Best KCUR Studios Podcasts (2024)

1
Will Missourians legalize abortion in November? 15:00

1h ago15:00

15:00

Advocates for abortion rights in Missouri say they are feeling cautiously optimistic about the statewide vote coming up in November. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in 2022, Missouri was one of the first states to ban abortion in nearly all circumstances. But last week, Missouri announced that there were sufficient signatures for …

1
Kansas City’s champion cakewalker 12:25

30m ago12:25

12:25

In the late 1800s, a new dance took the country by storm, and Kansas City was home to one of its biggest stars. Meet Doc Brown, “Prince of the Mincing Step," “King of the Order of Mixed Gaits," and “Cakewalk Champion of Missouri and the World.” The “cakewalk” might have looked like your typical showy, 19th-century promenade, but the American dance …

1
Kids are ‘not the same’ after Super Bowl parade shooting 13:45

3h ago13:45

13:45

Ten of the 24 people injured by bullets at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooting were younger than 18. Six months later, those survivors respond differently to loud noises, celebrations and things they used to love to do. Plus, what rising cases of bird flu in dairy cattle mean for people selling and drinking raw milk. Six months ago, t…

1
Low-income Kansans are racking up debt from traffic tickets 13:14

2h ago13:14

13:14

When a low-income driver in Kansas fails to pay their traffic tickets on time, it could turn the fine into thousands of dollars of debt. Plus: Some Kansas districts are scaling back on screen time for students. Unpaid traffic tickets can end up costing low-income Kansans thousands of dollars. Cities can send unpaid fines and fees to collection agen…

1
Can Kansas City keep its schools cool enough for kids? 11:04

3h ago11:04

11:04

Kansas City Public Schools are preparing for high temperatures when students return to the classroom later this month. The district released students early during the first week of school last August because many of its high schools didn’t have air conditioning units in all classrooms, and the existing units were struggling to keep schools cool — p…

1
Rep. Patty Lewis wants to be Kansas City's next state senator 15:00

1d ago15:00

15:00

Much of midtown, South Kansas City and Grandview have been without a state senator since April. After winning last week's primary, Democratic Missouri Rep. Patty Lewis shares what's next as she heads toward November's election against Republican Joey LaSalle. Missouri state Rep. Patty Lewis defeated Pat Contreras in last week's Democratic primary r…

1
The lost watermelons of Western Kansas 14:19

4d ago14:19

14:19

The bagpipe dates back thousands of years, with a rich history and tradition especially in Irish and Scottish communities. Today, we'll meet Kansas City bagpiper Griffin Hall, and learn about the gig that will take him and his instrument to Scotland. Plus: Southwest Kansas is now renowned for beef and grain production, but it used to be known as th…

1
The life and death of Krystal Anderson 10:15

5d ago10:15

10:15

Before she died in March after giving birth to a stillborn daughter, Krystal Anderson touched hundreds, if not thousands of lives. She was a former Chiefs cheerleader, influential in her career in health technology and a loving friend, wife and daughter. But for Black women like her, the risk of dying of pregnancy-related causes is greater than for…

1
Your guide to Missouri and Kansas primary election results 13:45

6d ago13:45

13:45

Missouri voters passed a constitutional amendment requiring Kansas City to increase its funding to the KCPD, but rejected a measure allowing property tax exemptions for child care centers. And the contenders are set for November's elections for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Missouri governor and other statewide races. KCUR's Lisa Rodriguez breaks down t…

1
It's Election Day in Missouri and Kansas! 13:47

7d ago13:47

13:47

Today is the primary for Missouri and Kansas, with a lot of critical races on the ballot. At polling places, election officials will be on hand to ensure everything goes smoothly for voters. We'll hear from two of them about what they do and why it's so important. Poll workers from both sides of the aisle are prepping to ensure voters can cast thei…

1
Who are the Republicans running for Missouri governor? 15:00

8d ago15:00

15:00

Donald Trump has endorsed three of the Republicans running for Missouri governor in this Tuesday's primary. The candidates have some policy differences, but the race is more about personality. Plus: How Iowa's new abortion ban could affect care in Kansas. In the race for Missouri governor, three candidates stand out in the nine-person Republican pr…

1
Missouri Republicans love to hate on Kansas City 13:35

11d ago13:35

13:35

Attacking Kansas City and St. Louis has become standard practice for Missouri Republicans running for office. But that rhetoric, paired with actions they take in the legislature, has increasingly made it difficult for city leaders to get things done. Plus: Polling places have been decreasing across Kansas City due to safety concerns, but voter turn…

