Kansas City Bucket List Podcast

Mindy Hargesheimer
  • 4.6 (9)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

🎙️Telling the stories of the local people + businesses that make Kansas City amazing! 🎧 Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, + Apple!

  1. 5d ago ·  Video

    Beyoncé's Backup Dancer to Kansas City Powerhouse: Elaina Page, CEO & Founder - Next Paige Talent Agency & Next Paige Foundation

    Get ready to cross off another must-meet icon on your ultimate Kansas City bucket list! In this episode, I sit down with a true local trailblazer making massive waves in the heart of America: Elaina Page. As the CEO and founder of the Next Page Talent Agency and the Next Page Foundation, Elaina is on a mission to elevate our city's incredible youth by unlocking massive opportunities in the arts and entertainment world. But that's not all—she's also the Community Engagement Director for Xavier Worthy's foundation, The Worthy Ones! Oh, and did we mention she casually skipped college classes to land a gig as a backup dancer for Beyoncé? Pop in your earbuds for a fun, adventurous, and deeply inspirational conversation that proves why Kansas City is the place to be for big dreams and even bigger talent. Key Topics Covered: The Power of the Cape: Elaina shares the inspiring story behind her signature hats and how a touch of personal style can fuel business confidence. Dancing with Queen Bey: Stepping onto the stage for Beyoncé's "Run the World" Oprah show audition and what she learned about world-class work ethic. Building a Creative Empire in KC: The birth of Next Page Talent Agency and how Elaina is advocating to bring the entertainment spotlight directly to the Midwest. Elevating the Arts Scene: A look at KC's entertainment landscape, hosting Red Bull dance battles, and the major impact of the historic new tax film credit. Local Bucket List Favorites: Elaina shares her ultimate hidden gems, top happy hour hangouts, and the places making Kansas City's food scene unforgettable. Links & Resources: Learn more about The Next Page Talent Agency: https://www.nextpaigellc.com/ Support the youth through the Next Page Foundation: https://www.nextpaigefoundation.org/ Check out Xavier Worthy's foundation, The Worthy Ones: https://www.shoptheworthyones.com/ 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 production! Are you loving our local adventures? Don't forget to hit that Follow button on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with your fellow KC arts and culture lovers! Keep exploring, Kansas City! ⏳ Chapters 0:00 – Intro: Welcome Next Gen Leader Elaina Page 2:00 – Red Lipstick & Timberlands: The Story Behind the Hats 3:19 – Skipping Class for Queen Bey: Landing the Beyoncé Gig 7:31 – Leadership & Poise: Life Lessons from Rehearsals 11:04 – Runway, Reality TV, and Chasing the Dream 12:06 – Writing 3 Childhood Goals in the Third Grade 14:04 – Growing Up in Lee's Summit & Learning Entrepreneurship 24:44 – Is KC a "B-Market" for the Arts? Expanding Infrastructure 25:35 – Celebrating the 2026 Next Gen Leader Award 26:43 – Production in KC: Sound Stages & The US Highest Tax Film Credit 31:50 – Front & Center: Hosting the Red Bull Dance Battles 55:18 – World Cup Prep & Merch Collabs at Union Station 57:24 – Three Ingredients to Reach KC's Full Entertainment Potential 1:12:17 – Local Bucket List: Happy Hour Spots & Hidden Gems

