In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Jee Vahn Knight, CEO of Baron Von Opperbean and the River of Time, to explore the intersection of creativity, hospitality, business strategy, and bold civic vision.
Jee shares her remarkable journey — from being adopted from Korea and raised in rural California, to working in science, historic preservation, construction project management, and eventually immersive entertainment with Meow Wolf. Along the way, she reveals how fear became a compass, why service and hospitality are foundational to any great experience, and how creativity flourishes within constraints.
The conversation dives deep into what immersive entertainment truly is (and isn’t), why adults need wonder just as much as children, and how experiences like Baron Von Opperbean can spark joy, connection, and economic transformation. Jee also explains why she and her family chose Memphis before the job — and why the city’s creative undercurrent, cultural legacy, and future potential make it the perfect home for a next-generation attraction.
Listeners get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the vision, timeline, and strategy leading up to the March opening on Mud Island, along with insight into leadership, legacy, parenting, and what it means to build something that serves both people and place.
This episode is a powerful reminder that cities don’t need saving — they need believers, builders, and bold collaborators willing to power the good.
Learn more and purchase your tickets here: https://www.bvoexp.com/
