Espresso Yourself with Chuck: Recent Episodes
Chuck Knapp
Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas President and CEO Chuck Knapp visits with guests about their career paths, experiences, and their advice in preparing for successful futures.
Our unique life experiences often lead us to our future careers. Gustavo Ramirez of the Kansas Highway Patrol immigrated to the United States as a young child. His parents worked multiple jobs, which left Gustavo home alone to get into "mischief." His experience in the juvenile detention system provided him the opportunity to envision how he may do things differently as a law enforcement officer.
Are you a crime junkie who enjoys hearing about the details of legal battles and the pursuit of justice? Then you may enjoy a career in court reporting! Chuck visits with Cindy Fenton who talks about the many benefits of this unique career.
Chuck visits with Kena Dacus, owner of Dacus Auto Body and Collision Repair in McPherson, KS, about the importance of creating an inviting work culture (supportive environment, four day workweek, etc.) and offers great advice for students looking to succeed in any career field.
Chuck visits with Heather Crump-Deters, Community Impact Manager for Education at the United Way of the Plains. Heather shares how she was able to overcome some of the challenges of her youth by being decisive and just "doing something." Even if you change your path - which you probably will - everything you learn will benefit you in some way. Heather was also a teacher before moving into the non-profit sector.
Chuck visits with LTC Bryan Gregory with the Kansas Army National Guard about the benefits of enlisting in the Guard (100% college tuition assistance, great benefits, opportunities to see the world), as well as his own story of how he's had the chance to work over 35 jobs so far!
Chuck visits with New York Times best-selling author Alex Grecian about the importance of following up, the different publishing options for modern writers, and the difference between a "pantser" and a "plotter."
JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp talks with Alan Cobb from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and his role as President and CEO and his support of the JAG-K organization.
JAG-K President & CEO Chuck Knapp talks with Goodland Tech's Chief Growth Officer Alejandro Argueta about learning how to learn, the importance of mentors, and how you should never quit.
Lindsay Freeman is State Manager for Community Relations for Kansas Gas Service. She discusses her career path, the importance of community involvement, and shares advice on how to be successful in any job.
Jack Jewsbury played professional soccer in Kansas City and Portland, where he was a fan favorite. Upon his retirement in 2016, Jewsbury was one of ten players to have appeared in more than 350 matches in Major League Soccer. He currently works for Lockton Companies, Lockton is the world's largest privately held insurance brokerage firm.
RepurposedMATERIALS, Inc founder and owner Damon Carson shares his entrepreneurial journey that has resulted in a national company with 6 strategic locations. He not only helps the environment, he has created a successful business. Damon recommends tips on starting and growing your own business.
Alan Bjerga was President of the National Press Club, covered the Kansas Congressional Delegation for the Wichita Eagle, and is now Executive Vice President of Communications and Industry Relations for the National Milk Producers Federation. Alan shares stories of his experiences in the media on Capitol Hill, offers advice for aspiring journalists, and comments on finding common ground in a polarized society. You will enjoy listening to Alan's perspective on numerous topics and the engaging way in which he shares his story.
Ashley Bowen Cook is the President of Greteman Group, a prominent advertising and marketing firm in Wichita, Kansas. Ashley has grown up around the aviation industry and was named the first female president of the Wichita Aero Club, an organization that promotes aviation. In 2023, the Wichita Business Journal named her Executive of the Year.
Chuck visits with JAG-K Career Specialist Kyleigh Raun Pittman, a former JAG-K student. Kyleigh talks about her experience as a student and how it helped prepare her to be successful in her current role. She talks about the opportunities she had as a JAG-K student and why she is enjoying teaching her current students to get the most out of their experiences in JAG-K.
Chuck visits with his son, Daniel Knapp, about Daniel's decision to join the Kansas Air National Guard, his experience at boot camp, and his plans for the future. He offers good advice for students looking for ways to receive excellent training at no cost.
Chuck introduces a series of episodes featuring members of the Augusta (Kansas) High School Class of 1984 and JAG-K students from the AHS Class of 2024.
Brian Hanni started his play-by-play career at a young age calling baseball games on Nintendo. Today, he is the voice of the Kansas Jayhawks. Brian shares advice on making it in broadcasting in life. He also tells some great stories about well-known broadcasters and Hall of Fame Coach Bill Self.
After celebrating 10 years of JAG-K, Chuck discusses the history and positive outcomes of Jobs for America's Graduates and JAG-Kansas. This episode features interviews and clips from JAG co-founder Ken Smith, three Kansas governors, former NFL player Garry Gilliam, Jr., and JAG-K students.
A state champion from a school accustomed to winning them, Katelyn Loecker, a former Division 1 basketball player, discusses the high school recruiting process and her career journey that led to her current position as a regional manager for Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas. Most importantly, Katelyn tells Chuck about finding her "why."
Garry Gilliam, Jr is an inspirational speaker, CEO, and real estate developer, and has a passion for helping others. He discusses overcoming challenges growing up, embracing opportunities, and giving back to his community. This former offensive tackle also shares personal stories about life in the NFL, and a behind-the-scenes account of his touchdown scoring catch in a historic NFC Conference game against the Green Bay Packers.
Voted by fans as one of the five best players in Wichita State University history, Kansas native Ron Baker was part of an undefeated regular season team and Final Four participant. He also experienced playing on one of the biggest stages of all sports as a member of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Ron recorded this interview with Chuck in March 2021.
Emmy-winning broadcaster Brenda VanLengen joined Chuck on "Coffee with Chuck" in June 2020 to discuss her career, including an excellent opportunity to call a game she wasn't expecting. This classic episode includes a new preview of Brenda's docuseries "If Not for Them," which takes a look at the history of Women's basketball and the pioneers who grew the game.
In celebration of College Basketball in March, Chuck revisits a 2020 interview with CBS Sports Broadcaster Otis Livingston. Otis is a former college basketball player with the University of Kansas and the University of Idaho. He joined Chuck and JAG-K students to discuss his career path and lessons learned in sports and life.
Toby Cook started his career in broadcasting at a young age, moved into a role with the World Series Champion Kansas City Royals, and is now Director of Public Relations for the University of Kansas Health System. He shares his journey and advice on pursuing your dreams.
JAG-K student leaders from across the state converged on the Kansas State Capitol, where they were recognized in the House of Representatives and the Senate. They also had an opportunity to testify before the Senate Education Committee.
JAG-K graduate Tiannah discusses how JAG-K helped her become a better student and discover a career as a public safety dispatcher.
SVP of Programming Bev Mortimer had a 33-year career in public education as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. In this episode of Espresso Yourself with Chuck, Bev discusses her career path and some of the interesting things she has done in her life.
Joe Macklin is a Kansas City guy, who loves his community and wants to give back. This Grammy-nominated artist, engineer, arranger, and songwriter has worked with the biggest names in music, and he tells Chuck why it's important to him to live in Kansas City and help young people succeed.
College football fans know about the remarkable turnaround at Kansas State University under the direction of legendary coach Bill Snyder. They know less about the man who hired Snyder, even though he is a 5-time national coach of the year, a member of 5 Halls of Fame, and has lived an extraordinary life. Chuck spends an hour with Steve Miller, one of the most interesting people in America.
Sam Brownback served in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, as Governor of Kansas, and as Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom. Chuck visits with Ambassador Brownback about his career path, including the highlights and biggest challenges.
Pat Grogan was a high school dropout who did not let adversity define his future. He tells his story of joining the US Army, learning a trade, and then starting a business that has grown significantly in a relatively short period of time.
Chuck visits with former college basketball player and coach Byron Samuels about life and his career path that started as a Division 1 player but led to a dream of teaching. He shares one of the defining moments in his life when an assistant principal showed Byron some "tough love." Byron was one of the key note speakers of the JAG-K 2022 Leadership Development Conference.
Chuck talks to former KU national champion basketball player Jeff Gueldner about his new book "Without You" as told to former KU Associate Sports Information Director Jeff Bollig. There are lessons about gratitude, perseverance, hard work, and change. Jeff shares several stories about KU basketball, important relationships, and dealing with failure and major illness.
Chuck visits with @FOX4 News Kansas City news anchor and reporter John Holt. Hear about his youth growing up in Great Bend, Kansas, some of the toughest stories he's had to cover, and the one assignment he hopes to have one day.
Chuck visits with former JAG-K student and the first ever Jobs for America's Graduates National Career Association president.