From the airwaves to your earbuds, FOX4 on-air talent talk to guests and break down the latest in Kansas City news.
Answering coronavirus questions with an ER doctor
As COVID-19 continues to affect nearly every aspect of American’s lives, we sat down with emergency medical specialist Dr. Michael Shafe to separate fact from fiction. Listen to this ER doctor give real answers about this sickness that has caused a world-wide pandemic, and find out what you should be doing to prevent its spread.
KC Originals: Pierpont’s at Union Station
How did Pierpont’s get its name? FOX4’s Nick Vasos sat down with the restaurant’s strategic marketer Stephen Valenti to talk Union Station fun facts, booze trivia and the incredible food they serve. What started off as a seafood restaurant is now a full-blown steakhouse that often features new seasonal dishes. KC Originals is a monthly series where we talk to members of the KC Originals restaurant group, a group of restaurateurs who all started in the metro.
New Royals Manager Mike Matheny: Special Interview
New Royals Manager Mike Matheny visited FOX4 recently for an exclusive inside look into his personality, his managing style and his expectations for the team. Some have questioned the hire after Matheny was let go from a 6-and-a-half-year stint with the Cardinals. However, some fans are hopeful that he’s the guy to breath new life into the team, which only won a third of their games in 2019. FOX4 Sports Reporter Harold Kuntz has the interview, only here on Signal Hill.
Thursday’s Child and Reporting with FOX4’s Sherae Honeycutt
Sherae Honeycutt is a videojournalist who has helped bring back the segment, Thursday’s Child. Each month, Sherae will introduce to you to kids and teens in our community who are hoping to meet people they may one day call their parents. Hear her talk about the craziness of her day-to-day job and her passion for child adoption and the foster care system on this episode of Signal Hill.
KC Originals: Grinders by Stretch
Crossroads staple Grinders opened in 2004, meaning it turns 15 this year! Stretch, an east coast native, said the restaurant grew out of a necessity due to a lack of New York Style Pizza & Philly Cheesesteaks in the area. KC Originals is a monthly series where we talk to members of the KC Originals restaurant group, a group of restaurateurs who all started in the metro.
70 Years Together: Commemorating our anniversary on Signal Hill
October 16, 2019 marks WDAF-TV’s 70th anniversary, the station is known these days as FOX4. John Holt sits down with a number of people you don’t typically see on TV, but are vital to our operation and ensure that we can bring you stories that matter every day.
KC Originals: JJ’s Restaurant
Contrary to popular belief JJ’s on the Plaza is not named after popular owner Jimmy Frantze. In 1985, Jimmy purchased JJ’s Malane’s from his former business partner and the saloon’s namesake. Malane’s name went away but JJ’s name had remained three decades later.
We sat down and talked with Jimmy about the early struggles, the success, the explosion and rebirth on Signal Hill.
Love Fund for Children’s 38th Anniversary
A Kansas City nonprofit is celebrating 38 years and more than 100,000 kids served. This year, they’re looking forward to Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Last year, the average nonprofit in Kansas City received 51 gifts on this day. We spoke with management with the Love Fund, who said their hope is for people sign up to become monthly donors.
The FOX4 Love Fund for Children was established to improve the quality of life for children ages newborn to 18 in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area.
Find out more about the Love Fund, here.
An alternative care option for people with Alzheimer’s
Every 60 seconds, someone new develops Alzheimer’s disease. Care options for the nearly six million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are limited. On this edition of Signal Hill, Nick Vasos discusses an alternative you may not have heard of before. Its called the Home Plus model. These are homes with special modifications so patients can receive specialized individual care. Learn more about these homes, discover what factors a caregiver need to consider when a loved is no longer able to stay at home. Michelle Garrad is a Community Liaison with Comfort Care. She helps us understand more about the Home Plus model.
