Lee's Summit Town Hall

Breaking down the BOE election and the role of leadership

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, Jason Norbury is back on the Lee’s Summit Town Hall podcast! Host Nick Parker welcomes his longtime co-host to dive into the latest in local elections — the four candidates vying for two school board seats, and the critical role of the board in shaping district policies.

But that’s not all — there's big news at Link 2 Lee’s Summit! Nick and Jason announce the addition of high school sports coverage to the platform, which is celebrating its 9th anniversary, with veteran sports journalist Fred Liggett joining the team.

Join us as we reconnect with the heart of the podcast—local issues, community stories, and everything that makes Lee’s Summit home.

Empowering Youth & Strengthening Community with Chris Madden

In this episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker sits down with Chris Madden, executive director of Lee’s Summit CARES. From his early aspirations in the arts to his leadership in education and community service, Chris shares his journey and the passion driving his work. They explore the vital resources available to help teens make informed decisions about their futures, as well as ongoing community efforts around substance misuse prevention and mental health awareness.

Join the conversation and discover how Lee’s Summit CARES is making a difference—and how you can get involved.

The Three C's: Creativity, Community & Custom Apparel

In this episode of Lee’s Summit Town Hall Podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes back Brian Pilachowski — graphic artist, entrepreneur, and the new owner of The Local Foundery. As the creative force behind Press Monkey Studio, Brian shares his journey of taking over the beloved local shop, the art of nostalgia-driven design, and the challenges of running a small business.

From expanding his product line — including plans for an exciting new kids' section — to his unique approach to custom apparel, Brian gives us an inside look at his creative process and the future of The Local Foundery. Plus, with the Super Bowl just around the corner, the duo dives into the energy surrounding local events in downtown Lee’s Summit.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about art, entrepreneurship, and the power of community-driven retail! 🎨🛍️🎙️

A Toast! Raising a glass, to good music, nights out with friends... & pickles?

Join host Nick Parker on this week’s Lee’s Summit Town Hall podcast as he sits down with Seth Allen, the mastermind behind Libations & Co. and The 1909 Club. From cozy cocktails to lively jazz nights, Seth shares the incredible journey of transforming his businesses into a cornerstone of downtown Lee's Summit nightlife.

Discover the secrets behind the dual vibes of Libations — a chic lounge downstairs and a jazz-filled haven upstairs — and hear how creative drinks (yes, the Old Fashioned still reigns supreme!) and community support have fueled their success. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur, a jazz enthusiast, or just love a good story, this episode is sure to hit the right note!

A holiday treat: Santa's back and we're talking Christmas magic!

Get ready for an extra special episode of the Lee’s Summit Town Hall Podcast as Nick Parker is joined by the jolliest guest of all — Santa Claus! And we don't stop there. Former co-host Jason Norbury makes a surprise visit to The Vault to join the annual conversation with the man from the North Pole. Recorded on December 19th, this festive conversation is packed with holiday cheer, laughter, and heartwarming moments. So, what’s in Santa’s Sack for This Episode? 🎅 Santa shares how he spreads joy year-round, from the North Pole to Lee’s Summit. ✨ A peek into the magic (and tech!) behind the sleigh that keeps the holiday spirit soaring. 🎄 Why kindness and giving are the ultimate gifts we can share. Stick around for Santa’s special shoutout about his final stop of the season at the downtown history museum! Don’t miss this merry and magical episode — it’s the perfect companion for your holiday week! 🎧🎄

Holiday Happenings: Story Time with Santa & Festive Jazz in Downtown Lee’s Summit!

In this jolly episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker teams up with Collin Brich, Community Manager at Bridge Space, to unwrap some of the holiday fun happening downtown!

First on the list: Story Time with Santa! It’s the perfect family outing filled with heartwarming tales, photo ops with the big guy in red, and a chance to give back to local nonprofits. (Ho ho ho!)

Next, they hit the high notes with the details on the Lee’s Summit Jazz Orchestra’s Christmas Jazz Concert. Mark your calendars for Monday, December 16th, at 5 p.m., because you won’t want to miss the smooth sounds of live jazz in the cozy, magical setting of Bridge Space. 🎷✨

From festive tunes to family traditions, this episode will leave you humming with holiday spirit and inspired to celebrate the season while supporting your local community. So grab your cocoa, hit play, and let the holiday cheer begin! 🎁

'I got to up my love game:' A conversation at the intersection of community service and ministry

In episode 850 of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes back Pastor Hans Koschmann and community relations expert Vanessa Hickman. The episode focuses on the importance of nonprofit work in the community, highlighting the collaboration between local businesses and nonprofits. Hans discusses the 'ministry of the month' initiative at his church, which aims to spotlight various nonprofits and their contributions. The conversation also touches on mental health awareness within the church and the need for open discussions about mental health support. Listeners are encouraged to engage with their community and support local initiatives.

Community Connections: Local involvement fuels business growth while enhancing the community

In episode 849 of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes back John Beaudoin, a business owner and communications expert, to discuss the importance of community involvement and volunteerism in Lee's Summit. In addition to exploring the vital role nonprofits play in the community, they talk about the benefits local businesses see when they get involved with the work of the local charities. Parker also introduces a new monthly series aimed at connecting local businesses with nonprofits. Tune in to learn how giving your time and talents can make a significant impact in the community!

Community Connections: Growing the business and our community are synonymous

In this episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes Courtney Laufketter, co-owner of Budget Blinds of Lee's Summit. They discuss the significance of community service and local business involvement, exploring how giving back not only enriches the community but also strengthens business relationships. Courtney shares her family's commitment to supporting local organizations, the impact of their volunteer work, and how small businesses can thrive through community engagement. Tune in to learn about the symbiotic relationship between local businesses and non-profits, and discover ways to get involved in your own community. If you, and your business, are interested in telling your story of community involvement and would like to help others find local nonprofits to support, contact Nick Parker at nick@link2leessummit.com.

Feed Lee's Summit: A night of fun, food, and philanthropy supporting local nonprofits

The event "Feed Lee's Summit" is scheduled for Friday, November 15th, at the John Knox Pavilion. Doors will open at 5:30 PM for VIPs and at 6:00 PM for general admission. The event will feature live and silent auctions, entertainment from Fountain City Ivory's dueling piano group, and food from 16 local restaurants. The proceeds will support several local nonprofits, including One Good Meal, Meals on Wheels, Cold Water, Lee's Summit Social Services, and Boost for Success, which collectively serve over 600 residents in need each week.