In a World with Real Media

The "In a World with Real Media" podcast features Erik and Emily Orton, founders of The Awesome Factory who share their inspiring journey from Broadway producers to sailing adventurers. They discuss overcoming a business failure, embracing fear, and finding freedom through gratitude and adventure. The Ortons now lead sailing trips and coach others to pursue their dreams, emphasizing the importance of stepping outside comfort zones and finding peace in nature. Their story is a testament to resilience, family bonds, and the transformative power of embracing the unknown.

In this podcast episode of In a World with Real Media, host Brad Burrow interviews Laura Kirk, an award-winning filmmaker and associate teaching professor at the University of Kansas. Kirk discusses her career path, starting with her early interest in making people laugh and her diverse experiences in theater and film. She emphasizes the importance of being open to opportunities, collaborating with others, and continuously learning and practicing one's craft. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of working in the film industry, the impact of artificial intelligence on filmmaking, and the growing film scene in Kansas. Kirk shares her insights on directing actors, developing chemistry on screen, and the importance of storytelling in filmmaking. The episode concludes with Kirk reflecting on her favorite films and actors, and offering advice to aspiring filmmakers.

In this interview on the In a World with Real Media podcast, host Brad Burrow interviews Julie Sayers, one of the principals and owner of encompas and the mayor of Lenexa, Kansas. Julie Sayers was elected mayor in November 2023. Prior to that, she served as a Ward 4 council member from 2019–2023. Julie is an owner and principal of a commercial furniture dealership called encompas. She grew up in Topeka, Kansas, and earned a bachelor’s degree in interior design from the University of Kansas. She initially practiced interior design at AECOM (formerly Ellerbe Becket), one of Kansas City's firms that specializes in NBA, NFL and collegiate sports facilities. This provided her with a foundation for large-scale project management, multidisciplinary coordination and construction administration. In her role in the design community, Julie has served as president of the Mid-America Chapter of the International Interior Design Association and president of the Center for Architecture & Design Kansas City. Julie serves on the Executive Board of Climate Action KC. This group of policy makers from northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri — along with their partners in the private and nonprofit sectors — are working to enact and foster proactive strategies, systems and structures within the region to reduce greenhouse gases, improve climate resilience and generate corresponding economic, social, health and quality of life benefits. Sayers discusses her background in interior design, including her work on sports stadiums and arenas such as the Superdome and the Barclays Center. She then details her transition to encompas, a contract furniture dealership, and her eventual rise to ownership alongside three other women. The conversation shifts to the impact of COVID-19 on the contract furniture industry, with Sayers highlighting the increased demand for creating inviting and functional office spaces that entice employees back to the workplace. She also touches on the growing importance of ergonomics in both office and home settings. Sayers then shares her journey into politics, starting with her involvement in the campaign for a new airport project and culminating in her election as mayor of Lenexa. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement and her commitment to maintaining stability and delivering excellent services to residents. The interview concludes with a discussion of Lenexa's future development plans, including the completion of major projects like the AdventHealth campus, the Justice Center, and the renovation of the Community Center in Old Town. Sayers also mentions the city's comprehensive plan, which outlines the vision for Lenexa's growth and development over the next 20 years.

In our latest episode of In A World with Real Media, we are joined by Marilyn Arnold! Learn about Marilyn's origins: how she achieved success at a fortune 65 company, New York Life and went on to become a managing partner. Fast forward to today, tune in to find out how her voice is being used to highlight those among our community that are being the hands and feet of Christ, and even some who are tackling the harrowing issue of Human Trafficking on her podcast, The Least of These.

Join us this week on In A World with Real Media as we talk with Meghan Hovee, Founder and CPA at Hovee & Co, Kansas City's unique relationship-based, accounting, consulting and outsourced CFO firm.

Listen in as Meghan chats with Brad about her passion in helping small businesses grow and thrive with her time tested CFO strategies. 

On this episode we are joined by Executive Producer and Veteran Women's Basketball Broadcaster, Brenda VanLengen. Tune in as Real Media Executive Producers Brad Burrow and Cecil Searcy discuss the production and highlights of the new docuseries If Not For Them. To learn more information, or find out how you can get involved visit www.ifnotforthem.com, or email [email protected]. 

Join us this episode on In A World with Real Media as we sit down with guests Christian Arnold, Founding Principal at Clockwork Architecture and Design and Former President of EOKC, along with Eric Kelting Co-Founder of Complete Legal and President of EOKC.

 Listen in as we discuss AI and what that means for entrepreneurs and The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and its Kansas City chapter to learn about this global, peer-to-peer network of more than 17,000+ influential business owners with 213 chapters in 60+ countries. For over 35 years, EO is the catalyst that enables leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, leading to greater success in business and beyond.

In this episode of In A World with Real Media we are joined by Jacob Walters and Austin Williams from Jaw Bats. Tune in as we discuss Jacob and Austin's background in baseball and how they transitioned into owning and operating a small business in manufacturing custom bats. We'll take you through the ups and downs and discover how their background in playing ball serves their business today.

This episode of In A World with Real Media we are joined by Will Palmer, Founder and CEO at Growth Lab & Performance Content. Tune in as we discuss the current state of digital marketing, SEO and the emergence of AI. You won't want to miss this episode if you want to be on the cutting edge of digital marketing and the impact on your business.

On this episode of In A World with Real Media, we are joined by Mitch Case, Founder of More Than A Meal. Tune in as we hear about Mitch's start in the field of engineering and how that led to an entrepreneurial journey where he started More Than A Meal. Helping you strengthen your most valued relationships with a personalized meaningful gift.