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Kansas City’s musical history is inseparable from jazz, and few places have played a more important role in preserving that legacy than the American Jazz Museum. In this brand-new episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with Jill Johnson, interim executive director, and Jordan Malhiot, senior manager of collections and exhibits, for an inside look at one of Kansas City’s most important cultural institutions. Jill and Jordan take us inside the museum’s mission to preserve, celebrate and promote jazz, from the legendary musicians and rich history of Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Jazz District to the artifacts, stories and music that continue to shape the genre today. They share some of the treasures found in the museum’s collection, the challenges and rewards of preserving jazz history, and how exhibits help bring the people, places and sounds of Kansas City jazz to life. And they look toward the future: How does the American Jazz Museum keep jazz relevant to new generations? How does it attract visitors from around the world? And what role does the museum play in preserving Kansas City’s identity as a jazz city? It’s a conversation about Kansas City jazz, music, history, preservation and the future of one of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions - and the people working to make sure its story continues to be heard.

A Kansas City legend returns to the mic. We’re re-releasing our conversation with Denny Matthews, the legendary voice of the Kansas City Royals and one of the most recognizable broadcasters in Kansas City sports history. Matthews has now called more than 8,000 Royals games during his remarkable Hall of Fame broadcasting career, giving generations of Kansas City fans a front-row seat to some of the biggest moments in Royals history - from unforgettable games to championship memories and everything in between. In this conversation, Denny reflects on his extraordinary career behind the microphone, the people and moments that have shaped his journey, and what it means to be the voice of the Royals for generations of fans. Revisit the stories, memories and perspective of one of Kansas City's most beloved sports voices on this re-release of There’s Just Something About Kansas City.

With Marilyn Maye returning to the stage at Kansas City’s historic Folly Theater this Friday, we’re re-releasing our unforgettable conversation with one of the city’s most beloved musical treasures. Marilyn Maye is an American Songbook and showtune legend whose extraordinary career includes a record 76 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. A true cabaret icon, she has spent decades captivating audiences around the world while proudly carrying Kansas City’s musical legacy with her wherever she performs. In this conversation, Marilyn reflects on her remarkable career, her deep connection to Kansas City’s jazz tradition, and what it means to represent her hometown on stages across the country and around the world. Named Kansas Citian of the Year in 2012, Marilyn continues to perform, teach, and inspire generations of artists. At 98 years young, she’s still “kicking it,” still commanding the stage, and still showing why she has earned a reputation as one of the great voices of cabaret. As Marilyn prepares to take the stage at the Folly, revisit the story, career and Kansas City legacy of this unforgettable American songstress on There’s Just Something About Kansas City.

As the Kansas City Chiefs kick off a new season, we’re re-releasing our conversation with the legendary voice of Chiefs Kingdom, Mitch Holthus. From growing up in Smith Center, Kansas, to becoming the longtime radio voice of the Kansas City Chiefs and being named the 2024 Kansan of the Year, Mitch takes us inside his remarkable career, his deep connection to Chiefs fans, and what it means to be the voice of one of the NFL’s most passionate fan bases. You’ll also hear the fascinating story of Mitch’s family connection to the iconic Western ballad “Home on the Range.” It’s a Kansas story with a surprising connection to a song known around the world. Join Mitch Holthus as he tells the story of his life, career and Kansas roots like only he can on this re-release of There’s Just Something About Kansas City — and get ready for another Chiefs season!

What happens when you combine Kansas City beer, music, entrepreneurship, history and creativity? You get Kemet Coleman and Vine Street Brewing Co. In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with Kemet Coleman, Kansas City musician, entrepreneur, creative placemaker, and co-founder of Vine Street Brewing Co., Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery. Located in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, Vine Street Brewing has become much more than a place to grab a beer. It’s a gathering place where music, art, culture, history and community come together - and an important part of the ongoing revitalization of one of Kansas City’s most culturally significant neighborhoods. Kemet takes us behind the scenes of his unlikely journey from musician and creative entrepreneur to brewery owner. He shares how his experience working at Boulevard Brewing sparked his passion for craft beer, how he connected with co-founders Woodie Bonds Jr., Elliott Ivory, and Annie McGinnis, and why he was determined to build Vine Street Brewing in the heart of Kansas City’s historic Black community. We talk about the challenges of transforming a long-abandoned historic building into a thriving brewery, the importance of preserving the legacy of 18th & Vine, and Kemet’s vision for the future of Kansas City. He also shares stories from his music career, the creative philosophy behind Vine Street, his belief in the power of businesses to bring neighborhoods and people together - and, yes, his dream of making it to Hollywood as an actor. This is more than a conversation about beer. It’s a story about Kansas City, creativity, perseverance, entrepreneurship, history, and the power of betting on your hometown.

How does a Holocaust survivor become one of the people who helped save one of Kansas City’s most iconic landmarks? Herb Kohn is a lawyer, mediator, Holocaust survivor, and civic leader whose remarkable life has been deeply intertwined with the story of Kansas City. In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Kohn shares his family's journey through the Holocaust, the experiences that shaped his life, and how those lessons ultimately fueled a lifelong commitment to civic responsibility and community service. He also takes us behind the scenes of one of Kansas City's most important preservation efforts: the fight to save historic Union Station from demolition. Kohn explains how his legal expertise, relationships, persistence, and behind-the-scenes work helped preserve the landmark and give it a new future in Kansas City. Kohn also reflects on the impact of Missouri Boys State and Girls State, programs he credits with helping shape his own life and that he continues to champion for future generations. From surviving one of history's darkest chapters to helping preserve an iconic piece of Kansas City history, Herb Kohn's story is one of resilience, perseverance, civic responsibility, and the power of people working behind the scenes to make a difference. This is a conversation about the lessons we carry forward—and what we can do with them.

Fifty years later, the legend of the Boys of '76 still lives on. In 1976, the Center High School Yellowjackets put together one of the most remarkable seasons in Kansas City high school basketball history: an undefeated season that ended with a Missouri State Basketball Championship. In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we revisit that extraordinary team with author Mike Welsh, who was writing for the Center High School newspaper during the historic season and later chronicled the story in his book, The Boys of ’76. Mike takes us back to a special era of high school basketball and introduces us to the players, coaches, personalities, rivalries, and chemistry that made Center nearly impossible to beat. What was it like to carry the pressure of an undefeated season? How did a group of young athletes develop the trust and teamwork that carried them all the way to a state championship? And why does that team still mean so much to the Center community 50 years later? We revisit the games, the personalities, the pressure, and the memories that have stayed with players and fans for five decades. This is more than a story about basketball. It's a story about friendship, teamwork, hometown pride, and what can happen when a group of young people discovers just how special they can be together.

Kansas City just experienced something we had been dreaming about for decades. Now, for the first time, the people who helped make it happen are sitting down together to tell the story. In this special KC2026 World Cup wrap-up, Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation; Pam Kramer, CEO of FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City; and Cliff Illig, co-founder and co-owner of Sporting Kansas City, come together for a conversation you haven't heard before. They take us behind the scenes of Kansas City's World Cup journey: from the decade-long effort to land a coveted host city designation to the moments the public never saw and the decisions that helped turn KC2026 into an unforgettable success. They also reflect on what the World Cup meant for Kansas City and the region, and the economic, cultural, and community impact that will continue long after the final whistle. Throughout the story is the legacy of Lamar Hunt, whose passion for soccer and belief in Kansas City helped lay the foundation for this moment decades ago. This isn't just a recap of the matches. It's the inside story of how Kansas City became a World Cup city - and what happens next.

With Season 4 of Ted Lasso now streaming, we're revisiting the story behind the character—and the Kansas coach who helped inspire him. Meet Donnie Campbell, the longtime Kansas high school basketball coach whose leadership, optimism, and ability to build relationships had a lasting impact on a young Jason Sudeikis. Years before Sudeikis became an Emmy Award-winning star, he experienced Coach Campbell's unique approach to coaching and mentorship firsthand. In this encore episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Donnie talks about his coaching philosophy, the importance of building confidence and relationships, and what it feels like to see elements of his approach brought to life through one of television's most beloved characters. From the basketball court to the small screen, Coach Campbell's influence reaches far beyond wins and losses. We talk about mentorship, leadership, the lessons coaches teach their players, and the remarkable connection between a Kansas high school basketball coach and Ted Lasso, the relentlessly optimistic character played by Sudeikis. With Ted Lasso Season 4 now live, there's never been a better time to hear the story of the real-life coach behind the character. 🎧 This is an encore presentation of our conversation with Donnie Campbell.

As Kansas City looks toward the future of professional sports, with new stadium plans dominating headlines and the Kansas City Chiefs unveiling renderings for their proposed stadium project, it's the perfect time to revisit this fascinating conversation. In this encore release, we sit down with sports architect, author, and historian Tom Waggoner, whose book Designed in Kansas City chronicles how Kansas City became the Sports Architecture Capital of the World. Tom takes us from the Colosseum to today's stadium debate, explaining how Kansas City Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium, the Kansas City Royals' Kauffman Stadium, and the Truman Sports Complex revolutionized stadium design in the 1970s and influenced sports venues around the world. We also discuss the future of stadium architecture, what makes a venue truly great, and what Tom would tell today's Chiefs and Royals ownership as they help shape the next chapter of Kansas City sports. Whether you're following the latest stadium proposals, passionate about sports history, or simply curious how Kansas City became a global leader in sports architecture, this episode provides the historical context behind one of the region's biggest conversations.

