There's Just Something About Kansas City

Sean Putney: Inside the Kansas City Zoo’s Expansion & New Giraffe Crossing Exhibit (Re-Release)

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium [https://kansascityzoo.org/] is growing - and becoming one of the Midwest’s premier family destinations. In this re-release, we sit down with Sean Putney, President and CEO of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, to discuss the zoo’s continued expansion, conservation efforts, and vision for the future. Sean shares behind-the-scenes insight into the impact of the Sobela Ocean Aquarium and the evolution of the zoo into a year-round regional attraction. We also discuss the highly anticipated Giraffe Crossing exhibit - officially opening May 29 - which will give visitors an immersive, up-close experience with giraffes and become one of the zoo’s signature attractions. Beyond the exhibits, Sean talks about the zoo’s mission around education, wildlife conservation, and strengthening community connection across Kansas City. Whether you’re a longtime zoo member, a parent planning your next visit, or simply curious about how major attractions evolve, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of Kansas City’s most beloved institutions. 🎧 A fun and insightful conversation for families, animal lovers, and Kansas City locals alike.

The Dunn Brothers: How JE Dunn Construction Helped Build Kansas City

Few companies are more deeply woven into the fabric of Kansas City than JE Dunn Construction [https://jedunn.com/]. In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City [https://www.somethingaboutkc.org/], we sit down with brothers Terry, Steve, and Bob Dunn for a conversation about family, business, leadership, and the evolution of one of the nation’s leading construction companies. The Dunn brothers reflect on growing up in the business and learning from the ground up, an experience that continues to shape the company’s culture and work ethic today. They share the story behind JE Dunn’s rise from a local contractor to a nationally respected builder with projects spanning healthcare, sports, education, civic infrastructure, and transformative developments across the country. We also explore the future of the construction industry, including workforce shortages, skilled trades, evolving technology, and the growing impact of AI on building and project management. Along the way, the brothers offer thoughtful advice for young people considering careers in the trades and discuss the importance of relationships, community impact, and philanthropy in shaping long-term success. This episode is about much more than construction - it’s about legacy, innovation, and helping build the future of Kansas City and beyond. 🎧 A must-listen for entrepreneurs, business leaders, students, and anyone interested in how cities are built.

Terry Hyer: Leading Zarda Bar-B-Q & the Future of Kansas City Barbecue

Kansas City barbecue is built on legacy, and few names carry that weight like Zarda [https://zarda.com/]. In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City [https://www.somethingaboutkc.org/], we sit down with Terry Hyer, COO of Zarda, to talk about leading one of the region’s most recognizable barbecue brands into its next chapter. Terry shares his path into the business and what it means to help steward a multi-generational Kansas City staple. We explore how Zarda balances tradition with the realities of modern growth, from operations and maintaining consistency across locations to adapting to evolving customer expectations. We also dig into the competitive Kansas City barbecue landscape, the decisions that shape what ends up on your plate, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of running a legacy restaurant brand. Along the way, Terry shares memorable stories - like how a 1970 Camaro inspired his storied journey, and how his mother recruited Mike Zarda to sell Terry on a college degree - and offers insight into what it takes to keep a beloved brand relevant in a city known as the Barbecue Capital of the World. 🎧 A must-listen for BBQ lovers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the future of Kansas City food culture.

Kay Barnes: The Vision That Helped Bring a Downtown Royals Stadium to Life (Re-Release)

A big idea can change a city - and sometimes, it starts with one voice encouraging others to dream bigger. In this timely re-release, we revisit our conversation with Kay Barnes - former mayor of Kansas City, MO - a transformational leader whose vision helped reshape downtown Kansas City and redefine what’s possible for the region. Her influence is once again front and center. Following the announcement of a new Kansas City Royals stadium near Crown Center, owner John Sherman pointed directly to Barnes - and a handwritten note she sent him encouraging him to “think big… then think bigger” - as a key inspiration behind the vision becoming reality. In this conversation, Barnes reflects on leadership, long-term vision, and what it truly takes to move a city forward. From downtown development to civic momentum, her insights offer powerful context for one of the biggest moments in Kansas City’s future. 🎧 Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting it now, this episode is a reminder that bold ideas & the people behind them can shape a city for generations.

John Sherman: Majority Owner, Kansas City Royals (Re-Release)

In October 2024, we sat down with John Sherman, owner of the Kansas City Royals, for an in-depth conversation about the future of the franchise, his vision for a downtown ballpark, and what it would take to secure the next generation of Royals fans. Now, that vision is becoming reality. On April 22, 2026, Sherman joined leaders from Kansas City and the state of Missouri to announce plans for a new stadium in the Crown Center area — marking a major turning point for the team and the region. In this timely re-release, Sherman’s earlier insights take on new meaning. He discusses the challenges, opportunities, and long-term impact of bringing a project like this to life — from financing and public-private partnerships to fan experience and downtown development. Whether you’re hearing it again or for the first time, this episode provides essential context for one of the biggest sports and economic development stories in Kansas City today. 🎧 A must-listen for Royals fans, Kansas Citians, and anyone following the future of downtown Kansas City.