KC Leaders | Kansas City Business Podcast

Steve Sirois of Callsign Brewing Shares His Military Journey and Veteran Support Mission - S03E01

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this inspiring episode, host David sits down with Steve Sirois, founder of Callsign Brewing in North Kansas City, to explore his remarkable journey from a military veteran to a thriving craft brewery owner. Steve shares how his extensive service in the U.S. Air Force shaped his approach to entrepreneurship and community involvement. Discover the powerful story behind Callsign Brewing’s mission to honor fallen soldiers and support veterans with PTSD through specially crafted beers and charitable initiatives.

Website - https://www.callsignbrewing.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callsignbrewing/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Callsign-Brewing-LLC/61577177185066/

Dan Smith | S02E04 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Dan Smith, co-founder of Porter House KC, discusses the mission of his organization to support entrepreneurs in the urban core of Kansas City. They offer small business development programs, mentoring, and soon-to-be-opening retail-based incubator. Smith emphasizes the importance of addressing the social determinants of health in the community and creating partnerships with organizations focused on education, healthcare, and economic development.

Takeaways

Porter House KC supports entrepreneurs in the urban core of Kansas City through small business development programs, mentoring, and a soon-to-be-opening retail-based incubator.
The incubator aims to provide a space for retail entrepreneurs to call home and offers educational elements to enhance their entrepreneurial journey.
Addressing the social determinants of health is crucial for improving the community, and Porter House KC partners with organizations focused on education, healthcare, and economic development.
Dan Smith’s personal journey and love for Kansas City highlight the importance of community and connections in creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recognize and celebrate the success and impact of others in the community
Find inspiration from local leaders and influencers who are making a difference
Utilize available resources and tools to support your entrepreneurial journey
Embrace continuous learning and be open to transformation in order to thrive

Follow Porter House KC:

Website – https://theporterhousekc.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ThePorterHouseKC/

Twitter – https://x.com/porterhousekc

All episodes of KC Leaders brought to you by Catapult Creative Media – https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

Sarah Hill | S02E03 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Sarah Hill, CEO of Healium, discusses the creation of immersive media experiences to calm the mind. She shares her journey from being a journalist to starting a technology company and explains how Healium uses biofeedback and neurofeedback to create personalized media experiences. The technology works by capturing brain patterns and turning them into visual assets, allowing users to actively participate in the media and self-regulate their anxiety and sleep. Hill also emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our media diet and the potential of Kansas City as a hub for digital health and wellness.

This week, we have special guest Sarah Hill joining us in the studio! You may recognize her, as she has years of experience in broadcast television; however, she is more recently notable for her meditative software, Healium. In this episode of the KC Leaders Podcast, Sarah discusses:

– The “Stress Olympics” that everyone experiences
– Navigating Mental Fitness & Mental Health
– How Honor Flights led to the early stages of Healium

I bet you’re curious to explore Healium! Check it out on their website!

If you want to know more about Honor Flights and accessing this resource, click here: Honor Flight Network of KC

Don’t miss a single update on KC Leaders! You can find us on:
YouTube // LinkedIn // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

All episodes are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: catapultcreativemedia.com

Lindsey Rood-Clifford | S02E02 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Lindsey Rood-Clifford, the president and CEO of the Starlight Theater, discusses her role in stewarding the legacy of the theater and the importance of arts education. She shares the upcoming changes at Starlight, including a capital campaign to add a canopy structure and expand programming. Lindsey emphasizes the value of the arts in society and the need for connection and shared experiences. She also discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Kansas City, including the preparation for the World Cup. Lindsey encourages individuals to get involved and make a difference in their community.

– The arts are an essential part of a rich and full life, providing opportunities for connection, shared experiences, and storytelling.
– Kansas City offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a strong emphasis on supporting local artists and organizations.
– The post-pandemic era presents both challenges and opportunities for the arts, requiring innovation, adaptability, and a focus on audience development.
– Getting involved in the community and making a difference can be achieved through volunteering, networking, and connecting with like-minded individuals.

Starlight Theatre: https://www.kcstarlight.com/

Follow us on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KCLeaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kc-leaders-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcleaderspodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcleaderspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcleaderspodcast/

All episodes are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: catapultcreativemedia.com

Jose Faus | S02E01 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

We are so excited to be kicking off Season 2 of KC Leaders Podcast with the inspiring and talented Latinx Muralist and Artist, Jose Faus. Jose holds community and Latin culture close to his heart, and it is evident in his work.

In this episode of KC Leaders, Jose and Virginia touch on:

Jose’s inspiration from seeing Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” at the MoMA

Incorporating community and culture in his creations

The complexity and balance of collaboration between artists

Find Jose:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/qarido/

All episodes of KC Leaders are produced by Catapult Creative Media – https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

Becky Blades | S01E14 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Are you holding yourself back? This week Ginny talks with stARTist and published author, Becky Blades. The two discuss the mental barriers preventing people from being creative, incredible motherly advice, and just doing that thing you want instead of talking about it.

