The City Sculptors Podcast

What does it take to build a safer, more equitable city from the inside out? In this episode of The City Sculptors Podcast, host Alexis Williams sits down with Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson — a Kansas City native who has spent her career at the intersection of justice, public safety, and community transformation.From her roots in one of Jackson County's most challenged neighborhoods to serving as Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas' Director of Public Safety, Melesa brings a rare perspective to the work of city-building — one shaped by both the courtroom and the community. She shares how her journey through private practice, federal clerkship, and elected office has deepened her belief that true safety isn't just about enforcement. It's about equity, restoration, and giving people a real shot at a different future.Tune in as Melesa and Alexis explore the connection between criminal justice reform and community development, the role local leaders play in shaping neighborhoods, and what a more restorative approach to public safety could mean for Kansas City's next chapter.This is city sculpting at its most essential — justice, one block at a time.Support the show

In this episode of The City Sculptors Podcast, host Alexis Williams sits down with Councilwomen Melissa Patterson Hazley for a powerful conversation on leadership, policy, and the future of Kansas City.From her roots in Kansas City Public Schools to her background in educational psychology and research, Councilwoman Patterson Hazley shares how her journey shaped her approach to public service and community impact. She offers insight into what it means to move from studying systems to actively shaping them—and why representation in leadership matters more than ever.Together, they explore the realities of city leadership, including affordable housing, economic development, and creating pathways for entrepreneurs and small developers to thrive. Councilwoman Patterson Hazley also breaks down how Kansas City can balance growth with preserving neighborhood identity, while ensuring major investments and opportunities benefit all communities.This episode dives into the future of the East Side and the 3rd District, highlighting the importance of collaboration between policymakers, developers, and residents to create lasting, equitable change.🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on what it takes to build a city that works for everyone—and how leadership today is shaping Kansas City for generations to come.Presented by Twelfth Street Heritage Development Corp.Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage returns for Season 2 with a powerful story of resilience, passion and purpose.In this episode, host Alexis Williams sits down with Kansas City native and Executive Chef Jayaun Smith, a visionary whose journey into the culinary world began out of necessity and transformed into a thriving career.Raised by a single mother who had him at just 14 years old, Chef Jayaun learned early on how to fend for himself. With limited resources at home, he began cooking at the age of 7 and quickly discovered a passion that would shape his future. By 14, he was classically training as a chef, and by 16, competing on a state and national level.From his time at Johnson County Community College’s Chef Apprenticeship program to becoming Executive Chef at Ruby Jean’s Kitchen and Juicery at just 22, Chef Jayaun has consistently elevated his craft. Today, he is a sought-after private chef, working with athletes, celebrities, and clients across the country, while continuing to pour back into his community.Known for putting an urban twist on classic dishes, Chef Jayaun shares how food became his foundation, his purpose, and his platform to inspire the next generation.Support the show

The Season 1 finale of The City Sculptors Podcast is a full circle moment.In this final episode, we turn the spotlight on the woman who created the platform and guided every conversation this season. Host Alexis Williams steps into the guest seat for a powerful and personal conversation about vision, leadership, and the work happening behind the scenes to shape Kansas City’s future.Alexis is the Chief Operating Officer of Twelfth Street Heritage Development Corporation, a licensed realtor, board member, community builder, and storyteller who has dedicated her career to creating spaces where people can live, grow, and thrive. From revitalization projects to policy conversations, she has been at the table where real change happens.She launched The City Sculptors Podcast with one mission: to open doors, educate the next generation of developers and leaders, and make the process of city building more transparent and accessible. Throughout Season 1, she’s brought together city officials, developers, changemakers, and builders to share honest conversations about progress, challenges, and opportunity.In this finale, Alexis reflects on why this work matters, what she’s learned from her guests, and what’s next for the future of development and community driven growth in Kansas City.This episode is a celebration of leadership, legacy, and the vision behind the voice that guided Season 1.Welcome to the final episode of The City Sculptors Podcast.Support the show

Join us as we talk with Shell West, the passionate founder of Show Me You Care KC! Since 2019, Shell has been dedicated to uplifting the Kansas City community through powerful outreach programs. Discover the inspiration behind her incredible generosity and hear how her non-profit is actively making a difference by feeding the homeless, equipping students with Back to School essentials, creating "Once Upon a Prom" magic for high schoolers, and fostering a culture of compassion and support for underserved populations. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.Support the show

In Episode 13 of The City Sculptors Podcast, host Alexis Williams sits down with Andy Rieger, the visionary behind the revival of Kansas City’s iconic pre-Prohibition distillery, J. Rieger & Co. After leaving a successful career in private equity and investment banking, Andy returned home in 2014 to restore his family’s historic brand. What began as a bold leap away from spreadsheets has since transformed into one of the most respected names in American craft spirits.Andy shares the story behind rebuilding the distillery from the ground up, the importance of authenticity in brand building, and the lessons learned along the way as a Next Gen Leader, Power 100 executive, and Entrepreneur of the Year. He also talks about life beyond the title, including being a husband, dad, and personal assistant to Pepper, the family’s beloved rescue dog and unofficial distillery mascot.This episode is a masterclass in vision, resilience, and the power of honoring history while creating something new. Whether you are a creative, entrepreneur, or proud Kansas Citian, this conversation will leave you inspired to take the leap and make bold moves of your own.Support the show

In this thought-provoking episode of The City Sculptors Podcast, host Alexis Williams sits down with actor, activist, and entrepreneur Malik Yoba for an in-depth conversation about the intersection of purpose, business, and community.From co-founding Iconic 32, a social enterprise that merges pop culture with social impact, to launching Yoba Development, Malik has dedicated his life to empowering people and building communities from the ground up. His work in real estate, education, and media reflects a powerful mission to create opportunities, expand access to affordable housing, and strengthen human capacity in cities across the nation.Recognized with an honorary doctorate from Livingstone College for his civic leadership, Malik’s story is one of vision, perseverance, and impact. This episode dives into how entrepreneurship can be a vehicle for social change and what it means to build not just structures, but legacies.Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.In this episode, we sit down with Jason, a visionary leader whose work bridges community, innovation, and sustainability. As President and CEO of P+A, Jason brings a deep understanding of how to align diverse stakeholders and move complex projects forward — always with a focus on impact, efficiency, and collaboration.Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.What does it take to shape a city where everyone has a place to thrive? In this episode, Dion Lewis reflects on his journey from public service to policy leadership and shares how Kansas City is tackling displacement, development, and housing access—one project at a time.Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.In this episode, Raina Park Shaw, Kansas City's Mayor Pro Tem and 5th District Councilwoman, shares her unexpected journey from healthcare executive to elected official and her vision for the city's future. Support the show

The City Sculptors Podcast by Twelfth Street Heritage takes you behind the scenes of development and community building. Join host Alexis Williams as she interviews industry leaders, visionaries and local change-makers shaping the future of our neighborhoods. From innovative housing solutions to community-driven projects, discover how cities evolve one block at a time.Tune in and be part of the conversation that’s sculpting the city of tomorrow!Support the show