Behind the Bar with Ashley and Hailee

Amante Domingo, the force behind The Russell, Noka, and Le Champion, joins Ashley and Hailee on this episode of Behind the Bar.KC foodies, this episode is a must-see. Listen in as Amante shares how his Hollywood art director mother and childhood on a farm led him on a creative journey stretching from sushi chef, to fashion photographer, to chef/owner of three of KC’s finest eateries.Follow Amante on Instagram: @chefamantedomingoFollow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram: @behindthebarkcTikTok: @behindthebarkc

We are thrilled to have the one-and-only Elaina Paige Thomas on set with us for the newest episode of Behind the Bar!Elaina Paige is an absolutely tireless powerhouse of an entrepreneur. From her early career as a professional dancer (including dancing on stage with Queen B, Beyoncé!), to founding Kansas City’s very first Black-owned talent agency, the Next Paige Agency, she has truly made a mark on the performing arts industry here in Kansas City – and in cities well beyond.And, through her work with her own foundation, the Next Paige Foundation, and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy’s foundation, The Worthy 1’s, Elaina shows a deep commitment to giving back and creating new opportunities for others. Tune in to get the inside scoop on how Elaina does what she does – and what’s next in store!Follow Elaina Paige and the Next Paige on Instagram:@elainapaige@thenextpaigeagency@nextpaigefoundationFollow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram: @behindthebarkcTikTok: @behindthebarkc

Kansas City foodies don’t want to miss this episode of Behind the Bar!Erica Schulte joins BTB and discusses her journey in launching her own beverage marketing agency, Rose Productions, and gives a sneak peek into an incredible women’s event curated by her company – Muse: A Soirée Celebrating Women in Food, Drink, and the Arts! On Saturday, March 8, 2026, Muse guests will have the opportunity to experience the finest offerings from 30 women chefs and beverage professionals, many of whom are, or have been, James Beard Award nominees. What’s more, proceeds from event ticket sales will benefit Girls on the Run Kansas City, an after-school run club for girls in grades 3-8.Purchase your ticket to Muse here - https://www.roseproductionskc.com/event-details/muse-a-soiree-celebrating-women-in-food-drink-the-artsFollow Rose Productions on Instagram  - @roseproductionskcFollow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram: @behindthebarkc TikTok: @behindthebarkc

The OG Cougar (AKA Den Motha) of the KC Cougar Club, Jessica Rogers, is here for the first episode of Behind the Bar 2026!Cougar Club, for those who may be unfamiliar, is KC’s hottest age-inclusive dance party for “She’s, Gay’s, and They’s.” Jessica, feeling especially disconnected from her community in the days following our last presidential election, sought to invest her energy in something positive and uplifting – and Cougar Club was born!Join us for the sharing of Jessica’s story and how her gift for collaboration and large-scale event planning has grown the Cougar Club over the past year into an incredible monthly event designed for women, by women! And we are even holding a special giveaway during this episode that you won’t want to miss!Follow Cougar Club on Instagram: @CougarClub_ Follow Behind the Bar KC:Instagram - @behindthebarkcTikTok - @behindthebarkc

It has been a standout year for Behind the Bar, filled with deep dives and laugh-out-loud moments. Ashley and Hailee have sat down with some of Kansas City’s most inspiring changemakers, the forces of good who are making our community better every day. While Ashley and Hailee reflect on 2025 and what’s to come in 2026, Behind the Bar’s last guest of the year stops by with some boozy gifts – Andy Doohan of Mike’s Wine and Spirits!Stick around until the end – Hailee has an exciting announcement you won’t want to miss! Follow Mike’s Wine and Spirits on Instagram:@mikeskc Follow Behind the Bar KC:Instagram - @behindthebarkcTikTok - @behindthebarkc

