frank boal

Michael Garozzo is an Italian restauranteur, a St. Louis native, a Chiefs mega-fan, a bonafide movie star, and a Kansas City household name. 

Mike started his career as a busboy at 13 with a dream of one day owning his own restaurant. Hailing from “The Hill”, St. Louis’s Italian neighborhood, Mike worked his way into the world of Italian fine dining before putting his own stamp on the Kansas City restaurant scene with “Garozzo’s Ristorante” in Columbus Park, where “Chicken Spiedini began!”

Mike has hosted everyone from Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and his quarterback Patrick Mahomes to Tony Bennett and Kid Rock. In today’s episode he talks family, history, and the legends who made him who he is today. You’re in for a fun trip with the one and only Michael Garozzo.

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Becky Blades is an author, a motivational speaker, an artist, a sculptor, a mentor, and even a licensed pilot. From her early days in PR at Starlight Theater, to her time as Kansas City entrepreneur and business owner, to her journey into writing and creating, her funny, refreshing, no nonsense approach to life and knack for bold leadership will leave you inspired — and smiling.

Becky’s writing has been featured on Oprah, in the Huffington Post, in Grown & Flown and beyond. Her art is represented by The Eva Reynolds Gallery in Kansas City along with other galleries across the country. Her book, “Advice Your Mom Would Give You If She Thought You Were Listening”, was a Best Book selection. 

Join us for a fun conversation with the multi-talented Becky Blades.

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Jim Eddy is a Kansas City second-generation restauranteur and Kansas City native who has seen it all. Take a trip back in time to the food, entertainment, and lifestyle from the 1940s, ‘50’s and 60’s in Kansas City to today. The “Eddy Brothers” became world-famous during the era of the Supper Club Circuit, and Kansas City was right in the middle of the boom.

Eddy’s Supper Club at 13th and Baltimore was hoppin’ in the ‘50’s, hosting some of the biggest names in pop music. Jim Eddy talks through everything from mandated 24/7 bowling alleys during WWII, to a terrible business decision passing on a to-be pop icon, to the KC Chiefs and Popeye’s chicken. Take the wild ride through KC food history with Jim Eddy!

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Kate McLiney is a Kansas City blogger, influencer, and native with a passion for sharing all of KC’s best-kept secrets with the community. “LoKCal” hit Instagram five years ago, and Kate has since become one of the top influencers in the KC Metro. 

The Brookside local and Notre Dame de Sion grad made her way to Arkansas for college before returning home to KC and starting a career at Cerner, where she found herself surprised time and time again at all that her hometown now had to offer.

Five years ago, she felt inspired to start sharing the events, stories, meals, and businesses she was discovering through a blog and Instagram account appropriately named “LoKCal”. Covid transformed the passion project, bringing her deeper into conversation with the people behind the places. Today, Katie runs her own boutique recruiting firm — MAC Industries — and spends her free time exploring the people, places, and stories that make Kansas City so unique.

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Joyce DiDonato is a transformative presence in the arts. The international opera star has been called “the most potent female singer of her generation.”

From humble beginnings in a big Irish family in Prairie Village, Kansas to international superstar, Joyce DiDonato has dazzled audiences from around the world with her mezzo soprano voice that has been labeled “24-karat gold.”

Learn how she overcame rejection and turned it into motivation to rise to the top of her profession, but still refers to herself as “just Joyce from Kansas.” And stick around until the end to hear how she manages to bring even Frank to tears!

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Cliff Illig is an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, and a native Kansas Citian. Cliff went from working for his father loading punch cards into a computer, to writing up a business plan with some friends on a picnic bench in Loose Park, to founding Cerner, a $5 billion dollar healthcare software company. Now principal owner of Sporting Kansas City, Cliff talks Kansas City soccer and all that went into bringing the World Cup to our town. You’ll discover how saying things like, “figure it out”, “slog away at it” and “what would Neal do” became Cerner’s mantra for success.

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When Kyle Talbot left KC after high school he doubted he’d ever be back, but the city had a certain allure he could never shake. When Talbot returned in 2020, he set out to change the way real estate is sold. His venture has become a Youtube and Instagram sensation, with hundreds of videos highlighting the inside scoop on the exciting growth Kansas City has in store.

Talbot talks about growing up in Kansas City and the independence he had to develop during his childhood, the counselor who saw his potential and helped him succeed, his transition into real estate, and the ways KC inspired him towards his now-viral video content. 

Hear his expert thoughts on the next big developments in Kansas City — like Pennway Point, the Rock Island Bridge, and the South Loop Project — and more on the growth our city has in store.

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World renowned Master of Wine and Grand Sommelier Doug Frost and Midwest Trust CEO Brad Bergman are at the forefront of the Midwest and Pacific Northwest wine industry.

This duo uncorks the secrets of pairing business and pleasure with a great glass of wine. Doug and Brad talk about their partnership that has not just impacted the local wine industry but has spurred the industry’s growth in the Pacific Northwest too.

Their passion for giving back is what brought them together originally, and both believe Kansas City’s philanthropic, hospitable nature is key to what sets our town apart.

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George Brett is Mr. Kansas City. He has spent 50 plus years inside the KC Royals organization, rising through the Minor Leagues, to the Major Leagues, to Cooperstown. 

George talks about his life, his brothers, his dad, and his career as only George can, and touches on the MLB Network’s recent documentary profiling his life - “Brett”. Join us for an in depth conversation with this legendary Hall of Famer, what motivated him, who helped him along the way and why he has never stopped giving back to the city he loves.

