John G. McGrath
Multimedia Producer
John McGrath hails from Ottawa, Kansas, and attended the University of Kansas where he majored in film. A filmmaker since the age of 10, John has written and directed a number of short films he is always eager to show you or talk about. If it's film related, he's your go-to guy. With more than 15 years experience in journalism at two local television stations, he is eager to lend his skills to Flatland.
Stories by John G. McGrath
Neighborhood Cleanup Removes Tons of Trash From Kansas City’s East Side
Just imagine what $1.5 billion would do for blight on Kansas City’s East Side. Well, if Bill Drummond had his way, the city would make sprucing up neighborhoods as big a financial priority as the billion-dollar-plus project to replace Kansas City International Airport. Drummond, a volunteer from the Manheim Park, an urban core neighborhood, spoke…
What Makes You Laugh?
Oliver knows that to get through the day-to-day craziness that is life, sometimes you just have to find a reason to laugh. Every Tuesday and Thursday through spring of 2019, Flatland will share stories of Kansas City’s neighbors. Find them online here and on Flatland’s Youtube page — and don’t forget to subscribe.
Tell Us About Your Best Friend
Cruz is from Mexico, and his best friend is from India. He says the cultures the two best friends share with one another is one of many aspects he values in their friendship. Every Tuesday and Thursday through the end of February, Flatland will share stories of Kansas City’s neighbors. Find them online here and on Flatland’s Youtube page — and…
What Makes You Happy?
When Daniel was in high school, he found himself experimenting with drugs and skipping class. He wasn’t happy with the way his life was going, so he began researching a variety of spiritual practices and discovered Hare Krishna, a strain of Hinduism. With that, he found peace and relief from stress and anger. Daniel’s faith makes him happy; what makes…
Reimagining the School of the Future at Maker Faire KC
Organizers call Maker Faire the Greatest Show (And Tell) on Earth, and Kansas City held its eighth annual version of the international event at Union Station in June. The two-day faire drew crowds to celebrate all things creative — from science to art and anything in between. As part of our Take Note education project, and in conjunction with…
Reimagining the School of the Future at Maker Faire KC
Organizers call Maker Faire the Greatest Show (And Tell) on Earth, and Kansas City held its eighth annual version of the international event at Union Station in June. The two-day faire drew crowds to celebrate all things creative — from science to art and anything in between. As part of our Take Note education project, and in conjunction with…
Reimagining Schools at Maker Faire Kansas City
Organizers call Maker Faire the Greatest Show (And Tell) on Earth, and Kansas City held its eighth annual version of the international event at Union Station in June. The two-day faire drew crowds to celebrate all things creative — from science to art and anything in between. As part of our Take Note education project,…
Connected, Collaborative, Personalized: Hear KC’s Ideas for the School of the Future
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation recently hosted the Rethink Ed conference in Kansas City, a gathering that drew more than 300 attendees from throughout the region, including business leaders, educators, and high school students. The central question of the conference was this: “What are the skills, abilities, and mindset high school students need before graduation…
Show Me | Susan Lordi Marker
Artist Susan Lordi Marker creates each of her Willow Tree figurines by hand in her studio in Kansas City. The nationally-known sculptures are hand painted and reflect the wide variety of life’s moments and emotions. Lordi Marker says Kansas City is witnessing an artistic transformation, and she’s excited to be a part of it. The…
Show Me | Kevin Willmott
Filmmaker and University of Kansas professor Kevin Willmott has made a name for himself over decades of screenwriting, producing and directing films. Hailing from Junction City, Kansas, Willmott has worked with the likes of Martin Sheen, Oliver Stone and Spike Lee. Hear why he’s chosen to stay in this community and why he thinks Kansas City…