Sylvia Maria Gross | KCUR

Sylvia Maria Gross

Storytelling Editor

Sylvia Maria Gross manages creative projects at KCUR, including overseeing Central Standard, KCUR's daily talk/magazine show and the podcast Midwesternish. Her stories have aired nationally on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Marketplace, The World and Studio 360. Gross grew up in New York City, Brazil and the suburbs of Washington, DC. She came to public radio after a long stint as a middle school teacher, and has continued to spend her career trying to capture the attention of wandering minds.

Ways to Connect

How An Extraordinary Dog In Depression-Era Missouri Made People Believe In Magic

By • Mar 21, 2020
Courtesy of Friends of Jim the Wonder Dog

Listen to this episode of A People's History Of Kansas City, a new podcast from KCUR 89.3. For more stories like this one, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and Stitcher.

In 1920s Missouri, many people were experiencing acute and crushing economic hardship. And then along came a dog with incredible powers who captured everyone’s attention.

“This dog could do everything and like nobody knows about it!” says Frank Schloegel, a 21st century fan of Jim the Wonder Dog.

Seg. 1: Opioids In Missouri | Seg. 2: A People's History

By , & • Feb 10, 2020

Segment 1: How Missouri is dealing with opioids.

After House Bill 188 died in the Senate last year, Missouri became the only state without a database to detect abuse. We're now starting to see some improvements, but it still remains a prevalant issue in the state.

120 Years Ago, This Woman Occupied — And Saved — A Sacred Cemetery In Kansas City, Kansas

By & & Celisa Calacal • Feb 8, 2020
Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3

Listen to this episode of A People's History Of Kansas City, a new podcast from KCUR 89.3. For more stories like this one, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play or Stitcher.

In the center of downtown Kansas City, Kansas, between the public library and government buildings just off Minnesota Avenue, sits a two-acre cemetery.

The sign reads "Huron Indian Cemetery," but it’s also known as the Wyandot National Burying Ground and has long been a sacred place for members of the Wyandot Nation.

Introducing A People's History Of Kansas City

By • Feb 4, 2020

Midwesternish listeners, we have a new podcast for you!

KCUR's Suzanne Hogan brings you tales of the everyday heroes, renegades and visionaries who shaped Kansas City and the region. If these stories aren't told, they're in danger of fading into the past.

The first episode drops February 6.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Portrait Session: Charles Ferruzza (Repeat)

By & • Jan 30, 2020

An ode to a witty and charming food critic that we'll dearly miss.

Introducing A People's History Of Kansas City

By • Jan 29, 2020

KCUR's Suzanne Hogan brings you tales of the everyday heroes, renegades and visionaries who shaped Kansas City and the region. If these stories aren't told, they're in danger of fading into the past. The first episode drops February 6.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Play

Here To Listen: Quindaro Boulevard

By , , , & • Oct 30, 2019

A journey along Quindaro Boulevard in northeast Kansas City, Kansas, takes us through history, demographic shifts, religion, and plans for economic development. Visit a black-owned bookstore in the 1960s, an integrated church and hear about one of the country's first black police chiefs. Plus, teens grapple with whether they have to leave the area to succeed.

This show is a culmination of months of reporting along Quindaro Boulevard as part of KCUR's Here to Listen initiative. 

Seg. 1: Gay Softball | Seg. 2: First Fridays

By , , & • Sep 4, 2019

Segment 1: The Gay Softball World Series comes to Kansas City.

As the Gay Softball World Series gets under way here in town, the Kansas City Royals host their first ever official Pide Night at the K. 

  • Scott Switzer, Executive Director, Gay Softball World Series 2019
  • Rick Leavitt, founder of a gay softball team and league in Florida 25 years ago, now a Kansas Citian

Segment 2: First Friday has lost its festival license. Now what?

Seg. 1: Gandhi's Grandson | Seg. 2: Mouse Divided (R)

By & & Melody Rowell • Aug 27, 2019

Segment 1: Mahatma Gandhi's grandson reflects on his family legacy.

