Kansas City MomCast

If you live in Kansas City you are likely familiar with Jim Cosgrove, also known as Mr. Stinky Feet. For more than 25 years, he has delighted audiences throughout North America and Europe with his positivity and an energetic brand of family folk-rock. With nearly 5,000 performances in 38 states and six countries (including two appearances at the White House Easter Egg Roll), 10 award-winning albums, and millions of Spotify and YouTube streams, he's become a reliable audience favorite. Today, we talk with Jim about how he came to be Mr. Stinky Feet and his life before, his love of music origin and perspective on kids, unique locations he's performed in, what he loves most about his career, and much more. Jim is the youngest of eight children and grew up in Brookside. After completing his journalism degree, he worked in the Navajo Nation in western New Mexico as a journalism teacher and driver of a school bus route. He was the town bingo caller! Jim later worked as a staff writer for the Albuquerque Journal, a media spokesman for a division of Sprint Corporation, and an editor for Hallmark Cards. You can find Mr. Stinky Feet on Facebook, Instagram, and X. What We're Loving In Kansas City New Theater and Restaurant Sarah and her husband enjoy going to the New Theatre and Restaurant in Overland Park! Enjoy dinner and drinks along with stage, film, and TV stars in Broadway comedies and musicals. New Theater produces five shows a year! A great idea for something a little different. Ben Folds with the Kansas City Symphony Megan and Chris are headed to see Ben Folds perform with the KC Symphony this month! The symphony has an entire pops series that will be featuring concerts that feature music by John Williams, soft rock hits of the '70s and '80s, and they also do film with live orchestra (think Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and even Jaws). The Kaufman is just beautiful so if you haven't been, check out their concerts and add it to your list! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

If you haven't planned for Spring Break yet, now is the time! This episode includes ideas for drivable trips, staycation ideas, and some outside the box ideas for Kansas City families. Road Trips Kansas City may be landlocked, but when it comes to vacations and long weekends there is no lack of fun places for families ready to hit the road! We've rounded up over 20 vacation spots within a 5-hour drive of Kansas City as well as information about the length of the drive, things to do when you get there, and trip reports we've written over the years to help you make your plans. Staycation Ideas Wanting to stay close to home? You don't have go far to experience a great vacation within your own city. Kansas City has all you need with unique places to eat, big city attractions, charming local shopping and fun places to stay for the whole family. 101 Things to Do During Spring Break Be sure to check out our list of 101 ideas for your family from cat cafes to new indoor play spaces and fun spots for a last minute day trip. Scroll down to items 57-101 for lots of free and inexpensive ideas that won't break the bank. What We're Loving In Kansas City Planet Comicon Planet Comicon is an annual comic book convention at the Kansas City Convention Center March 21st thru March 23rd! Perfect for the super hero lovers and kids who love comics. This event features a lineup of celebrities, exhibitors, special events, a wide ranging schedule of panels, cosplay, and more to be announced in the coming months. If you're looking for something outside the box to take your kids to, this is it! Sarah and Megan have both taken their kids and have had a great time. Disney on Ice Annual favorite of Megan's family! The show takes place at the T-Mobile Center from March 20-23 featuring favorites from Frozen 2, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Moana and Wish. Consider buying some glow toys beforehand to give your kids during the show and have them wear costumes if they'd like! It can be a bit chilly so don't forget layers. Disney on Ice is a perfect length of time and is fun for the whole fam. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Have you been feeling overwhelmed with balancing the desire to stay informed with functioning as a mom? The beginning of this year has brought changes in government and systems that go against the norms and laws that we have trusted no matter which political party is in power. Plus recent tragedies, including the first major commercial airline crash on U.S. soil since 2009, has likely added to fear and uncertainty for many. We are hearing from moms who aren't sure how to regulate themselves on a daily basis along with the everyday challenges of being a mom. We talked with licensed therapist Elizabeth Kaufman about these very normal feelings and how to support a friend who might feel differently. She offers practical short and long term strategies to regulate when we feel out of control, and ways to remain engaged with the world while still being an effective parent, friend, partner and employee.   Elizabeth Kaufman, LCMFT, is a clinically licensed mental health therapist and the owner of Elizabeth Kaufman Therapy. She works with couples and individuals to go below the surface of day-to-day survival mode and create new patterns for their lives. Elizabeth specializes in anxiety and identity work, guiding clients to heal from unhelpful messages and wounds and live according to their values. In addition to practicing therapy, Elizabeth is an adjunct professor for a local graduate therapy program and a Kansas Behavioral Sciences Board-approved supervisor for therapists seeking clinical licensure. In her free time, Elizabeth loves to cook, travel, and spend time with family. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Happy New Year! A lot of you may be thinking about resolutions or things you want to change in the coming year. We are talking with local mom and style expert, Katie Mann of Intentionally Chic about what we can do as busy moms to change up our style and feel comfortable getting dressed every morning. We discuss the mental load of moms and how that impacts our fashion, how what we wear influences mindset and energy, favorite stores, and practical steps we can take to feel better about ourselves in what we wear. Katie established Intentionally Chic to offer expertise to empower women, especiallymothers to rediscover their identity through style. When her third child was still a baby, she relocated to a new state and leave behind a teaching career she adored. Despite being told she was too expensive to be hired due to my experience in the new state, I had to reinvent myself while caring for three young children. Before her interview at Stitch Fix, she looked into her closet and felt lost. She realized she needed to discover her authentic style. Katie put in the effort and walked into that interview brimming with confidence. While at Stitch Fix, she saw her journey mirrored in the stories of countless women. This fueled her passion for educating and empowering women through fashion. Follow Katie on Instagram here. What We're Loving In Kansas City: Fashion Edition Love Letters KC and Nickel and Suede Sarah's top local picks are anything, but especially Chiefs gear, from Love Letters KC and accessories from Nickel and Suede! Thrifting Megan loves to thrift her wardrobe from all over Kansas City! Visit our thrifting guide here. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Whether it's politics, parenting challenges or the chaos of the holiday season, life has been a whirlwind lately. Today we are discussing about five practices to find peace that we are trying in our own lives. We have high hopes of cultivating some sense of inner calm, and moving into the new year in a healthy frame of mind. We appreciate you joining us during this crazy season of life! What We're Loving In Kansas City: Winter Break Edition Hallmark Movie Bingo Sarah and her family play Hallmark Movie Bingo! There are tons of options online or you can snag from Kansas City's very own Hallmark here. Catch Up on Kansas City Holiday Fun Megan will be doing all the things she DIDN'T get to before Christmas with her kids. Don't forget that most of the places and activities remain open well after Christmas and tend to be less crowded. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

On Friday, August 2, 2019, Erin Langhofer was attending a First Friday event in the Crossroads District with her boyfriend and friends in Kansas City when she was struck and killed by a stray bullet. Erin had graduated from the University of Kansas in 2016 with a BS and an MS in 2017. As an undergrad, Erin received the Margo Award, the top prize in the School of Social Welfare. Erin was a counselor and therapist at Rose Brooks Center and helped domestic violence survivors. Honoring her giving nature, Erin had registered as an organ donor; her decision will give new life to at least 50 people. In this episode, we have the honor of visiting with Erin's parents, Tom and Marcy. They vulnerably share their grief experience and about the incredible foundation created in honor of their daughter. Meet Marcy and Tom Langhofer Marcy and Tom have been married for 38 years and have two girls, Kathryn and Erin. Marcy has worked for Northwestern Mutual and Tim Moyer for the past 15 years in financial services. She is passionate about helping others though Do Good for Erin. Tom serves as the Recovery Ministries Pastor for Resurrection Church.  What We're Loving In Kansas City Holiday Reflections at Union Station Held in the Grand Plaza, Holiday Reflections is a feast for the eyes. This spectacular themed experience is a walk-through holiday village featuring floor to ceiling lights, a multitude of decorated trees, forest friends, floating mirrored ornaments and a bigger-than-ever Winter Wonderland where kids can ride the historic Jones Store Train, for an additional $5 per child. Check out our everything you need to know guide here. Morning at the North Pole Join us for Kansas City Mom Collective's annual Morning at the North Pole on Saturday, Dec. 7, at The Mint in Lenexa! Holiday fun is the name of the game when you take part in this awesome and stress-free morning full of games, crafts, treats and of course a visit with Santa! Be sure to snap an adorable holiday picture of your little ones at our photo stop sponsored by Fry Orthodontics. The event will finish with a reading of “Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Lost Christmas!” read by Alastair Heim, author of the book. We would love to see you there and meet you in person so come say hi! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

