Jonathan Bender: Building Kansas City’s Museum of Barbecue
Kansas City isn’t just famous for barbecue—it’s making history with the world’s first Museum of Barbecue. In this episode, we sit down with founder and food writer Jonathan Bender, an East Coast foodie turned KC convert, who has dedicated his life to documenting America’s most mouthwatering comfort food. From burnt ends and rib tips to the pitmasters who built KC’s reputation, Jonathan shares the stories, culture, and traditions behind why Kansas City barbecue is truly unmatched. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or simply someone who craves the smoky flavor of authentic BBQ, this episode will leave you both hungry and inspired.
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The Real-Life Coach Who Inspired Jason Sudeikis’ Ted Lasso
Do you know the real story behind Ted Lasso?Meet Donnie Campbell: the longtime Kansas high school basketball coach known not just for his winning record, but for the way he builds relationships, instills confidence, and teaches life's lessons through the game. Years ago, Donnie coached a young Jason Sudeikis, who would later model his Emmy Award winning character, Ted Lasso, after Coach Campbell’s style of leadership and relentless optimism. From the locker room to the small screen, Coach Campbell’s influence has reached far beyond the hardwood. We talk about his coaching mentorship and what it’s like to see your philosophy come to life as a global phenomenon.
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Michael Mackie: Emmy-Winning Celebrity Interviewer & Kansas City Storyteller
Discover the incredible journey of Michael Mackie: 8-time Emmy Award–winning journalist and one of Kansas City’s most recognizable media personalities. Known for interviewing nearly 1,000 celebrities, including 11 Oscar winners, Mackie shares the untold stories behind his new book “You Have 4 Minutes!” and his life as a go-to celebrity interviewer.He’ll tell you he’s locally famous for being locally famous, but his story goes much deeper than that. In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Michael opens up about his battle with food and alcohol and how the two almost cost him his life, along with the powerful steps he took to reclaim his health. We also explore his recent travel writing for Lonely Planet ahead of World Cup 2026 in Kansas City, plus his feature series on the KC Streetcar line for The Pitch Magazine.If you’re interested in celebrity interviews, Kansas City culture, World Cup 2026 travel tips, or a real story of addiction recovery and reinvention, this conversation is for you.
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Celebrating 100 Episodes: A Live Kansas City Panel at J. Rieger & Co.
Celebrate the 100th episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City with a special live panel recorded at J. Rieger & Co.Host Frank Boal brings together four of Kansas City’s most influential leaders: Andy Rieger (President, J. Rieger & Co.), Kathy Nelson (President & CEO, Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation), George Guastello (President & CEO, Union Station Kansas City), and Bob Kendrick (President, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum).In this milestone episode, hear firsthand how Kansas City’s top voices are shaping the city’s future—from tourism and sports to history, culture, and economic growth. Whether you’re a KC local, history buff, or sports fan, this inspiring conversation spotlights the people and places that make Kansas City one of the most dynamic cities in America.Cheers to the next 100!
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Deron Cherry: Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Honor Legend & NFL Pro Bowl Safety
Deron Cherry is a Kansas City Chiefs legend and one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history. In this episode, Deron reflects on his incredible journey from undrafted free agent punter to six-time Pro Bowl safety and member of the Chiefs Hall of Honor. We dive into the defining moments of the 1980s Kansas City Chiefs defense, the lessons that fueled his NFL success, and the impact of his leadership on and off the field. Deron also opens up about his life after football—his business ventures, community work, and his lasting commitment to giving back to Kansas City.If you’re a fan of Kansas City Chiefs history, legendary NFL players, or inspiring athlete stories, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
“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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