Leawood 360 Podcast
City of Leawood
The official podcast of the City of Leawood, Kansas! Listen to Leawood 360 for a full-circle view of the people, policies, and programs that shape life in our community—from behind-the-scenes looks at city services to stories from the neighbors who make Leawood shine. Leawood 360 is hosted by Strategic Communications Director Beth Breitenstein. City voices. Community stories. Full-circle Leawood.
Episodes
Leawood 360: E15-Fall Parks and Recreation Preview
Fall is here, and Leawood Parks, Recreation & Arts has plenty of ways to make the most of the season! In this episode of Leawood 360, we’re looking at what’s coming up this fall across Leawood. Danielle Foster, Superintendent of Recreation Services, previews seasonal events, classes and activities—including Into the Night, Howl-o-ween at Leawoof Dog Park, Jazz and Martinis, Cosmic Bingo, the Ironwoods Holiday Market and more. Then, Kat Kolburn, Nature and Outdoor Recreation Supervisor, and Kelly Finke, Nature and Outdoor Recreation Coordinator, take us to Prairie Oak Nature Center and Ironwoods Park. We talk about what’s changing in nature this time of year, the animals that call the Nature Center home, upcoming programs and simple ways residents can support local wildlife. Whether you’re ready to fill your fall calendar or just want to know what to look and listen for on your next walk through Ironwoods, this episode has something for you.
Leawood 360: E14- Back to School Traffic Safety
Back-to-school season means busier streets, active school zones and more kids walking, biking and riding e-bikes and scooters around Leawood. In this episode of Leawood 360, we’re tackling one of the biggest questions on many parents’ minds: What are the rules for e-bikes, scooters and other e-devices in Leawood, and how can you help keep your kids safe? Sergeant Matthew Schroeder and Officer Cody Morse from the Leawood Police Department break down what riders, parents and drivers need to know as students head back to school. Then, City Engineer Brian Scovill joins us to talk about Leawood’s ongoing efforts to make our streets safer for people walking and biking, including recent pedestrian safety improvements and what to expect from major construction projects during the new school year.
Leawood 360: E14- Public Art
Did you know Leawood is home to one of the Kansas City area's most impressive public art collections? In this episode of Leawood 360, host Beth Breitenstein sits down with Kim Hinkle, Chair of the Art in Public Places Initiative, Anne Blessing, Chair of the Leawood Arts Council, and Melissa Duggan, the City's Cultural Arts Supervisor, to explore the stories behind Leawood's public art program. Learn about the newly released Leawood Public Art Guide, discover how the new Clio audio tours bring sculptures to life through self-guided storytelling, and hear why the City's iconic sculpture corridor along Tomahawk Creek Parkway is now officially known as Art Line Leawood. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a new way to experience Leawood's parks and trails, this episode will inspire you to see the city through a new lens.
Leawood 360: E12- Severe Weather Emergency Management
What really happens behind the scenes when severe weather moves into Leawood? On this episode of Leawood 360, we sit down with Leawood Fire Chief Colin Fitzgerald to answer some of the biggest questions residents have about tornado sirens, weather alerts, emergency response, and storm preparedness. We break down how warning systems work, why some neighborhoods hear sirens while others may not, when Leawood activates their Emergency Operations Center during major storms, and what residents should do before, during, and after severe weather hits. Plus, Chief Fitzgerald shares preparedness tips, common myths, and a few behind-the-scenes stories from the front lines of emergency response in Leawood.
Leawood 360: E11- Tree Tips
On this episode of Leawood 360, we’re joined by Parks Superintendent and City Arborist Dustin Branick for a fun and informative conversation about the trees that shape our community. From how to choose the right tree for your yard to what not to plant, Dustin shares practical tips every homeowner can use. We also dig into Leawood’s updated tree ordinance, talk about common tree challenges like sweetgums, and highlight why investing in our urban forest matters now and for future generations.
Leawood 360: E10- Leawood For the Goal!
Leawood is getting ready for the global stage. In this episode, Councilmembers Julie Cain and Lisa Harrison share a behind-the-scenes look at Leawood For the Goal, the city’s community-wide initiative tied to the 2026 World Cup in the Kansas City region. From the 3v3 soccer tournament and match day events to business support and ways to get involved, hear how Leawood is bringing the community together and why this moment matters.