Local craft beer lovers (or casual post-ski day beer enthusiasts like Hailee), rejoice! We are joined by none other than Casual Animal co-founder Lara Gray on this episode of Behind the Bar!Founder and owners Lara and husband Kyle Gray started Casual Animal Brewing in Kansas City’s Crossroads district in 2017-18 in a space across from the former Kansas City Star building. The business has thrived – expanding to more than double its original size in 2020 (even as the country was in the midst of a global pandemic!). Committed to the neighborhood, Lara is also president of the East Crossroads neighborhood association and a board member of the Crossroads Arts District. Along with a lot of good being done in the area, Lara and her fellow Crossroads small business owners have seen firsthand just how much violent crime in Kansas City has risen over the past few years. Looking for a way to make a change, Lara discovered KC 360, an organization that uses a collaborative, community-based approach to address gun violence and violent crime in Kansas City.Tune in to hear more about Lara, about KC 360, and how you can get involved in their vital mission. Learn more about KC 360 - https://kccommongood.org/kc-360/Follow Casual Animal Brewing - @casualanimalbrewingFollow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram - @behindthebarkcTikTok - @behindthebarkc

BTB has had this fast-moving guest on the short list for a long time running! As you probably know, both Ashley and Hailee are runners – so catching up with Isaiah Jackson, co-founder of Run It BlaKC Social Club, may have taken some time, but making it to the finish line and a chance to cool down on the show with Isaiah was inevitable!Isaiah and girlfriend, Jai, both saw the rise of run clubs around the country and wanted to bring that same energy and community to Kansas City. That’s how Run In BlaKC Social Run Club was born – a movement breaking cultural and physical barriers, removing the intimidation factor, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.Tune in to hear Isaiah share the full story behind Run It BlaKC and what’s next for him and the club!Follow Run It BlaKC Social Run Club on Instagram - @runinblakcFollow Behind the Bar on Social!Instagram - @behindthebarkcTik Tok - @behindthebarkc

Is it possible, Taylor Swift in the BTB studio?! On this episode, BTB is over the moon to be joined by Kansas City’s top Taylor Swift impersonator and all-around amazing Showgirl, Lana Luxx!Beyond her spot-on T-Swift impression, Lana is a true showgirl with an incredible backstory. From being the first trans woman to be named Homecoming Queen in the state of Missouri to winning first runner-up at Miss Continental, one of the most prestigious pageants in the drag world, Lana is blazing trails and making serious history!For this one-of-a-kind Behind The Bar episode, nothing could be finer than sipping on delicious Watermelon Poblano canned cocktails (poured from only the pinkest of cans) from Mean Mule Distilling Co. Beyond enjoying their incredible taste, this drink choice was a BTB salute to this wonderful Kansas City distillery who recently lost their founder, Jeff Evans. Now more than ever BTB (and the entire community) is rallying behind Mean Mule and the Evans family. You can support them by picking up your favorite Mean Mule canned cocktails and tequila at your favorite local spirits purveyor (a special BTB shoutout to Mike’s Wine and Spirits!) or, visit Mean Mule distillery in person at 1733 Locust St. in KCMO. There’s also a GoFundMe available to assist Jeff’s son, Felix, to help launch him toward the future his dad dreamed of for him. Visit the Mean Mule GoFundMe:https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-future-for-felix-in-memory-of-jeffFollow Lana on social:Instagram: @thelanaluxxTik Tok: @thelandonpatterson Follow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram: @behindthebarkcTik Tok: @behindthebarkc

Holly Post is in the studio for an all-new episode of Behind the Bar!Owner and founder of Hollyday Med Spa + Aesthetics, Holly Post, is a 20-year entrepreneur with a powerful story. She takes us back to the first days of Hollyday, how it’s grown, and where it’s next headed. Holly’s approach to aesthetics sets her practice apart from all others, encompassing the individual’s interior, exterior, and spirit. In a field often clouded by strong opinions, shame, and judgment, Holly and BTB open up about lived experiences and the importance of authenticity. Connect with Holly and Hollyday Med Spa + Aesthetics on Instagram:@[email protected]@the.hollygrail.injectorFollow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram - @behindthebarkcTik Tok - @behindthebarkc

The countdown is on for Kansas City’s first women’s sports bar, and the dream team behind the creation of “The Dub” joins this episode of Behind the Bar to talk about the making of KC’s first bar dedicated to women’s sports!Monica Brady and Rachel Glenn join the Behind the Bar set and share behind-the-scenes insight on what it’s like to not only open their own bar, but one dedicated to women’s sports. From the excitement of taking “The Dub” from concept to reality, to the curated wine list (an announcement that brings Ashley to tears!), The Dub is already set to be the best place in the city to catch KC Current games outside CPKC Stadium, as well as any other women’s sport you can imagine!Follow The Dub on social:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thedubkc/?hl=enFollow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc/Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

