Kansas City Bucket List Podcast

Mindy Hargesheimer
  • 4.4 (11)
  • Places & Travel
  • Weekly

🎙️ Telling the stories of the local people and businesses that make Kansas City amazing, one conversation at a time! 🎧 New episodes streaming on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!

  1. 5d ago

    Carter James Ranch: Regenerative Ranching Near KC with Robbie and Jamie Ballard

    What does it take to trade real estate for a herd of cattle? Robbie and Jamie Ballard of Carter James Ranch in Paola, KS share how they went from a few backyard chickens to more than 300 head, and why it changed the way they look at food. Just 45 minutes from downtown Kansas City, on a candy-striped 1895 dairy ranch across from the Paola country club, first-generation ranchers Robbie and Jamie Ballard are raising South Poll and Wagyu cattle, Katahdin hair sheep, laying hens and pasture-raised meat chickens. In this episode, they talk about why they left real estate after COVID and the loss of their nephew Carter, the ranch's namesake. They also explain why they chose not to sell their calves into the industrial system and what "regenerative ranching" actually looks like on the land. We dig into the labels you see at the grocery store, including grass-fed vs. grass-finished, "all natural," "antibiotic free" and "raw." We also cover how to buy a quarter, half or whole beef share (and whether it'll fit in your freezer), Jamie's personal-shopper-style membership boxes, why their lamb might just convert you, and why local food costs what it costs. Plus: rotational grazing, dung beetles, blue and brown eggs, heritage hens, how to visit the ranch for pasture walks, farm stays and the Miami County Farm Tour, and a rapid-fire round on their Kansas City bucket list (and whether cow tipping is real). If you've ever wondered where your food comes from, or wanted a reason to escape the concrete jungle for a day, add this one to your KC bucket list. Key topics: Going from real estate to first-generation ranching in Paola, KS The story behind the Carter James Ranch name South Poll cattle (developed by Teddy Gentry of the band Alabama) and Wagyu Regenerative ranching, rotational grazing and quitting herbicides cold turkey Decoding grocery store labels: grass-fed, grass-finished, antibiotic free, non-GMO Buying bulk beef: quarter, half and whole shares explained Membership boxes, delivery around Kansas City and farm pickup Why pasture-raised lamb, chicken and eggs taste and look different Why supporting local farms and businesses matters Visiting the ranch: pasture walks, events, farm stays and the Miami County Farm Tour Links & Mentions: Website: carterjamesranch.com Love discovering the people and places that make Kansas City special? Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend who needs to get out of their bubble and onto a ranch. CHAPTERS 0:00 – Intro: Meet Robbie and Jamie Ballard 0:56 – What Carter James Ranch raises 3:15 – From Colorado to Kansas: the backstory 4:07 – COVID, real estate and a life-changing pivot 6:20 – The story behind the name Carter James 9:30 – How do you even buy a sheep? Getting started 10:12 – South Poll cattle and the Alabama connection 12:45 – The historic 1895 ranch on North Pearl in Paola 15:16 – Outgrowing the land and expanding to Osage City 16:12 – Farm pickup and plans for an on-site store 19:06 – Three businesses under one ranch roof 19:56 – Quitting herbicides and letting nature work 25:45 – Grocery store labels: what they really mean 31:12 – Why they won't sell into the industrial system 34:35 – A day in the life and the South Poll and Wagyu herds 36:09 – Growing from 6 steers to 300+ head 40:10 – Rotational grazing and learning on YouTube 41:48 – Using AI on the ranch, and remembering Carter 43:21 – How to buy: delivery, online store and membership boxes 50:48 – Quarter, half and whole beef shares explained 54:29 – Why you should give lamb another try 56:48 – Taste test: air-chilled chicken and grass-finished beef 1:01:48 – Protein, nutrition and rethinking the American diet 1:06:59 – Eggs, heritage hens and glyphosate 1:11:44 – Know your farmer, and why local costs more 1:15:53 – What regenerative ranching really means 1:19:35 – Buy a little, consistently 1:21:10 – What supporting local means to them 1:27:05 – Helping others get what they want, plus blue eggs 1:28:54 – Visit the ranch: pasture walks, farm stays and the farm tour 1:31:12 – Rapid fire: their Kansas City bucket list 1:33:12 – Favorite cuts and go-to meals 1:33:54 – The hardest part and the best part of ranching 1:35:55 – Have they ever been cow tipping? 1:36:28 – Where to find Carter James Ranch 1:37:19 – Outro Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

