The Living Well Podcast

In this heartfelt episode, host Brad Burrow sits down with Tim Hare, Church Relations Specialist at City Union Mission, and long-time volunteer Bill Gray, to explore how God is transforming lives in Kansas City through compassion, service, and second chances.

Tim shares his journey from pastoring to helping churches engage with the homeless through faith-driven outreach, while Bill reflects on nearly 40 years of volunteering, from humble beginnings to moments that reveal the true power of grace.

Together, they discuss how City Union Mission meets both physical and spiritual needs, the importance of prayer in battling...

Today’s episode features Kevin Anderson, whose powerful journey from homelessness to healing will move you deeply. After losing everything—his job, his home, and his brother—Kevin spent six years living on the streets. But a prayer circle in jail and a chance encounter with City Union Mission changed his life forever.

Now, Kevin is rebuilding and is strong in faith, helping others, and even preparing to buy a home. This is a story of redemption, resilience, and the power of grace.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation.

In this powerful episode of the Living Well Podcast, guest host Brad Burrow sits down with Charity Gibbs, the first voice many hear when calling the City Union Mission hotline. But before she was helping others find hope, Charity was desperate for it herself.
Charity shares her extraordinary story—from a childhood marked by addiction and chaos to surviving sex trafficking, homelessness, and addiction. In a moment of despair, she found herself on the steps of City Union Mission. That moment changed everything.
Now, nearly 20 years later, Charity is on the other side of the hotline—offering hope, reso...

In this episode of Living Well, guest host Brad Burrow sits down with Phillip Garvin, Clinical Director at City Union Mission, and Dinae Chichester, Health Services Coordinator and Supervisor, for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to support men and women experiencing homelessness and deep trauma.
Together, they offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at City Union Mission’s integrated approach to care—where clinical counseling, health services, and spiritual restoration come together to meet the full needs of the individual. Learn how the mission’s “BEST BET” model—Biblically integrated, Evidence-based, and Trauma-informed—guides every decision, and discover why r...

In this episode of The Living Well, we talk with Dinae Chichester, Health Services Coordinator at City Union Mission, about her journey from forensic nursing in a hospital setting to providing trauma-informed care within a homeless ministry. Dinae shares how her passion for serving vulnerable populations, including survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, led her to the Mission. She discusses the deep connection between trauma and homelessness, the importance of faith in the healing process, and her vision for expanding health services to meet urgent needs with compassion and dignity.

In this powerful episode of The Living Well podcast, host Brad Burrow sits down with Lynn Johnson, CEO of City Union Mission, for a deeply moving and inspiring conversation about transformation, hope, and purpose. Lynn shares his personal journey into a life of service, the heart behind City Union Mission's work, and how the organization continues to offer more than just shelter, it offers true redemption through the love of Christ.

From emergency services to long-term recovery and prevention programs, Lynn walks us through the Mission’s life-changing efforts to help the homeless and vulnerable find healing, purp...

In this episode, we sit down with Philip Garvin, Clinical Director at City Union Mission, to explore how trauma, faith, and love intersect to bring healing and transformation to those experiencing homelessness. Philip shares what it means to lead with compassion, how trauma impacts the mind and soul, and why long-term recovery takes both clinical care and the Gospel.

In this episode we talk with Jenna Garvin, Vocational Development Supervisor and Stephen Chichester, Men’s Ministry Director from City Union Mission about their life-changing work with homeless men in Kansas City. They share how education, career development, trauma recovery, and faith come together to restore lives. As homeless men progress through the programs at City Union Mission, they receive vocational training and financial education designed to prepare them for lasting success.

You’ll hear powerful stories, bust common myths about homelessness, and learn how personalized care and spiritual transformation make lasting impact. Whether you're into community service, ment...

In this inspiring episode, we talk with a longtime volunteer and board member, Diane Calhoon, about her 17-year journey serving at City Union Mission. What started as a simple “yes” to God turned into a life of teaching, mentoring, and loving people through some of their darkest seasons.

She shares powerful transformation stories, the importance of addressing both physical and spiritual needs, and the growing challenges missions face today. Through it all, one thing remains clear: when Christ is at the center, lives—and generations—can be changed.

In this inspiring episode of The Living Well Podcast, host Brad Burrow sits down with Danni Boatwright and Dayton Moore—two bold voices for lasting change through City Union Mission.

Danni opens up about her family’s personal journey through addiction and homelessness, while Dayton shares his perspective on leading with integrity and investing in people. Together, they offer a candid, hope-filled look at how faith and compassion can transform lives and cities.

In this episode of Living Well by City Union Mission, host Stephen Chichester talks with Red, a graduate of the Christian Life Program. Once homeless, battling stage four cancer, and wrestling with disbelief, Red shares how his life was transformed by God’s grace. Now pursuing a career in emergency nursing, his story is one of hope, resilience, and redemption. Listen in and be inspired by this powerful testimony.

Join us as we chat with Anthony Mills, the Care Center Team Leader, and Amanda Greene, the Administrator at the L Minor Care Center, about their inspiring journeys of recovery and their work supporting others. Anthony shares his story of overcoming addiction and homelessness through the mission’s Christian Life Program, while Amanda emphasizes the importance of grace, mercy, and accountability in the recovery process. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of working in a care center and how faith and community help transform lives. Tune in for an uplifting conversation on healing, hope, an...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Josh and Amanda, two very dedicated employees from City Union Mission’s, L Minor Care Center (LMCC), to hear their inspiring stories of resilience, faith, and service. Josh, once a guest of the mission, now uses his own experiences to help others on their journey to recovery. Amanda, the LMCC’s administrator, brings her military background and faith-driven leadership to a team that works tirelessly to support individuals facing extreme challenges.

Together, they share the impact of providing a safe space for people in crisis, focusing on both their phys...

In this inspiring episode, Stephen Chichester opens up about a pivotal moment in his life when he was ready to give up. Just when everything seemed hopeless, God stepped in with a powerful message: "I have plans for you. You will find joy in helping others through what you're going through right now." Join Stephen as he shares how his weaknesses became the catalyst for strength, purpose, and a new perspective on work and life. Tune in to hear how God’s plans for you can turn your struggles into the very thing that propels you toward fulfillment and jo...

In this moving episode, the Baugher family of Springfield, Missouri, shares their heart-wrenching journey from despair to redemption. Amid the weight of raising four children, sustaining a crumbling home remodeling business, and wrestling with the grip of addiction, their world teetered on collapse. But when darkness threatened to consume them, they found hope at City Union Mission. Through tear-soaked prayers, transformative programs, and unshakable community, healing began. Today, a father stands tall, sober and steadfast in a new job, while Natalia clutches keys to a car gifted by the Mission, a tangible symbol of their new journey. Tune in...

In this inspiring episode, Amber shares her powerful story of transformation through faith. As she turned her life over to God, Amber experienced His blessings and took on new responsibilities, becoming a leader and example to those around her. Through her unwavering faith, she discovered her own worth, found purpose in serving others, and saw doors open to new opportunities—a job, stable housing, and the love of her life. Tune in to hear how Amber’s journey is a testament to the power of faith and God's guiding hand.

In this sincere episode, a young mother, Amber, opens up about her painful journey of seeking love and acceptance from the wrong places. From childhood to her struggles with addiction, she shares how a deep desire to be loved led her down a destructive path of drugs and alcohol. At 19, pregnant and hopeful that becoming a mother would finally make her feel wanted, she learned the hard way that true fulfillment only came when she found God in the most unexpected place—jail. Her story is one of redemption and the realization that only God's love can heal the de...

In this powerful episode, Sheryl continues to share her journey through the darkest moments of her life, marked by chaos, loss, and despair. With the support of City Union Mission and her newfound faith in Christ, she began a profound transformation, rediscovering her worth and purpose. Tune in to hear her inspiring story of resilience, redemption, and the life-changing power of grace.

In this emotional first episode, Sheryl shares her journey of growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, facing constant misunderstanding, and struggling to meet expectations. Her story reveals the deep impact of feeling labeled and unworthy, leading to rebellion and self-doubt. Don’t miss this heartfelt and inspiring beginning to a story about resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring strength found in faith and perseverance.

Welcome to The Living Well Podcast by City Union Mission! Hosted by Dr. Terry Megli, this isn’t just another podcast, it’s your front-row seat to stories that will move, challenge, and inspire you. Each episode dives deep into the incredible journeys of individuals who have overcome immense challenges through the life-transforming programs of City Union Mission. Dr. Megli goes one-on-one with participants to uncover powerful, first-hand accounts of transformation and hope. These aren’t just stories, they’re living proof of resilience, second chances, and the extraordinary power of the Gospel.

From struggles to triumphs, heartbre...