    1h 15m

  2. Jun 2 ·  Video

    Amelia Earhart's Kansas Roots & The Atchison Hangar Museum

    She vanished over the Pacific in 1937 — and nearly 90 years later, the world still can't stop talking about her. In this episode, Mindy sits down with Jacque Pregont, treasurer of the Amelia Earhart Foundation, to uncover the surprising Kansas roots of one of history's most iconic aviators and pull back the curtain on the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison, KS — one of the coolest day trips from Kansas City you probably haven't taken yet (but absolutely should). In this episode: Amelia's childhood in Atchison and why she always called it home The wild 30-year journey to restore the last Lockheed 10E Electra — the same model she was flying when she disappeared The $17M museum experience built with Kansas City's own Dimensional Innovations (yes, the same team behind Atlas9!) VR flights across the Atlantic, riveting contests, and STEM activities for all ages The unsolved mystery — from Japanese spy theories to giant crabs 🦀 The annual Amelia Earhart Festival (July 17–18!) featuring concerts, an air show, fireworks set to music, and a pioneering achievement award New books, ongoing search expeditions, and why Jacque kind of hopes they never find the plane Whether you're a Kansas City local planning a weekend day trip, a history buff, a STEM-curious family, or just obsessed with unsolved mysteries — this one's for you. Links & Resources: 🌐 Visit Atchison: [visitatchison.com] ✈️ Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum: [ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org] 🎟️ Festival info & tickets: [Link placeholder] 📍 Plan your KC-area day trip: [Link placeholder] Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs a Kansas City bucket list adventure. New episodes dropping regularly — don't miss a thing! Chapters: 0:00   – Welcome & Introducing Jacque Pregont 1:12   – Jacque's Role: Foundation Treasurer & Gift Shop Queen 2:04   – Amelia's Kansas Roots & Atchison Childhood 3:12   – The Amelia Earhart Festival: 25+ Years Strong 3:47   – The Last Lockheed 10E: A 30-Year Restoration Story 4:18   – How the Hangar Museum Was Born 5:02   – Building the Museum with Dimensional Innovations 6:10   – USA Today's Best History Museum Rankings 7:22   – Why Are We Still Fascinated with Amelia Earhart? 9:42   – Jacque's Personal Journey with the Foundation 11:00  – What Does the Foundation Actually Do? 13:45  – Amelia's Path to Aviation (and All the Jobs She Worked) 15:31  – Inside the Museum: STEM Activities & Hands-On Experiences 15:56  – The VR Atlantic Flight Experience 17:17  – Riveting Contests & The Plane Up Close 18:07  – Virtual Dress-Up: Fashion Designer, Pilot & More 19:35  – Amelia's Childhood Stories: Rollercoasters & Sleds 22:44  – More Museum Highlights: Cockpit Replica & Constellations 24:06  – Visitors from All 50 States & 21 Countries 28:06  – The Unsolved Mystery: Theories & the Voting Wall 32:08  – Festival Deep Dive: Concerts, Air Shows & Fireworks 32:58  – The Pioneering Achievement Award & Past Honorees 35:38  – New Expeditions to Find the Plane (NCO Update) 43:52  – Should the Mystery Ever Be Solved? 45:19  – Book Recommendations & New Releases 49:40  – Documentaries Worth Watching 51:06  – Things to See Around Atchison Beyond the Museum 53:13  – How to Support the Foundation & Visit 54:37  – It's Only 35–40 Minutes from KC! 55:01  – Closing & $2 Festival Buttons for Fireworks 🎆 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!

    56 min

  3. May 24 ·  Video

    Kansas City Therapy & Coaching: Why Traditional Self-Care Isn't Working | Ginger Rothhaas of Compassion Fix

    Is traditional self-care leaving you feeling more exhausted than empowered? In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Ginger Rothhaas, the founder and owner of Compassion Fix in Kansas City, to explore why traditional healing narratives fall short and what it truly means to navigate the messy, beautiful spectrum of being human. Ginger shares her fascinating pivot from climbing the corporate ladder as a change management consultant to graduating with a Divinity degree from seminary. Through her own existential crisis, she discovered a foreign language that changed everything: Clinical data on the profound power of self-compassion. Now leading a diverse team of 10 licensed therapists and certified coaches, Ginger explains how Compassion Fix fills a critical gap in the mental health world by tackling self-worth issues, grief, trauma, nutrition, and teen confidence without relying on traditional clinical diagnoses. Tune in to discover practical ways to move your inner "encourager" out of the basement, foster healthier friendships, apply immediate practices from Ginger's self-published book, and understand how a collective awakening of self-love can push back the heavy darkness in the world today. ✨ Learn more about Compassion Fix: https://www.compassionfix.com https://www.instagram.com/compassionfix 📌 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction & Meet Ginger Rothhaas  02:30 - What is Compassion Fix? Filling the Mental Health Gap 05:00 - Ginger's Backstory: From Big Six Consulting to Seminary  09:00 - Conditional Love vs. The Power of Self-Compassion 12:30 - Moving from Coffee Shops to Brookside (Bella Napoli Shoutout!) 14:00 - Navigating the Modern World: Why Our Generation Needs Advocates 15:40 - Meet the Team: Licensed Therapists, Nutrition, & Teen Coaching 18:00 - Building Teen Confidence & Quietening the Internal Critic 22:00 - Practical Self-Love: How to Apply Daily Devotionals & Writing a Book 25:30 - Faith, World Religions, & Personal Spiritual Experiences 29:00 - The Collective Awakening: Why Ugliness Comes Before the Light Hosted by digital content creator Mindy Hargesheimer, this podcast features the ultimate wide variety of topics, local business owners, restaurateurs, nonprofits, and community figures making a unique impact in Kansas City. #KansasCityTherapy #SelfCompassion #MentalHealthKC #CompassionFix #MindsetCoaching #KCPodcast #SelfCareTurnaround #TeensConfidence #BrooksideKC 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!

