Connecting Kansas City

Explore the vibrant world of the KU Taylor Swift Society on this episode of Connecting Kansas City. Host Rachel Kilmer dives into an inspiring conversation with Maya Torres, president of the 500-member strong society, to uncover how shared fandom creates lasting community bonds. From bracelet-making nights to winter proms, learn how this group fosters inclusivity, connection, and celebration. Plus...

Discover the story behind Kansas City Keiki, a unique baby and toddler brand blending local sports pride with stylish and practical designs. Chloe Hartstack, the visionary founder and Hawaii transplant, shares how her passion for Kansas City sports and culture inspired her to create bamboo baby gear that’s both adorable and durable. From starting as a mom's side project to partnering with local in...

Meet Kansas City’s Charcuterie Queen, Carrie Gangel! In this episode of 'Connecting Kansas City,' host Rachel Kilmer dives into Carrie’s inspiring journey from creating her first grazing board to becoming one of KC’s most sought-after charcuterie experts. Discover how Carrie balances artistry, entrepreneurship, and family life while crafting stunning spreads for events like the American Royal and...

What if every day felt like an adventure? That’s the life Mindy Hargesheimer has created with Kansas City Bucket List, where she uncovers the best hidden gems and experiences KC has to offer. In this episode of Connecting Kansas City, Mindy shares how her passion for exploration and storytelling turned into a thriving platform that inspires locals and visitors alike. From must-visit dining spots t...

In this episode of "Connecting KC," host Rachel Kilmer sits down with the talented Hayley Lewis, who has quickly risen from Kansas City sports anchor to a national TV presence. Hayley shares her inspiring journey of returning to her hometown in 2019 as the weekend sports anchor for KSHB 41 and, in the summer of 2023, making her dream come true by transitioning to freelancing for major networks lik...

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a dream of writing into a published novel? In this episode of "Connecting KC," author Bianca Miller reveals her path to launching her debut romance novel, Diving In, on February 29, 2024. Tune in as Bianca opens up about the creative process behind Diving In, the challenges and triumphs of self-publishing, and the incredible community she’s built on social media...

Ever wondered how energy healing could transform your life? Join us as we explore holistic healing in Blue Springs, where ancient practices meet modern wellness. In this episode, we dive deep into the benefits of Reiki, yoga, and alternative healing therapies designed to balance both mind and body. Our guest, Rachel Watkins, shares her journey from a career in education to becoming a certified hea...

In this episode of Connecting Kansas City, we dive deep into the art of brand building with Ashley Mahoney, founder of Hello Big Idea. Ashley shares her journey of creating a successful brand strategy that has propelled her agency to stand out in the crowded Kansas City market. We explore the essential elements of personal branding, and how businesses can leverage creativity to craft a unique iden...

Join Rachel Kilmer on this episode of the Connecting KC podcast as she sits down with Laura Miller, owner of Cowtown Tours, to explore Kansas City’s hidden gems. From walking tours to bus tours, Laura has been guiding locals and visitors alike through the heart of KC since 2020. Learn how Kansas City’s vibrant history, booming food scene, and unique attractions are drawing attention on a national...

What if the next big entertainment hotspot in Kansas City isn’t on land, but on a bridge? In this episode of Connecting Kansas City, host Rachel Kilmer sits down with Jake Fesi, the engagement manager for the groundbreaking Rock Island Bridge project, to talk about Kansas City's first entertainment district over a river. This historic transformation promises to revitalize the Kansas River and...

Imagine getting a phone call from someone who sounds exactly like a loved one—only to find out later it was a sophisticated AI scam. This terrifying reality is becoming more common, and cybercriminals are using cutting-edge AI technology to commit fraud in ways we never thought possible. In this episode, Tracey Hawkins, a nationally recognized safety expert, joins us to discuss the rising threat o...

What if the key to reversing chronic diseases and optimizing your health lies in an approach most people have never heard of? In this eye-opening episode, host Rachel Kilmer sits down with Dr. Bradley Dyer of Premier Integrative Health in Kansas City to uncover the transformative power of functional medicine. Discover how Dr. Dyer’s integrative approach is helping patients not just manage but reve...