We all know Kansas City is THE BEST. Our guest is Kyle Talbot; you may recognize him from his social media channels, Moving to KC, where he covers all things Kansas City and real estate. He was recently crowned the hype man of KC by mayor Quinton Lucas so he is obviously the real deal. We discuss KC's rise in popularity, why it's such a great place to raise a family, the Royals stadium debate, and how Kansas City is having its moment! Meet Kyle Talbot Kyle grew up in Kansas City and moved to Denver for nine years. He and his wife moved back to live in Kansas City, Missouri with their three boys, Siberian husky and cat. Kyle is a residential realtor with Moving to KC and loves all things Kansas City. He runs a great YouTube channel and was named the "official hype man of KC" by Mayor Quinton Lucas!   What We're Loving In Kansas City Bergmann Bakes Megan recently used Amanda Bergmann with Bergmann Bakes of Overland Park to make her daughter's Harry Potter themed birthday cake. It was truly the most beautiful cake ever. Amanda runs an in-home bakery using organic/non-GMO ingredients. She does custom cakes, cupcakes and with the use of more natural dyes. She is a perfect source for families with allergies, as she specializes in gluten free, dairy free, vegan and paleo options.  Lunch at McLain's Bakery Sarah has been hitting up locally owned McLain's Bakery for the Fox Hill salad, tomato soup, and grilled cheese. Head there to try them — you will not regret! Also a drive-thru option at a few of the locations.   Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

The pain of miscarriage and infant loss is one that often leaves mom wondering how to process her grief, and sometimes her support network isn't sure what to do or say. Our guest today, Amy Balentine, is a local mom who started the organization You Made Me Mom after the loss of her own children. This online and in person group serves mothers who have lost babies during pregnancy or infancy through one year of breathing life. Amy is passionate about authentic and vulnerable living done in community and that passion is evident in our interview with her today.  Meet Amy Balentine Amy Balentine is a wife to Adam and mother to their eight children. Four children are living and four are in heaven. Out of the loss of her children, Amy created the support group called You Made Me Mom headquartered in Kansas City. The group serves mothers who have lost babies during pregnancy or infancy through one year of breathing life. The support group gathers on the third Thursday monthly. Amy is a 2005 graduate of the University of Kansas and currently resides in Kansas City, Missouri and attends Christ Community Church – Brookside Campus. Amy is a lover of hospitality, fine food and a well-organized home which all stem from her nearly ten years as a wedding and event planner before her calling to work in the home as a mom. Authentic, vulnerable living in community with one another is a great passion of Amy's. She is learning that a life lived in eucharisteo (Greek for thanksgiving) is one lived well. What We're Loving In Kansas City Electric Glow at the OP Arboretum Enjoy a low-key version of the Luminary Walk where only the electric lights are on. No Santa, no candlelit woods, no musicians, no free cider, no trains running, and NO CROWDS. Capacity will be significantly limited on these nights, making them ideal for wandering through the lighted gardens and studying the intricate gnome and fairy houses. Cafe Celeste will be open in LongHouse, selling hot beverages and snacks, as well as adult beverages. Click here for more information! Roasterie Coffee Holiday Blend Sarah loves the Roasterie's Holiday Blend for a special treat as we enter the holiday season! The flavor is cinnamon, hazelnut and vanilla. Pick it up at the factory, Roasterie locations or most local grocery stores. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

This episode is sponsored by AdventHealth Cancer Institute. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we're honored to have Dr. Simy Elder on the show. Dr. Elder is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at AdventHealth Medical Group Hematology Oncology at Shawnee Mission. We discuss the latest breast cancer statistics, the importance of mammograms, and what to do if you're breastfeeding when your mammogram is due. Meet Dr. Simy Elder Dr. Simran Elder, MD, is a Board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at AdventHealth Medical Group Hematology Oncology at Shawnee Mission. She also serves as the medical director for the AdventHealth High Risk Breast Clinic. Dr. Elder earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. She also completed her residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at UMKC, during which time she was twice named Internal Medicine Consultant of the Year. She then went on to complete a fellowship in medical oncology-hematology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Elder has lectured and published extensively on various topics related to oncology, internal medicine and pediatrics, with a research focus on breast cancer. She has earned a number of professional honors, including being selected for the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society, a peer-nominated honor bestowed on physicians who display exceptionally compassionate care to patients. A native of the Kansas City area, Dr. Elder is happy to be able to care for patients right here in her hometown. When she's not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and two German shepherds. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Fall is here! There is so much to do in fall in Kansas City that sometimes it's hard to know where to begin. All of the events and ideas discussed on our episode today can be found in our fall guide. Be sure to check out our sensory-friendly fall guide, as well! Tag us at @kansascitymomcollective and tell us what fall things you're up to! Thank you to our episode sponsor, Evergy! Did you know? Evergy employees proudly live right here in Kanas City. So, in addition to sharing the same Zip Codes as all of us, they also share the same energy company—which means they're Evergy customers, too. ​And that's one reason why they're working so hard to keep energy costs low for all of us. Learn more about Evergy's commitment to affordable energy at Evergy.com/KCmoms. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

This episode is sponsored by Children's Mercy. Join us as we talk with Laura Kemerling of Children's Mercy about the Top 10 hazards to be aware of in our homes! Keeping kids safe starts with all of us and there are countless opportunities to prevent injuries in your own home. That's why Children's Mercy Kansas City created the Center for Childhood Safety. Here, you can find educational resources in our community to promote the safety in the home, in the community and on the go. Visit childrensmercy.org/safety to learn more today. Meet Laura Kemerling Laura Kemerling is passionate about caring for pediatric patients and their families, as well as her fellow staff and healthcare providers. Currently leading the Injury Prevention Program at Children's Mercy, Laura has been the manager of The Center for Childhood Safety for the past year. Laura has worked as a registered nurse for over 20 years, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Missouri Western State University in 2003 and her Master of Science in Nursing Education from Benedictine University in 2018. Her background includes providing care in the pediatric operating room setting, adult intensive care unit, neonatal and pediatric critical care transport, providing nursing education, and leadership. Laura takes pride in having served on a list of local, regional, and national boards, committees, and coalitions over the years. Most recently, she has focused her attention on advocating for, and collaborating to, create safer environments for babies, children, and adolescents. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

How has organized religion changed since we were kids? And how do those shifts impact its role in family life and society as a whole? To help us unpack all of this is Pastor Scott Chrostek. Rev. Scott Chrostek is the Executive Pastor of Ministries and Programs at Resurrection, a United Methodist Church with six locations in the Kansas City area. We discuss the difference between faith and religion, statistical trends of organized religion and why people have left over the past decade, and what needs to change for these groups to continue to exist.  Meet Scott Chrostek Rev. Scott Chrostek is the Executive Pastor of Ministries and Programs at Resurrection, a United Methodist Church with six locations in the Kansas City area.  Before taking on this churchwide leadership role, Scott was responsible for launching the Downtown location in December of 2009 which grew from 9 individuals to over 1000 adults in weekly worship attendance. Resurrection Downtown began as a mobile start-up, and grew to include two sites: one a former bar and concert venue located between a tattoo parlor and strip club and two a city block that gave rise to the first new church building in downtown KC in over 80 years. It continues to grow today as one of the few downtown United Methodist churches growing in an urban area across the country.   Scott is married to Rev. Wendy Lyons Chrostek, his wife of 19 years and together they have served in ministry in North Carolina, Michigan, Kansas and Missouri.  They are the proud parents of two kids. What We're Loving In Kansas City Tricks and Treats at Worlds of Fun Check out Worlds of Fun Tricks and Treats Saturdays and Sundays September 14 through October 27! This is their all-new, family friendly Halloween event. Celebrate the season with mischievous tricks, tasty treats, and so much more. Come dressed in your finest Halloween attire for our Halloween costume contest. Enjoy seasonal treats, drinks and, of course, candy. Johnson Farms Sarah and her family love going to Johnson Farms for apple picking and more. They opt for the family pass to get the most bang for their buck. The farm is currently offering U-Pick apples and pumpkins, as well as U-Cut sunflowers and zinnias. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