Streaming Services with film critic Shawn Edwards
How many streaming services did you have three years ago, and how many do you have today? Between Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, DC Universe, various sports services and more, the sheer number of streaming services is skyrocketing. Film critic Shawn Edwards says there is about to be more than two-dozen major services. In this episode of Signal Hill, we break down the top streaming services and what the increasing volume means for entertainment consumers like us.
KC Originals: La Bodega
Each month, Nick Vasos chats with a member of KC Originals, a group of locally owned restaurants. In this episode, Nick talks with James Taylor, owner of La Bodega, about the history of this restaurant that has been a staple in the area for more than 20 years. This restaurant is all about “tapas,” a daily culinary and social event in Spain. However, the art and architecture itself is influenced from Taylor’s parent’s and childhood.
Stonehenge exhibit at Union Station
What exactly is Stonehenge and who built it? Aliens? Ancient societies? David Dawson, a renowned British archaeologist and expert on Stonehenge, is in Kansas City to give a special lecture at Union Station about their current Stonehenge exhibition. Hear him elaborate on this bizarre monument.
John Holt interviews KC sports radio host Bob Fescoe
Kansas City loves its sports. In this arena, two “sports talk” stations vie for listeners. One of the popular Kansas City hosts is up bright and early to talk sports in KC. In this edition of Signal Hill, Fox 4 evening anchor (and sports enthusiast) John Holt sits down with 610 Sports Bob Fescoe from “Fescoe in the Morning.” They talk sports, careers and Midwest life in general.
KC Originals: Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen
Each month Nick Vasos chats with a member of KC Originals, a group of locally owned restaurants. In this episode, Nick is joined by executive chef Pablo Muñoz-Sevilla, discussing the history and “globally accented Midest comfort food” found at Tannin Wine Bar and Kitchen.
Talking Disney movies with film critic Shawn Edwards
The “Disnification” of movies. What is it? Nick Vasos and Shawn Edwards sit down to discuss this phenomenon in the entertainment industry, and beyond, and what it means for movies going forward.
Shawn Edwards is a film critic for FOX4, who spends his time between Kansas City and Los Angeles. He is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association.
John Holt chats with Al Wallace
Former FOX4 Sports Director Al Wallace is a history buff, a cancer survivor and now author. John Holt catches up with Al to discuss life outside of TV and his new book “One for the Coyotes”
KC Originals: AIXOIS Bistro
Each month Nick Vasos chats with a member of KC Originals, a group of locally owned restaurants. In this episode Nick is joined by Emmanuel and Megan Langlade, co-owners of AIXOIS Bistro.
Abby Asks: How to make a living working from home
Abby Eden interviews two freelance moms, Micala Quinn and Mackenzie Mader, about making a successful living right from the couch. Hear how they got to where they are now, making money while doing what they love from the comfort of their own homes.
FIFA Women’s World Cup with coach Vlatko Andonovski
FOX4 is the home of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Nick Vasos chats with Seattle Reign Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski, who currently coaches 8 different women playing in the world cup.
Special Edition with John Holt: A lynching memorial
In this special edition of Signal Hill, John Holt talks with Audrey McBride (Liberty High School) and A.J. Bird (Clay County African American Legacy) about their roles in attempting to get a lynching memorial placed on the Clay County courthouse lawn.
KC Originals: Classic Cup
Each month Nick Vasos will sit down and talk with a locally owned business that is part of the KC Original restaurant group. In our first installment we have Dan McCall and Zach Houchen of Classic Cup.
Abby Asks: How to help your child get a good night’s sleep – Dr. David Ingram
Abby asks Dr. David Ingram from Children’s Mercy Hospital why your kid may not be sleeping and ways to get your kids a good night’s sleep!
Talking Star Wars
May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day just might be Nick Vasos’s favorite holiday. To celebrate, Nick is joined by Mackenna Talley, host of the Salacious Crumbs podcast, as well as John Gerhards and Mike Simpson, members of the Fox 4 staff, to discuss all things Star Wars
Big Fur: A Wild Love Story
World champion taxidermist Ken Walker is looking for love and proof that bigfoot is real. Nick chats with Kansas City film maker Dan Wayne who documented this process.
