Lee's Summit Town Hall

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A weekly podcast conversation, produced by Link 2 Lee's Summit, highlighting local issues and people in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Host Nick Parker and guests discuss pertinent issues and topics concerning local residents and introduce listeners to some of the people who help make Lee's Summit a vibrant community.

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587 episodes

A business with an unexpected, yet rewarding focus on care for special needs kids

Their chiropractic business isn't exactly what they thought it would be. She didn't plan on developing a passion helping young patients and he had no idea the directions his study and budding network would take him. Today, Doctors Alex and Lauren Nelson operate HML Functional Care in Lee's Summit and have a budding practice focusing on providing a holistic and collaborative approach to caring for kids with special needs. The duo drop by The Vault for an open conversation with host Nick Parker on their business and approach to healthcare.

41m
Mar 27
Passion for music and the arts leads new director to Lee's Summit and its symphony orchestra

Listen in on his resume, and you may start to wonder how Gary Good wound up in our midwest hamlet as the new executive director of the Lee's Summit Symphony. First off, we'll apologize, he's not all that new anymore. He's actually been here almost year, Nick and Liesl are just late getting him on the show. Good enters the vault to share his story of a career in music and the path to Lee's Summit. He also previews this weekend's performance at The Pavilion at John Knox Village and offers a bit of his vision for the future of the Symphony.

38m
Mar 14
1, 2, 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock Shamrock!

We're gonna shamrock around the clock tonight… OK, it’s not tonight. But on the morning of Saturday, March 16, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street invites local families to join them for a new St. Patrick’s day event — Shamrock the Block. Assistant Director Julie Cook returns to The Vault to talk about creating the new event and what entertainment will be available.

18m
Mar 07
Making weekend plans and visiting with an old friend

Liesl's out this week, but Nick's back to highlight a few local events coming up this weekend before kicking back with one of his favorite interviews from the podcast, Theron Denson — aka The Black Diamond. Hint-hint, there's some rumors Theron has a couple of big announcements coming soon so stay tuned. But for now, if you missed it last year, hears a conversation with the Lee's Summit resident and experiences gathered through his life as Neil Diamond tribute artist.

1h 0m
Feb 29
The power of Information, voices and inclusion

"Get over it and tell the stories..." If there's been a theme for host Nick Parker the last week or so, it's been to stop making things about himself. The point was driven home in a conversation with Lee's Summit resident and community activist Vanessa Hickman and his fear appearing phony while featuring black residents during Black History Month. The appropriate reprimand leads to a open and frank conversation between the two in this week's episode kicking off Black History Month in Lee's Summit.

44m
Feb 09
Finding the right spot at the right time

Everyone knows two of the main keys for business success lie in both timing and location. For Sarah Boehnlein and Lisa McConnell, this couldn't have been more true as they moved into a new downtown Lee's Summit home just in time for the holiday rush. Their two businesses, TruKC and Boss Babe Balloon Co. respectively, took over the former Ivy and Sparrow space on Third Street just before the holiday shopping season started and they haven't looked back — of course, the popularity of anything celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs or Taylor Swift hasn't hurt business either. The two visited the vault this week for a conversation with hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays on moving downtown and building their businesses.

38m
Jan 31
Ashley Muffitt and Square One's mission to build a community of resources for area entrepreneurs

In this lively episode of Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hayes bring their dynamic chemistry to the forefront as they explore the vibrant local business scene. Ashley Muffitt, from Mid-Continent Public Library and Square One, joins the discussion, shedding light on a mission to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. The conversation delves into the resources offered by Square One, emphasizing the importance of planning and goal-setting for business success. With a perfect blend of entertainment and valuable insights, this episode is a must-listen for those seeking a dose of local flair and entrepreneurial wisdom.

28m
Jan 25
You gotta look back before you move forward

In their first full week back since breaking for the holidays, winter travel, snow (errrrrr, AMI) days, etc., hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays take a few minutes to look back at what happened in 2023 and ahead to some of what they're planning for the podcast in 2024. And then, they offer up a replay from one of their favorite episodes of last year... Fair warning, this episode includes what could be a tough conversation for some, including it seems hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays. But, we promise it's worth listening to and we hope, it provides a service for those who have, or are currently going through, the cancer journey. October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in this episode, we welcome Kara Gutierrez, owner of Spot On Beauty, and Karen Reinert, a local cancer survivor, into the vault. Much of Kara's work centers around using her skills as a tattoo artist to create 3D nipple tattoos for survivors, or covering up scars, or providing other artwork as survivors work there way through the trauma of discovering, treating and surviving breast cancer. Joining her on the show is Karen, a recent client and survivor.