This episode is sponsored by HCA Midwest Health. Going off to college can be an exciting time for students and it can bring on mixed emotions - they may feel happy, sad and stressed. Your child is going to be making big decisions – for some it's their first introduction to adulthood. Today, we're chatting with Lauren Pyle, with Research Psychiatric Center – a part of HCA Midwest Health, about the mental health concerns college students face and what you can do to help your child get through the challenges of this new chapter. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, we invite you to call the Behavioral Health Crisis Line (844) 207-4511 for information regarding admissions and psychiatric evaluations or to speak with someone about emotional or mental distress. Learn more here. Meet Lauren Pyle Lauren is the Clinical Manager of Inpatient Services at Research Psychiatric Center. She manages a team of full time and PRN employees who provide assessment, crisis intervention, & therapeutic services to adolescents, adults and geriatric individuals in the acute psychiatric inpatient setting.   Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!      

Get ready for a discussion on all things gaming — from Minecraft to Fortnite and beyond. Our guest, Cameron Gullotta, is an associate professor and chair of the Games Department at Johnson County Community College. We cover online safety, specific games, determining what games are appropriate based on age and how to evaluate what your kid is ready for. Meet Cameron Gullotta Cameron is the chair of the Game Development Department at Johnson County Comunity College and teaches courses in game design and development. He moved to the US from Australia in 2018 to marry his wife!       What We're Loving In Kansas City New Golden Scoop in Overland Park The Golden Scoop is an ice cream and coffee shop with a purpose. They create jobs for very talented individuals who happen to live with developmental disabilities. The grand opening is on August 22nd, 2024 starting at 8 am- be one of the first 100 guests on opening day and you'll get your ice cream FREE! They offer coffee and ice cream, delicious baked treats served by our talented team of Super Scoopers. This new location also will have drive thru services, merchandise, in house coffee roasting and patio seating. Giggle Time Giggle Time, put on by the City of Overland Park, are free and open to the public. Sarah has loved taking her two year old to these! Shows feature interactive music, storytelling, puppet shows, and other children's performances, and take place at 10 a.m. the first Wednesday of the month at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center.  Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!      

This episode is sponsored by Ash Law. Estate planning might not be the start of a fun conversation, but it's an important one for parents. Our interview with Alyssa Hodges, who you may remember from our episode on divorce, talks about everything moms need to know, including why Taylor Swift needs a trust not a will! Alyssa wrote an article for us on estate planning. She writes, "We teach our kids to look both ways when crossing the street and to wash their hands (stomach flu fear lives #RentFree in my head). We teach them not to talk to strangers and to be aware of their surroundings. We worry about the immediate dangers. But we have to cover the long-term dangers, too." Meet Alyssa Hodges Alyssa Hodges is a KC-based family law and divorce attorney. She earned her law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and is pursuing a master's in tax law at Washington University St. Louis School of Law. She has two young children and is a published author. Ms. Hodges has been on Law Review, the Dean's List, and a competitive negotiations team. She's been an active member of MothersEsquire since 2018 and WealthCounsel since 2020. In 2021, she became a columnist for Above the Law. Ms. Hodges enjoys preparing for trial and being in the courtroom. However, she believes collaboration is almost always better than leaving a decision up to a judge who doesn't know her client or her client's family dynamics. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

A 2023 survey conducted by Scholastic revealed that only 51 percent of children ages 6-17 read for fun with that percentage dropping as they get older. So what can we do to help avoid this and encourage our kids to be lifelong readers? We discuss raising readers with Katherine Fowler with the Olathe Public Library. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Evergy! Did you know? Evergy employees proudly live right here in Kanas City. So, in addition to sharing the same Zip Codes as all of us, they also share the same energy company—which means they're Evergy customers, too. ​And that's one reason why they're working so hard to keep energy costs low for all of us. Learn more about Evergy's commitment to affordable energy at Evergy.com/KCmoms.   Meet Katherine Fowler Katherine is a mom of two living in Overland Park who loves to volunteer, spend time with her husband and kids, raise foster kittens, skydive, and travel. She spent many years in corporate jobs as a technical writer then went back to school to earn her Masters in Library and Information Science. She currently works at the Olathe Public Library helping kids, teens, and adults find great things to read and watch. What We're Loving In Kansas City Plaza Library Sarah loves taking her kids to the Plaza branch of the Kanas Public Library that has great views of the Plaza. There are even binoculars you can use to check it out! If you haven't been before, add it to your list. For a full list of our favorite libraries, check out our guide. Libby App Megan is obsessed with the Libby app. Libby is a free app that allows users to access digital content from their public library, including ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. You can stream titles with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or download them for offline use and read anytime, anywhere. All you need to get started is a library card! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!      

This episode is sponsored by HCA Midwest Health. Perimenopause and menopause! Why didn't our mothers warn us! And why is it all so confusing! Today, we're talking with Dr. Kiersten Moreno, a board-certified OB/GYN at Independence Women's Clinic at Centerpoint Medical Center – a part of HCA Midwest Health. She is also a member of the North American Menopause Society and a menopause practitioner. We hope to tackle everything perimenopause and provide you with some answers.   Meet Dr. Kiersten Moreno Dr. Kiersten Moreno is a board-certified OB/GYN at Independence Women's Clinic located in Independence, MO. Dr. Moreno is affiliated with Centerpoint Medical Center and Lafayette Regional Medical Center. Dr. Moreno provides all aspects of obstetrical and gynecological care. She specializes in minimally invasive gynecological surgery, including Da Vinci assisted robotic surgery. Dr. Moreno received a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science at the University of Texas at Austin and specialized in Clinical Microbiology before obtaining her medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2012. She completed Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2016 and is Board Certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Whether you're a veteran of consignment sale shopping or it's a new concept, this is an episode for you! We talk about our favorite tips and tricks for shopping these money-saving events, as well as an interview Stephanie Hyder, owner of the Overland Park Just Between Friends sale, about her tips for parents consigning their items. Check this post for additional tips about making the most of consignment sales. What We're Loving In Kansas City Disney 100 at Union Station Sarah and her family loved getting to see the Disney exhibit at Union Station. The exhibit features 14 interactive installations and hundreds of artifacts including the latest members of the Disney family – Pixar, Star Wars, and MARVEL. Check it out now through November 30! Leawoof Park Megan recently took her kids and their dog, George, to check out Leawoof park. It is located east of City Park at 106th & Lee Boulevard. The park has lots of shade and even an area that has "agility" activities for the dogs. Close to the dog park is City Park with a great Variety KC inclusive playground. Mom tip: no strollers or food allowed!  Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!      

Your Kansas City summer is here! We're highlighting some of our favorite places and events in Kansas City during the summer months while sharing some of the new things we're adding to our bucket list. Head to our summer guide to find all the things we discuss in today's episode and much more! Thank you to our episode sponsor! Johnson County Library Adventure Begins at Johnson County Library with the Summer Reading Launch Party on June 1. Kids, families, teens and adults can launch their next adventure with a day of fun and discovery featuring local presenters, activities and community groups. The Launch Party kicks off a summer filled with events featuring authors, special presenters and activities like art projects, treasure-hunting, singing, dancing and so much more. Drop by any Johnson County Library location to pick up the Summer Guide for a list of events or visit the Library's website for more information. Starting June 3, you can receive your free book and reading log at all locations. Free books are available while supplies last. And you can also get a Passport to Adventure to discover more adventures to be had at the Library, at home and across the metro area this summer! Learn more at jocolibrary.org/summerreading. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!      

