Gina Kaufmann

Segment 1: Did you know that lice prefer O+ bloodtypes and round hair follicles?

There is a stigma around having lice, but keeping quiet about the issue can actually be detrimental to public health. We learn some fun facts about lice, as well as a non-toxic way to treat them in Kansas City.

• Raquel Garcia, owner of Strand by Strand

Segment 2, beginning at 15:37: The Steamboat Malta is an historic treasure buried in our own backyard.

Segment 1: With age comes responsibility, and these 18 year-olds are exercising their right to vote.

We talk with college students who are looking forward to voting for the first time this November. But first, the president of Rock the Vote tells us what it takes to get young people to turn out to the polls.

The Renaissance Festival is something of a divisive subject in Kansas City. Some people don't quite "get it" while others are obsessed. We hear what the 'huzzahs!' are all about from the perspective of local performers. Plus, a look at the latest episode from My Fellow Kansans.

Guests:

In her new album, "Dirty Computer," Janelle Monáe reveals more of herself than ever before. And, in recent weeks, she has been sharing more of her story, from her background in Kansas City, Kansas, to her sexuality. A look at the music, life and persona of Janelle Monáe ... and what her story means to Kansas Citians.

Segment 1: Growing up poor in the Heartland.

Local journalist and author Sarah Smarsh has been getting a lot of national attention for her new book, Heartland. On this episode, we chat with Smarsh about the forces that shaped her Kansas childhood.

Leeds, an area of Kansas City that is known primarily as an industrial zone today, was once a self-contained African-American community. We visit with community members to find out what growing up in the Leeds neighborhood was like and what made that area of Kansas City unique. Plus, a look at the latest podcast episode from My Fellow Kansans.

Segment 1: It's never too late to travel back home, even when you're 90 years old.

We visit with a Kansas City filmmaker and actress about a locally-made movie exploring themes of aging, memories and wanderlust.

Segment 1: Why do people not report their experiences of sexual assault?

After Christine Blasey Ford said Judge Brett Kavanaugh assaulted her in high school, President Trump tweeted that had it really happened, her parents would have reported it. This has sparked a social media movement of people sharing their stories with the hashtag #WhyIDidntReport. We took calls from our community, and talked with a therapist and local advocate.

Sanford Biggers is not a Kansas City native, but the city's history and culture has inspired a few of his multi-media works. As a part of Open Spaces, he has another installation coming up on October 5th. We'll hear about how he's getting ready for that performance, the ways he encourages viewers to take a second look at his art, and how he found a love of painting after a run-in with the law. 

Is the world today more dangerous for children? Or are parents being overprotective? On this episode, we dive into a conversation about parenting and free-range kids.

Guest:

It's that time of year when monarch butterflies emerge from cocoons in our area to join the butterflies migrating south to Mexico. On this episode, we learn what's at stake for monarch butterflies and the environment. Plus, we learn how to create a monarch waystation. 

• Orley "Chip" Taylor, founder and director, Monarch Watch

This Artist Is Not In Kansas Anymore: Angela Dufresne's Journey From Olathe To New York City

Almost 65 years after the landmark ruling of Brown v. Board of Education that desegragated public schools, research suggests U.S. schools are resegregating and, in some places, are more segregated than ever. On this episode, we dive into a discussion about how much of a priority integration plays in Kansas City metro schools.

Is there a correlation between the way we relate to objects and the way we treat our relationships with people? A KU researcher has found that when we treat everything else as expendable … we may unwittingly treat human beings that way, too.

Guests:

• Omri Gillath, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology at KU
• Kelly Ludwig, folk art collector and author of Detour Art

Segment 1: To school or unschool, that is the question.

Unschooling combines the ideals of Montessori schools with homeschooling; letting kids dictate their education. We talk about the pros and cons with a local homeschooler and an adolescent psychologist.

• Jessica Mattingly, mother of six, local unschooler
• Matthew Westra, psychology professor, Metropolitan Community College Longview

Segment 2, beginning at 35:49: How Kansas City is addressing an abundance of feral cats.

Segment 1: Millennials are largely for gender equality, but they aren't so crazy about the term 'feminism.' We discuss Dr. Cathy Cohen's study with her as well as with an activist and local Kansas Citians. 

Segment 1: Art isn't just fun and games.

To some, art seems more like a hobby rather than ‘real work.’ But, for many artists, that’s far from the truth. We visit with a Kansas Citian about what they discovered after being an artist for a year.

• Mo Dickens, gallery assistant and raconteur, Belger Arts Center

Segment 2, beginning at 23:03: How World War I sparked a lasting friendship between the United States and Australia.

Segment 1: Growing up is hard, just ask writer and critic Michelle Tea. 

Her road to adulthood wasn't always an easy one, but she made it there. Today, Michelle Tea told us about growing up in poverty and about her coming of age as a queer person in an unwelcoming culture. She offered her perspective on how to find your way as a young artist.

Segment 1: Regaining the right to vote is a defining moment of reintegration.

The right to vote is a privilege many Americans take for granted. On this episode, we discuss what regaining the right to vote means to formerly incarcerated individuals.

Segment 1: The history behind Brush Creek and where it is today.

On this episode, we find out how Brush Creek, a once natural body of water, became a dual-purpose sewage system and recreation area. Hint: it starts with Pendergast and cement.

Segment 1: Tailgating is more than an activity in Kansas City. It's a culture.

Tailgating is a big deal to local sports fans. Why is that and what's the meaning behind it? On this episode, we explore those questions and more in light of a controversial new tailgating policy at Arrowhead Stadium.

Segment 1: Local chef brings Samoan family tradition of the pig roast to celebrations in Kansas City.

We chatted with Chef Howard Hanna, of The Rieger and Ca Va, about pork's place in Midwestern food culture. He also told us about the significance of pig roasts in Samoan culture and about what it takes to throw a successful one here in Kansas City. Then, we heard a piece by KCUR's Michelle Tyrene Johnson about a beloved sandwich shop that's been serving up pork tenderloin sandwiches for decades. 

Segment 1: Artistic director of the KC Rep is leaving soon. How has local theatre changed?

After 10 years with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Eric Rosen is saying farewell to Kansas City. We chat with the artistic director about how the local theatre scene has changed during his tenure.

• Eric Rosen, artistic director, Kansas City Repertory Theatre

Segment 2, beginning at 22:50: What do audiences expect from local theatrical productions?

Segment 1: Local man's shares story behind an American prison riot during the Vietnam War.

50 years have passed since a riot occured at a notorious American military prison in Vietnam. A jail to house not enemy fighters, but American soldiers. On this episode, we learn about a Kansas City native's involvement in the uprising and the meaning behind it. 

Segment 1: Big development shifts in Kansas City's East Bottoms.

There's been a lot of economic buzz in the East Bottoms lately. A local distillery looks to expand operations to the historic Heim Brewery bottling plant, while a well-known meat shop moves out to a new location in the River Market. On this episode, we discuss the past, present, and future of the East Bottoms.

Segment 1: What is it really like to be a woman in law enforcement?

On this episode, we speak with women from local police departments to hear their perspectives on serving in law enforcement.

• Sgt. Heather Massey, Liberty Police Department
• Sgt. Melanie Madonia, Kansas City Police Department
• Maj. Dawn Layman, Lenexa Police Department

Segment 2, beginning at 37:37: Racial tensions in Westport.