1h 13m
Jan 17
Monday NewsLink: LSR7 BOE ballot changes, MLK celebration& Christmas continues!

In the latest episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays bring listeners up to speed on the upcoming April election, revealing changes in the Board of Education ballot. As the election draws near, the hosts promise in-depth coverage of contested races for school board, city council, and municipal judge positions. The episode also highlights the City of Lee's Summit's annual MLK celebration, emphasizing the theme "Living the Dream" and spreading hope, courage, and unity. Despite some delays, the hosts extend the holiday spirit by continuing to give away favorite things, with Santa's approval to keep the Christmas joy alive throughout the year. To stay informed about local events, listeners are encouraged to sign up for the podcast's weekly NewsLink email and follow their Instagram and Facebook pages for chances to win exciting prizes in January.

3m
Jan 15
Monday NewsLink: Local candidates filing for office and get ready for a live stream with Santa!

🎙️ Dive into local politics on the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast as host Nick Parker covers contested races and candidates for Lee's Summit City Council, municipal judge, and the Board of Education. Act fast – the filing period ends on December 26th! 🗳️ In a festive twist, join us on Facebook Live for a special Christmas episode at 7 p.m. this Thursday, for a live stream with Santa Claus from his North Pole office. 🎄 Get a chance to ask Santa your questions during the livestream. Don't miss out on winning Nick and Liesl's favorite things — follow us on Instagram and Facebook for details. 🎁 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify to stay connected with Lee's Summit. 🔗 For more updates, visit linktoleessummit.com.

2m
Dec 18, 2023
Our first ’favorite things’ winner and your next opportunities to se Santa!

Join hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays in this festive episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast. Discover the excitement as they announce the first winner of the 'Favorite Things' giveaway. Listen in for holiday-themed discussions, updates on community events like Storytime with Santa, and a sneak peek into an upcoming live stream event featuring Santa himself. Get ready for a lively blend of holiday cheer, community engagement, and the joy of giving in this episode!

8m
Dec 13, 2023
Monday NewsLink: Election filings, holiday events and more

Join Nick Parker and Liesl Hays in the latest Lee’s Summit Town Hall podcast episode for a roundup of community happenings and political updates. Highlights include the upcoming Storytime with Santa event at Budget Blinds, encouraging donations for the Pro Deo Youth Center, and the successful Grandparent's Day celebration at Summit Christian Academy. The episode previews an imminent City Council meeting focusing on a proposed citizen survey and provides updates on notable candidates filing for April's election. Teasing the podcast's "Favorite Things" series giveaway for dog lovers, participation details from local retailers are revealed. Tune in for a succinct overview of local news, events, and political insights relevant to Lee’s Summit.

3m
Dec 11, 2023
Spreading some holiday cheer with some of our favorite local gifts

In the latest installment of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays spotlighted the vibrant local businesses by compiling some of their favorite locally sourced holiday gifts to share with you!. Remembering the late Gary Fruits, a beloved figure in the Lee's Summit community, the hosts paid homage to his legacy at the onset of the show. Transitioning into a festive spirit, Liesl introduced a segment resembling Oprah's "Favorite Things," prompting both hosts to share their top picks for local businesses and holiday gift ideas. Throughout the episode, they discuss various businesses, recommending a diverse array of gift options, from downtown Lee's Summit apparel to personalized autographed copies of Liesl's book. Nick and Liesl's dedication to promoting Lee's Summit's businesses and encouraging community support shone brightly, serving as a guide for listeners seeking locally sourced holiday gifts. And to make it even better, Check out Link 2 Lee's Summit on Facebook and Instagram over the next two weeks for your chance to win these curated gifts!

33m
Dec 06, 2023
Monday NewsLink: holiday events and development updates

Join hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays in the latest episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast as they delve into the festive spirit and ongoing developments in Lee's Summit. This week's episode highlights upcoming holiday events, including the popular '12 ish Bars of Christmas Pub Crawl' benefiting Hope House and various captivating light displays in the area. Additionally, get updates on significant local development projects shaping the town's landscape. Tune in for a sneak peek of the upcoming holiday special, 'Liesl and Nick's Favorite Things,' showcasing local gift ideas while supporting the community's businesses. Stay connected with Lee's Summit news, events, and engaging conversations. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more.