How safe is your home for your family? Meg McCollister, regional administrator for the EPA Region 7, join us to discuss environmental home safety concerns including radon, lead, water, air quality, and more. Thank you to our episode sponsor Thank you to our episode sponsor, the AdventHealth Cancer Institute. The AdventHealth Cancer Institute is opening new doors in the future of cancer care. Everything patients need all in one place. KC's most precise radiation treatments. A world class diagnostic breast center. We're built to care and driven to cure. Additional EPA Resources for Families EPA Region 7 EPA Region 7 Children's Health Tips to protect children from environmental risks Children Are Not Little Adults!  Information about Radon Testing Get air quality data where you live with Air Now. Explore water quality in your community. Meet Meg McCollister In December 2021, President Biden appointed Meg McCollister to the role of regional administrator for EPA Region 7. Meg oversees a staff of more than 650 public servants who provide environmental protections throughout Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations. Working with local, state, and federal leaders, Meg advances environmental justice and climate initiatives to ensure clean air, water, and land across all Heartland communities. Prior to joining EPA, Meg spent nearly two decades as an advisor, communicator, and strategic thinker serving nonprofits, candidates for public office, and public policy campaigns. Born in Kansas and raised in both Kansas and Missouri, she received her bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas before attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate with an emphasis in urban, land use and environmental law. Meg resides in Kansas City with her husband, three children, and rescued greyhound. She enjoys running, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. Follow the EPA on social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. What We're Loving In Kansas City Sunflower Summer App The Sunflower Summer App is a program from Kansas Tourism that offers families free admission to attractions across the state, throughout the summer! It is a must have! Each admission can be used once during the 2024 summer season and runs May 25 through August 11. Stepping Stones KC Megan's daughter has started at-home piano lessons through Stepping Stones. Stepping Stones KC offers music therapy services and enrichment groups for children from birth through 18, with or without a clinical diagnosis. The best part is they travel to serve families in Johnson County, KS and surrounding areas. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

This episode is sponsored by Children's Mercy. What does anxiety look like in kids, and how it differs from other disorders? What are just normal nervous behaviors and what deserves more attention? We talked with Dr. Haley Killian, pediatric psychologist at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, about how to talk to your kids about their worries and when to seek extra mental health support.  Meet Dr. Haley Killian Dr. Haley Killian currently provides outpatient psychotherapy and consultations within pediatric subspeciality medical clinics. Dr. Haley has a variety of clinical experience including integrated behavioral health in primary care, collaboration and consultation within medical subspeciality clinics, and evaluation of developmental, behavioral, and emotional concerns in children. She has specialized training in autism evaluation and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her research interests include parent and family factors that contribute to quality of life, physical health and well-being outcomes in children and adolescents.  Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Social media influencer culture has permeated fashion, food and even parenting. Aside from the “highlight reel” cliche we hear about often, our discussion in this episode touches on the effects social media has on moms, both in our parenting style and own mental health. We also discuss on loneliness, the potential to spread misinformation, and the rise of affiliate marketing. Join us as we talk with Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Professor of Communication Studies, Associate Chair, and Director of the Relationships and Technology Lab at KU, about social media's effect on our parenting. Meet Dr. Jeffrey Hall Jeffrey A. Hall (PhD University of Southern California) is a Professor of Communication Studies, Associate Chair, and Director of the Relationships and Technology Lab. He is a past Chair of the Human Communication and Technology Division of the National Communication Association, and the founder and editor of the journal Human Communication & Technology. Dr. Hall is the current Chair of the Interpersonal Communication Division of the International Communication Association. He was awarded the Early Career Award from the Interpersonal Communication Division of the National Communication Association in 2015. His award-winning book Relating Through Technology was published by Cambridge University Press in 2020. He has written for the Wall Street Journal and been interviewed by the New York Times, National Public Radio, Washington Post, Financial Times, USA Today, The Atlantic, US News and World Report, and CNN, and has appeared on the Steve Harvey Show and It's Personal with Amy Hoggart. What We're Loving In Kansas City Turkey Creek Festival Megan and her family loved the Turkey Creek Festival in Merriam last year and is excited to check it out again this Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. You can park at the Antioch Park parking lot or head to Nations Holding (9001 W 67th St. (formerly Lee Jeans) and catch the free shuttle. There are food trucks, concerts, a pie eating contest (ages 6 and up!), balloon artists, inflatables, fishing, Home Depot projects and more! Volunteer with Heart to Heart International Sarah and two of her kids volunteered in putting together hygiene kits to send overseas. Kids need to be age 8 and up, but check the website for more opportunities. The two-hour time slot was fast paced and fun for the kids to get to see the progress as the boxes stacked higher and higher. She's looking forward to doing this again! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!    

This podcast is sponsored by University Health. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Much of this is due to a long history of systemic racism and bias. Studies show that when Black women suffer from severe injuries or pregnancy complications or simply ask for assistance, they are often dismissed or ignored in the health care settings that are designed to care for them. Today we talk with Dr. Traci Johnson and Dr. Tiffany Ruffin from University Health about their efforts to improve these outcomes. Through their program, EleVATE, University Health offers group prenatal care, mental health services, and education for moms-to-be — an initiative that is not only empowering moms but leading to better outcomes. For more information on the Elevate program or other high-risk services, visit https://www.uhkc.org/bmhw. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

In this episode of Kansas City MomCast, we are tackling youth sports culture and how it's affecting our kids. We discuss the change in the youth sports culture over time, the potential mental health repercussions of intense competition and expectations, and what we can do as parents sitting in the stands. Discussing this topic with us are Dr. Raelene Knolla, Vice President of Population Health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, and Donease Smith, Executive Director for Administration at the Urban Youth Academy. “Not Good Enough," the documentary that was a partnership between the Kansas City Royals and Blue Cross Blue Shield is available to stream for free by clicking here. For additional information, content, and resources, visit shutoutthestigma.com Meet Donease Smith Donease Smith is the Executive Director for Administration at the Urban Youth Academy (UYA). She has vast experience in the athletics, administration, and youth development spaces – most recently with La Salle University as Chief of Staff for Intercollegiate Athletics where she helped transform internal operations within the department. Prior to joining La Salle University, Donease served in dual roles at the University of Kansas as the Assistant Athletic Director for Team Operations for Olympic Sports and the Director of Basketball Operations for Women's Basketball. At KU, she helped to create a Women's Mentorship Program – providing female employees a space to learn from, engage and support one another. Previously, Donease worked in Basketball Operations at the University of Memphis, Kansas State University and the Detroit Shock in the WNBA. She also spent time as a high school teacher and coach in the Kansas City area. At the UYA, Donease will provide leadership, direction and support for the UYA and will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence and implementing the vision, mission and strategy of the Academy. She was a three-year letter winner for the women's basketball team at Central Missouri State University (now called the University of Central Missouri), where she was named honorable mention all-conference three-straight seasons. Donease is originally from Sedalia, Missouri where she was inducted into the Smith-Cotton High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014. Follow Donease on Instagram. Meet Dr. Raelene Knolla Dr. Raelene Knolla is the Vice President of Population Health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC). In this role, she provides leadership of the medical policy, clinical operations with our utilization and care management teams, community health, behavioral health, quality, and accreditation teams. She is responsible for providing physician advice to help manage and improve the health of Blue KC members. Dr. Knolla also served as the Medical Director for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Kansas Medical Center.  Dr. Knolla received a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration/ Management from Rockhurst University, and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Florida State University. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Connect with Dr. Knolla on LinkedIn. What We're Loving In Kansas City Sports at the J Sarah's family has enjoyed the low-key and love-of-the-game focus of the Jewish Community Center's sports programs. Youth and teens are offered introductory, instructional, and competitive sports options. Whether you want a pick up game of pickleball, or an organized basketball, soccer or softball league, The J has something for everyone. Sports Apparel and Equipment on the Thrift Megan refuses to pay retail prices on a pair of cleats that will be worn for one season. She heads to KC Grow Co. in Olathe for all of her kids' soccer shorts, cleats,