Talking “Avengers” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe
A special edition of Signal Hill. Russ Simmons and Shawn Edwards talk with producer Kendall Swank about Avengers: Endgame and all things Marvel.
FOX4 Love Fund for Children
For nearly 40 years the FOX4 Love Fund for Children has been helping local children in need. Nick sits down Executive Director Allyson Summers and Development Coordinator Veronica Champion to discuss the various ways the charity helps the community.
Abby Asks: How to think about interior design – Jill Tran
Abby asks Jill Tran of Tran+Thomas Design about the psychology of interior design.
Mr. Stinky Feet
Jim Cosgrove, better known as Mr. Stinky Feet, has entertained children over a 20 year career including thousands of live performances and 10 albums. In addition he is also a motivational speaker and author. Nick catches up with Mr. Stinky Feet to discuss where he has been, what’s ahead and family.
Abby Asks: What it’s like fighting poaching in Africa – The Black Mambas
A new documentary short playing at the Kansas City Film Festival sheds light on South Africa’s first and only all female anti-poaching unit called the Black Mambas. Abbys asks founder Craig Spencer and member Goodness Mhlanga about standing on the front lines to help save rhinos from extinction.
Google Arts and Culture
Smoke Rings and the Finer Things! Google Arts and Culture has launched a new project where they focus entirely on one city, and their first choice is Kansas City! Nick chats with Simon Delacroix, US Lead for Google Arts and Culture and Sean O’Harrow, Executive Director for the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art about this exciting new project.
Keselowski dominates in Martinsville
Sam Atwell and Brian Dulle are back to talk about Brad Keselowski’s dominating win at Martinsville Sunday and the two teams dominating this season so far.
Racing out West in Phoenix
FOX4’s Sam Atwell and Brian Dulle discuss the 2019 NASCAR races on the Phoenix Raceway.
Abby Asks: What it’s like serving on Air Force One – Wanda Joell
Abby Asks: What life is like as a social media influencer – Kasim Hardaway
Abby sits down with Kasim Hardaway to discuss his life as a social influencer.
Recapping the race at Atlanta
Week 2 in the 2019 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series and Sam Atwell and Brian Dulle are back to talk racing as Brad Keslowski battles 36 other drivers and the flu to win at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The 61st Daytona 500
Another NASCAR season is underway as the cars took to the track in the 61st Daytona 500. FOX4 digital producers Sam Atwell and Brian Dulle talk about the big wrecks during the race, the top underdogs, those that were lucky and not so lucky, and why Denny Hamlin’s second Daytona 500 win was special for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Abby Asks: What life is like as a social media influencer – Kasim Hardaway
Abby sits down with Kasim Hardaway to discuss his life as a social influencer.
Abby Asks: How to start a brand with a blog – LocalE
Abby sits down with localE to ask them about fashion, social media, and life as an influencer.
Chris Stout of Veterans Community Project
Nick Vasos chats with Chris Stout, co-founder and CEO of Veterans Community Project, about placing homeless veterans in 13 new tiny homes.
Indoor soccer team KC Comets
The Kansas City Comets home opener is December 15th at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. Nick chats with the Comets Marketing and Communication Manager, Jeff Husted and Comets defender John Sosa.
Daniel Brazzell of Team Fidelis
Twenty veterans die by suicide every day. Nick chats with Daniel Brazzell, executive director of Team Fidelis about the invisible injuries our service men and women feel everyday.
FOX4 Meteorologist Joe Lauria
Meteorologist Joe Lauria has been forecasting the weather in Kansas City for nearly 25 years. From forecasting the weather on your TV, to writing a weather blog or hosting classes to educate the community Joe does it all, and he sits down with Nick Vasos to talk about his passion for weather.