    1h 4m

  4. May 17 ·  Video

    Kansas City Mortgages: How to Avoid a Disaster and Save Thousands with Liz Doyle, Mortgage Consultant

    In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Liz Doyle, a veteran mortgage consultant with First Bank who has over 10 years of lending experience. Together, we break down the complexities of buying a house, debunk common industry myths, and reveal the financial strategies necessary to ensure your next home purchase is seamless and successful. Whether you are looking to buy a home in the near future (6 to 12 months out) or a real estate agent wanting to partner with a reliable lender, this conversation provides actionable insights to keep your finances safe and your mortgage on track. Key Takeaways The Recast Advantage: For "step-up buyers" moving into larger homes, Liz introduces the concept of a mortgage recast. Unlike a standard principal reduction, a recast explicitly lowers your monthly payment without the need to refinance. Preemptive Equity Access: If your money is tied up in your current home, Liz advises setting up a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) before listing your property on the market. This gives you the liquidity needed for a down payment so you can make a non-contingent offer on a new house. The 20% Down Myth: You do not need a 20% down payment to buy a home. Liz notes that buyers can secure a loan with as little as 5%, 3%, or even 0% down depending on the program. Demystifying PMI: Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required if you put less than 20% down, but it is often much more affordable than people think. For example, a $300,000 purchase with 3% down carried a nominal PMI fee of around $60 a month for one of her recent buyers. Scrutinize the Loan Estimate: To save thousands of dollars on fees, buyers must carefully review the fine print of their loan estimate. Liz warns against lenders advertising below-market interest rates without being transparent about upfront costs or "paying points". Liz prides herself on open communication, tailored client relationships, and making complex financial terminology easy to understand. Operating as a well-oiled machine alongside her team, she guides clients from application to a standard 30-day close. While she specializes in the Kansas City and Missouri markets, her positioning at First Bank grants her the ability to assist clients with home lending across all 50 states. To connect with Liz Doyle for an in-person or virtual consultation, you can reach her by calling her directly at (913) 687-0674 or at https://www.instagram.com/liz_doyle/ Chapters: 00:00 – How to Avoid a Mortgage Disaster When Buying a House 02:39 – Personal Banker Career Path: How I Got Into Real Estate Lending 04:34 – When Should I Talk to a Mortgage Lender Before Buying? 11:18 – What is a Mortgage Recast and How Does it Work? 12:40 – Can I Buy a House Non-Contingent Using a HELOC? 16:03 – How to Read a Loan Estimate to Save Thousands in Hidden Fees 19:25 – Financial Mistakes to Avoid Before Closing on a House 23:38 – Debunking the 20% Down Payment Myth and Understanding PMI 32:45 – Rapid Fire: Mid-Century Modern Homes and Best Kansas City Restaurants 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!

