Artful Connections is a monthly podcast bringing you candid conversations with the arts leaders, cultural champions and civic voices shaping Kansas City's creative future.
Conversation with Dr. Matthew Naylor, President and CEO of the National World War I Museum and Memorial
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Dr. Matthew Naylor, President and CEO of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, as the institution prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Naylor shares plans for this milestone—including art installations illuminating the Memorial's iconic tower—and reveals how the Museum is continuing to evolve with immersive exhibits, technology and vision for the future. Hear the fascinating story of why the Museum is in Kansas City and its enduring relevance today. Learn more about the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and future Kansas City Royals stadium plans, and why the Museum has become Kansas City's "front porch" for the world. Finally, Naylor reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave when his tenure comes to an end in 2027.
2 Sept 2026
Conversation with Stacie McDaniel, Executive Director of the Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Stacie McDaniel, Executive Director of the Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College, to discuss one of Kansas City's leading performing arts organizations located in Johnson County and the first organization featured that is not located on the Streetcar line. McDaniel provides insights on the uniqueness of Midwest Trust Center, which provides two theaters, free parking and is located in Johnson County. The conversation also explores the upcoming 2026-2027 season, highlights including New Dance Partners, The Billy Joel Legacy, The Owen/Cox Dance Group's rendition of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the Winterlude Jazz Festival and Hold On To Your Butts.
5 Aug 2026
Conversation with Stuart Carden, Artistic Director of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Stuart Carden, Artistic Director of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, to discuss the future of one of Kansas City's leading performing arts organizations. Carden shares an update on KCRep's search for a new theater venue, what the organization needs in its next home and whether it plans to continue using Copaken Theater after the move. The conversation also explores Kansas City's evolving arts landscape as KCRep, the UMKC Conservatory, and the Kansas City Symphony simultaneously pursue new venues and fundraising campaigns. The episode concludes with a preview of KCRep's 2026–2027 season, including A Christmas Carol, featuring a new Scrooge, and Come From Away, a musical inspired by events on 9/11, coinciding with the 25th anniversary.
1 Jul 2026
Conversation with Mayor Quinton Lucas, Mayor of Kansas City
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Quinton Lucas, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. Get an inside look at Mayor Lucas's insights on the FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City and what it means for Kansas City's future. Hear the mayor's thoughts on the City's growing cultural landscape, including the new arts destinations in the 18th & Vine area and the Kansas City Symphony's new venue in the South Plaza district. He shares where he would like to see the Kansas City Streetcar expand in the future and provides a status update on the South Loop project, as well as who he would like to see at the new Morton Amphitheater. He also discusses the need to continue to grow the number of murals by local artists and films produced in Kansas City. Finally, Mayor Lucas states what he would like his legacy to be in the last year of his tenure.
3 Jun 2026
Conversation with Sidonie Garrett, Executive Artistic Director of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Sidonie Garrett, Executive Artistic Director of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Their discussion centers around the upcoming 2026 production of Macbeth. Garrett discusses tips for the ultimate "theatrical tailgating" experience and why Southmoreland Park is the ideal place for residents and visitors to the upcoming World Cup to experience classic Shakespeare in an inviting setting for free. They also discuss continuing educational partnerships with local organizations such as The Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City and plans for their big 35th anniversary in 2027. Garrett hopes that the recently opened KC Streetcar extension will allow more visitors and residents to experience future Heart of America Shakespeare Festivals.
6 May 2026
Conversation with Dr. Peggy Shannon, The Nerman Family President of the Kansas City Art Institute
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Dr. Peggy Shannon, The Nerman Family President of the Kansas City Art Institute, to explore the school's evolving strategic vision. They discuss Marble & Canvas, the new on‑campus retail store showcasing student and alumni work, and how the Streetcar extension is already boosting foot traffic along The Arterie—Kansas City's emerging cultural corridor. The upcoming Selfie Love Scavenger Hunt will allow residents and World Cup visitors to experience the entire cultural corridor, take pictures and win prizes throughout the summer.