1
Voter fraud probe at center of Johnson County Sheriff's race 15:10

12d ago15:10

15:10

The race for the Republican nomination for Johnson County sheriff is one of the most competitive on the Kansas side of the metro. We’ll break down everything you should know ahead of the primary. There is less than a week before primary election day. In Johnson County, Kansas, the Republican primary for sheriff has proven contentious. Controversy s…

1
Who are the Democrats running for Missouri governor? 13:42

19d ago13:42

13:42

Missouri state Rep. Crystal Quade and Springfield businessman Mike Hamra are both running for governor as Democrats, and although either would be the underdog in November, they could benefit from a proposed amendment to legalize abortion. Plus: Rep. Sam Graves is heavily favored to retain his seat representing Missouri’s 6th District, even as some …

1
Understanding the amendment votes in Missouri's August election 13:47

14d ago13:47

13:47

Missouri voters will see two statewide ballot items in next week's election: Amendment 1, giving tax breaks to child care facilities, and Amendment 4, which would force Kansas City to increase how much funding it gives to the police department. Plus: How Democrats Lucas Kunce and Karla May are planning to take on Republican Josh Hawley for Missouri…

1
Trump looms large in Missouri Attorney General race 13:40

21d ago13:40

13:40

Republicans Andrew Bailey and Will Scharf are both running to be Missouri’s next attorney general, but another name is also a consideration: Donald Trump, who has yet to endorse a favorite. Plus: The lieutenant governor's office doesn't normally draw much attention in Missouri, so why has the race gotten so crowded? Two Republicans are running for …

1
Kansas City, city of... accordions? 14:54

24d ago14:54

14:54

Kansas City has long been associated with barbeque, fountains and jazz music — but accordions? Meet the 90-year-old woman who is keeping the city's rich legacy alive. Plus: Kansas City journalist Ebony Reed takes an "immersive" dive into the nation's racial wealth gap in her new book. Kansas City has a rich accordion history thanks to one nonagenar…

1
Schools are failing students with disabilities 10:40

25d ago10:40

10:40

The Park Hill School District in Kansas City's Northland is considered a destination for students with disabilities. But some families’ negative experiences show how hard it is to meet the federal mandate to educate students with disabilities — in even the best-resourced districts. KCUR's Jodi Fortino reports. Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Fol…

1
Fighting to stand out in Kansas' 2nd Congressional District 13:44

26d ago13:44

13:44

The hottest congressional race in Kansas this year is for the 2nd District, which is wide open after incumbent Republican Jake LaTurner decided not to run for re-election. Plus: The race for Missouri Secretary of State has a surprisingly large Republican primary field. Five Republicans and two Democrats are running in Kansas' 2nd Congressional Dist…

1
A Democratic face-off in Kansas City, Kansas 15:00

27d ago15:00

15:00

20-year-old Ephren Taylor III is running in the Democratic primary for the Kansas Senate's 4th District, challenging longtime incumbent state Sen. David Haley. In a KCUR debate, the two candidates clashed on taxes and whether the state should bring over the Chiefs. Steve Kraske spoke with the candidates about the issues they say are impacting their…

1
Who will be the next Jackson County Prosecutor? 15:00

28d ago15:00

15:00

Three Democrats are facing off in the 2024 Democratic primary for Jackson County Prosecutor, after Jean Peters Baker announced she would not run for re-election. We'll hear from two of the candidates about their stances on abortion, the death penalty and more. Democratic candidates John Gromowsky, the Jackson County assistant prosecutor, and Melesa…

1
'Missouri's Woodstock,' 50 years ago today 14:47

1M ago14:47

14:47

Thousands of people took over the small town of Sedalia, Missouri, on this day in 1974 for the Ozark Music Festival, a party full of nudity, drugs and rock 'n' roll music. Half a century later, people still talk about the lore from that hot wild weekend. Plus: One very fluffy prison resident is changing the men around him in a Missouri correction f…

1
Kansas City roads don't have to be this terrible 11:13

1M ago11:13

11:13

Kansas City is one of the deadliest major cities for pedestrians. And a quarter of the traffic deaths over the last few years happened on just a few streets, which have become wider and faster than necessary over the decades. How did Kansas City get this way, and how is the city now working to make its streets less dangerous? The Beacon reporter Jo…

1
A fight over staffing at Kansas nursing homes 13:30

1M ago13:30

13:30

New rules from the Biden administration will force most Kansas nursing homes to hire more staff, and owners aren’t happy. Plus: The USDA's new program SUN Bucks doles out $40 per month over the summer for each eligible child. However, 13 states turned down the funding. By 2027, a majority of Kansas nursing homes will need to hire more staff to comp…

1
The end of Kansas City's free expungement clinic 14:04

1M ago14:04

14:04

Law students at UMKC's Expungement Clinic helped nearly 60 people clear their criminal records, giving them better opportunities for jobs and housing. But the clinic's funding has run out. Plus: Foster group homes are meant for youth with significant behavioral and mental health issues, but Missouri doesn't have enough beds for girls. As many as 2 …