  2. Oct 21 ·  Video

    Kasim Hardaway: From $500K Influencer to Healing Filmmaker

    He walked away from a $500,000 influencer career with no plan, and found his way back to himself. Kasim Hardaway, one of Kansas City's original food influencers, joins Mindy to talk burnout, healing, filmmaking, and the art installation that's moving people all over KC. Long before everyone had a ring light, Kasim was one of the few people in Kansas City calling himself an influencer. He went from making maps for Google Fiber to launching a recipe blog, covering KC restaurants, and landing national brand deals as an Aldi spokesperson and video content lead for Impossible Foods. Then, during a nonstop summer of 2024, everything came crashing down. In this honest and hopeful conversation, Kasim opens up about childhood pressure to be perfect, burnout and depression, the day he emailed his agency to say he was done, and what came next: weekly therapy, a daily practice of silence, and a creative rebirth. He talks about The Unbecoming, his six-part experiential short film that premiered in Kansas City and screened at festivals in Culver City and Gary, Indiana, and Take What You Need, the interactive mental health art installation that has popped up at Union Station, City Market, and Americana Festival. He also shares what's next, from The Healing Forest to two original screenplays, plus his own Kansas City bucket list and his perfect KC day, from local coffee to dinner at Fox and Pearl, Town & Co., Novel, or Anjin. Whether you're a content creator feeling the burnout, someone navigating your own mental health journey, or just love a great Kansas City comeback story, this one's for you. Content note: This episode includes discussion of depression and passive suicidal thoughts. KEY TOPICS The early days of the Kansas City influencer and food blogger scene Kasim's path from New Jersey to North Kansas City High School, Washburn, and UMKC Building a food content career with Aldi, Impossible Foods, Whole Foods, and Crockpot Walking away from a $500K career and supporting a family through the change Childhood trauma, perfectionism, and tying self-worth to productivity Burnout, depression, and finding help through therapy The Unbecoming film and book, and its six chapters: Stuck, Control, Death, Shedding, The Void, and Return Take What You Need, the interactive letter installation, and the stories behind it The Healing Forest and Kasim's screenplays, On the Other Side and Picture Perfect Advice for content creators and simple mental health practices like silence, journaling, and gratitude walks Kasim's KC bucket list and his favorite Kansas City food and coffee spots LINKS & MENTIONS: instagram.com/kasimjhardaway/ linktr.ee/kasimjhardaway facebook.com/kasimjhardaway ove this episode? Follow the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss a KC story, leave us a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it today. CHAPTERS 0:00 – Intro: The OG days of Kansas City influencers 1:42 – From food influencer to multidisciplinary artist 2:57 – From New Jersey to Kansas City 4:36 – North KC High, Washburn, and UMKC 5:26 – Parks and Rec dreams and making maps for Google Fiber 7:26 – Starting a recipe blog and becoming a KC influencer 9:20 – Nostalgia for the simpler days of social media 10:38 – Restaurants, COVID, and going viral 11:44 – Aldi, Impossible Foods, and big brand deals 13:22 – Walking away from a $500K career with no plan 16:26 – Childhood trauma and the pressure to be perfect 18:39 – Moving back home and family conversations 19:50 – The summer of 2024 and hitting a breaking point 22:42 – Telling his agency he was done 24:25 – Talking to Mom and starting therapy 25:37 – Finding a creative path in film 26:28 – The moment of clarity 28:43 – Intuition and the power of daily silence 31:34 – The Unbecoming: making his first film 34:41 – The six chapters of The Unbecoming 36:39 – Catharsis and the foundation of his work 37:52 – Festival circuit: Culver City and Gary, Indiana 40:04 – The Unbecoming book and six-week reset 41:36 – What is Take What You Need? 42:54 – How the installation came to be 45:10 – Pop-ups, 3D printing, and taking it worldwide 48:09 – Why you should take just one letter 50:02 – Unforgettable stories from the installation 51:57 – The Healing Forest 53:53 – Screenplays: On the Other Side and Picture Perfect 57:24 – Mental health advice: grace, empathy, and time for yourself 59:49 – Gratitude walks 1:01:24 – Who am I when the performance ends? 1:04:05 – Advice for content creators today 1:06:13 – Dream goals: a college tour and directing a feature film 1:08:40 – Kasim's Kansas City bucket list: kayaking 1:09:17 – A perfect day in KC: coffee, cooking, and dinner spots 1:11:42 – Would he ever open a restaurant? 1:12:30 – Wrap-up Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

  3. Oct 13

    Meet Teal Man: KC Current's Ultimate Fan!

