Kansas City MomCast

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, helmets, and more. Play It Again Sports is another great option, as well as the many thrift stores we have in KC. 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. 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 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 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!

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 [email protected]! 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!

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!

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!

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 West and is in her second year on the campaign. She has been a part of Zero Reasons Why events such as Advocacy Day at the Capital and presenting at Iola High School. Meet Ava Shropshire Ava is a recently graduated high school senior from Overland Park, KS. She is fascinated by stories - the collections of ideas and experiences that make us human. From the books on her shelves to everyday conversations, she yearns to learn from others and use her creativity as a catapult for connections. Meet Davis Finley Davis was born and raised in Kansas City and was also homeschooled throughout his childhood. He graduated from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO and received a Masters of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He began working on the Zero Reasons Why campaign in January of 2021 where he contributes to the campaign with photography, videography, writing, event planning, and storytelling. What We're Loving In Kansas City For Our Mental Health The Market at Meadowbrook Sarah loves getting an iced tea from the Market and walking the paths around Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village. She also loves walking Sar Ko Par park and getting a drink from the Foundry coffee shop. Therapy and Calendars Simply said, Megan loves therapy. She highly recommends it on the regular for everyone. She also has printed free blank calendars and filled them in for the summer to put on the fridge. 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!

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.m. at Central Resource Library. Attendees will hear from Jacqeline Woodson on the power of storytelling to connect us all. Each family will receive one free book of choice (as supplies last) for the signing. In June, we will enjoy a variety of music and movement with Latin Grammy-award winning musical guest, MISTER G, a breakdance workshop with SugEasy, and interactive musical storytelling with Dino O’Dell. In July, we will feature the storytelling talents of Jo Ho, learn how math and science come together to create chemistry with Mad Science, and go on a musical adventure with Drum Safari. We will come together as a community to celebrate the end of summer on Saturday, July 29, at Central Resource Library. Featured presenters will include Funky Mama, Social Swing and Coloratura. Check out these events listings (and more!) in the Summer Guide, and find out more details on our Summer Reading website. Stop by any Library location to pick up your reading log and a free book (while supplies last) starting June 1. You can also download your log from our website. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

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 your family. Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Justina Breit with Research Psychiatric Center on how to create a healthy home environment. Justina Breit is the Manager of Behavioral Health Outpatient Services with Research Psychiatric Center – a part of HCA Midwest Health. This episode is sponsored by HCA Midwest Health. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

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, Marena is mom to two kids — Everett, 11 and Cora, 7 —and was recently awarded 2022 Kansas Speech-Language Pathologist of the Year. Marena is passionate about Autism, Social Emotional Development, Executive Functioning skills, and parent collaboration. Follow Bringing Therapy Home on social media on Instagram and Facebook. What We're Loving In Kansas City The Coterie Theatre Megan and Sarah both have recently gotten to see the Coterie production of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, and it was AMAZING. Located in Crown Center, you and your family could easily make a day of out going to a show and exploring the area. The Coterie Theatre, named "One of the Five Best Theaters for Young Audiences" in the U.S. by TIME magazine, provides unique theatre experiences for families and young audiences. The company is nationally recognized for its one-of-a-kind programming that features a year-round season of live plays and musicals on the company's mainstage, for which individual, group, and season tickets are available. The Coterie also offers acting and theatre classes year-round for Pre K-12th grades at multiple locations around Kansas City, including an extensive summer program of classes and performance camps. Craft Putt in Overland Park Craft Putt is a locally owned mini golf bar and restaurant located in Overland Park, KS. Megan and her family went and it was extremely family friendly, perfect for all ages. Go to just putt-putt or stay and have dinner afterwards. The 9,000 sq ft space features a custom designed 10-hole indoor mini golf course that was designed by the owner to challenge those with competitive spirits but to also be enjoyed by the more casual putt putter. It also features 24 local craft beers! Check out our full putt putt 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!

