KC Leaders | Kansas City Business Podcast

eDiscover how Martha Jaynes is transforming services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Platte County and fostering a more inclusive and accessible Kansas City. This episode highlights innovative programs, community involvement, and leadership insights to inspire positive change. Main Topics Covered: The history and mission of Platte County Board of Services Innovations in transpor...

In this inspiring episode, host David sits down with Steve Sirois, founder of Callsign Brewing in North Kansas City, to explore his remarkable journey from a military veteran to a thriving craft brewery owner. Steve shares how his extensive service in the U.S. Air Force shaped his approach to entrepreneurship and community involvement. Discover the powerful story behind Callsign Brewing’s mission...

Dan Smith, co-founder of Porter House KC, discusses the mission of his organization to support entrepreneurs in the urban core of Kansas City. They offer small business development programs, mentoring, and soon-to-be-opening retail-based incubator. Smith emphasizes the importance of addressing the social determinants of health in the community and creating partnerships with organizations focused o...

Sarah Hill, CEO of Healium, discusses the creation of immersive media experiences to calm the mind. She shares her journey from being a journalist to starting a technology company and explains how Healium uses biofeedback and neurofeedback to create personalized media experiences. The technology works by capturing brain patterns and turning them into visual assets, allowing users to actively parti...

Lindsey Rood-Clifford, the president and CEO of the Starlight Theater, discusses her role in stewarding the legacy of the theater and the importance of arts education. She shares the upcoming changes at Starlight, including a capital campaign to add a canopy structure and expand programming. Lindsey emphasizes the value of the arts in society and the need for connection and shared experiences. She...

We are so excited to be kicking off Season 2 of KC Leaders Podcast with the inspiring and talented Latinx Muralist and Artist, Jose Faus. Jose holds community and Latin culture close to his heart, and it is evident in his work. In this episode of KC Leaders, Jose and Virginia touch on: Jose’s inspiration from seeing Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” at the MoMA Incorporating community and culture in his...

Are you holding yourself back? This week Ginny talks with stARTist and published author, Becky Blades. The two discuss the mental barriers preventing people from being creative, incredible motherly advice, and just doing that thing you want instead of talking about it. In this episode of KC Leaders, we are overjoyed to be sitting down with Becky Blades. Becky’s career has spanned journalism, publi...

Ready to talk about AI? David and AI expert, Dan Savino sit down to talk about what the AI revolution means for jobs, how AI is helping people, and the future of tech in Kansas City. Dan just blew us away in this episode. You will hear him boast about the kindness and opportunity that’s flooding KC, but you have to act on it- and that’s exactly what Dan did to end up in Kansas City. Some of the ke...

Ginny and photographer and artist, Adrienne Maples, discuss being open to change, combating isolation as an artist, and how to stay involved in Kansas City. We are pleased to sit down with renowned photographer, Adrienne Maples, who has a rich history spanning over 20 years in both film and digital media. Aside from her 20-year career as a photographer and artist, Adrienne is much more than just a...

When hearing about Quindaro for the first time, or even as in-depth as Stacy and David do here, it is both difficult and frustrating to simultaneously learn that the efforts being made to restore and support Quindaro are not as fruitful as they need to be. To learn more about being involved in Quindaro or to donate to its restoration, visit the Quindaro Ruins Townsite Project website. In this epis...

In this episode of the KC Leaders podcast, host David Maples interviews Herston Fails, the new CTO of StoryTailor, an AI-driven storytelling platform based in Kansas City. Herston is recognized as a technologist, connector, speaker, and futurist who has hosted events to bridge the gap between tech experts and novices. Herston emphasizes the importance of accessible technology and encourages early...

In this episode, David talks with Kansas City leader and former professional figure champion Candice McField. Tune in to hear insight into staying fit while working a corporate day job, how to turn your passion into a career, and ways to stay active. Join David as he delves into a conversation with Candice, who embodies the epitome of turning a passion for fitness into a thriving career. Discover...

David and TV Broadcaster for the KC Royals, Joel Goldberg talk about what it was like to be around during the Royal’s historic run, lesson you can learn from successful sports teams and much, much more. Joel Goldberg joins David on this episode of The KC Leaders Podcast to discuss his 25+ years of experience in sports and all the lessons he has learned along the way. Joel touches on: Investing in...

Virginia talks with artist and designer Clarissa Knighten about life, what inspires her art, and taking that big step towards your dream. On this introspective episode of The KC Leaders Podcast, Virginia sits down with Kansas City’s 2023 Influencer & Innovator, Clarissa Knighten. The two discuss: Leaving the corporate world & preparing for life as a full-time artist Impacts of being an inf...

In this episode, Gretchen Moran, the new Program Director at Parkville Chamber of Commerce, talks about exciting things happening around KC, finding your niche, and the importance of community. This week, Gretchen Moran, who is also the Parkville Chamber of Commerce’s newest Program Director, sits down with Virginia for a compelling conversation about her life’s path and how she ended up colliding...

This week, we’re joined by Kyle J. Smith of Determination Incorporated. Kyle is the found and Executive Director of this great organization that aims to help formerly incarcerated residents in Kansas City start a business of their own. In this episode, David and Kyle talk about the difficulties surrounding the penal system and reentry. In this episode of The KC Leaders Podcast, Kyle J Smith joins...

David talks with Lisa Pena of Urban Hikes KC about getting out of your comfort zone, seeing the sights around Kansas City, and some of the hidden gems around the city.  On this episode, we are joined by the wonderful and energized Lisa Peña, founder of Urban Hikes KC. Lisa, being a Kansas City, Kansas native, exposes her favorite areas and aspects of Kansas City. Lisa & David go on to discuss:...

Jan Jensen joins Virginia to talk about art, creativity, and the importance of mental health. Jan works to connect local Kansas City artists with residents in order to put more local art in more homes. Jan Jensen is the confidence-exuding artist that we all aspire to be. Comfortable in her skin and jovial about the arts, Jan joins Virginia for a conversation about all things art. The two discuss:...

On the inaugural episode of the KC Leaders Podcast, David Maples sits down with Rebecca Graham of United Real Estate KC to discuss Kansas City, pickle ball, and how to network and have fun around the city. Rebecca Graham at United Real Estate KC - https://rebeccagraham.unitedrealestat... Rebecca's BBQ suggestion: Burnt ends from Joe's Kansas City - https://www.joeskc.com/ Also mentioned in the epi...

David interviews Camry Ivory, a local artist and the inventor of Coloratura, an interesting way to paint with music. The two discuss the divide in Kansas City, how they hope to continue to help KC grow, and the incredible art and music around the city. Camry Ivory- musician, artist, inventor, and Tracey Amos fan- joins David on this week's episode of The KC Leaders, to discuss her invention, The C...