The Civic Circus

This week on The Civic Circus Podcast, we sat down with Angelique Taylor, owner of AO NOLA Praline Candy, for a conversation that's as inspiring as it is sweet! 
Angelique shares the story behind bringing authentic New Orleans-style pralines to the community, what inspired her entrepreneurial journey, and the passion it takes to turn a family tradition into a thriving business.
From the highs and challenges of being a business owner to the importance of staying true to your vision, this episode is packed with inspiration for entrepreneurs, food lovers, and anyone chasing a dream.

This week on The Civic Circus Podcast, we sit down with Spencer Lindsey, Founder of Working Men of Christ, for a powerful conversation about redemption, second chances, and restoring lives through faith and mentorship.
From his own journey of incarceration to building a ministry that helps men transition successfully back into their communities, Spencer shares how Working Men of Christ is breaking cycles of addiction, incarceration, and hopelessness by providing housing, discipleship, accountability, and purpose. Today, the ministry serves incarcerated individuals before they're released and continues supporting them through Christ-centered reentry programs in Kansas.
This isn't just a conversation about prison ministry, it's about hope, transformation, and what can happen when someone is given a real opportunity to change.

This week on The Civic Circus Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Karns Vincent, Director of LiveWell Shawnee County and a passionate advocate for creating healthier, stronger communities throughout Shawnee County. Sarah leads efforts focused on improving community health, mental wellness, food access, housing, transportation, and overall quality of life through collaboration and grassroots action. She also works closely with community partners to turn local health data into real-world solutions that impact families across our region.

This episode of The Civic Circus Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Staci Williams entrepreneur, business owner, and longtime advocate in the pet industry here in Kansas.
Staci is the owner of Petland Topeka, one of Topeka’s most recognized pet retail businesses located inside West Ridge Mall. Over the years, she has built a reputation as a driven entrepreneur who thrives on creating businesses from the ground up, with experience spanning multiple ventures and industries.
In this episode, we dive into:
The reality of owning and operating a business in today’s economy
What it takes to survive as a small business owner
The challenges and responsibilities that come with the pet industry
The emotional connection between people and animals
Entrepreneurship, resilience, and leadership
Her perspective on animal welfare and public health standards in Kansas
Staci also discusses the realities of running a business during difficult times, including navigating the COVID-19 shutdowns while trying to keep operations alive at West Ridge Mall.This episode gives listeners a look into the mindset of someone who has spent years building businesses, navigating controversy, surviving economic uncertainty, and remaining committed to her work and passion for animals.

Season 2 of The Civic Circus Podcast is officially here. After taking a short break, we’re kicking things back off with a powerful conversation featuring Michael Odupitan.
In Episode 1, we dive into what Omni Circle is all about, the vision behind building stronger community connections, and the importance of creating spaces centered around growth, leadership, and collaboration. Michael also shares insights from his recent trip to Black Wall Street in Tulsa, reflecting on the history, legacy, and inspiration that came from visiting one of the most impactful symbols of Black excellence and entrepreneurship in American history.
 
 
 
 

In this inspiring episode of The Civic Circus Podcast, we sit down with Johnathan Sublet, the Executive Director and visionary leader behind SENT Inc., a Topeka-based nonprofit dedicated to holistic community transformation through housing, wellness, education, and relational development.Johnathan shares his personal journey — from growing up in an under-resourced neighborhood to a successful corporate career as a chemical engineer, and ultimately transitioning into community development work rooted in deep care for his home city. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors and experiences that shaped his calling and the principles he now applies to serving others.We dive into the inspiring story of SENT Topeka — how it started in the Hi-Crest neighborhood, its mission of walking with neighbors (not ahead of them), and its bold goals for revitalization and transformation. Johnathan breaks down the holistic approach SENT takes — from building affordable and sustainable housing (including Topeka’s first Net-Zero home) to expanding mental health, wellness, and workforce education programs that serve thousands across the region.This conversation isn’t just about the challenges of community development — it’s about hope, resilience, and a strategy for sustainable impact. Johnathan offers heartfelt reflections on leadership, collaboration, and what it takes to create lasting change in neighborhoods once overlooked.

I sat down with Tevyn Harmon — better known as Tev Talks  for a rare and genuinely enjoyable conversation about my recent election win and what comes next for Topeka.
In this episode, I open up about my plans as mayor-elect, the goals I’m focused on accomplishing in office, and the direction I hope to help lead our city. Tevyn asked thought provoking questions some serious, some fun — giving me the opportunity to talk not only about policy, but also about life, leadership, and what it really feels like stepping into this role.
In the episode, I talk about:
✔️ My first steps as mayor-elect
✔️ The priorities I want to push forward for Topeka
✔️ The challenges I’m preparing to face
✔️ A few fun and unexpected questions about life as a politician
✔️ Why conversations like this matter for our community

This week, we handed over the mic to the Topeka Voter Collaborative ahead of the upcoming local election on November 4th and they did not hold back! 
They broke down everything you need to know about how to get registered to vote, where to cast your ballot, and most importantly, why your voice matters right here at home.
Local elections shape the everyday life of our city, from schools and streets to leadership and opportunity. 
Tune in now and get informed before November 4th!Let’s make Topeka’s voice heard loud and clear.