THINK AND DRINK
where the curious gather.
Our goal is to create a "third place" for the Kansas City community—an unplugged, in-person environment where curiosity is celebrated and attention is undivided. This ongoing lecture series delivers a wide array of topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. These community-driven events are powered by a collaboration between UMKC, Linda Hall Library, The Third Place Historian, New Colossus Advisors, and Casual Animal Brewing Company.
What to expect
Think and Drink events are held every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at Casual Animal Brewing Company in Kansas City’s East Crossroads. On occasion, events are held offsite at our partner locations including Linda Hall Library and UMKC. All lectures are free to the public and there are no assigned seats. Seating is first come, first served with a maximum seating capacity of 125 before standing room only. As a community event, it is encouraged that tables be shared among multiple parties. Come to learn, make new friends, and stay curious!
may 7, 2026
Fueling The Show: Inside the Nutrition Strategy of Major League Baseball
Speaker: Erika Wincheski, Director of Sports Nutrition, Kansas City Royals
Most people think professional baseball players have unlimited resources and perfect nutrition. The reality is far more nuanced. From coaching a minor league athlete transitioning into the big leagues, to navigating food superstitions before a game, to answering constant questions about protein — this job isn’t just about meal plans. Sports Dietetics is about performance strategy, psychology, logistics, and trust. Erika Wincheski is a veteran in the world of performance nutrition for Major League Baseball and she’ll take you inside the clubhouse to show you what fueling elite athletes actually looks like.
Erika Wincheski is in her ninth season with the Royals and fifth as the Director of Sports Nutrition. In her role, she supports all levels of the organization, develops and maintains nutrition standards and helps players maximize their performance and recovery through enhancing nutrition. She is a Licensed Dietitian and Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. She’s also currently serving as Vice President of the Professional Baseball Dietitian Society.
She had spent the previous five-plus years working at EXOS in Phoenix, Arizona. During her time with EXOS, she worked under contract with the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball as well as the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Coyotes and U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team.
Wincheski received her bachelor’s degree in nutrition from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., while she did a postgraduate dietetic internship through the University of Maryland.
More upcoming events
May 21 - How to watch the world cup like you know what you are doing
Panelists: Blair kerkoff, sportswriter and host of Sportsbeat kc & Benny Feilhaber, former professional soccer midfielder and current coach, known for his time with the U.S. Men’s National Team and Sporting Kansas City
As Kansas City steps onto the global stage, this lively, community-focused session is designed to build excitement for the FIFA World Cup while helping fans feel confident and connected to the game. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just starting to pay attention, this panel breaks down what actually matters on the pitch—from formations and pressing to why possession doesn’t always equal control—alongside a clear, engaging overview of how the tournament works. Featuring local voices who have helped shape Kansas City’s rise as a soccer city, the conversation will spotlight key storylines, teams, and players to watch, while offering practical (and fun) ways to pick a team to follow. Expect an accessible, energetic 45-minute moderated discussion followed by audience Q&A.
Key takeaway: You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the game, a stronger connection to Kansas City’s soccer community, and everything you need to fully enjoy the World Cup experience.
june 4 - Pints and Policy: The Documents that Built the Modern World
Speakers: Cassie Pikarsky, Director of strategic initiatives for the truman Library & erica benson, the third place historian
Step beyond the familiar headlines and into the decisions that quietly reshaped the world we live in. In this engaging session, we revisit the presidency of Harry S. Truman—not as a footnote defined by a single moment, but as a force behind the modern global order. From the Oval Office of a plainspoken Missourian, a series of executive orders, doctrines, and alliances helped end a war, redefine civil rights, and lay the groundwork for today’s international institutions and policies. You’ll explore how Truman—born into a former slave state and shaped by its history—grew into a leader willing to challenge it. His bold actions, including desegregating the U.S. military and elevating civil rights to a national priority, came at significant political risk but permanently altered the trajectory of American leadership. This session invites you to reconsider what “founding documents” really mean—not just those of 1776, but the pivotal decisions of the 20th century that continue to influence global politics, equality, and governance today.
June 18 - no events during world cup
July 2 - no events during world cup
past events
2025
July 31 - Witch Hunts, Then and Now: The Second Red Scare to the MAGA-era Ideological Purges // Erica Benson, The Third Place Historian
August 21 - How Loneliness Gets Under the Skin // Dr. Daniel Maitland, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Counseling, University of Missouri – Kansas City
September 4 - Titans of Time: The Enchanted History of Humanity’s Fascination with Trees // Samantha Sanchez, Certified Professional Horticulturist and an ISA Certified Arborist®, Linda Hall Library Arboretum
September 18 - Bad BioDiversity in Pop Culture // Richard Glor, PhD. Associate Professor, KU
October 2 - Freedom to Read: Local Impacts of Book Bans and Censorship // Moderator: Erica Benson, The Third Place Historian // Panelists: Rebecca Parker, KCPS LIbrarian; Cori Smith, BLK + BRWN. Bookstore; Gillian Wilcox, ACLU-MO
October 16 - Sleep Paralysis Demons, Science or Fiction? // Dr. Westley Youngren, UMKC
November 6 - Bridging the Gap in Access to Healthcare for those Experiencing Homelessness: Go to the People // Jaynell (KK) Assmann, APRN-C, Founder and CEO Care Beyond the Boulevard
November 20 - Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: The History and Impact of Vehicles in Kansas City // Eric Ward, Linda Hall Library; Marisa McKay, Kansas City Automotive Museum; Patrick Lenahan, Yaeger Architecture, Inc.
December 4 - The Surprising & Jolly History of Santa and Christmas Traditions in America // Erica Benson, The Third Place Historian
December 18 - Crises to Watch in 2026: Humanitarian Need Amid Geopolitical Disorder // Ken Sofer, Founder & Principal, New Colossus Advisors; UMKC Foreign Policy Professor
2026
January 15 - Are you Wishing or Are you Hoping? Knowing the difference can be life-changing. // Michael S. Ternes, PhD; Assistant Professor; University of Missouri-Kansas City
February 5 - Pimps & Preachers: The Misconception of Empathy and Its Power // Dr. Nicole Price, Lively Paradox
February 19 - Black Kansas City From the Early Years to the Jazz Era and Monarchs // Dr. David Trowbridge, William T. Kemper Associate Research Professor of Digital and Public Humanities
March 5, 2026 - Distilling the Alchemy: The Research & Findings that Shaped Linda Hall Library's New Exhibit // Dr. Eric Dorfman, President and CEO of Linda Hall Library; Dr. Laurie Ellinghausen, Professor in the UMKC School of Humanities & Social Sciences; Ali Bustos, Multidisciplinary Artist
March 19, 2026- The Myth of the Artist: How Kansas City Creatives Really Make a Living // Cory Imig, Director of Alumni Relations and Professional Practice Center, Kansas City Art Institute
April 2, 2026 - The Wild Is Calling — And You’ve Got the Tool to Answer // Speaker: Nadina Galle, Ecological Engineer, National Geographic Explorer and Author of THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES
April 16, 2026 - Tortellini the Turtle and the Physics of “Bubble Butt”: How a National Defense Organization and the KC Zoo are Helping Injured Sea Turtles Dive Again // Speakers: Dan Bowen, Ph.D. – Sr. Fellow & Chief Scientist / Neiko Levenhagen, Ph.D. – Lead R&D Scientist Advanced Technology Development / Peter Roth – Sr. Mechanical Engineer / Holly Weber – Principal R&D Scientist, Materials Aging and Compatibility
