There's Just Something About Kansas City

When Kansas City celebrates, chances are Keli O’Neill Wenzel is behind it.  As President and CEO of O’Neill Events , Keli has helped shape some of the biggest moments in Kansas City history, from World Series and Super Bowl parades to the NFL Draft and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. She and her team have also been the “wonder engineers” behind the KC Irish Fest , Boulevardia, the streetcar expa...

As we kick off the New Year, we’re revisiting one of our most compelling conversations — a Best Of episode featuring Peter Mallouk, President and CEO of Creative Planning , one of the fastest-growing independent wealth management firms in the United States with more than $370 billion in assets under management. Before becoming a nationally recognized leader in finance, Peter’s story began right he...

As we ring in the New Year, we’re revisiting one of our most inspiring conversations — a Best Of episode featuring Danny O’Neill , founder of Kansas City’s iconic The Roasterie Coffee Company . Born one of ten children in Denison, Iowa , Danny always knew he wanted to build something meaningful. That spark turned into a calling during a high school exchange semester in Costa Rica , where he picked...

This Christmas week, we’re revisiting one of our all-time favorite conversations — a Best Of episode celebrating the legendary Denny Matthews , the longtime radio voice of the Kansas City Royals . Denny Matthews has been behind the mic since the Royals’ very first game in 1969 , making him one of the longest-tenured broadcasters in Major League Baseball history . From mailing his résumé and demo t...

Marilyn Maye is an American treasure and one of the greatest American Songbook and showtune singers of all time. A true cabaret legend, she made history with a record 76 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and has spent decades captivating audiences around the world. In this episode, Marilyn reflects on her extraordinary career, her deep connection to Kansas City’s jazz legacy,...

Mary Don Beachy has devoted her life to inspiring others, first as a beloved Kansas City schoolteacher, and now as an author whose stories, humor, and heart continue to make an impact. She’s published five books, including two Kansas City–themed cookbooks: Step Up to the Plate, KC and Step Up for Seconds, KC . In this episode, Mary Don reflects on her years in education, the lessons that shaped he...

In this special episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City , the tables are turned as Executive Director—and Frank’s wife—Sarah McEnerney-Boal steps into the host chair to interview the man behind the mic. Frank opens up about his remarkable journey before Kansas City ever entered the picture: the unlikely and hilarious story of his recruitment to Villanova, the tough decision that broke...

In this episode, Frank Boal sits down with Jonathan Thomas , President & CEO of American Century Investments , to explore how one of Kansas City’s most influential financial firms has woven purpose directly into its business model. Jonathan breaks down the company’s unique ownership structure , where over 40% of profits support life-changing medical discoveries at the Stowers Institute for Med...

Step into The Rabbit hOle , the world’s first immersive storybook museum right here in North Kansas City . In this episode, co-founder Pete Cowdin shares how he and Deb Pettit pulled from their experience at Reading Reptile, Kansas City’s beloved children’s bookstore, to create a groundbreaking cultural landmark where classic characters leap off the page and into real life. Pete takes us behind th...

He’s loud. He’s proud. And he’s painted head-to-toe in teal. Meet Richard Harper, better known as Teal Man: the ultimate Kansas City Current superfan who brings unstoppable energy and love to every match. From the first whistle to the final minute, Richard’s passion for KC Current soccer is contagious. In this episode, he shares how it all started, why he dedicates so much of himself to supporting...

Every city has one legendary bar. The kind of place where stories start, friendships grow, and the night never really ends. In Kansas City, that place is Kelly’s Westport Inn .  Standing tall in its original 1800s building, once owned by Daniel Boone’s grandson , Kelly’s isn’t just a bar - it’s a living piece of Kansas City history . Wagon trains once stopped here before heading west, and today, l...