In this episode of KC Leaders, we are overjoyed to be sitting down with Becky Blades. Becky’s career has spanned journalism, public relations, and the arts, and she has played a significant role in shaping the entrepreneurial and artistic landscape of Kansas City. Some of the key takeaways from this moving conversation between Virginia and Becky are:

Start More Than You Can Finish – Her book, as well as the message and story behind it
Self-discovery within a creative process
The Zeigarnik Effect of starting something new

If you’d like to stay up to date with Becky and her projects, you can find her on her Website

Interested in grabbing a copy of one of her best-selling books? Click this link: StARTistry

The vote is in: Becky’s favorite place to grab BBQ is Jack Stack

Want to stay involved in the KC community? Here are some mentions from Becky and Virginia’s conversation:

Mayor Q // Comedy Club of KC // Heartland Tree Alliance

All episodes of KC Leaders are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media.

Dan Savino | S1E13 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Ready to talk about AI? David and AI expert, Dan Savino sit down to talk about what the AI revolution means for jobs, how AI is helping people, and the future of tech in Kansas City.

Dan just blew us away in this episode. You will hear him boast about the kindness and opportunity that’s flooding KC, but you have to act on it- and that’s exactly what Dan did to end up in Kansas City. Some of the key takeaways from this wonderful episode are:

You have to get involved to stay involved- don’t be a wallflower!
Continue to be curious about everything you approach and do
Ask the question- don’t be afraid to ask about and learn what you don’t already know

If you want to connect with Dan, you can find him online here:

LinkedIn// Kansas City AI Club

Yes, I know, Dan is vegan, BUT he still likes BBQ!

His favorite place to grab BBQ is: Joe’s KC (specifically, The Portobello Z-Man)

Explore more of KC by visiting the Nelson-Atkins Museum!

Give back to the community you love by getting involved with Harvesters – A Community Food Network and Food Bank.

All episodes of the KC Leaders Podcast are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media.

Adrienne Maples | S1E12 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Ginny and photographer and artist, Adrienne Maples, discuss being open to change, combating isolation as an artist, and how to stay involved in Kansas City.

We are pleased to sit down with renowned photographer, Adrienne Maples, who has a rich history spanning over 20 years in both film and digital media. Aside from her 20-year career as a photographer and artist, Adrienne is much more than just a photographer. She’s also recognized as a speaker, educator, and board member for local KC art organizations. Some of the key takeaways from this episode are:

The complexity and challenge of taking a good photo
Those who doubt you will fuel your success
Be curious about your community

Adrienne’s favorite place in KC to pick up BBQ is RJ’s Bob-Be-Que

You can find Adrienne Maples on:

Instagram // Facebook // Website

Stay involved in the community and check out these organizations!

KC Artists Coalition // AIGA // KC Design Week // Keystone Innovative District

Honorable Mentions:

David Maples // Camry Ivory

All episodes of the KC Leaders Podcast are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media.

Stacy Evans | S1E11 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

When hearing about Quindaro for the first time, or even as in-depth as Stacy and David do here, it is both difficult and frustrating to simultaneously learn that the efforts being made to restore and support Quindaro are not as fruitful as they need to be. To learn more about being involved in Quindaro or to donate to its restoration, visit the Quindaro Ruins Townsite Project website.

In this episode, we are thrilled to be sitting down with KC Leader Stacy Evans to discuss her many roles in the community alongside all her efforts and passions for the Quindaro Ruins Townsite. Although every minute of this episode is as important as the next, here are a few key takeaways:

Education crisis within the Greater Kansas City Area
Quindaro Ruins’ rich and unifying history
Doing what you love- and loving it enough to do it in your free time

Stacy’s pick for Best BBQ: Gates BBQ

Be sure to check out our Resources Page to see all the best BBQ in KC!

Stacy said it best when she so confidently shared, “We are only as good as our materials.” Check out The Black Archives and The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to learn more about some of the history that has taken place within our wonderful Kansas City.

In the discussion of local leaders that Stacy looks up to, Stacy mentions:

Sharice Davids

Mayor Quinton Lucas

Emanuel Cleaver

All episodes of The KC Leaders are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media

Herston R. Fails | S01E10 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the KC Leaders podcast, host David Maples interviews Herston Fails, the new CTO of StoryTailor, an AI-driven storytelling platform based in Kansas City. Herston is recognized as a technologist, connector, speaker, and futurist who has hosted events to bridge the gap between tech experts and novices. Herston emphasizes the importance of accessible technology and encourages early involvement in tech development to ensure inclusivity and to seize opportunities for success, both culturally and financially, within the industry. Some of our favorite key takeaways from Herston’s engaging episode are:

Importance of diversity in thoughts, opinions, and lived experiences in the workforce
Connecting and engaging with intention
‘Swimming on top of the Water’ and how to combat our biased thoughts

Herston… you called it, so we had to do it! The word ‘Intentional’ was counted 16 times.

