Grill Nation With Jason Grill

Guests – Jason is joined by legendary broadcaster, Mike Shanin, Host of Ruckus (KCPT-PBS). The two discuss Mike’s entry into reporting and broadcasting, his journey through radio and tv, how the tv show Ruckus came to be and its evolution, Mike shares some fun White House stories and a few in regard to President Ronald Reagan and Walter Cronkite encounters, he talks about his favorite Kansas Citians over the years that he has interviewed, and Mike even shares some advice re: people wanting to get into broadcasting. An exciting hour with one of Kansas City’s finest.

Guests – Jason is joined by two of his favorite all-time guests. He starts the show with Joel Goldberg, Kansas City Royals Pre/Post Game Host – Fox Sports Kansas City. They talk about the Royals early season struggles, how the weather has affected Major League Baseball thus far and the Royals, answer the question if doubleheaders are a good thing and get Joel’s prospective on the hit show Brockmire. Jason is also joined by Shawn Edwards, Fox 4 Move Critic and Filmmaker. Shawn breaks down the best movies that we should have already seen in 2018 and gives a full preview of summer movies we should check out. Better weather is upon us, enjoy Grill Nation!

Guests - Jason is joined by two awesome guests this week. He starts the show talking with Andrew Cameron - Founder of Donutology. They discuss how Andrew became an entrepreneur right out of Creighton in the donut industry, the how and why behind Donutology, future plans and they discuss an exciting competition Andrew took part in judged by Daymond John "Shark Tank", CEO of Edible Arrangements, and CEO of Anytime Fitness. Jason also sits down with Matt Druten - CoFounder and Managing Director of Edison Spaces. They discuss Matt's journey, time spent as President and CFO of Freightquote, what makes Edison Spaces unique and disruptive and about growth and amenities offered to Edison Spaces office dwellers. Amazing hour with two great business leaders.

Guest - Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation partner, Michael Viazzoli – President/CEO of MoBank and EVP of BOK Financial. They interview and talk with Deborah Sandler, General Director and CEO of Lyric Opera of Kansas City. The group discusses the amazing Lyric Opera in KC, Deborah’s journey to running it, upcoming performances, what you can expect from Lyric Opera, Crossroads headquarters and great Kauffman Center setup, how to get the next generation into music / opera, and we even learn if Jason has any musical talents. Join us!

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation partner, Ryan Rink - President of Two West Companies. They interview and talk with Jim Carr - CEO of the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). The group discusses what the NAIA is and does, Jim's pathway to Kansas City, experiences with the UNLV running rebs in their heyday, upcoming event with Jay Bilas, exciting new innovative partnership with Two West, and some fun stories about USA Basketball and the Olympics. A show you won't want to miss!

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation partner, Michael Viazzoli - President/CEO of MoBank and EVP of BOK Financial. They talk with Jeff Oddo, President / Owner of Citywide Maintenance and Citywide Franchise. The three discuss Citywide and its growth, the ups and downs, the complexity of a family business, the strategy behind starting and growing franchises to as many as 56 markets currently, entrepreneurial advice and leadership, and even talk about Jeff's book "The 10 Kidmandments" and his writing for national publications on business and entrepreneurship. Join us for this informative and interesting hour!

Guests – Jason is joined by Philip Gaskin, Director of Entrepreneurial Communities and Chief of Staff to the VP of Entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation. They discuss Philip's journey to the Kauffman Foundation and exciting prior work, what Philip and the Kauffman Foundation do each and every day with entrepreneurs and communities, updates on the ESHIP Summit and Mayors Conference on Entrepreneurship, current trends in entrepreneurship and about a new survey just released on how entrepreneurs and startups feel, want and need currently in their day to day work. This show is informative and very interesting. Exciting things happening at the Kauffman Foundation.

Guests – Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation Show contributor, Clifton Alexander, Owner Reactor Design Studios. The two talk SXSW and interview Dr. Ken Vehec, Owner of KC’s arena football team – Kansas City Phantoms. They talk Ken’s background, journey to owning an arena league team in KC, sports psychology, upcoming season and even get into Dr. Vehec’s past life as a comedy writer for a well-known national talk show. Join us!

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host Ryan Maybee, Owner – The Rieger / J.Rieger and Co. They talk with Evita Robinson, Founder of Nomadness Travel Tribe and a TED resident from New York City. They discuss Evita's first trip to KC to keynote the Visit KC annual event, her background in travel, what it takes to become a TED resident and best places to visit in the world. Jason and Ryan also discuss Manifesto being named a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award, J Rieger and Co. expansion into California market, streetcar expansion and why Ryan is brining a Miracle Bar to Kansas City. Join us!

