Jonathan Thomas: Leading American Century Investments with Purpose & Impact
In this episode, Frank Boal sits down with Jonathan Thomas, President & CEO of American Century Investments, to explore how one of Kansas City’s most influential financial firms has woven purpose directly into its business model.Jonathan breaks down the company’s unique ownership structure, where over 40% of profits support life-changing medical discoveries at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. He shares how this mission-driven approach fuels the company’s culture, values, and long-term strategy, proving that a global investment firm can deliver both performance and impact.They also dig into American Century’s long-running connection to the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe — a celebrity golf tournament that blends star athletes, entertainment icons, charitable giving, and national visibility. Jonathan shares behind-the-scenes stories from the event, its philanthropic reach, and how it reinforces American Century’s belief in prospering with purpose.Whether you’re interested in leadership, philanthropy, finance, Kansas City business, or the intersection of profit and purpose, this episode offers a powerful look at what it means to build a company around making a difference.
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Pete Cowdin: Inside The Rabbit hOle
Step into The Rabbit hOle, the world’s first immersive storybook museum right here in North Kansas City. In this episode, co-founder Pete Cowdin shares how he and Deb Pettit pulled from their experience at Reading Reptile, Kansas City’s beloved children’s bookstore, to create a groundbreaking cultural landmark where classic characters leap off the page and into real life.Pete takes us behind the scenes of the creativity, grit, imagination, and vision required to build an experience unlike anything else in the world. From interactive installations to literary adventures big enough for grownups, discover how The Rabbit hOle is redefining the way families experience children’s literature — and why Kansas City was the perfect place to make it happen.Whether you’re a parent, educator, creative, or KC culture enthusiast, this episode offers a magical look into a museum designed for everyone.Full Rights - Music Pro, Artlist License
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“Teal Man” Richard Harper: KC Current’s Biggest Superfan
He’s loud. He’s proud. And he’s painted head-to-toe in teal.Meet Richard Harper, better known as Teal Man: the ultimate Kansas City Current superfan who brings unstoppable energy and love to every match. From the first whistle to the final minute, Richard’s passion for KC Current soccer is contagious. In this episode, he shares how it all started, why he dedicates so much of himself to supporting the team, and what being part of the KC soccer community means to him, both on and off the pitch.Whether you’re a KC sports fan, a Current supporter, or just someone who loves a good story about heart and hometown pride, this episode is a guaranteed mood-booster.Full Rights - Music Pro, Artlist License
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Kelly’s Westport Inn: The Heart of Kansas City Nightlife
Every city has one legendary bar. The kind of place where stories start, friendships grow, and the night never really ends. In Kansas City, that place is Kelly’s Westport Inn. Standing tall in its original 1800s building, once owned by Daniel Boone’s grandson, Kelly’s isn’t just a bar - it’s a living piece of Kansas City history. Wagon trains once stopped here before heading west, and today, locals still pack the place for cold beer, live music, and good conversation. Oh, and did we mention it’s haunted? In this episode, Pat Kelly and Dave “Red” Cross share stories of hangovers, high jinks, hauntings, and heart, plus memories of the Grand Old Man (GOM) who gave Kelly’s its name. Whether you love KC nightlife, local lore, or a good ghost story, this episode will make you wish the walls could talk.Full Rights - Music Pro, Artlist License
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Johnny Dare: Kansas City’s Shock Jock Radio Rebel
Buckle up, Kansas City—this one’s a wild ride. He’s loud, he’s funny, and he’s been shaking up the airwaves for over three decades. In this episode, we sit down with Johnny Dare, the legendary host of The Johnny Dare Morning Show on 98.9 The Rock, to talk about his journey from high school dropout to one of the most recognizable voices in Midwest radio.Johnny opens up about 34 years of radio mayhem, the sidekicks and skits that made headlines, and the moments that nearly got him kicked off the air. But behind the “shock jock” persona, you’ll also meet the man with a big heart: the one who started Bikers for Babies, Hope for the Holidays, and Hand Up!It’s raw, it’s hilarious, and it’s real. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Kansas City radio, this episode captures the chaos, comedy, and compassion that make Johnny Dare a local legend.
“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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