Kansas City MomCast

Parenting a child with ADHD can bring moments of frustration, guilt, and uncertainty, but also connection, growth, and hope. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by local advocates from ADHDKC who are helping families navigate the journey with confidence and compassion. In our conversation, we discuss: How Jeremy and Kristen each found their calling in ADHD advocacy and how it became personal for their families. How their understanding of ADHD has evolved through years of work and lived experience. The first steps that make a real difference when a parent begins to suspect ADHD in their child. How fami...

This podcast is sponsored by HCA Midwest Health. Did you know almost half of women 40 and older who get mammograms have dense breasts? Today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Mindi Beahm to talk about the impacts of breast density and why it matters when it comes to breast cancer screening. Dr. Beahm is a board-certified surgeon with HCA Midwest Health in Overland Park, Kansas. She has a passion for comprehensive breast care and years of experience treating both benign and malignant breast conditions. Dr. Beahm is here to break down what dense breast tissue means, how it affects cancer de...

In this episode, we sit down with Khalia Davis Philp, Producing Artistic Director of The Coterie Theatre in Kansas City. Khalia is a multidisciplinary artist, director, and producer whose journey has taken her from Broadway workshops to children’s theaters across the country. In our conversation, she shares the inspirations, mentors, and opportunities that shaped her path, how she came to lead The Coterie, and what it means to center inclusion, creativity, and accessibility in youth-focused theater. Khalia co-leads The Coterie with the managing director, helping guide its performances and programs throughout the Kansas City region. Before taking on that ro...

This podcast is sponsored by Learning Quest. As parents, we all want to set our children up for success—but when it comes to planning for their education, the options can feel overwhelming. One powerful tool to consider is a 529 account, which allows you to invest in your child’s future education no matter what path they choose. In this episode, we’re joined by Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson, an expert on 529 programs and the Kansas Learning Quest® plan. He shares insights on how families can make the most of these accounts and confidently plan for their children’s education...

Stroke has no age limits. It can happen to teenagers, children, even infants. Warning signs are often missed in children because there is a lack of awareness that strokes can happen in this age group. Today we are speaking with a Kansas City Mom, Leila Gallagher, whose son Joey had his first stroke at age 4 while playing T-Ball. Joey went on to experience multiple strokes, bringing challenges like left-side weakness, vision loss, and ongoing recovery needs. The Gallagher Family shares Joey’s journey to raise awareness, hope, and education for other families and to support the work of the American He...

Fall is here! There is so much to do in fall in Kansas City that sometimes it's hard to know where to begin. We discuss something new we plan to try, something we always do, and something we plan to do at home with our families. Something Old Sarah and her family always get the Johnson Farms season pass. She loves being able to pop over there for an hour and not feel the need to make it an entire day (which is easy to do there!) Megan and her family love attending Deanna Rose Farmstead's Night of the Living...

This episode is sponsored by University Health. Cervical cancer is relatively common.  The American Cancer Society estimates over 13-thousand new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2025. On today's episode, we’re joined by Dr. Blair Smith, a gynecologic oncologist at University Health and Assistant Professor at UMKC School of Medicine. She’s not only an expert in treating women’s cancers, but also a compassionate guide for patients facing some of the hardest questions of their lives. In this episode, Dr. Smith walks us through: What it means to be a gynecologic oncologist and why she chose this pa...

In this episode, we sit down with a Kansas City TV news reporter Abby Eden.  Abby has spent years telling the stories that shape our communities — while managing the beautiful chaos of raising a family. From the childhood spark that drew her to the newsroom, to the challenges of covering difficult events, she shares an inside look at the fast paced, ever-changing world of journalism. We explore how local news remains a cornerstone of an informed society, the wisdom she’s gained as a working mom, and her strategies for leaving newsroom stress at the office so she can be fully...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kansas City entrepreneur Emily Bordner, founder and creative director of EB and Co., a modern accessories brand known for its effortless, elevated designs that spark confidence and celebrate individuality. We talk about the early days of building her brand from scratch, what sparked the initial idea, and how her pop-up shops turned into a thriving business. Emily shares the reality of juggling motherhood with entrepreneurship and the pivotal moment she realized EB and Co. was really taking off—yes, there’s a Taylor Swift story! Emily’s journey began back in 2012 when she couldn’t...

This podcast is sponsored by HCA Midwest Health. Alcohol has been linked to increased risks of cancer including just light drinking associated with increased risk of breast cancer. So how many drinks are OK and how should women respond to this information? We're here today with Julie Wilhauk, a board-certified nurse practitioner with Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. She is also board certified as an advanced oncology certified nurse practitioner. Julie holds both a master's degree and doctorate in her field, offering more than 20 years of nursing care experience. Since 2012, Julie has focused on...

On today’s episode, we’re honored to hear from Lou Eisenbrandt, who in the late 1960s  was a young nurse who answered the call to serve in Vietnam. What she witnessed, what she endured, and what she carried home with her became the foundation for a lifetime of reflection and advocacy. Her experience didn’t end when the war did. In the years since, she’s written two books and spoken to a variety of audiences- helping shine a long-overdue spotlight on the women who served in Vietnam. And when Parkinson’s disease entered her story, she met it with the sa...

Modern Family Alliance is a local organization focused on outreach and creating safe, affirming environments and connections amongst LGBTQ+ parents and their children. We are here today with Jennifer Wilson, local mom of 3 and the Executive Director. She is passionate about showcasing positive queer representation, ensuring that the next generation of parents feels seen, inspired, and supported. By fostering collaboration within the queer community, she is building a united front for advocacy, visibility, and collective strength. Modern Family Alliance believes in the power of connection. Their network of LGBTQ+ parents offers mentorship, support, and advocacy, ensuring that all families have...

This episode is sponsored by Emerald Prairie Home. Emerald Prairie Home is a non-toxic cleaning solution, based in the Kansas City Metro. We had the opportunity to learn the science behind this HOCl solution with Founder Carol Krska, and after trying the products in our own homes, we're excited about this locally based, powerful cleaning solution! About Emerald Prairie Home Emerald Prairie Home Founder, Carol Krska Emerald Prairie Home started in 2024 on family land with deep Midwest roots. Once a dairy farm, Emerald Prairie Farm reflects a love for the land and commitment to safe, effective care for family — four-legged fr...

Traditional schooling is not for every kid or every family. Our conversation today is with Vanessa Knight, a local mom who found this to be true for her own family, and started an organization to create community among other families like hers called AnySchoolers. AnySchoolers is one of Vanessa's heart projects after seeing that the world of schooling outside the traditional classroom needed a networking and connections infrastructure. "With what we know about how adaptive the brain is, how it learns, what the ideal environment is for learning, our society needs to think about educating children in a completely different...

Every new mom and family has a unique story to tell about the birth of their baby. While many of those stories are filled with joy, some can be marked by unexpected challenges. So what happens when the birth experience doesn’t go according to plan? Today we’ll dive into a sensitive topic that’s getting a lot of attention right now – birth trauma. This type of trauma doesn't always mean a worst-case scenario, like a NICU stay or a C-section, but rather those moments where things don’t go according to plan, and the experience leaves an emotional or physica...

We are here on today's episode with the team from the Golden Scoop, Lindsey Krumbholz, Kim Manford, and Golden Scooper, Jill Witwer. The Golden Scoop is a local ice cream and coffee shop (now with two locations) with the mission of providing meaningful employment for people with developmental disabilities.  It’s one of those places where you go and are instantly in a better mood because of it. We hope this interview has the same effect! Lindsay Krumbholz is Golden Scoop's Chief Mission Officer. She graduated from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kansas and has a degree in...

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! Say "shoo fly" to mosquitos, ticks and fleas as the weather warms up. Apply insect repellent after sunscreen, and do not apply it onto children's hands, eyes or mouths. To apply repellent to these areas, spray it on your hands then transfer to the child's face. Al...

We all know the story of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. But, did you know a Kansas City dad is responsible for the Grinch's story sequel? On today's episode, we are visiting with author Alastair Heim, who now writes under the Dr. Seuss name, as well as his own. He is the author of 20 children’s books including the #1 NY Times Best Selling official sequel to How the Grinch Stole Christmas, How the Grinch Lost Christmas. Alastair is also a husband and father and lives here in Kansas City. Meet Alastair Heim My name is Alastair Heim and I...

In honor of Autism Acceptance month, we are talking with two powerhouse Kansas City moms who are sharing their work to support parents in the neurodiverse community and efforts toward making Kansas City a more inclusive place. We hope you are inspired by their stories and advocacy. Ivory Duncan Ivory Duncan is a dedicated single mother living in Kansas City, Missouri. She is raising her seven-year-old son, Caleel, who has autism. As a former Assistant Principal and Education Consultant, Ivory has always been passionate about supporting neurodiverse young people and training teachers on equity, inclusiveness, and anti-racism. However, it wasn't...

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 pe...

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 year...

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 wi...

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...

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 sn...

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...

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...

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 A...

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...

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...

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 passi...

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 Ch...

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 exper...

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...

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...

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...

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 i...

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 hu...

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 gr...

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 Heal...

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...

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 Univ...

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...

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 an...

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 La...

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...

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 dair...

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...

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 Favero, 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 Favero When Samuel he isn’t talking to parents, hiring and helping train their wonderful staff, running the...

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 childr...

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...

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 Sc...

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 t...

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...

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 se...

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 o...

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 a...

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 a...

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 co...

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...

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 ep...

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. Sara...

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 & Foun...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people age 15 to 24 in the U.S. Nearly 20 percent of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide, and 9 percent have made an attempt to take their lives, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  With teen suicide on the rise, a local group, Zero Reasons Why, was formed. We had the opportunity to speak with an adult leader, Davis Finley, as well as teen leaders, Ava Shropshire and Kripa Gauba.  Follow Zero Reasons Why here or the local group here. Meet Kripa Gauba Kripa is a sophomore at Blue Valley We...

Summer in Kansas City 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 Johnson County Library is excited to bring its patrons “All Together Now” with both virtual and in-person program offerings! We will kick off Summer Reading with award-winning author and international bestseller, Jacqueline Woodson, on Thursday, June 1, starting at 6 p...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is the perfect time to check in with ourselves and our family members. When you’re struggling with your mental health, just getting through the day can be hard, but there are things you can do to your physical space to help yourself be more productive and reach your goals. Ultimately, a healthy home environment will look different from one person to the next. It might take time, thoughtfulness, and multiple tries to get your space to meet your needs, but eventually it will help make your space feel right for you and yo...

April is Autism Acceptance month, and our discussion today will touch the latest information on autism identification, therapies, resources in Kansas City, and how we can all be allies for families with an autistic child. About 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)  ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups  ASD is nearly 4 times more common among boys than girls Source: CDC Here to discuss with us today is Marena Mitchell, speech pathologist and owner of Bringing Therapy Home.  Meet Marena Mitchell In addition to being a speech pathologist and business owner, Mar...

As many of you know, the NFL draft is in our city this month! We are invited to join the three-day event which will take place April 27-29 across Kansas City’s iconic Union Station, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and the Downtown Kansas City area.  Bringing the Draft to to Kansas City was a long process. The Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation played a huge part in making this happen lead by CEO and president, Kathy Nelson. Kathy was recently named as Missouri’s Woman of the Year by USA Today for her influence in bringing the F...

Summer is coming faster than we think, and that means time for summer camps, sports practices and... sibling fighting. Today, we're discussing the most common struggles when parenting siblings, how much fighting is normal, when to intervene when conflict arises, how to discipline each child differently when needed, and and how to foster long-term connection between our kids.  We have the pleasure of talking with Jennifer Jackson-Rice, a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker at PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy) of Kansas City. She specializes in coaching parents to increase family cohesion and decrease conflictual, disruptive and attention seeking behaviors in t...

Kansas City's new airport terminal features are unique to our city with an intentional focus on inclusivity and accessibility for all people and families. We invited Deborah Wiebrecht, the executive director of Variety KC, to discuss how this airport plays into her larger goals of making Kansas City the most inclusive city in the world. Check out our guide to the Family Friendly Features at the New Airport! Meet Deborah Wiebrecht Deborah is the Chief Inclusion Officer for Variety Children's Charity of Kansas City. She is passionate about including the special needs population in our community and loves Kansas City's...

The average age of first pornography exposure is nine years old (Defend Young Minds). Early exposure to pornography—especially today’s violent, degrading porn—can lead to major problems later in life, including increased risk of addiction, sexual abuse, mental health issues and unhealthy views of sexual intimacy. The scary but true question is not if our kids will be exposed but when.  Here to help us tackle this issue are Tracy Foster and Jamie Gordon from Screen Sanity, one of Kansas City and the country's best resources on screen safety.  Meet Tracy Foster Tracy Foster is Screen Sanity's co-founder and exec...

In our latest episode, we are talking about mom community — what is it and how to find it. We always hear the importance of finding a village, but where is it?! Local mom and director of the community program, Building Better Moms (BBM), Susan Brown, discusses the benefits of community, the importance of authenticity, and different types and seasons of friends. Susan talks to us about how to find community in Kansas City. We are not meant to do this alone, and we hope you find encouragement in today's episode! Meet Susan Brown As a full time mom of three, Su...

It's currently winter time here in Kansas City and for many of us, that means lots of indoor play for our kids. We know this can be challenging for moms who are also trying to balance work, other children or household responsibilities. We start to ask ourselves questions like: How engaged should we be with our kids during play? What kind of play is valuable? How important is independent play, and how do we encourage it? Here to help us with these questions today is Julie Gettings, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is co-owner of a private practice, KC...

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. Our guest on today's episode, Elizabeth Kaufman, helps us navigate best practices going into or dealing with tricky situations with family...

It's holiday time and just a few more weeks of shopping left! If you're looking for gift ideas, this episode is for you. Jane Girson, owner of The The Learning Tree in Prairie Village, highlights top toys by age group, which Toyas are worth investing in and the importance of shopping local. You will walk away with some great ideas for not only holiday gifting but year-round ideas! For more ideas on shopping local, check out our ShopKC 2022 :: Local Shopping Guide! Meet Jane Girson The Learning Tree  Jane grew up in Kansas City and went to college in California where s...

This episode of Kansas City MomCast is packed with all you need to know to experience the best of the holidays in Kansas City! Join us for a festive and information packed episode. 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! For everything you need to know in KC for the holidays, check out our Ultimate Guide to the Holidays in Kansas City!     And while the holidays can seem al...

The postpartum planning experience in America is a common topic in mom conversation. That can encompass care (or the lack thereof), a wide range of emotions, and a variety of mental health challenges that so many of us have struggled with. Our guest, Sierra Yancy, is a certified perinatal doula specializing in childbirth education and doula training with Uzazi Village in Kansas City, Mo. She helps us dive into postpartum expectations and how to plan for that fourth trimester. We also interview HCA Midwest Health specialist in women’s care, obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Thomas Greaves, about how our partners can be sup...

Join us for an intriguing and informational conversation with medicinal cannabis expert and registered nurse, Matt Cascio. Matt is well known throughout Missouri for his knowledge of cannabis and is an educational resource at BesaMe Wellness, a large dispensary in Missouri.   In our conversation, we cover the basics of medicinal cannabis, stigmas and their origins, safety with the product, services BesaMe provides, and the upcoming vote to legalize cannabis for recreational use in November 2022. Connect with Matt Cascio Matt Cascio has been a registered nurse for 23 years. He has worked in various areas including the OR, Case Management, Critical Care and...

Today we are tackling the topic of puberty. We cover when it starts and what to expect, starting the conversation with our pre-teens, common myths to debunk, challenges of late bloomers, emotional and mental aspects of puberty, what doctor appointments are like during this time, and helpful resources for parents and kids alike. Here to guide us through this often daunting topic is a local pediatrician Dr. Natasha Burgert. She hosts an Instagram Live show called Masks Off Live, updating followers on the current pandemic situation, and answering questions.   Dr. Burgert is an experienced pediatrician in southern Overland Park who is...

Join us for a conversation on the health benefits of dairy with our two awesome guests, Dr. Gabriel Schifman of the Pediatric ER at OPRMC and local dietitian, Bethany Frazier. We cover the health benefits of dairy, difference between intolerance and allergy, when and how to introduce it to your baby, and practical ways to incorporate dairy in day-to-day life.  Connect with Dr. Gabriel Schifman Dr. Gabriel Schifman is the Medical Director of the Pediatric ER at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.  You may remember Dr. Schifman from previous interviews with us both on podcast and Facebook/IG. He’s a KC...

On today's episode we are talking about navigating the IEP/504 process, which can be very overwhelming as parents navigate the world of special education. We discuss the difference between and IEP and a 504, early resources and interventions, medical and academic advocacy, and the biggest challenges and gifts of this process. Our guest, Jillian, is mom to three girls, one of which was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.  In addition to advocating for her own child, Jillian began lending her voice to help the disabled community as a whole. She has championed for children with special needs on the local, state, and n...

Fall is here! There is so much to do in fall in Kansas City that sometimes it's hard to know where to begin. Join guest co-host and Kansas City Mom Collective contributor, Valerie Stark, as we chat all things fall in Kansas City. We will also have a quick health segment with a child life specialist, Catherine Coakley, from Overland Park Regional Medical Center on tricks to give kids medicine. All of the events and ideas discussed on our episode today can be found in our fall guide. Tag us online @kansascitymomcollective and tell us what fall things you're up t...

Going back to school can be exciting. It can also be terrifying, particularly for kids who have already experienced bullying, anxiety, stress, depression or trauma. Students today are grappling with intense experiences, social media and school shooting drills. If you’re feeling a whirlwind of back-to-school stress and anxiety, we have tips on how to help you and your child. Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Kim Ludwig, Director of Clinical Operations and a licensed clinical social worker at Research Psychiatric Center.  We will be discussing all things back to school and mental health, including at-home coping strategies, internet and...

Cellphones, sleepovers, video games, house rules, sports — these are all topics that can be tricky in parenting, especially when it comes to navigating these issues with other parents. How does our parenting style and choices play into our adult friendships? How do we handle being the odd mom out?  We are tackling these issues and more today with our guests and two local Kansas City moms, Marsha Roth, who is living this now, and Kris Drummond, who has been there, done that. Connect with Kris Kris has been married almost 34 years. She has three girls and a boy. Kris has tau...

Is your home safe? More than 55,000 children in our community are hurt or die due to unintentional injuries in and around the home. Today we are visiting with Melissa Roach, Programs and Community Relations Manager of Charlie's House. Charlie Horn, age 2 On November 1, 2007, Charlie Horn, a 2-year-old Kansas City boy, was killed when he attempted to climb a 30″ dresser in his home. It was through this tragedy that Charlie’s House. was born. Brett and Jenny Horn, Charlie’s parents, turned their tragedy into a mission. The Horns began a movement to reduce in-home accidents through increased public awareness and educatio...

Today we are addressing a topic that we feel is important for our listeners and as women, can affect us in profound ways. Our goal today is to educate you on the constitutional amendment concerning abortion access that will appear on the August 2nd ballot in Kansas. We discuss a variety of topics with our guest, Danielle Keller, from the League of Women Voters including the history of abortion laws in Kansas, the current restrictions in place, and what the amendment seeks to do. We also cover what a "yes" and "no" vote mean and ways to further educate yourself...

Are you looking for fun new things to fill your summer days without wasting too much gas? Today we are exploring the Kansas City Metro with kids — no hotels or long road trips required! We challenge you to explore an area of the Kansas City metro you've never been to before. Explore Overland Park Downtown Overland Park Start with the Overland Park Farmers Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Downtown OP. Great food trucks and a way to support local farmers. Other favorites in Downtown OP include Penzey's Spices, Thompson Park, Buffalo State Pizza and S...

Teaching kids about money can be tricky, but have no fear! Our conversation with guest Kelly Peden of Mazuma Credit Union covers all things financial literacy. Join us as we discuss money introduction, when to open a banking account, whether or not kids should have jobs as they get older, modeling money management, and much more.   Kelly has been with Mazuma Credit Union for 14 years. She started as a teller in 2008 and is now the branch leader at the Gladstone location. Kelly fell in love with the Mazuma culture and what they stand for, making Kansas City a better place to...

The dads of the Kansas City MomCast join us on this episode for a special Father's Day edition! Join us for  a glimpse into the dad brain on fatherhood vs. motherhood culture, being an emotionally present father, raising girls vs. boys, and some fun rapid fire questions. Wishing all the dads and father figures out there a wonderful Father's Day! Looking for a local gift for a Kansas City dad? Check out our gift guide! Meet the MomCast Dads Chris Coffey Chris is dad to two and works in healthcare IT.  He can be found doing house projects, watching Sporting KC...

The recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas has evoked many emotions — sadness, grief, helplessness, anxiety, and anger. Children who are struggling with their thoughts and feelings about the stories and images of the shooting may turn to trusted adults for help and guidance. Today we talk with Kim Ludwig, LCSW, LSCSW, about how to talk to your kids and teens about this tragic event. Kim is the Director of Clinical Operations and a licensed clinical social worker at Research Psychiatric Center. Research Psychiatric Center treats adolescents and adults and offers behavioral health assessments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You ca...

There’s nothing better than summer in Kansas City! 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. So grab your calendar, and let’s get this party started! Summer Resource Guides The Ultimate Guide to a Kansas City Summer From festivals to day camps to movies under the stars, there are so many choices to ensure your summer days are memorable. We’ve not only included our favorites but included mom tips to help give you all the info you...

On today's episode, we visit with Dr. Jessica Parrott, Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician with HCA Midwest Health, about pregnancy after age 35. We discuss the risk factors women should consider when getting pregnant at advanced maternal age and how the age 35 was determined as the cutoff. Dr. Parrott discusses the shift in the average age that women are having babies, genetic testing options, and risk factors to both the woman and her baby. This episode is sponsored by HCA Midwest Health. Connect with Dr. Jessica Parrott Dr. Jessica Parrott is a board certified and fellowship trained Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician with HCA Midwest...

Join us for a conversation with Lee's Summit mom and author, Liesl Hays, about what happens when life falls apart. Liesl had a great job, husband, kids, and life — yet the secret she was keeping blew it all up. Do you have a story that is untold? Liesl walks us through the process she went through unpacking where things went wrong, and the path she took to get back to herself and the life she truly wanted. Connect with Liesl Liesl Hays is a word artist, truth-teller, choice-maker, and inspirer. She is also author of Broken, Changed and Rearranged. For ov...

In celebration of Earth Day, we are visiting with Susan Alig and Robin Ganahl of Mothers Out Front, an organization that brings moms together to work toward climate change both nationally and locally.  Their work is centered on bringing mothers, grandmothers, aunts and other allies to be a collective voice for action at local and state levels, focused on phasing out fossil fuels. Mothers Out Front grows their network by hosting house parties where community members can gather to learn how to make a change in their communities. We’re excited for you to hear about their work and ways for...

In today's episode, we are talking about alcohol and motherhood, an issue that has been normalized culturally as moms but can easily turn into something more serious.   Moms with young kids increased their alcohol consumption by nearly 325 percent between the start of the COVID-19  pandemic and end of the year 2020 according to a study conducted for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. A study published in JAMA found that during 2020 there was a 41 percent increase in the number of days on which women drank heavily, defined as having four or more drinks in a couple of hours. We are...

We get personal with local Lee's Summit mom and Pelvic Floor OT, Dr. Kassie DeWitt.  In our conversation, we cover all things pelvic floor health including the anatomy of the pelvic floor, ways to support and improve functioning pre- and post-natal, bladder and bowel health, most common issues, and what to do next if you need help. Kassie is a mom of three kids, ages 5 and under, and is passionate about advocating for women's health and normalizing functionality over dysfunction. What We're Loving in Kansas City Parade of Hearts in Kansas City Just Between Friends Overland Park Kids' Consignment Sale M...