The Civic Circus

In this episode, we sit down with Current Mayor Mike Padilla to talk about his journey growing up right here in Topeka, Kansas. From his early years and community roots to his deep passion for public service, Mayor Padilla shares what drives his love for this city and the people who call it home.
It’s an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation about leadership, growth, and staying connected to your community.
 

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Marisol Marcelo for an incredible interview! 
We dove into her upcoming wedding, her current career path, and her powerful role in shaping the community through the Topeka Fiesta. We also talked about the festival’s impact, its name, and the deep history it holds here in Topeka. 

This week on the Civic Circus Podcast, we sit down with Richard Martinez—a man whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days running a street team ministry to the impactful work he’s doing today, Richard has dedicated his life to giving hope and building up others.
We talk about where it all began, the challenges he’s faced along the way, and how his heart for service has led him to become a voice for Topeka’s homeless community. His story is one of resilience, faith, and purpose—a reminder that no matter where you start, you can create real change.

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Kays, the new Executive Director of the Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC). Daniel brings a passion for the arts and a strong vision for the future of downtown Topeka’s cultural scene.
We talk about his journey, his goals for TPAC, and how live performances and community events can create lasting impact in Topeka. From leadership to community building, Daniel shares what it takes to keep the arts thriving and accessible for everyone.
If you care about the growth of the arts, the future of Topeka, or just love hearing stories of leadership and vision, this is a conversation you’ll want to tune into.
 

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Leslie Fleuranges, founder of Tender Loving Care Pet Nursing Hotel in Topeka, KS. With a background in marketing, innovation, and product development at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Leslie took her passion for animals and created a business that gives anxious, older, and special-needs pets the extra care they deserve.
In this episode, Leslie shares her entrepreneurial journey—why she left the corporate world, how her beloved Lhasa Apso Mimi inspired her, and what it takes to build a business rooted in both compassion and innovation.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a pet lover, or someone chasing purpose, this conversation is packed with heart, wisdom, and inspiration.

This was an AMAZING conversation with Thaina dos Santos Jensen and trust me… this episode is one you don’t want to miss! 
Thaina isn’t just a nurse, she’s a leader, a visionary, and a true force in the healthcare world. From starting Nurses Topeka to leading surgical services at Stormont Vail Health, to serving on national nursing committees, her journey is nothing short of inspiring.
We dove into how she found her passion for nursing, the obstacles she’s overcome, and how she’s pushing for inclusivity, health equity, and a brighter future for the nursing profession.
If you’ve ever needed a reminder of what resilience, passion, and leadership look like this is it.

Joining us is Pedro Concepcion, a chef-turned-entrepreneur whose journey began in Chicago and led him to reshape the culinary and cultural landscape of northeastern Kansas.
Originally from Mexico, Pedro was raised in Chicago, where he studied culinary arts at the Illinois Institute of Art and honed his skills in fine dining kitchens. At age 21, he migrated to Kansas to help launch The Burger Stand in Lawrence, contributing to the menu, sauces, and early success of the brand. 
He quickly became a partner in The Burger Stand as the concept expanded to Topeka, where he later opened and grew its local presence. From there, Pedro helped develop menus and concepts for other standout eateries like The Pennant and Norsemen Brewing, eventually co-founding K.I.T. Solutions with his brother Javier—offering operational, culinary, and strategic support to restaurants across Topeka.
Today, Pedro serves as the CEO of the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District in North Topeka. He leads the ongoing revitalization of the area—an arts-driven neighborhood he affectionately describes as "eclectic, rustic, unpolished”: a place he says reminds him of Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Under his leadership, NOTO has grown into a thriving creative hub that bridges art, business, and community engagement. 
Pedro's story is a powerful example of vision, grit, and community-led transformation. We’re honored to welcome him as our guest today.

We sat down with someone who didn’t just land in Topeka — she chose it. Our guest is Shamecha King Simms, a driven community advocate whose journey to the capital city is rooted in purpose and passion.
Originally from outside the area, Shamecha came to Topeka looking for more than just opportunity — she came to help build something better. Through her work and leadership, she’s become a strong presence in local advocacy, focused on revitalizing neighborhoods, improving equity, and pushing for transparent government.
In this episode, we explore her why — what brought her here, what keeps her here, and what she believes is possible for Topeka’s future. We dive deep into revitalization programs, break down how they can either empower or exploit, and take on the big question:Should elected city officials have term limits?
This isn’t just policy talk — it’s people talk. And Shamecha brings the heat, the heart, and the hope.
Let’s get into it.