Guests - Jason is joined by Sean Stormes, CEO and Chief Demand Creator of The Third Door. Sean consults with c-suite leaders and business owners on creating demand and purpose driven operations to create profitable revenue growth. The two discuss why demand creation should be a company's main focus not a sales / marketing organization. Sean tells us why if you have to advertise your product or service its not good enough or offering real unprecedented value. This show will really challenge conventional business thoughts and practices. A thought-provoking hour.

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation partner, Michael Viazzoli - President/CEO of MoBank and EVP of Bank of Kansas City. They talk with Danny O'Neill, Founder of The Roasterie (The Bean Baron). The group discusses Danny's coffee beginnings, growth of The Roasterie both through wholesale and cafes, what is exciting about the future and about the Kansas City market. We also find out what is Danny O'Neills go to coffee drink if he had to pick one. Grab a cup of joe and enjoy the show!

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation Show contributor, Clifton Alexander, Owner - Reactor Design Studios. They interview and talk with Craig Feigan, award winning creator of many Super Bowl commercials including the famous Budweiser Clydesdale spots. They discuss this years hits and misses, themes and trends, what goes into a successful commercial from a process standpoint and how the heck some ads get approved. Craig is an all-star advertising mind and we are excited to have him on from Chicago to share big game commercial stories including one about George "Jason Alexander" from Seinfeld.

Guests – Jason is joined by Steve Shrawder, President of The National Golf Club of Kansas City. The two discuss Steve’s background in playing golf and golf management throughout the US and how he arrived in KC. They also discuss a few golf tips, talk about some of the best courses Steve has played in the US, what The National Golf Club and The Deuce are all about including discussions on all the unique member services, potential for a PGA event in KC, and about the golf community in general in KC. Steve has an interesting background and some great stories to share. Fun show!

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation Show contributor, Clifton Alexander, Owner – Reactor Design Studios. They catchup on the holidays, define what a brand really is, what makes an epic brand, why at the end of the day you're creating a promise for your customers, examples of amazing brands and why they have been successful, and brand fads from the pet rock to raw water. This is a show that brings some real thought leadership on branding.

Guests - Jason is joined by Tim Cowden, President and CEO of Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). Jason talks with Tim about his background and journey to where he is today, what he is watching for in 2018, how important workforce development and talent are to a city's development, KC's Amazon H2 bid, a Better KCI, what the region needs to improve on to continue the momentum and what the KCADC does each and every day. All-star guest and episode this week.

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation parter, Jeff Phillips – Sr. VP of MoBank. They talk with Mike Stradinger, CEO of Holland 1916 (Over 100 years old). The group discusses Mike's interesting background including his move from being a lawyer to running a small manufacturing company and growing both financially and into a leader in the industry. They also discuss Mike's ideas for improving education in Missouri and Kansas through the business community, while hilighting work at the Alliance for Childhood Education. Mike is a true thought leader. This is a show you won't want to miss!

Guests - Jason is joined by Stephanie Carey, Owner and Publisher of The Pitch, to talk about Carey Media's recent acquistion of The Pitch and what readers can look forward to in the future. Jason is also joined by Dave Borchardt, Director of Events at Kansas City Sports Commission. They talk all about the Kansas City Sports Commission, Dave's background in media and sports, what big events are coming to KC, annual Kansas City Marathon, as well as share some stories from the past. Fun show this week!

Guests - To finish off 2017, we put together a Best of Grill Nation Show. We start the show with Alan Gaylin, Founder/CEO of Bread and Butter Concepts. Jim Wagy, Owner/Operator of 8 McDonalds in the Kansas City area stops by for segment two. We continue the show with Tucker Trotter, President/CEO of Dimensional Innovations in segment three and finish off strong with Devin Henderson, a well-known magician, humorist, keynote speaker and corporate comedian. Happy New Year!

Guests - This week we put together a Best of Grill Nation Show. We start the show with Barry Grissom, Partner at Polsinelli and Former US Attorney. Tom Pigott, CFO of MGP Ingredients stops by for segment two. We continue on with Tori Fugate, Director of Marketing at KC Pet Project in segment three and we finish the show with Neal Sharma, CEO of DEG. Happy Holidays!

Guests - Jason is joined by guest co-host and Grill Nation parter, Jeff Phillips – Sr. VP of MoBank. They talk with Matthew Hufft, Co-Founder/President of Hufft. Hufft has been recognized as a Top 50 Design Firm by Architecture Magazine. We discuss Hufft services, growth, success and projects including work with Baldwin, 21C Hotel (Moving into Savoy Grill space), Corvino and on varous initiatives in Bentonville, Arkansas. We also discuss renovation of the Roanoke Neighborhood/Park and Matthew's innovative work thoughout KC and the country. Matthew has an awesome story to tell and you will be excited about Hufft's projects and architecture/design in general after listening to this show!