2m
Dec 04, 2023
Cheers for a decade of festive charity: 12ish Bars of Christmas fundraiser set for Dec. 9

In this episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays are joined by special guest Courtney Laufketter, founder of the annual 12ish Bars of Christmas event set for Dec. 9 in downtown Lee's Summit. While discussing the 10th anniversary of this popular fundraiser, Coutney shares how this event has raised more than $200,000 in its first nine years, supporting thousands of families aided by Hope House — which is a sign of the community's support for an important cause. The episode highlights the various ways to participate, including ticket purchases, donations, and games of chance at participating bars, aiming for a fundraising goal of $40,000 for Hope House's 40th anniversary.

19m
Nov 29, 2023
Happy podversary to Liesl and Friday can’t get here fast enough!

In this episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hayes reflect on Liesl's first year co-hosting the show, expressing gratitude and discussing their evolving interview styles while reminiscing about favorite episodes featuring inspiring stories within the Lee's Summit community and anticipation of episodes to come. The conversation turns to the upcoming tree lighting event in downtown Lee's Summit, highlighting the small-town charm and festive ambiance defining the annual celebration. Join Nick and Liesl as they share their enthusiasm for community engagement and appreciation for the unique moments making Lee's Summit special.

21m
Nov 15, 2023
Monday NewsLink: It’s time to light the lights!

In this Monday NewsLink episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays bring the holiday spirit to the forefront as downtown Lee’s Summit transforms into a winter wonderland with the annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting event. Join the festivities at 6:30 p.m. on SE Main Street, explore captivating window art by LSR7 students, and revel in the extreme holiday ambiance at Calaveras restaurant, now resembling a living snow globe. Tune in for updates on the Lee’s Summit Magic Tree's 10th year, its collaboration with Operation Toy Soldier, and a heartwarming tradition by Summit Christian Academy's elementary students collecting food for families in need for the 15th consecutive year.

2m
Nov 13, 2023
It’s Chillifest! 18th annual community event set for Saturday

It wouldn't be fall without the dulcet tones of Ben Rao and Collin Brich singing their song of Chillifest. The 18th annual local chili cook off is set to run from 11-2 this Saturday at Bridge Space in downtown Lee's Summit. Ben and Collin dropped into the vault to chat with host Nick Parker about the event and it's support for three local nonprofits: Lee's Summit VFW Auxiliary 5789, Lee's Summit Jazz Orchestra and the Alzheimer's Association of Kansas City.

22m
Nov 08, 2023
Monday NewsLink: Veterans Day Parade, Chilifest fun, and building strong community networks & more

Tune in to "Lee's Summit Town Hall and your Monday News Link" for a quick weekly update on the latest news, events, and happenings in Lee's Summit. Hosted by Nick Parker and Liesl Hays, this podcast keeps you informed about local developments and highlights exciting events, such as the VFW's Veterans Day Parade and the 18th Annual Chilifest competition. Don't miss out on insightful conversations like the one with Megan Mercer, the emcee of the Lee’s Summit Chamber’s annual Women in Business retreat, discussing the significance of building authentic networks and community relationships.

2m
Nov 06, 2023
Combining humor & vulnerability to help area businesswomen connect and grow

Megan Mercer returns to The Vault to preview the Lee's Summit Chamber's annual Women in Business event set for next Wednesday. Mercer, an insurance executive and improv comic, will serve as host and emcee for the all day conference and spoke with Lee's Summit Town Hall hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays on the importance of creating a welcome and comforting environment encouraging connections and authentic opportunities to grow both in business and life.

27m
Nov 01, 2023
Monday NewsLink: Parade and Chillifest events set for Veterans Day

Discover the latest local news and events in Lee's Summit with the Lee's Summit Town Hall Monday News Link podcast. In the latest episode, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays introduce plans for the annual Veterans Day parade, set to begin at Lee's Summit High School and wind through the downtown district, celebrating and honoring local veterans. Additionally, they highlight the remarkable achievements of St. Michael the Archangel's girls' golf and tennis teams, who have qualified for the Missouri State Championship tournaments for the first time in school history.

2m
Oct 30, 2023
Welcoming a new neighbor & holy moly the holidays are coming!

Nick and Liesl took a little stroll around downtown this morning to welcome a new neighbor (and buy a few things) and to check out the work already beginning to get ready for the 2023 holiday season. This week, we look ahead to some of the things already on the local holiday calendar and a special episode coming soon.

14m
Oct 25, 2023
Monday NewsLInk: Spooky Season, Market Plaza Groundbreaking & More

In the latest episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast's Monday NewsLink, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays keep you in the loop about the upcoming Halloween-themed events in Lee's Summit, including trunk-or-treat activities and a costume party at The Goat Brewing Company. They also share exciting news about the groundbreaking ceremony for the downtown Market Plaza development, featuring a performing arts space and a permanent home for the Downtown Lee's Summit Farmers Market. Plus, a reminder to check out their recent impactful conversation with two local women in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

2m
Oct 23, 2023
Using art to help survivors cope and reclaim a part of themselves

Fair warning, today's episode includes what could be a tough conversation for some, including it seems hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays. But, we promise it's worth listening to and we hope, it provides a service for those who have, or are currently going through, the cancer journey. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and today we welcome Kara Gutierrez, owner of Spot On Beauty, and Karen Reinert, a local cancer survivor, into the vault. Much of Kara's work centers around using her skills as a tattoo artist to create 3D nipple tattoos for survivors, or covering up scars, or providing other artwork as survivors work there way through the trauma of discovering, treating and surviving breast cancer. Joining her on the show is Karen, a recent client and survivor.

46m
Oct 18, 2023
Monday NewsLink: Arts events, major groundbreaking and more...

In this episode of Lee's Summit Town Hall Monday NewsLink, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays bring you the latest updates on events and developments in Lee's Summit. Discover the student art exhibition at City Hall, an arts celebration by Lee's Summit Creates, the upcoming Haunted & Historic Spaces tours in downtown Lee's Summit, Paragon Star's Sports Spooktacular event, the groundbreaking for the downtown Market Plaza development, and much more. Stay informed about your community by tuning in to this informative and straightforward news podcast.

2m
Oct 16, 2023
Haunted tours & costumed parades taking over downtown this month

She's baaaaaaaaaaaack! Julie Cook, events director, and Jenny Gale, assistant director, from Downtown Lee's Summit Main Street join Nick and Liesl in the vault to chat the annual Haunted and Historic Tours event in downtown. Tickets are available at downtownls.org. DLSMS Board President Courtney Laufketter chimes in with some information on the Boos, Barks & Badges parade coming at the end of the month.

23m
Oct 11, 2023
That place where business, community & contentment collide

You ever just see those random people walking around downtown with their yoga mats neatly rolled and tucked under their arms? Yeah, we have as well. Turns out, many of them are part of Megan's Yoga Tribe. This week, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays, invited owner Megan Culbertson to join them in The Vault to tell her story of finding peace in the practice of yoga and then going to on to build a community of her own by teaching others.

34m
Oct 04, 2023
Monday NewsLink: UCM-LS introduces a new degree program; City exploring a new EDC; cultural events & more!

In this episode of Lee's Summit Town Hall, we discuss the exciting introduction of a Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science, upcoming economic development explorations by the City Council, infrastructure project updates, cultural highlights, and a community event you won't want to miss!

1m
Oct 02, 2023
Lee’s Summit story ready to take the stage

Join hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays as they chat with local playwright Ben Martin and actress Janet Shelman on the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast. They discuss 'A Candle Against the Dark,' a play by Ben Martin that tells the story of Lee's Summit resident Carl Chinnery's family battling polio. Originally an audio drama in 2020, it's now adapted for a live stage performance. All ticket sales proceeds go to Rotary International's polio eradication efforts, with matching grants amplifying the impact. Secure your tickets at the Englewood Arts District website https://www.englewoodarts.art/candle-against-the-dark and support this cause.

28m
Sep 27, 2023
NewsLink: City Council to hear recommendations for EDC reorganization & more

In this Monday NewsLink episode of  the Lee’s Summit Town Hall podcast, hosts Nick Parker and Liesl Hays provide a sneak peek into the upcoming Lee's Summit City Council meeting. Tune in to hear about the critical decisions facing the council regarding the future of economic development and the long-anticipated Downtown Market Plaza project. Plus, get the latest updates on Missouri Governor Mike Parson's recent appointments and a special announcement from the Lee's Summit Symphony as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary Season with an American composers' showcase.

14s
Sep 25, 2023