Best KCUR Studios Podcasts (2024)

1
Five years of teaching Kansas City kids to code 14:19

2h ago14:19

14:19

For half a decade, the Kansas City nonprofit WeCode/KC has offered hands-on computer and coding classes primarily to Black students, to make a difference in the tech industry. Plus: A Kansas business processes film for photographers, cinematographers and even pop stars like Megan Thee Stallion. Black and Latino people are underrepresented in Kansas…

1
A different model for health care in Kansas 13:30

3h ago13:30

13:30

A Kansas doctor wants to make everyday health care more affordable through a model called direct primary care, where patients pay a monthly fee for services instead of using insurance. Plus: The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has a new leader this school year. A health care model called direct primary care, where patients…

1
Who wants some Missouri elderberries? 13:07

2h ago13:07

13:07

Some Missouri farmers are growing perennial crops like elderberries that are good for the soil and require less labor. But getting those berries into the hands of consumers can take a lot of work. Plus: Farmers are increasingly working jobs away from the farm in order to stay afloat. Perennial crops, which don’t have to be replanted each year, are …

1
Finding help for Kansas City kids with eating disorders 14:27

20h ago14:27

14:27

Doctors who treat eating disorders in Kansas City are seeing more cases among younger people. But resources for "accepting" treatments are not meeting the demand. Plus: Wildlife in the Midwest and Great Plains are suffering from persistent drought. If you’re a teenager on social media, you are probably bombarded by explicit and subliminal messages …

1
No more weed tax on a weed tax on a weed tax 12:36

1h ago12:36

12:36

A Missouri appeals court ruled last week that the constitution’s “plain, unambiguous” language means cities and counties cannot stack marijuana sales taxes. On KCUR's Up To Date, Steve Kraske spoke with Rudi Keller of the Missouri Independent about why this case came about, and how the ruling could impact customers. Contact the show at news@kcur.or…

1
Kansas City's wheelchair football team is also undefeated 15:00

1h ago15:00

15:00

Much like their NFL counterparts, the Kansas City Chiefs Wheelchair Football Team remain undefeated this season heading into the championships — which are being held next weekend in Kansas City. It would be their second championship title in four years. On KCUR's Up To Date, Brian Ellison learned more about their team and the sport from quarterback…

1
How Kansas lawmakers could make homelessness worse 13:28

2h ago13:28

13:28

Some Kansas lawmakers say police are not doing enough to address crime stemming from homelessness — but advocates say making more arrests won't do anything to help. Plus: Rural Midwest school districts don't have enough funding to fulfill their promises to educate homeless students. Some Republican state lawmakers in Kansas want communities struggl…

1
What's at stake in Missouri's transgender health care case 12:54

22h ago12:54

12:54

A Missouri judge will rule this year on a controversial 2023 law that limits gender-affirming care. We’ll hear why more about why families sued over the restrictions, and why the state is defending it. Missouri's GOP-dominated legislature passed a law barring physicians from providing gender-affirming medical care to minors, such as hormone therapy…

1
Missouri restored abortion rights. So what happens next? 13:10

2d ago13:10

13:10

Missouri voters last week passed a constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to an abortion. Emily Wales of Planned Parenthood Great Plains explains what abortion access could look like in the state, and what's next for the fight for reproductive rights. Missouri was one of several states where voters restored access after the Supreme Court de…

1
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on what's next for the city 14:27

3d ago14:27

14:27

After Republicans dominated last week's elections, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas discusses how he hopes to work with Missouri's new leaders — and President-elect Trump. Plus, he talks about the latest news on the city jail and a potential new WNBA team. Lucas spoke with KCUR's Steve Kraske on Up To Date. Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow …

1
Kansas Republicans will have even more control now 11:39

6d ago11:39

11:39

Republicans expanded their already sizable majorities in the Kansas Legislature in this week's elections, paving the way for changes on major issues like taxes and transgender rights. And in non-election news: A store recently opened in Missouri to not just sell and service typewriters, but also foster a community. Republicans in Kansas had sweepin…

1
A Missouri Democrat and Kansas Republican on election results 14:06

7d ago14:06

14:06

How did Republicans end up with such a strong election night? Former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander and former U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, from Kansas, share their perspectives on the presidential vote and where the country goes from here. Former President Trump will retake the White House in January, with wider margins at the ballot box than …

1
Here's who won Kansas and Missouri elections 12:02

8d ago12:02

12:02

Missouri residents have voted to legalize abortion, overturning one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the nation. They also voted to raise the minimum wage and send Josh Hawley back to the U.S. Senate. In Kansas, voters reelected Sharice Davids to the U.S. House of Representatives. Plus, Kansas City and Johnson County voters made big decisio…

