Local craft beer lovers (or casual post-ski day beer enthusiasts like Hailee), rejoice! We are joined by none other than Casual Animal co-founder Lara Gray on this episode of Behind the Bar!Founder and owners Lara and husband Kyle Gray started Casual Animal Brewing in Kansas City’s Crossroads district in 2017-18 in a space across from the former Kansas City Star building. The business has thrived – expanding to more than double its original size in 2020 (even as the country was in the midst of a global pandemic!). Committed to the neighborhood, Lara is also president of the East Crossroads neighborhood association and a board member of the Crossroads Arts District. Along with a lot of good being done in the area, Lara and her fellow Crossroads small business owners have seen firsthand just how much violent crime in Kansas City has risen over the past few years. Looking for a way to make a change, Lara discovered KC 360, an organization that uses a collaborative, community-based approach to address gun violence and violent crime in Kansas City.Tune in to hear more about Lara, about KC 360, and how you can get involved in their vital mission. Learn more about KC 360 - https://kccommongood.org/kc-360/Follow Casual Animal Brewing - @casualanimalbrewingFollow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram - @behindthebarkcTikTok - @behindthebarkc
BTB has had this fast-moving guest on the short list for a long time running! As you probably know, both Ashley and Hailee are runners – so catching up with Isaiah Jackson, co-founder of Run It BlaKC Social Club, may have taken some time, but making it to the finish line and a chance to cool down on the show with Isaiah was inevitable!Isaiah and girlfriend, Jai, both saw the rise of run clubs around the country and wanted to bring that same energy and community to Kansas City. That’s how Run In BlaKC Social Run Club was born – a movement breaking cultural and physical barriers, removing the intimidation factor, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.Tune in to hear Isaiah share the full story behind Run It BlaKC and what’s next for him and the club!Follow Run It BlaKC Social Run Club on Instagram - @runinblakcFollow Behind the Bar on Social!Instagram - @behindthebarkcTik Tok - @behindthebarkc
Is it possible, Taylor Swift in the BTB studio?! On this episode, BTB is over the moon to be joined by Kansas City’s top Taylor Swift impersonator and all-around amazing Showgirl, Lana Luxx!Beyond her spot-on T-Swift impression, Lana is a true showgirl with an incredible backstory. From being the first trans woman to be named Homecoming Queen in the state of Missouri to winning first runner-up at Miss Continental, one of the most prestigious pageants in the drag world, Lana is blazing trails and making serious history!For this one-of-a-kind Behind The Bar episode, nothing could be finer than sipping on delicious Watermelon Poblano canned cocktails (poured from only the pinkest of cans) from Mean Mule Distilling Co. Beyond enjoying their incredible taste, this drink choice was a BTB salute to this wonderful Kansas City distillery who recently lost their founder, Jeff Evans. Now more than ever BTB (and the entire community) is rallying behind Mean Mule and the Evans family. You can support them by picking up your favorite Mean Mule canned cocktails and tequila at your favorite local spirits purveyor (a special BTB shoutout to Mike’s Wine and Spirits!) or, visit Mean Mule distillery in person at 1733 Locust St. in KCMO. There’s also a GoFundMe available to assist Jeff’s son, Felix, to help launch him toward the future his dad dreamed of for him. Visit the Mean Mule GoFundMe:https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-future-for-felix-in-memory-of-jeffFollow Lana on social:Instagram: @thelanaluxxTik Tok: @thelandonpatterson Follow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram: @behindthebarkcTik Tok: @behindthebarkc
Holly Post is in the studio for an all-new episode of Behind the Bar!Owner and founder of Hollyday Med Spa + Aesthetics, Holly Post, is a 20-year entrepreneur with a powerful story. She takes us back to the first days of Hollyday, how it’s grown, and where it’s next headed. Holly’s approach to aesthetics sets her practice apart from all others, encompassing the individual’s interior, exterior, and spirit. In a field often clouded by strong opinions, shame, and judgment, Holly and BTB open up about lived experiences and the importance of authenticity. Connect with Holly and Hollyday Med Spa + Aesthetics on Instagram:@hollyday.medspa@hollyday.pv@the.hollygrail.injectorFollow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram - @behindthebarkcTik Tok - @behindthebarkc
The countdown is on for Kansas City’s first women’s sports bar, and the dream team behind the creation of “The Dub” joins this episode of Behind the Bar to talk about the making of KC’s first bar dedicated to women’s sports!Monica Brady and Rachel Glenn join the Behind the Bar set and share behind-the-scenes insight on what it’s like to not only open their own bar, but one dedicated to women’s sports. From the excitement of taking “The Dub” from concept to reality, to the curated wine list (an announcement that brings Ashley to tears!), The Dub is already set to be the best place in the city to catch KC Current games outside CPKC Stadium, as well as any other women’s sport you can imagine!Follow The Dub on social:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thedubkc/?hl=enFollow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc/Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