Buckle up, Kansas City—this one’s a wild ride. He’s loud, he’s funny, and he’s been shaking up the airwaves for over three decades. In this episode, we sit down with Johnny Dare , the legendary host of The Johnny Dare Morning Show on 98.9 The Rock, to talk about his journey from high school dropout to one of the most recognizable voices in Midwest radio. Johnny opens up about 34 years of radio may...

What does it take to run a world-class zoo and aquarium ? In this episode, we’re joined by Sean Putney , Executive Director and CEO of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium , to explore how this beloved KC institution balances conservation, education, and family fun. From the Zoo’s brand-new state-of-the-art aquarium to its role in wildlife care and community engagement, Putney shares insider stories...

The Black Archives of Mid-America is one of Kansas City’s most important cultural institutions, and at its helm is the dynamic and incredible Dr. Carmaletta Williams . Known locally as Dr. Carma, she’s a scholar, author, and lifelong advocate for preserving the history of African American life and culture . In this episode, Dr. Williams shares her journey from educator to cultural leader, the stor...

Kansas City isn’t just famous for barbecue—it’s making history with the world’s first Museum of Barbecue . In this episode, we sit down with founder and food writer Jonathan Bender , an East Coast foodie turned KC convert, who has dedicated his life to documenting America’s most mouthwatering comfort food. From burnt ends and rib tips to the pitmasters who built KC’s reputation, Jonathan shares th...

Do you know the real story behind Ted Lasso? Meet Donnie Campbell: the longtime Kansas high school basketball coach known not just for his winning record, but for the way he builds relationships, instills confidence, and teaches life's lessons through the game. Years ago, Donnie coached a young Jason Sudeikis, who would later model his Emmy Award winning character, Ted Lasso, after Coach Campb...

Discover the incredible journey of Michael Mackie : 8-time Emmy Award–winning journalist and one of Kansas City’s most recognizable media personalities. Known for interviewing nearly 1,000 celebrities, including 11 Oscar winners, Mackie shares the untold stories behind his new book “You Have 4 Minutes!” and his life as a go-to celebrity interviewer. He’ll tell you he’s locally famous for being loc...

Celebrate the 100th episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City with a special live panel recorded at J. Rieger & Co. Host Frank Boal brings together four of Kansas City’s most influential leaders: Andy Rieger (President, J. Rieger & Co.), Kathy Nelson (President & CEO, Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation), George Guastello (President & C...

Deron Cherry is a Kansas City Chiefs legend and one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history. In this episode, Deron reflects on his incredible journey from undrafted free agent punter to six-time Pro Bowl safety and member of the Chiefs Hall of Honor. We dive into the defining moments of the 1980s Kansas City Chiefs defense, the lessons that fueled his NFL success, and the impact of his lea...

Mike Davidson, longtime Kansas City Chiefs Head Equipment Manager turned Chiefs Historian, takes us behind the scenes of one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises. In this episode, Mike shares unforgettable stories about Lamar Hunt, the visionary who not only founded the Chiefs but also helped shape today’s National Football League. From the creation of the AFL-NFL merger, to how the name “Super Bow...

Julian Zugazagoitia, Director and CEO of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, has lived, studied and worked at some of the greatest art museums in the world - and museums in places like Mexico City, Paris and NYC helped him develop a deep love for art and artists from all corners of the globe. In today’s episode, Julian shares what landed him in the heart of the Midwest, where he’s spen...

Peter Mallouk is the President and CEO of Creative Planning , one of the fastest-growing independent wealth management firms in the United States with over $370 billion in assets under management. But before becoming one of the most influential voices in finance, Mallouk’s story started right here in Kansas City. The son of Egyptian immigrants, Peter Mallouk learned the value of hard work early, t...

After losing her husband, Marine helicopter pilot Shawn Campbell, in a tragic night operations training accident, Kelli Campbell-Goodnow faced the unimaginable: raising four young children alone. Joining her parents in Kansas City, Kelli transformed her grief into a mission to serve others. Today, as Executive Director of the Valor Partners Foundation , she is working to provide scholarship suppor...

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 educa...

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...