This episode is sponsored by HCA Midwest Health. One of the first of many decisions you'll have to make once you find out you're having a baby is choosing a healthcare practitioner. Some women choose an obstetrician, while others opt for a midwife. Today we are chatting with Kim Boote, a Certified Nurse Midwife with Kansas City Women's Clinic, part of HCA Midwest Health, to learn about the benefits of choosing a midwife. Meet Kim Boote Kim Boote, CNM, MSN, C-EFM is a Certified Nurse Midwife with Kansas City Women's Clinic seeing patients in Kansas City, Olathe, and Lansing, KS. She is affiliated with Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Kim is a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP). She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Iowa, her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Case Western Reserve University, and her Nurse-Midwifery certificate from Frontier Nursing University. Kim and her family enjoy vacationing in warm climates where they can hike, snorkel, or just enjoy the ocean. She loves learning where all her patients have traveled to update her bucket list for new destinations. Kim has four kids that keep her busy! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Adult friendship can be tricky. Today we visit with therapist Laura Probasco-Johnson, co-creator of New Strong, to discuss what friendship looks like as moms in the seasons we are in. What does a good friend look like in adulthood? Do you have to be friends with your kids' friends' moms? How do we protect our emotional? If a friendship isn't working, how do we break up? All of these questions and more are answered in today's episode. Meet Laura Probasco-Johnson Laura Probasco-Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play-Therapist-Supervisor, and co-creator of NewStrong. Laura has over 16 years of post-Master's experience working to better the world around her. Prior to beginning her career in private practice, she worked as a social worker at Academie Lafayette, French charter school in Kansas City, Missouri. There, she developed and implemented the school's first counseling program while providing education to parents and faculty. She has also offered her expertise to community organizations from France to West Africa. Follow Laura on Instagram and Facebook.   What We're Loving In Kansas City The Lightning Thief at the Coterie Featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure. This is perfect for kids age nine and up. Sarah's older kids enjoyed and thinks yours might, too! This show ended March 10. For the Coterie's next show, see the full season here! White Chocolate Ale from Boulevard Every year, Boulevard releases something special ahead of Valentine's Day. This year was White Chocolate Ale made with coffee from Hammerhand Coffee of Missouri. The flavor is a mix of white chocolate, coffee, and vanilla- yum. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Have you heard of Buy Nothing groups? Buy Nothing is an international effort where "everything here is freely given and freely received, without any expectation of reward or compensation other than the joy of giving, receiving, sharing, and building a strong web of connections between people.” Consider this your Buy Nothing education and learn how to get involved in your local group! What We're Loving In Kansas City Nautical Bowls Nautical Bowls is Sarah's latest jam, which has several new locations in the KC area. She loves the protein acai bowls. These bowls are also plant-based, gluten, soy and dairy free. They are made with organic or all natural ingredients, packed with essential vitamins and nutrients to fuel your life! Summer Camp Guide Megan loves consulting the Kansas City Mom Collective Summer Camp Guide. It makes planning for her kids so much easier, having all these great camps in one place. Hope it can help you, too! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Joy and celebration at Kansas City's Super Bowl Champions Celebration Rally on Feb. 14, 2024, turned to horror as shots were fired at the conclusion of the rally at Union Station. One mom lost her life and as many as 23 people were injured including nine children. We are talking with anxiety therapist, Lindsey Murray, on how to address some of our kids' (and our own) big questions like "am I safe?", "Will I be ever be safe in big crowds?" and "I feel scared. What do I do next?" We hope this conversation gives you ideas on how to talk with your family and process your own grief. If you need extra support, please reach out to the many mental health resources in our area read to care for you. Meet Lindsey Murray Lindsey Murray is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist and mom of 3. She is specially trained in treating anxiety disorders and other conditions/behaviors that often accompany anxiety. Her therapy approach focuses on helping individuals understand how anxiety works and how they can respond in new & different ways to minimize its interference in their day to day lives. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages, but a significant percentage of her client base includes children, adolescents, teens and their parents. Lindsey believes in building psychological strength and in the idea that understanding how our brains work (and how they can trick us!) can be our own personal super power. Her Instagram account is most often used to document her personal and family life, but most recently has been a source of information and therapeutic advice for those who are interested in some extra support: @lindsmurr_ You can find Lindsey's therapy practice online here. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

This episode is sponsored by Camp Birchwood. We're learning about Camp Birchwood, a summer camp for strong girls. Our guests, Samuel and Georgia Del Favairo, owners of Camp Birchwood tells the history of the camp in Northern Minnesota, including Georgia's unique perspective growing up as a camper and now an owner. Camp Birchwood offers the classic camping activities, but with a special emphasis on confidence and social-emotional skills, lessons that girls can rely on for their entire lives. Meet Samuel and Georgia Del Favairo When Samuel he isn't talking to parents, hiring and helping train their wonderful staff, running the marketing, or overseeing facilities, you can find him teaching canoeing, going for a trail run, riding horses alongside Georgia, or cheering (probably the loudest!) for the campers at camp and in their everyday lives. Outside of supporting her staff, Georgia loves to spend time with the camper, teaching riding lessons, walking her dog, trimming hooves, paddling a canoe, making Samuel laugh, and riding horses. Check out their full bios here. Follow Camp Birchwood on Facebook and Instagram.   Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Today, we are talking all things Parent Teacher Association, or the PTA. Having been around for 125 years, the National PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America.  We knew there was no better mom qualified to speak to this organization than Melanie Olson-Cox, Kansas City Mom Collective contributor and Lee's Summit mom. Join us as we learn about what the PTA is, common misconceptions, avoiding volunteer burnout, and ways to get involved.  Meet Melanie Olson-Cox Melanie grew up in Lee's Summit, MO and chose to raise my family here as well. She is married with four children, ranging in ages from 10-17. She works full-time in the marketing and communications department for a community mental health provider. Melanie enjoys connecting with others and learning how to be the best human she can be. She is passionate about PTA, PTA legislative advocacy for public schools, Moms Demand Action, being an ally for the LGBTQIA community and helping her kids learn that this world is a big place but they can make a difference - even in non-traditional ways.   What We're Loving In Kansas City McLain's Cakery in Waldo McLain's has been making cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and wedding cakes for the Kansas City area for over 75 years! Sarah is a big fan of ordering their birthday cakes. They are beautiful AND delicious! Axe Throwing at Blade and Timber Megan and her husband, Chris, enjoyed a rare night out hurling axes at the wall at Blade and Timber in Leawood. Check out our guide for more information and keep it in mind for your next date night! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