1
Who will fill Greg Razer's seat? 14:41

1M ago14:41

14:41

Missouri state Sen. Greg Razer isn't seeking another term, which leaves his Kansas City seat up for grabs. We’ll meet the two Democrats vying to represent the 7th District. The August 6 primary election will likely be highly consequential for the heavily Democratic area. Missouri state Rep. Patty Lewis and Pat Contreras will compete to face Republi…

1
A new life for old instruments in Kansas City 12:56

1M ago12:56

12:56

Got an old instrument collecting dust in your basement? One Kansas City fundraiser enlists regional artists to turn them into reclaimed works of art. Plus: Business owners in rural areas are struggling to find younger buyers. When old instruments no longer make beautiful music, one Kansas City fundraiser is putting the call out to local artists to …

1
It's a new era for the Country Club Plaza 14:09

1M ago14:09

14:09

Kansas City's Country Club Plaza is under new ownership, more than a year after its previous owners defaulted on loan payments. The new Dallas-based management group has some big and expensive plans to revitalize the struggling shopping district. In this conversation from KCUR's Up To Date, Brian Ellison spoke with HP Village President Ray Washburn…

1
What's keeping young voters away from the polls 14:25

1M ago14:25

14:25

A growing number of young potential voters are increasingly frustrated by the politicians they have to choose from. One Kansas City resident says the age of candidates is a big reason why. Plus: Two years after Kansas lawmakers reshaped the state’s four congressional districts, there’s a scramble for an open seat in the 2nd District. Polls show Pre…

1
Why Kansas City Public Schools stopped giving out zeros 15:00

1M ago15:00

15:00

A new policy at Kansas City Public Schools has changed the minimum grade from zero to 40%. Hear how it’s intended to help struggling students catch up. During the last school year, Kansas City Public Schools launched a new grading policy intended to help struggling students catch up if they’ve fallen behind. Now, the lowest possible grade a student…

1
Annie Fisher’s beaten biscuit empire 24:49

12M ago24:49

24:49

(Crysta Henthorne, KCUR 89.3 / Images courtesy of Stuart Spivack and Missouri State Historical Society) This episode of A People's History of Kansas City is a collaboration with Gravy podcast, from the Southern Foodways Alliance. It was reported, produced, and mixed by Mackenzie Martin, with editing by Sara Camp Milam, Olivia Terenzio, Suzanne Hoga…

1
What even is Ozark cuisine? 34:28

1+ y ago34:28

34:28

Hungry For MO is a production of KCUR Studios, with support from the Missouri Humanities Council. It’s hosted by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara. This episode was written and produced by Suzanne Hogan with editing from Gabe Rosenberg and Mackenzie Martin. Sound design and mix by Suzanne Hogan with help from Paris Norvell. Music this episode from B…

1
The salad days of Wish-Bone dressing 32:12

1+ y ago32:12

32:12

Read more about the Wishbone restaurant and the rise of Wish-Bone Italian dressing, from KCUR's Mackenzie Martin and Jenny Vergara. Hungry For MO is a production of KCUR Studios, with support from the Missouri Humanities Council. It’s hosted by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara. This episode was written and produced by Mackenzie Martin with editing …

1
Black walnut magic 27:12

1+ y ago27:12

27:12

Read more about the black walnut and how it shaped Missouri cuisine from KCUR's Natasha Bailey and Suzanne Hogan. Hungry For MO is a production of KCUR Studios, with support from the Missouri Humanities Council. It’s hosted by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara. This episode was written and produced by Suzanne Hogan with editing from Gabe Rosenberg a…

1
No apologies for St. Louis pizza 29:48

1+ y ago29:48

29:48

Read more about how St. Louis pizza is the style everyone loves to hate from KCUR's Jenny Vergara and Mackenzie Martin. Hungry For MO is a production of KCUR Studios, with support from the Missouri Humanities Council. It’s hosted by Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara. This episode was written and produced by Mackenzie Martin with editing from Gabe Ro…

1
A toast to the birthplace of sliced bread 29:08

1+ y ago29:08

29:08

Prior to 1928, if you wanted sliced bread, you had to cut it yourself. Until two entrepreneurs in Chillicothe, Missouri, changed history.(David White KCUR 89.3 / Images Courtesy of Catherine Stortz Ripley / The Rohwedder Family Collection / Sliced Bread Innovation Center) New episodes of Hungry For MO start on November 30. Until then, we recommend …

1
Myth-busting the St. Louis World's Fair 28:54

3y ago28:54

28:54

Ice tea, cotton candy, ice cream and hamburgers were all popularized at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3) Read more about how the World's Fair of 1904 offered the best and worst of America from KCUR's Suzanne Hogan.By Natasha Bailey, Jenny Vergara, Suzanne Hogan

1
Crock-Pots for the people 33:21

3y ago33:21

33:21

(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3) Read more about the Kansas City women who taught America how to use the Crock-Pot from KCUR's Mackenzie Martin.By Jenny Vergara, Natasha Bailey, Mackenzie Martin

1
George Washington Carver’s quiet revolution 30:45

3y ago30:45

30:45

(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3) Read more about George Washington Carver's revolutionary contributions to the world, stretching from civil rights to agriculture, from KCUR's Suzanne Hogan.By Natasha Bailey, Jenny Vergara, Suzanne Hogan

1
Chinese food, Missouri-style 30:41

3y ago30:41

30:41

Springfield cashew chicken and the St. Paul sandwich are both dishes created by immigrants in Missouri – and now help define the state's cuisine.(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3) Read more about how Missouri's immigrants created the St. Paul sandwich 80 years ago or how David Leong turned Springfield cashew chicken into a uniquely Missouri phenomenon …

1
How Missouri saved wine 22:52

3y ago22:52

22:52

(Crysta Henthorne / 89.3 KCUR) Learn more about how two Missourians stepped up to save the global wine industry from KCUR's Suzanne Hogan.By Natasha Bailey, Jenny Vergara, Suzanne Hogan

1
Who gets to define Missouri barbecue? 29:35

3y ago29:35

29:35

(Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3) Learn more about how Missouri's barbecue has evolved over the last 200 years — and recent efforts to redefine it — from KCUR's Mackenzie Martin. KCUR's Jenny Vergara also has a list of the best barbecue in the state of Missouri.By Jenny Vergara, Natasha Bailey, Mackenzie Martin

1
Trailer: Hungry For MO 3:46

3y ago3:46

3:46

To celebrate Missouri’s 200th birthday, hosts Natasha Bailey and Jenny Vergara are uncovering the stories behind the iconic foods of the state of Missouri. New episodes every week for six weeks starting on August 10.By Jenny Vergara, Natasha Bailey, Mackenzie Martin, Suzanne Hogan

1
Guns, Gambling And The Gas Tax: Previewing The 2020 Missouri Legislative Session 24:16

4+ y ago24:16

24:16

The 2020 session of the Missouri General Assembly, which convenes Wednesday, promises the usual array of legislative wrangling and partisan bickering — all with an election looming in November. In this episode of Statehouse Blend Missouri, we bring you a preview, which first aired on KCUR's Up to Date on Jan. 6. Host Steve Kraske spoke with Brian H…

1
The 2019 Missouri Legislative Session Recap: GOP Wins Big On Abortion, Economic Development 36:07

5y ago36:07

36:07

In this very special episode of KCUR’s Statehouse Blend Missouri podcast, we joined forces with St. Louis Public Radio’s Politically Speaking podcast to round up the 2019 session of the Missouri General Assembly.By KCUR Studios

1
Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway Discusses The State Budget, Putnam County Hospitals 13:30

5+ y ago13:30

13:30

Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway ’s been busy, looking into Clay County’s finances, the attorney general’s office and raising questions about the state’s tax revenues and budget issues. She sat down with KCUR's Samuel King on April 15 (Tax Day) to discuss all of these things, as well as what it’s like to be the only Democrat holding a statewide off…

1
Missouri Rep. Robert Sauls On Changing Criminal Justice Laws 25:09

5+ y ago25:09

25:09

Before getting into the Missouri House, Democrat Robert Sauls was a prosecutor, a public defender and a military lawyer. Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that he has focused on criminal justice reform in his first term, cosponsoring bills that seek to change sentencing laws and create special veterans treatment courts. Sauls spoke with Statehouse Bl…

1
Freshman State Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove On The Budget, LGBTQ Issues 23:28

5+ y ago23:28

23:28

Missouri state Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove is the granddaughter and niece of state lawmakers, but she’s already making her own mark two months into her first term.By KCUR Studios

1
Will Sports Betting Be Missouri's Answer To Shrinking Revenue? 31:07

5+ y ago31:07

31:07

Missouri's budget director announced this week that revenues are down 7 percent compared to last year. While that may change as more people file their taxes, lawmakers are looking for new ways to bring in money while faced with tax cuts they instituted on top of growing expenses for health care, infrastructure and education.…

1
Missouri Sen. Dan Hegeman On The 2019 State Budget, Transportation Funding 28:12

5+ y ago28:12

28:12

Missouri Republicans have a firm grip on the state legislature, but among the party’s leadership roles, only one is filled by someone near Kansas City.By KCUR Studios

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