Heart & Goal (All things Kansas City & Soccer)

View from the Press Box w/ Sam Mcdowell

Nate Bukaty and Benny Feilhaber are joined by Kansas City Star columnist Sam McDowell to break down the latest World Cup news and what it all means for Kansas City.
From base camps and stadium questions to city readiness, security and the atmosphere fans can expect this summer, the group takes a wide-angle look at KC’s biggest sports moment yet. Plus, another round of “Goal or No Goal” and a five-a-side draft on the biggest Kansas City sports stories of the last decade.
 
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Great Debates Pt. 2 w/Benny Feilhaber and Matt Besler

Nate Bukaty is joined by Benny Feilhaber and Matt Besler for another round of fan-favorite debates – this time with even more stories, opinions and friendly chaos.
From the Kansas City sports Mount Rushmore to jersey debates, World Cup predictions and more, the crew goes head-to-head in the return of “Goal or No Goal.” Plus, behind-the-scenes stories from their playing days and a Fiva-A-Side draft you won’t want to miss.
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How Kansas City Won the World Cup w/ Cliff Illig

Nate Bukaty sits down with Sporting KC co-owner, KC20206 honorary co-chair and visionary Cliff Illig, one of the key figures behind bringing the world’s biggest soccer event to Kansas City.From building a soccer culture in KC to helping lead the city’s successful bid, Illig shares the vision, innovation and persistence it took to put Kansas City on the global stage. Plus, a look at what makes KC unique — and what he hopes the world will say after experiencing it.
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The Final World Cup Qualifiers w/ Dax McCarty & Keith Costigan

Former players and current soccer analysts Dax McCarty and Keith Costigan join Nate to break down the final World Cup qualifiers and what they mean for the road to 2026.
From bracket-style predictions and global matchups to key storylines surrounding the USMNT’s upcoming friendlies, the group dives into the teams, players and pressure moments that will shape the final field. Plus, a look at who could make the biggest impact when the tournament kicks off.
 
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Kansas City's Sports Royalty w/ Bob Kendrick, Graham Zusi & Benny Feilhaber

Kansas City’s sports roots run deep. Nate Bukaty, Graham Zusi and Benny Feilhaber explore our athletic past before welcoming Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum onto the podcast.  
From the legacy of the Kansas City Monarchs and Buck O’Neill to the continued impact of the 18th and Vine district, this episode connects KC’s rich sports history to the global spotlight ahead. Plus, a look at the final World Cup qualifiers and what they mean as the countdown continues.
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Putting the Heart in Heartland w/ Roger Espinoza & Lo'eau LaBonta

Nate Bukaty and Graham Zusi welcome Sporting KC legend and current assistant coach Roger Espinoza, alongside KC Current captain Lo’eau LaBonta — one of Kansas City’s true soccer power couples.
They reflect on careers that have spanned MLS, the NWSL and the World Cup stage, what it means to represent KC in a defining era for the sport, and how the city is preparing for 2026. Plus, they answer the big question: What do they want the world to say about KC when all is said and done?
 
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Great Debates w/ Graham Zusi & Benny Feilhaber

Sporting KC legends Benny Feilhaber and Graham Zusi join Nate for a new debate segment: Goal or No Goal. Bold statements, heated arguments and a winner crowned each round. Is Spain the real World Cup favorite? What’s the USMNT’s ceiling? Would the 2010 squad beat 2014? And is the Z-Man truly KC’s best BBQ bite? Plus, untold club and country stories and a draft of the best USMNT kits of all time.
 
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KC's Base Camp Blueprint w/ Graham Zusi & Alan Dietrich

Kansas City isn't just hosting World Cup matches - it's becoming home base for global powers like Argentina, England, and the Netherlands. Nake Bukaty and co-host Graham Zusi break down how KC landed multiple elite base camps and what it means for the city's soccer legacy. Former Sporting KC COO and World Cup 2026 consultant Alan Dietrich shares behind-the-scenes insight on the recruiting process, facility tours and why teams chose Kansas over bigger markets. 
 
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The Soccer Capital of America w/ Benny Feilhaber & Jimmy Conrad

Nate Bukaty and Benny Feilhaber break down how Kansas City earned its reputation as the Soccer Capital of America. From Lamar Hunt bringing MLS to town to Sporting KC’s transformation and the rise of the KC Current, they trace the city’s soccer evolution. They’re also joined by Wizards legend Jimmy Conrad to reflect on his playing days, World Cup experiences and what 2026 will mean for Kansas City.
 
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Welcoming the World w/ Matt Besler & Pam Kramer

Nate Bukaty and Matt Besler sit down with KC2026 CEO Pam Kramer to go behind the scenes of Kansas City’s World Cup preparation. From the journey to becoming a host city to what 650,000-plus visitors will mean for the region, they dive into the planning, partnerships and momentum building across the metro. Plus, get a breakdown of the new 48-team format, a spirited debate about BBQ and so much more!
 
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