Central Standard

Segment 1: What's going on with unions in Missouri? Last year, union membership in Missouri went up, bucking a national trend of declining numbers. But the bigger picture is much more complicated. In this conversation, we take a close look at the current climate of local unions. David Nicklaus , author, " Union Membership Rises in Missouri, Bucking National Trend " Judy Ancel , labor educator Segment 2, beginning at 39:24: Responding to gun violence epidemic through music. We meet a local

Segment 1: The plaza's historic look may see big changes in the future. New tenants on the Plaza could change the look of the historic Seville-inspired shopping district. As people wrestle with impending change, balancing nostalgia and aesthetics against commercial hope, we step back and talk about what the Plaza aesthetic is, and whether it's something we as Kansas Citians are attached to. Kenneth T. Jackson , history professor, Columbia University Hesse McGraw , principal, El Dorado Inc.

Segment 1: Emily Kate’s and gluten-free cuisine Producer Coy Dugger takes us behind the scenes at Emily Kate’s bakery, which specializes in gluten-free baking. We also hear from Janet Smith who offers tips and tricks for the at-home baker interested in creating gluten-free delights. Robin Knight, owner of Emily Kate’s Janet Smith , gluten-free baker Segment 2, (beginning at 16:00): Tea, coffee, and more hot beverages with our food critics Central Standard’s food critics delve into some of the

Segment 1: MU professor finds that eye behavior can provide mental health analysis. They say eyes are a window to your soul. But according to a University of Missouri researcher, they're also a window to your stress level. Jung Hyup Kim , assistant professor, University of Missouri-College of Engineering Segment 2, beginning at 12:44: Local mom shares her story about changing her mind on a controversial issue: vaccines. Changing one's opinion on a controversial subject isn't easy. We meet a

Segment 1: The dark side of gambling. Gambling often conjures up images of casinos, slot machines, and sports betting. But as our guests point out, gambling isn't all fun and games — it can also turn into addiction. One that can have an even greater impact on communities of color. Holly Edgell , editor for Sharing America, St. Louis Public Radio Kevin Bost , former gabbling addict Timothy Fong , professor of addiction psychiatry and co-director, UCLA Gambling Studies Program Segment 2,

Segment 1: A recent piece from The Atlantic sparks debate over the merits of gym class. Gym class in school is supposed to be fun. But according to a new study, it may have a negative impact on students. In today's conversation, we explore the merits of gym and how a new crop of physical education teachers is trying to make P.E. enjoyable for every kid. Alia Wong , staff writer, The Atlantic Nick Williamson , P.E. teacher, Crossroads Academy - Quality Hill Stephanie Dickson , instructional coach

Segment 1: Research shows white-sounding names curry favor in academic settings. Xian Zhao's name means something to him. It means something to his parents. That's why he won't adopt what he calls an "anglo name." But his own research suggests he might be missing opportunities because of that. Xian Zhao, researcher, University of Toronto Segment 2 (beginning at 14:45): Why violence against queer-identifying people of color gets swept under the rug. According to our guests, violence against

Segment 1: The crossroads of Super Bowl ads and social commentary. After a year of socially-minded commercials from corporations like Nike and Gillette, this year's Super Bowl ads were comparatively tame. In this conversation, we look at how tensions around politics and identity played a role (or didn't) in the biggest marketing event of the year. Shaun Hammontree, motion graphics artist & advertising veteran Aaron Randle, enterprise reporter, The Kansas City Star Steve Bernstein, president,

Segment 1: How paper airplanes communicate the trials of prison. A new exhibit from a Kansas City-based artist explores the relationships between inmates and the world outside of prison. Airplanes is currently on display at the Kansas City Public Library. Benjamin Todd Mills, artist and activist Segment 2, beginning at 17:57: Julia Child is reborn through musical cake-baking. Opera 180 is a Kansas City production company which presents fun opera in user-friendly and exciting shows. In their

Segment 1: What does this week's extreme cold mean for people without a home? In the frigid cold Wednesday night, The Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness conducted their annual "point-in-time" survey with the goal of estimating the number of people experiencing homelessness in Kansas City. In this conversation, we hear first impressions on the survey results as well as perspective from a woman currently experiencing homelessness. Heather Hoffman , executive director, Greater Kansas