Lee's Summit Town Hall

In this episode, Nick Parker sits down with Babir Sultan, owner of FavTrip convenience stores, to explore an unconventional approach to running a gas station business. Babir shares his journey from being a doorman in Brooklyn to becoming a tech-savvy entrepreneur who's revolutionizing the convenience store industry through social media, AI, and community engagement. Discover how FavTrip reaches ne...

Join host Nick Parker as he sits down with Seth Moses, branch manager at Mid-Continent Public Library's Colburn Road branch, to explore how modern libraries have transformed into vibrant community hubs that go far beyond books. Discover the surprising services available like passport acceptance and notary services, learn about Book Speed Dating events for finding your next great read, and hear how...

For National Suicide Prevention Month, host Nick Parker talks with Kirstie Millar and Heather Mason from ReDiscover Mental Health about how Lee's Summit is pioneering mental health crisis response through their co-responder program that embeds trained professionals with police officers. The conversation covers the 988 Crisis Lifeline, why talking about suicide creates safety rather than danger, an...

Host Nick Parker welcomes Megan Mercer and Pearl Rovaris MacDonald from the all-female improv comedy troupe, Pretty. Funny., for a hilarious conversation about their 17+ year journey in Kansas City comedy. Pearl shares how a double-dog dare in the late 80s launched her comedy career, while Megan discusses joining the troupe fresh out of college in 1999. Together, they reveal the secrets behind the...

In this episode of Lee's Summit Town Hall, hosts Nick Parker and Vanessa Hickman sit down with Meals on Wheels of Lee's Summit representatives Jenni Edwards (Operations Director), Terry Kincheloe (Board Member), and Susan Newsome (Board Member) to explore the 50-year journey of this vital community organization. From its humble beginnings in 1974 serving 15 clients to today's operation delivering...

In this episode, Nick Parker and Collin Brich discuss the upcoming Lee Summit Jazz Fest, highlighting the festival's details, food offerings, musical lineup, and community impact. They emphasize the importance of local businesses, volunteer opportunities, and the overall excitement surrounding the event.

In this heartfelt episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes special guest Nikeese Hannibal for an honest and reflective conversation centered around Father's Day. This episode delves into the unique experiences of growing up without a dad. Nick and Nikeese share personal stories, exploring the emotional complexities of loss, absence, and the different forms of mentor...

Summer is officially getting ready to start. Downtown Lee's Summit's Julie Cook and Jenny Gale drop by the vault to sing us a song about next week's Downtown Days festival - my, and yours, kickoff to summer. In addition to some improv singing, we're filling you in on all the details of this popular annual festival drawing more than 80,000 people into our historic shopping and entertainment distric...

Host Nick Parker and Jason Norbury discuss the exciting progress on Lee's Summit's new downtown farmers market and performance space on Green Street, set to open in August after years of planning. The duo also covers the early announcement of two mayoral candidates — business owner and City Council member Cynda Rader and current Mayor Pro Tem Beto Lopez — who are already positioning themselves for...

Ever wondered what happens when passion meets plastic bricks? In Episode 862 of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes Phil and Lori Volen, the creative minds behind Phillori Phigures (see what they did there?). These downtown Lee's Summit entrepreneurs transformed their pandemic hobby into a thriving business crafting custom, Lego-compatible figures that are captivating col...

In this election-focused episode, host Nick Parker and guest Jason Norbury provide a breakdown of the four candidates competing for just two available seats on the Lee's Summit Board of Education. They explore the priorities and perspectives of Michelle Dawson, Jennifer Foley (current board president and lone incumbent), Nikki Nickens, and Leon Weatherby. The discussion delves into critical issues...

In this episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes Lee's Summit R-7 School District Superintendent Dr. David Buck and Associate Superintendent Dr. Steve Shelton to discuss the upcoming $225 million no-tax-increase bond issue on the ballot. They delve into the specifics of the bond, which aims to address capital needs such as building renovations, safety improvements,...

In this episode of the Lee’s Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes Demetrios Walker, Community and Engagement Business Partner at ReDiscover, a nonprofit mental health center dedicated to supporting individuals affected by mental illness and substance use disorders. Demetrios shares insights into ReDiscover’s commitment to providing accessible and culturally competent mental health s...

In this episode of the Lee’s Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes back Downtown Lee's Summit Main Street's Julie Cook and Jenny Gale to chat about the second annual Shamrock the Block event! Happening afrom 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, this St. Patrick’s celebration is bigger and better than ever, packed with inflatables, food trucks, live entertainment, and even a bubble party!  Ju...

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, Jason Norbury is back on the Lee’s Summit Town Hall podcast! Host Nick Parker welcomes his longtime co-host to dive into the latest in local elections — the four candidates vying for two school board seats, and the critical role of the board in shaping district policies. But that’s not all — there's big news at Link 2 Lee’s Summit! Nick and Jason announce the ad...

In this episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker sits down with Chris Madden, executive director of Lee’s Summit CARES. From his early aspirations in the arts to his leadership in education and community service, Chris shares his journey and the passion driving his work. They explore the vital resources available to help teens make informed decisions about their futures, as...

In this episode of Lee’s Summit Town Hall Podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes back Brian Pilachowski — graphic artist, entrepreneur, and the new owner of The Local Foundery. As the creative force behind Press Monkey Studio, Brian shares his journey of taking over the beloved local shop, the art of nostalgia-driven design, and the challenges of running a small business. From expanding his product li...

Join host Nick Parker on this week’s Lee’s Summit Town Hall podcast as he sits down with Seth Allen, the mastermind behind Libations & Co. and The 1909 Club. From cozy cocktails to lively jazz nights, Seth shares the incredible journey of transforming his businesses into a cornerstone of downtown Lee's Summit nightlife. Discover the secrets behind the dual vibes of Libations — a chic lounge do...

Get ready for an extra special episode of the Lee’s Summit Town Hall Podcast as Nick Parker is joined by the jolliest guest of all — Santa Claus! And we don't stop there. Former co-host Jason Norbury makes a surprise visit to The Vault to join the annual conversation with the man from the North Pole. Recorded on December 19th, this festive conversation is packed with holiday cheer, laughter, and h...

In this jolly episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker teams up with Collin Brich, Community Manager at Bridge Space, to unwrap some of the holiday fun happening downtown! First on the list: Story Time with Santa! It’s the perfect family outing filled with heartwarming tales, photo ops with the big guy in red, and a chance to give back to local nonprofits. (Ho ho ho!) Next,...

In episode 850 of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes back Pastor Hans Koschmann and community relations expert Vanessa Hickman. The episode focuses on the importance of nonprofit work in the community, highlighting the collaboration between local businesses and nonprofits. Hans discusses the 'ministry of the month' initiative at his church, which aims to spotlight variou...

In episode 849 of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes back John Beaudoin, a business owner and communications expert, to discuss the importance of community involvement and volunteerism in Lee's Summit. In addition to exploring the vital role nonprofits play in the community, they talk about the benefits local businesses see when they get involved with the work of the loc...

In this episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes Courtney Laufketter, co-owner of Budget Blinds of Lee's Summit. They discuss the significance of community service and local business involvement, exploring how giving back not only enriches the community but also strengthens business relationships. Courtney shares her family's commitment to supporting local organizat...

The event "Feed Lee's Summit" is scheduled for Friday, November 15th, at the John Knox Pavilion. Doors will open at 5:30 PM for VIPs and at 6:00 PM for general admission. The event will feature live and silent auctions, entertainment from Fountain City Ivory's dueling piano group, and food from 16 local restaurants. The proceeds will support several local nonprofits, including One Good Meal, Meals...

In this episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker hands over the reins to a group of students from the Lee's Summit R-7 School District. They discuss their upcoming season of the "I Can Relate" podcast where teens share their perspectives on important issues like mental health and bullying. The students emphasize the need for genuine conversations and the importance of being...