    36 min

  5. May 10 ·  Video

    Kansas City Cancer Journey: How Matt & Chrissy Stewart Turned Tragedy Into Purpose + The Inspiring Story Behind "All The Things" Memoir

    In this emotional and inspiring Kansas City podcast episode, Mindy sits down with local Kansas City couple Matt and Chrissy Stewart to share their unbelievable journey of both facing stage 4 cancer while raising three kids and choosing to live life to the fullest. Known locally through Kansas City media and their growing "All The Things" memoir platform, the Stewarts open up about navigating cancer treatments, marriage, faith, family, mental resilience, and finding joy in everyday moments. Matt Stewart, longtime Kansas City TV news anchor, and Chrissy Stewart candidly discuss rare cancer diagnoses, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, caregiving, and the mindset shifts that changed how they approach life in Kansas City and beyond. From MD Anderson treatments to local Kansas City support systems, they share raw stories, humor, heartbreak, and hope while encouraging others to stop waiting and start living boldly. This Kansas City Bucket List Podcast episode is a powerful conversation about resilience, relationships, community support, and embracing "all the things" while you still can. Perfect for listeners interested in Kansas City stories, inspirational podcasts, cancer journeys, family relationships, faith, mental health, and real-life conversations that matter. Chapters: 00:00 – Kansas City Couple Shares Their Stage 4 Cancer Story 02:15 – Rare Cancer Diagnosis in Kansas City: Chrissy Stewart's Journey 04:07 – How Colon Cancer Spread to Matt Stewart's Brain & Lungs 08:58 – Living With Stage 4 Cancer as Husband and Wife 12:40 – The Shocking Watermelon-Sized Tumor Story 15:22 – What Is Angiosarcoma? Rare Cancer Explained 18:53 – How Cancer Changed Their Marriage, Family & Mindset 20:31 – "Do It Now": Why They Started Living Life Differently 24:30 – Why They Started Sharing Their Cancer Journey Online 32:43 – How to Stay Positive During Cancer Treatment 35:22 – Talking to Kids About Cancer & Death 39:16 – Using Humor to Cope With Cancer and Chemo 40:05 – How to Tell Your Children You Have Cancer 45:10 – The Reality of Caregiving During Cancer Treatment 52:40 – Faith, Mental Strength & Facing the Fear of Death 1:00:12 – Why Healthy Boundaries Matter During Hard Times 1:08:35 – The Meaning Behind "All The Things" Memoir 1:15:50 – Advice for Families Going Through Cancer 1:22:10 – How Kansas City Community Support Changed Their Lives 1:28:44 – Final Thoughts: Living Boldly Before It's Too Late 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!

    1h 29m

  6. May 1 ·  Video

    Kansas City's Secret to Smarter Weight Loss with Alex Jabr, Co-founder and Insider to BodymetRx's Game-Changing Health Data

    Kansas City is stepping into a new era of health, based on individualized data. In this episode, I sit down with Alex Jabr, co-founder of BodymetRx in Overland Park, to break down how people across the KC metro are transforming their healthity using advanced body composition testing, metabolism analysis, and real data. Whether you're working out in Kansas C, exploring the local food scene, or trying to finally hone in on your health, this conversation will completely change how you approach weight loss and fitness. We cover: Why so many people in Kansas City are unknowingly undereating The truth about muscle loss vs. fat loss (and why it matters long-term) What visceral fat is and how it impacts your health How BodymetRx is helping KC locals personalize their fitness and nutrition The biggest mistakes people make, even when they're "doing everything right" From athletes to busy professionals to parents navigating the KC lifestyle, this is for anyone who wants real answers about their body. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Why Kansas City Is Rethinking Weight Loss 01:10 – Meet Alex Jabr (BodymetRx Overland Park) 03:00 – Bringing BodymetRx from California to Kansas City 05:25 – What Makes This Different in KC's Health Scene 07:00 – Why the Scale Isn't Telling KC the Truth 08:40 – Most Accurate Body Testing Available Locally 10:10 – The 4 Tests KC Clients Are Using 12:15 – VO2 Max & Longevity for Everyday KC Life 14:00 – Who in Kansas City Should Be Doing This? 16:30 – GLP-1s (Ozempic) & What KC Needs to Know 21:00 – The Muscle Loss Problem No One Talks About 22:20 – Why Muscle Matters as You Age in KC 25:20 – Visceral Fat & Long-Term Health Risks 28:00 – Custom Nutrition (Even Eating Out in KC) 32:40 – The #1 Mistake: KC Is Undereating 35:30 – Why 1,200 Calories Doesn't Work 38:30 – How to Track Food Without Stress 40:00 – Why Diet Trends Don't Work for Everyone 42:00 – Using Real Data to Get Results 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!

