You know that feeling when you're sitting in the driveway, the engine is off, but you just can't bring yourself to open the door because the person on the radio is mid-sentence? That’s basically the "driveway moment" tax Dana Wright and Scott Parks have been levying on Kansas City for years. If you’re looking for the Dana and Parks show today, you aren't just looking for a time slot on KMBZ 98.1 FM; you’re looking for the pulse of a city that likes its talk radio with a side of brutal honesty and zero pretense.
They’re weirdly relatable.
Honestly, the chemistry shouldn’t work on paper. You have Dana, a former investigative journalist with a sharp eye for BS, and Scott, who carries this "everyman" persona that masks a very keen political mind. It’s a tightrope walk. They cover everything from the most recent City Hall scandal to the price of eggs, and they do it without sounding like they’re reading from a teleprompter. Today’s broadcast is a prime example of why they’ve survived the digital culling of traditional media. While other stations are pivoting to generic syndicated content, KMBZ keeps winning because these two actually live in the suburbs they talk about.
What’s Actually Happening on the Dana and Parks Show Today?
The beauty of the show is its unpredictability. One minute they’re dissecting a local zoning board meeting—which sounds boring but isn't when Scott gets fired up—and the next, they’re arguing about the best way to grill a steak.
It’s talk radio, sure. But it’s also a communal therapy session.
If you tuned in recently, you likely heard them grappling with the massive shifts in the KC metro area. From the Northland to Overland Park, the show acts as a central hub for people who feel like the world is moving a bit too fast. They don't just report the news; they filter it through a lens of "how does this affect my mortgage and my kid's school?" That’s the secret sauce.
The Evolution of the KMBZ Afternoon Slot
Scott Parks and Dana Wright didn't just land in these chairs by accident. They earned them through years of local grind. Scott has been a fixture at KMBZ for decades, surviving ownership changes and shifting formats. Dana’s transition from the TV newsroom at KCTV5 to the radio booth was one of the smartest moves in local media history. She brought a level of "hard news" credibility that balanced Scott’s more opinion-heavy style.
They’re a duo. A team.
When you listen to the Dana and Parks show today, you’re hearing a refined version of a partnership that took years to bake. They finish each other's sentences, but they also genuinely disagree, which is a breath of fresh air in an era of echo chambers. It isn't scripted outrage. It's just... conversation.
💡 You might also like: Why Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Actors Still Define the Modern Spy Thriller
Why Local Radio Still Beats Your Favorite Podcast
People keep saying radio is dead. They’re wrong.
While podcasts are great for deep dives into niche hobbies, they can’t tell you why there’s a massive traffic jam on I-435 right now or why your local school board is suddenly the center of a national controversy. The Dana and Parks show today provides that "right now" relevance.
- Immediacy: If a storm breaks, they’re live.
- Localism: They know what "The Plaza" means without needing a map.
- Interaction: The "text line" is a character in its own right.
The text line at KMBZ is where the real magic happens. Listeners chime in with snark, corrections, and sometimes genuine cries for help. Dana and Scott read these in real-time, creating a feedback loop that makes the listener feel like they’re sitting in the booth with them. You can't get that from a pre-recorded Spotify show.
Breaking Down the Format
The show typically runs from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It’s the "drive time" window. Most people catch the first hour while finishing up work and the last two hours while fighting traffic on the way home.
- The Lead: Usually the biggest local or national story.
- The Deep Dive: A more nuanced look at a specific policy or event.
- The "Lighter" Side: Pop culture, weird news, or personal anecdotes.
- The Kicker: Usually something to make you laugh before you hit the grocery store.
This structure isn't rigid. If a major story breaks—like a Chiefs parade shooting or a massive political upset—the format goes out the window. They stay on the air as long as they need to. That’s the commitment to the city that keeps the ratings high.
The Controversy Factor: Not Everyone Is a Fan
Let’s be real for a second.
