Kansas City Mom Collective

Today’s episode features an extraordinary conversation with Brie Morgan Bauer, a registered nurse, mother of three, and a powerful voice in resilience and advocacy.

During her third pregnancy, Brie experienced what initially felt like flu-like symptoms at just 27 weeks. What followed was a rare and life-threatening diagnosis of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. After an emergency C-section saved her baby boy, Beau, Brie’s condition rapidly declined. She was placed in a medically induced coma, endured multiple life-saving surgeries, and ultimately underwent the amputation of all four limbs.

Brie’s story is undeniably heartbreaking, but it is also deeply inspiring. In the face of unimaginable loss, she has rebuilt her life with strength, honesty, and purpose. Through her growing Instagram platform, she shares the realities of recovery, motherhood, and navigating a world not always designed for accessibility.

She has become a fierce advocate for self-advocacy in healthcare, shedding light on the complexities of insurance, medical systems, and the importance of being heard as a patient.

Since recording this episode, we are thrilled to share a joyful update! Brie has been matched with a kidney donor. We celebrate this incredible news alongside her and are honored to share her story with you.

In this conversation, we talk about Brie’s experiences which include:

Follow Brie’s journey and advocacy work on Instagram and Facebook.

Located in Overland Park, Cardboard Corner Cafe is a unique board-game café where good food, coffee, and tabletop gaming come together in a welcoming community space. Megan has  loved taking her kids there to try out new games or meet up with friends. You can choose from a large library of board games to play while enjoying menu items like waffles, salads, coffee, tea, and cocktails. They offer a relaxed atmosphere and even host regular events like game nights and learn-to-play sessions.

Pro Mom Tip: While you’re there, pop into the KC Brick store next door!

We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

The post Resilience Redefined: Brie Morgan Bauer’s Journey Through Trauma, Motherhood, and Advocacy | Kansas City MomCast Episode 98 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

Spring is finally here, and with it comes the promise of warmer weather, longer days, and plenty of opportunities to get out and explore with your family. In this episode, Megan and Sarah share the spring activities and outings currently sitting at the top of their family bucket lists.

From quick Kansas City outings to a fun road trip idea, they’re talking through experiences they hope to check out this season- and inviting you to add them to your list, too! Whether you’re looking for a day trip, a unique museum experience, a fun show for the kids, or a special spring event around the city, this episode is packed with ideas to help you make the most of the season.

Here are some of the spots and events mentioned in today’s episode:

If you’re looking for a memorable family road trip, Megan recommends heading down to Springfield to visit this incredible aquarium and wildlife museum connected to the flagship Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.

Consistently ranked among the best aquariums in the United States, this massive attraction takes visitors on a 1.5-mile journey through immersive exhibits featuring sharks, stingrays, freshwater fish, and wildlife habitats from around the world.

Highlights include:

A walk-through underwater tunnel

Interactive touch pools where kids can touch stingrays

Beautifully designed exhibits that make you feel like you’re stepping into different ecosystems

Admission:
Adults: about $45.99
Children (ages 4–11): about $25.99
Children 3 and under: Free

Most families spend 2–3 hours exploring the aquarium and wildlife galleries at a relaxed pace.

Another fun stop while visiting Springfield is this one-of-a-kind cave experience. It’s America’s only ride-through cave, where visitors board a Jeep-drawn tram and travel through the cavern while a guide shares the history of the cave and points out stunning rock formations created by an ancient underground river!

The guided tour lasts about 55 minutes, and the cave stays a comfortable 60°F year-round, making it a great activity no matter the season.

Admission:
Adults: about $36
Children (6–12): about $18
Children 5 and under: Free with a paying adult

Best of all, no walking or stairs are required, making it a great option for families with kids or grandparents.

Located inside Oak Park Mall, KingCade is a casual, all-you-can-play arcade that mixes retro favorites with modern games. Instead of paying per game, guests pay a flat fee and can play unlimited games during their visit.

Pricing:
Ages 10+: $9.99
Under 10: $4.99

It’s a fun, easy outing if you’re already at the mall or looking for a quick entertainment option on a rainy spring day.

If your kids love live theater, this children’s theater company produces engaging shows designed specifically for young audiences. This spring they’re performing Diary of a Wimpy Kid from March 17 – April 18.

Tickets:
General Admission: $12
Union Station Members: $10

Showtimes typically include weekday morning performances and Saturday afternoon shows.

Now through April 19, families can experience the story of the Titanic like never before at Union Station.

This immersive exhibition allows visitors to walk through recreated rooms from the ship, explore artifacts, and hear powerful stories from passengers who were aboard the ill-fated voyage of the RMS Titanic.

It’s a powerful and fascinating historical experience for older kids and adults alike.

One of Kansas City’s biggest fan conventions returns March 27–29 with celebrity guests, cosplay, comics, gaming, and more.

Family perks include:

Kids 7 and under free on Friday and Saturday

Family Day on Sunday, when kids 12 and under are free

If your kids love superheroes, comics, or pop culture, this event is a blast!

Kansas City’s beloved public art experience returns this spring.

The kickoff event celebrates the start of the 2026 Parade of Hearts, where beautifully designed heart sculptures are displayed across the metro to highlight local artists and support Kansas City nonprofits.

The April 4 event includes:

A first look at the new heart-inspired artworks

Family friendly activities

Community celebrations of Kansas City’s vibrant arts scene

Spring always feels like a fresh start, and there’s no shortage of fun ways to explore Kansas City and beyond with your family. Whether you’re planning a road trip, checking out a new exhibit, or just looking for something fun to do on a Saturday, we hope today’s episode gives you a few new ideas to add to your list! Be sure to check out our 101 Things To Do list, as well!

We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

The post Family Friendly Picks for Kansas City This Spring | Kansas City MomCast Episode 97 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

This episode is sponsored by Bloom Testing.

If your child is struggling in school, melting down over homework, falling behind in reading, zoning out in class, or constantly overwhelmed, it can leave you feeling unsure of what to do next. You know they’re bright. You know they’re trying. But something isn’t clicking.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kimberly Hinman, a licensed psychologist and owner of Bloom Testing, a Kansas City–based practice specializing in high quality psychoeducational, neuropsychological, and autism evaluations for children, teens, and adults.

In this conversation, we talk about what it really looks like to pursue clarity when a child is struggling including:

Dr. Hinman reminds us that struggling in school doesn’t mean a child isn’t smart- it means we haven’t figured out what’s getting in the way. A good evaluation doesn’t label a child; it explains their experience. Testing isn’t about a diagnosis. It’s about a roadmap.

If you’ve ever felt that quiet nudge that something feels off, this episode is for you.

To make an appointment with Bloom Testing, click here.

Originally from upstate New York, Dr. Hinman graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the State University of New York at Geneseo and earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University. She relocated to Kansas City in 2020 and has since built strong relationships with local pediatricians, therapists, and schools. As both a clinician and a mom herself, she brings warmth, clarity, and practicality to the families she serves.

Dr. Hinman now carries forward the legacy of Bloom Testing’s founder, the late Dr. Dawn Bloom, whose compassionate, evidence-based approach made a significant impact in the community. Today, she honors that foundation while expanding the practice’s services-including a growing focus on learning differences, ADHD assessments, psychoeducational testing, and comprehensive autism evaluations.

We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

The post From Overwhelmed to Understood: A Conversation With Dr. Hinman of Bloom Testing | Kansas City MomCast Sponsored Episode appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

Sonya’s mother was diagnosed with dementia in May 2012, beginning a five-year journey that would ultimately redefine their relationship. Sonya shares what life looked like before the diagnosis, the early signs that something wasn’t right, and the emotional shift that occurred when she became her mother’s full-time caregiver, stepping into what she describes as “becoming the mother of my mother.”

In this deeply moving episode, we’re joined by Sonya Jury, a transformational leader, speaker, entrepreneur, and Certified EOS (Entrepreneuer Operating System) Implementer known for her ability to connect the dots and turn complexity into clarity. While Sonya helps organizations bring vision to life professionally, she also brings a powerful and deeply personal perspective shaped by her years as a caregiver for her mother.

We talk about Sonya’s book, Mom Forgot My Birthday, written after what she candidly calls “riding the dementia train” with her mom. The title captures the heartbreak, confusion, and reality of Alzheimer’s, and the book itself is structured around the three stages of the disease: early, middle, and late. Sonya reflects on how her relationship with her mother evolved through each stage- from uncertainty and frustration to grief, acceptance, and profound love.

Throughout the conversation, Sonya blends her natural leadership lens with deep compassion, offering clarity for listeners who may be worried about their own parents or loved ones. She shares common warning signs of Alzheimer’s, the very first step to take if concerns arise, and what she wishes she had known earlier- lessons she now offers to help others navigate caregiving with more resilience, understanding, and grace.

Sonya’s story is honest, tender, and deeply human. This episode offers both practical guidance and emotional reassurance for caregivers, family members, and anyone seeking to better understand dementia and Alzheimer’s — reminding us that even in loss, there can be clarity, connection, and compassion.

Early signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia

How caregiving reshapes family roles and relationships

The emotional realities of each stage of the disease

What to do if you’re concerned about a loved one

Lessons learned after five years as a caregiver

The heart behind Mom Forgot My Birthday

Listen now for a powerful conversation about leadership, caregiving, love, and honoring those we care for even as memories fade.

Who doesn’t love a good freebie on her birthday? Whether you’re celebrating for a day, a week, or the entire month, there’s no shortage of birthday freebies waiting to be claimed here in KC. Check out our guide here!

The post Loving a Parent Through Dementia with Sonya Jury | Kansas City MomCast Episode 96 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

Today’s conversation is about faith, honesty, healing, and what it looks like to rebuild your life and identity after walking through something deeply painful. Our guest is Jami Nato, a popular author, speaker, and entrepreneur (and Kansas City mom!) known for her relatable, humorous, faith-based reflections on family, marriage, and personal growth. 

In today’s episode, Jami talks about her family and how she first began sharing her life and perspective publicly, how her faith shifted through the hardest seasons, and what it really looked like to do the hard, personal work of forgiveness. We’ll also talk about her decision to step away from a familiar church environment to find a new way of connecting with God, what she believes faith communities can still offer, and how all of these experiences shape her writing and her book.

About Jami Nato: Jami has become a voice of honesty and hope, sharing lessons on forgiveness, purpose, and authenticity through her blog, social media, and her book This Must Be the Place. She lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, and their four kids-often sharing the beautifully “messy” parts of real life with humor and grace.

Snow day season is here! If you are feeling adventurous and wanting to check out a new sledding spot, check out our super helpful guide to all the best places in KC! Your kids will thank you!

The post Holding onto Faith in the Hardest Seasons with Jami Nato | Kansas City MomCast Episode 95 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

This episode is sponsored by Johnson County Mental Health.

Parents face intense pressure to parent well in today’s society. Whether it’s managing screen time, overcoming generational parenting mistakes, substance abuse or the growing teen mental health crisis, it’s a lot to navigate. The good news is we don’t have to do it alone.

Johnson County Mental Health is a valuable community resource for parents and youth. We’re so lucky to speak with Tim Kruse and Sierra Wright, community prevention coordinators, who understand these issues from their work in our community as well as being parents themselves.  They are here to discuss tips for parents and the free resources available to support you on this journey.

In this conversation, we explore:

Tim Kruse is a Community Prevention Coordinator for Johnson County Mental Health. He has been with Johnson County working with children and families for the last 18 years, the last 4.5 of which has been at the mental health center. Tim works to facilitate and educate community members on general mental wellness, suicide and substance use prevention, and device awareness and safety.

Sierra Wright, LMSW is the Community Prevention Manager at Johnson County Mental Health Center, where she has worked since 2012. During her tenure, she has served in several roles, including clinician and team leader in Children and Family Services and as a prevention coordinator. Sierra earned both her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Kansas. Since 2018, she has served on the Kansas Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Council and currently serves as Vice-Chair. In this role, she collaborates with law enforcement to strengthen responses to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. She is dedicated to equipping officers with the tools and knowledge to support those in crisis and is an advocate for increasing awareness of secondary trauma and expanding supports for law enforcement personnel.

We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

The post You’re Not Alone: Parenting Support With Johnson County Mental Health | Kansas City MomCast Sponsored Episode appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

Today on the show, we’re excited to welcome Katie Wieners, the owner of Monstera’s Books in Downtown Overland Park! Katie lives in Overland Park with her husband, Justin, and their two daughters. 

Before opening the bookstore, Katie spent nearly 15 years in software sales, building a successful career that many would consider the “safe path.” But after becoming a mom for the second time, she realized something important: the work that once energized her no longer felt aligned with the life she wanted to build. So she made a bold shift.

In March 2024, Katie opened Monstera’s Books, a beautiful blend of books and plants that quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Then in summer of 2025, a fire forced them closed. After extensive rebuilding the store and inventory, they reopened in time for the holidays.

We’re talking about what it looks like to pivot careers as a mom, follow a dream that feels a little scary, build something from the ground up, and create a space where other people can feel at home. Katie’s story is such an inspiring reminder that motherhood doesn’t close doors — it can actually open the right ones.

Follow Monstera’s on Facebook and Instagram.

Christmas? Inside Santa’s Secret Shop, your child can experience independence by shopping with a Helper Elf with affordable gifts priced from $3-$20. Shopping dates include:

Grab your crew and head out for some seasonal fun at the ice skating rink at Chicken N Pickle in Overland Park (also a location in the Northland)! Weather permitting, the rink is open Monday–Friday from 4 p.m. to close and Saturday–Sunday from around 10 AM to close- perfect for afternoon family time or a spontaneous weekend outing. Skate passes are typically $11 with skate rentals around $4 (and kids 3 and under skate free!). There are lots of food options there, as well. Mom tip: don’t forget to sign the waiver before you hit the ice!

The post Building a Business That Feels Like Home: The Story of Monstera’s Books | Kansas City MomCast Episode 94 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

This episode is sponsored by University Health.

Nora and Demetrious were thrilled to learn they were pregnant with twins after receiving IVF treatments. When it came time to choose a hospital for prenatal care and to deliver their babies, they did extensive research. They chose University Health because of the maternal and fetal medicine physicians specializing in high-risk pregnancy and the access to a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

On February 20, 2025, Nora delivered twin girls at University Health. One daughter was able to go home shortly after birth, while the other stayed in the NICU to receive extra care. She was able to join her sister at home a week later. Today, Nora and Demetrious are busy parents, juggling the hectic and exciting chaos that comes with having twins. We spent time today chatting with Nora about her experience.

In this conversation, we talk about what it’s really like to welcome twins- especially when their journey begins in the NICU. We explore:

What it was like finding out they were expecting twin

The emotional and practical realities of having babies in the NICU

Who and what supported them through that experience

The transition home after a NICU stay- both the joy and the overwhelm

How they divided responsibilities with two infants

The surprises, challenges, and learning curves unique to caring for twins

How she found or built a supportive community

Her message of encouragement for other moms navigating NICU life or parenting multiples

To make an appointment with a University Health Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist, ask your doctor for a referral or click here for the most advanced expertise and compassionate care during your pregnancy.

We would love to hear from you! Send us an e-mail or find us on Instagram or Facebook!

The post Life with Twins After NICU Stay | Kansas City MomCast Sponsored Episode appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.

Welcome to our annual holiday in Kansas City episode – our most popular of the year! Whether you’re looking to start a new tradition or add something special to your holiday plans, this episode is packed with ideas from across Kansas City. Let’s dive into the holiday magic!

KCMC Neighborhood Light Guides curated and vetted by KC moms (organized by geographic area).

Deanna Rose parking lot lights: wear your PJs!

Overland Park Arboretum’s Luminary Walk

Winter Magic (Northland drive-thru)

Holiday Reflections at Union Station: indoor, interactive, and a new annual favorite.

Check out our family friendly volunteer guide.

Children’s Mercy Happy Kits that families can assemble.

Harvesters offers Family Day volunteer shifts for kids 8 and older.

KCMC’s Morning at the North Pole event featuring an awesome Santa, crafts, hot chocolate and more.

Junior League’s Santa: booked in 10-minute increments with professional photos and no lines-worth the cost!

The Plaza is bringing Santa back this year!

Elf, The Musical at the Coterie.

Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center

Kansas City Symphony’s Christmas Festival

Tons of pop-up holiday bars, fun but require early reservations.

Overland Park Arboretum’s Luminary Walk adults only nights

The Hallmark Holiday Experience, check out our guide!

Holiday markets are great for girlfriend outings and local gift shopping

Holiday Reflections at Union Station. Consider brunch or lunch at Harvey’s before hand.

Children’s Mercy Kansas City is built for kids. That’s why we have been taking care of the kids in the community for more than 125 years. Learn more. 

The post Our Favorites for the Holidays in Kansas City | Kansas City MomCast Episode 93 appeared first on Kansas City Mom Collective.