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 FIFA 2026 World Cup and 2023 NFL Draft to Kansas City. We are so fortunate to be talking with her today about what this event means for our city and how Kansas City families can get involved. Attending the NFL Draft Attractions, including the Free NFL Draft Experience, Draft Theater, and Draft Red Carpet, will all be accessible to fans within a singular footprint. Admission into the 2023 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is FREE and fans can register at nfl.com/draftaccess or download the OnePass app at nfl.com/onepass. Meet Kathy Nelson Kathy Nelson is a strong believer in the economic, social and community-building benefits of sports. She works to promote Kansas City locally and nationally with the goal of attracting, retaining and facilitating sports events and organizations in the bi-state area. Nelson first joined the KC Sports Commission in August of 2010 as the WIN for KC Director then moved into the President and CEO of the KC Sports Commission in November 2011. Prior to joining the KC Sports Commission staff, she was an active volunteer and member of WIN for KC and the KC Sports Commission for over ten years. She was previously on the WIN for KC Advisory Board and has also been involved on the Women’s Sports Award Celebration committee. In 2010 she served as chair for the event, which featured Billie Jean King. Prior to the KC Sports Commission, Nelson served in senior management roles in marketing, sales and promotions at Time Warner Cable and Metro Sports and held a number of roles at FOX 4/WDAF-TV in Kansas City including creative services manager, producer, reporter and editor. Along her career path, Nelson has received numerous Telly, Emmy and cable television awards for television production, specifically sports production. She was the first woman to win a regional Emmy for the production of an NFL game in the early 2000’s. She attended Truman State University. Nelson continues to be a featured speaker for numerous organizations such as various local city chambers, rotary clubs, universities and other miscellaneous community events. In her free time you can find Nelson volunteering in the community. She is married with two very active daughters who are also involved in volunteering and participating in their community. What We're Loving In Kansas City Target Carseat Trade-In Event This event runs April 16-29 and gives you a 20% off coupon to use in exchange for your expired car seat! Simply bring an old car seat or base to a nearby Target and drop it in the designated box inside the store. Open your Target App to scan the code on the box. Talk to a Team Member in Guest Services if you need help. Find the offer in the Baby category plus more contactless savings. Click the + to save the offer and place your order online, or scan your barcode at the register! Kansas City Royals Outfield Experience for Kids The Outfield Experience is a great place to let your kids run and play especially if they need a break from the game. The entire area has flatscreens so if you don't want to miss the game, no worries! Activities in this area include a carousel, mini golf, base run, batting challenge, pitching mound, and a play ground. Tokens can be purchased to do these activities near the carousel. Don't forget pictures with Slugger in the fourth inning! I would go mid-way through the third inning to beat the line. Check out our guide for taking your kids to the Royals game 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!

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 the family system. Meet Jennifer Jackson-Rice Jennifer Jackson-Rice graduated from the University of Kansas in 2001 with a Masters Degree in Social Work and is now a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker in the states of Kansas and Missouri. She began her social work career at Children’s Mercy Hospital, where she spent seventeen years focusing on child/family relationship enhancement, emotional and behavioral struggles, school difficulties, grief and loss, crisis stabilization and childhood adversities. After Children’s Mercy, Jennifer built the PCIT program at a local private practice where she focused on establishing and marketing this evidence based treatment program. She most recently practiced at a specialty anxiety center enhancing her clinical skills in the treatment of children with anxiety. Her belief is in using evidence based treatments that improve daily functioning of children and their families. She has experience working with children (ages 2-18) and their families with a wide array of diagnoses: attention/hyperactivity disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders and post traumatic stress. She specializes in coaching parents to increase family cohesion and decrease conflictual, disruptive and attention seeking behaviors in the family system. Along with coaching parents, she has worked in the area of trauma and traumatic grief. Her strength is in helping families and children understand the impact of trauma and to teach ways to manage emotions and intrusive thoughts. Throughout her career, she has provided support and guidance as children process their traumatic experiences. Board Games We're Loving Jennifer shared that playing board games is a great way to improve and build on sibling relational skills, so here are some of Megan and Sarah's favorites! Sketchy Tales This Disney Game for kids game is all about silly drawings and ridiculous guesses. Just like a game of ‘Telephone’, players guess and re-sketch your masterpiece as it’s passed around the group. Sequence It's fun, it's challenging, it's exciting, it's SEQUENCE! Play a card from your hand, and place a chip on a corresponding space on the game board. When you have five in a row, it's a SEQUENCE. Learn to block your opponents or remove their chips, and watch out for the Jacks - they're wild! Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Your forest friends are hungry and they need your help. Spin the spinner, squeeze the matching colored acorn with your Squirrel Squeezers and place it into your log. Be the first to fill your log with delicious acorns and you win. You could also spin “pick an acorn,” “steal an acorn,” or “lose an acorn,” so be strategic. Develops matching, sorting, strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and pre-handwriting skills. Sleeping Queens The Pancake Queen, The Ladybug Queen and ten of their closest friends have fallen under under a sleeping spell and it's your job to wake them up! Use strategy, quick thinking and a little luck to wake these napping nobles from their royal slumbers. Play a knight to steal a queen or take a chance on a juggling jester. But watch out or wicked potions and dastardly dragon! The player who wakes the most queens wins. Thank you to our episode sponsor! Price Chopper Go ahead! Fill your tank all the way up! You’re a Chopper Shopper. Chopper Shopper REWARDS members earn points toward discounted fuel at QuikTrip with every purchase at Price Chopper. Rather fill your shopping cart? Go ahead ... do that instead! Chopper Shoppers can also redeem their points for FREE items at Price Chopper! Become a Chopper Shopper today and start earning even more on food or fuel! Get started at www.mypricechopper.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!

