The News Nirvana Podcast

What does it take for local news to keep going, and why does it matter that it does? KCUR reporter Sam Zeff joins Nick Parker to talk about a documentary he's producing on the Kansas City Star's evolution, a story that echoes across the industry. They get into where newspapers were slow to adapt, what's actually working in local news today, and how much control journalists should hand over to AI.

Shannon Kinney, founder of Dream Local Digital, joins host Nick Parker to talk about what local news organizations are getting wrong about advertising sales — and how to fix it. The conversation covers branded content, AI-powered sales prep, and why being a trusted business advisor matters more than having the right relationships.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!