Dan Smith, co-founder of Porter House KC, discusses the mission of his organization to support entrepreneurs in the urban core of Kansas City. They offer small business development programs, mentoring, and soon-to-be-opening retail-based incubator. Smith emphasizes the importance of addressing the social determinants of health in the community and creating partnerships with organizations focused on education, healthcare, and economic development. 

Takeaways

• Porter House KC supports entrepreneurs in the urban core of Kansas City through small business development programs, mentoring, and a soon-to-be-opening retail-based incubator.
• The incubator aims to provide a space for retail entrepreneurs to call home and offers educational elements to enhance their entrepreneurial journey.
• Addressing the social determinants of health is crucial for improving the community, and Porter House KC partners with organizations focused on education, healthcare, and economic development.
• Dan Smith’s personal journey and love for Kansas City highlight the importance of community and connections in creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recognize and celebrate the success and impact of others in the community
• Find inspiration from local leaders and influencers who are making a difference
• Utilize available resources and tools to support your entrepreneurial journey
• Embrace continuous learning and be open to transformation in order to thrive

Follow Porter House KC:

Website – https://theporterhousekc.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ThePorterHouseKC/

Twitter – https://x.com/porterhousekc

All episodes of KC Leaders brought to you by Catapult Creative Media – https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

Sarah Hill, CEO of Healium, discusses the creation of immersive media experiences to calm the mind. She shares her journey from being a journalist to starting a technology company and explains how Healium uses biofeedback and neurofeedback to create personalized media experiences. The technology works by capturing brain patterns and turning them into visual assets, allowing users to actively participate in the media and self-regulate their anxiety and sleep. Hill also emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our media diet and the potential of Kansas City as a hub for digital health and wellness.

This week, we have special guest Sarah Hill joining us in the studio! You may recognize her, as she has years of experience in broadcast television; however, she is more recently notable for her meditative software, Healium. In this episode of the KC Leaders Podcast, Sarah discusses:

– The “Stress Olympics” that everyone experiences
– Navigating Mental Fitness & Mental Health
– How Honor Flights led to the early stages of Healium

I bet you’re curious to explore Healium! Check it out on their website!

If you want to know more about Honor Flights and accessing this resource, click here: Honor Flight Network of KC

Don’t miss a single update on KC Leaders! You can find us on:
YouTube // LinkedIn // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram 

All episodes are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: catapultcreativemedia.com

Lindsey Rood-Clifford, the president and CEO of the Starlight Theater, discusses her role in stewarding the legacy of the theater and the importance of arts education. She shares the upcoming changes at Starlight, including a capital campaign to add a canopy structure and expand programming. Lindsey emphasizes the value of the arts in society and the need for connection and shared experiences. She also discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Kansas City, including the preparation for the World Cup. Lindsey encourages individuals to get involved and make a difference in their community.

– The arts are an essential part of a rich and full life, providing opportunities for connection, shared experiences, and storytelling.
– Kansas City offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a strong emphasis on supporting local artists and organizations.
– The post-pandemic era presents both challenges and opportunities for the arts, requiring innovation, adaptability, and a focus on audience development.
– Getting involved in the community and making a difference can be achieved through volunteering, networking, and connecting with like-minded individuals.

Starlight Theatre: https://www.kcstarlight.com/

Follow us on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KCLeaders
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kc-leaders-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcleaderspodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcleaderspod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcleaderspodcast/

All episodes are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: catapultcreativemedia.com

We are so excited to be kicking off Season 2 of KC Leaders Podcast with the inspiring and talented Latinx Muralist and Artist, Jose Faus. Jose holds community and Latin culture close to his heart, and it is evident in his work.

In this episode of KC Leaders, Jose and Virginia touch on:

Jose’s inspiration from seeing Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” at the MoMA

Incorporating community and culture in his creations

The complexity and balance of collaboration between artists

Find Jose:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/qarido/ 

All episodes of KC Leaders are produced by Catapult Creative Media – https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

Are you holding yourself back? This week Ginny talks with stARTist and published author, Becky Blades. The two discuss the mental barriers preventing people from being creative, incredible motherly advice, and just doing that thing you want instead of talking about it.

In this episode of KC Leaders, we are overjoyed to be sitting down with Becky Blades. Becky’s career has spanned journalism, public relations, and the arts, and she has played a significant role in shaping the entrepreneurial and artistic landscape of Kansas City. Some of the key takeaways from this moving conversation between Virginia and Becky are:

• Start More Than You Can Finish – Her book, as well as the message and story behind it
• Self-discovery within a creative process
• The Zeigarnik Effect of starting something new

If you’d like to stay up to date with Becky and her projects, you can find her on her Website

Interested in grabbing a copy of one of her best-selling books? Click this link: StARTistry

The vote is in: Becky’s favorite place to grab BBQ is Jack Stack

Want to stay involved in the KC community? Here are some mentions from Becky and Virginia’s conversation:

Mayor Q // Comedy Club of KC // Heartland Tree Alliance

All episodes of KC Leaders are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media.

Ready to talk about AI? David and AI expert, Dan Savino sit down to talk about what the AI revolution means for jobs, how AI is helping people, and the future of tech in Kansas City.

Dan just blew us away in this episode. You will hear him boast about the kindness and opportunity that’s flooding KC, but you have to act on it- and that’s exactly what Dan did to end up in Kansas City. Some of the key takeaways from this wonderful episode are:

• You have to get involved to stay involved- don’t be a wallflower!
• Continue to be curious about everything you approach and do
• Ask the question- don’t be afraid to ask about and learn what you don’t already know

If you want to connect with Dan, you can find him online here:

LinkedIn// Kansas City AI Club

Yes, I know, Dan is vegan, BUT he still likes BBQ!