Thrilled to be joined by the fabulous Josue Montes, or as you may know him on Instagram, 1DapperLatino, on a fresh Season 3 episode of Behind the Bar!Josue was an incredible guest. We sat down to talk about the highs and lows, both professional and personal. From Josue’s love of fashion and newest entrepreneurial venture (Hint: It’s oh-so-drinkable, and a fabulous complement to any bar, including our very own!), to the reality of living life online, BTB dives deep into the transformations that come through life’s most challenging chapters. Follow Josue on IG: https://www.instagram.com/1dapperlatino/ Follow us on social:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc 

We had the honor of having Alejandra (Alex) Villalobos-McAnderson in the studio for this episode of Behind the Bar!Alejandra is a Medicine Woman, Water Carrier, and Energy Medicine Master Teacher. In this season of life, she’s focusing on pouring into herself, living authentically, and spoiler alert: rediscovering her passion for dance in a way that’s leading to something exciting! Beyond her work in the spiritual world, Alejandra is a devoted advocate for immigrant and Indigenous rights, working as Community Engagement Director for Eye of an Immigrant.This conversation was grounding and inspiring and definitely one you won’t want to miss!Connect with Alejandra - https://villalobosvitality.com/Follow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkcTik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

On this episode of Behind the Bar, we are joined by the incredible Alaia Martin in our brand-new studio! Alaia kicked off her career as a financial systems analyst at Citigroup and eventually launched her own financial literacy company. Now, her journey is taking her in a whole new direction with “The Sacred Undoing.” We dive deep together on that pivotal moment all women feel when the life you’ve created just isn’t serving you anymore. As Hailee calls it, “the dark night of the soul”, is a chance to let go and grow into the life you want. Let us know if you can relate in the comments. 👇 Follow Alaia’s journey on Instagram – @thesacredundoing  Follow Behind the Bar on social:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc/Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

This exciting new episode of Behind the Bar might be especially appealing to all soccer fans! BTB is joined by the incredible Courtney Kounkel, owner and founder of Monarch Build, builder of the sparkling-new CPKC Stadium, the official home of the Kansas City Current! Anyone who has visited the stadium knows the fan experience at the venue is next level. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how the first-in-the-worldpurpose-built stadium for women’s professional sports came to life and meet one of the inspiring women who made it happen! KC BABY! Follow Behind the Bar on social!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkcTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

Krishna Lee joins us on this episode of Behind the Bar! For those who don’t know, Krishna is the General Manager of the KC Glory, Kansas City’s premier women’s tackle football team. Watch the full episode to learn about growing up with a dad who played professional football to playing on the U.S. Women’s Tackle National Team! Stay up-to-date on the KC Glory! Website: https://www.kansascityglory.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kansascityglory/ Follow us on social and stay tuned for more details on our new merch!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkcTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

On this episode of Behind the Bar, Jenn Garry of Sitzmark Sports sits down with us to share the story of her grandmother, the founder of Sitzmark. Jenn’s grandmother opened Sitzmark during a time in America when women-owned businesses were definitely few and far between. Now, nearly 50 years later, Sitzmark remains KC’s premier ski and sporting store! Follow us on social and stay tuned for more details on our new merch!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkcTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

In this episode, Behind the Bar is honored to spend time with the Kansas Democratic Party’s first Afro-Latina chairperson, Jeanna Repass! It’s no secret that the current state of our nation’s political landscape has Dems and Reps pitted against each other like never before. Jeanna brings BTB a fresh take on how the two are more alike than we think and how her upbringing with a Vietnam veteran father and civil rights activist/Lutheran pastor mother informed that perspective. Jeanna is an excellent example of the kind of leadership we’d all be glad to see more of in Kansas! Jeanna is currently up for Vice Chair at Large of the Democratic National Committee. You can learn more about her and the Kansas Democratic Party at ⁠KansasDems.org⁠!   Follow Behind the Bar on social! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

