Jim Eddy. We hope you enjoy his stories of life, love, family, and food as much as we do. Thank you for your legacy, Jim. You've made a lasting impact on this city, and you are deeply missed.

      ____________________________________

      Jim Eddy is a Kansas City second-generation restaurateur and Kansas City native who has seen it all. Take a trip back in time to the food, entertainment, and lifestyle from the 1940s, ‘50’s and 60’s in Kansas City to today. The “Eddy Brothers” became world-famous during the era of the Supper Club Circuit, and Kansas City was right in the middle of the boom.

    • Eddy’s Supper Club at 13th and Baltimore in KC was hoppin’ in the ‘50’s, hosting some of the biggest names in pop music. Jim Eddy talks through everything from mandated 24/7 bowling alleys during WWII, to a terrible business decision passing on a to-be pop icon, to the KC Chiefs and Popeye’s chicken. Take the wild ride through KC food history with Jim Eddy!

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    47 分
  • Graham Zusi: Kansas City’s World Cup Star Turned Ambassador
    2025/07/01

    Graham Zusi is a Kansas City soccer legend and a former U.S. Men’s National Team star who competed in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. But what’s he doing now—and what does he think about the World Cup coming to Kansas City in 2026?

    In this episode of There's Just Something About Kansas City, Zeus himself sits down to talk about his journey from youth soccer to NCAA championships at Maryland, his incredible MLS career with Sporting KC, and his role in one of the most exciting eras of American soccer.

    Now serving as the World Cup Community Ambassador for NBKC, Zusi is staying busy off the pitch—working in a local bike shop, traveling the world, and seeking out adventure in places like Patagonia and Cuba.

    If you're a soccer fan, Kansas Citian, or just love a good adventure story, this episode has something for you.

    🎧 Listen now to hear Graham Zusi’s thoughts on Kansas City's moment in the World Cup spotlight, what drives him today, and how he’s redefining life after pro sports.

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    55 分
  • David Naster: Kansas City Comedy Pioneer on Healing Through Humor
    2025/06/24

    Before comedy clubs came to Kansas City, David Naster was already making people laugh on street corners. In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with one of KC’s first stand-up comedians—who went from performing in the streets to opening for Celine Dion and headlining cruise ships around the world.

    Naster shares behind-the-scenes stories from LA’s legendary Comedy Store, how he convinced Stan Glazier to launch Stanford and Sons in Westport, and why he returned home to Kansas City. He also opens up about his personal struggles and how he’s helping others heal through humor with his book and podcast, You Just Have To Laugh.

    If you're interested in the roots of Kansas City’s comedy scene, cruise ship entertainment, or using laughter as a tool for mental health—this episode delivers it all.


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    1 時間 2 分
  • Tom Waggoner: Designing the Sports Architecture Capital of the World
    2025/06/17

    Kansas City is the sports architecture capital of the world. But how did we get there?

    In today’s episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we're talking with the man who literally wrote the book on the subject, “Designed in Kansas City” — sports architect, author, and historian Tom Waggoner.

    Tom takes us all the way from the Roman Colosseum to today's stadium debate, diving into how the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium, Royals’ Kauffman Stadium, and the Truman Sports Complex as a whole changed the face of sports arenas in the 70's and how Kansas City's innovative edge in the field is shaping today's conversations. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the stadiums and what he’d share with the current owners of the Chiefs and Royals.

    Whether you’re following the stadium saga in KC, are a sports history buff, or just love a Kansas City story, this is essential listening.

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    53 分