Thrilled to be joined by the fabulous Josue Montes, or as you may know him on Instagram, 1DapperLatino, on a fresh Season 3 episode of Behind the Bar!Josue was an incredible guest. We sat down to talk about the highs and lows, both professional and personal. From Josue’s love of fashion and newest entrepreneurial venture (Hint: It’s oh-so-drinkable, and a fabulous complement to any bar, including our very own!), to the reality of living life online, BTB dives deep into the transformations that come through life’s most challenging chapters. Follow Josue on IG: https://www.instagram.com/1dapperlatino/ Follow us on social:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
We had the honor of having Alejandra (Alex) Villalobos-McAnderson in the studio for this episode of Behind the Bar!Alejandra is a Medicine Woman, Water Carrier, and Energy Medicine Master Teacher. In this season of life, she’s focusing on pouring into herself, living authentically, and spoiler alert: rediscovering her passion for dance in a way that’s leading to something exciting! Beyond her work in the spiritual world, Alejandra is a devoted advocate for immigrant and Indigenous rights, working as Community Engagement Director for Eye of an Immigrant.This conversation was grounding and inspiring and definitely one you won’t want to miss!Connect with Alejandra - https://villalobosvitality.com/Follow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkcTik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
On this episode of Behind the Bar, we are joined by the incredible Alaia Martin in our brand-new studio! Alaia kicked off her career as a financial systems analyst at Citigroup and eventually launched her own financial literacy company. Now, her journey is taking her in a whole new direction with “The Sacred Undoing.” We dive deep together on that pivotal moment all women feel when the life you’ve created just isn’t serving you anymore. As Hailee calls it, “the dark night of the soul”, is a chance to let go and grow into the life you want. Let us know if you can relate in the comments. 👇 Follow Alaia’s journey on Instagram – @thesacredundoing Follow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc/Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
This exciting new episode of Behind the Bar might be especially appealing to all soccer fans! BTB is joined by the incredible Courtney Kounkel, owner and founder of Monarch Build, builder of the sparkling-new CPKC Stadium, the official home of the Kansas City Current! Anyone who has visited the stadium knows the fan experience at the venue is next level. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how the first-in-the-worldpurpose-built stadium for women’s professional sports came to life and meet one of the inspiring women who made it happen! KC BABY! Follow Behind the Bar on social!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkcTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
Krishna Lee joins us on this episode of Behind the Bar! For those who don’t know, Krishna is the General Manager of the KC Glory, Kansas City’s premier women’s tackle football team. Watch the full episode to learn about growing up with a dad who played professional football to playing on the U.S. Women’s Tackle National Team! Stay up-to-date on the KC Glory! Website: https://www.kansascityglory.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kansascityglory/ Follow us on social and stay tuned for more details on our new merch!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkcTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
On this episode of Behind the Bar, Jenn Garry of Sitzmark Sports sits down with us to share the story of her grandmother, the founder of Sitzmark. Jenn’s grandmother opened Sitzmark during a time in America when women-owned businesses were definitely few and far between. Now, nearly 50 years later, Sitzmark remains KC’s premier ski and sporting store! Follow us on social and stay tuned for more details on our new merch!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkcTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
In this episode, Behind the Bar is honored to spend time with the Kansas Democratic Party’s first Afro-Latina chairperson, Jeanna Repass! It’s no secret that the current state of our nation’s political landscape has Dems and Reps pitted against each other like never before. Jeanna brings BTB a fresh take on how the two are more alike than we think and how her upbringing with a Vietnam veteran father and civil rights activist/Lutheran pastor mother informed that perspective. Jeanna is an excellent example of the kind of leadership we’d all be glad to see more of in Kansas! Jeanna is currently up for Vice Chair at Large of the Democratic National Committee. You can learn more about her and the Kansas Democratic Party at KansasDems.org! Follow Behind the Bar on social! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