    He's teal from head to toe, his beard is pure glitter, and he's at nearly every KC Current home match. Richard Harper, aka Teal Man, shares how a former band teacher from Fort Scott became one of Kansas City's most recognizable sports fans. Mindy met Richard at the Kansas City Diamonds media day and knew she had to get him on the show. He showed up fully teal'd out. In this episode, Teal Man shares where the whole look started: face paint in his college marching band, then holiday-parade glitter beards to win over his middle school students. It took off about five years ago, when a PA announcement at a Monarchs game led him to the KC Current. He walks through his full get-ready routine, from the primer and layers of paint to his homemade glitter blend and the plastic-wrap trick that saves his sink. He also explains why the kilt is a nod to his mom's family heritage and to Kansas City's Irish Fest. Richard also talks about growing up hard of hearing and reading lips by age three, and why he wouldn't change it. He shares how his mom, his biggest role model, raised him to champion equality and women's sports. He explains what TEAL stands for (Trust, Entertainment, Accepting, Love) and why being whimsical in a serious world matters. He tells the stories behind filming an Amazon Prime "No Matter How You Fan" commercial in Montreal, working as a background extra on Ted Lasso, and partnering with United Way. He describes the community feel at CPKC Stadium and his big dream of making Teal Man a full-time gig. He closes with his Kansas City bucket list and his idea of a perfect KC day around the Plaza. Key topics: How Teal Man was born, from marching band face paint to KC Current superfan The full glitter beard and body paint process, and how it comes off Growing up hard of hearing and finding his passion for music Raised by a trailblazing mom and a lifelong love of women's sports United Way partnership, Waymaker Awards, and United Way 211 Amazon Prime commercial in Montreal and a Ted Lasso cameo Why the KC Current game-day experience at CPKC Stadium feels like home The Berkley Riverfront, River Market, and loving life on the Country Club Plaza His KC bucket list: 1587 Prime, Broadway-style shows, Helzberg Hall movie concerts, and more His perfect KC day: Kauffman Memorial Garden, Milwaukee Delicatessen, The Dub, and a Current match Links & Mentions: Richard Harper / Teal Man thattealguy@gmail.com Kansas City Current Love this episode? Follow the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss a local adventure. Leave us a 5-star rating and review, and share this episode with the KC Current fan in your life. And if you spot Teal Man at a match, say hi! CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Intro: Teal Man joins the show 1:56 – How it all started with the KC Current 3:21 – Mom, Fort Scott roots, and a love of women's sports 7:13 – The origin story: marching band face paint and the first glitter beards 11:59 – Moving to KC, his wife's theater career, and teaching adaptive music 16:49 – Leaving education for transportation to make room for Teal Man 19:02 – How long it takes to get ready: the full paint and glitter routine 26:57 – Building the look: the kilt, shoes, scarves, and retired gear 32:43 – Fan gifts, paintings, and the "King Richard" portrait 34:13 – The first match in full teal and what kids say 37:05 – Mascot or superfan? Becoming an ambassador for women's sports 39:43 – Getting recognized out of costume, and the story behind "Uncle Dick" 44:28 – Teal Man's relationship with the KC Current 46:40 – United Way partnership, Waymaker Awards, and United Way 211 51:12 – Big dreams: making Teal Man a full-time gig 52:41 – Filming an Amazon Prime commercial in Montreal 55:41 – Game-day energy and the supporters section 56:42 – The Longs, KC Current 2, and Brittany Mahomes 1:01:02 – Background extra on Ted Lasso 1:02:15 – Who is Richard Harper without the paint? 1:04:26 – Life lessons from Dad and why the beard means patience 1:06:47 – What makes a KC Current match at CPKC Stadium special 1:09:34 – How the Current has impacted Kansas City 1:11:08 – Choosing to do good: blood donation and paying it forward 1:14:14 – Growing up hard of hearing 1:19:40 – The music that moves him most 1:22:08 – Taking it all off, plus the finishing touches 1:25:37 – Glitter in weird places and life near the Berkley Riverfront 1:28:33 – The riverfront development, River Market, and the streetcar 1:30:29 – Social Symphony KC, D&D, and what TEAL stands for 1:34:41 – Richard's Kansas City bucket list 1:38:44 – A perfect day in KC as Richard Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

  4. Oct 5

    Kansas City Orthodontist Dr. Jay Joshi on Smiles, Braces, Mouth Tape & Airway Health

