Common Sense with Ryan Baty

Epidsode 16- Adan Grimaldo

On this episode of "Common Sense" host Ryan Baty sits down with youth advocate, mentor, and community leader Adan Grimaldo for an eye-opening discussion on the realities facing vulnerable youth in Sedgwick County. Drawing from Adan Grimaldo’s personal journey from gang involvement and behavioral health struggles to powerful transformation, the conversation dives deep into the root causes of youth violence, the foster care crisis, and the community’s role in reversing dangerous trends among local kids. Listeners will get a candid look at why common sense solutions aren’t all that common, what happens when juvenile offender kids enter the foster system, and why organizations like Pyxis and Hope for the Hood are making a critical difference on the front lines. Adan Grimaldo unpacks the challenges, heartbreaks, and occasional victories of working with some of the most at-risk children in the area—offering a mix of hard truths, hope, and practical ideas for what needs to change. This episode is a powerful call to action for everyone who cares about the future of our youth.

Episode 15- Joseph Shepard

On this episode of Common Sense, Ryan Baty welcomes Wichita City Councilman-elect Joseph Shepard for a candid conversation about public service, community challenges, and leadership during pivotal times. Fresh off his successful campaign, Joseph Shepard opens up about the personal experiences that have shaped his passion for public office, including growing up in hardship, overcoming homelessness, and his journey through leadership roles in Wichita. Together, Ryan Baty and Joseph Shepard dive into what it really takes to run for office—the pressures, the sacrifices, and the lessons learned from listening to the community. They discuss the importance of genuine engagement with residents, the complexities of serving in local government, the impact of collaboration across political differences, and the need for authentic, relationship-focused leadership. From navigating contentious campaigns to tackling tough issues like property taxes, homelessness, and foster care, this conversation offers insight into Joseph Shepard’s hopes for Wichita, his approach to building trust, and how he plans to balance personal well-being with the demands of public service. If you care about local government, working across divides, and positive change in your community, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Episode 14- John Whitmer & Andy Hooser

Welcome to another episode of "Common Sense" Today, our host Ryan Baty sits down with two powerhouses in Kansas politics and talk radio—John Whitmer and Andy Hooser. Both outspoken conservatives and current leaders in the Republican Party, they bring a candid and spirited conversation about the influence of talk radio, the evolution of conservative messaging, and the challenges facing local and state government. You'll hear stories about the personal impact of talk radio and Rush Limbaugh, the dynamics of party leadership at both county and state levels, and the ongoing debate around property taxes and public spending. John Whitmer and Andy Hooser pull no punches discussing the future of the Republican Party, the rise of the MAGA movement, and the importance of ideas and candidates as Kansas heads into a critical gubernatorial race. Whether you’re a political junkie or new to Kansas politics, this episode dives deep into issues that matter—family, policy, governance, and the sometimes messy business of winning elections. So settle in and enjoy this lively, insightful conversation with John Whitmer, Andy Hooser, and your host Ryan Baty.

Episode 13 Sheree Utash & Kelly Bielefeld

Welcome to another episode of The Common Sense Podcast. In this engaging conversation, host Ryan Baty sits down with Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech, and Kelly Bielefeld, Superintendent of Wichita Public Schools, to dive deep into the future of education and workforce development in Wichita. Together, they discuss the transformative "Future Ready Centers," a groundbreaking partnership between public schools and WSU Tech that's providing students with clear pathways into high-demand careers, often graduating debt-free with both high school diplomas and technical credentials. The episode explores the shifting landscape of education, the crucial role of industry partnerships, and how these innovative initiatives are combating generational poverty by equipping students with skills for tomorrow’s jobs. They also tackle challenges like funding, the need for qualified instructors, community awareness, and the vital role of collaboration among city, county, and educational leaders. Hear inspiring stories of student success, reflections on the unique relationship between Wichita’s educational institutions, and a passionate call for continued investment in the next generation. Tune in to get an inside look at how Wichita is becoming a leader in modern education, and what’s at stake for the future of the community. It’s clear Wichita is trailblazing a model that could be replicated nationwide. If you’re passionate about education, workforce development, or community prosperity, you’ll definitely want to tune in. Huge thanks to these local leaders for their vision, optimism, and collaborative spirit! Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what education can do for our families and our economy.

Episode 12- Katy Tyndell

Welcome to Common Sense with Ryan Baty. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Katy Tyndell, an accomplished attorney, community advocate, and co-founder of the grassroots organization Leading Kansas. Together, they dive deep into the motivations behind civic engagement, what drives local movements to action, and the urgent issues facing Kansas and the country; from defending constitutional freedoms and the role of federal vs. local government, to fostering nonpartisan dialogue in an increasingly polarized world. Katy Tyndale shares the origins and mission of Leading Kansas, their rapid growth, and why building in-person community relationships is at the heart of their work. Whether you're passionate about democracy, concerned about government overreach, or just curious about how real people are working to shape the future, this episode promises keen insights, thoughtful debate, and a genuine search for understanding in a complicated political landscape. Enjoy this in-depth conversation with one of Kansas' leading voices for change.