    1h 15m

  7. Apr 26

    Brandon Calloway, CEO & Co-Founder of Kansas City G.I.F.T. on Scaling Black-Owned Businesses and Closing the Racial Wealth Gap

    What happens when community capital meets intentional culture? In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Calloway, the CEO and Co-Founder of Kansas City G.I.F.T. (Generating Income For Tomorrow), a nonprofit dedicated to reversing the effects of systemic racism in Kansas City's historically redlined neighborhoods. Brandon shares the "math" behind economic development—from the "Troost Avenue walk" that sparked citywide buzz to a grant program that has distributed over $1.6 million to local Black-owned businesses. We dive into why storytelling is "the stock price" of community impact and how G.I.F.T.'s full-service business center provides the legal, accounting, and marketing hygiene necessary to turn a startup into a community engine. Key Takeaways: The Power of Collective Giving: How a simple question—"What if 15,000 people donated $10?"—built a movement. Beyond the Check: Why technical assistance (accounting, legal, and coaching) is just as vital as capital. Representing the Future: Brandon's work with Dark Moon Comics and Blurred Media to normalize Black heroes in media. Measurable Impact: How G.I.F.T. recipients have seen an average revenue growth of 200%+ and created over 130 new jobs. Podcast Chapters [00:00] Intro: Meet Brandon Calloway and the Vision for KC G.I.F.T. [05:30] The "Troost Walk" and Identifying the Resource Gap [12:15] The Math of Impact: Closing the Racial Wealth Gap [18:45] Capital x Culture: Representing Black Excellence in Media [26:10] The G.I.F.T. Business Center: Coaching, Accounting, and Legal Support [34:50] Success Stories: How Grants Changed Lives in the Urban Core [42:10] Scalability and the Future of Inclusive Philanthropy [50:00] Outro: How to Become a Monthly "Gifter" 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!

    1h 50m

  8. Apr 23

    Cory Infinite & Svea Herstar: Fashion Without Boundaries - Wearable Art and Sustainable Vision

    In this episode, we sit down with Kansas City's most visionary design duo, Cory Infinite and Svea Herstar. Known for their "one-of-one" handmade creations—ranging from jumpsuits made of recycled keyboards to hoodies featuring hundreds of Scrabble tiles—Cory and Svea are redefining what it means to be an artist in the modern fashion world. We explore their origin stories, including how Cory chose his "Infinite" brand name to represent limitless potential and Svea's transition from collegiate athlete to experimental designer. They share insights into their creative process, their commitment to sustainability through upcycling, and the surreal experience of meeting industry icons like Jeremy Scott. Whether you are a fashion enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers a deep dive into the power of staying true to your vision and the infinite possibilities of art. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Intro: Meet Cory Infinite and Svea Herstar 01:33 – The Story Behind the Names: Branding Herstar and Infinite 03:28 – From High School to Entrepreneurship: Cory's Journey 04:09 – Collaborating at Home: The Wooden Scrabble Hoodie 07:55 – Signature Pieces: The 100-Hour Keyboard Jumpsuit 10:39 – The Dream: Runway Shows and Infinite Goals 15:16 – Sustainability & Thrifting: Designing with What's Around You 19:36 – Defining Avant-Garde in the Midwest 20:55 – Meeting a Legend: Lunch with Jeremy Scott 26:52 – Evolution of Art: Architecture vs. Fashion Design 28:13 – From the Track to the Studio: Svea's Creative Shift 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!

    54 min
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4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

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🎙️Telling the stories of the local people + businesses that make Kansas City amazing! 🎧 Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, + Apple!

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