Topeka Insider

Justin Armbruster & Jon Griffith

5.0 (7)
Arts
Updated Bimonthly

Inside look into the entrepreneurs, business owners, & leaders who are shaping the future of Topeka, KS! 🌆

5d ago · Video

The Shawnee County District Attorney Explains His Job & Heart For Topeka | Mike Kagay

We sit down with Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay to unpack what prosecutors really do, how he thinks about fairness, and why leadership in the justice system starts with ethics. We also get candid stories about jury trials, campaigning for an elected role, and the surprising moments when accountability helps people change. • defining the DA’s role as courtroom advocate and elected prosecutor • becoming the youngest elected district attorney in Kansas history • growing up on debate and learning what TV gets wrong about the law • why “winning” arguments at home can cost you more • seeing violent crime up close while still believing in the community • focusing on repeat offenders and accountability to reduce harm • managing trials, COVID disruptions, and a large prosecution team • jury duty stories from both sides of the courtroom • what campaigning teaches about leadership and building a team • laws he would change, including jury unanimity and prosecutor guidance • rapid fire Topeka favorites and where to find him locally and online ________________________________________ 0:00 - Cold Open And Sponsor Message 0:41 - Meeting Shawnee County’s District Attorney 2:50. -What A DA Actually Does 4:40. -Becoming Kansas’ Youngest DA 8:14. -From Bullying To Debate 10:48 -Marriage Advice From A Prosecutor 14:52 - What Crime Looks Like Up Close 19:04 - Repeat Offenders And Smarter Penalties 21:32 - Trials Workload And The COVID Backlog 22:59 - Jury Duty Tips And Wild Stories 27:39 - Prosecutors Ethics And Dropping Charges 30:07 - Running For DA Door To Door 35:07 - Laws He Would Change Today 42:05 - The Pressure And Reward Of Justice 44:00 - Rapid Fire Topeka Favorites 50:31 - Where To Find Him And Redemption 53:43 - Final Thoughts And Thanks ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!
Jul 10 · Video

What Started As A Block Party Has Become Topeka’s Biggest Summer Tradition | Fiesta Topeka

We sit down with Raul and Ariana from the Fiesta Topeka planning committee to talk about how Topeka’s biggest summer tradition runs and what it funds. We dig into the history, the food, what’s new this year, and why volunteers are the reason a 93-year festival still works. • Fiesta Topeka as a Mexican cultural celebration and Holy Family Catholic School fundraiser • What first timers can expect, including live music, carnival, vendors, and five days of events • How the committee operates year round and why the public only sees the finished product • The Fiesta royalty candidate program, food sale campaigns, and coronation ball • Attendance around 50,000, free entry, and how food and beverage sales power the fundraiser • New additions like the Fiesta Connect app, notifications, sign ups, and future vendor mapping • Oakland location details, neighborhood pride, church murals, and local history • Best food talk, tamales selling fast, and why mole and homemade tortillas matter • Local Topeka recommendations, food trucks, and rapid fire favorites around town We need volunteers to come and help us to continue this tradition. https://fiestatopeka.com/ ________________________________________ 0:37 - Meet The Fiesta Topeka Leaders 2:48 - What Fiesta Topeka Really Supports 3:55 - What You’ll See And Do 6:30 - The All Year Work Behind Fiesta 8:33 - How Fiesta Royalty Campaigns Work 10:36 - 50,000 Visitors And Free Entry 12:39 - New Upgrades Like Fiesta Connect 14:55 - First Year Reality On The Committee 17:15 - Oakland Location And Neighborhood History 19:43 - Must Eat Foods And Tamale Traditions 29:13 - Their Day Jobs And Time Demands 32:15 - Rapid Fire Topeka Favorites 39:02 - Volunteer Need And Event Details ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!
Jun 26 · Video

Behind the Scenes of Professional Supercross Racing | Kevin Moranz

We sit down with Kevin Moranz again and get a clear, beginner-friendly tour of Supercross from stadium tracks to the points system that decides a season. We also dig into how he funds a pro career as a privateer by building KMR into a real team, turning sponsors into partners, and balancing racing with business and content. • what Supercross is and how it differs from outdoor motocross • how qualifying, heat races, the LCQ, and the main event work • what it takes to earn a pro license and race at the top level • why sponsorships matter more than prize money for most riders • the difference between privateer, B-level, and factory support • building Champion Tool Storage KMR KTM from a hauler to a semi • the real workload behind a two-rider operation and traveling crew • injuries, head impacts, and how long a Supercross career can last • what Kevin learned from being separated from his phone • Topeka rapid fire picks and the Chipotle vs Qdoba debate If you are interested in being a part of or supporting go check out the website at https://kevinmoranz.com/ ________________________________________ 0:00 - Cold Open And Welcome Back 1:40 - What Supercross Actually Is 6:40 - Qualifying Night Show And Points 12:00 - Going Pro From Amateur Racing 18:10 - Sponsorships And Making It Work 24:30 - Privateer Vs Factory Team Reality 31:30 - Building KMR Into A Two Rider Team 36:40 - Injuries Risk And Career Longevity 41:50 - Life Without Your Phone Feels Better 45:40 - Ten Year Vision Beyond Racing 48:40 - Topeka Rapid Fire And Food Debates 51:40 - Where To Follow Kevin Online ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!
Jun 12 · Video

