This Podcast Is... Uncalled For

Today we are interviewing Sarah Preu, who is running for the United States House of Representatives in the Kansas 3rd Congressional District, and will be in a primary with incumbent Sharice Davids.  She talks about why she chose to run, the issues we've experienced with the local Democratic Party, and the issues in the race. Sarah's website: sarahpreu2026.com

Today we're talking to Anne Parelkar, one of 11 candidates for the Democratic nomination for the US Senate.  We talk about the issues in the race, as well as problems with the political parties. Anne's campaign website: www.anneforkansas.com

Today we are joined by Erik Murray, one of 11 Democratic candidates for the US Senate in Kansas.  We talk about the issues in this race, as well as issues with state policies and the local party establishment. Erik's campaign site: https://www.erikforkansas.com

To avoid any confusion: Sun Tzu is not a style of Kung Fu, but the legendary author of the ancient Chinese classic The Art of War. This episode is also the finale for Season 10.

Today we interview Kansas City area horror writer Stacy Walsh.  We talk about the KC horror scene and how her writing could translate to film. Check out Stacy's work at authorstacywalsh.com

Today we're joined by Gerry Strain, a Scottish football expert with lots of skin in the beautiful game.  We talk about the World Cup, the historic significance of Aston Villa winning the Europa League title, the monopoly of Celtic and Rangers in Scottish football, and comparisons to American sports.

Congratulations to the Louisville Kings on winning United Bowl 3! We'll be back next year.  Not sure it will be on this feed. United Bowl 3: Louisville 27, DC 20

Yes, Mike is ordained through the Universal Life Church, which offers online ordination. No, he doesn't do weddings. Today's Thoughts episode explores the idea of priesthood and why Mike doesn't do weddings.

United Bowl 3 is set! Playoffs: DC 28, Orlando 22 Louisville 29, St. Louis 20 United Bowl 3: Saturday, June 13 - DC vs. Louisville

Today's episode is a special one with the FIFA World Cup starting soon! Our guest today is David Chimbaza, a British sports professional and big association football (or what we Yanks call soccer) fan.  We talk about the World Cup and the differences between English football and American sports.  (David is a Manchester United fan, but we won't hold it against him.)

Mike's guest today is his chess co-worker Jason Ward.  They talk about chess, being tall men (Jason is 7 foot tall), geek culture, celebrities, and the fact he was (until recently) neighbors with some dude named Travis.  Must listen for the Swifties.

It's playoffs time!! Week 10: Dallas 20, St. Louis 16 Houston 26, Birmingham 13 Orlando 29, DC 23 Louisville 42, Columbus 27 Playoffs: Sunday, June 7 - DC vs. Orlando in Columbus; Louisville at St. Louis

We've made it to 200 episodes!!! Thank you to everyone who appeared on the podcast and supported us over the years!! Program breakdown: AI Generated Review of the Podcast (demonstrating why we won't be using AI to produce content for the podcast) Mike's 2026 tournament picks (they're garbage - and we got a surprise visit from Chris Hurt) Our special "bagel session" with Chris Hurt Review of the mo...

One more week!  One more playoff spot to fill! Week 9: Orlando 27, DC 19 Columbus 36, Birmingham 29 Louisville 37, Dallas 23 St. Louis 21, Houston 15 Week 10: Friday, May 29 - Dallas at St. Louis Saturday, May 30 - Houston at Birmingham Sunday, May 31 - Orlando at DC; Louisville at Columbus Playoffs: Orlando, St. Louis, and DC are in! Louisville and Birmingham are still alive for that final spot C...

Mike had the opportunity to attend the opening of the Riverfront Extension of the KC Streetcar system.  And... he was on the second streetcar out of the brand new stop!  We'll share our recording of the ceremony as well as Mike's experience on the line.

Today's guest is Kat Anna, a Polish-Canadian men's health expert.  You'll love this conversation. Check out Kat's work at menneedlovetoo.org

We're almost there, and one team has clinched! Week 8: Orlando 31, Dallas 24 Louisville 33, DC 30 Houston 23, St. Louis 16 Birmingham 14, Columbus 3 Week 9: Friday, May 22 - DC at Orlando Saturday, May 23 - Birmingham at Columbus Sunday, May 24 - Dallas at Louisville; St. Louis at Houston

We are joined in this episode by Natanya Ruth, a health and wellness specialist, yoga instructor, and author. Check out her work at natanyaruth.com

7 down, 3 to go. Shoutout to the BattleHawks for honoring the Greatest Show on Turf Rams!! Week 7: St. Louis 31, Columbus 20 Louisville 30, DC 13 Birmingham 21, Dallas 17 (OT) Orlando 24, Houston 23 Week 8: Friday, May 15 - Orlando vs. Dallas at Fort Hood, TX Saturday, May 16 - DC at Louisville; Houston at St. Louis Sunday, May 17 - Columbus at Birmingham

We are joined in today's episode by Canadian guitarist and musician Chris Eveland.

Welcome to Week 7!  We're back to a more detailed episode this week, with a review of Week 6, some season stats, news on United Bowl 3, and a preview of Week 7 Week 6: St. Louis 16, Louisville 3 Columbus 24, Houston 17 DC 24, Dallas 6 Birmingham 20, Orlando 17 Week 7: Friday, May 8 - Columbus at St. Louis Saturday, May 9 - Louisville at DC; Dallas at Birmingham Sunday, May 10 - Orlando at Houston

It's finally happening!! Part 1 is about the Kansas City city council okaying $600 million to develop Washington Square Park and Crown Center as a ballpark district for the Royals. Part 2 is about the official team announcement that the Royals are, indeed, moving Downtown - to Crown Center! Expect the new ballpark to be open by 2031.

Mandy Alexis is a Canadian expat living in Nicaragua at the time of this recording.  She was on to talk about her story with addiction and finding ways to recover and being human.  Truly interesting discussion.

Welcome to Week 6!  We're halfway there!  Let's quickly review Week 5 and preview Week 6. Week 5: DC 45, Birmingham 28 St. Louis 25, Orlando 17 Houston 17, Columbus 13 Louisville 47, Dallas 25 Week 6: Thursday, April 30 - St. Louis at Louisville Friday, May 1 - Houston at Columbus Saturday, May 2 - Dallas at DC Sunday, May 3 - Birmingham at Orlando

Yes, Mike was at the opening for the KC Streetcar's Main Street extension.  Not only did he get the audio from the festivities, he got to ride one of the first streetcars on the extension.  And he's here to talk about it. Update (4/26/26): I want to apologize for the original opening.  It did not mean my personal standards, so it has been replaced.  I hope you enjoy this more cleaned up version.