Host, Mike Shanin
Mike Shanin is the host of “Ruckus,” a position he’s held since the program’s debut in 1995. In recent years, he has taken on the additional role of Managing Editor. Before “Ruckus,” Mike was a regular panelist on KCPT’s “Kansas City Week in Review” program which began in October 1992.
Shanin is also a veteran Kansas City radio broadcaster, working in both on-air and management capacities. His on-air experience includes work as a talk show host, political analyst, and news anchor.
Since leaving radio in early 2012, Mike has also been engaged in free-lance pubic speaking and radio and television commercial projects.
A graduate of both Northwest Missouri State University and Park University, Shanin’s academic emphasis was on Political Science, Social Science, and Public Administration. The Bachelor of Public Administration degree from Park was awarded summa cum laude.
Shanin and his wife, Joyce, along with feline family members, Miss Piggy and William of Orange Tabby, live in Kansas City, Kansas, commonly referred to by Mike as “God’s Country.”
Yael Abouhalkah
Yael Abouhalkah is a columnist for the Kansas City Star and a member of the paper’s editorial board.
Woody Cozad
Woody Cozad is an attorney and former chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. He now heads his own government relations and lobbying firm. Cozad is no stranger to broadcasting, having hosted a three-hour radio program called “Radio for Grown-Ups” on 1190 KPHN. The program featured his pointed political commentary and quick wit. “Food for Thought with Woody Cozad” commentaries have aired on more than twenty radio stations. Cozad is a quintessential conservative with an impressive record of public service. He has been active in politics and government in Missouri for nearly thirty years. He was appointed to the Board of Curators of the University of Missouri in 1991 and was chairman of the state Republican Party and a member of the Republican National Committee from 1995 to 1999.
Cozad graduated from Westminster College in Missouri with a degree in political science and received his law degree from the University of Missouri. Cozad made his career as a trial attorney with Morrison & Hecker in Kansas City, Missouri. He lives in Platte City.
Gwendolyn Grant
Gwendolyn Grant, president & CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, is a strong advocate for social and economic opportunity for African Americans and other minorities. In her role as the chief executive officer of the Urban League, she provides leadership, oversight and direction for advancing all Urban League programs and its mission.
Gwendolyn has a broad range of experience in all aspects of business administration, marketing, leadership development, workplace diversity, race relations, and in building and strengthening minority enterprises.
Out of the office, Mrs. Grant serves as Vice President of the Kansas City, Missouri School District Buildings Corporation Board of Directors; Arts Council of Kansas City Board of Directors; Institute for Urban Education Advisory Board; Race Equity – Race Relations Scorecard Advisory Group; Race & Ethnicity Collaborative; the Black Education Council; and she is a graduate of the FBI Citizen’s Academy. In addition, Mrs. Grant writes a provocative, socially conscious op-ed column which is published monthly in The Kansas City Call.
Mary O’Halloran
Mary O’Halloran created her media and communications business after years in public office, political leadership and community service. Mary served three terms in the Iowa House of Representatives and was apointed by the President to head the Department of Energy Midwest Region. She co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus, served on the Mainstream Coaliition Board and the Kansas City Human Relations Commission. Mary is a former KMBZ radio talk show host and nationally recognized speaker and commentator. She was a former Catholic nun and teacher.