In this episode of Connecting Kansas City, host Rachel Kilmer dives into the world of composting with Kristan Chamberlain, Executive Director of KC Can Compost. Discover why composting food waste is essential for Kansas City’s fight against climate change and how KC Can Compost is at the forefront of this green revolution. Kristan explains how food waste, when trapped in landfills, produces methan...

Ever wondered how one woman’s personal battle led to the creation of one of Kansas City’s most dynamic video production companies? Meet Amber Giangregorio, co-owner and director at Stellar Image Studios, who turned her passion for storytelling and her journey through sobriety into a thriving business. In this episode of "Connecting Kansas City," host Rachel Kilmer dives deep into Amber&#...

Are you ready to declutter and elevate your home or workspace? In this episode of the Connecting KC Podcast, host Rachel Kilmer sits down with Emily Aull, the brilliant mind behind Aull Organized, a premier professional organizing service in Kansas City. Emily shares her journey from being an elementary school teacher to becoming a sought-after organizing expert featured in Apartment Therapy and T...

In this episode of Connecting KC, Rachel Kilmer sits down with tech expert Burton Kelso to discuss the rapid evolution of AI and its implications for businesses, particularly in the real estate sector. Burton shares his insights on how to effectively use AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and others without losing the essential human touch in business interactions. From cybersecurity to eve...

From jumping out of airplanes at 14,000 feet with a camera, to shooting a mile under ground in a salt mine, award winning videographer Shaun Cloud has some amazing stories. Discover the fascinating journey of a Kansas City-based videographer who has worked with multimillionaires, athletes, and in some of the most challenging environments. Learn about the evolving world of video production, the imp...

Discover how Market Wagon operates as an online farmer's market, delivering fresh, local produce directly to your doorstep every week. Join Rachel Kilmer in this episode of Connecting Kansas City as she interviews John Laughlin, the Head of Marketing at Market Wagon. Market Wagon is more than just a delivery service; it's a mission-driven company focused on supporting local farmers and pro...

Welcome to another episode of the "Connecting Kansas City" podcast! In this episode, your host Rachel Kilmer, also known as Rach the Realtor, sits down with Jennifer Wuebker, co-owner of Resettle Me, a specialized move management company in Kansas City. Jennifer shares valuable insights into the emotional and physical challenges that seniors face when downsizing or moving into senior liv...

What happens when a former investigator becomes the ultimate stay-at-home dad? In this episode of Connecting KC, Rachel Kilmer chats with Shannon Carpenter, the acclaimed author of "The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Dad Manual." Shannon shares his inspiring journey into stay-at-home fatherhood, navigating the challenges and joys of breaking traditional gender roles and building a supportive comm...

In this episode of "Connecting KC," host Rachel Kilmer (aka Rach the Realtor) sits down with Suzanne Wolff, president and owner of LandaJob. With over 25 years of experience in marketing, design, and recruiting, Suzanne shares invaluable tips for job seekers in Kansas City and beyond. Discover how to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems, the importance of networking, and h...

In this episode of the Connecting KC Podcast, host Rachel Kilmer, known as Rach the Realtor, interviews Maggie Nielsen, co-owner of Purse Strings, a platform dedicated to financial empowerment for women. Maggie discusses the unique challenges women face in achieving financial independence and how Purse Strings provides vital resources and vetted financial professionals to support them. Learn about...

In this episode of the Connecting Kansas City podcast, host Rachel Kilmer, also known as Rach the Realtor, connects with Shane Ewing, a former TV news anchor who now works as a financial advisor. Together, they reminisce about their days covering sports, including unforgettable experiences from the Kansas City Royals' World Series. Shane shares his journey from local news to finance, offering...

Welcome back to the Connecting KC Podcast! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of local manufacturing with Garret Prather, the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Sandlot Goods. This episode is packed with insights about Kansas City's unique business landscape, community pride, and the journey of Kansas City's only hat manufacturer. Episode Highlights: • About Garret Prather: Learn about G...

Discover the revolution in affordable housing taking place right here in Kansas City! Join us on this episode of Connecting Kansas City as we dive into the inspiring story of Godfrey Riddle and his innovative social enterprise, Civic Saint. Godfrey, an artist, nonprofit executive, and serial social entrepreneur, is on a mission to create sustainable, artful homes using compressed earthen blocks (C...