This episode is sponsored by Snuddlecloud. Is there anything worse than dragging a sick kid to the doctor's office? It's exhausting for everyone and risks exposing them to even more germs! In this episode of Kansas City MomCast, our guests tell us about a new solution for healthcare for our kids. Snuddlecloud is a Kansas City-based telemedicine company. Getting sick is never planned, but SnuddleCloud streamlines the process of offering an on-demand telemedicine solution that connects you to local nurse practitioners online. Every one of their practitioners are rigorously vetted, ensuring your child is in expert hands. Through their platform, high-quality pediatric care is merely a click away, offering unparalleled convenience and professional assurance. We talk with Dr. Herbert Dempsey and EVP of Medical Operations, Sara Davenport.  Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Whether you're planning a spring break trip or looking ahead to summer vacations, this is the episode for you! Kathy Sudeikis has decades of experience as a travel agent and will help us with all the things to think through as we plan upcoming travel including when to buy your tickets, what to consider when choosing a destination and why you should take the trip!  Meet Kathy Sudeikis Kathy loves to travel and currently works as the vice president of corporate relations for Acendas Vacation Travel. She attended Regis University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences.         What We're Loving In Kansas City Southmoreland on the Plaza This cozy retreat is a great option for a romantic weekend away, team retreat or get together. Our executive team had the opportunity to plan for the year ahead - enjoying the cozy and spacious community areas at the Southmoreland while retreating for uninterrupted sleep in our own rooms. Each room is themed after a KC legend and fully stocked with everything you will need! Modern Market Also at our retreat, we had the opportunity to enjoy the delicious bowls of the new Modern Market in Corinth Square. Modern Market aims to nourish happiness from the inside out with scratch-made, clean and convenient food. Try their bowls, pizzas, salads and other goodness! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Holiday time often means lots of time with family. Family dynamics can be tough as it is, and then you add the pressure of the holidays, it can be a lot for anyone to manage. Whether you have a really wonderful, close relationship with your family or you tolerate them for a few hours a couple of times a year, holiday gatherings have a way of being stressful, chaotic, and sometimes straight-up uncomfortable. That's where family boundaries come in.  We are revisiting our last year's episode with Elizabeth Kaufman. She helps us navigate best practices going into or dealing with tricky situations with family. We discuss boundaries, family traditions (keeping or breaking them), and how to handle when family are upset with your choices. Elizabeth then addresses a few "Dear Elizabeth" questions from our listeners, giving advice on specific situations. Meet Elizabeth Kaufman Elizabeth Kaufman Therapy Elizabeth Kaufman, LCMFT, is a clinically licensed mental health therapist and the owner of Elizabeth Kaufman Therapy. She works with couples and individuals to go below the surface of day-to-day survival mode and create new patterns for their lives. Elizabeth specializes in anxiety and identity work, guiding clients to heal from unhelpful messages and wounds and live according to their values. In addition to practicing therapy, Elizabeth is an adjunct professor for a local graduate therapy program and a Kansas Behavioral Sciences Board-approved supervisor for therapists seeking clinical licensure. In her free time, Elizabeth loves to cook, travel, and spend time with family. What We're Loving In Kansas City Wee Create Studio Started by a local mom, Wee Create Studio in Mission is an awesome place for any kid interested in art. Their classes and workshops focus on process-based art exploration and learning. Check out their classes for littles, after school classes, special workshops and parents night out. Turnstyles Thrift Store TurnStyles Thrift is more than your average thrift shop. You'll find great bargains on unique clothes, affordable housewares, and more—but as you're shopping, you are supporting more than 20 programs run by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.   Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!      

This episode is sponsored by HCA Midwest Health. If you're scrolling through social media, you're going to see something about a weight loss drug or weight loss injectables. Online pharmacies, medical spas and diet clinics are popping up to provide women access to weight loss medications to help women lose weight. Today, we are chatting with Dr. John F. Tann, a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship trained bariatric surgeon specializing in weight loss surgery, practicing at Bariatric and Metabolic Specialists – a part of HCA Midwest Health. Find Dr. Tann on TikTock, Instagram, and YouTube. Thank you to Our Episode Sponsor If you've tried to lose weight in the past but haven't been able to keep the weight off and you meet certain requirements, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery Visit HCA Midwest Health to calculate your BMI, take a weight loss quiz to find out if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery and find a physician. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

This episode of Kansas City MomCast is packed with all you need to know to experience the best of the holidays in Kansas City! We discuss local light displays, events and shows, where to see Santa, where to volunteer and more!  For everything you need to know in KC for the holidays, check out our Ultimate Guide to the Holidays in Kansas City! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!    

This episode is sponsored by Ash Law. In today's episode, we are talking about divorce and separation — something that can be overwhelming if you are going through it. We discuss choosing legal representation, anticipated timelines, expense and revisiting your estate plan. Alyssa Hodges is a KC-based family law and divorce attorney. She earned her law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and earned a master's in tax law (Tax LLM) at Washington University St. Louis School of Law. She has two young children and is a published author. We hope that moms going through divorce or separation find this episode to be informative, comforting and empowering.  Thank you to Our Episode Sponsor Missouri Family Law Attorney Alyssa S. Hodges has a knack for finding optimal solutions to her clients' complex problems in each of Alyssa's practice areas; family law and estate planning. Alyssa handles family law matters including pre-nuptial agreements, divorce, modifications of parenting time, and child support. After achieving a Tax LLM in January 2023, Alyssa's extensive knowledge of the tax code provides clarity to financial arrangements made during pre-nuptial and divorce negotiations. As you seek to protect those you love, and the assets you've built over a lifetime, Alyssa's estate planning strategies can help you get peace of mind. Wills and Trusts are the foundational tools that Alyssa deploys to ensure your legacy is preserved. Alyssa has some great resources on her webpage here. Follow her on Instagram here. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

The day after the Sandy Hook shooting, mom of five Shannon Watts started a Facebook group. Her message was that all Americans can and should do more to reduce gun violence with common sense reforms. The online conversation turned into a movement of moms, dads, students, families, concerned citizens, and survivors working together with partners in the gun violence prevention movement to end this uniquely American crisis. The group is called Moms Demand Action, and is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence.  We are talking to DeeDee Cooper, member of our local Moms Demand Action Kansas chapter, who talks about the ways local moms can get involved. Meet DeeDee Cooper DeeDee has three children and four grandchildren. She grew up in Omaha but has lived in many cities, settling in Kansas City 24 years ago. DeeDee is a very active member in the Moms Demand Action Kansas chapter. She is most passionate about gun violence and its growing impact on Americans and encouraging others to vote to curb this issue.   Thank you to our episode sponsor! Price Chopper Let Price Chopper handle the cooking this holiday season and share your time–and your table– with friends and family instead! Price Chopper can prepare the perfect feast, featuring succulent turkey, ham or prime rib with all your favorite trimmings. You can even choose from a variety of KC Pride premium pies from Tippins to complete your meal. All of their holiday meals come fully cooked. Just reheat and serve for the easiest holiday meal. Order your holiday meal in store or online! What We're Loving In Kansas City Enjoy: Pure Food + Drink at Mission Farms Sarah recently checked out this yummy spot in Mission Farms.  They offer health-focused salads, sandwiches, juices & smoothies. Moms Demand Action Facebook Group The Facebook page is an easy way to stay up to date on all happenings with our local group which is very active. Another great way to stay in the loop is to text READY to 644-33 and that will tie you in with the Kansas group. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Raising kids in the digital age, especially when it comes to choosing a first device. There are all sorts of smart watches and phones for our kids to communicate with — how do we know which is the safest? We discuss when to introduce a smart watch, when to graduate to a phone and how to keep your kid safe. Meet Abby Dean Abby is Screen Sanity's Director of Communications and brings more than 15 years' experience in marketing, public relations and digital media to the organization. As a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Abby has held roles as an editor for a major city magazine, a communications manager for an arts nonprofit and a marketing manager for an international accessories brand. As the mother of two young children, Abby fully understands and empathizes with parents facing challenges in the digital age. She fell in love with Screen Sanity's mission and is passionate about banding together with other parents to pioneer the ways in which our children interact with technology. Although she grew up in Minnesota, Abby has been a Kansas City resident for more than 12 years, having lived in Midtown, Westside, Waldo and now Leawood. Follow Screen Sanity on Facebook and Instagram! Or check them out online. Screen Sanity Resources First Phone Comparison Chart Bark: Parental Monitoring App Parent guides What We're Loving In Kansas City Louisburg Cider Mill cider.... from the grocery store Don't have time to visit Louisburg Cider Mill this fall? Pick it up from the store and still support local! Click here to see all their tasty products. Trunk or Treats Need an excuse to wear that Halloween costume one more time and add to your candy stash? Check out these fun and mostly free events around town during the last two weeks of October. There are trick-or-treat events, tons of trunk or treat opportunities, plus festivals and parades. Our guide is organized by date and area of the city. Did we miss one? Email us at info@kansascitymomcollective.com! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Join us for a two part interview today! First, hear from Dr. Nicki Zieber of Kansas City Baby Lab about the latest in infant research on processing emotions. Parents with infants can get involved in the research by contacting KCU Baby Lab. Parents who participate in the study following their child from 3 months up to 15 months receive a total of $275 in Amazon gift cards for completing all four visits! Following that, you'll hear from KCMC Events Director, Jamie Young, about the upcoming KC Mom + Baby event for new and growing families!   Meet Dr. Nicki Zieber Dr. Nicole Zieber is an assistant professor and grant-funded researcher at Kansas City University. She obtained her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at the University of Kentucky where she conducted research on a variety of topics: infants' use of grouping principles in visual perception, how infants process faces and bodies, and how infants perceive emotion from body movements. Her current position with Kansas City University allows for the next phase of the grant research on emotion detection to be completed over the next 3 years as an independent investigator. The study will utilize eyetracking methodology and relate how a low-level perceptual process (emotion detection) relates to social outcomes in the 2nd year of life. Follow Kansas City Baby Lab on Facebook and Instagram! Or check them out online.   Thank you to our Episode Sponsor   At Oakes Kia, we strive to be better than the rest. Family-owned and operated here in Kansas City, Oakes Kia offers a complimentary Lifetime Warranty on all new vehicles and 2 years of free scheduled maintenance with every purchase. Oakes Kia earned a spot in Kia America's prestigious President's Club for the 2nd year in a row based on highest overall sales volume and outstanding customer satisfaction. We invite you to experience the Oakes Advantage and become a part of our family. What We're Loving In Kansas City Ropes Playground at Roanoke Park Sarah and her kids recently discovered the coolest park in the Westport area! Located at 3601 Roanoke Road, Kansas City, MO 64111, the park is filled with various ropes courses. If you don't live close, it's worth the drive! Jack's Hollow in Gardner Jack's Hollow is a charitable Halloween drive through run by the Doleshal family for the past 25 years! This year they are collecting unwrapped gifts and toys for ages baby through 17 for a local organization called Secret Santas that provides Christmas gifts to kids in need. The event is free of charge but Secret Santa donations are encouraged, as well as monetary donations.  Check out Jack's Hollow Facebook page for updates before coming and sign up on their sign up genius for a time slot! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Join us for a fun-filled conversation with Kathy Sudeikis, Kansas City mom of three. You probably know one of her children, Jason, the genius behind Ted Lasso. We had the opportunity to sit down with her as moms and hear about raising kids, her life in Kansas City, some of Jason's childhood antics and all sorts of hilarious stories about her own motherhood journey. We also hear what she really thought about the Ted Lasso mom episode! This is one you won't want to miss!     Meet Kathy Sudeikis Kathy loves to travel and currently works as the vice president of corporate relations for Acendas Vacation Travel. She attended Regis University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences.       Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

