Common Sense with Ryan Baty

On this episode of "Common Sense" host Ryan Baty sits down with youth advocate, mentor, and community leader Adan Grimaldo for an eye-opening discussion on the realities facing vulnerable youth in Sedgwick County. Drawing from Adan Grimaldo’s personal journey from gang involvement and behavioral health struggles to powerful transformation, the conversation dives deep into the root causes of youth...

On this episode of Common Sense, Ryan Baty welcomes Wichita City Councilman-elect Joseph Shepard for a candid conversation about public service, community challenges, and leadership during pivotal times. Fresh off his successful campaign, Joseph Shepard opens up about the personal experiences that have shaped his passion for public office, including growing up in hardship, overcoming homelessness,...

Welcome to another episode of "Common Sense" Today, our host Ryan Baty sits down with two powerhouses in Kansas politics and talk radio—John Whitmer and Andy Hooser. Both outspoken conservatives and current leaders in the Republican Party, they bring a candid and spirited conversation about the influence of talk radio, the evolution of conservative messaging, and the challenges facing local and st...

Welcome to another episode of The Common Sense Podcast. In this engaging conversation, host Ryan Baty sits down with Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech, and Kelly Bielefeld, Superintendent of Wichita Public Schools, to dive deep into the future of education and workforce development in Wichita. Together, they discuss the transformative "Future Ready Centers," a groundbreaking partnership between...

Welcome to Common Sense with Ryan Baty. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Katy Tyndell, an accomplished attorney, community advocate, and co-founder of the grassroots organization Leading Kansas. Together, they dive deep into the motivations behind civic engagement, what drives local movements to action, and the urgent issues facing Kansas and the country; from defending constitutional freedoms...

In this episode, our host Ryan Baty sits down for an in-depth conversation with Sheriff Jeff Easter, the 40th Sheriff of Sedgwick County. With nearly 40 years in law enforcement, from his beginnings with the Wichita Police Department to over a decade leading the county sheriff’s office, Sheriff Easter brings a unique perspective and hard-earned wisdom to some of the most pressing issues facing our...

Welcome to another episode of Common Sense. Today, hosts Ryan Baty and guest Ben Davis dive deep into the events and emotions surrounding the shocking assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. In this candid, passionate conversation, Ryan and Ben reflect on the ripple effects this tragedy has had, not only within conservative circles, but in the broader fabric of American society. Ben Dav...

On this emotional and powerful episode of Common Sense , host Ryan Baty opens up about what happens when small business, community, and redemption collide. Ryan sits down with Don Smith, a man whose story begins with trauma and spirals into addiction, crime, and incarceration, but ultimately transforms into a compelling journey of hope, recovery, and renewal. Don’s path was shaped by early trauma,...

In this episode, host Ryan Baty sits down with Steve Dixon, a local business owner, philanthropist, and passionate community leader, to dig deep into the complexities of homelessness and housing challenges facing Wichita and Sedgwick County. From personal stories that shatter common stereotypes to the collaborative efforts now underway, Ryan and Steve explore what it means to serve the unhoused wi...

Welcome to "Common Sense with Ryan Baty." In this episode, host Ryan Baty sits down with Joe Woodward, Wichita’s Director of Operations for Stand Together—a national philanthropic community tackling some of the country’s biggest and most complex problems from the ground up. Recently awarded the Sedgwick County Commission Chairman’s Award for their impact, Stand Together works at the grassroots lev...

Today, most people know Joy Eakins as the businesswoman behind Cornerstone Data, the successful and fast-growing consulting firm based in Wichita. Her business acumen even landed her as the Wichita Chamber Chair in 2023, where she both challenged and encouraged our small business community. That’s the Joy most people see, the business leader, but I’ve come to know a different side of Joy Eakins –...

In my view, the most important levels of government are found closest to home at the local level. Where services that impact our lives happen every day. City government, county government, and particularly, our local school boards have enormous influence on the health and prosperity of our community. And one of the most important figures working to help shape the largest school district in the ent...

I learned early in sports and business that a big part of personal growth requires you to guard your influences. You have to be very selective on who you allow to speak into your life, and for me in this season, I have one specific man I’ve invited into that space, Damon Young. On a regular basis, I seek out Damon to get feedback and counsel on multiple issues, and I’ve continued to be inspired by...

From Immigrant, to Journalist, and now Mayor, Lily Wu's story is nothing short of remarkable. In November of 2023, the people of Wichita voted her into office to help shape the future of their city. For my seat on the Sedgwick County Commission, I've worked closely with Lily in trying to better align the interests of Wichita and Sedgwick County while also trying to bring solutions to some of our m...

In every campaign, the public sees the candidate and the issues—but behind the scenes, strategists shape the outcome. That person for me? Ben Davis. Known for his sharp mind, strong principles, and intense approach, Ben has worked on campaigns across the country, most recently leading the 'vote no' campaign for a school bond in Kansas’ largest school district. In this episode, we dive into his str...

It's not often that you find two political opponents having a civil dialogue amongst each other. In this episode, I invite Lacey Cruse, former Sedgwick County Commissioner, for open dialogue.  We discuss the weight of making decisions as a publicly elected official, the impact that taking office had on our lives, and what goes on inside of our in heads taking on these roles.