1
It's Election Day! Here's what we're watching in Missouri and Kansas 15:00

9d ago15:00

15:00

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Missouri and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Kansas (although Johnson County opens an hour earlier!). With the U.S. presidential race at the top of the ticket, and a critical abortion rights amendment plus statewide and congressional races below, it's a stacked election. We break down the races on both sides of the state…

1
Kansas City immigrants hurt by racist election ads 15:00

11d ago15:00

15:00

Racist and nativist rhetoric has made headlines in the 2024 election, and immigrants and refugees around Kansas City have taken notice. Plus: One of Missouri's few openly gay Republican lawmakers says his vote on transgender rights cost him his party's support — and reelection. Anti-immigrant rhetoric has dominated much of this election cycle, and …

1
Missouri voters will decide the future of abortion rights 14:15

14d ago14:15

14:15

Missouri voters will soon decide whether GOP lawmakers went too far by banning most abortion in the state. We'll go inside the high-stakes battle over Amendment 3. Plus: That and other ballot issues have been drawing millions of dollars in campaign funds from outside the state. Missouri was the first state in the country to ban most abortions after…

1
Cleaning gravestones at a Kansas City cemetery 13:30

15d ago13:30

13:30

Happy Halloween! This fall, volunteers at Kansas City’s historic Union Cemetery have been giving attention to hundreds of long-neglected gravestones. Plus: Republican Mike Kehoe and Democrat Crystal Quade are both campaigning to become Missouri’s next governor. How will the issue of abortion influence the vote? Volunteers in Kansas City’s historic …

1
Missouri voters could raise the minimum wage 11:46

16d ago11:46

11:46

This election, Missouri voters will see Proposition A on their ballot. The measure would raise the state's minimum wage to $15 and mandate paid sick leave. But what else is at stake? If passed, Proposition A would increase the minimum wage in Missouri from $12.30 to $13.75 by 2025, and then to $15 by 2026, as well as require employers to provide pa…

1
Josh Hawley wants the labor vote 14:15

17d ago14:15

14:15

As he runs for re-election this November, Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley’s about-face on right to work is seen by some as a welcome shift toward pro-labor policy and by others as election year pandering. Missouri’s trade unions have been a source of Democratic votes and financial support for decades. But trade union members are increasingly willing to g…

1
Jackson County Prosecutor candidates face off 14:38

18d ago14:38

14:38

Jackson County voters will elect a new county prosecutor in just over one week. Either Republican Tracey Chappell and Democrat Melesa Johnson would become the first Black woman elected to the position. The current county prosecutor, Jean Peters Baker, is not seeking reelection. But the race is gaining extra attention because of Kansas City's recent…

1
Saying goodbye to 7th Heaven 13:19

21d ago13:19

13:19

The Kansas City record shop 7th Heaven has been a popular destination for vinyl lovers since it opened in 1974, but its upcoming closure has regulars reflecting on the store’s 50-year run. Plus: A KitchenAid specialist from Kansas is making it big on TikTok as “Mister Mixer.” We’re bringing you another installment of our occasional series The Regul…

1
Using peer pressure to get out the vote in Kansas 14:08

22d ago14:08

14:08

A group of Johnson County volunteers wants to boost voter turnout by encouraging their social networks to reach out to their friends and neighbors with election reminders. Plus: One of the closest elections in Missouri this fall is the race for attorney general, where incumbent Republican Andrew Bailey is facing Democrat Elad Gross. A few days into…

1
This Johnson County mom wants to talk about fentanyl 14:18

23d ago14:18

14:18

Kansas is one of the worst states in the nation for drug overdose deaths for young adults. But one Olathe mom wants to help families overcome the stigma. Plus: New polling data gives us a look at how Kansans feel about abortion, marijuana legalization and more. More kids between the ages of 15 and 19 die of drug overdose in Kansas than anywhere els…

1
Haunted by gun violence in Kansas City 13:50

24d ago13:50

13:50

Eight months after Kansas City's Super Bowl victory parade shooting, the survivors say that gun violence feels inescapable. Plus: Critics of a Missouri amendment to legalize sports betting say it won't actually fund education like supporters say it will. Mass shootings like the one at the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade can shatter a survivor’s s…

1
Missouri U.S. Senate candidate Lucas Kunce 14:00

25d ago14:00

14:00

Democrat Lucas Kunce is challenging Republican incumbent Josh Hawley for U.S. Senate in Missouri. We'll hear from Kunce about his priorities, why he thinks he's the better candidate and why he won't endorse his party's candidate for president. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Lucas Kunce says his number one priority as a senator would be to bring f…

