This podcast is sponsored by Learning Quest.

As parents, we all want to set our children up for success—but when it comes to planning for their education, the options can feel overwhelming. One powerful tool to consider is a 529 account, which allows you to invest in your child’s future education no matter what path they choose.

In this episode, we’re joined by Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson, an expert on 529 programs and the Kansas Learning Quest® plan. He shares insights on how families can make the most of these accounts and confidently plan for their children’s educational journeys.

Topics we cover include:

What a 529 plan is, along with its uses and key benefits

The best time to open a 529 account

Who can contribute to a 529 plan and contribution limits

Guidance on setting up a 529 account

Tune in for an informative conversation designed to help you better understand 529 plans and how they can support your child’s educational future.

 

Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson

Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson was born and raised on a cattle and grain farm near Assaria, Kansas.

After graduating from Southeast Saline High School, Steven went on to study Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University, where he was elected Student Body President and graduated with honors. Steven began his career in the financial services sector while remaining involved in the family farm. He continued his education at the University of Chicago where he received a Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance and business policy.

Steven’s financially-focused education was a valued tool in the financial services sector when he led the development of an asset allocation software program that calculated the highest return of investment for a particular need. His interest and expertise in financial issues during the economic downturn of 2008-09 was a catalyst in his decision to enter public service. Steven ran for the state legislature and was elected in 2010. His financial and agricultural background led to committee appointments including Chairman of the Tax Committee, Chairman of Insurance and Pensions Committee, and a member of committees including Appropriations and Agriculture and Natural Resources. Steven was elected the state’s 42nd state treasurer in 2022 and assumed office on January 9, 2023.

 

Before investing, carefully consider the plan's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This information and more about the plan can be found in the Learning Quest Handbook, available by contacting American Century Investment Services, Inc., Distributor, at 1-800-579-2203, and should be read carefully before investing. If you are not a Kansas taxpayer, consider before investing whether the beneficiary's or your home state offers a 529 Plan that provides its taxpayers with state tax and other benefits not available through this plan.

Notice: Accounts established under Learning Quest and their earnings are neither insured nor guaranteed by the state of Kansas, the Kansas State Treasurer or American Century. Administered by the Kansas State Treasurer, Steven Johnson.

Managed by American Century Investment Management, Inc.

The availability of tax or other state benefits (such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors) may be conditioned on meeting certain requirements, such as residency, purpose for or timing of distributions, or other factors.

As with any investment, it is possible to lose money by investing in this plan. The value of your Learning Quest account may fluctuate, and it is possible for the value of your account to be less than the amount you invested.

The earnings portion of non-qualified withdrawals is subject to federal and state income taxes and a 10% federal penalty.

Please consult your tax advisor for more detailed information regarding the Roth IRA or for advice regarding your individual situation....

This podcast is sponsored by Children's Mercy.

Every 8 minutes, one American life is lost to fentanyl. In 2021, fentanyl was responsible for 77% of drug-induced deaths for ages 14-18. Kansas City is not immune to this growing problem.

Today we are talking with Jenny Ecord, who tells the story of her nephew, Cooper, who lost his life to fentanyl poisoning at 16. Her family has made it their mission to spread awareness and education about fentanyl in his honor.

We also hear from Dr. Michelle DePhillips, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children's Mercy. She discusses what she sees in the ER in Kansas City, why fentanyl is dangerous for teens, and how we can prevent future tragedies.

In our conversation we cover:

How prominent fentanyl issues are in the KC metro

What does fentanyl does to the body.

Common ages for fentanyl related emergencies.

How these drugs get in the hands of teens.

How one family turned a tragedy into a prevention program for teens.

How parents can have important conversations about drugs with their kids.

Jenny Ecord, RN, APRN-C is a wife, mother, sister, aunt and daughter. She is also a pediatric nurse practitioner at Children’s Mercy and has been a strong advocate for children her entire career. Her story of fentanyl is a very personal family tragedy. She is the aunt of a young teenager, Cooper, who lost his life to a fentanyl poisoning in August 2021. Cooper was 16 years old when he died.

Jenny and her family have made it their mission to spread awareness and education about fentanyl in Coop’s honor. They do not want any other family to suffer a devastating loss like theirs has.

A foundation has been created for this cause along with a strong social media presence. Jenny and her sister-in-law, Cooper’s mother, have talked in schools, at parent meetings, neighborhood gatherings, churches to share their message. They have met with many political and law enforcement officials and are working closely with these organizations.

Michelle DePhillips, MD, is a pediatric emergency medicine physician and pediatric emergency medicine resident rotation director at Children’s Mercy. She is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and a Clinical Assistance Professor of Pediatrics at University of Kansas School of Medicine.

Dr. DePhillips attended medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine before competing residency and fellowship at Children’s Mercy. In addition to emergency medicine and teaching residents, her interests also include appropriate opioid prescribing and global 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!

Food insecurity is a pressing topic these days as families are faced with rising costs and the uncertainty of government assistance. Kansas City is lucky to have Harvesters, who works to feed hungry people today and end hunger for tomorrow. They are facing challenges in meeting that mission, which leads to our conversation in today's episode.

We’re excited to talk with KC native Cierra Howe, the Special Projects Content Manager at Harvesters, The Community Food Network. Cierra leads social media, video production, Spanish-language communications, and storytelling across the organization. She is also a mom to two young boys, ages four and one. 

In our conversation, we discuss:

Cierra's journey into this work and how her role supports Harvesters’ mission of feeding neighbors across Kansas City

The challenges families face when seeking food assistance, especially language and cultural barriers- and why clear, culturally thoughtful communication matters so much

How Harvesters has been affected by the federal government shutdown and delays in SNAP payments

Cierra's hopes for the future and simple, meaningful ways you and your kids can get involved.

Cierra Howe is the special projects content manager at Harvesters - The Community Food Network in Kansas City, Missouri, where she leads efforts in social media, video production, Spanish communications and storytelling. She also has a side photography business called Snapshots by Cie. Cierra is the mom of two young boys, 4 and 1, with big imaginations and wild spirits. Born and raised in KC, Cierra loves to cook, read and be one with nature.

Links to Reference

Main Harvesters website: www.harvesters.org

Spanish harvesters website: www.harvesters.org/es

Food assistance: www.harvesters.org/foodlocator

Government shutdown updates: www.harvesters.org/shutdown

Donate: www.harvesters.org/givemoney

Volunteer: www.harvesters.org/givetime

Donate food: www.harvesters.org/givefood

Advocate: www.harvesters.org/givevoice

Follow Harvesters on Facebook and Instagram.

Cold and flu season is upon us but simple handwashing can help keep germs at bay. Wet hands with water, lathering with soap, clean and scrub the entire surface for 20 seconds- about how long it takes to sing happy birthday. Rinse hands with water and dry hands with a single use towel.

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. 

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

KC Mom + Baby Fair

Kansas City Mom Collective invites you to KC Mom + Baby on Sunday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Olathe Conference Center. Bring your partner, your mom, your sister, or anyone supporting you through this new chapter of life and enjoy a morning full of connections to the businesses, products and support you need to navigate life with your baby! The first 150 moms in the door will get an awesome swag bag!

Take Out Thanksgiving

Megan and her family opt out of the cooking part of Thanksgiving and she says it's the best. Check out our guide to take out options in Kansas City! Grocery stores, restaurants, and caterers offer full meals (or just the turkey or sides) and there are also businesses offering turkeys, hams, and other main dishes. Many require you pick up the meal and reheat, but some are open on Thanksgiving and you can grab your meal hot and ready to serve. There are also amazing bakeries offering pies and dinner rolls.

Connect with Megan and Sarah

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

Parenting a child with ADHD can bring moments of frustration, guilt, and uncertainty, but also connection, growth, and hope. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by local advocates from ADHDKC who are helping families navigate the journey with confidence and compassion.

In our conversation, we discuss:

How Jeremy and Kristen each found their calling in ADHD advocacy and how it became personal for their families.

How their understanding of ADHD has evolved through years of work and lived experience.

The first steps that make a real difference when a parent begins to suspect ADHD in their child.

How families can navigate the emotional decision-making process around medication.

Simple, everyday tools that help manage ADHD at home.

The emotional side of parenting a neurodiverse child and the importance of self-care.

A look ahead to the upcoming ADHD Conference in KC this November, and how to get involved.

Jeremy Didier, LSCSW, LMAC, brings over 15 years of experience supporting children, parents, and adults with ADHD-both professionally and personally. She’s an ICF/JST/ADDCA-certified ADHD coach with ImpactParents, President of the CHADD Board of Directors, and founder and co-coordinator of Kansas City’s award-winning ADHDKC chapter. A nationally recognized speaker and contributor to outlets like The Washington Post and NBC Nightly News, Jeremy is passionate about advocacy, especially around underdiagnosed girls and women and the intersection of ADHD and addiction. She’s also a proud mom of five neurodiverse kids, four of whom share her ADHD diagnosis.

Dr. Kristen Stuppy is a pediatrician with more than 25 years of experience and deep personal insight into ADHD. Through her workshops and classes for kids, teens, and parents, she focuses on empowering families with practical, stigma-free tools. A longtime volunteer with ADHDKC, Dr. Stuppy blends medical expertise with real-world understanding to help families feel seen and supported.

This conversation is full of heart, humor, and honesty- perfect for any parent seeking to better understand ADHD and support their child (and themselves) with grace and confidence.

Follow CHADD on Facebook and Instagram and follow ADHDKC on Facebook and Instagram.

As temperatures continue to drop in the coming weeks, make sure kids of all ages are heading out the door prepared. If you have a teen or young adult who drives, consider adding a few winter essentials to their car, an emergency blanket, granola bars, bottled water. These small items can make a big difference in a pinch.

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. 

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Get Ahead on Holiday Shopping

Megan is attempting to get ahead on holiday shopping for her kids. A perfect time to do this is at the upcoming Just Between Friends sale of Overland Park happening in November! A great way to pick up toys, books, games, and more at a fraction of retail.

Get Ahead on Holiday Events

Sarah tries to make those holiday plans early by grabbing tickets to great family events, such as Elf at the Coterie, before they sell out! Be on the lookout for our KCMC Holiday Guide coming out soon!

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 HCA Midwest Health.

Did you know almost half of women 40 and older who get mammograms have dense breasts? Today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Mindi Beahm to talk about the impacts of breast density and why it matters when it comes to breast cancer screening.

Dr. Beahm is a board-certified surgeon with HCA Midwest Health in Overland Park, Kansas. She has a passion for comprehensive breast care and years of experience treating both benign and malignant breast conditions. Dr. Beahm is here to break down what dense breast tissue means, how it affects cancer detection and how women can stay proactive when it comes to breast health.

In our conversation we cover:

What exactly is breast density, and how common is it for women to have dense breasts?

Why does breast density matter when it comes to breast cancer screening and detection?

What are options for screening beyond the standard mammogram?

Is breast density something that changes over time, such as with age, menopause or hormone therapy?

Advice for moms who want to be proactive about their breast health, especially if breast density is a factor.

 

Mindi Beahm, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon whose only focus is surgery for benign and malignant breast disease at Midwest Oncology Associates in Overland Park, KS. She is affiliated with Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center and Lee’s Summit Medical Center.

Dr. Beahm has a true passion for breast surgical care. She provides evaluations for high-risk patients and options for risk reduction and surveillance recommendations. In addition, she provides monitoring or surgical management of all benign or malignant breast conditions including breast abscesses, fibroadenomas, high risk lesions and breast cancer. 

 

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

Khalia co-leads The Coterie with the managing director, helping guide its performances and programs throughout the Kansas City region. Before taking on that role, she served as Assistant Director for the Broadway-bound world premiere The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As the former Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theatre (BACT), she oversaw new works like A Kids Play About Racism, which involved over 40 theater partners (including The Coterie) and reached nearly 80,000 viewers via Broadway on Demand — later becoming a free resource for classrooms. She also led The Imaginaries: An Immersive Musical, developed through the BACT Writer’s Room to amplify opportunities for BIPOC playwrights and composers. During the pandemic, she and her team pivoted to digital and audio storytelling for young audiences, exploring how digital and theatrical experiences can merge.

Her directing and devising credits include the award-nominated She Persisted, The Musical (based on Chelsea Clinton’s book); a stage adaptation of Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings for New York City Children’s Theater; and Arthur and Friends Make a Musical! for First Stage, inspired by the long-running PBS series Arthur. She’s worked with major theaters including A.C.T., Atlantic for Kids, Disney Theatrical Group, Spellbound Theatre, and more, and as a producer has helped organizations expand their reach through interactive “edu-tainment,” digital preschool content, and children’s media initiatives via her own company, Kids at Heart Productions.

In our conversation, we dig into:

the mentors and moments that shaped Khalia’s artistic identity

the choices that led her to Kansas City and her role at The Coterie

how she and her team approach season programming and curation

what inclusion, representation, and accessibility look like in practice at The Coterie

the future she hopes to build through theater that reflects and inspires all ages

Tune in to hear how Khalia is helping shape the next generation of storytellers- and to get an inside look at The Coterie’s vision for children’s theater in Kansas City and beyond! 

Follow Khalia on Instagram and visit her website.

October is the perfect time for a dental check-up—before the holiday sweets roll in!As the school year settles in, don’t forget to schedule your child’s yearly dental appointment. Regular visits help catch small issues before they become big problems and keep those smiles healthy and bright

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. 

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Clementine's Ice Cream

Sarah and her husband, Shea, recently made it over to the new Clementine’s Creamery in Prairie Village. It's known for its small-batch, handcrafted ice cream and has expanded from St. Louis to PV at 6966 Mission Road.

The parlor offers 24 chef-inspired flavors daily, including non-dairy, vegan, gluten-free, and sorbet options, with favorites like Gooey Butter Cake and Salted Caramel Cookies & Cream. Guests can enjoy ice cream in waffle bowls, sundaes, floats, or take-home pints. Sarah said it was the best ice cream she's ever had!

Trunk or Treat in KC 

Megan loves taking her kids to check out a couple of the trunk or treat events in Kansas City every Halloween Season. We have a guide here with the full list!

Stroke has no age limits. It can happen to teenagers, children, even infants. Warning signs are often missed in children because there is a lack of awareness that strokes can happen in this age group.

Today we are speaking with a Kansas City Mom, Leila Gallagher, whose son Joey had his first stroke at age 4 while playing T-Ball. Joey went on to experience multiple strokes, bringing challenges like left-side weakness, vision loss, and ongoing recovery needs. The Gallagher Family shares Joey’s journey to raise awareness, hope, and education for other families and to support the work of the American Heart Association.

We are also joined by DeEtta Lee of the American Heart Association to discuss how we can get involved to raise funds and awareness through the annual KC Heart Walk.

In addition to hearing Joey's amazing story, we discuss:

The warning signs of pediatric stroke

How parents can equip themselves to help their children in the event of a medical emergency.

How you can get involved to raise funds and awareness through the annual KC Heart Walk.

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Beauty and the Beast at the Music Hall

Get your tickets now for Beauty and the Beast at the Music Hall, Oct. 28-Nov. 2. Sarah recommends planning early so you can attend one of the more kid friendly times - matinees on the weekend.

Best Family Photo Spots in KC

It is officially time to capture fall family photos! We have a great guide for the best spots for fall colors and backdrops for your family pics.

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. We discuss something new we plan to try, something we always do, and something we plan to do at home with our families.

Something Old

Sarah and her family always get the Johnson Farms season pass. She loves being able to pop over there for an hour and not feel the need to make it an entire day (which is easy to do there!)

Megan and her family love attending Deanna Rose Farmstead's Night of the Living Farm. Her kids are almost 8 and 11 and still love this great event. Buy tickets in advance! The Coffeys also love the Jack's Hollow spooky drive through in Gardner. Sign up for a spot online- it's free but they accept donations of unwrapped gifts for the charitable organization Secret Santa.

Something New

Before kids, Megan and her husband would frequent this awesome annual event but then... kids. This year they are planning to take their kids down to the Plaza Art Fair. It runs Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21. More information can be found here!

Megan also hopes to take her Dogman-loving son to Dogman the Musical at the Folly Theater! Tickets are on sale now.

Sarah is going to try out the Renaissance Festival, as well as attend Beauty and the Beast at Music Hall. Check out our Renaissance Festival guide here!

At Home

Simmer pots are something that Sarah has been wanting to try out for awhile and this is her year to shine. Send all good-smelling simmer recipes her way!

Megan has never been able to figure out a fall front porch display due to paralyzing indecision. This year she plans to keep her mums alive and add a little more decor!

Be sure to check out our 101 Things to Do This Fall list, as well- lots of free options there! Tag us at @kansascitymomcollective and tell us what fall things you're up to!

What catches their eye could make them cry! Survey your kid's play area for liquids like fingernail polish or colorful cleaning products they may mistake as a beverage. To avoid this, we suggest storing these products out of sight and reach of children as well as keeping potent liquid in their original container. An additional precaution is to never set an item like this on a table where it could mistakenly be forgotten.

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. 

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 University Health.

Cervical cancer is relatively common.  The American Cancer Society estimates over 13-thousand new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2025.

On today's episode, we’re joined by Dr. Blair Smith, a gynecologic oncologist at University Health and Assistant Professor at UMKC School of Medicine. She’s not only an expert in treating women’s cancers, but also a compassionate guide for patients facing some of the hardest questions of their lives.

In this episode, Dr. Smith walks us through:

What it means to be a gynecologic oncologist and why she chose this path.

Why she compares cancer treatment to managing chronic diseases like diabetes.

The most common questions patients ask—about treatment, fertility, intimacy, insurance, and even how to talk about major life milestones.

How she helps women find clarity, hope, and confidence as they navigate their care.

Join us for an honest, down-to-earth conversation about medicine, resilience, and the human side of cancer care.

Meet Dr. Blair Smith

Dr. Blair Smith, M.D. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologist at University Health in Kansas City and an Assistant Professor at the UMKC School of Medicine. She specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers, and provides advanced care through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, robotic-assisted procedures, and cancer counseling. Dr. Smith treats patients at University Health Women’s Care locations in both downtown Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, and she is also affiliated with Research Medical Center and the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute.

Dr. Smith earned her medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine before completing both her residency in obstetrics and gynecology and her fellowship in gynecologic oncology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Today, she combines her clinical expertise with her academic role at UMKC, where she mentors medical students and residents, preparing the next generation of physicians to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care.

Known for her honesty and empathy, Dr. Smith emphasizes open communication with patients, believing that transparency helps them prepare, plan, and face their diagnosis with greater peace of mind. She often compares advances in cancer care to the management of other chronic diseases, noting that with modern treatments, many women are living longer, fuller lives after a diagnosis.

Dr. Smith accepts a wide range of insurance plans and is committed to making cancer care as accessible as possible for patients in the Kansas City community. Above all, she is recognized for her patient-centered approach, her dedication to women’s health, and her ability to bring both clarity and hope to women and families navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges.

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, we sit down with a Kansas City TV news reporter Abby Eden.  Abby has spent years telling the stories that shape our communities — while managing the beautiful chaos of raising a family. From the childhood spark that drew her to the newsroom, to the challenges of covering difficult events, she shares an inside look at the fast paced, ever-changing world of journalism.

We explore how local news remains a cornerstone of an informed society, the wisdom she’s gained as a working mom, and her strategies for leaving newsroom stress at the office so she can be fully present at home. Along the way, she lets us in on exciting projects ahead and how listeners can follow her work.

Abby is a veteran TV news anchor and reporter at FOX 4 News in Kansas City, where she began her career in 2010 as a digital journalist before advancing to anchor and reporting roles, including the 10 p.m. news and the morning show since 2017. Abby is an award-winning journalist, a public speaker, and an emcee, recognized with Regional Edward R. Murrow and Mid-America Emmy awards for her impactful storytelling.

Abby is also a University of Missouri alumna, with a bachelor’s degree in radio and television journalism. During college, she interned at KOMU and even spent time in Buenos Aires gaining hands-on experience in producing, anchoring, editing, and photography.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Abby now balances life off-air with her roles as a wife and mom of four young children, alongside a house full of pets and countless responsibilities, all while anchoring early morning TV segments. When she’s not working or parenting, Abby’s an avid runner, lifelong learner, and perpetual consumer of information — always curious, always connected

Need to help your little swimmers ...and their swimmer's ear? Kids normally describe swimmer's ear as: itching, painful, loss of hearing, a feeling of fullness in their ear, or a sharp pain when chewing or tugging on the lobe. To combat this, we suggest using a hair dryer on the lowest speed to gently dry water that remains in the ear. If your child gets swimmers ear often and you know they do not have a punctured ear drum, you can use equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol as a drying solution. Another precaution is to warn your young ones about putting foreign objects into the ear canal which can lead to similar symptoms.

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. 

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Hanging With Heroes

Hanging With Heroes is back for its fourth year, and it’s more heroic than ever! We have had so much fun with you in the past, and you don’t want to miss out on this FREE event! Your family will hang with superheroes, community heroes, and even become heroes yourselves.

Toss on your cape and join us Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. – noon. at Zona Rosa‘s Central Park as we become a force of good in our metropolis! We are thrilled to have Oakhill Day School as our title sponsor!

Take Your Teachers a Treat!

As school gets going, consider dropping off a coffee or favorite treat to your child's teacher. Not sure what his or her favorites are? Shoot them a quick e mail and ask or send in a Favorite Things sheet that you can easily find online and have them return it home. Many PTAs do this and house the info on your school's webpage. Other ideas to surprise and make your teacher's day can be found in our local 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!