On June 2, 2007, Kelsey was abducted in broad daylight from Target in Overland Park. The effort to find Kelsey grew so large the volunteers became known as "Kelsey's Army." On June 6, 2007, Kelsey's body was found. She had graduated from high school just 9 days before being murdered. The person accused was arrested the same day. On July 23, 2008, Kelsey's killer pled guilty to all four charges and on September 16, 2008, he was sentenced to life in prison without any chance of parole. Today we have the honor of visiting with Kelsey's parents, Missey and Greg Smith. They share their daughter's story, the Kelsey Smith Act, and the resources their foundation offers. We ask how parents can balance being aware and safe with being scared and living in fear. Missey and Greg were an inspiration to us and know they will be to you, as well. Meet Missey and Greg Smith Beyond local Kansas City news coverage, Kelsey's disappearance and murder received prominent national media attention, due in large part to her parents, Greg and Missey Smith. Greg has 17 years of law enforcement experience and was a police officer at the time of her abduction. On July 7, 2007, they established the Kelsey Smith Foundation to honor their daughter by empowering families, friends, and communities to proactively protect one of its most precious resources, namely its youth and young adults. We are so appreciative of them sharing Kelsey's story with us today and all they do to keep other family's kids safe. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

This episode is sponsored by HCA Midwest Health. RSV can be dangerous for infants and young children. Each year in the United States, about 80,000 children younger than 5 years are hospitalized due to RSV infection and it's also the leading cause of hospitalizations among children less than one years old. Today, we're chatting with Dr. A. Gabriel Schifman, a pediatric emergency room physician and medical director of the Pediatric ER at Overland Park Regional Medical Center – a part of HCA Midwest Health, about a new shot that can help reduce the risk of RSV in infants. Thank you to our episode sponsor! When your child is sick or injured, trust the expertise of The Pediatric Center at Overland Park Regional Medical Center to get them back tobeing a kid again. To find a pediatric specialist or learn more about the pediatric ER, visit hcamidwest.com/pediatrics.     Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

This episode is sponsored by Children's Mercy Kansas City. Children's Mercy Kansas City sees roughly 24 children in its emergency rooms every day for a mental health crisis, and more than 3,000 children and teens were assessed just last year for a mental health need. In response to this growing need, Children's Mercy Kansas City is investing $150 million into a new pediatric mental health initiative. Dr. Sarah Beals-Erickson, Director of Psychology Services and Clinical Psychologist at Children's Mercy Kansas City is here to discuss their new initiative and the ways they are addressing this need in our community. Meet Dr. Sarah Beals-Erickson Sarah Beals-Erickson, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist at Children's Mercy Kansas City. She serves as the Director of Psychology Services for the DAY (Depression and Anxiety in Youth) Clinic where she specializes in providing therapy to KC teens with anxiety and depression. A long-time Kansan, she earned her undergraduate and doctoral degrees from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!).     Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Kansas City Mom Collective is proud to be celebrating our 10th birthday! The world has changed a lot in the last decade, but one thing has remained the same: moms' need for community. We just aren't meant to do this alone! Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Steph Flies, CEO and founder of City Mom Collective, as well as our very own Sarah McGinnity, KCMC owner. Come along with us as we look back on how the internet and Kansas City Mom Collective has changed, and where we go from here. Meet Steph Flies Steph is the CEO & Founder of City Mom Collective; growing the network after founding its original site, Scottsdale Moms Blog, in 2009. Now living in the greater Minneapolis area, she oversees the national network by spearheading growth strategies while shepherding and encouraging an ever-increasing number of moms managing individual hyper-local parenting websites. She is married to Alan and is the mom of three girls, Nora, Elsie, and Audrey. She loves throwing a great party, connecting people, and cooking with a glass of red wine in hand. Thank you to our episode sponsor! Price Chopper Get transported to a fruit-filled oasis this summer with seasonal picks from Price Chopper. From desserts to healthy snacks, summer salsas or even homemade popsicles, Price Chopper is your fruit recipe destination! With fruit's added health benefits and peak flavors you won't find the rest of the year, let's make this summer one to remember!     Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

This episode is sponsored by KidStrong. KidStrong is a national program with three Kansas City locations that focuses on brain, physical, and character development for kids ages walking through 11. The science-based curriculum that is parent focused and taught by professional coaches. We are so lucky to have the owners of two KC locations, John and Melissa Gilmore, on the podcast. They are true entrepreneurs, as they own the Orangetheory in Shawnee, formerly owned a dog training company, and now own the KidStrong locations in Overland Park and Olathe. They are just awesome people with a true passion for what they do, and we are excited for them to share more about KidStrong! Special Offer: Mention Kansas City MomCast to receive a special offer just for our listeners! Follow Kidstrong Olathe on Facebook and Instagram and KidStrong Overland Park on Facebook and Instagram! Meet John and Melissa Gilmore John and Melissa have owned and operated businesses in the Kansas City area since 2013. Their plan was to be here just a short time but like the rest of us, fell in love with Kansas City! They are passionate about entrepreneurship and believe that it can be used to help make the world a better place. In their free time they enjoy spending time with their pets Oreo, Fitz, and Toothless, playing and watching sports, and spending time with friends and family.       Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!      