You don't get to be the top-rated talk show in a major market without ruffling some feathers. Dana and Scott have both faced their share of criticism. Some find Scott too conservative; some find Dana too centrist or "mainstream media."
They don't care. Or at least, they don't seem to.
📖 Related: The Entire History of You: What Most People Get Wrong About the Grain
They lean into the friction. They’ve both talked openly about the "hate mail" they receive, often laughing it off on air. This transparency is a huge part of their brand. By acknowledging the people who dislike them, they build an even stronger bond with the people who love them. It’s a masterclass in brand loyalty.
Navigating the Political Minefield
In 2026, the political landscape is more fractured than ever. Yet, the Dana and Parks show today manages to keep people from both sides of the aisle listening. How? By being consistently inconsistent. They don't follow a party line. If a Republican does something stupid, Scott will call it out. If a Democrat makes a solid point, Dana will acknowledge it.
It’s refreshing.
It’s also why they’re a "must-stop" for politicians during election cycles. If you’re running for office in the KC metro, you have to go on Dana and Parks. You’ll get grilled, sure, but you’ll reach the largest concentrated audience of voters in the region.
How to Listen and Interact
If you’re new to the show, there are a few ways to get involved.
The FM Dial: 98.1 FM remains the primary way people tune in. The signal is strong enough to cover most of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri.
The Audacy App: This is where the show lives in the digital age. You can stream it live or catch the "On Demand" segments if you missed a specific interview. The app also hosts their "Extra" content, which is often just the stuff they couldn't say on the FCC-regulated airwaves.
Social Media: They’re active on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. It’s where they post the "visual" side of the show—usually Dana rolling her eyes at something Scott said or photos of the guests in the studio.
👉 See also: Shamea Morton and the Real Housewives of Atlanta: What Really Happened to Her Peach
Practical Steps for New Listeners
If you want to get the most out of the show, don't just listen passively.
- Download the Audacy App: It allows you to rewind live radio. If you missed a joke or a segment intro, you can go back 15 minutes.
- Sign up for the "Heard on the Show" Newsletter: They often mention specific articles or local businesses. The newsletter rounds these up so you don't have to scramble for a pen while driving.
- Follow the individual hosts: Dana and Scott have very different social media vibes. Following both gives you a 360-degree view of the show's preparation.
The Enduring Legacy of KC Talk Radio
At the end of the day, the Dana and Parks show today is successful because it feels like home. It’s the sound of Kansas City. It’s the sound of people who care about their community but aren't afraid to make fun of it.
They talk about the things we talk about at the dinner table.
They don't use "consultant-speak." They don't try to be "influencers." They’re just two broadcasters who happen to be very good at their jobs and very honest about their lives. Whether they’re talking about a new tax hike or the best place to get a taco in Wyandotte County, they do it with a level of authenticity that you just can't fake.
As long as there are people living in Kansas City who want to know what’s happening in their backyard, Dana and Parks will have an audience. They’ve built something that transcends the medium. It’s not just a show; it’s a daily habit.
Actionable Next Steps
To stay fully updated on everything happening with the show:
- Check the Daily Podcast Feed: If you can't listen live from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the full show is uploaded as segments by 7:00 PM every evening. This is the best way to catch the "best of" moments without the commercials.
- Engage via the Text Line: Save the number (it's usually announced multiple times per hour) in your phone. It’s the fastest way to get your opinion heard or to ask a question during a live interview.
- Support Local Sponsors: The show survives because of local businesses. Many of the companies they mention offer "Dana and Parks" listener discounts. It’s a win-win for the local economy and your wallet.
- Listen to the "Parks Policy": Pay attention to the recurring segments where Scott breaks down complex state legislation. It’s one of the few places where you’ll get a plain-English explanation of how your tax dollars are being spent.
Radio isn't just background noise when it's done right. It's a connection. And right now, in Kansas City, nobody is doing it better. Tune in, turn it up, and don't be surprised if you find yourself sitting in your driveway for an extra ten minutes just to hear how the segment ends.