The Disruption Lab

Can Journalism Survive? Inside the Fight to Rebuild Trust & Save Local News

Is local journalism dying—or is it being reborn? In this compelling episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Stephanie Campbell, CEO of The Beacon, to explore the critical state of journalism today. From plunging public trust and misinformation to disappearing local newsrooms, Stephanie reveals how adopting entrepreneurial strategies might just save independent journalism.
Listen as she uncovers:
Why trust in media is declining—and what we can do about it.
The surprising ways AI is both threatening and helping the news industry.
How nonprofit journalism models are reinventing local news delivery.
Why hyper-local storytelling is essential to community engagement.
The entrepreneurial mindset journalists must adopt to thrive.
If you've ever wondered what's really happening behind the scenes in the world of journalism, or how communities can reclaim reliable news, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in now—and discover how local journalism can not only survive but thrive in a world of disruption.

This AI Skeptic Built One of America's Fastest-Growing Tech Communities: How to Use AI Without Losing Your Humanity

What happens when a self-proclaimed AI skeptic decides to dive in headfirst? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Chris Kovac, marketing expert and co-founder of the Kansas City AI Club, to unpack how one blog post changed everything—and how he turned curiosity into a movement.
You’ll hear how Chris went from dismissing AI to becoming a national leader in AI community-building, what’s really happening behind the scenes in Kansas City’s tech ecosystem, and how marketers, entrepreneurs, and everyday people are using tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity to 10x their creativity and productivity.
We explore the ethics, infrastructure challenges, and jaw-dropping possibilities of AI, plus real-life success stories of founders and innovators solving actual problems with this technology. Whether you’re an early adopter or AI-curious, this episode offers fresh insights, a few reality checks, and a lot of inspiration.
 

"Why Traditional Crime Prevention Is Failing — And What Actually Works, According to People Who’ve Lived It"

What if everything we think we know about crime prevention is wrong? In this powerful episode, we sit down with two grassroots leaders who’ve been directly impacted by the justice system—and are now leading a movement to change it from the inside out.
They share why most public safety strategies fail, how "credible messengers" are reshaping violence prevention, and why innovation in this space starts with courage, not credentials. From AI tools that simplify expungement to data-driven storytelling that finally gives grassroots organizations a seat at the table, this conversation is a masterclass in what real impact looks like.
If you’ve ever wondered why violence persists despite endless policies, or how real change actually happens in underserved communities, this episode will flip your perspective.
We cover:
Why lived experience is the most valuable qualification in public safety
How grassroots organizations are rewriting the rules on data and outcomes
What ecosystem building really means—and why nonprofits get it wrong
The difference between innovation and invention in justice reform
How AI, reentry tools, and collaborative leadership are shifting the narrative

He Rode With Truckers to Fix a Broken $18B Industry—Here’s What He Learned

What would make someone leave a comfortable life to ride cross-country with truck drivers and fix one of the most outdated systems in America? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, founder and Executive Chairman of Super Dispatch, Bek, shares the wild, human-centered origin story of how he disrupted the chaotic auto transport industry from the inside out.
You’ll hear how he went from helping his cousin haul cars to building one of the most trusted platforms in logistics—all by starting with curiosity, empathy, and zero industry experience. Bek breaks down how he earned trust in a tech-resistant field, why his naivety was his greatest strength, and the cultural shifts that helped an old-school industry finally embrace innovation.
Whether you’re a startup founder, product builder, or just obsessed with behind-the-scenes business moves, this conversation is packed with wisdom, war stories, and lessons you won’t hear in a traditional MBA.
In this episode:
How Bek realized the auto transport industry was broken
Why diving in without experience was an advantage
The trust-first strategy that got drivers to adopt new tech
What most founders get wrong about hiring early
The power of relationship-driven growth in legacy industries
Why grit, not funding, made the biggest difference

Are We Failing the Future? What Students Really Need to Succeed Today

What if the biggest barrier to preparing future leaders isn’t the students—but the systems trying to serve them?
In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Megan Sturges, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City, to explore how we can reimagine education to actually prepare students for the real world—not just standardized tests.
Megan shares powerful, personal stories of impact—including how a pair of 8th-grade twins used Junior Achievement to launch lifelong dreams—and breaks down the six must-have competencies every student needs in today’s economy, from critical thinking to cultural agility.
You’ll hear why collaboration is the most underrated skill in entrepreneurship, how real-world learning is reshaping confidence in the classroom, and why we can’t keep relying on passionate individuals to hold broken systems together.
Whether you’re a founder, educator, policymaker, or parent, this episode will challenge how you think about workforce development, youth empowerment, and the future of learning.
Listen in to discover:
Why “soft skills” are now power skills—and the real currency of the future
How Junior Achievement is turning simulation into transformation
What most education systems get wrong about scale and sustainability
The overlooked connection between instant gratification and generational debt
Why giving students a platform is the key to unlocking hidden leadership
Recorded live at Keystone Sessions.Brought to you by the Keystone Innovation District.

He Built a $100M Business from ‘Lost’ Packages—Here’s How

What if the secret to building a thriving business was hiding in packages the world forgot?
In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Dee Pack, CEO of Cargo Largo, a company that turned undeliverable shipments and surplus inventory—what most consider waste—into a high-growth enterprise processing over 30,000 shipments a week.
You’ll learn how Dee transformed a niche supply chain challenge into a scalable business model through incremental innovation, proprietary tech, and a deep commitment to culture and community. From developing a custom inventory control system before barcodes were the norm, to launching a backpack program for homeless students, this episode is packed with lessons in leadership, logistics, and long-term vision.
Whether you’re into supply chain disruption, operational innovation, or building businesses from scratch, this episode will change how you see “waste” forever.
Listen in to discover:
•Why “undeliverable” doesn’t mean “worthless”
•How Cargo Largo prices 100,000 unique items a week using custom tech
•The leadership system that keeps culture and accountability aligned
•Why community impact isn’t an afterthought—it’s a business strategy
Recorded live at Keystone Sessions.
Brought to you by the Keystone Innovation District.

Why Building in Public is the Ultimate Growth Hack (Even If It’s Uncomfortable)

What if sharing your startup journey before you have everything figured out is the key to success? In this episode, we sit down with Tony Caudill, founder of Duesy, to talk about why building in public isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer for founders.
He gets real about:
Why your startup’s biggest competitive advantage isn’t the tech—it’s YOU.
The hardest part of posting every day (and why he still does it).
How building in public led to unexpected investor and customer opportunities.
The mental toll of entrepreneurship—and how to navigate it.
Why most fintech solutions overcomplicate things (and how Duesy is doing it differently).
If you’re a founder, creator, or just someone trying to grow something meaningful, this episode is packed with insights on how authenticity, community, and execution drive success.
Listen now and learn why being uncomfortably open might just be your startup’s secret weapon!

Can Cities Build for Both Creatives and Communities? A look at Arts & Housing

Why do so many communities struggle with cultural preservation, STEAM education, and affordable housing—even when we know they’re essential for innovation? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, we sit down with Pat Jordan, a powerhouse in urban development, media technology, and housing advocacy, to uncover the systemic barriers keeping communities from thriving—and what we can do about it.
Pat shares how storytelling and media technology are shaping history, why affordable housing is the missing piece in economic growth, and how Kansas City can stop playing it safe and start making bold, transformative investments. She also breaks down the behind-the-scenes work of the Community Cares KC Housing Advocacy Coalition and iSTEAM, revealing real solutions for revitalizing neighborhoods and making sure no voice gets left behind.
If you’re ready to rethink what it really takes to build strong, innovative communities, this episode is a must-listen.
Why arts & storytelling are more powerful than ever (and how AI plays a role)
The real reason affordable housing solutions stall—and what actually works
How Kansas City’s past mistakes can fuel its future success—a look at Oklahoma City 
Why taking risks is the key to making real change
Hit play and join us as we dive deep into the conversations no one else is having—but should be!

The Truth About Inclusive Innovation: Why Most Innovation Ecosystems Fail & How to Fix It

Why do so many entrepreneurial ecosystems struggle to truly support diverse founders? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, we sit down with Craig Moore—ecosystem builder, community leader, and Partnerships & Special Projects Manager at the DeBruce Foundation—to uncover what’s really holding back inclusive innovation.
Craig shares his unconventional journey from music promotions to ecosystem leadership, breaking down the hidden barriers that prevent Black entrepreneurs from scaling and what needs to change for real economic impact. We dive into:
The difference between being an entrepreneur and an ecosystem builder
How Black Excellence Inc. is solving the resource gap for underrepresented founders
The truth about Kansas City’s innovation scene (and what’s missing)
Why “Kansas City Nice” is slowing down progress
The role of data and tech in driving long-term inclusion
If you care about innovation, diversity, and making real change in entrepreneurship, this is a must-listen.

The Future is on Us: AI, Jobs & The Choice to Build a Better World

AI isn’t making the decisions—we are. As technology rapidly evolves, how we choose to navigate its impact on jobs, entrepreneurship, and society will define our future.
In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Dan Carroll—tech founder, investor, and philanthropist—to talk about what really matters: investing in people, taking risks, and building a world that works for everyone. From AI’s role in reshaping business to tackling the affordable housing crisis, this conversation challenges us to think bigger and take action.
What you’ll learn:
Why AI is about to change everything (again) – and how you can use it to your advantage
How investors decide which entrepreneurs have what it takes to succeed
The hidden crisis in affordable housing—and the startup mindset needed to solve it
What’s next in tech, energy, and the future of innovation
Why taking risks (in business and in life) is the key to real impact
This episode isn’t just about tech—it’s about us. Will we step up? 🎧 Listen now.