People & Places
How Do You Express Yourself?
Xiao is from China and just recently received her green card. She’s combined her passion for Chinese mythology and art to tell her culture’s story without a language barrier. “I think art is the global language, like music, it’s a good way to connect people,” she says. Every Tuesday and Thursday through the end of…
Making Gender Parity a ‘We’ Conversation
When Rania Anderson, a Kansas City-based business and management coach, heard it would take another 217 years to reach worldwide gender equity, she was appalled. That’s more than 300 years after women gained the right to vote in America and 271 years since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination. “One of the interesting…
How Did You Get Your Name?
Keith, who goes by Ox, thinks of his nickname as an extension of himself. He says through his life and what he’s overcome, like beating a brain tumor, he’s become stronger. “I’m a whole different breed,” he says. “I’m an animal, like an ox — something strong and powerful.” Every Tuesday and Thursday through spring of 2019, Flatland…
Why Do You Do What You Do?
“If I can just bring something back to life, even if it’s just as small as a pair of shoes, that makes me happy,” says Holly, a shoe shiner in Kansas City. She’s trying to modernize her industry before it becomes obsolete. She says part of the problem is that those who came before her…
What Gives You Courage?
Brad’s company and his creations give him the sense of fulfillment he’d been looking for. Even though measuring his own expectations proved difficult at first, he says the sense of accomplishment he feels when someone buys his art is unparalleled. Every Tuesday and Thursday through the end of February, Flatland will share stories of Kansas City’s neighbors. Find…
What Do You Wish Your Community Knew About You?
When David was 18 years old, he traveled the country airbrushing T-shirts at hot rod shows and state fairs. Art is his passion, but it isn’t something he shares often, especially when he’s working his day job. After he retires from the business world, he hopes to explore the arts more. Every Tuesday and Thursday…
What Makes You Happy?
When Daniel was in high school, he found himself experimenting with drugs and skipping class. He wasn’t happy with the way his life was going, so he began researching a variety of spiritual practices and discovered Hare Krishna, a strain of Hinduism. With that, he found peace and relief from stress and anger. Daniel’s faith makes him happy; what makes…
Have You Ever Had to Fight to Pursue Happiness?
Tiffney’s good friend doesn’t get to live her truth, but according to Tiffney, her friend is the strongest person she knows. Hear what she thinks about living your best life, regardless of what others think. Every Tuesday and Thursday through the end of February, Flatland will share stories of Kansas City’s neighbors. Find them online here…
What Do You Wish You Knew Sooner?
Growing up, Regina thought things would get easier as she got older. Instead, rent has skyrocketed and the city has changed, along with Regina’s plans for her life. Her advice, and something she wishes she knew 30 years ago, is to have a better plan for your life Every Tuesday and Thursday through the end of…
Why Do You Live in The City?
Ryan migrated to the city from the suburbs and has never looked back. See why he loves living in the heart of Kansas City, even though he never thought he would. Every Tuesday and Thursday through the end of January, Flatland will share stories of Kansas City’s neighbors. Find them online here and on Flatland’s Youtube page —…