Shows
Kansas City Marketing LegendsPete Kovac // NKH&WPete Kovac is an absolute legend in the advertising world and a founding partner of the iconic agency NKH&W. Pete’s been part of the Kansas City marketing scene for decades, with a career that stretches from working on the client side, to running major agencies, to co-founding one of the most successful shops in town.He’s going to share his take on how the ad industry has evolved, what it really takes to build client relationships that last, and the lessons he’s picked up while mentoring some of the best talent to come throug...
2025-10-1551 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsJim Glynn // Glynn DevinsUp next is Jim Glynn, the co-founder of the legendary senior living agency Glynn Devins. Jim and his partner George Devins started from scratch and built one of the most respected firms in the senior living space.Jim’s story is a great ride. He takes us back to his early days doing promotions at Worlds of Fun, where he first caught the advertising bug, then to his move to John Knox Village—what would eventually become their very first client. Along the way, he shares what it takes to build a strong agency culture, attract top tale...
2025-10-0154 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsDavid Westbrook // Corporate Communications GroupDavid Westbrook has shaped Kansas City’s marketing and communications world in a big way. He’s the founder of Corporate Communications Group, and his story is incredible. From navigating challenges as a blind student to building a powerhouse PR firm and stepping into community leadership, David has done it all.You’ll hear him share some amazing stories—like leading the national awareness campaign for NPR, something near and dear to our hearts, and helping shape the brand and reputation of the Shawnee Mission School District and so many other meaningful campaigns over the years. David’s journey...
2025-09-1754 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsHarry Campbell // Sprint/EmbarqHarry Campbell’s name comes up a lot when you talk about marketing in Kansas City — and for good reason. He’s had a standout career that’s taken him from Procter & Gamble to Sprint, with several entrepreneurial ventures in between. Whether it was leading big-time sponsorships or driving growth as a general manager, Harry has made a lasting impact. His mix of versatility, business savvy, and genuine passion for marketing has earned him deep respect in the industry.In today’s conversation, we get into Harry’s backstory — how those early days at P&G shaped a marketing-fi...
2025-09-0358 min
Real Business ConnectionsThe Crisis Expert Says STOP WAITING For Disaster! w/ Mike Swenson (LST #128)Learn Speak Teach Episode #128 with Mike Swenson.They say, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” But here’s reality: most businesses don’t. They operate without a crisis plan, and when trouble hits, they scramble to react instead of leading with confidence and communicating from one simple voice.In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with veteran crisis communications strategist Mike Swenson, a man with over 30 years of experience helping fast-growing brands and iconic organizations weather their toughest storms. Mike shares powerful real-life stories that will change t...
2025-08-2552 min
Learn Speak TeachThe Crisis Expert Says STOP WAITING For Disaster! w/ Mike Swenson (LST #128)Learn Speak Teach Episode #128 with Mike Swenson.They say, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” But here’s reality: most businesses don’t. They operate without a crisis plan, and when trouble hits, they scramble to react instead of leading with confidence and communicating from one simple voice.In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with veteran crisis communications strategist Mike Swenson, a man with over 30 years of experience helping fast-growing brands and iconic organizations weather their toughest storms. Mike shares powerful real-life stories that will change t...
2025-08-2552 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsNick Vedros // Vedros PhotographyNick Vedros is a true legend in visual storytelling. Nick’s photography has taken him all over the world, from right here in Kansas City to big stages with some of the biggest brands, top publications, and creative agencies out there. Whether he’s shooting a high-energy ad campaign, an intimate portrait, or capturing the soul of a place, Nick’s sharp eye and fresh perspective have made him one of the most in-demand photographers around.But Nick’s story is about way more than just stunning photos. He fell in love with photography when he was just 12...
2025-08-201h 10
Kansas City Marketing LegendsMatt Anthony // VMLIf you’ve listened to this podcast before, chances are you’ve already heard his name. Matt Anthony isn’t just a Kansas City advertising legend — he’s one of the foundational forces behind it. Trace almost any thread through the local marketing community, and sooner or later, it leads straight to him.Over the years, Matt built a career full of milestones — culminating in his leadership of VML, which has grown into not just Kansas City’s largest agency, but the largest agency in the world. But his journey didn’t stop there.When his time in adve...
2025-08-061h 10
Kansas City Marketing LegendsDeb Turpin // River City StudioDeb Turpin didn’t just ride the waves of change in the design world — she helped shape them.Back in 1985, Deb co-founded River City Studio and built it from the ground up into one of Kansas City’s most admired creative agencies. For 25 years, she led with guts and vision — guiding her team through industry changes, from the dawn of desktop publishing to the digital and social media boom.In this episode, Deb pulls back the curtain on what it really took to build a business that lasted — and mattered. She shares the highs, the hard lesso...
2025-07-231h 02
Kansas City Marketing LegendsMike Goff // SprintMike Goff is someone who’s left a lasting mark not just on Kansas City, but on the national and global stage. Mike’s career spans the agency world, the corporate world, and now the fast-growing space of fractional CMO services. He’s worked with some of the most iconic names in business and culture — Hallmark, the NFL, even the Rolling Stones — and played a key role in bringing the Sprint Center to life in the heart of downtown KC.What makes Mike stand out is his relentless curiosity, his gift for building high-performing teams, and his ability to...
2025-07-0956 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsJoe Greene // American Century/Bernstein-ReinJoe Greene is a true marketing heavyweight whose career spans both the client and agency worlds. From launching groundbreaking mortgage campaigns at Dreyfus to helping American Express dig out of a $300 million-hole, Joe has been at the center of some of marketing’s biggest challenges and boldest transformations. And when he landed in Kansas City, he brought that same vision and precision to American Century Investments, where he built out powerful, data-driven strategies.What sets Joe apart is his rare ability to merge analytical precision with creative thinking — always with the customer front and center. Joe was a pi...
2025-06-2556 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsSiobhan Lesley // Valentine Radford/Walz TetrickToday, we’ll hear the inspiring journey of Siobhan Lesley — one of the forces behind the success of Valentine Radford, one of Kansas City’s legendary agencies, where she rose all the way to President. Siobhan’s story is rooted in leadership, purpose, and a deep passion for people. We’ll dive into her work on iconic accounts like Pizza Hut, and how that path eventually led her to another great KC agency — Walz Tetrick — followed by her move to Gilda’s Club, a lifeline for those impacted by cancer. And if you’ve ever wondered whether this wild industry is the ri...
2025-06-1153 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsAl Eidson // Eidson & PartnersFrom the cockpit to the boardroom, Al Eidson’s career is a masterclass in leadership and reinvention. He started out flying C-141 cargo planes across the Pacific in the Air Force, then moved into the corporate world at Procter & Gamble, helping launch new products. Eventually, he brought it all together — co-founding agencies like Eidson Spear and Eidson & Partners, where he blended his military mindset with a sharp eye for business. In our conversation, Al talks about how his time in the Air Force shaped the way he leads, solves problems, and builds teams.#kcmarketinglegends
2025-05-281h 00
Kansas City Marketing LegendsAnn Willoughby // Willoughby DesignSeason Two kicks off with the trailblazing Ann Willoughby, founder of Willoughby Design. Her story begins in the aisles of a small department store in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she sketched fashion illustrations that would mark the start of a remarkable career. After relocating to Kansas City, Ann didn’t just launch a design firm—she built a creative powerhouse and became a pioneer for women entrepreneurs in an era when even opening a bank account required a male co-signer. In this episode, Ann reflects on the uphill climb of securing clients, building a business against the odds, and t...
