The Disruption Lab

What if sharing your startup journey before you have everything figured out is the key to success? In this episode, we sit down with Tony Caudill, founder of Duesy, to talk about why building in public isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer for founders.

He gets real about:

If you’re a founder, creator, or just someone trying to grow something meaningful, this episode is packed with insights on how authenticity, community, and execution drive success.

Listen now and learn why being uncomfortably open might just be your startup’s secret weapon!

Why do so many communities struggle with cultural preservation, STEAM education, and affordable housing—even when we know they’re essential for innovation? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, we sit down with Pat Jordan, a powerhouse in urban development, media technology, and housing advocacy, to uncover the systemic barriers keeping communities from thriving—and what we can do about it.

Pat shares how storytelling and media technology are shaping history, why affordable housing is the missing piece in economic growth, and how Kansas City can stop playing it safe and start making bold, transformative investments. She also breaks down the behind-the-scenes work of the Community Cares KC Housing Advocacy Coalition and iSTEAM, revealing real solutions for revitalizing neighborhoods and making sure no voice gets left behind.

If you’re ready to rethink what it really takes to build strong, innovative communities, this episode is a must-listen.

Hit play and join us as we dive deep into the conversations no one else is having—but should be!

Why do so many entrepreneurial ecosystems struggle to truly support diverse founders? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, we sit down with Craig Moore—ecosystem builder, community leader, and Partnerships & Special Projects Manager at the DeBruce Foundation—to uncover what’s really holding back inclusive innovation.

Craig shares his unconventional journey from music promotions to ecosystem leadership, breaking down the hidden barriers that prevent Black entrepreneurs from scaling and what needs to change for real economic impact. We dive into:

If you care about innovation, diversity, and making real change in entrepreneurship, this is a must-listen.

AI isn’t making the decisions—we are. As technology rapidly evolves, how we choose to navigate its impact on jobs, entrepreneurship, and society will define our future.

In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Dan Carroll—tech founder, investor, and philanthropist—to talk about what really matters: investing in people, taking risks, and building a world that works for everyone. From AI’s role in reshaping business to tackling the affordable housing crisis, this conversation challenges us to think bigger and take action.

What you’ll learn:

This episode isn’t just about tech—it’s about us. Will we step up? 🎧 Listen now.

Why are so many new buildings falling apart within just a few years? And why aren’t more developers building for the future? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Jonathan Arnold, principal at Arnold Development, to uncover the truth about real estate’s dirty little secret—most buildings aren’t designed to last.

Jonathan shares his unconventional journey from architecture to real estate development, revealing how his Passive House projects are proving that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s smarter, cheaper, and more profitable in the long run. He breaks down:

If you’ve ever wondered why our cities are filled with disposable buildings—and what the future of real estate could look like—this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in now and discover why the way we build needs a serious disruption.

What happens when a serial entrepreneur, technologist, and community leader suddenly faces a life-changing injury? Instead of slowing down, Mark Irvin turned his paralysis into purpose, becoming a fierce advocate for self-advocacy in healthcare and barrier-free design in the built environment.

In this episode of The Disruption Lab, Mark shares:

This is more than an inspiring comeback story—it’s a blueprint for real change. If you care about innovation, inclusion, or overcoming adversity, you don’t want to miss this one.

Listen to discover how one man’s fight for accessibility is shaking up entire industries!

What if a broken healthcare system cost you the most important thing in your life? For Chris Jones, founder of MatchRite Care, that nightmare became a reality when his 5-year-old son, CJ, missed a life-saving clinical trial because of delayed medical records.

In this episode of The Disruption Lab, Chris shares how his personal tragedy fueled his mission to disrupt healthcare and put patients back in control of their own medical data. From his early career in tech to navigating the brutal realities of entrepreneurship, Chris opens up about the challenges of fighting industry red tape and what it really takes to drive innovation in a system designed to resist change.

We explore:

If you've ever been frustrated by the healthcare system or wondered why you don’t have full access to your own medical records, this episode is a must-listen. This truly is a story about changing lives. 

What does it take to build a tech workforce pipeline for marginalized youth while transforming the way we think about education and career readiness? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, we sit down with Tammy Buckner, founder and CEO of WeCode KC, to uncover how her nonprofit is revolutionizing tech education and empowering the next generation of innovators.

Tammy shares her journey of founding WeCode KC to bridge the gap for students aged 7-26 who are often left out of technology opportunities. From hands-on coding lessons to leadership development, Tammy explains how the program doesn’t just teach tech—it prepares students to thrive in the workforce.

We explore:

Whether you’re passionate about tech, education, or creating lasting community impact, Tammy’s story will inspire you to think big, act boldly, and make a difference. Tune in to learn how WeCode KC is shaping the future of tech—one student at a time.

What does farming have to do with cutting-edge technology? More than you think. In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Lyle Paczkowski, former Sprint and T-Mobile innovator, to explore how curiosity and unconventional thinking led to over 400 patents—including game-changing technologies like Google Voice and network-based health detection systems.

Lyle shares how his agricultural background and military experience shaped his approach to solving complex problems, why simplifying technology is key to market success, and where he sees the next big opportunities in quantum computing, AI, and energy innovation.

If you’re an entrepreneur, innovator, or just someone fascinated by how big ideas become reality, this episode is packed with insights on how to turn curiosity into marketable solutions. and future trends in quantum computing ai and energy storage. 

Whether you're an entrepreneur, an innovator, or simply curious about how big ideas become reality, this episode offers valuable insights into turning curiosity into practical solutions—and what the future holds for quantum computing, AI, and energy storage.

What if filmmaking could do more than entertain—what if it could drive real social change? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Khalid Abdulqaadir and Corey McCartney, founders of AGA Productions, to explore how they’re using film as a powerful tool to unite communities and spark meaningful conversations.

Discover how AGA Productions blends storytelling with social impact, engaging local talent and using filmmaking to address critical issues like violence prevention and community development. Khalid and Corey also dive into the challenges filmmakers face when navigating outdated tax incentives and the lack of industry infrastructure—and why modernizing film tax credits could unlock massive growth for local economies.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

If you're passionate about filmmaking, storytelling, or how creative industries can drive social progress, this episode is a must-listen.