Super excited to have Lance Pierce with us on this end-of-year edition of Behind the Bar! Lance is the founder of Queer Bar Takeover in Kansas City and is moments away from opening Kansas City’s newest LGBTQ+ bar – Q Kansas City in Westport! Lance shares many behind-the-scenes updates on Q Kansas City and even provides an instructional fan “thwop” lesson!    For updates on Q Kansas City: Website: https://www.queerconnect.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queerconnectkc & https://www.instagram.com/qkansascity/   Follow Behind the Bar on social! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

Behind the Bar with Ashley and Hailee is back! We are thrilled to be joined on this new episode post-summer break by one of our new friends – Patrice Brown! Patrice, a dedicated activist and skilled attorney in Kansas City, sat down behind the bar with us to dive deep into a heavy topic on all of our minds right now – the 2024 Presidential Election. Together, we talk about the emotions, critical issues, and next steps that are shaping this pivotal moment in our nation's history.    Follow Behind the Bar on social! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

We are honored to have the legendary Dirty Dorothy, AKA Jessica Dressler, with us for our Pride Month episode! BTB dives deep into how the LGBTQ+ world has evolved since we were young and why showing up as the fullest expression of yourself is so important – especially during Pride Month. Jessica also shares exciting news about her upcoming movie debut, a heartfelt faux-documentary about a small town’s Renaissance Festival. The flick is titled “Rennie” – you won’t want to miss it! For updates on Rennie: https://www.facebook.com/p/Film-Rennie-100084760211032/ https://www.instagram.com/filmrennie/ Follow Behind the Bar’s socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

On the Couch is a chance to get to know Ashley, Hailee, and their close friends and family in a relaxed, authentic, and organic setting!

We are so excited to be joined by Merrique Jenson on this episode of Behind the Bar! If you haven’t met Merrique, she is a documentary filmmaker, DJ, artist, and trans activist here in Kansas City. Merrique is the founder and executive director of Transformations KC, a non-profit organization supporting trans communities of color and trans youth in Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. We go deep into the impact of trans activism and learn more about Transformations KC, and Merrique shares some of her own stories with us. If you would like to support Transformations KC, you can donate here - https://transformationskc.org/donate Make sure to follow our socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

You are not seeing double! We are so excited to be joined by the phenomenal Teresa Walsh, Hailee’s mom, on this episode of Behind the Bar!   Teresa is an incredible entrepreneur and an even more astounding mother. We dive deep into everything from starting a business to the story of Hailee coming out to her mom with stories from Hailee’s childhood you do not want to miss! And don’t skip the speed round, because Teresa turns the table on us and takes over with a BIG question of her own!   Make sure to follow our socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

On this episode of Behind the Bar, we’re excited to have a drink with Joni Johnson, founder and owner of Clairvaux! If you’ve not been in, Clairvaux is an incredible designer specialty store in Fairway, Kansas that we both LOVE. We had a fantastic time with Joni learning how the store came to be, what the business side of fashion looks like, and how Joni manages it all while being an amazing mom!   Connect with Joni and make sure to check out Clairvaux! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonijohnson/?hl=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop_clairvaux/?hl=en Website: https://www.shopclairvaux.com/   Connect with us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc  

On this episode of Behind the Bar, we are joined by the show’s very first sponsor – Katie Grimes of Fountain Mortgage, the #1 female loan originator in Kansas! Katie sits down with us for a quick drink and a hilarious speed round session. Watch till the end to find out her favorite KC restaurant, who would play her in a movie, and what her drag queen name would be!  Connect with Katie! Website: https://www.katieinkc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieinkc/   Follow Behind the Bar on social! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc  

This week, we are joined by the incredibly talented singer-songwriter-producer, Cassie Taylor! She gives us all the details on her return to songwriting and performing live and we go real deep on the topics of “labels”, feeling invisible, relationships, and much more, including becoming a Play Boy bunny?!!    Find Cassie Taylor with the following links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassietaylorband/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3rHAg1yXbyNq0mnPgsVahe   Make sure to follow us on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc  

In this episode, Hailee acts like Mezcal is poison and Buck calls her a basic b*tch. Find out more about Ulah's backstory and how they came to be featured on Queer Eye.

In this episode of Behind the Bar Ashley and Hailee interview one of their local political heroes and friends: Representative Sharice Davids. Learn more about what drew her to politics, her interesting background, and how her mindset makes her so good at what she does.