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 openness to improve. Variety KC has been a charity in KC for over 80 years and has been the driver of change to turn Kansas City into the most inclusive city in the nation. They have partnered with the city of KCMO, KCMO Parks and Rec, Sporting KC, The Current, Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, the KC Zoo, Starlight Theatre, B&B Theatres, Spinning Tree Theatre, the Royals, the Mavericks, the Monarchs and more. Follow Variety Children's Charity on Instagram! What We're Loving In Kansas City The New Kansas City International Airport Terminal Sarah got to attend the ribbon cutting for Variety KC and can't wait to fly out of our beautiful new airport soon! Check out our article all about the family friendly features of this beautiful new space. KCMC's Annual Egg Hunt Megan's favorite is an upcoming event that you don't want to miss! There will be a podcast table so please come and meet Sarah and Megan! This awesome and mom-planned egg hunt takes place Saturday, March 25 from 9 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. at 3&2 Baseball. You can choose between the 9-10:30 a.m. session or the 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. session! There will be fun activities to do with sponsors, culminating with an age divided egg hunt! Eggs are empty and are exchanged for an age-specific goody bag. Some eggs are golden eggs and have bigger prizes in them such as local memberships! Grab your tickets and we will see you there! 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 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 executive director and she has co-authored two books to educate and guide parents/mentors in digital wellness for their families. Before Screen Sanity, Tracy invested 15 years developing growth strategies for some of the world's leading organizations. She helped foundations, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies increase impact through revised strategy and program design, operational improvement and more. On a project for one of the largest toy companies, she was captivated by the power of play in children's emotional, social and cognitive development, fueling her passion for rethinking cultural norms around technology. Tracy is most passionate about helping people find community around the topic of digital health. She also love big ideas, brainstorming and ideating. She is a big fan of protein balls and bedazzled jean jackets. Meet Jamie Gordon Jamie Gordon is a licensed master’s level social worker. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska earning her Bachelors of Science degree in psychology. She went on to the University of Kansas where she earned her master’s in social work in 2008. Jamie has worked in several different settings, with her work primarily serving youth and families. She has worked in residential treatment, an inpatient psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents, a domestic violence shelter, and a school setting. Jamie currently serves as the intake coordinator at Husch Blackwell’s human trafficking clinic, where pro bono legal aid and case management is provided for survivors of labor and sex trafficking. She also serves as a supporter and consultant for Screen Sanity. From a career standpoint, Jamie is most passionate about helping those that have been exploited and don't always have a voice or resources. She also loves educating parents and kids about digital health and finding ways to help people facilitate meaningful connections and relationships and enjoying the moments right in front of them. From a personal standpoint, she is passionate about spending time with her family, being active, and never turning down an opportunity for chips and salsa! Follow Screen Sanity on instagram. Parent Resources Defend Young Minds Screen Sanity Good Pictures Bad Pictures book for older kids Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. book for younger kids Screen Sanity Parent Guide Having the Porn Talk Rob and Zareen Cope Podcast Interview What We're Loving In Kansas City Meadowbrook Park's New Inclusive Playground Completely enclosed with a fence, this inclusive playground features slides, climbing structures, places to crawl, a merry-go-round, wheelchair accessible swing and more! Check it out on the east side of the park, closer to Roe. It has its own parking lot, family restrooms and plenty of shade umbrellas. Find more inclusive playgrounds in Kansas City with our guide. KidStrong Megan just started her kids here recently and they are OBSESSED. KidStrong "helps parents discover their child’s superpowers and build future-ready kids who are confident making friends, run the playground, and raise their hand high in the classroom." The kids work on social skills, cooperation and listening, physical agility and ability with some academics strategically sprinkled in. They go once a week and are able to go at the same time which is convenient. Megan cannot recommend this program enough as it's unique and her kids can't wait to go each time. 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 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, Susan Brown is passionate about finding and building community. Susan is the director of Building Better Moms, an organization that meets each woman wherever she is in her motherhood journey as moms learn, grow and serve together. Whether it’s is in your neighborhood, your place of worship, your kids’ school or the aisles of Aldi, we are meant to do life together. Susan loves to talk through the barriers that prevent us from making real connections and help us find an authentic community to make motherhood more fulfilling, more enriching, and more fun. Follow Susan on Instagram! What We're Loving In Kansas City Strang Park Go check out Overland Park's first all inclusive park! This park has literally everything and is great for all ages. It features a 30-foot tower and slide, a sensory tunnel, climbing cargo nets, in-ground trampolines and more. It also has a separate toddler playground featuring whimsical Farmers’ Market-themed play structures and a nature play area, basketball and tennis courts, restrooms, and a gaming promenade with cornhole, checkerboard tables and oversized lawn chess. Conveniently located right by the Central Resource Johnson County Library, McDonald's (with an indoor play place), and Bear Necessities Coffee Bar — need I say more? Make a day of it and you will not regret it! Check out our park guide for other great parks in KC! Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