    Why should every 7-year-old get an orthodontic screening, and is mouth tape actually a good idea? Dr. Jay Joshi of Stay Smiling Orthodontics in Overland Park and Lenexa makes orthodontics fun and clears up the myths. Mindy sits down with the orthodontist her own daughter goes to, and they get into all the things you'd never think to ask. Dr. Joshi grew up in St. Louis, went through braces, headgear, and an expander himself, studied psychology, picked UMKC over the Ivy League, and then (with a big push from his wife) chose Kansas City over St. Louis. Now he's on a mission to make the orthodontist's office warm, welcoming, and anything but stuffy. From the airway warning signs parents miss to the truth about veneers, looksmaxxing, and mewing, this episode is packed with info for parents with little ones and for adults thinking about braces again (his oldest patient is 81!). Plus, you'll hear what's on Dr. Joshi's personal Kansas City bucket list, from local beer to a James Beard-nominated Overland Park chef. In this episode: The difference between a dentist and an orthodontist (and why you don't need a referral) Why every kid should be screened around age 7, and why screening doesn't mean treatment Phase 1 vs. Phase 2: why some kids get braces twice Metal, ceramic, gold braces, and clear aligners, plus how TikTok brought metal braces back Thumb sucking, mouth breathing, snoring, grinding, bedwetting, and the link between airway and ADHD Is mouth tape OK for kids? Dr. Joshi's take Palate expanders: when they help and when to see an ENT first GLP-1s like Ozempic, medications, and your gums and saliva Mouthwash, fluoride vs. hydroxyapatite, and whether to floss or brush first Myofunctional therapy explained Adult orthodontics, veneers vs. "natural veneers," and what makes a great smile Social media myths: lower jaw expansion, looksmaxxing, mewing, and MARPEs Dr. Joshi's Kansas City bucket list Whether you're a Kansas City parent, an adult who skipped your retainer for a couple decades, or just love learning from local experts, this one's for you. LINKS & MENTIONS Dr. Jay Joshi / Stay Smiling Orthodontics  Stay Smiling Orthodontics on Instagram Kansas City Bucket List on Instagram Kansas City Bucket List Love the show? Follow Kansas City Bucket List on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode, leave us a 5-star rating and review, and share this episode with a KC parent who needs it. It helps more Kansas City voices reach more listeners! CHAPTERS 0:00 – Intro and what's ahead 1:58 – Meet Dr. Jay Joshi: St. Louis roots and growing up around medicine 6:31 – His own braces, headgear, and expander story 9:08 – From psychology major to dental school 12:24 – Choosing UMKC over the Ivy League 15:04 – Why orthodontics, and building a warmer office experience 18:18 – Las Vegas residency, an MBA, and choosing KC over St. Louis 20:28 – KC art tangent: Riff Raff painting live at his wedding 22:10 – Dentist vs. orthodontist: what's the difference? 25:24 – The physics of moving teeth 26:59 – Why every kid should be screened at age 7 29:25 – Smiles, confidence, and making kids feel at ease 33:33 – Types of braces: metal, ceramic, gold, and aligners 36:04 – How long braces take 36:39 – Phase 1 vs. Phase 2: why some kids get braces twice 39:53 – Free screenings and consultations 40:37 – Adult orthodontics (his oldest patient is 81!) 42:24 – Veneers vs. "natural veneers" 44:43 – Two offices: Overland Park and Lenexa 49:41 – Thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and airway 52:38 – Warning signs: ADHD, bedwetting, grinding 55:42 – Long-term effects: TMJ and grinding in adults 57:15 – Mouth tape: yes or no? 59:41 – Airway, ENTs, and why not everyone needs an expander 1:04:44 – GLP-1s, Ozempic, medications, and your gums 1:08:56 – Mouthwash, fluoride, and floss-or-brush first 1:11:43 – Myofunctional therapy explained 1:14:23 – Expander history and new 3D tech 1:16:04 – Is a consultation worth it? 1:17:41 – Myth busting: lower expansion, looksmaxxing, mewing, and MARPEs 1:21:34 – What makes a great smile 1:22:27 – Adult habits and teeth grinding 1:23:39 – Rapid fire: teeth-falling-out dreams 1:24:14 – Dr. Joshi's Kansas City bucket list 1:25:18 – His ideal day off 1:26:32 – Where to find Stay Smiling, plus a brave patient story 1:29:16 – Outro Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

