Segment 1: Celebrities are entertaining and increasingly political. Recently more and more celebrities are getting involved in political activism, but it has not always been this way. We talk about the origin of celebrity influence in politics and its effects in today's political climate. Mark Harvey , author, Celebrity Influence: Politics, Persuasion, and Issue-Based Advocacy Segment 2, beginning at 14:10: What's in a name? Dear Abby advised readers to avoid naming their children 'foreign' or

For many new citizens, voting is a crucial milestone in becoming an American. On this episode, we find out what issues matter to newly-naturalized citizens both here in Kansas City and across the nation as they prepare to vote for the first time. Plus, a look at the latest episode of My Fellow Kansans . Guests: Paula Console-Soican , naturalized citizen Jared Knutt , naturalized citizen Loretta Bass , professor of sociology, University of Oklahoma Wennie Chin , Senior Manager of Civic Engagement

Segment 1: Midwestern millennials are getting married at younger ages than those on the Coast. Across the United States, millennials are choosing to delay marriage. We talk with marriage experts about the reasons why and also how the Midwest differs slightly in this national trend. Marissa Vidler , founder of Clear Box Insights Deborah Smith , professor of sociology, UMKC Therin Alrik , married millennial Segment 2, beginning at 32:42: The sounds of Kansas City. After nine weeks of Open Spaces,

Segment 1: Does your DNA make you who you are? Senator Elizabeth Warren recently took a DNA test proving a percentage of her heritage is Native American. But how much should DNA shape your identity? We visit with authors who have voiced research and opinions on this topic as well as callers from our community. Wendy Roth , sociology professor, University of British Columbia Brandon Scott , executive editor, Cherokee Phoenix Holly Edgell , author, Who gets to say who you are? Segment 2, beginning

Segment 1: A Kansas City musician's self-proclaimed 'nerdy rap.' Kadesh Flow is a trombonist with The Phantastics . He released " Room Service ," a solo hip-hop album, which he recorded in a hotel room during a gamer convention. Hear more of his story, from leaving his job at Cerner to pursue music to being part of the Nerdy People of Color Collective. Kadesh Flow , musician Segment 2, beginning at 18:24: Soccer wasn't always popular in Kansas City. KCUR's Suzanne Hogan tells the story of how

Segment 1: Paying for period products can be difficult. For some people, there’s a financial choice to be made when it comes to buying food, paying the bills, or purchasing pads and tampons. Some have to miss school or work because they don’t have the proper supplies. We talk about menstrual equity in the nation and in Kansas City, and what locals are doing to ensure that people have the supplies they need. Mackenzie Becker , artist and chapter respresentative, Homeless Period Project Jessica

AY Young is a local musician who's making a name for himself across the country with solar-powered, community-centered concerts. We hear the story of how he learned to rap without ever having heard rap music, and he fills us in on what to expect from his Open Spaces show this Sunday. Plus, a look at the latest episode of My Fellow Kansans . AY Young , musician and performer; founder of the Battery Tour

Segment 1: What is the state of the honeybee in Missouri? Most of the news we hear about honeybees is bad news. Is it really all doom and gloom? Or are honeybees doing better than we thought? Jerry Hayes , vice president, Vita Bee Health North America Clayton Lee , president, Missouri State Beekeepers Association Segment 2, beginning at 24:18: Can rain be too much of a good thing for farming? Fall is the busiest season for farmers, working day in and day out to harvest the summer's crops. But

Segment 1: Forty-four years at Kansas City Parks and Rec. From his early years mowing grass, to repairing fiberglass kangaroos at Penguin Park, to overseeing the vast system of parks and boulevards, we hear about Mark McHenry's long career in Parks and Recreation. And yes, he says, it's a lot like the TV show . He plans to retire from his post as Director this December. Mark McHenry , director of Kansas City Parks and Recreation Segment 2, beginning at 17:20: How does climate change affect

When he was in college, Kansas City author Adib Khorram taught himself to make Persian food. Khorram, who grew up in Gladstone with an Iranian-born father , hadn't always felt comfortable embracing that part of his background when he was kid. The struggle to find cultural belonging would later be mirrored in his semi-autobiographical young adult novel. Another thing that found its way into his book, "Darius The Great Is Not Okay"? Iranian cuisine. In conversation with Gina Kaufmann and KCUR's