The News Nirvana Podcast

Ep: 59: What a convenience store owner can teach the news media about AI, data & staying relevant

What does a Kansas City convenience store owner with 240,000 YouTube subscribers and 20 million monthly views have in common with journalists and news publishers? More than you'd think. In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker sits down with Babir Sultan, owner of Fave Trip convenience stores, founder of Eagle Eye Live AI security, and writer-producer-director of the upcoming feature film The Rooster and the Boy, for a candid brainstorming session about AI tools, audience data, and how to stop getting in your own way as a content creator. The duo covers a lot of ground in a conversation relevant if you're running a news outlet, a podcast, or really any kind of content operation.

Ep. 58: Bob Kendrick on the Negro Leagues, MLB The Show and stories America was never taught

Some interviews you dream about for years. This is one of them.

Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and host of the Black Diamonds podcast on SiriusXM, joins Nick Parker for a conversation about storytelling, history and what it means to carry on a legacy. With the MLB season underway and MLB The Show dropping new Negro Leagues content, the timing is perfect.

Bob talks about stumbling into a one-room museum office in 1993, learning from Buck O'Neil, and why putting Negro Leagues players into a video game may be the most important thing the museum has ever done. He also makes the case for a dramatic TV series — and after hearing the story of Rube Foster, it's hard to argue.

A special episode for baseball fans, history lovers and anyone who believes some stories are too important not to tell.

Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum at nlbm.com.

Ep. 57: Preserving Digital History: The Future of News Archiving

Join host Nick Parker on the News Nirvana Podcast as he delves into the challenges and innovations in digital news archiving with experts Karen Hansen and Newsberg publisher Brandon Anderson. Discover how modern journalism is preserving its legacy for future generations. Tune in for insights on the evolving landscape of media preservation.

Ep. 56: Radio Maverick Randy Miller on Morning Show Magic and Military Mission

Radio legend Randy Miller joins host Nick Parker for a wide-ranging conversation spanning five decades in broadcasting. From his teenage years as a DJ in Knoxville to dominating morning radio ratings in major markets, Randy reveals the preparation and spontaneity that made his shows unmissable.

Hear classic stories including the Country Club Plaza pay phone pranks that had listeners calling in late to work, the confrontation with Hal Ketchum that became legendary, and discovering Billy Crystal was a jazz DJ in college. Randy explains his interview philosophy of researching deeply while leaving room for surprises, and why he refuses to accept pre-submitted questions from celebrity publicists.

The conversation explores Randy's transformation into a military advocate through the National Defense Network and Celebrity Salute podcast, where he's conducted over 15,000 interviews with celebrities, corporate leaders, and Purple Heart recipients. Learn about the upcoming 10-city Back the Bases tour and how Randy's work preserves vital military stories for future generations.

A must-listen for anyone interested in broadcasting evolution, interview techniques, or supporting America's veterans.

Ep. 55: From Print to Product Strategy: Mizzou's Elizabeth Stephens on Training Next-Gen Journalists

Host Nick Parker talks with Elizabeth Stephens from the Missouri School of Journalism about how journalism education is adapting for the digital age. They discuss the shift from traditional news tracks to platform-agnostic reporting, training students in SEO and data analytics, teaching the business side of news, and Mizzou's hands-on "Missouri Method." Stephens shares how many graduates are choosing community journalism and catching "the bug" for local news. Essential listening for journalism educators, newsroom managers, and anyone interested in the future of journalism training.

Ep. 54: Blending Brews, Beats, and Bold Stories: Ale Sharpton's Flavorful Journey

In this engaging episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker sits down with the dynamic Ale Sharpton—freelance journalist, photographer, social media influencer, and self-proclaimed beer aficionado. Dive into Ale's rich family history rooted in culinary excellence, his unexpected path into beer journalism, and learn how he carved out a unique space by blending hip-hop culture with craft beer. Hear the captivating story of his encounter with Rev. Al Sharpton, the creation of his iconic brand, and insightful tips on building a personal brand in the evolving world of journalism. From travel tales to the art of beer pairing, this episode is packed with inspiration, flavor, and a dash of hops.

Ep. 53: Shop Talk with Toriano Porter: Navigating career pivots and reshaping opinion journalism

In this candid episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker sits down with colleague Toriano Porter, opinion writer at the Kansas City Star, for a shop-talk conversation about life in the trenches of modern journalism. Porter walks us through his career path from St. Louis reporter to his current opinion role at the Star, sharing the real challenges and unexpected wins when switching from sports to the opinion desk. The two journalists dive into newsroom diversity issues, how opinion writing is adapting to survive in today's media climate, and trading notes on maintaining journalistic integrity when the industry keeps shifting beneath our feet. Porter opens up about his hands-on mentoring as an up-and-coming journalist and how personal experiences fuel his commitment to accountability reporting. Packed with insider anecdotes and practical wisdom, this episode delivers a frank look at the transformations reshaping our profession and the daily realities facing newsrooms across America.

Ep. 52: Mastering Sales Success: The importance of structure and positivity in a multi-generational workplace

In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker reconnects with Ryan Dohrn, founder and president of Brain Swell Media, for an insightful exploration of workplace dynamics and sales success. Together, they unpack the critical role of structure in driving results and how fostering a positive office culture can empower teams across generations.

Ryan shares actionable strategies for managing diverse teams, the power of CRM systems, and the timeless impact of personal touches like handwritten notes in customer relationships. Whether you're navigating the challenges of a shifting media landscape or looking to refine your sales approach, this episode delivers expert advice to help you thrive.

Tune in now for practical tips and inspiring insights to elevate your sales game!

Ep. 51: Unlocking the power of audience revenue

In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes back Bridget Sibthorp-Moeker, Director of Audience at BLOX Digital. They discuss the evolving landscape of subscription models in journalism, focusing on the innovative concept of gift subscriptions. Bridget shares insights on how media organizations can adapt to changing audience expectations and the importance of effectively communicating their unique value propositions. The conversation highlights the need for local journalism to remind communities of their presence and the critical role they play in supporting it. Tune in to explore how to engage audiences and enhance revenue through thoughtful subscription strategies.

Ep. 50: Reviving Local Journalism in Excelsior Springs, Mo

In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes Jason and Courtney Cole from The Excelsior Springs Citizen. They discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by local journalism, particularly in the wake of significant events like a microburst, a flood, and the collapse of a historic building in Excelsior Springs. The Coles share how they transitioned from a Facebook group to a full-fledged online news platform, driven by the need for timely information in their community. They highlight the importance of community engagement, direct sales advertising, and the use of technology, including AI, to enhance their reporting.