In this episode Ashley Kendrick and Hailee Bland Walsh interview Kansas City's vey own Andy Rieger of J. Rieger & Co. to find out more about it's fascinating history and what it means to Kansas City's past and present. Andy also talks about how the company made the choice to be nimble and pivot during Covid to meet a need for Kansas City in a really important and innovative way. Stay in the Loop with Ashley Here: https://ashleykendrickkc.com/https://www.instagram.com/ashleykendrickrealestate/https://www.facebook.com/ashleykendrickrealestate

In this episode Ashley Kendrick and Hailee Bland Walsh interview Jhy Coulter - owner and funder of Devoured Pizza and winner of Hulu's Best in Dough contest. Learn more about this innovative entrepreneur who is challenging food norms in Kansas City with her new concept: Orange by Devoured. And be a part of the community investing in the final 48 hour push to raise funds for this brand-new brick and mortar location at the link below. https://mainvest.com/businesses/orange-by-devoured/inNetwork

In this episode Ashley Kendrick and Hailee Bland Walsh interview Kansas City's very own, Chris Goode - activist and founder of Ruby Jean's Juicery. Here we talk about his passion around both healthy living and carrying Ruby Jean's legacy in community involvement, activisim and change in Kansas City.

On this episode of Behind the Bar, we are joined by motivational speaker and professional coach extraordinaire, Mary Ricketts! Mary is the CEO and founder of Turning Point Training and Development, as well as the host of The Scale UP & Grow Podcast! We sit down for a glass of wine and dive into a whole range of things – mentorship, motivational speaking, self-care, and the sexiest man on the planet..? Watch to the end to find out Mary’s pick!   Find Mary with the following links: Turning Point Training and Development - https://tptrainingcenter.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scaleupnow/   Follow us for sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc  

We are so thrilled to have Kansas City blogger Kate McLiney of lo.kc.al on this week’s episode of Behind the Bar!   Kate has been sharing everything she loves about Kansas City on her blog and on Instagram for years! Need a restaurant recommendation or looking for something new to do this weekend? You need Kate! She was so kind to stop by, have a drink, and share with us how she stays authentic online.   Find Kate with the following links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lo.kc.al Blog: https://www.lokcal.co/   Follow us for sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc  

On this special Halloween episode of Behind the Bar, we are strapping on our rollerblades, channeling our inner Barbie and Ken, and skating around Kansas City to find the best Manhattan!   Which bar is going to have our favorite Manhattan? Watch to the end to find out! Share your favorite local bar with us in the comments so we can stop by and give their Manhattan a try!   Follow Behind the Bar on IG and TikTok for sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/behindthebarkc TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

In this episode of Behind the Bar, we are joined by spiritual adviser and fellow podcaster, Alea Lovely! Alea is incredible and has this amazing ability to not only connect with people but help them find wisdom and guidance from within. She opens up and shares her journey of spiritual discovery, the ‘why’ of her first podcast “Spiritual Shit” and her current podcast “Miss Mystic”, and her beautiful love story! She even treats us to a very special tarot reading for Behind the Bar! Make sure you watch to the end for details on how to win a free reading with Alea Lovely! Find Alea Lovely with the following links: Website - https://www.thelovelyalea.com/ Instagram - http://instagram.com/thelovelyalea YouTube - http://youtube.com/thelovelyalea TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thelovelyalea Follow Behind the Bar on IG and TikTok for sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram - https://instagram.com/behindthebarkc TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthebarkc

On this episode of Behind the Bar, we are joined by one of our closest friends - the amazing Kate Pilgreen!    We are switching it up and instead of interviewing Kate, she will be interviewing us, so you can get to know your BTB hosts a little bit better! Join us as we talk about the inception of our friendship, our personal entrepreneurial perspectives, and the minute details of how to plan the perfect KC date for the world's #1 pop star.  

In today's podcast, Ashley and Hailee get behind the bar with Sierra Otto, founder of Sierra Winter Jewelry. They discuss the jewelry design process, Taylor Swift and John Mayer, Costco clothing, and more!

In this episode, Ashley interviews Hailee Bland Walsh - motivational speaker, Founder of City Gym, and developer and co-creator of Fit Truk to talk about how she's making waves in Kansas City.