Do you want to know Herston’s opinion on the Best BBQ in KC? Well, the answer is a little more complex than you may expect!

If you want the BEST BBQ and BBQ experience (hands down), you MUST check out Gates BBQ (Main St. location for Wings, all locations for the fries) and Joes KC (the gas station location specifically).
Maybe you’re looking for amazing sides? Look no further than Jack Stack
What about a hidden gem that isn’t on everyone’s map? Hickory Log in KCK is your place to be!
Do you want to know what Herston orders at Gates BBQ? “Beef on bun on bread is my order!”

Hurston has been connecting, meeting, and engaging with individuals with intentionality, and the payoff is glowing! Check out some of Hurston’s favorite places in Kansas City and some of the amazing people he has connected with over the years!

Connections: Chico Sierra // Warren Harvey // Spark Bookhart // Cynthia Fails // Don Carter // Adrienne Maples // Dayveon Ross // Cornell Ellis // Lewis & Arlene Byrd // Edgar Palacois & Laura Palacois // Lisa Pena //
Places to Connect: Equally Minded Cafe // Cafe Corazon // Cafe Ca Phe // Nelson-Atkins Museum // Kinship Cafe //
Local Radio: KCUR //
KC Groups & Initiatives: Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC) // BLOC Brothers // Parent Power Lab // LaunchCrate Publishing // Urban Hikes KC // Keystone Innovations CoLAB // BXKC //

Be sure to check out the KC Leaders Resources Page for even more BBQ, activities, initiatives, events, and places to explore!

All episodes of KC Leaders are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media

Candice McField | S01E09 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, David talks with Kansas City leader and former professional figure champion Candice McField. Tune in to hear insight into staying fit while working a corporate day job, how to turn your passion into a career, and ways to stay active.

Join David as he delves into a conversation with Candice, who embodies the epitome of turning a passion for fitness into a thriving career. Discover actionable strategies for staying in shape despite a demanding work schedule, and learn how you can harness your own passions to fuel your business success. Some key takeaways are:

Making Health & Wellness your daily routine
Road mapping your productivity
The legacy we leave behind

Stay in touch and up to date with Candice McField Fitness!
// Website // fightGLOBESITY // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // LinkedIn //

Candice’s pick for Best BBQ: Jack Stack

With all the wonderful ways to give back and get involved in and around Kansas City, Hope International offers a place to give back internationally. Visit their site today to see how you can be involved in leaving behind a legacy of care, compassion, and wellness.

All episodes of KC Leaders are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media

Joel Goldberg | S1E08 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

David and TV Broadcaster for the KC Royals, Joel Goldberg talk about what it was like to be around during the Royal’s historic run, lesson you can learn from successful sports teams and much, much more.

Joel Goldberg joins David on this episode of The KC Leaders Podcast to discuss his 25+ years of experience in sports and all the lessons he has learned along the way. Joel touches on:

Investing in YOUR city
Connecting with people outside of your industry
The growing exposure of Kansas City

Stay in touch with Joel!

// Website // Podcast //

Joel’s Picks for Best BBQ: Joe’s & Jack Stack

Joel’s must visit places in KC:

How can YOU give back to Kansas City?

All episodes of KC Leaders are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media

Clarissa Knighten | S01E07 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia talks with artist and designer Clarissa Knighten about life, what inspires her art, and taking that big step towards your dream.

On this introspective episode of The KC Leaders Podcast, Virginia sits down with Kansas City’s 2023 Influencer & Innovator, Clarissa Knighten. The two discuss:

Leaving the corporate world & preparing for life as a full-time artist
Impacts of being an influencer, innovator, and role model in your own backyard
The power behind listening more and talking less

Stay in touch with Clarissa!

// Website // Instagram //

Clarissa’s #1 BBQ Spot: LC’s BBQ

Clarissa’s Places to Explore in KC:

All episodes brought to you by Catapult Creative Media

Gretchen Moran | S01E06 |KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Gretchen Moran, the new Program Director at Parkville Chamber of Commerce, talks about exciting things happening around KC, finding your niche, and the importance of community.

This week, Gretchen Moran, who is also the Parkville Chamber of Commerce’s newest Program Director, sits down with Virginia for a compelling conversation about her life’s path and how she ended up colliding worlds for the better. Gretchen speaks on:

Building connections in your community
Becoming THE master organizer
Bridging the gap between education & workforce

Stay updated & in touch with Gretchen!

