If you live in Kansas City you are likely familiar with Jim Cosgrove, also known as Mr. Stinky Feet. For more than 25 years, he has delighted audiences throughout North America and Europe with his positivity and an energetic brand of family folk-rock. With nearly 5,000 performances in 38 states and six countries (including two appearances at the White House Easter Egg Roll), 10 award-winning albums, and millions of Spotify and YouTube streams, he’s become a reliable audience favorite.

Today, we talk with Jim about how he came to be Mr. Stinky Feet and his life before, his love of music origin and perspective on kids, unique locations he's performed in, what he loves most about his career, and much more.

Jim is the youngest of eight children and grew up in Brookside. After completing his journalism degree, he worked in the Navajo Nation in western New Mexico as a journalism teacher and driver of a school bus route. He was the town bingo caller! Jim later worked as a staff writer for the Albuquerque Journal, a media spokesman for a division of Sprint Corporation, and an editor for Hallmark Cards.

You can find Mr. Stinky Feet on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Feeling sneezy? Springtime allergies don't have to ruin your warmer days! Over the counter antihistamines can help relieve allergy symptoms. For nasal congestion, try a nasal spray. If over the counter medications aren't helping, consider making an appointment with an allergist.

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

New Theater and Restaurant

Sarah and her husband enjoy going to the New Theatre and Restaurant in Overland Park! Enjoy dinner and drinks along with stage, film, and TV stars in Broadway comedies and musicals. New Theater produces five shows a year! A great idea for something a little different.

Ben Folds with the Kansas City Symphony

Megan and Chris are headed to see Ben Folds perform with the KC Symphony this month! The symphony has an entire pops series that will be featuring concerts that feature music by John Williams, soft rock hits of the '70s and '80s, and they also do film with live orchestra (think Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and even Jaws). The Kaufman is just beautiful so if you haven't been, check out their concerts and add it to your list!

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

If you haven't planned for Spring Break yet, now is the time! This episode includes ideas for drivable trips, staycation ideas, and some outside the box ideas for Kansas City families.

Road Trips

Kansas City may be landlocked, but when it comes to vacations and long weekends there is no lack of fun places for families ready to hit the road! We’ve rounded up over 20 vacation spots within a 5-hour drive of Kansas City as well as information about the length of the drive, things to do when you get there, and trip reports we’ve written over the years to help you make your plans.

Staycation Ideas

Wanting to stay close to home? You don’t have go far to experience a great vacation within your own city. Kansas City has all you need with unique places to eat, big city attractions, charming local shopping and fun places to stay for the whole family.

101 Things to Do During Spring Break

Be sure to check out our list of 101 ideas for your family from cat cafes to new indoor play spaces and fun spots for a last minute day trip. Scroll down to items 57-101 for lots of free and inexpensive ideas that won’t break the bank.

Add safety into your spring cleaning! Make sure to secure all medications, and properly dispose of unwanted or expired prescriptions. This is also a great time to change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and clean your homes air ducts to keep your family healthy and safe.

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

Planet Comicon

Planet Comicon is an annual comic book convention at the Kansas City Convention Center March 21st thru March 23rd! Perfect for the super hero lovers and kids who love comics. This event features a lineup of celebrities, exhibitors, special events, a wide ranging schedule of panels, cosplay, and more to be announced in the coming months. If you're looking for something outside the box to take your kids to, this is it! Sarah and Megan have both taken their kids and have had a great time.

Disney on Ice

Annual favorite of Megan's family! The show takes place at the T-Mobile Center from March 20-23 featuring favorites from Frozen 2, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Moana and Wish. Consider buying some glow toys beforehand to give your kids during the show and have them wear costumes if they'd like! It can be a bit chilly so don't forget layers. Disney on Ice is a perfect length of time and is fun for the whole fam.

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 been feeling overwhelmed with balancing the desire to stay informed with functioning as a mom?

The beginning of this year has brought changes in government and systems that go against the norms and laws that we have trusted no matter which political party is in power. Plus recent tragedies, including the first major commercial airline crash on U.S. soil since 2009, has likely added to fear and uncertainty for many.

We are hearing from moms who aren’t sure how to regulate themselves on a daily basis along with the everyday challenges of being a mom.

We talked with licensed therapist Elizabeth Kaufman about these very normal feelings and how to support a friend who might feel differently. She offers practical short and long term strategies to regulate when we feel out of control, and ways to remain engaged with the world while still being an effective parent, friend, partner and employee.

 

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.