1
Johnson County Sheriff's race is hotly contested 14:54

29d ago14:54

14:54

It's been 96 years since a Democrat has won the sheriff's office in Johnson County. But this year's contest is unusually competitive after controversial incumbent Calvin Hayden lost the GOP primary. What are the issues at play, and what are residents hearing from the two candidates? After defeating the current Johnson County sheriff Calvin Hayden i…

1
Losing an Overland Park natural birth center 13:55

1M ago13:55

13:55

Natural birth centers that aren’t affiliated with hospitals are becoming more popular, but patients across the Kansas City area are left with few options after a local center closed. Plus: Kernza is a relatively new grain with a budding future as a sustainable crop, but it's struggling to find a market. Women in Kansas and Missouri have fewer optio…

1
Union voting power in the Northland 15:00

1M ago15:00

15:00

Democrats have long enjoyed support from organized labor, but many union members don’t feel a party allegiance any more. In Kansas City's Northland, both Republican Rep. Bill Allen and his opponent, UAW member and Democrat Shirley Mata, hope to win over dissatisfied voters. Plus: The Midwest is going through another drought, but farmers might not b…

1
Failing the Midwest's homeless students 13:06

1M ago13:06

13:06

Many unhoused students in Missouri and Kansas aren't getting the school support they need — in large part because the districts aren't counting them. Plus: Farmers expect less income this year, which is likely to send ripples through the larger economy. Last year, the federal government allocated $129 million to help students experiencing homelessn…

1
Democrat Crystal Quade wants to be Missouri's governor 15:00

1M ago15:00

15:00

In the race to be Missouri's next governor, Democrat Crystal Quade says she'll work across political differences to make Missourians' lives better. She shares her thoughts on issues Missouri voters are concerned with ahead of the November election. Plus: We bring you political headlines from across the metro. Missouri voters have some big differenc…

1
Annie Fisher’s beaten biscuit empire 24:49

1y ago24:49

24:49

(Crysta Henthorne, KCUR 89.3 / Images courtesy of Stuart Spivack and Missouri State Historical Society) This episode of A People's History of Kansas City is a collaboration with Gravy podcast, from the Southern Foodways Alliance. It was reported, produced, and mixed by Mackenzie Martin, with editing by Sara Camp Milam, Olivia Terenzio, Suzanne Hoga…

1
What even is Ozark cuisine? 34:28

2y ago34:28

34:28

Hungry For MO is a production of KCUR Studios, with support from the Missouri Humanities Council. It’s hosted by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara. This episode was written and produced by Suzanne Hogan with editing from Gabe Rosenberg and Mackenzie Martin. Sound design and mix by Suzanne Hogan with help from Paris Norvell. Music this episode from B…

1
The salad days of Wish-Bone dressing 32:12

2y ago32:12

32:12

Read more about the Wishbone restaurant and the rise of Wish-Bone Italian dressing, from KCUR's Mackenzie Martin and Jenny Vergara. Hungry For MO is a production of KCUR Studios, with support from the Missouri Humanities Council. It’s hosted by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara. This episode was written and produced by Mackenzie Martin with editing …

1
Black walnut magic 27:12

2y ago27:12

27:12

Read more about the black walnut and how it shaped Missouri cuisine from KCUR's Natasha Bailey and Suzanne Hogan. Hungry For MO is a production of KCUR Studios, with support from the Missouri Humanities Council. It’s hosted by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara. This episode was written and produced by Suzanne Hogan with editing from Gabe Rosenberg a…

1
No apologies for St. Louis pizza 29:48

2y ago29:48

29:48

Read more about how St. Louis pizza is the style everyone loves to hate from KCUR's Jenny Vergara and Mackenzie Martin. Hungry For MO is a production of KCUR Studios, with support from the Missouri Humanities Council. It’s hosted by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara. This episode was written and produced by Mackenzie Martin with editing from Gabe Ro…

1
A toast to the birthplace of sliced bread 29:08

2y ago29:08

29:08

Prior to 1928, if you wanted sliced bread, you had to cut it yourself. Until two entrepreneurs in Chillicothe, Missouri, changed history.(David White KCUR 89.3 / Images Courtesy of Catherine Stortz Ripley / The Rohwedder Family Collection / Sliced Bread Innovation Center) New episodes of Hungry For MO start on November 30. Until then, we recommend …

1
Myth-busting the St. Louis World's Fair 28:54

3y ago28:54

28:54

Ice tea, cotton candy, ice cream and hamburgers were all popularized at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3) Read more about how the World's Fair of 1904 offered the best and worst of America from KCUR's Suzanne Hogan.By Natasha Bailey, Jenny Vergara, Suzanne Hogan