As the world begins celebrating Gandhi's 150th birthday, Park University brings the iconic leader's grandson and biographer to town for celebrations and talks. The elder Gandhi sought to attain purity as a way of leading entire nations to peace; his grandson believes that we can contribute to that greater good, even while falling short of perfection in our lives.

Food Critics on Kansas City Classics

By & & Chris Young • Jul 26, 2019

Segment 1: Kansas City Classics

Among the new and noteworthy restaurants populating Kansas City, let’s not forget those that came first and have stuck around for a while. We talk about the classic restaurants of Kansas City, which have set the standard for diners across the metro.

Seg. 1: Maternal Mortality | Seg. 2: Solicited Advice

By & & Melody Rowell • Jun 25, 2019

Segment 1: What's behind the statistics for maternal mortality in Missouri?

Missouri ranks 42nd in the United States for maternal outcomes, with a number of pregnancy or childbirth related deaths per capita among the worst in the nation, according to a recent article in the Kansas City Star. Our guests say that's an indicator of poor health in the state overall.

Seg. 1: Tornado Coverage | Seg. 2: Trains In Kansas

By & & Melody Rowell & Celisa Calacal • May 30, 2019

Segment 1: Tornado Aftermath

On Tuesday night, a large tornado hit parts of Lawrence and Johnson County, causing several injuries and property damage across neighborhoods. With many communities in recovery mode after the storm, we speak with reporters who were on the ground in the tornado's aftermath and hear from folks who witnessed it firsthand.

Seg. 1: Education Desert In Southwest Kansas. Seg. 2: MidCoast Takeover

By & Coy Dugger • Mar 14, 2019

Segment 1: What happens to a community without access to a four-year college?

The majority of college freshmen enroll at schools within 50 miles from home. But what if there isn't a four-year university nearby? In this conversation, we take a look at the effects education deserts have on communities and how Dodge City, Kansas, is looking to address theirs.

Seg. 1: Cajun Cuisine. Seg. 2: Food Critics: The Best Cinnamon Rolls

By & & Chris Young • Mar 8, 2019

Segment 1: The culinary connection between New Orleans and Kansas City.

Andrea Broomfield offers us a look at Cajun cuisine and its historical ties to Kansas City. Then, chef Israel England tells us the secret to rich and delicious gumbo.

  • Andrea Broomfield, Food Historian and Professor
  • Israel England, Owner and Executive Chef of Kansas City Cajun

Segment 2, (beginning at 18:24): McLain’s and the best cinnamon rolls in Kansas City

Seg 1: Orwell's Manifesto. Seg 2: Artist Visits Border.

By & & Melody Rowell & Coy Dugger • Jan 14, 2019

Segment 1: A KU sociology professor discovers a manifesto by George Orwell.  

A new book by David Smith, in collaboration with an artist, reveals there's more to Orwell than 1984. Much of the book is devoted to a manifesto Orwell wrote three years before that celebrated novel. It called for an international organization to prevent "psychological warfare." 

Are You A First Time Voter?

By • Aug 1, 2018

Midterm elections will soon be upon us, and we're curious-- will this be your first time voting? Whether you just turned 18, recently became a U.S. citizen, or have just gotten more interested in the democratic process, we want to hear from you.

If you're willing to be a source for this series on KCUR's Central Standard, please fill out this form.

Atchison, Kansas (R)

By , , & • Jul 11, 2018
Matthew Long-Middleton / KCUR 89.3

At one point in history, Atchison, Kansas was positioned to be one of the main connecting points for the railways between Missouri and Kansas. The town played an important role in the Civil War, and had many significant residents. But what's going on there today?

KCUR's Central Standard revisits a road trip to Atchison. Come along with us.

Guests:

The Hidden Visible: Women Of Color In Kansas City

By , & • Jun 11, 2018

One out of five Americans is a woman of color. So, why are their perspectives often overlooked, even in conversations about race and gender? KCUR's Michelle Tyrene Johnson hosts an unfiltered, wide-ranging discussion about life in Kansas City for women of color.

Guests:

No Wrong Answers: School Choice Forum

By , & • May 23, 2018

Families living in the Kansas City Public Schools district have more school options than ever before.  Is school choice improving education for all? A special broadcast of a live forum about this issue.

What Is Kansas City Doing About Its Rising Homicide Rate?

By , & • Mar 19, 2018
Cody Newill / KCUR 89.3

The total number of homicides has been rising and falling for decades here in Kansas City, Missouri. Right now, we're in the midst of a scary climb. It's easy in times like these to ask, why? We always seem to start there. We want to change the conversation. 

KCUR 89.3 Announces New Reporting Collaborative On Race, Culture And Identity

By • Mar 16, 2018
David Kovaluk, St. Louis Public Radio

Talking about race and culture is hard for a lot of Kansas Citians. It’s hard everywhere in the United States where people from different backgrounds share space and resources. But when we dig into stories about our identities and how they affect our families, our politics, arts and health – it’s hard not to recognize that race, culture and identity is a central force in our lives, and deserves special attention in our news coverage.

High School History: Nazis & WWII; Campus Concealed Carry

By , & • Sep 18, 2017

With Nazi rallies and swastikas showing up close to home in today's headlines, how one high school teacher is answering students' questions about World War II. 

Plus, why KU professor Kevin Willmott is wearing a bulletproof vest to class. 

Guests:

The Best Of All Possible Worlds

By , , & • Sep 3, 2017
Ziegler Family / KCUR 89.3

Reporter Laura Ziegler reflects on what bringing her family and her father under one roof really meant.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.

Origin Story

By , , & • Aug 25, 2017
Paul Andrews PAUL ANDREWS / Paulandrewsphotography.com

For his day job, he smoked ribs at a barbecue joint. But his secret identity was a playwright. Hear Nathan Louis Jackson's journey to becoming a writer for television and stage, including the Netflix series Luke Cage.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.

Live Remote Broadcast: Total Solar Eclipse

By , & • Aug 21, 2017
Luke X. Martin / KCUR 89.3

Just hours ahead of the total eclipse of the sun, Central Standard broadcasts live from Parkville, Missouri. We hear from KCUR reporters along the path of totality, as well as scientists and historians who traveled across the country to see this rare celestial event.

Guests:

The Garden Of Eden In Lucas, Kansas

By , & • Aug 4, 2017
Gina Kaufmann / KCUR 89.3

The Garden of Eden isn't as far away as you might think. It's in the small town of Lucas, Kansas and it's filled with art. On this episode, a grassroots art project and it's unexpected caretaker. 

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.

How To Save A Rural Midwestern Town

By , , , & • Jul 8, 2017
LAURA ZIEGLER / KCUR 89.3

Roger Thomas wants you to move to his hometown, Orrick, Missouri, in order to save a small town that's only getting smaller. But can he convice you to see what he sees in Orrick?

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.

How Not To Do Fourth Of July

By & • Jun 29, 2017
Zota / Flickr

The story of how one Kansas City man's DIY fireworks display got completely out of hand.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Stitcher.

Music: Gentle Marimba by Alastair Cameron, The Stars And Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa

KCUR 89.3 Rakes In Awards In 2017

By • Jun 26, 2017

KCUR’s reporters, producers have won a host of honors this year in local and national journalism awards, including a national Edward R. Murrow Award and two prestigious awards from the Public Radio News Directors Incorporated.

Public Radio News Directors Incorporated

Orrick, Missouri

By , , & • Jun 19, 2017
Laura Ziegler / KCUR 89.3

Between natural disasters, the transformation of farming, and the widespread decline of rural America, the small town of Orrick, Missouri has dwindled to a few square blocks.

KCUR's Central Standard has been visiting the edges of our listening area, to learn about communities we don't hear from quite as often. Join us for this trip 30 miles northeast of Kansas City to Orrick, where the town, lead by a new mayor, is all about re-invention.

Guests:

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