  5. Sep 25

    Kansas City's Wild History: Pendergast, BBQ & the Man Who Made KC

    Gangsters, speakeasies, the birth of Kansas City barbecue, and the forgotten genius who put KC on the map. Historian Bill Nicks of HistoryKC takes us on a tour of Kansas City history you didn't learn in school. Bill Nicks is a self-proclaimed historian, first-person reenactor, and Kansas City tour guide with five characters in his closet: Octave Chanute, Wilbur Wright, Dr. James Naismith, President (and General) Eisenhower, and political boss Tom Pendergast. He says that means he never eats alone. Bill leads six-hour bus tours of Kansas City in character, from the wagon swales at Minor Park to Kaw Point, where Lewis and Clark camped, with lunch at the City Market along the way. In this episode we dig into the man Bill says "made Kansas City": Octave Chanute. He designed the Hannibal Bridge, the first railroad bridge over the Missouri River, laid out the original town of Lenexa, designed the stockyards, and mentored the Wright brothers. Then we get into the wide-open days of the Pendergast machine: vote fraud, Johnny Lazia, the Union Station Massacre, and a very convenient street-widening right before Prohibition. Bill also traces KC barbecue from Henry Perry's pushcart in the Garment District to Gates and Arthur Bryant's, and explains how a New Yorker writer and the old Kansas City A's helped make us the Barbecue Capital of the World. Along the way we bust a Union Station myth, tell the story behind Charlie Parker's "Yardbird" nickname, find out how the Country Club Plaza fountains got their start, and hear why Bill's favorite Kansas City spots are Kaw Point and the 8th Street Tunnel. And yes, there are bloopers, including the night a whole room of Riley County firefighters walked out on General Ike. Whether you're a lifelong Kansas Citian, a KU (University of Kansas) fan, a true crime buff, or planning your first trip to KC, this one belongs on your Kansas City bucket list. Key topics: - Octave Chanute, the Hannibal Bridge, and how Kansas City beat Leavenworth and St. Joe - Chanute's role in the Wright brothers' first flight - Bill's five historical characters and how he got started - His Kansas City and Lawrence (Dr. Naismith) bus tours - Tom Pendergast, Johnny Lazia, and KC's "wide open town" era - Prohibition, speakeasies, and the Union Station Massacre - The Kansas City Stockyards - The history of Kansas City barbecue: Henry Perry, Gates, Arthur Bryant's, Q39 - The World Cup, Fan Fest, and the Lenexa Barbecue Contest - Myth-busting the Union Station bullet holes - The Garment District and the Nelly Don kidnapping - 18th and Vine and Charlie Parker - The Country Club Plaza, J.C. Nichols, and the fountains - Walt Disney and Ernest Hemingway in Kansas City - Kaw Point and the 8th Street Tunnel - Why everyone should have a "20-minute Rotary talk" about their hobby Guest: Bill Nicks, HistoryKC Email: historykc@gmail.com Website: www.historykc.com LISTEN ON: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18f1RGwssjqJLKK6Qk3SxW?si=qfjwisvkQNSEst3Nd36CHw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kansas-city-bucket-list-podcast/id1867855646 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kansascitybucketlist Love this episode? Follow the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss a new KC adventure. Leave a rating and review, and share this episode with the history buff, barbecue lover, or KU fan in your life. It helps more Kansas City stories reach more listeners. CHAPTERS 0:00 – Welcome Bill Nicks, historian and first-person reenactor 0:40 – Octave Chanute and the Hannibal Bridge 1:46 – Chanute, gliders, and the Wright brothers 4:32 – Chanute, Kansas, and laying out Lenexa 6:19 – How Bill became a first-person historian 7:44 – Bill's five characters: Wright, Naismith, Ike, and Pendergast 10:14 – Inside Bill's six-hour Kansas City history tour 12:39 – The Border War and Quantrill's raid on Lawrence 13:45 – Edutainment: "every town has interesting history" 15:21 – The world's largest sunflower collection 17:09 – From Lenexa Parks & Rec to 50 events a year 20:01 – The Dr. Naismith tour of Lawrence and Allen Fieldhouse 23:23 – Bloopers: firefighters walk out on General Ike 26:01 – Tom Pendergast, Johnny Lazia, and the Union Station Massacre 30:53 – KC's reputation as a "wide open town" 33:25 – Prohibition, speakeasies, and the Jefferson Hotel 36:07 – The Kansas City Stockyards 37:13 – Why isn't anything in KC named after Chanute? 41:23 – The history of Kansas City barbecue 45:49 – The World Cup, Fan Fest, and the Lenexa Barbecue Contest 49:05 – Q39 and competition barbecue 51:41 – Myth-busting the Union Station bullet holes 53:57 – The Garment District and the Nelly Don kidnapping 55:42 – Haunted and gangster tours 57:19 – 18th and Vine and Charlie Parker's "Yardbird" nickname 59:56 – The Country Club Plaza, J.C. Nichols, and the fountains 1:02:08 – A favorite tour memory 1:04:05 – Why first person? Plus Pendergast and Felix Payne 1:06:30 – Walt Disney and Hemingway in Kansas City 1:08:52 – Bill's favorite spots: Kaw Point and the 8th Street Tunnel 1:11:24 – How the KC Current got its name 1:12:27 – How to book Bill 1:13:31 – Why everyone needs a "20-minute Rotary talk" 1:18:41 – Western Kansas and Bill's ideal day in KC 1:20:44 – Wrap-up Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

  6. Sep 16

    Whitney VinZant: Kansas City's Restaurant & Wine Empire

    He turned a college summer job at Applebee's into a 12-concept Kansas City restaurant empire, then planted his own vineyard in Sonoma Valley. Meet Whitney VinZant, Founder and CEO of W. VinZant Restaurant Group, on this episode of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast! Whitney sits down with Mindy to trace the whole wild ride: growing up in Wichita, playing sports through high school and Wake Forest, and stumbling into restaurants almost by accident. He and his business partner Corey Gonzalez got their start franchising Old Chicago restaurants in Oklahoma, where a regression model on sales data led them to a surprising discovery,  their best-performing locations were all near military bases. From there, Whitney and his wife opened their first original concept, Louie's Wine Dive, in Des Moines, Iowa, before bringing it home to Kansas City's Waldo neighborhood, then Overland Park, and soon Lee's Summit. From that first neighborhood wine bar, the group has grown into a true Kansas City restaurant family: Louie's Wine Dive, Gram & Dun (including a hidden-gem location and sushi bar inside Argosy Casino), Heritage on the Plaza, Taco Republic and its food truck, BRGR, Waldo Pizza, ViBenet, the historic Latin King (founded in Des Moines back in 1942), and Bemiston Cocktail Club in St. Louis. Whitney also opens up about the recent acquisition of Cafe Trio, which is being reimagined and relaunched this year under a brand-new name — Emerald Bistro — with a grand opening event benefiting Children's Mercy Kansas City. He also teases what's next for the long-vacant former Houlihan's building in Fairway. The conversation digs into how the Kansas City dining scene has changed since Whitney arrived in 2011, why supporting local restaurants keeps dollars circulating in your own community, how the group engineers menus to deliver value through inflation, and the story behind Whitney's biggest personal passion project: a 63-acre vineyard in Sonoma Valley with roots dating back to an 1834 property deed. He walks through starting VinZant Wines, joining the wine club, where to buy the bottles locally, and why he's now a licensed vineyard chemical applicator instead of a certified sommelier. Whether you're planning your next night out in Kansas City, curious about the business behind your favorite local restaurant group, or just love a good wine story, this episode is packed with Kansas City restaurant recommendations, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few can't-miss dishes to add to your list. Key topics covered: Whitney VinZant's path from Wichita to Kansas City restaurant owner Building W. VinZant Restaurant Group from Louie's Wine Dive to 12 concepts The Cafe Trio to Emerald Bistro transformation and Children's Mercy partnership Gram & Dun inside Argosy Casino and the group's other original concepts The future of the former Houlihan's building in Fairway Why eating and drinking local matters for Kansas City's economy How the W. VinZant team handles inflation and menu value The story behind VinZant Wines, the Sonoma Valley vineyard, and the wine club Whitney's favorite dishes, restaurants, and perfect day in Kansas City Kansas City hosting the World Cup W. VinZant Restaurants Instagram Facebook Whitney VinZant on LinkedIn Loved this episode? Follow the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode, and if you're enjoying the show, leave us a rating and review — it helps more Kansas Citians discover the people and places making this city amazing. CHAPTERS 0:00 – Welcome Whitney VinZant to the Show 1:58 – Growing Up in Wichita and Finding the Restaurant Bug 6:24 – Franchising Old Chicago and the Military Base Discovery 8:32 – Launching Louie's Wine Dive in Des Moines 10:16 – Bringing Louie's Wine Dive to Kansas City 13:24 – The Cafe Trio Acquisition 16:04 – Unveiling the New Name: Emerald Bistro 18:24 – Partnering with Children's Mercy for the Grand Opening 20:23 – Why They Officially Formed W. VinZant Restaurant Group 22:52 – New Concepts vs. Taking Over Existing Restaurants 23:12 – Acquiring Gram & Dun During COVID 24:24 – The Hidden Gem Patio Inside Argosy Casino 26:57 – The Story Behind BRGR, Taco Republic and Chicken Mary's 27:53 – Fresco in Des Moines and Merchants in Lawrence 28:36 – What's Coming to the Former Houlihan's in Fairway 30:27 – Why You Should Still Get Out and Support Local Restaurants 32:16 – Fighting Inflation and Engineering Menus for Value 34:12 – Social Media Trends and Menu Experimentation 34:44 – A Tour of the Full W. VinZant Restaurant Lineup 36:00 – From Dinner Parties to Heritage on the Plaza 39:00 – What Whitney Loves Most: His Team 41:13 – How the Kansas City Food Scene Has Evolved 45:43 – The Real Impact of Eating Local 50:07 – How Whitney Became a Sonoma Valley Vineyard Owner 53:28 – The 1834 Property Deed and Rare Grape Clones 54:11 – Family Adventures at the Vineyard 57:22 – Sourcing Grapes Beyond Sonoma 58:25 – Inside the VinZant Wines Wine Club 1:00:53 – Where to Buy VinZant Wines 1:02:24 – The Story Behind the Wit's End Cabernet 1:03:28 – Rapid Fire: Favorite KC Restaurants 1:07:26 – Must-Try Dishes Across the Restaurant Group 1:09:13 – Whitney's Perfect Kansas City Day 1:11:09 – World Cup Fever and Kansas City's Global Moment 1:12:44 – Thinking About Legacy 1:13:39 – What's Missing From Kansas City's Food Scene 1:14:07 – Who Whitney Wants to Hear on the Podcast Next 1:14:45 – Closing Thoughts and Thank You Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

  7. Sep 10

    Overland Park Farmers' Market's Grand New Chapter with Kristina Stanley

    The Overland Park Farmers Market just celebrated 44 years with a brand-new home at Clock Tower Landing, and the woman at the helm of this local Kansas City experience is telling us everything. Grab a coffee (or a strawberry matcha) and settle in for the ultimate insider's guide to KC's favorite Saturday (and Wednesday!) tradition. In this episode, Mindy sits down with Kristina Stanley, longtime manager of the Overland Park Farmers' Market and a nearly 30 year veteran of the City of Overland Park Parks and Recreation Department. Kristina takes us from her very first summer job as a lifeguard to running one of the most awarded farmers markets in the country, and shares the full story behind the market's massive renovation, from the original 2017 study all the way to this year's ribbon cutting at the new Clock Tower Landing, held exactly 44 years to the date of the market's very first day back in 1982. We get into what actually makes this market tick: the 65/35 farm to specialty vendor ratio, why over 110 vendors from as far as Manhattan, Kansas and Columbia, Missouri show up as early as 1:30am, and the small business success stories that started as a market booth and grew into full Kansas City restaurants and brick and mortars. Kristina also breaks down the market's food equity programs, the new plan to go fully year round with winter markets, the wellness trends showing up in vendor booths (hello, A2 dairy and gluten free flour), and the celebrities who quietly shop the aisles right alongside everyone else. Whether you're a longtime locavore, new to Overland Park, or just looking for your next Saturday (or Wednesday) morning plan, this conversation is your complete guide to shopping local in Kansas City. Topics covered in this episode include the history of the Overland Park Farmers Market since 1982, the new Clock Tower Landing pavilion and canopies, how the market curates farm and specialty vendors, the EBT and Double Up Food Bucks match program, seasonal shopping tips, small businesses that got their start at the market, safety and staffing behind the scenes, winter market plans, and Kristina's own Kansas City bucket list. Overland Park Farmers Market website: opkansas.gov/farmers-market  Instagram: instagram.com/opfarmersmarket/ Facebook: facebook.com/DowntownOverlandParkFarmersMarket Kristina Stanley: linkedin.com/in/kristina-stanley-54136111/ If you love discovering the best of Kansas City, hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, leave us a rating and review, and share this episode with a fellow KC local who needs to check out the new market home. New episodes drop every week wherever you listen. CHAPTERS 0:00 – Welcome back: catching up after the market's big move 0:25 – Fast facts: 44 years, 110+ vendors, 36 languages, now year round 2:16 – From teenage lifeguard to market manager: Kristina's 29 year career 5:15 – What's a locavore? Explaining the market experience to newcomers 8:17 – Why community connection matters more than ever 11:45 – Multi-generational shopping and kids working the family booth 13:39 – Something for everyone: solo trips, date days, and family outings 16:59 – What counts as a vendor? The farm to specialty ratio explained 18:46 – How downtown Overland Park and the market support each other 19:15 – Seasonal shopping: Kristina's favorite finds 21:46 – Planning a full dinner party from market ingredients 23:48 – Surprise finds: flowers, gifts, and one stop shopping 25:42 – Market history: back to 1982 and five dollar a day pickup vendors 29:21 – Inside the renovation: from 2017 study to Clock Tower Landing 30:36 – A full circle ribbon cutting, 44 years to the day 31:59 – A vendor's day: 1:30am wake ups and a 250 mile radius 34:10 – Vendor success stories: Yoli, Slow Rise, Taco Naco, and more 45:39 – Standing out among the metro's many farmers markets 53:15 – Food access: EBT and the Double Up Food Bucks program 56:16 – Going year round: the new winter market schedule 1:05:22 – Exploring Clock Tower Landing's pavilion, canopies, and live music 1:07:01 – Behind the scenes safety: police, CERT teams, and city support 1:08:57 – Wellness trends: clean eating, protein, gluten free, and A2 dairy 1:13:47 – Celebrity sightings: Chiefs players, Royals, and more 1:16:17 – Rapid fire: Kristina's Kansas City bucket list 1:18:21 – Kristina's perfect day off in KC 1:23:31 – Wrap up and thank yous Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