1
Crock-Pots for the people 33:21

3y ago33:21

33:21

(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3) Read more about the Kansas City women who taught America how to use the Crock-Pot from KCUR's Mackenzie Martin.By Jenny Vergara, Natasha Bailey, Mackenzie Martin

1
George Washington Carver’s quiet revolution 30:45

3y ago30:45

30:45

(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3) Read more about George Washington Carver's revolutionary contributions to the world, stretching from civil rights to agriculture, from KCUR's Suzanne Hogan.By Natasha Bailey, Jenny Vergara, Suzanne Hogan

1
Chinese food, Missouri-style 30:41

3y ago30:41

30:41

Springfield cashew chicken and the St. Paul sandwich are both dishes created by immigrants in Missouri – and now help define the state's cuisine.(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3) Read more about how Missouri's immigrants created the St. Paul sandwich 80 years ago or how David Leong turned Springfield cashew chicken into a uniquely Missouri phenomenon …

1
How Missouri saved wine 22:52

3y ago22:52

22:52

(Crysta Henthorne / 89.3 KCUR) Learn more about how two Missourians stepped up to save the global wine industry from KCUR's Suzanne Hogan.By Natasha Bailey, Jenny Vergara, Suzanne Hogan

1
Who gets to define Missouri barbecue? 29:35

3+ y ago29:35

29:35

(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3) Learn more about how Missouri's barbecue has evolved over the last 200 years — and recent efforts to redefine it — from KCUR's Mackenzie Martin. KCUR's Jenny Vergara also has a list of the best barbecue in the state of Missouri.By Jenny Vergara, Natasha Bailey, Mackenzie Martin

1
Trailer: Hungry For MO 3:46

3+ y ago3:46

3:46

To celebrate Missouri’s 200th birthday, hosts Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara are uncovering the stories behind the iconic foods of the state of Missouri. New episodes every week for six weeks starting on August 10.By Jenny Vergara, Natasha Bailey, Mackenzie Martin, Suzanne Hogan

1
Guns, Gambling And The Gas Tax: Previewing The 2020 Missouri Legislative Session 24:16

5y ago24:16

24:16

The 2020 session of the Missouri General Assembly, which convenes Wednesday, promises the usual array of legislative wrangling and partisan bickering — all with an election looming in November. In this episode of Statehouse Blend Missouri, we bring you a preview, which first aired on KCUR's Up to Date on Jan. 6. Host Steve Kraske spoke with Brian H…

1
The 2019 Missouri Legislative Session Recap: GOP Wins Big On Abortion, Economic Development 36:07

5+ y ago36:07

36:07

In this very special episode of KCUR’s Statehouse Blend Missouri podcast, we joined forces with St. Louis Public Radio’s Politically Speaking podcast to round up the 2019 session of the Missouri General Assembly.By KCUR Studios

1
Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway Discusses The State Budget, Putnam County Hospitals 13:30

5+ y ago13:30

13:30

Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway ’s been busy, looking into Clay County’s finances, the attorney general’s office and raising questions about the state’s tax revenues and budget issues. She sat down with KCUR's Samuel King on April 15 (Tax Day) to discuss all of these things, as well as what it’s like to be the only Democrat holding a statewide off…

1
Missouri Rep. Robert Sauls On Changing Criminal Justice Laws 25:09

5+ y ago25:09

25:09

Before getting into the Missouri House, Democrat Robert Sauls was a prosecutor, a public defender and a military lawyer. Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that he has focused on criminal justice reform in his first term, cosponsoring bills that seek to change sentencing laws and create special veterans treatment courts. Sauls spoke with Statehouse Bl…

1
Freshman State Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove On The Budget, LGBTQ Issues 23:28

5+ y ago23:28

23:28

Missouri state Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove is the granddaughter and niece of state lawmakers, but she’s already making her own mark two months into her first term.By KCUR Studios

1
Will Sports Betting Be Missouri's Answer To Shrinking Revenue? 31:07

6y ago31:07

31:07

Missouri's budget director announced this week that revenues are down 7 percent compared to last year. While that may change as more people file their taxes, lawmakers are looking for new ways to bring in money while faced with tax cuts they instituted on top of growing expenses for health care, infrastructure and education.…

1
Missouri Sen. Dan Hegeman On The 2019 State Budget, Transportation Funding 28:12

6y ago28:12

28:12

Missouri Republicans have a firm grip on the state legislature, but among the party’s leadership roles, only one is filled by someone near Kansas City.By KCUR Studios

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