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 PCIT. Meet Julie Gettings Julie has worked with children and families for 25 years, 23 of those being at Children's Mercy Hospital. She is now co-owner of the local private practice KC PCIT. They treat children and families with a focus on evidence-based treatments including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention, SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions),Trauma-Focused CBT and other treatment modalities. Outside of her work, Julie is passionate about her which includes her two kids (ages 21 and 24) and her husband. She loves helping parents find ways to build a positive relationship with their child that will allow them to stay connected even through the challenging years of tween, teen and beyond. Follow KC PIT on Instagram and Facebook, or visit their webpage. What We're Loving In Kansas City Get Nerfed Get Nerfed is the area's only Nerf Battle Arena and is the newest attraction designed for family fun and entertainment. From open play to organized events, Get Nerfed is fun for all ages. Best of all, moms don't have to pick up all the darts! Kids get to pick their Nerf gun/equipment and play in a room full of obstacles. There's also an indoor play area with inflatables and other fun options for younger children. Megan's son, Gage, has not stopped talking about this place since they went! Rainbow of the Heartland This is a local favorite for open indoor play in Olathe! Take your kids to check out and play on all the incredible swing sets in the Rainbow show room. There are also trampolines, a small basketball court, and picnic tables. Open play is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The cost is $7.50 per child cash/check or $8.00 per child credit card. They offer punch cards – 5 Plays for $35 and 10 Plays for $65. Follow on Facebook for other special offers or changes to open play times and dates! Check out our Indoor Play Guide for more fun ideas! 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. Our guest on today's episode, Elizabeth Kaufman, 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. Visit Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