2025-05-1449 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsWelcome to Kansas City Marketing Legends Season 2Welcome to Season Two of Kansas City Marketing Legends!After the incredible energy and inspiring conversations of Season One, we knew we had to come back for more. This season, we’re diving even deeper into the stories and insights of the people who have helped make Kansas City a marketing powerhouse.A special shoutout to our friends at Evolution Audio — we’re thrilled to have recorded every episode live in their studios. Big thanks as well to Springboard Creative for making us look sharp, and to our other amazing sponsors, the Kansas City Ad Club a...
2025-04-2636 min
Killing 15 MinutesMurder of Kenneth MeersIn this episode of Killing 15 Minutes, hosts Sam Rossi and AJ Carey delve into the tragic case of Kenneth Mears, a convenience store owner who was murdered during a robbery in Oklahoma City in 1992. The conversation explores the details of the crime, the backgrounds of the perpetrators, the trials that followed, and broader reflections on societal desensitization to crime. The hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing the value of every life lost to violence, regardless of the sensationalism often associated with more notorious cases. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
2025-03-2619 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsSeason 1 // It's a WrapAs they say, it's a wrap! Season One of Kansas City Marketing Legends is in the books. We are extremely grateful to all of you who have listened to our conversations with the legends of Season One and look forward to offering up more legends when we launch Season Two in early 2025.This final episode of our first season gives us a chance to remember some of the high points of our first season and provide you with a glimpse of a few of our Season Two legends. As always, a loud shout out to o...
2024-10-0931 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsBecky Blades // Blades & AssociatesBecky Blades is the ultimate startist. Her second book is titled Start More Than You Can Finish. That certainly describes Becky to a tee.As you will hear into this episode of Kansas City Marketing Legends, Becky not only started a lot of things, but she finished a few as well. And how well she did finish. But as you will hear, after starting her own PR Firm and then deciding to sell it, Becky was only beginning to become a true legend in Kansas City and beyond. #kcmarketinglegends
2024-09-041h 09
Kansas City Marketing LegendsScott McCormick // VMLSo, three ad guys are sitting around in one of their homes one summer talking about how to create a new approach in the marketing business. No this is not the start of a joke. It’s exactly how the world’s largest agency was born right here in Kansas City.Scott McCormick and his founding partners, John Valentine, and Craig Ligabel, left one firm in Kansas City and started what they hoped would be an early adaptation of a virtual agency with maybe 25 employees and lots of contractors. On this episode of Kansas City Marketing Legends, Scot...
2024-08-2149 min
From Here To ThereSam Meers - EVP, Health Innovations at BarkleyOKRPMarketing isn't just about skills—it's about building resilience and fostering meaningful connections.In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Sam Meers, EVP, Health Innovations at BarkleyOKRP, one of the largest full-service independent advertising agencies in the United States. Throughout this episode, both shared powerful stories of overcoming personal and professional challenges that are sure to inspire. Key takeaways? Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, cultivate mentorship relationships, and stay adaptable in the face of industry changes. Success stems from personal development, professional tenacity, and the ab...
2024-08-1355 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsPasquale Trozzolo // Trozzolo Communications GroupPasquale Trozzolo, without a doubt, founded one of our city’s premier agencies. Trozzolo Communications Group is an exemplary example of a family business. It also is a company that has recognized over the years how to grow through smart acquisitions and how to keep the principals of those they acquired to stay involved.On this episode of Kansas City Marketing Legends, Pasquale will tell us why his experience in the political arena prepared him for his career. Today Pasquale remains Executive Chairman of the agency he founded but has found some time to do a few ot...
2024-08-0751 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsAndy Fletcher // Fletcher/Mayo; BarkleyWhat’s it like to have your dad be your boss? Well, our guest today on Marketing Legends of Kansas City can tell us. Andy Fletcher worked for his dad at Fletcher Mayo and learned a thing or two there about the marketing business, especially in the agriculture arena.But Andy has stories to tell us as he became in his words, a nomad in the business, gaining experience and then running shops over the years from Kansas City to Atlanta to Lincoln, Nebraska.#kcmarketinglegends
2024-07-2444 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsLanda William // LandaJobChances are more than a few of you have Landa Williams to thank for a job or for an employee hire in a Kansas City agency or company. And even if you didn’t, you absolutely know a few people who did.LandaJob is her company’s name, and she will tell us how that came about on this edition of the Marketing Legends of Kansas City. Plus, she might even give us some of those behind-the-scenes stories with everyone’s name protected of course.#kcmarketinglegends
2024-07-1047 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsLarry Wheeler // Boasberg WheelerThere can be no dispute that Ewing Kaufmann is one of the most impactful and influential business leaders in Kansas City history. In this episode of Kansas City Marketing legends, we hear from one of our own legends what it was like to work for Mr. K. at Marion Labs and the business lessons he learned that helped him run his own public relations firm.Larry Wheeler experienced first-hand the growth of Marion Labs. In fact, he had something to do with that growth as we will hear. After Marion Labs, Larry will tell us about his s...
2024-06-261h 06
Kansas City Marketing LegendsBill Fromm // BarkleyBill Fromm was a born entrepreneur. He ran a dry-cleaning delivery service in college and his dream was to come back to Kansas City and start an advertising agency.He made that dream come true and opened the doors of his agency on June 1, 1964. Today that agency is Barkley, and it is one of the leading independent agencies in the country. Along the way, he had a few other ideas for companies that he brought to life.We will hear from Bill how he started the agency and helped launch what became a real estate...
2024-06-1258 min
Kansas City Marketing LegendsWhitey Kuhn // Kuhn & WittenbornHallmark is not just one of Kansas City’s most revered companies, but it has also contributed to the overall growth of the creative community in the city. One of the best examples of that is the partnership that developed between Whitey Kuhn and the late Dale Wittenborn. The two met while working at Hallmark and then one day they started talking about creating a creative agency. And Kuhn & Wittenborn — was born.#kcmarketinglegends
2024-05-291h 05
Kansas City Marketing LegendsBob Bernstein // Bernstein-ReinListeners to the Marketing Legends of Kansas City may find it hard to believe that there was a time when a handshake was all that was needed to create a decades long partnership between a global retailer and an ad agency in Kansas City. But that’s one story that our guest today can tell.Bob Bernstein started his agency in 1964. The handshake he had was with none other than Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart. Bob will also give us the real story of the creation McDonalds’ Happy Meal and why that may not have been the...
2024-05-151h 00
Kansas City Marketing LegendsWelcome to Kansas City Marketing LegendsKansas City has a rich and colorful history when it comes to our Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations community. We talked for a while about how to start capturing the stories. We quickly decided we did not want to write a book, so we landed on an even better idea – let’s start a podcast!Our idea is simple. Let’s reach out to all the people who made the Kansas City marketing community what it is today. What we are today is a city of creative powerhouses of all sizes doing work not just across the metro...
2024-05-0629 min
BFBS SitrepAI – the future of warfare?Artificial Intelligence seems to be coming of age, but some of its pioneers are warning AI could soon get out of control.On Sitrep we explain how Britain’s armed forces are already using Artificial Intelligence, and Steve Meers from the AI Lab at DSTL tells us what he’s working on to help servicemen and women in the future.Major Sam McEvoy of the Royal Corps of Signals was involved in the Army’s first operational deployment of AI. He tells us the genie is out of the bottle, and while AI won’t replace...
2023-05-1130 min
Access Must-Have Full Audiobooks in Romance, ModernJoanna Trollope: Parson Harding’s Daughter, A Spanish Lover, Second Honeymoon: Three BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations by Joanna TrollopePlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/570905 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Joanna Trollope: Parson Harding’s Daughter, A Spanish Lover, Second Honeymoon: Three BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations Author: Joanna Trollope Narrator: Rebecca Egan, Caroline Langrishe, Full Cast, Jemma Redgrave, Nicholas Le Provost, Sam Dale, Christine Kavanagh Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 7 hours 45 minutes Release date: May 12, 2022 Genres: Modern Publisher's Summary: BBC Radio adaptations of three of Joanna Trollope's much-loved novels - plus bonus interview Bestselling author Joanna Trollope has been described as one of the most insightful chroniclers and social commenters writing fiction today. Her books have been translated into ov...
2022-05-1205 min
Get Top Full Audiobooks in Fiction, DramaJoanna Trollope: Parson Harding’s Daughter, A Spanish Lover, Second Honeymoon: Three BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations by Joanna TrollopePlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/570905 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Joanna Trollope: Parson Harding’s Daughter, A Spanish Lover, Second Honeymoon: Three BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations Author: Joanna Trollope Narrator: Rebecca Egan, Nicholas Le Provost, Christine Kavanagh, Sam Dale, Caroline Langrishe, Jemma Redgrave, Full Cast Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 7 hours 45 minutes Release date: May 12, 2022 Genres: Drama Publisher's Summary: BBC Radio adaptations of three of Joanna Trollope's much-loved novels - plus bonus interview Bestselling author Joanna Trollope has been described as one of the most insightful chroniclers and social commenters writing fiction today. Her books have been translated into ov...
2022-05-1205 min
Access Top-Rated Full Audiobooks in Romance, ModernIf You're So Clever, Why Aren't You Rich?: A BBC Radio 4 comedy by Paul Shearer, Richard TurnerPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/553734 to listen full audiobooks. Title: If You're So Clever, Why Aren't You Rich?: A BBC Radio 4 comedy Author: Paul Shearer, Richard Turner Narrator: Tony Slattery, Alexander Armstrong, Alex Lowe, Douglas Hodge, Hugh Bonneville, Amanda Root, Peter Capaldi, Full Cast, Richard E. Grant Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 7 hours 42 minutes Release date: December 16, 2021 Genres: Modern Publisher's Summary: Richard E Grant, Peter Capaldi and Amanda Root are among the stars of this BBC radio sitcom about three promising graduates still underachieving in their 30s Flatmates Judith, Giles and David once had it all: youth, optimism, ambition...
2021-12-1605 min
Get New Full Audiobooks in Romance, ModernComing Alive: The Complete Series 1-3: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy drama by Jim EldridgePlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/491082 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Coming Alive: The Complete Series 1-3: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy drama Author: Jim Eldridge Narrator: Karl Howman, Phyliss Logan, Full Cast Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 8 hours 22 minutes Release date: March 25, 2021 Genres: Modern Publisher's Summary: Karl Howman stars in Jim Eldridge's sitcom about a likeable ex-convict trying to turn over a new leaf Released from prison early, chirpy Cockney conman Terry King is given a chance to find his feet again. His challenge is to breathe new life into a run-down community centre - with the support of Sandra...
2021-03-2505 min
Modern MarketeersHow a strong culture impacts business during COVID-19Guest: Craig Meier, CEO, Medical Solutions Host: Sam Meers, EVP, Practice Lead, Barkley It is never a matter of if, but when, a corporation faces adversity. And in the era of COVID, whatever fissures were lying right below the surface were likely exposed in the past several months. While most businesses work to be prepared financially for a … Continue reading How a strong culture impacts business during COVID-19
2020-09-2800 minModern MarketeersHow COVID-19 has spurred home health and telemedicineGuest: Dr. Josh Sclar, Chief Medical Officer, BioIQ Host: Sam Meers, EVP, Practice Lead, Barkley COVID-19 has altered the healthcare landscape dramatically. From the chaos of Covid hotspots where medical teams and facilities have been stretched to the limit, to the general apprehension people feel about visiting ANY medical facility. But there is almost always opportunity in chaos. … Continue reading How COVID-19 has spurred home health and telemedicine
2020-09-2100 minModern MarketeersCommunity initiatives in public health in the era of COVID-19Guest: Virginia Barnes, Director of Blue Health Initiatives, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Host: Sam Meers, EVP, Practice Lead, Barkley COVID-19 has demonstrated how ill-prepared we were as a nation for a public health crisis. The lack of an immediate response plan to rapidly ramp up testing, our lack of contact tracing, and the grossly understaffed public … Continue reading Community initiatives in public health in the era of COVID-19
2020-09-1100 minModern MarketeersUnbundling health insurance in the era of COVID-19Guest: John Kelly, CEO, NexBen Host: Sam Meers, EVP, Practice Lead, Barkley When you combine a global pandemic with an unexpected economic cliff event, most businesses will be caught off guard. And in an era when employers and their employees are struggling with rising health insurance costs, adding more strain to the business ecosystem exacerbates the situation even … Continue reading Unbundling health insurance in the era of COVID-19
2020-09-0400 minModern MarketeersThe role of brand purpose in healthcare in the era of COVID-19Guest: Mark Viden, SVP, Brand, CommonSpirit Health Host: Sam Meers, EVP, Practice Lead, Barkley Strong brands are powered by the purpose of their organization. Purpose not only drives the type of employees an organization attracts and retains, it also drives the customers the organization attracts and retains. This has never been more important than today in the healthcare … Continue reading The role of brand purpose in healthcare in the era of COVID-19
2020-08-2800 minModern MarketeersBusiness and community implications of COVID-19Guest: Matt All, CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Host: Sam Meers, EVP, Practice Lead, Barkley Every business in the US has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. None more so than those companies in the healthcare industry. In COVID hotspots, hospital systems have been stretched to capacity. And even in non-hotspots, hospitals postponed elective surgeries … Continue reading Business and community implications of COVID-19
2020-08-2100 minModern MarketeersCOVID-19 and its impact on WomenGuest: Wendy Doyle, President & CEO, The Women’s Foundation Host: Sam Meers, EVP, Practice Lead, Barkley The COVID pandemic has exacerbated a number of issues that were lying right below the surface in the areas of public health, social justice and inequality. Candidly, you can go down the list of the social determinants of health and identify multiple issues that … <a href="https://www.modernmarketeers.com/covid-19-and-its-impact-on-women/" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="screen-reader-text">COVID-19 and its impact on Women</span></a>
2020-08-1400 minModern MarketeersThe rapid rise of telemedicine during COVID-19Guest: Dr. Rob Steele, Chief Strategy Officer, Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics Host: Sam Meers, EVP, Practice Lead, Barkley The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented strain on our healthcare system. The virus has created hotspots where more people were impacted, creating a capacity strain on medical teams and facilities in those areas. But there was an … <a href="https://www.modernmarketeers.com/the-rapid-rise-of-telemedicine-during-covid-19/" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="screen-reader-text">The rapid rise of telemedicine during COVID-19</span></a>
2020-08-0600 minModern MarketeersMedicaid expansion in the era of COVID-19Guest: Qiana Thomason, CEO, Health Forward Foundation Host: Sam Meers, EVP, Practice Lead, Barkley The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how ill-prepared we were as a nation for this crisis. The lack of an immediate response plan to rapidly ramp up testing, the inability to track contact points, and the grossly understaffed public health sector all … <a href="https://www.modernmarketeers.com/medicaid-expansion-in-the-era-of-covid-19/" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="screen-reader-text">Medicaid expansion in the era of COVID-19</span></a>
2020-07-3000 minModern MarketeersThe Changing Role of Brand LeadershipGuests: Stephanie Parker and Chris Cima Host: Sam Meers The focal point between client and agency is Brand Leadership. However, here at Barkley the role goes well beyond what is expected of traditional account management. Stephanie Parker, Senior Vice President of Brand Leadership at Barkley, along with Chris Cima, Creative Director at Barkley, join us … <a href="https://www.modernmarketeers.com/brand-leadership-discussion-guide/" class="more-link">Continue reading <span class="screen-reader-text">The Changing Role of Brand Leadership</span></a>
2019-04-0400 min