When Kansas City celebrates, chances are Keli O’Neill Wenzel is behind it.

As President and CEO of O’Neill Events, Keli has helped shape some of the biggest moments in Kansas City history, from World Series and Super Bowl parades to the NFL Draft and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. She and her team have also been the “wonder engineers” behind the KC Irish Fest, Boulevardia, the streetcar expansion, the WWI Centennial, and many, many more community celebrations.

In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Keli pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to execute large-scale, community-centered events that bring hundreds of thousands of people together. She shares the story of her family’s legacy in event production, the leadership lessons learned behind the scenes, and why creating moments of joy and connection matters so deeply to her.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, event planner, or just someone who loves watching big dreams come to life, this episode will inspire you to see your city, and your own work, in a whole new light. It’s the perfect conversation to start the year — about creativity, leadership, and the people who make Kansas City feel like home.
🎧 Our first new episode of the year — available now.

As we kick off the New Year, we’re revisiting one of our most compelling conversations — a Best Of episode featuring Peter Mallouk, President and CEO of Creative Planning, one of the fastest-growing independent wealth management firms in the United States with more than $370 billion in assets under management.

Before becoming a nationally recognized leader in finance, Peter’s story began right here in Kansas City. The son of Egyptian immigrants, he learned the value of hard work early — delivering newspapers, working as a “clubbie” at Kauffman Stadium, and finding opportunity through perseverance. After earning both his business and law degrees from the University of Kansas, Peter set out to reimagine financial services by creating a true one-stop shop that integrated financial planning, investing, and legal guidance. That vision became Creative Planning.

Beyond the world of finance, Peter is also a Kansas City Royals owner and, alongside his wife Veronica, leads KC CAN!, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting at-risk youth across the Kansas City metro.

In this episode of There’s Just Something About Kansas City, Peter shares how his family’s decision to settle in KC shaped his journey — from humble beginnings to entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader. It’s a timely and inspiring listen for the start of a new year.

🎧 A Best Of encore — perfect for reflecting on leadership, legacy, and what’s possible in the year ahead.

As we ring in the New Year, we’re revisiting one of our most inspiring conversations — a Best Of episode featuring Danny O’Neill, founder of Kansas City’s iconic The Roasterie Coffee Company.

Born one of ten children in Denison, Iowa, Danny always knew he wanted to build something meaningful. That spark turned into a calling during a high school exchange semester in Costa Rica, where he picked coffee beans by hand — an experience that changed the course of his life.

After years of saving, Danny invested $17,000 in a coffee roaster, transformed his basement with corrugated tin, blue tarps, and fluorescent lights, and began air-roasting coffee. His first sale? A ten-pound bag for a coffee cart at KU Med. From there, The Roasterie grew into one of the most recognizable coffee brands in Kansas City and beyond.

This episode is a powerful story of fear, perseverance, entrepreneurship, and hard work — and a reminder that big dreams often start in humble places.

☕ A New Year’s week encore and a perfect listen for anyone thinking about what’s possible in the year ahead.