  8. Sep 1

    Kareem Rush: Kobe, Shaq & Building a University Heritage Group Empire from Kansas City

    He played alongside Kobe Bryant and Shaq on the Lakers — now Kansas City native and former NBA first-round pick Kareem Rush is back home building a university-themed bourbon, coffee, and menswear empire. In this episode of the Kansas City Bucket List Podcast, Mindy sits down with Kareem Rush — Kansas City native, Pembroke Hill grad, Mizzou Athletics Hall of Famer, and seven-season NBA veteran who played alongside Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal on the Los Angeles Lakers. Kareem shares what it was really like coming up in the inner city with his basketball-phenom brothers Jaron and Brandon Rush, choosing Mizzou over KU on principle, getting drafted in the first round, and getting traded to the Lakers on draft night. He opens up about the ACL injury that ended his career at 29, his pivot into music as a Billboard Top 40 R&B recording artist, and how he channeled all of it into founding University Heritage Group — the company behind Club 1839, Club 1919, and a growing lineup of university-themed bourbon, coffee, cigar, and custom menswear brands built for college alumni everywhere. Kareem also breaks down his membership clubs, private dinner experiences, an upcoming mobile shipping-container lounge, his new podcast with brother Brandon, and his big vision for bringing back a professional alumni basketball league. Plus: behind-the-scenes Kobe and Shaq stories, his favorite KC spots, and what's still on his own Kansas City bucket list. Key topics covered: growing up in Kansas City, the Rush basketball brothers, Pembroke Hill and Mizzou basketball, getting drafted and traded to the Lakers, playing with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame, life after a career-ending injury, becoming an R&B recording artist, University Heritage Group, Club 1839 and Club 1919 bourbon, NIL support for student athletes, the Alumni Basketball League, custom suits with the Gentleman Brand, cigars, coffee, and Kareem's Kansas City favorites. University Heritage Group: universityheritage.club Kareem Rush: www.linkedin.com/in/kareem-rush If you loved this episode, hit follow or subscribe so you never miss one, leave a rating and review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it — it helps these Kansas City voices reach even more listeners. CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Welcome & Intro 1:44 – Growing Up in Kansas City: The Rush Basketball Brothers 6:05 – Choosing Mizzou Over KU 7:20 – Mizzou Career & Getting Drafted to the NBA 10:55 – Traded to the Lakers: Playing With Kobe Bryant & Shaquille O'Neal 15:06 – Getting Inducted Into the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame 16:59 – The Injury That Ended His NBA Career 19:41 – Reinventing Himself as an R&B Recording Artist 21:30 – Founding the Alumni Basketball League 23:09 – Building University Heritage Group & the Bourbon Clubs 26:20 – Membership Tiers, Perks & Supporting NIL Funds 33:48 – Private Dinners, Mobile Lounges & VIP Experiences 36:04 – Merch, Letterman Jackets & the PT's Coffee Partnership 40:03 – Launching the Gentleman Brand Custom Suit Line 42:42 – Cigars With Compadres and Cigador 43:31 – Launching the Spirit of the Game Podcast With Brandon Rush 44:55 – NBA Lessons That Built His Business Mindset 54:34 – The Billion-Dollar Vision for a New Pro Alumni League 56:11 – Mentors, Role Models & Behind-the-Scenes Shaq Stories 1:00:03 – Why Kansas City Will Always Be Home 1:03:02 – The Story Behind His Lakers Timeout Jingle Song 1:03:53 – New Project: Music 1:07:09 – Kareem's Kansas City Bucket List 1:07:47 – Where to Follow Kareem Rush & University Heritage Group Thank you to our podcast host, sponsor and media partner, Real Media! Visit RealMediaKC.com to learn more about their full service audio and video services!

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🎙️ Telling the stories of the local people and businesses that make Kansas City amazing, one conversation at a time! 🎧 New episodes streaming on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!

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