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 she her husband, Jonny. They moved back to KC when their first child was born and opened The Learning Tree almost 27 years ago. Prior to opening her store, she was an elementary school teacher. Jane is passionate about toys and children! Nothing delights her more than interacting with the kids that come into her toy store. She loves helping kids learn and explore the world around them. She has three adult-age children of her own all over the country and thankfully loves to travel! Follow The Learning Tree on Instagram, Facebook, or visit their webpage. 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! 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 all sunshine and rainbows, the truth is that so many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months. We visit with Meghan Bangert, adolescent psychiatric nurse with Research Psychiatric Center – a part of HCA Midwest Health, and discuss strategies to cope. Thank you to our episode sponsor! Price Chopper Let Price Chopper do the cooking this holidays season! Share your table with friends and family as you enjoy a fully prepared turkey, ham or prime rib meal – complete with all your favorite side dishes. Visit www.mypricechopper.com for more details. What We're Loving In Kansas City Holiday Pop Up Bars The Kansas City area has many to choose from with themes from “Mean Girls,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” as well as ski lodges, vintage Christmas, and there’s even a Hanukkah bar! Check out our guide and let us know if you check one out. DIY Fancy Coffee Drinks Recently some members of the KCMC team spent the afternoon creating fun, holiday coffee drinks you can make at home for gatherings with family and friends or just for cozying up on the couch with your favorite holiday movie. Which one will you be trying first? Thank you to the Roasterie for sponsoring! 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 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 supportive during this time. Connect with Sierra Yancy Sierra describes herself as a future wife, mom of a 4-year-old, daughter and sister. She is a certified perinatal doula, specializing in childbirth education and doula training with Uzazi Village in KCMO. She is passionate about birth justice and reproductive justice for all, especially people of color, who are often marginalized and taken advantage of. She wants new families to know that they can and should trust themselves, trust their bodies, trust birth, trust their instincts. You got this! Connect with Sierra on Facebook and Instagram. Connect with Thomas Greaves Dr. Thomas Greaves is a board-certified OBGYN who specializes in women's care. He serves women at office locations in Olathe, Kansas City, and Lansing, Kansas. He is affiliated with Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Thank you to our episode sponsor! Price Chopper Price Chopper REWARDs gives you more ways to save and more ways to spend your savings. The savings adds up whether you spend a little or a whole lot. Want to save on fuel at QuikTrip? Do it! Want to save on food? You can! Want to save on fuel on your way home from saving on food? Go for it! Check the Price Chopper app to see all the offers. Then choose to spend them at checkout or at the pump! What We're Loving In Kansas City See My Side Photography Megan found Abigail Powers, owner of See My Side Photography, five years ago and the rest is history. She is incredibly talented and so good with kids – patient, fun, and manages to get the most incredible shots. Megan uses her every year for family pictures, and has also gifted grandparent sessions! 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 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 Oncology. Matt has been studying the research on cannabis as medicine since 2014 when he began his journey to learn about the ECS, terpenes and the effectiveness of cannabis. He was the Nurse Educator for a chain of CBD stores before joining Cannabis Care Team. Matt is well known throughout Missouri for his knowledge of cannabis and is an educational resource for BesaMe Wellness, a large dispensary group in Missouri. Matt’s goal is to help patients meet theirs. He is dedicated to providing education on dosing, methods of administration, potentially therapeutic strains, side effects, and drug interactions. Matt is a member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association, The Cannabis Nurses Network and Cannabis Certified by The Medical Cannabis Institute. Thank you to our episode sponsor! BesaMe Wellness Winner of the 2021 “Best Customer Service Award” by The Pitch Kansas City, BesaMe Wellness take pride in serving their patients with the same integrity no matter which location you visit. With their fast and secure online ordering and delivery service, you have access to your medicine and other cannabis-related accessories when you need them. Their inventory is live and up-to-date on our online store, so you can find the right product in stock for the right price. To learn more about how cannabis can benefit you, or for assistance applying for your Missouri Medical Marijuana Card, don’t hesitate to call, click, or come on in. They are here to help! 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 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 passionate about sharing evidence-based science that helps keep kids and families safe. She is also a mom like us! Connect with Dr. Natasha Burgert Dr. Burgert's practice is in Overland Park, KS. Her passion remains direct patient care, but she also use various digital and traditional media outlets to promote child health and wellness. She is married to Dr. Kevin, and have two children. As a family, they love to travel and share new adventures. She and Kevin like to golf and are in a couples league in the spring and summer. And her my second life, she would be a race car driver. She loves to watch Formula 1 racing and has taken sport driving classes across the Country. Dr. Burgert has been able work in science communication through her role as National Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Counsel of Communications and Media for the AAP. She has writing experience as a regular contributor to NBC Learn’s Parent Tool Kit, and US News and World Report, and Forbes Health. Dr. Burgert promotes vaccinations for our community’s children and serve on Missouri’s Advisory Committee for Childhood Immunizations. She is also a nationally recognized speaker in health innovation, health care social media, vaccine advocacy, and media use with children. To connect with Dr. Natasha, follow her on Instagram and Twitter. What We're Loving In Kansas City Hayrides at Shawnee Mission Park Sarah's family loves their annual tradition of doing this fun fall activity with friends! Hayride wagons are pulled by a tractor and are loaded with hay bales and blankets. Each reservation includes a 45-minute to one-hour hayride which concludes with a one-hour campfire, where apple cider and marshmallows await (Sarah brings the other s'mores ingredients!) A maximum of 20 people will be allowed per hay wagon, multiple wagons can be booked for groups larger than 20 people. Now thru November 20. Deanna Rose Farmstead's Night of the Living Farm One of Megan's all time favorite fall events! The Farmstead's annual fun-filled event runs October 21 and 22; 28 and 29. Tickets $15 | $14 for Friends of the Farmstead members are available online only. Experience the Farmstead after dark if you dare! Dress up in your favorite costume for a night of spooktacular fun. Enjoy both scary and non-scary hayrides and live entertainment. Play games and activities including the superhero obstacle course and dance with a princess. Roast marshmallows by the fireside, gathered under the October moonlight! 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 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 KCMC favorite! Connect with Bethany Frazier Bethany is is a registered and licensed dietician and the owner of her private practice "The Kansas City Dietitian" specializing in personalized nutrition. Since 2015 Bethany and her team have been helping clients find sustainable food and lifestyle choices that fit their unique needs. Bethany has carved out her niche in the area of GI nutrition. When Bethany is not helping her clients find nourishing meals she is spending time with her husband and three kids in Overland Park. Thank you to our episode sponsor! Midwest Dairy Midwest Dairy's mission is to give consumers an excellent dairy experience. They focus their efforts on sharing insights and developing programs and resources for retail, health and wellness, school food service and industry partners. Midwest Dairy's goal is to maximize their impact by working with and through our partners to share information and real-time experiences that showcase how dairy products resonate with today’s consumer: responsibly produced, nutrient-rich, locally driven and offers real enjoyment. 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 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 national level. Jillian was the 2021 recipient of the Special Needs Advocate of the year by the National Parents Union and sits on a variety of panels, including the Mayor’s Committee for Peoples with Disabilities. Jillian believes that advocacy and support is a vital function for the disabled community and hopes that her unique perspective of raising a child with physical disabilities, positively influences as many people as possible. Connect with Jillian Jillian RainingBird is a resident of Kansas City, Missouri. She is a Cash Operations Manager at a local casino, as well as a wife and mother of three girls (18,9, and 4). Jillian’s middle child, Jaelah, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and is wheelchair bound. This experience lead Jillian to advocacy and lending her voice to help the disabled community. To connect with Jillian, follow her on Facebook and Twitter. What We're Loving In Kansas City Deanna Rose Farmstead's Night of the Living Farm One of Megan's all time favorite fall events! Join us at the Farmstead for this annual fun-filled event on October 21 and 22; 28 and 29. Tickets go on sale on October 1. Tickets $15 | $14 for Friends of the Farmstead members. A limited number of tickets are available for each night. Tickets are available online only. Experience the Farmstead after dark if you dare! Dress up in your favorite costume for a night of spooktacular fun. Enjoy both scary and non-scary hayrides and live entertainment. Play games and activities including the superhero obstacle course and dance with a princess. Roast marshmallows by the fireside, gathered under the October moonlight! Johnson Farms Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins is a locally owned/working farm that you could easily spend an entire day at with your family. U-pick vegetables, apples, sunflowers, and zinnias, as well as a tractor ride out to a real pumpkin patch! A huge play area, farm animals, games, concessions and more await. Save a few dollars by buying your tickets in advance 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.

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 to! Thank you to our episode sponsor! Visit Topeka See yourself in Topeka, the capital city of Kansas! Just a 45-minute drive from Kansas City, Topeka has all your family needs for an unforgettable time. From family friendly travel that both parents and kids will enjoy, to budget friendly getaways and tons to explore, Topeka is just missing one thing — YOU! Entertain the kids with a trip to the Topeka Zoo. Stroll through the surrounding Gage Park, home to the Gage Park carousel, the city’s beloved mini train, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center — and the perfect place for a park picnic. In the mood to explore local historic sites? Then, hop over to the Kansas State Capitol, which stands 17 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in D.C. Climb to the top of the Kansas Capitol dome for one of the best views in Topeka. And don’t stop there! Uncover a history of courage and determination at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, a stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Round out your day at Lake Shawnee, before grabbing a bite to eat at one of Topeka’s many unique eateries and breweries. Gourmet grilled cheese, anyone? And that’s just the beginning. So what are you waiting for?! Go to VisitTopeka.com to start planning your trip today!

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 social media boundaries, modeling healthy behavior, and utilizing valuable resources in our area. Research Psychiatric Center treats adolescents and adults and offers behavioral health assessments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach a mental health professional at (844) 207-4511. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook.

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 taught 10 years in parochial schools and spent two years as children’s ministry director at Resurrection Downtown. She returned to teaching in the public schools (KCPS and Kauffman Charter). She's now in her fourth year in the Grandview School district at Martin City K-8. Kris is passionate about her kids and loves hosting her family in her backyard for swimming and grilling. She is expecting her first granddaughter in December! To connect with Kris, follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Connect with Marsha Marsha is one of our Kansas City Mom Collective contributors! She is a Native Kansas Citian, married almost 17 years to a full on Nebraska Cornhusker. She has two children, son Kellen (13) and daughter Rowen (11). Marsha just finished her 18th year of teaching for Liberty Public Schools. Her passions include her kids, making her marriage stronger, and sleep. She is currently at war with a small bunny who has taken up residence in her garden and has been enjoying the fruits of her labor. To connect with Marsha, follow her on Instagram and on TikTok @marsharoth4. Thank you to our episode sponsor! McDonald's Restaurants Back to school season is here! Local McDonald's owner-operators are helping teachers prepare their classrooms with the supplies they need through their fundraiser - Fries for School Supplies! From August 22-26, local McDonald's restaurants will donate 10 percent of all a la carte fry sales back to local schools in our area. Stop by your neighborhood McDonald's restaurant and purchase any size side of Fries to support your local school. Last year, McDonald's restaurants of Kansas City, St. Joseph and Lawrence raised over $60,000 from the Fries for School Supplies fundraiser! What We're Loving In Kansas City Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium Located inside Union Station, the planetarium combines interactive astronomy education, spectacular public shows, and telescope viewing opportunities. Daily shows include live guided star tours, family-friendly astronomy programs, and educational documentaries. YaYa's Alpaca Farm Located 45 miles south of Kansas City Missouri in Cass County, alpacas are the passion! Yaya's has a farm store with all kinds of items made of alpaca and raise these adorable alpacas for sale, show, and for the gorgeous fleece that they produce. Head to their website to book a tour or a paca picnic! Also visit the farm at holiday time for a winter wonderland. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook.

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 education. We discuss practical tips on giving our kids the ability to explore safely, seasonal dangers, pool and water safety, the top things to do now, important numbers to have on hand, and more. Read More Top 5 Home Safety Tips Tips for Preventing Furniture and Appliance Tip Overs Thank you to our episode sponsor! Charlie's House Charlie's House is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness and educating parents and caregivers, healthcare professionals and community organizations about common dangers that cause injuries and accidents to children in and around the home. Their mission is fulfilled through increased awareness, public education, and distribution of safety devices at no cost. Charlie's House just celebrated their first year of having the nation’s first Safety Demonstration Home, located here in Kansas City, MO at 2425 Campbell Street. Located in Hospital Hill, near University Health and Children's Mercy Hospital KC, all are welcome to visit. The house serves as a resource for families seeking information on safety and injury prevention. Families learn about child proofing their home by going on a room-by-room tour of a typical home, including the nursery, bathroom, bedroom, family room, stairs, backyard/deck, kitchen, laundry room, garage, and driveway safety. They provide safety education on five main topics: home, water, fire, seasonal and vehicle safety. The Charlie's House Resource Center is available to the public, and anyone is encouraged to pick up safety devices, safety educational materials and more - all at no cost. Charlie' House encourages you to schedule a tour at www.charlieshouse.org and find a date/time that works best for you. Don't see a date/time that fits your needs? Call and schedule a tour in the evenings or on a weekend.

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 and become involved ahead of the election. Voting Resources The deadline to request advance mail-in ballot is Tuesday, July 26. Request an advance ballot at ksvotes.org. You can drop your ballot off at various dropbox locations or return to your polling place on election day. For more information on in-person advanced voting (July 16- August 1), click here. To learn more about ballot language, click here and to check your voting information and polling place, click here. Connect with Danielle Today we are visiting with Danielle Keller, a member of the League of Women Voters. She is passionate about empowering voters and defending democracy. Danielle cares deeply about healthcare access and equity, voting rights, and public education. Danielle is mom to Ryan, her 16 month old son, and Banjo, her 4 year old dog. She works full time as a software analyst, and in her limited free time enjoys quilting and reading. Connect with Megan and Sarah We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook.