Convos with Cunningham

Summer Driving Safety: Speed, Phones, Seatbelts + World Cup Traffic Prep (w/ MSHP Sgt. Clark Parrott)

Tue, 9 Jun 2026 22:09:59 +0000

Jeff Cunningham sits down with Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Clark Parrott for a timely, practical conversation about staying safe on the roads as warmer weather arrives. Sgt. Parrott explains why spring and summer bring more cars, more breakdowns after a tough winter, and—too often—more aggressive driving. They cover the two leading factors in fatal crashes (speeding and distracted driving), why even small increases in speed dramatically raise crash forces, and how phone addiction is showing up behind the wheel—including the “green light, no one moves” problem so many drivers see daily. The episode also tackles seatbelt resistance with sobering stats: while most Missourians buckle up, a small percentage who don’t account for a large share of roadway fatalities. Sgt. Parrott breaks down how rollovers turn deadly without restraints, shares what troopers see at crash scenes, and offers clear guidance on child car seats/boosters (including why bulky winter coats can create dangerous slack). Plus: left-lane etiquette and enforcement, why troopers may be seen inside city limits, and how MSHP is preparing for massive World Cup crowds in Kansas City—team escorts, fan events, traffic control, language support, and travel tips for Missourians heading that way. They finish on a lighter note with a fun look at today’s patrol fleet favorites—from F-150s to Durangos to Mustangs.

Why We’re Still Living in the Shadow of WWII (w/ SEMO Historian Dr. Dustin Gann)

Tue, 9 Jun 2026 21:33:49 +0000

Jeff Cunningham welcomes Southeast Missouri State University history professor Dr. Dustin Gann for a wide-ranging conversation on why World War II still grips our attention—and why its consequences still shape the world we live in. Starting with WWII’s pull in books, films, and pop culture (from Band of Brothers to Saving Private Ryan), Dr. Gann explains how hindsight changes the way we consume war stories and why the lived experience of 1936–1946 was far more uncertain and traumatic than modern narratives suggest. The discussion digs into America’s pre-war debate over involvement, the impact of Pearl Harbor on national unity, and how World War I’s sacrifices influenced leaders like Neville Chamberlain and the era’s fear of repeating catastrophe. Jeff and Dr. Gann also explore the war’s lasting legacy—technological innovation, the atomic bomb, the Holocaust, postwar decolonization, and the rise of the U.S. “military-industrial complex”—and how those developments continue to influence global conflict, American foreign policy, and today’s geopolitical tension. They wrap with recommendations for historical viewing and resources for anyone wanting to learn more through documentaries, museums, and classic WWII films.

Aviation Careers at SEMO: Pilot Training, Air Traffic Control, and Drones (w/ Miranda Sullivan)

Tue, 9 Jun 2026 21:04:50 +0000

Jeff Cunningham sits down with Miranda Sullivan, Director of Aviation at Southeast Missouri State University, to explore why aviation careers are taking off at SEMO—and what students can do with an aviation degree beyond “just being a pilot.” Miranda breaks down SEMO’s fast-growing program (launched in 2021), why Southeast Missouri is a strong location for flight training, and the many career paths available: professional pilot, aviation management, future air traffic control, and even specialized flying jobs like aerial photography and transporting rescue animals. They also clear up common confusion about what a commercial pilot certificate really allows, how flight instructor certification fits into the pipeline, what aircraft students train in (including Cessna 172s and multi-engine planes), and why the industry’s pilot and controller shortages create real opportunity—especially as mandatory retirements ramp up. Plus, Miranda talks women in aviation, drone/UAS careers, and practical advice for high school students considering the field (FAA medical, study habits, and making good choices that protect your future career).

Sun Smarts: Sunscreen, Skin Cancer Signs, and Simple Skincare (w/ Dermatologist Dr. Allison Sindel)

Tue, 9 Jun 2026 20:55:55 +0000

It’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month—and Jeff Cunningham sits down with dermatologist Dr. Allison Sindel to talk about smart, practical ways to protect your skin all summer long. From the real long-term impact of sunburns to the “sun exposure bucket” concept, Dr. Sindel explains how damage adds up over time and why annual head-to-toe skin checks matter. They also break down the differences between basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma, plus the ABCDE warning signs everyone should know. Finally, Dr. Sindel clears up common sunscreen confusion (SPF 30 vs. 50+), discusses mineral vs. chemical sunscreen, when to reapply, sun-protective clothing (UPF), and a simple, affordable skincare routine that doesn’t require a dozen products.