Leawood 360: Episode 9- 2026 State of the City Address
In this episode, we’re bringing you the full audio from Mayor Marc Elkins’ 2026 State of the City Address, delivered on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the beautiful Ironhorse Golf Course. In his remarks, Mayor Elkins reflects on the past year in Leawood, highlights major projects and community milestones, and looks ahead at what’s next for our city.
Leawood 360: Episode 8- Governing Body Meetings Explained
Governing Body meetings shape everyday life in Leawood—from parks and streets to safety, development, and long-range planning. In this episode, we’re demystifying the process by explaining how agendas come together, why terminology matters, and how residents can understand (and engage with) decisions at City Hall. No legalese required.
Leawood 360: Episode 7- Snow Patrol
In this episode, Beth sits down with Public Works Superintendent Paul Dunn, and Public Works Specialist Ryan Hays for a behind-the-scenes look at how Leawood prepares for winter weather. From the first forecast to the final plow pass, Paul and Ryan walk through what it takes to keep 450 lane miles clear, how routes are prioritized, what happens overnight during a storm, and the best snow creations they have come across in Leawood yards.
Leawood 360: Episode 6- Code Enforcement
Ever wondered what code enforcement actually means — or how it affects your neighborhood every day? In this episode, Beth talks with Travis Torrez, Leawood’s Director of Building and Code Enforcement, and Wade Thompson, Code Enforcement Officer, about what goes into keeping Leawood beautiful, safe, and consistent with community standards. From trash bins and tall grass to neighborhood character and vacant homes, we’re pulling back the curtain on the people behind the rules — and how they help make Leawood shine.
Leawood 360: Episode 5- City Planning and Comprehensive Plan Update
From parks and housing to the character of our neighborhoods, Leawood’s future is being shaped right now. Hear from the city’s planning leaders about the Rooted & Reaching Comprehensive Plan and why your voice matters.
Leawood 360: Episode 4- Leawood Rotary and Volunteerism
In this episode of Leawood 360, we dive into the heart of what makes a community thrive: volunteerism. From neighborhood events to global service, volunteers are the backbone of a vibrant city. Joining us are Darren Lippe, Vice President of the Leawood Rotary Club, and Lisa Harrison, longtime Rotarian and current Leawood City Councilmember. Together, they share the mission of Rotary—Service Above Self—highlight the club’s signature Labor Day 5K fundraiser, and explain why giving back is essential to building a strong, inclusive community.
Leawood 360: Episode 3- Planning For The Future
Leawood Strategic Communications Director Beth Breitenstein chats with Leawood Mayor Marc Elkins and City Administrator Diane Stoddard. You’ll hear how the City sets goals, engages residents, and makes tough decisions to ensure Leawood stays a vibrant, well-managed community for generations to come.
Leawood 360 Episode 2: Fraud Prevention and Summer Safety
In this episode of Leawood 360, we sit down with Detective Mark Teerink from the Leawood Police Department to discuss his advice for preventing financial fraud and scams. Learn how his outreach is helping protect residents, especially older adults, from becoming victims. Then, Leawood Police Chief Brad Robbins joins us to discuss summer safety tips, including regulations around e-scooters and e-bikes. Whether you're a rider, a resident, or just curious, this episode offers practical tips and important local insight.
Leawood 360 Episode 1: Veterans Memorial
In our debut episode of Leawood 360, we sit down with April Bishop, president of the Leawood Historic Commission, and Colonel Ron Wright, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime Leawood resident. Together, they share the story behind an inspiring campaign to build a Veterans Memorial at Leawood City Hall. From the vision that sparked the idea to the fundraising efforts now underway, learn how this project aims to create a lasting tribute to those who served, and how you can be part of bringing it to life.
Leawood 360 Podcast Trailer
We’re excited to announce the premiere of Leawood 360, the City of Leawood’s official podcast, launching this May! Hosted by Strategic Communications Director Beth Breitenstein, each episode offers a full-circle view of the people, policies, and programs that shape life in our community—from behind-the-scenes looks at city services to stories from the neighbors who make Leawood shine. Learn more at leawood.org/podcast and follow us on social media to be the first to know when the premiere episode drops!