On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Judy Ancel — labor educator formerly with the University of Missouri Kansas City Institute for Labor Studies, executive producer of The Heartland Labor Forum Radio Show on KKFI 90.1 FM and president of Cross Border network — to continue our series on women in education.

Throughout this episode, Ancel delves into how she landed her show on KKFI as well as how she became involved in labor education, which she refers to as her “dream job.” She shares her introduction into activism, which began when she was a junior in high school. Ancel goes on to mention how her passion for activism continued through her years as a student at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., and eventually led her to her career in labor and labor education in Kansas City. Ancel goes on to discuss what she is most proud of in her journey so far and some people who have inspired her along the way.

Williams shares a brief history and statistics of women involved in radio throughout the years and Ancel includes how those numbers are reflected through local radio today. Ancel discusses ways the community can volunteer and get involved with KKFI for those interested. Williams goes on to mention the woman who is considered the first lady of radio including her background — inclusive of Missouri roots — and industry influence. Ancel shares with Williams and Burnett how some of these influences are prevalent in Kansas City’s radio and broadcast world today.

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott.

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.

Honeybee’s latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music.

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty-free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent.

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.

*Disclaimer: Ingrid Burnett is a board member for Historic Northeast Media, Inc*