From Topeka to Netflix: Inside Million Dollar Secret | Kevin Moranz

We sit down with professional Supercross racer Kevin Moranz to unpack how he landed on Netflix’s Million Dollar Secret and what the game feels like when you do not know who has the money or what anyone’s secret agenda is. We talk through “Backpack Gate,” kill shots, clue strategy, and the behind-the-scenes reality TV rules that make paranoia feel logical. • How Kevin gets connected to reality TV casting through social media work for sponsors • How Million Dollar Secret works with boxes, a hidden million dollars, votes, and shifting power • Why Season 1 knowledge can mislead you when Season 2 twists change the rules • “Backpack Gate” and the 15-feet agenda that turns strategy into frustration • Trophy room access, clue control, and how small behaviors snowball into house-wide suspicion • Kill shots, double eliminations, and the pressure of being targeted early • Filming logistics including a three-week shoot, sequestering, and no technology • What Kevin would do differently and why staying open can be smarter than pulling away • What Kevin hopes Netflix exposure leads to next and which competition shows he wants ________________________________________ 0:00 - Cold Open Competition Switch 0:17 - Sponsor Choose Topeka Relocation 0:41 - Meet Kevin Moran And The Show 1:08 - From Supercross To Netflix Casting 2:26 - The Mansion Game And The Million 4:21 - Spoiler Caleb Follows Him 10:32 - Clues Kill Shots And House Paranoia 20:05 - Money Moves And Game Powers 21:20 - Three-Week Shoot Sequester No Tech 23:33 - Editing Choices Lying Strategy And Aftermath 33:38 -Lessons Favorite Moments And Closing ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!
May 29 · Video

How 3D Printing Could Make Housing Attainable Again In Topeka | Chris Stemler

We sit down with Chris Stemler of Trident Homes to hear how a giant concrete 3D printer is being used to build a real home in Topeka. We dig into why attainable housing is disappearing, how infill lots could help, and what it takes to earn trust with a construction method most people have never touched. • Chris’s Topeka roots and the career path from consulting to real estate investing • The Beacon renovation and how historic projects exposed the pace problem • The moment concrete 3D printing clicked and the step-by-step path to permits • How the wall system works with conduits, insulation, and closed cell foam • Why ADA-friendly design gets easier when walls move in the code • The real driver of housing costs: supply, inventory turnover, and missing mid-price new builds • Infill housing, land banks, and public-private tools like down payment assistance grants • Common objections like renovations and wall texture plus options for finishes • Production goals per print crew and what scaling looks like in developments “Trident Homes is just Trident Homes on Facebook” and “3Dhomebuilder.com is the website” ________________________________________ 0:00 - Cold Open Sponsor And Introductions 1:51 - Chris’s Path Into Real Estate 4:56 - The Beacon And A Housing Bottleneck 6:06 - Discovering Concrete 3D Printing 10:40 - First 3D Home How It Works 14:49 - Why Housing Supply Is Broken 22:47 - Infill Lots Land Banks And Grants 29:27 - Objections Codes And Cost To Scale 37:58 - Curiosity Led Entrepreneurship And Impact 47:30 - Rapid Fire And Where To Follow ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!
May 15 · Video

The Truth About Startups Nobody Talks About in Topeka, KS | Austin Roberson

We talk with Austin Robertson about why people sit on great ideas, what it really takes to build a startup, and how pain tolerance shows up as a practical skill. We also dig into how ClassKid survived COVID, a lawsuit, and a full code restart, then how AI is changing SaaS while still requiring real product thinking. • buying domains and why ideas stall for years • the fear of failure and reputation risk that blocks action • building ClassKid for kids’ activities and after-school programs • surviving COVID churn by giving value first and adding Zoom tools • handling a trademark lawsuit and rebranding fast • rebuilding software after technical due diligence and a failed audit • building to sell and what a private equity consolidator wants • pain tolerance, tenacity, burnout, and the loneliness trap • AI in software development, no-code tools, and why prompting matters • MVP focus using small niche, painful problem, frequent trigger • product-led growth, customer obsession, and avoiding bloated features • rapid-fire Topeka favorites and local life Hey, quick heads up. If you've been thinking about relocating, Topeka might actually pay you to move. Seriously. You can get up to$15,000 to live and work in Shawnee County. Check it out ChooseTopeka.com ________________________________________ 0:00 - Cold Open And Banter 0:18 - Choose Topeka Relocation Sponsor Spot 0:38 - Meet Austin And His Mission 3:23 - Why We Sit On Ideas 7:21 - The Fear Behind Not Starting 12:01 - ClassKid Origin Story And Early Career 18:07 - COVID Shock And Finding Investors 20:31 - Trademark Lawsuit And Rebrand Sprint 23:48 - Code Audit Forces A Rebuild 27:16 - Selling The Company And PE Flywheels 35:42 - Pain Tolerance And Tenacity 40:16 - AI Changes SaaS And MVP Building 48:58 - Choosing Claude And Product Decisions 1:04:52 - Rapid Fire Topeka Favorites And Wrap ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!
May 1

From Professor to President: Leading Washburn Forward | Dr. Mazachek

We sit down with Washburn University President Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek to trace her path from professor to president and what she refuses to lose as Washburn grows. We dig into affordability, campus expansion, and why real connection still beats a purely online future. • Her backstory from Topeka roots to engineering to business and an accounting PhD • What a PhD in accounting really trains you to do • Why internal leadership growth is rare and why it helps Washburn • How planning shifts when technology and AI move fast • Campus space limits with housing as the biggest constraint • Parking tradeoffs including surface lots vs a future garage • Enrollment growth at Washburn and Washburn Tech • Scholarships, donors, and why finances still block college decisions • The Advisors Excel Hall renovation timeline and what moves in • Washburn Law’s new building impact and rising student credentials • The “magic” of small classes and faculty who know students • Why Topeka works for students, jobs, and quality of life • What it means to be a municipal university and how funding works • Rapid-fire local picks from restaurants to coffee shops to date night • How to connect with Dr. Mazachek and Washburn online Learn more at washburn.edu. ________________________________________ 0:00 - Cold Open On Student-Focused Faculty 0:16 - Washburn Snapshot And Benefits 0:41 - Meeting President Julian Mazachek 3:03 - From Engineering To Accounting Research 3:56 - Leading From Within At Washburn 7:35 - Space Housing And Parking Realities 14:38 - Growth Scholarships And Low Student Debt 18:36 - New Buildings And Law School Boom 24:09 - The Magic Of Small Classes 28:21 - Why Topeka Works For Students 32:16 - What A Municipal University Means 35:06 - Rapid-Fire Favorites And How To Connect ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!
Apr 17

How Raising Cane’s Turns First-Time Guests Into Caniacs In Topeka, KS | Kansas Leadership Team

We sit down with the Raising Cane’s Kansas leadership team to unpack how “one love” turns chicken fingers into a loyal fanbase in Topeka and beyond. We talk training, culture, community work, and the small operational choices that make the experience feel identical every single time. • leadership starting in the restaurant as fry cook and cashier • earning collars and building credibility through hands-on training • pandemic lessons and respect for restaurant operations • what “one love” means and why fans call themselves Caniacs • the origin of the Raising Cane’s name and the Cane mascot story • why Topeka was on the expansion list and how markets get chosen • opening new restaurants by developing leaders instead of filling roles • handling Google reviews and unrealistic complaints without losing focus • why the menu stays intentionally small and why ranch is never coming • Todd Graves’ business plan story and the one-thing-done-right gamble • Plush Puppies campaigns and partnering with local pet welfare groups • people-first culture and supporting short-staffed restaurants • toast strategy, “the Bob,” and off-menu honey mustard • why only managers make Cane’s sauce and how often it’s made • catering large orders and showing up for community events ________________________________________ 0:00 - Cold Open And Choose Topeka 0:38 - Meet The Cane’s Kansas Leadership 3:39 - One Love And Caniac Loyalty 7:46 - Why Topeka Got A Cane’s 10:17 - Training And Promotion From Within 12:44 - Google Reviews And Guest Expectations 15:52 - Focused Menu And Founder’s Gamble 19:33 - Plush Puppies Charity And Topeka Build 23:04 - Work Hard Have Fun Culture 30:10 - Toast Tricks Off-Menu Custom Orders 33:36 - Sauce Secrets And Catering Stories 37:11 - Rapid Fire Favorites And Farewell ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!

Trailer

Start Here // Trailer Episode

Ever wanted an inside look behind the scenes of who is making Topeka an amazing place to live? Join us on the Topeka Insider to hear from the entrepreneurs, leaders, and business owners shaping our city and making Topeka special. From the individuals you've read about in the headlines to the unsung heroes quietly making impactful changes, Topeka Insider will be your go-to source for inspiration and insight into Topeka’s dynamic community. Join us for plenty of laughs, engaging stories, and fascinating conversations that highlight the innovation and passion within Topeka. Whether you’ve called this city home all your life, just moved here, or are simply curious about what's happening, Topeka Insider has something for everyone. Who knows, you might even be inspired to start your own venture and contribute to the success story of our beloved city! Check out Episode #1 and become a part of the Topeka Insider family. _________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website // Facebook // Instagram Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith // Instagram Justin Armbruster // Instagram For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!

5

out of 5

7 Ratings

Awesome Podcast!

10/08/2024

ArmbrJD

Love Topeka Insider and how they’re trying to change the narrative of Topeka, KS! Great show with awesome guests!
Topeka is Great, and it’s Future is Even Brighter

10/05/2024

A_Basso

This podcast excites me about Topeka and the future it has! I can’t wait to see who the next guest is. Keep up the good work, fellas!

Inside look into the entrepreneurs, business owners, & leaders who are shaping the future of Topeka, KS! 🌆

Creator

Justin Armbruster & Jon Griffith
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

50
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Topeka Insider
Show Website

Topeka Insider