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.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

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

Brie’s medical journey during her third pregnancy

Surviving streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

Life after limb loss and redefining motherhood

The emotional and practical realities of recovery

Accessibility challenges and awareness

Navigating insurance and advocating for necessary care

Sharing vulnerably online while protecting personal healing

The mission behind Brie’s Hope Foundation

Looking ahead: hope, dreams, and the next chapter

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

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Summit Play Village

Sarah has enjoyed taking her youngest to Summit Play Village! Located in Lee's Summit, this place is full of imaginative fun. There is a coffee bar, imaginative play areas by theme, and birthday party room. It was super clean and they were the only ones there on a weekday afternoon!

Cardboard Corner Cafe

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!

Connect with Megan and Sarah

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

 

 

 

 

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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:

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium (Springfield, MO)

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

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

Fantastic Caverns

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 $36Children (6–12): about $18Children 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.

KingCade

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+: $9.99Under 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.

Theatre for Young America at Union Station Kansas City

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: $12Union Station Members: $10

Showtimes typically include weekday morning performances and Saturday afternoon shows.

Titanic: An Immersive Voyage

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.

Planet Comicon Kansas City

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!

Parade of Hearts Kickoff

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!

Connect with Megan and Sarah

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

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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.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

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

The earliest signs a child may be struggling academically, behaviorally, or emotionally

The biggest misconceptions about ADHD, autism, and learning difference

How to tell the difference between typical development and something that needs evaluation

What a psychoeducational evaluation actually is and what it can reveal

The difference between school testing and private testing

What testing day feels like for a child and how to support anxious or sensitive kid

How results translate into real support, including IEPs, 504 plans, and school accommodations

What to say to parents who worry about labeling their child

First steps to take if you think your child may need testing

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. 

About Dr. Himan

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.

Connect with Megan and Sarah

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

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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.

In this episode, we discuss:

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.

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Slime KC 

Rainbow Slime Co. at Union Station is an interactive pop-up experience where kids can create and play with different types of slime! Best part? It's not in your house! The cost is $12 per person and they are closed on Mondays. This has been a popular spot so hop online to reserve your time slot here.

Birthday Freebies!

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!

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’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.

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Time To Sign Up For Summer Camps!

Sarah is here with a PSA to all moms that January and February is the time to get your kids signed up for summer camps! She has her eye on Tastebuds cooking camps and Snapology this year but will also be consulting the ever-helpful KCMC Summer Camp Guide you can find here!

Snow Day Sledding

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!

Connect with Megan and Sarah

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

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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.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

In this conversation, we explore:

How the way we were parented impacts the way we parent.

The variety of resources that we have for parents/caregivers

Device safety/awareness and how to navigate that digital world

How to navigate situations when a child is in a mental health crisis

What parents need to know about substance abuse and suicide

How Johnson County Mental Health is here to help both parents and kids

Meet Our Guests

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.

 

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 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.

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Santa's Secret Shop at Mama and Me Boutique in Liberty

Does your kid have a list of friends, family, and special teachers they’d love to surprise for

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:

December 15-19: 2pm-6pm

December 20: 11am-4pm

December 21: 11am-1pm

December 22-23: 11am-5pm

December 24: 10am-1pm

This fun little pop up is located inside Mama and Me Boutique in Liberty, MO.

Ice Skating at Chicken N Pickle

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!

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.

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.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

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.

Connect with Megan and Sarah

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

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!

Favorite Places to Get Gifts

Experience gifts like mom-and-me pedicures.

Local memberships: KidScape, Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, Union Station, Wonderscope, and The Kansas City Zoo

Gift cards to neighborhood spots like Golden Scoop, Panera, or QuikTrip.

KC-themed apparel for kids.

Travel-related gifts: luggage, Disney gift cards for upcoming trips

Tickets to local shows (Coterie, Broadway series)

Best Spots for Holiday Lights

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.

Favorite Ways to Give Back

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.

Visiting Santa

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!

Favorite Live Music and Theater

Elf, The Musical at the Coterie.

Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center

Kansas City Symphony’s Christmas Festival

Favorite Adult Holiday Activities

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

Best Places to Take Out-of-Town Visitors

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

When it's too chilly to play outside, find fun ways to keep kids moving indoors. Dance parties, hallway obstacle courses, and living room yoga are great ways to burn energy and to boost moods. Even 15 minutes of movement can make a big difference. Get creative, join in, and show them that staying active can be fun no matter the weather.

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 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.

Taxes are deferred until withdrawal if the requirements are met. A 10% penalty may be imposed for withdrawal prior to reaching age 59 ½.

©2025 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

Connect with Megan and Sarah

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