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Sarah McEnerney, Kate Feder, Ben Messner, and Frank Boal ring in the new year by remembering some of the best moments from 2023 and looking forward to 2024 on “There’s Just Something About Kansas City.”

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Michael “Mick” Haverty is a railroad man. The Atchison native had “railroading in his blood”, with the trade running in his family as far back as his great grandfather, but he fell in love with the railroad business himself as a child listening to the local railroaders talk shop.

Mick’s passion for railroading is second only to his love of Kansas City. Every year, the Haverty Family Foundation contributes to over 100 charities in the area.

Come along for the fascinating ride on the rails by a leader who guided one of the most iconic railroads in North America. 

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Kansas City resident and New York Times Best Selling author David Von Drehle wrote “The Book of Charlie” for his kids. Little did he know the impact it would have on people of all ages.

David talks about his rise from the youngest sports writer in the history of the Denver Post, to Time Magazine and Deputy Opinion Editor of the Washington Post. But it’s a friendship with his 102 year old Kansas City neighbor, Dr. Charles White, that inspired “The Book of Charlie.” In our opinion, it should be required reading for everyone. 

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Keith Bradley is co-owner of the iconic Made in KC brand and one of the driving forces behind its unique approach to helping local artists and businesses thrive. Inspired by his community-building work in the non-profit sector, Keith worked with fellow owners Tyler Enders and Thomas McIntyre to provide the storefront, the marketing, the business support, and the unmatched accessibility to help local artisans thrive.

“Kansas City understands the importance of supporting and shopping local really unlike other markets,” he said of the incredible loyalty our community has to locally-made goods.
He also talks about the breadth and depth of creativity and quality manufacturing we have here in Kansas City, noting that at Made in KC stores, 90 cents on the dollar stays right here in our local economy.

Hear all about the humble origins and exponential growth of the Made in KC concept, and how it became a catalyst for community growth through locally made products and the thriving community behind it.

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Matt Besler is the pride and joy of Kansas City soccer. Born and raised in KC, Matt takes us on his amazing journey from a local club & high school player, to Notre Dame player of the year, to the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting KC) first round SuperDraft pick and a defender for the United States Men's National Team in the 2014 World Cup.

Matt talks family, sharing the incredible story of scoring his one and only international goal just hours after welcoming his first-born daughter. He also talks friendship, and you’ll love hearing where he and Graham Zusi first became roommates after signing with the Kansas City Wizards.

Get ready for some incredible insights and stories and how he continues to give back to the city he loves.

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In today's episode, we’re raising a toast to Andy Rieger, the president, co-founder, and driving force behind J. Rieger & Co.

Andy's family built the historic Rieger Hotel in the years leading up to prohibition. Today, he has revived the family tradition of creating exceptional spirits, winning international acclaim in the world of craft distillation. And while Kansas Citians take great pride in our incredible "local distillery", J. Rieger & Co. has "passed the test" as one of the best distilleries in the country.

Andy shares his family story, the origin of J. Rieger & Co., and the importance of the craft, apprenticeship, and methodologies behind distilling. Even though the pandemic brought him to his knees, he figured out a way to keep his dream alive.

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He's won eight majors — including five British Open victories, two wins at the Masters, and arguably the most dramatic U.S. Open victory in history — and 70 professional tournaments overall. But golf isn’t the only thing that defines World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Watson.

We get an "instant lesson" in the perfect swing, learn about the Watson Links program, and talk go-karts, cutting horses, and giving back to the city he loves.

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You see him every night on KMBC-TV. You hear her every afternoon on KMBZ radio. He’s low key, she’s, well, one of a kind. From her signature laugh to his legacy in broadcasting, this is an episode you don’t want to miss — one that will leave you wondering why Dana doesn’t have a podcast of her own, titled, “Dana Unfiltered!!

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It’s the #1 WWI Museum and Memorial in the world, and it has stood guard on Kansas City for almost 100 years. President and CEO of the National WWI Museum and Memorial Dr. Matthew Naylor, Ph. D., whose grandfather fought in the Great War and father fought in WWII, is a distinguished figure in the world of history and preservation.

The Australia native turned Kansas City leader walks us through this pivotal time in history and why the Great War and this museum has an enduring relevance today. Hear his thoughts on the “extraordinary cultural assets” our city has been blessed with, the incredible story of community support that has made them possible, and all that's in store for our city in 2026.

Whether you’re a Kansas City native, a travel lover, a history buff, or an Aussie at heart, today’s episode is one you won’t want to miss.

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KCTV Anchor Anne Peterson is one of the most beloved TV anchors in Kansas City history. Anne sits down with Frank to reminisce on her remarkable career. During her tenure, she witnessed and covered every imaginable story, from local events to national headlines during KC’s Golden Age of TV. Anne explains the beauty of what she and Frank call “true journalism.”

“We were all doing things for the right reasons,” she said, “for the community.”

Together, Frank and Anne also take us behind-the-scenes in a TV newsroom, relive some memorable interviews and talk about how much the TV industry has changed. From heartwarming stories, to industry secrets, to an exclusive look into an era of Kansas City history, Anne shares her thoughts on the city she holds dear.

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Episode Description: In 1999, Kay Barnes was elected Kansas City’s first female mayor. Since then, the St. Joe native has led initiatives producing over $4.5 billion in public and private investment in downtown Kansas City — including her push to get the Sprint Center built, which helped to revitalize KC’s urban care and transform it into a thriving metropolitan hub. 

Barnes also talks about what she learned from her famous cousin, Walter Cronkite, America’s most trusted journalist.

Hear the story of this dynamic and visionary leader who broke the glass ceiling for women in politics in Kansas City.

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