Science fiction has always imagined the future, but fandom has changed just as much as the stories themselves. In this episode of There's Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with Jason Hunt, Editor-in-Chief of SciFi4Me, the Kansas City-based media platform covering science fiction, fantasy, horror, comics, movies, television, gaming, and fan culture. Since launching SciFi4Me in 2009, Jason has built it into a destination for genre news, reviews, creator interviews, livestreams, and thoughtful commentary for fans around the world. Jason shares how growing up immersed in science fiction inspired careers in radio, television, filmmaking, and digital media before ultimately creating a platform where fans could connect through their shared love of storytelling. We also discuss the evolution of fandom, how streaming and social media have changed the relationship between studios and audiences, and why independent voices continue to play an important role in genre journalism. Whether you're a lifelong sci-fi fan, a storyteller, or just curious about the magic behind the books and movies that have shaped generations, this conversation explores the power of imagination - and the communities it creates.

Your World Cup Guide to Must-See Kansas City As Kansas City’s 2026 FIFA World Cup whirlwind comes to a close, we're wrapping up our series spotlighting just a few of the city's most iconic, can’t-miss destinations.  This week, we're visiting J. Rieger & Co., a historic, world-class distillery that has become a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. In this special encore episode, host Frank Boal sits down with Andy Rieger, president of J. Rieger & Co., to discuss the remarkable revival of his family's pre-Prohibition Kansas City whiskey brand and its transformation into one of Kansas City's premier attractions. From its roots in the late 1800s to its rebirth more than a century later, J. Rieger & Co. tells a story of entrepreneurship, innovation and Kansas City pride. Today, the distillery welcomes guests from around the world to experience its award-winning spirits, historic campus and vibrant gathering spaces. Whether you're visiting Kansas City for the World Cup, planning a future trip or simply love stories of history, business and community, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city's most celebrated success stories. Discover why J. Rieger & Co. deserves a place on every visitor's itinerary. #KansasCity #JRieger #KansasCityWhiskey #WorldCup2026 #VisitKC #ThingsToDoInKansasCity #KansasCityHistory #Distillery

Your World Cup Guide to Must-See Kansas City As the world turns to Kansas City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we're revisiting the stories behind some of the city's most unforgettable destinations. This week, we're highlighting one of the city's newest and most imaginative attractions: The Rabbit hOle. In this special encore episode, host Frank Boal sits down with Pete Cowdin, who co-founded The Rabbit hOle alongside Deb Pettit, to discuss the vision behind creating a one-of-a-kind literary museum that brings beloved children's books to life. Designed to inspire readers of all ages, The Rabbit hOle features immersive exhibits, interactive storytelling and creative experiences that delight families, lifelong book lovers and curious visitors alike. Since opening its doors, it has become one of Kansas City's most talked-about cultural attractions. Whether you're visiting Kansas City for the World Cup, traveling with children, planning a family vacation or simply looking for something unlike anywhere else, The Rabbit hOle offers an unforgettable experience beyond the soccer pitch. Discover why this one-of-a-kind destination deserves a spot on every visitor's Kansas City itinerary—and hear the inspiring story behind the people who imagined it. #KansasCity #TheRabbitHole #WorldCup2026 #VisitKC #ThingsToDoInKansasCity #FamilyTravel #ChildrensBooks #ExploreKC

Your World Cup Guide to Must-See Kansas City All eyes are on Kansas City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we're revisiting the stories behind the people, places and organizations helping put our city on the global stage. In this special encore episode, host Frank Boal sits down with Chris Long of the Kansas City Current to discuss the club's remarkable rise, its commitment to growing the women's game and the vision behind CPKC Stadium: the first stadium in the world built specifically for a professional women's soccer team. More than a home for world-class soccer, CPKC Stadium has become a symbol of innovation, community investment and Kansas City's growing reputation as one of America's premier soccer cities. Whether you're visiting Kansas City for the World Cup, planning a future trip, or you're a lifelong soccer fan, this conversation offers an inside look at one of the city's most exciting sports organizations and the momentum that's helping shape the future of the game. Discover why Kansas City has earned its place on the world soccer stage. #KansasCity #KansasCityCurrent #CPKCStadium #WorldCup2026 #WomensSoccer #VisitKC #ThingsToDoInKansasCity #Soccer

Your World Cup Guide to Must-See Kansas City As soccer fans from around the globe gather in Kansas City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we're revisiting the stories behind some of the city's most iconic destinations. Few places tell a more important American story than the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Located in Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine District, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves and celebrates the players, teams, and pioneers who transformed America's pastime while overcoming segregation and discrimination. Their stories of perseverance, excellence and determination continue to inspire visitors from around the world. In this special encore episode, we explore the history, impact and lasting legacy of the Negro Leagues and why the museum has become one of Kansas City's most important cultural attractions. Whether you're visiting Kansas City for the World Cup, planning a future trip, a baseball fan, a history enthusiast, or a proud Kansas Citian, this episode offers a deeper appreciation for a museum that honors some of the greatest athletes and trailblazers in American history. Watch, listen and discover why this Kansas City treasure belongs on every visitor's itinerary. #KansasCity #NegroLeaguesBaseballMuseum #NegroLeagues #BaseballHistory #WorldCup2026 #VisitKC #ThingsToDoInKansasCity #18thAndVine #KansasCityHistory