Graham Zusi: Kansas City’s World Cup Star Turned Ambassador
Graham Zusi is a Kansas City soccer legend and a former U.S. Men’s National Team star who competed in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. But what’s he doing now—and what does he think about the World Cup coming to Kansas City in 2026?In this episode of There's Just Something About Kansas City, Zeus himself sits down to talk about his journey from youth soccer to NCAA championships at Maryland, his incredible MLS career with Sporting KC, and his role in one of the most exciting eras of American soccer.Now serving as the World Cup Community Ambassador for NBKC, Zusi is staying busy off the pitch—working in a local bike shop, traveling the world, and seeking out adventure in places like Patagonia and Cuba.If you're a soccer fan, Kansas Citian, or just love a good adventure story, this episode has something for you.🎧 Listen now to hear Graham Zusi’s thoughts on Kansas City's moment in the World Cup spotlight, what drives him today, and how he’s redefining life after pro sports.
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David Naster: Kansas City Comedy Pioneer on Healing Through Humor
Before comedy clubs came to Kansas City, David Naster was already making people laugh on street corners. In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with one of KC’s first stand-up comedians—who went from performing in the streets to opening for Celine Dion and headlining cruise ships around the world.Naster shares behind-the-scenes stories from LA’s legendary Comedy Store, how he convinced Stan Glazier to launch Stanford and Sons in Westport, and why he returned home to Kansas City. He also opens up about his personal struggles and how he’s helping others heal through humor with his book and podcast, You Just Have To Laugh.If you're interested in the roots of Kansas City’s comedy scene, cruise ship entertainment, or using laughter as a tool for mental health—this episode delivers it all.
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Tom Waggoner: Designing the Sports Architecture Capital of the World
Kansas City is the sports architecture capital of the world. But how did we get there?In today’s episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we're talking with the man who literally wrote the book on the subject, “Designed in Kansas City” — sports architect, author, and historian Tom Waggoner.Tom takes us all the way from the Roman Colosseum to today's stadium debate, diving into how the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium, Royals’ Kauffman Stadium, and the Truman Sports Complex as a whole changed the face of sports arenas in the 70's and how Kansas City's innovative edge in the field is shaping today's conversations. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the stadiums and what he’d share with the current owners of the Chiefs and Royals.Whether you’re following the stadium saga in KC, are a sports history buff, or just love a Kansas City story, this is essential listening.
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Mike Zeller: Reinventing Kansas City’s Rock Island Bridge
What happens when a wild idea on a river float turns into one of Kansas City’s most ambitious development projects? In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with Mike Zeller — entrepreneur, visionary, and CEO of Flying Truss — to talk about his bold plan to transform the historic Rock Island Bridge into America’s first trailhead and entertainment district on a bridge.What started as a joke — “Chicken on a Bridge!” — is now a massive revitalization effort connecting communities across the Kansas and Missouri rivers. Zeller shares how a dream became a development, the challenges of adaptive reuse, and why this railroad bridge-turned-riverfront attraction could become one of KC’s most iconic destinations.You’ll hear the origin story behind the project, the history of the bridge itself, what to expect from the future R.I.B. — food, music, trails & more, and why connecting the city above the river that helped to shape it matters.Whether you're into urban planning and redevelopment, creative placemaking, or just love a good Kansas City dream-turned-reality story, this episode is a must-listen.
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Bryan Truta: Lifelong Voice in KC Radio
Bryan Truta is the Senior Director of Radio Operations at KCUR’s 90.9 The Bridge, a KC native, and a 30-year veteran of the Kansas City music and media scene. If there's a radio station in town, chances are Bryan's worked there.In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Frank and Bryan sit down for a wide-ranging, often hilarious conversation between longtime friends. Bryan shares his unforgettable first encounter with Frank, plus wild stories from his early days at 1510: the cockroach-infested home of Kansas City's first all-sports radio station that grew to become Union Broadcasting and Sports Radio 810 WHB.From Jason Whitlock and infamous holiday parties at Boal-Manor, to run-ins with the police (not the band) and a collapsing dance floor, Bryan’s got stories. Lots of them. But more than that, he’s a true Kansas Citian—deeply rooted, deeply respected, and still drawing a loyal following wherever he goes.Once upon a time, Bryan dreamed of becoming the liberal answer to Rush Limbaugh. Today, he’s on The Bridge—a fitting name for someone who’s never burned one in his career. In an industry known for churn and ego, that’s no small feat.Did we mention he learned to cross-stitch and Irish dance in grade school?Don’t believe us? Just listen to this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City.
“There’s just something about Kansas City.”™ It may be the most-heard phrase from those who are from here, those who have come here, & those who have chosen to stay. It’s a sense of pride, of camaraderie, of community and comfort. A sense of small-town, back-patio warmth brimming with growth, innovation and potential. A sense of zero degrees of separation in a city of champions.
For each of us, that “something” is a story crafted through years of experiences, big and small, that have planted the Heart of America so deeply in our own.
Join legendary Kansas City sports broadcaster Frank Boal each week for deep, down-to-earth conversations with some of this town’s most legendary residents, both natives and transplants, and hear what it is about Kansas City that just keeps calling them home.
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