Super excited to have Lance Pierce with us on this end-of-year edition of Behind the Bar! Lance is the founder of Queer Bar Takeover in Kansas City and is moments away from opening Kansas City’s newest LGBTQ+ bar – Q Kansas City in Westport! Lance shares many behind-the-scenes updates on Q Kansas City and even provides an instructional fan “thwop” lesson! For updates on Q Kansas City: Website: https://www.queerconnect.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queerconnectkc & https://www.instagram.com/qkansascity/ Follow Behind the Bar on social! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
Behind the Bar with Ashley and Hailee is back! We are thrilled to be joined on this new episode post-summer break by one of our new friends – Patrice Brown! Patrice, a dedicated activist and skilled attorney in Kansas City, sat down behind the bar with us to dive deep into a heavy topic on all of our minds right now – the 2024 Presidential Election. Together, we talk about the emotions, critical issues, and next steps that are shaping this pivotal moment in our nation's history. Follow Behind the Bar on social! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
We are honored to have the legendary Dirty Dorothy, AKA Jessica Dressler, with us for our Pride Month episode! BTB dives deep into how the LGBTQ+ world has evolved since we were young and why showing up as the fullest expression of yourself is so important – especially during Pride Month. Jessica also shares exciting news about her upcoming movie debut, a heartfelt faux-documentary about a small town’s Renaissance Festival. The flick is titled “Rennie” – you won’t want to miss it! For updates on Rennie: https://www.facebook.com/p/Film-Rennie-100084760211032/ https://www.instagram.com/filmrennie/ Follow Behind the Bar’s socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
We are so excited to be joined by Merrique Jenson on this episode of Behind the Bar! If you haven’t met Merrique, she is a documentary filmmaker, DJ, artist, and trans activist here in Kansas City. Merrique is the founder and executive director of Transformations KC, a non-profit organization supporting trans communities of color and trans youth in Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. We go deep into the impact of trans activism and learn more about Transformations KC, and Merrique shares some of her own stories with us. If you would like to support Transformations KC, you can donate here - https://transformationskc.org/donate Make sure to follow our socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
You are not seeing double! We are so excited to be joined by the phenomenal Teresa Walsh, Hailee’s mom, on this episode of Behind the Bar! Teresa is an incredible entrepreneur and an even more astounding mother. We dive deep into everything from starting a business to the story of Hailee coming out to her mom with stories from Hailee’s childhood you do not want to miss! And don’t skip the speed round, because Teresa turns the table on us and takes over with a BIG question of her own! Make sure to follow our socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
On this episode of Behind the Bar, we’re excited to have a drink with Joni Johnson, founder and owner of Clairvaux! If you’ve not been in, Clairvaux is an incredible designer specialty store in Fairway, Kansas that we both LOVE. We had a fantastic time with Joni learning how the store came to be, what the business side of fashion looks like, and how Joni manages it all while being an amazing mom! Connect with Joni and make sure to check out Clairvaux! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonijohnson/?hl=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop_clairvaux/?hl=en Website: https://www.shopclairvaux.com/ Connect with us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
On this episode of Behind the Bar, we are joined by the show’s very first sponsor – Katie Grimes of Fountain Mortgage, the #1 female loan originator in Kansas! Katie sits down with us for a quick drink and a hilarious speed round session. Watch till the end to find out her favorite KC restaurant, who would play her in a movie, and what her drag queen name would be! Connect with Katie! Website: https://www.katieinkc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieinkc/ Follow Behind the Bar on social! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc
This week, we are joined by the incredibly talented singer-songwriter-producer, Cassie Taylor! She gives us all the details on her return to songwriting and performing live and we go real deep on the topics of “labels”, feeling invisible, relationships, and much more, including becoming a Play Boy bunny?!! Find Cassie Taylor with the following links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassietaylorband/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3rHAg1yXbyNq0mnPgsVahe Make sure to follow us on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc