Discover the incredible journey of Michael Mackie: 8-time Emmy Award–winning journalist and one of Kansas City’s most recognizable media personalities. Known for interviewing nearly 1,000 celebrities, including 11 Oscar winners, Mackie shares the untold stories behind his new book “You Have 4 Minutes!” and his life as a go-to celebrity interviewer.

He’ll tell you he’s locally famous for being locally famous, but his story goes much deeper than that. In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Michael opens up about his battle with food and alcohol and how the two almost cost him his life, along with the powerful steps he took to reclaim his health. We also explore his recent travel writing for Lonely Planet ahead of World Cup 2026 in Kansas City, plus his feature series on the KC Streetcar line for The Pitch Magazine.

If you’re interested in celebrity interviews, Kansas City culture, World Cup 2026 travel tips, or a real story of addiction recovery and reinvention, this conversation is for you.

• Celebrate the 100th episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City with a special live panel recorded at J. Rieger & Co.

  Host Frank Boal brings together four of Kansas City’s most influential leaders: Andy Rieger (President, J. Rieger & Co.), Kathy Nelson (President & CEO, Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation), George Guastello (President & CEO, Union Station Kansas City), and Bob Kendrick (President, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum).

• In this milestone episode, hear firsthand how Kansas City’s top voices are shaping the city’s future—from tourism and sports to history, culture, and economic growth. Whether you’re a KC local, history buff, or sports fan, this inspiring conversation spotlights the people and places that make Kansas City one of the most dynamic cities in America.

  Cheers to the next 100!

Deron Cherry is a Kansas City Chiefs legend and one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history.

In this episode, Deron reflects on his incredible journey from undrafted free agent punter to six-time Pro Bowl safety and member of the Chiefs Hall of Honor. We dive into the defining moments of the 1980s Kansas City Chiefs defense, the lessons that fueled his NFL success, and the impact of his leadership on and off the field.

Deron also opens up about his life after football—his business ventures, community work, and his lasting commitment to giving back to Kansas City.

If you’re a fan of Kansas City Chiefs history, legendary NFL players, or inspiring athlete stories, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

• Mike Davidson, longtime Kansas City Chiefs Head Equipment Manager turned Chiefs Historian, takes us behind the scenes of one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises. In this episode, Mike shares unforgettable stories about Lamar Hunt, the visionary who not only founded the Chiefs but also helped shape today’s National Football League.

• From the creation of the AFL-NFL merger, to how the name “Super Bowl” was born, to why we see Roman numerals on the big game, Lamar Hunt’s influence reaches far beyond Kansas City. Mike dives deep into the Chiefs’ rich history, insider moments from his 22 years with the team, and the legacy that still defines the NFL today.

  Whether you’re a lifelong member of the Chiefs Kingdom or a football fan curious about the history of the Super Bowl, this episode is packed with rare insights and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

• Julian Zugazagoitia, Director and CEO of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, has lived, studied and worked at some of the greatest art museums in the world - and museums in places like Mexico City, Paris and NYC helped him develop a deep love for art and artists from all corners of the globe. In today’s episode, Julian shares what landed him in the heart of the Midwest, where he’s spent more than 15 years elevating the Nelson into one of America’s top art museums.

• In this episode, he discusses:

  • His international path through some of the world’s most prestigious art museums

  • How he’s shaping the Nelson-Atkins as a hub for culture, creativity, and community in Kansas City

  • The museum’s bold new 61,000-square-foot expansion project currently underway

  • Why he believes art should be accessible to everyone, across all generations and communities

  If you’re passionate about art, culture, or the future of Kansas City, this conversation with Julian Zugazagoitia offers an inspiring inside look at leadership, creativity, and vision.

• Peter Mallouk is the President and CEO of Creative Planning, one of the fastest-growing independent wealth management firms in the United States with over $370 billion in assets under management. But before becoming one of the most influential voices in finance, Mallouk’s story started right here in Kansas City.

  The son of Egyptian immigrants, Peter Mallouk learned the value of hard work early, taking jobs from newspaper delivery to working as a “clubbie” at Kauffman Stadium. After earning both his business and law degrees from the University of Kansas, Mallouk set out to build something different in the financial world: a true “one-stop shop” that combined financial planning, investing, and legal guidance. That idea became Creative Planning, which has since transformed into a nationally recognized leader in wealth management.

  Beyond finance, Mallouk is also a Kansas City Royals owner and, together with his wife Veronica, leads KC CAN!, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting at-risk youth across the metro.

  
  In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Peter shares how his parents’ decision to settle in Kansas City set the stage for his remarkable journey—from humble beginnings to becoming a nationally-recognized financial advisor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader.

After losing her husband, Marine helicopter pilot Shawn Campbell, in a tragic night operations training accident, Kelli Campbell-Goodnow faced the unimaginable: raising four young children alone. Joining her parents in Kansas City, Kelli transformed her grief into a mission to serve others.

Today, as Executive Director of the Valor Partners Foundation, she is working to provide scholarship support for the spouses and children of 100% disabled and deceased veterans.

In this inspiring interview, Kelli shares her powerful story of resilience, service, and hope, from navigating loss to leading a nonprofit that’s making a real difference.

Explore the life and legacy of Thomas Hart Benton, one of America’s most influential 20th-century artists, in this special episode recorded inside his original Kansas City studio at 3616 Belleview.

Our guest, Katie Hastert, site administrator and Benton historian at the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, shares untold stories about Benton’s rebellious youth, turbulent education, and eventual rise as a leading figure in American art. Katie brings his spirit to life through her lively & humorous perspective paired with a deep understanding of Kansas City’s iconic muralist.

From being expelled from military school to clashing with top art institutions, Benton’s path was anything but smooth, but his perseverance paid off. His iconic murals now hang in institutions like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and his impact on American Regionalism still resonates today.

Learn why President Harry Truman once called him “the best damn painter in America”, and why his Kansas City studio is a must-visit for art lovers, history buffs, and locals alike.