Kansas City Chiefs announcer Mitch Holthus
The voice of Chiefs Kingdom sits down with FOX4’s Nick Vasos to talk about his roots, his broadcast beginnings and Chiefs football.
Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner
FOX4’s Nick Vasos sits down with Trooper Ben Gardner of the Kansas Highway Patrol to talk about his wildly popular Twitter account, his association with Eric Stonestreet, and traffic in general.
Tech N9ne, rapper and musical label co-founder
Have you ever wondered how KC native Tech N9ne got his name? Or how he got started in the rap business? FOX4’s Nick Vasos sat down with Tech N9ne to not only talk about music but also what he does when he’s not on stage or writing new songs.
Stan Hays of Operation BBQ Relief
The people of Kansas City that know him, love him, and CNN just recently named him as one of their Top 10 Heroes of 2017. FOX4’s Nick Vasos sits down with Stan Hays, the man behind Operation BBQ Relief. Since 2011, the nonprofit has prepared almost 1.7 million meals for disaster survivors and first responders — including during the hurricanes in Texas and Florida.
FOX4’s Al Wallace and John Holt 2018 NFL preseason chat
In honor of the return of football season, FOX4’s Al Wallace and John Holt sat down for the first preseason chat of the 2018 season.
Voice actor Tom Kane
Chances are you’ve heard his voice before. FOX4’s Nick Vasos sits down with legendary voice actor and Kansas City native, Tom Kane.
KC Sports Commission’s Kathy Nelson
Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the KC Sports Commission, sits down with FOX4’s Nick Vasos to discuss plans to bring a Women’s Final Four, the NFL Draft and the World Cup to Kansas City.
FOX4’s Al Wallace and John Holt at the KC Chiefs Training Camp
This edition of Signal Hill takes us to Training Camp for the Kansas City Chiefs. There will be a lot of focus and attention on starting QB Patrick Mahomes, and that’s just one of the subjects that FOX4’s John Holt and Al Wallace talk about in this edition of Signal Hill.
FOX4’s Al Wallace and John Holt on the KC Chiefs
Chiefs training camp kicks off on Sunday, July 22, and the Chiefs will be seeking their third-straight AFC West title. What’s in store for the Chiefs this season? FOX4’s Al Wallace and John Holt break it down.
Royals Commentator Rex Hudler
Royals Color Commentator Rex Hudler dodged a lot of social media “arrows” when he first came to Kansas City from Orange County, California in 2012. Now, he’s made an impact on not just Royals players and staff, but also within his community.
The Kansas City Zoo’s Randy Wisthoff
Randy Wisthoff is the CEO of the Kansas City Zoo. Nearly 15 years ago, he came to KC from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, one of the most successful zoos in the world. He goes back to his early days in rural Iowa and how his uncle helped him discover his love for animals. He chats about how much fish they ship to the Kansas City Zoo each year and what’s in store for the future of America’s zoos.
Sporting Kansas City’s Brad Evans and Graham Smith
Nick sits down with Brad Evans and Graham Smith to talk about World Cup and Sporting KC.
Problem Solver Linda Wagar
Ever signed a bad contract? Ever fallen victim to a scam? FOX4 Problem Solver Linda Wagar gets between 80 – 100 requests for help per day on problems just like these. Nick chats with the Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist about what to watch out for before you sign a contract and what types of problems she gets the most. Problem Solving aside, Linda has a wildly interesting history. She chats about her year before college in Norway… then starts speaking in Norwegian.
Film critics Shawn Edwards and Russ Simmons
Have you heard? Atlanta, Georgia is the new Hollywood. So what does Atlanta have that KC doesn’t? FOX4 Film Critics Russ Simmons and Shawn Edwards chat about what it would take to bring more filmmakers to the metro. Plus, they discuss the movie that revitalized one of Kansas City’s most iconic landmarks.
If you don’t see the media players above, you can stream the podcast series here.