This episode is sponsored by KidStrong. KidStrong is a national program with three Kansas City locations that focuses on brain, physical, and character development for kids ages walking through 11. The science-based curriculum that is parent focused and taught by professional coaches. We are so lucky to have the owners of two KC locations, John and Melissa Gilmore, on the podcast. They are true entrepreneurs, as they own the Orangetheory in Shawnee, formerly owned a dog training company, and now own the KidStrong locations in Overland Park and Olathe. They are just awesome people with a true passion for what they do, and we are excited for them to share more about KidStrong! Special Offer: Mention Kansas City MomCast to receive a special offer just for our listeners! Follow Kidstrong Olathe on Facebook and Instagram and KidStrong Overland Park on Facebook and Instagram! Meet John and Melissa Gilmore John and Melissa have owned and operated businesses in the Kansas City area since 2013. Their plan was to be here just a short time but like the rest of us, fell in love with Kansas City! They are passionate about entrepreneurship and believe that it can be used to help make the world a better place. In their free time they enjoy spending time with their pets Oreo, Fitz, and Toothless, playing and watching sports, and spending time with friends and family.       Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!      

Migraines affect one in five women. A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. (Mayo Clinic) Join us as we learn more with Dr. Laurel Short, nurse practitioner from Sunflower Medical in Roeland Park as we discuss the basics of migraines, genetic components, new medications and treatment, and resources for those who suffer. Meet Dr. Laurel Short Dr. Laurel Short is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Sunflower Medical in Roeland Park, Kansas. She earned her undergraduate degree in Nursing from Luther College and a master's degree in Nursing from the University of Kansas. She completed her Doctor of Nursing degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City with an emphasis on self-management for chronic migraine. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and has a Certificate of Added Qualification in Headache Medicine. Laurel is currently the president of the Kansas Advance Practice Nurse Association, and she is an active leader with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. Outside of the office, you will find her training for triathlon and running events and spectating activities for her two young children. Connect with Laurel on Instagram or at Sunflower Medical. Access her Migraine Tool Kit here. What We're Loving In Kansas City Pickleball Sarah and her family have gotten into pickleball! Sarah has played at the Jewish Community Center, and we have no shortage of fun places to play in KC. Bike Camp through JCPRD Megan's son just completed the Adventures in Biking Camp and cannot say enough positive things! This may be setting the bar high, but her five year old learned how to ride on two wheels in just a day — crazy! They offer year round classes through Buddy Pegs.  Definitely add this camp to your list when sign up time rolls around!   Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Migraines affect one in five women. A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. (Mayo Clinic) Join us as we learn more with Dr. Laurel Short, nurse practitioner from Sunflower Medical in Roeland Park as we discuss the basics of migraines, genetic components, new medications and treatment, and resources for those who suffer. Meet Dr. Laurel Short Dr. Laurel Short is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Sunflower Medical in Roeland Park, Kansas. She earned her undergraduate degree in Nursing from Luther College and a master's degree in Nursing from the University of Kansas. She completed her Doctor of Nursing degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City with an emphasis on self-management for chronic migraine. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and has a Certificate of Added Qualification in Headache Medicine. Laurel is currently the president of the Kansas Advance Practice Nurse Association, and she is an active leader with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals. Outside of the office, you will find her training for triathlon and running events and spectating activities for her two young children. Connect with Laurel on Instagram or at Sunflower Medical. Access her Migraine Tool Kit here. What We're Loving In Kansas City Pickleball Sarah and her family have gotten into pickleball! Sarah has played at the Jewish Community Center, and we have no shortage of fun places to play in KC. Bike Camp through JCPRD Megan's son just completed the Adventures in Biking Camp and cannot say enough positive things! This may be setting the bar high, but her five year old learned how to ride on two wheels in just a day — crazy! They offer year round classes through Buddy Pegs.  Definitely add this camp to your list when sign up time rolls around!   Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!        

Ten short months into owning the KC Current women's soccer team, co-owners Brittany Mahomes and Chris and Angie Long made one of the biggest announcements in the history of soccer — a privately funded soccer-specific stadium to be built at Berkley Riverfront Park. The KC Current stadium will be the first stadium dedicated to a professional women's sport in the world. We are excited to discuss this project with Dani Welniak, VP of Communications for the KC Current. Meet Dani Welniak Welniak started her news career in Dodge City, Kan., covering high school sports for Catch It Kansas. After two years, she moved up to Wichita's main station, KWCH 12, before moving to Kansas City in 2016 to join KCTV5, where she became the Sports Director in 2017. She was also the sideline analyst for the Chiefs Radio Network from 2016 through 2019. She made history in 2019 as a color analyst for the Cure Bowl when she became part of the first all-female radio crew to call a Division I college football bowl game. Welniak is a retired wide receiver for the Dallas Diamonds professional football team. During her time on the team, she was the 2007 Rookie of the Year, a 2008 Women's Super Bowl champion, a three-time All-Pro member and a member of the gold medal-winning USA national team in 2010. What We're Loving In Kansas City High Hopes Ice Cream High Hopes Ice Cream is located off 55th and Troost is owned by a mom of two little girls. They feature a walk up window, pints for purchase, dairy-free options, and fun flavors. Sarah recommends you try the campfire s'mores or strawberry soda flavors! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Cheap Summer Movies The perfect way to beat the heat is checking out one of the many $5 and under movies featured in various theaters this summer. Check out our guide to see them all!   Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!    

Ten short months into owning the KC Current women's soccer team, co-owners Brittany Mahomes and Chris and Angie Long made one of the biggest announcements in the history of soccer — a privately funded soccer-specific stadium to be built at Berkley Riverfront Park. The KC Current stadium will be the first stadium dedicated to a professional women's sport in the world. We are excited to discuss this project with Dani Welniak, VP of Communications for the KC Current. Meet Dani Welniak Welniak started her news career in Dodge City, Kan., covering high school sports for Catch It Kansas. After two years, she moved up to Wichita's main station, KWCH 12, before moving to Kansas City in 2016 to join KCTV5, where she became the Sports Director in 2017. She was also the sideline analyst for the Chiefs Radio Network from 2016 through 2019. She made history in 2019 as a color analyst for the Cure Bowl when she became part of the first all-female radio crew to call a Division I college football bowl game. Welniak is a retired wide receiver for the Dallas Diamonds professional football team. During her time on the team, she was the 2007 Rookie of the Year, a 2008 Women's Super Bowl champion, a three-time All-Pro member and a member of the gold medal-winning USA national team in 2010. What We're Loving In Kansas City High Hopes Ice Cream High Hopes Ice Cream is located off 55th and Troost is owned by a mom of two little girls. They feature a walk up window, pints for purchase, dairy-free options, and fun flavors. Sarah recommends you try the campfire s'mores or strawberry soda flavors! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Cheap Summer Movies The perfect way to beat the heat is checking out one of the many $5 and under movies featured in various theaters this summer. Check out our guide to see them all!   Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!    

Today we are talking about the modern family — specifically, families that are created with the help of sperm donors. The children of the sperm donors but conceived into different families are referred to as diblings, which we hear about those relationships from our guest. An estimated 30,000 to 60,000 children conceived with donor sperm are born in the U.S. every year, though that statistic may well be an underestimate. The fertility industry doesn't have to keep records, so the true number is unknown. Ali Liggett, Leawood mom and one of our own KCMC contributors, is here to share her story and experience of conceiving her and her wife's darling little girl, Amelia. We are so appreciative of her sharing her journey with us and hope you enjoy learning as much as we did.  Meet Ali Liggett Ali was born and raised in Lee's Summit, MO and graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Political Science. She met her wife, Abby, in 2015 and the two now live in Leawood, KS currently with their amazing daughter, Amelia. In addition to wrangling her daughter, Ali loves working out, road trips, Diet Dr. Pepper and advocating for causes she cares about. She's never met a stranger and loves connecting with new friends. Follow Ali on Instagram!   What We're Loving In Kansas City Jarvy's Shave Ice Locally owned by a mom and former KCMC Contributor, Britni Jarvis, and her family. Their shave ice is the BEST! They are located in Lenexa and are also available to be hired for events. Sarah loves the orange creamsicle flavor! Kids' Books for Pride Month A couple of great books to check out when you're doing summer reading with your kids are Love Makes a Family and And Tango Makes Three. In Love Makes a Family, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what's most important in each family's life is the love the family members share- regardless of what a family looks like. And Tango Makes Three is a sweet story about two penguins in the zoo that need help having a baby penguin of their own. Both of these stories a great staples to add to your family's library.   Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!