What happens when a wild idea on a river float turns into one of Kansas City’s most ambitious development projects? In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with Mike Zeller — entrepreneur, visionary, and CEO of Flying Truss — to talk about his bold plan to transform the historic Rock Island Bridge into America’s first trailhead and entertainment district on a bridge.

What started as a joke — “Chicken on a Bridge!” — is now a multi-million dollar revitalization effort connecting communities across the Kansas and Missouri rivers. Zeller shares how a dream became a development, the challenges of adaptive reuse, and why this railroad bridge-turned-riverfront attraction could become one of KC’s most iconic destinations.

You’ll hear the origin story behind the project, the history of the bridge itself, what to expect from the future R.I.B. — food, music, trails & more, and why connecting the city above the river that helped to shape it matters.

Whether you're into urban planning and redevelopment, creative placemaking, or just love a good Kansas City dream-turned-reality story, this episode is a must-listen.

Bryan Truta is the Senior Director of Radio Operations at KCUR’s 90.9 The Bridge, a KC native, and a 30-year veteran of the Kansas City music and media scene. If there's a radio station in town, chances are Bryan's worked there.

In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Frank and Bryan sit down for a wide-ranging, often hilarious conversation between longtime friends. Bryan shares his unforgettable first encounter with Frank, plus wild stories from his early days at 1510: the cockroach-infested home of Kansas City's first all-sports radio station that grew to become Union Broadcasting and Sports Radio 810 WHB.

From Jason Whitlock and infamous holiday parties at Boal-Manor, to run-ins with the police (not the band) and a collapsing dance floor, Bryan’s got stories. Lots of them. But more than that, he’s a true Kansas Citian—deeply rooted, deeply respected, and still drawing a loyal following wherever he goes.

Once upon a time, Bryan dreamed of becoming the liberal answer to Rush Limbaugh. Today, he’s on The Bridge—a fitting name for someone who’s never burned one in his career. In an industry known for churn and ego, that’s no small feat.

Did we mention he learned to cross-stitch and Irish dance in grade school?

Don’t believe us? Just listen to this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City.

Justin Gardner serves on the family board of Big Slick KC, a KC celeb-packed weekend of events raising money to support Children's Mercy KC. We're re-dropping this insightful episode in celebration of 2025's Big Slick weekend!

During an internship and short stint at WDAF-TV, Justin Gardner, a University of Missouri Journalism School grad, found out editing the evening news content wasn’t the life for him. I’m sure all the shouting, cursing and swearing coming from the sports department didn’t help. So Justin used his skills to create commercials and enhance brands for several media companies like AMC Theaters. He brought the film office back to KC and serves as the president of the Film Commission of Greater KC. He also created the Robert Altman Emerging Filmmakers Fund for aspiring filmmakers. And now that his younger sister, comedian Heidi Gardner, is making her mark on Saturday Night Live, Justin has joined the family board of The Big Slick Weekend.

In this episode of There's Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with Adam Hamilton, bestselling author and senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection, the largest Methodist congregation in the U.S. But this conversation isn’t just for the religious. Adam shares his personal journey from skepticism to purpose, and how anyone, regardless of belief, can find meaning, healing, and direction through connection and compassion.

We explore how to navigate life’s challenges, why reaching out to others matters more than ever, and what it takes to build bridges instead of walls. Plus, I open up about a powerful moment of reconciliation in my own life—and why you shouldn’t wait to make things right with someone you care about.

Whether you’re spiritual, secular, or somewhere in between, this episode offers universal wisdom to help you live a more intentional and fulfilling life.

In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with Buddy Biancalana, former Kansas City Royals shortstop and unsung 1985 World Series hero. At just five years old, Buddy told his mom he’d make it to the Major Leagues—and he did. Drafted in the first round, he played a pivotal role in the Royals’ unforgettable 1985 World Series run.

But Buddy’s journey to baseball glory wasn’t without hardship. After suffering childhood head trauma, long before concussions were properly understood, he pushed through physical and emotional setbacks during his five-year MLB career. Today, Buddy is the founder of Zone Motion, a company helping athletes and business leaders tap into elite mental performance by overcoming fear and self-doubt.

Whether you're a Royals fan, a baseball history buff, or someone interested in mindset and peak performance, this episode dives into resilience, purpose, and the power of belief.

👉 Don’t forget to follow or subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube for more Kansas City stories that inspire.

In this powerful episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we sit down with legendary civil rights leader and lifelong Kansas City advocate Alvin Brooks. At 93 years old, Brooks shares firsthand stories from nearly a century of public service, community activism, and leadership.

Recognized nationally by President George H. W. Bush as one of the "1,000 Points of Light," and honored locally as Kansas Citian of the Year and recipient of the Harry S. Truman Public Service Award, Brooks reflects on a life dedicated to justice, equity, and uplifting underserved communities.

With sharp wit, vivid memory, and unshakable purpose, he offers insights into Kansas City’s history, race relations, and the power of public service. He even recites two moving poems from memory and shares a hopeful yet unflinching perspective on society today.

Don’t miss this conversation with one of Kansas City’s most inspiring and enduring voices: Alvin Brooks, the man some call the “Patron Saint of Kansas City.”

Trent Green, the former NFL quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his wife Julie Green, have become one of the most beloved power couples in Kansas City. After 15 seasons in the NFL, with time in San Diego, Washington D.C., and St. Louis, Trent and Julie chose to raise their family and give back to the community in Kansas City.

In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, we dive into their personal story—how they met, married, and raised three athletic children while living under the media spotlight. The Greens talk about why Kansas City felt like home, and how they got involved in incredible local charities like the Ronald McDonald House Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Whether you're a fan of Chiefs football, inspiring family stories, or Kansas City nonprofits, this conversation with Trent and Julie Green is a heartwarming look at leadership, love, and giving back in Kansas City.

In this episode, we welcome back Kyle Talbot — popular Kansas City YouTube influencer, local personality, real estate agent, and the honorary “Mayor of Waldo.” Known for spotlighting KC’s culture, neighborhoods, and growth, Kyle returns to share fresh insights on what's happening across the city in 2025.

We talk about:

• The future of Kansas City’s riverfront development

• Expansion of the Kansas City streetcar

• The best neighborhoods in KC for young homebuyers

• How KC is evolving and gaining attention nationally and globally

Whether you’re a lifelong Kansas Citian or new to the area, this episode gives you a hyper-local, insider’s look at the city’s momentum. Don’t miss Kyle’s take on what makes Kansas City one of the most exciting places to live right now.

Listen now and discover why there’s just something about Kansas City.