Lee's Summit Town Hall

Ep. 878: Take Time to Be Kind Week in Lee's Summit

Vanessa Hickman, Chair of Lee's Summit's Human Relations Commission, returns to discuss Take Time to Be Kind Week (February 9-14). Discover how this annual initiative brings the community together through intentional acts of kindness—from pop-up gratitude stations to kindness bingo. Learn about simple ways to participate, share your stories using #LSKindness, and help build stronger relationships throughout Lee's Summit. Free materials available at City Hall all week. Visit LSKindness.net for details.

Building a Brand with a Twist: Team Cocktail's Journey

What does it take to transform a creative vision into a thriving retail destination that an entire community rallies behind? In this episode, host Nick Parker sits down with Lindsey Fliehs, the creative force behind Team Cocktail, one of downtown Lee's Summit's most beloved shops. Lindsey pulls back the curtain on her unique entrepreneurial journey, revealing the real challenges and unexpected wins of building a business that's become more than just a store — it's a community hub.

Santa's heartwarming visit: Spreading joy & cheer

Join us for a festive episode of the Lee's Summit Town Hall podcast as Santa Claus himself shares heartwarming stories and holiday cheer. From reading letters from children to discussing the true spirit of Christmas, this episode is filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of magic. Don't miss Santa's special message on the importance of giving and community spirit. 

Food 4 Food Drive: Fighting food Insecurity with team-ups and tacos

Bridge Space Community Manager Colin Brich and KC Communications' John Beaudoin join host Nick Parker to discuss the upcoming "Food 4 Food" drive supporting Lee's Summit Social Services. Learn how you can help your neighbors this holiday season while enjoying free tacos from El Plato on December 9th. In this episode, we explore the growing need at the local food pantry, hear stories of community resilience, and discover why Lee's Summit residents consistently show up when their neighbors need help. Plus, find out how Bridge Space continues its mission of supporting local nonprofits through community events and affordable meeting spaces.

Pretty Funny's Holiday Comedy Show! Megan Mercer & Pearl McDonald Preview 'The Prettiest Funniest Time of the Year'

Megan Mercer and Pearl McDonald from Pretty Funny preview their annual holiday comedy show "It's the Prettiest Funniest Time of the Year" (Dec 13 at Unity Village). The duo shares stories from 17 years performing with their all-women troupe, discusses their unique blend of improv and scripted sketches, and reveals how real holiday moments become comedy gold. Featuring talk of reindeer drama, spoofed Christmas carols, and why their show has become a Lee's Summit tradition.

Veterans Day Special: Chamber President Matt Baird on Service & Community

Host Nick Parker sits down with Matt Baird, President of the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce and military veteran, for a meaningful Veterans Day conversation about service, sacrifice, and community connection.

Matt opens up about his military journey — from being a history-loving kid who dreamed of service to his time in ROTC and active duty. He candidly discusses both the rewards and challenges of military service, including the leadership issues that ultimately led to his decision to leave active duty.

The conversation explores how America's treatment of veterans has evolved across generations, from the Greatest Generation's reluctance to share their stories to Vietnam veterans' difficult homecomings to today's more supportive environment.

Matt shares the impactful work of the Chamber's Military Affairs Committee, including:

• The downtown veterans banner program that sells out every year
• Welcome packets for new Whiteman Air Force Base airmen filled with Lee's Summit goodies
• Annual Veterans Day luncheon honoring local veterans
• Wreaths Across America and support for the Veterans Day Parade
• Partnership with local JROTC programs and Civil Air Patrol

You'll be surprised to learn just how many Whiteman Air Force Base personnel — including one-third of B-2 pilots — choose to make Lee's Summit home, largely because of our excellent school district.

A thoughtful episode about honoring service while building authentic community connections.

Feed Lee's Summit 2025: Fighting Food Insecurity in Our Community

The need has never been greater. In this episode, host Nick Parker talks with David Fritz and Ben Martin from the Lee's Summit Rotary Clubs and Monica Humbard about the growing food crisis in our community and an annual event designed to support local nonprofit efforts to ease the burden of those in need. Learn about nearly 4,500 students on free or reduced lunch in Lee's Summit, about local food pantries serving record numbers and how you can help at the November 14th Feed Lee's Summit event at Unity Village's Goppert Center.

The fundraiser supports five vital organizations with a goal of raising $250,000. Tickets are going fast at feedls.org.

Local entrepreneur with an audience of 20M selling gas & snacks? Meet Babir Sultan

In this episode, Nick Parker sits down with Babir Sultan, owner of FavTrip convenience stores, to explore an unconventional approach to running a gas station business. Babir shares his journey from being a doorman in Brooklyn to becoming a tech-savvy entrepreneur who's revolutionizing the convenience store industry through social media, AI, and community engagement.

Discover how FavTrip reaches nearly 20 million people monthly through organic social media content, why they deliberately chose not to sell liquor or lottery tickets, and how they're using AI to combat shoplifting. Babir discusses empowering employees through live streaming, the importance of knowing your strengths, and why staying local is more valuable than nationwide expansion.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a Lee's Summit resident, or someone interested in innovative business strategies, this conversation offers insights on blending technology with traditional retail, building authentic community connections, and pursuing your passion projects alongside business growth.

Libraries Aren't Just Books Anymore! Gaming, Coffee & Community Centers in Lee's Summit

Join host Nick Parker as he sits down with Seth Moses, branch manager at Mid-Continent Public Library's Colburn Road branch, to explore how modern libraries have transformed into vibrant community hubs that go far beyond books. Discover the surprising services available like passport acceptance and notary services, learn about Book Speed Dating events for finding your next great read, and hear how libraries now host gaming nights, D&D sessions, and even serve as co-working spaces with coffee shops. Seth shares insights on everything from the growth of digital collections through the Libby app to the Square One Small Business Center helping local entrepreneurs, plus why half of local households already have library cards and what you're missing if you don't. Perfect timing for National Read a New Book Month and National Sign Up for Your Library Card Month — you'll be amazed at what these modern community centers offer beyond the traditional quiet study spaces of the past.

Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Crisis Response & Prevention

For National Suicide Prevention Month, host Nick Parker talks with Kirstie Millar and Heather Mason from ReDiscover Mental Health about how Lee's Summit is pioneering mental health crisis response through their co-responder program that embeds trained professionals with police officers. The conversation covers the 988 Crisis Lifeline, why talking about suicide creates safety rather than danger, and practical advice for parents on having difficult mental health conversations with their children. Learn about ReDiscover's "No Wrong Door" approach to accessible mental health care and upcoming community events including 988 Awareness Day (September 8th) and their annual Suicide Prevention Walk (September 27th).

This episode provides crucial information about local resources while addressing the reality that mental health support requires both professional intervention and community-wide cultural change.

Resources mentioned:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
• ReDiscover Mental Health: RediscoverMH.org | 816-966-0900
• Mobile crisis response available 24/7 in Lee's Summit area