// Simply Living KC // Parkville Chamber & PACE // LinkedIn //

Gretchen’s Favorite BBQ in KC: – Joe’s KC (Original Gas Station Location)

Get Involved & Network in Your Community!

All Episodes of KC Leaders Podcast brought to you by Catapult Creative Media

Kyle Smith of Determination Incorporated | S01E05 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0500

This week, we’re joined by Kyle J. Smith of Determination Incorporated. Kyle is the found and Executive Director of this great organization that aims to help formerly incarcerated residents in Kansas City start a business of their own. In this episode, David and Kyle talk about the difficulties surrounding the penal system and reentry.

In this episode of The KC Leaders Podcast, Kyle J Smith joins David in the studio for a perspective-shifting and honest conversation about the penal system and the issues behind recidivism. Kyle speaks in depth on:

Generational effects of the penal system
Taking a chance on previously incarcerated individuals
Fostering unity to build a community

Stay Connected with Kyle & Determination Incorporated!

// Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter (X) //

Kyle’s Pick for Best BBQ: Char Bar BBQ

Get Involved in the Community:

All episodes of The KC Leaders Podcast brought to you by Catapult Creative Media

Lisa Peña of Urban Hikes KC | S01E04

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

David talks with Lisa Pena of Urban Hikes KC about getting out of your comfort zone, seeing the sights around Kansas City, and some of the hidden gems around the city.

On this episode, we are joined by the wonderful and energized Lisa Peña, founder of Urban Hikes KC. Lisa, being a Kansas City, Kansas native,
exposes her favorite areas and aspects of Kansas City. Lisa & David go on to discuss:

Turning passion into a career
Kansas City’s accessibility & inclusivity
Overlooked history & art within Kansas City

Connect with Lisa & stay updated on Urban Hikes KC!

// Website // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn //

Lisa’s Pick for Best BBQ in KC: Joe’s KC

It’s time to try something new. Grab a coffee from Café Corazón or Hamar-Weyne Cafe & head down to Observation Park!

All episodes of The KC Leaders Podcast are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media

Jan Jensen of Jan Jensen Artists | S01E03 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Jan Jensen joins Virginia to talk about art, creativity, and the importance of mental health. Jan works to connect local Kansas City artists with residents in order to put more local art in more homes.

Jan Jensen is the confidence-exuding artist that we all aspire to be. Comfortable in her skin and jovial about the arts, Jan joins Virginia for a conversation about all things art. The two discuss:

Helping others to recognize their own potential
Being Approachable & fostering unity
Art’s ability to spark interesting, necessary, and sometimes tough conversations

Stay in touch with Jan!

// Website // Facebook //

Jan’s Pick for Best BBQ in KC: Slaps BBQ KC

Thinking you need some more art in your life? Check out these spaces & activities for your next free weekend!

All episodes of The KC Leaders Podcast brought to you by Catapult Creative Media

Rebecca Graham United Real Estate KC | S01E01 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:01:00 -0500

On the inaugural episode of the KC Leaders Podcast, David Maples sits down with Rebecca Graham of United Real Estate KC to discuss Kansas City, pickle ball, and how to network and have fun around the city.

Rebecca Graham at United Real Estate KC -
https://rebeccagraham.unitedrealestat...

Rebecca's BBQ suggestion:
Burnt ends from Joe's Kansas City - https://www.joeskc.com/

Also mentioned in the episode:
Chicken N Pickle - https://chickennpickle.com/location/k...
KCRAR - https://kcrar.com/
Q39 - https://q39kc.com/locations/kansas-ci...
Smokehouse - https://www.smokehousebbq.com/

Stay up to date and never miss an episode:
Twitter: @kcleaderspod
Website: kcleaderspodcast.com
Facebook: KC Leaders Podcast
Email: info@kcleaderspodcast.com

Explore the podcast

Camry Ivory of Coloratura | S01E02 | KC Leaders

Catapult Creative Media — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0500

David interviews Camry Ivory, a local artist and the inventor of Coloratura, an interesting way to paint with music. The two discuss the divide in Kansas City, how they hope to continue to help KC grow, and the incredible art and music around the city.

Camry Ivory- musician, artist, inventor, and Tracey Amos fan- joins David on this week's episode of The KC Leaders, to discuss her invention, The Coloratura, being a musician in Kansas City, and the diversity among talent in Kansas City.

The two discuss:

Coloratura and its’ Freedom of Expression
What truly defines an artist
Collaboration in Kansas City

Stay in touch with Camry & explore Coloratura!

Camry Ivory & Coloratura:
// Youtube // Instagram // Website // Facebook //

Camry’s Picks for Best BBQ in KC:

LC’s (for the BEST Burnt Ends)
BEST BBQ Sauce from Gates BBQ

It’s time for YOU to invest in Kansas City! Check out these initiatives & activities:

All episodes of The KC Leaders Podcast brought to you by Catapult Creative Media