Central Standard

It seems like news is constantly breaking about men accused of sexual misconduct, harassment or assault. There's a feeling of change in the air, but there is also confusion. We explore how Kansas Citians are responding. We hear what women want in the workplace, and we talk to men who are rethinking their behavior and perspectives. Plus: your thoughts and questions. Guests: Sherry Turner, Founder, OneKC for Women Bob Keeney, local small business owner Quinton Lucas , KCMO City Council member, 3rd

Looking back, this year was slammed with national news: tropical storms, wildfires, protests and even Twitter wars. But plenty happened here in Kansas City, too! So before entering a new year, we check in with community newspapers to learn about the important local stories of 2017. Guests: Jay Senter, publisher, Shawnee Mission Post Eric Wesson, staff writer, The Call Joe Arce, publisher, KC Hispanic News Barbara Bayer, editor, Jewish Chronicle

Why is school funding a constant debate in the Sunflower State? Today, we look at how the Kansas Constitution defines the government's responsibility concerning education. Then, we review the greatest podcasts of 2017 — just in time for emergency holiday downloading. Guests: Bill Rich , professor, Washburn University School of Law Lauren Ober , host, The Big Listen Madeline Fox , reporter, Kansas News Service

Today, Stuart Swetland is the president of Donnelly College, which U.S. News & World Report recently recognized as the most diverse college in the Midwest . But in 1985, when TWA Flight 847 was hijacked, he was a Navy officer who was called to participate in a rescue mission with grim chances for survival. Hear his story. Guest: Stuart Swetland, President, Donnelly College

Kansas City is home to the best brass band in the country. Hear more about the Fountain City Brass Band, which recently placed second and third at two international brass band competitions. Then, the concertmaster of the Kansas City Symphony discusses his labor of love: performing in Shir Ami , a group that revives the lost music of the Holocaust. Plus: a new project that pairs KU journalism professors with their Russian counterparts to teach techniques for determining what's real news ... and

When you think of moss, you may conjure up images of dense woods. But a new restaurant on the Plaza features a moss wall. We talk to the local artist who created it, and we hear his vision for a harmonious life. Plus: As one of the most significant tax bills in recent history gets ironed out, there has been talk about what it could do for the middle class. What is the middle class — and what does it mean to be middle class today? Guests: Morten Klinte, plant artist, The Fat Plant Society Frank

Few people bring Kansas City's history to life like Monroe Dodd. But in light of our resident chronicler's move to Colorado, we indulge on one more journey through the great folklore of our town. Then, Kansas City Ballet's lead dancer, Lamin Pereira, shares his experience performing in The Nutcracker. ​Also, learn about a crisis rural America is facing through the lens of a novelist. Guests: Monroe Dodd, KCUR's resident historian Lamin Pereira, lead dancer, Kansas City Ballet Melissa Fraterrigo

In light of a new Evel Knievel museum opening in Topeka earlier this year, we look back at the legacy of an all-American daredevil. Then, we visit with Kansas City native and ballet icon Misty Copeland. Also, we learn about the story of the 'lone tater tot' at Winstead's. Guests: Mike Patterson , The Evel Knievel Museum Frank Morris , KCUR reporter Misty Copeland , ballerina, author

Forget wine and cheese ... now there's beer and cheese. A local cheese expert tells us about the best beer and cheese pairings. Plus: a visit to a classic KC restaurant that brought back its fondue nights from the 1970s, then the Food Critics search out the best cheese dishes in and around town. Guests: Lincoln Broadbooks, The Better Cheddar Charles Ferruzza, food writer Mary Bloch, Around the Block Jenny Vergara, Feast Magazine

Meet a soon-to-be-NASA engineer from Missouri who raps about math . Plus: what are the smells of KC, both past and present? We explore the rich tapestry of Kansas City scents, good and bad, and how they affect our experience of a place. Guests: Dajae Williams, senior at Missouri S&T , created the quadratic formula rap Jill McKeever, local fragrance maker, For Strange Women Nicolas Bock, architect and contributor to Squeezebox