His favorite place to grab BBQ is: Joe’s KC (specifically, The Portobello Z-Man)

Explore more of KC by visiting the Nelson-Atkins Museum!

Give back to the community you love by getting involved with Harvesters – A Community Food Network and Food Bank.

All episodes of the KC Leaders Podcast are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media.

Ginny and photographer and artist, Adrienne Maples, discuss being open to change, combating isolation as an artist, and how to stay involved in Kansas City.

We are pleased to sit down with renowned photographer, Adrienne Maples, who has a rich history spanning over 20 years in both film and digital media. Aside from her 20-year career as a photographer and artist, Adrienne is much more than just a photographer.  She’s also recognized as a speaker, educator, and board member for local KC art organizations. Some of the key takeaways from this episode are:

• The complexity and challenge of taking a good photo
• Those who doubt you will fuel your success
• Be curious about your community

Adrienne’s favorite place in KC to pick up BBQ is RJ’s Bob-Be-Que

You can find Adrienne Maples on:

Instagram // Facebook // Website

Stay involved in the community and check out these organizations!

KC Artists Coalition // AIGA // KC Design Week // Keystone Innovative District

Honorable Mentions:

David Maples // Camry Ivory

All episodes of the KC Leaders Podcast are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media.

When hearing about Quindaro for the first time, or even as in-depth as Stacy and David do here, it is both difficult and frustrating to simultaneously learn that the efforts being made to restore and support Quindaro are not as fruitful as they need to be. To learn more about being involved in Quindaro or to donate to its restoration, visit the Quindaro Ruins Townsite Project website.

In this episode, we are thrilled to be sitting down with KC Leader Stacy Evans to discuss her many roles in the community alongside all her efforts and passions for the Quindaro Ruins Townsite. Although every minute of this episode is as important as the next, here are a few key takeaways:

•  Education crisis within the Greater Kansas City Area
• Quindaro Ruins’ rich and unifying history
• Doing what you love- and loving it enough to do it in your free time

Stacy’s pick for Best BBQ: Gates BBQ

Be sure to check out our Resources Page to see all the best BBQ in KC!

Stacy said it best when she so confidently shared, “We are only as good as our materials.” Check out The Black Archives and The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to learn more about some of the history that has taken place within our wonderful Kansas City.

In the discussion of local leaders that Stacy looks up to, Stacy mentions:

Sharice Davids

Mayor Quinton Lucas

Emanuel Cleaver

All episodes of The KC Leaders are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media

In this episode of the KC Leaders podcast, host David Maples interviews Herston Fails, the new CTO of StoryTailor, an AI-driven storytelling platform based in Kansas City. Herston is recognized as a technologist, connector, speaker, and futurist who has hosted events to bridge the gap between tech experts and novices. Herston emphasizes the importance of accessible technology and encourages early involvement in tech development to ensure inclusivity and to seize opportunities for success, both culturally and financially, within the industry. Some of our favorite key takeaways from Herston’s engaging episode are:

• Importance of diversity in thoughts, opinions, and lived experiences in the workforce
• Connecting and engaging with intention
• ‘Swimming on top of the Water’ and how to combat our biased thoughts

Herston… you called it, so we had to do it! The word ‘Intentional’ was counted 16 times.

Do you want to know Herston’s opinion on the Best BBQ in KC? Well, the answer is a little more complex than you may expect!

• If you want the BEST BBQ and BBQ experience (hands down), you MUST check out Gates BBQ (Main St. location for Wings, all locations for the fries) and Joes KC (the gas station location specifically).
• Maybe you’re looking for amazing sides? Look no further than Jack Stack
• What about a hidden gem that isn’t on everyone’s map? Hickory Log in KCK is your place to be!
• Do you want to know what Herston orders at Gates BBQ? “Beef on bun on bread is my order!”

Hurston has been connecting, meeting, and engaging with individuals with intentionality, and the payoff is glowing! Check out some of Hurston’s favorite places in Kansas City and some of the amazing people he has connected with over the years!

• Connections: Chico Sierra // Warren Harvey // Spark Bookhart // Cynthia Fails // Don Carter // Adrienne Maples // Dayveon Ross // Cornell Ellis // Lewis & Arlene Byrd // Edgar Palacois & Laura Palacois // Lisa Pena //
• Places to Connect: Equally Minded Cafe // Cafe Corazon // Cafe Ca Phe // Nelson-Atkins Museum // Kinship Cafe //
• Local Radio: KCUR //
• KC Groups & Initiatives: Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC) // BLOC Brothers // Parent Power Lab // LaunchCrate Publishing // Urban Hikes KC // Keystone Innovations CoLAB // BXKC //

Be sure to check out the KC Leaders Resources Page for even more BBQ, activities, initiatives, events, and places to explore!

All episodes of KC Leaders are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media

In this episode, David talks with Kansas City leader and former professional figure champion Candice McField. Tune in to hear insight into staying fit while working a corporate day job, how to turn your passion into a career, and ways to stay active.

Join David as he delves into a conversation with Candice, who embodies the epitome of turning a passion for fitness into a thriving career. Discover actionable strategies for staying in shape despite a demanding work schedule, and learn how you can harness your own passions to fuel your business success. Some key takeaways are:

• Making Health & Wellness your daily routine
• Road mapping your productivity
• The legacy we leave behind

Stay in touch and up to date with Candice McField Fitness!
// Website // fightGLOBESITY // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // LinkedIn //

Candice’s pick for Best BBQ: Jack Stack

With all the wonderful ways to give back and get involved in and around Kansas City,  Hope International offers a place to give back internationally. Visit their site today to see how you can be involved in leaving behind a legacy of care, compassion, and wellness.

All episodes of KC Leaders are brought to you by Catapult Creative Media