1 Apr 2026
Conversation with Kathy Nelson, CEO & President of the Kansas City Sports Commission & Visit KC, and Lindsey Douglas, Chief Operating Officer of KC 2026
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Kathy Nelson, CEO & President of the Kansas City Sports Commision & Visit KC, and Lindsey Douglas, Chief Operating Officer of KC2026, to discuss how the World Cup will impact international, national and regional visitors and local residents. Transportation options including the new Streetcar extensions are discussed as key components of accessibility for all events from May through July in Kansas City and for easy accessibility to cultural arts activities for residents and visitors after the World Cup.
4 Mar 2026
Conversation with Jon Stephens, KC Port Authority
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Jon Stephens, CEO & President of KC Port Authority to discuss the development of the River Market and Riverfront areas, their current and upcoming programs and future strategic plans. Jon discusses exciting new projects, like the transformation of the historic Scarritt Building into the upcoming UMusic Hotel, which will provide a unique experience for performers and hotel guests. He also discusses how the upcoming extension of the Streetcar to Berkley Park and expanding the riverfront trails from Rock Island Bridge to the East Bottoms will enhance accessibility and improve walkability to residents and visitors alike.
4 Feb 2026
Conversation with Eric Dorfman, CEO of Linda Hall Library
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Dr. Eric Dorfman, CEO & President of the Linda Hall Library, to discuss the 80th anniversary of Linda Hall Library, their upcoming program and future strategic plans. Dr. Dorfman discusses the Arboretum and Arbor Day plans, the popularity of their sports analytics programs, including the upcoming program on soccer, and how he would like to see the Linda Hall Library become a 3-legged stool focusing on collections, public amenities and their own research within their organization. He also discusses Linda Hall Library's first gift shop, opening every Saturday instead of just once a month and how the new streetcar extension will make their organization more accessible to residents and visitors alike.
7 Jan 2026
Conversation with Julián Zugazagoitia, CEO & President The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Julián Zugazagoitia, CEO & President of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to discuss the expansion of the Museum with a new wing on the west end of their campus, with expanded spaces for education, performance, events and dining and which would be the biggest investment in arts in Kansas City. Julian will also discuss the impact of the Streetcar and the upcoming World Cup on the Nelson-Atkins Museum's attendance expansion plans.
3 Dec 2025
Conversation with Rick Truman, CEO Folly Theater
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Rick Truman, CEO of the Folly Theater to discuss the Theater's 125th anniversary programming and the impact of the Streetcar for their theater attendees. Note: This episode was recorded prior to the recent break-in and vandalism that caused an estimated $750,000 in damage to the Folly Theater. The Folly is currently seeking community support for restoration efforts. Please consider donating at follytheater.org.
5 Nov 2025
Conversation with Tom Gerend, Executive Director of KC Streetcar
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Tom Gerend, Executive Director of KC Streetcar, to discuss the October 24th opening of the extension to the Plaza, the 2026 opening of the River Market Streetcar extension and the impact of the Streetcar for residents, arts lovers and visitors to the area including during the World Cup 2026.
1 Oct 2025
Conversation with Stacey Paine, President of Crown Center Redevelopment
Host Michael Mackie sits down with Stacey Paine, President of Crown Center Redevelopment, to discuss a variety of cultural arts activities and exhibits that have been showcased at Crown Center, the impact of the KC Streetcar and World Cup 2026 on visitation at Crown Center and what is coming up in the next year including Oktoberfest and the Hallmark Christmas Experience.
3 Sept 2025
Conversation with George Guastello, President of Union Station Kansas City
Host Michael Mackie, sits down with George Guastello, President of Union Station Kansas City, for the inaugural episode of KC Studio's new monthly arts podcast, "Artful Connections Along The Streetcar." George discusses a variety of cultural arts activities and exhibits that have been showcased at Union Station including the Disney, Auschwitz and Princess Diana exhibits, which ones were his favorites, the impact of the KC Streetcar and World Cup for residents and for visitors at Union Station and what is coming up for 2026 including during the World Cup.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
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Guest appearances
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