There's Just Something About Kansas City

Kansas City just experienced something we had been dreaming about for decades. Now, for the first time, the people who helped make it happen are sitting down together to tell the story.
In this special KC2026 World Cup wrap-up, Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation; Pam Kramer, CEO of FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City; and Cliff Illig, co-founder and co-owner of Sporting Kansas City, come together for a conversation you haven't heard before.
They take us behind the scenes of Kansas City's World Cup journey: from the decade-long effort to land a coveted host city designation to the moments the public never saw and the decisions that helped turn KC2026 into an unforgettable success.
They also reflect on what the World Cup meant for Kansas City and the region, and the economic, cultural, and community impact that will continue long after the final whistle.
Throughout the story is the legacy of Lamar Hunt, whose passion for soccer and belief in Kansas City helped lay the foundation for this moment decades ago.
This isn't just a recap of the matches.
It's the inside story of how Kansas City became a World Cup city - and what happens next.

With Season 4 of Ted Lasso now streaming, we're revisiting the story behind the character—and the Kansas coach who helped inspire him.
Meet Donnie Campbell, the longtime Kansas high school basketball coach whose leadership, optimism, and ability to build relationships had a lasting impact on a young Jason Sudeikis. Years before Sudeikis became an Emmy Award-winning star, he experienced Coach Campbell's unique approach to coaching and mentorship firsthand.
In this encore episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Donnie talks about his coaching philosophy, the importance of building confidence and relationships, and what it feels like to see elements of his approach brought to life through one of television's most beloved characters.
From the basketball court to the small screen, Coach Campbell's influence reaches far beyond wins and losses. We talk about mentorship, leadership, the lessons coaches teach their players, and the remarkable connection between a Kansas high school basketball coach and Ted Lasso, the relentlessly optimistic character played by Sudeikis.
With Ted Lasso Season 4 now live, there's never been a better time to hear the story of the real-life coach behind the character.
🎧 This is an encore presentation of our conversation with Donnie Campbell.

As Kansas City looks toward the future of professional sports, with new stadium plans dominating headlines and the Kansas City Chiefs unveiling renderings for their proposed stadium project, it's the perfect time to revisit this fascinating conversation.
In this encore release, we sit down with sports architect, author, and historian Tom Waggoner, whose book Designed in Kansas City chronicles how Kansas City became the Sports Architecture Capital of the World.
Tom takes us from the Colosseum to today's stadium debate, explaining how Kansas City Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium, the Kansas City Royals' Kauffman Stadium, and the Truman Sports Complex revolutionized stadium design in the 1970s and influenced sports venues around the world.
We also discuss the future of stadium architecture, what makes a venue truly great, and what Tom would tell today's Chiefs and Royals ownership as they help shape the next chapter of Kansas City sports.
Whether you're following the latest stadium proposals, passionate about sports history, or simply curious how Kansas City became a global leader in sports architecture, this episode provides the historical context behind one of the region's biggest conversations.

Science fiction has always imagined the future, but fandom has changed just as much as the stories themselves.
In this episode of There's Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with Jason Hunt, Editor-in-Chief of SciFi4Me, the Kansas City-based media platform covering science fiction, fantasy, horror, comics, movies, television, gaming, and fan culture.
Since launching SciFi4Me in 2009, Jason has built it into a destination for genre news, reviews, creator interviews, livestreams, and thoughtful commentary for fans around the world.
Jason shares how growing up immersed in science fiction inspired careers in radio, television, filmmaking, and digital media before ultimately creating a platform where fans could connect through their shared love of storytelling.
We also discuss the evolution of fandom, how streaming and social media have changed the relationship between studios and audiences, and why independent voices continue to play an important role in genre journalism.
Whether you're a lifelong sci-fi fan, a storyteller, or just curious about the magic behind the books and movies that have shaped generations, this conversation explores the power of imagination - and the communities it creates.

Your World Cup Guide to Must-See Kansas City
As Kansas City’s 2026 FIFA World Cup whirlwind comes to a close, we're wrapping up our series spotlighting just a few of the city's most iconic, can’t-miss destinations. 
This week, we're visiting J. Rieger & Co., a historic, world-class distillery that has become a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike.
In this special encore episode, host Frank Boal sits down with Andy Rieger, president of J. Rieger & Co., to discuss the remarkable revival of his family's pre-Prohibition Kansas City whiskey brand and its transformation into one of Kansas City's premier attractions.
From its roots in the late 1800s to its rebirth more than a century later, J. Rieger & Co. tells a story of entrepreneurship, innovation and Kansas City pride. Today, the distillery welcomes guests from around the world to experience its award-winning spirits, historic campus and vibrant gathering spaces.
Whether you're visiting Kansas City for the World Cup, planning a future trip or simply love stories of history, business and community, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city's most celebrated success stories.
Discover why J. Rieger & Co. deserves a place on every visitor's itinerary.
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