The Disruption Lab

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.

Why Most Buildings Are Built to Fail – The Code to Sustainable Housing

Why are so many new buildings falling apart within just a few years? And why aren’t more developers building for the future? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Jonathan Arnold, principal at Arnold Development, to uncover the truth about real estate’s dirty little secret—most buildings aren’t designed to last.
Jonathan shares his unconventional journey from architecture to real estate development, revealing how his Passive House projects are proving that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s smarter, cheaper, and more profitable in the long run. He breaks down:
Why most modern buildings are built to deteriorate (and how that’s costing you money)
How Passive House design slashes utility costs and extends building lifespans
Why sustainable construction is actually more profitable for developers
The hidden benefits of walkable, mixed-income communities
How Arnold’s projects in Kansas City and beyond are rewriting the rules of real estate
If you’ve ever wondered why our cities are filled with disposable buildings—and what the future of real estate could look like—this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in now and discover why the way we build needs a serious disruption.

From Paralyzed to POWERHOUSE: The Hidden Crisis No One Talks About

What happens when a serial entrepreneur, technologist, and community leader suddenly faces a life-changing injury? Instead of slowing down, Mark Irvin turned his paralysis into purpose, becoming a fierce advocate for self-advocacy in healthcare and barrier-free design in the built environment.
In this episode of The Disruption Lab, Mark shares:The shocking reality of accessibility gaps in healthcare and constructionHow he hacked the system using AI to fight for assistive techThe truth about universal design and why most homes aren’t truly accessibleHis mission to help people with disabilities not just survive—but thrive
This is more than an inspiring comeback story—it’s a blueprint for real change. If you care about innovation, inclusion, or overcoming adversity, you don’t want to miss this one.
Listen to discover how one man’s fight for accessibility is shaking up entire industries!

Why You Don’t Really Own Your Medical Records (And How The Healthcare System Failed This Founder's Son)

What if a broken healthcare system cost you the most important thing in your life? For Chris Jones, founder of MatchRite Care, that nightmare became a reality when his 5-year-old son, CJ, missed a life-saving clinical trial because of delayed medical records.
In this episode of The Disruption Lab, Chris shares how his personal tragedy fueled his mission to disrupt healthcare and put patients back in control of their own medical data. From his early career in tech to navigating the brutal realities of entrepreneurship, Chris opens up about the challenges of fighting industry red tape and what it really takes to drive innovation in a system designed to resist change.
We explore:The moment everything changed—and why Chris refused to accept the status quo.Why you don’t really own your medical records (and how MatchRight Care is changing that).The hardest lessons in entrepreneurship—team building, tough decisions, and trusting your gut.Why disruption is uncomfortable—and necessary for real industry change.How startups survive against big industry players (even when the odds are stacked against them).
If you've ever been frustrated by the healthcare system or wondered why you don’t have full access to your own medical records, this episode is a must-listen. This truly is a story about changing lives. 

Can This Nonprofit Solve Tech’s Biggest Problem?

What does it take to build a tech workforce pipeline for marginalized youth while transforming the way we think about education and career readiness? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, we sit down with Tammy Buckner, founder and CEO of WeCode KC, to uncover how her nonprofit is revolutionizing tech education and empowering the next generation of innovators.
Tammy shares her journey of founding WeCode KC to bridge the gap for students aged 7-26 who are often left out of technology opportunities. From hands-on coding lessons to leadership development, Tammy explains how the program doesn’t just teach tech—it prepares students to thrive in the workforce.
We explore:
Why WeCode KC focuses on workforce development over traditional education.
How innovative partnerships with companies like Microsoft and UMKC are driving real-world learning.
The challenges and opportunities of scaling WeCode KC beyond Kansas City.
Why teaching essential “durable skills” like communication and teamwork is critical for success.
How creating safe spaces for creativity and failure sets students up for long-term growth.
Whether you’re passionate about tech, education, or creating lasting community impact, Tammy’s story will inspire you to think big, act boldly, and make a difference. Tune in to learn how WeCode KC is shaping the future of tech—one student at a time.

The Untold Story of Google Voice: How Curiosity Fuels Disruptive Innovation

What does farming have to do with cutting-edge technology? More than you think. In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Lyle Paczkowski, former Sprint and T-Mobile innovator, to explore how curiosity and unconventional thinking led to over 400 patents—including game-changing technologies like Google Voice and network-based health detection systems.
Lyle shares how his agricultural background and military experience shaped his approach to solving complex problems, why simplifying technology is key to market success, and where he sees the next big opportunities in quantum computing, AI, and energy innovation.
If you’re an entrepreneur, innovator, or just someone fascinated by how big ideas become reality, this episode is packed with insights on how to turn curiosity into marketable solutions. and future trends in quantum computing ai and energy storage. 
Whether you're an entrepreneur, an innovator, or simply curious about how big ideas become reality, this episode offers valuable insights into turning curiosity into practical solutions—and what the future holds for quantum computing, AI, and energy storage.

How Filmmaking Can Reduce Gun Violence and Unite Communities

What if filmmaking could do more than entertain—what if it could drive real social change? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, host Kevin McGinnis sits down with Khalid Abdulqaadir and Corey McCartney, founders of AGA Productions, to explore how they’re using film as a powerful tool to unite communities and spark meaningful conversations.
Discover how AGA Productions blends storytelling with social impact, engaging local talent and using filmmaking to address critical issues like violence prevention and community development. Khalid and Corey also dive into the challenges filmmakers face when navigating outdated tax incentives and the lack of industry infrastructure—and why modernizing film tax credits could unlock massive growth for local economies.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
How filmmaking can be used as a tool for social change and community engagement
The role of film tax credits in attracting productions and boosting local economies
The challenges independent filmmakers face in building sustainable film industries
Strategies for blending artistic storytelling with social impact
How AGA Productions is redefining the purpose of film beyond entertainment
If you're passionate about filmmaking, storytelling, or how creative industries can drive social progress, this episode is a must-listen.