Connect with Megan and Sarah

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

Happy New Year! A lot of you may be thinking about resolutions or things you want to change in the coming year. We are talking with local mom and style expert, Katie Mann of Intentionally Chic about what we can do as busy moms to change up our style and feel comfortable getting dressed every morning.

We discuss the mental load of moms and how that impacts our fashion, how what we wear influences mindset and energy, favorite stores, and practical steps we can take to feel better about ourselves in what we wear.

Katie established Intentionally Chic to offer expertise to empower women, especiallymothers to rediscover their identity through style. When her third child was still a baby, she relocated to a new state and leave behind a teaching career she adored. Despite being told she was too expensive to be hired due to my experience in the new state, I had to reinvent myself while caring for three young children. Before her interview at Stitch Fix, she looked into her closet and felt lost. She realized she needed to discover her authentic style. Katie put in the effort and walked into that interview brimming with confidence. While at Stitch Fix, she saw her journey mirrored in the stories of countless women. This fueled her passion for educating and empowering women through fashion.

Follow Katie on Instagram here.

What We’re Loving In Kansas City: Fashion Edition

Love Letters KC and Nickel and Suede

Sarah's top local picks are anything, but especially Chiefs gear, from Love Letters KC and accessories from Nickel and Suede!

Thrifting

Megan loves to thrift her wardrobe from all over Kansas City! Visit our thrifting 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!

Whether it's politics, parenting challenges or the chaos of the holiday season, life has been a whirlwind lately. Today we are discussing about five practices to find peace that we are trying in our own lives. We have high hopes of cultivating some sense of inner calm, and moving into the new year in a healthy frame of mind. We appreciate you joining us during this crazy season of life!

What We’re Loving In Kansas City: Winter Break Edition

Hallmark Movie Bingo

Sarah and her family play Hallmark Movie Bingo! There are tons of options online or you can snag from Kansas City's very own Hallmark here.

Catch Up on Kansas City Holiday Fun

Megan will be doing all the things she DIDN'T get to before Christmas with her kids. Don't forget that most of the places and activities remain open well after Christmas and tend to be less crowded.

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

On Friday, August 2, 2019, Erin Langhofer was attending a First Friday event in the Crossroads District with her boyfriend and friends in Kansas City when she was struck and killed by a stray bullet.

Erin had graduated from the University of Kansas in 2016 with a BS and an MS in 2017. As an undergrad, Erin received the Margo Award, the top prize in the School of Social Welfare. Erin was a counselor and therapist at Rose Brooks Center and helped domestic violence survivors. Honoring her giving nature, Erin had registered as an organ donor; her decision will give new life to at least 50 people.

In this episode, we have the honor of visiting with Erin's parents, Tom and Marcy. They vulnerably share their grief experience and about the incredible foundation created in honor of their daughter.

Meet Marcy and Tom Langhofer

Marcy and Tom have been married for 38 years and have two girls, Kathryn and Erin. Marcy has worked for Northwestern Mutual and Tim Moyer for the past 15 years in financial services. She is passionate about helping others though Do Good for Erin. Tom serves as the Recovery Ministries Pastor for Resurrection Church. 

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Holiday Reflections at Union Station

Held in the Grand Plaza, Holiday Reflections is a feast for the eyes. This spectacular themed experience is a walk-through holiday village featuring floor to ceiling lights, a multitude of decorated trees, forest friends, floating mirrored ornaments and a bigger-than-ever Winter Wonderland where kids can ride the historic Jones Store Train, for an additional $5 per child. Check out our everything you need to know guide here.

Morning at the North Pole

Join us for Kansas City Mom Collective's annual Morning at the North Pole on Saturday, Dec. 7, at The Mint in Lenexa! Holiday fun is the name of the game when you take part in this awesome and stress-free morning full of games, crafts, treats and of course a visit with Santa! Be sure to snap an adorable holiday picture of your little ones at our photo stop sponsored by Fry Orthodontics. The event will finish with a reading of “Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Lost Christmas!” read by Alastair Heim, author of the book. We would love to see you there and meet you in person so come say hi!

Connect with Megan and Sarah

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

We all know Kansas City is THE BEST. Our guest is Kyle Talbot; you may recognize him from his social media channels, Moving to KC, where he covers all things Kansas City and real estate. He was recently crowned the hype man of KC by mayor Quinton Lucas so he is obviously the real deal. We discuss KC's rise in popularity, why it's such a great place to raise a family, the Royals stadium debate, and how Kansas City is having its moment!

Meet Kyle Talbot

Kyle grew up in Kansas City and moved to Denver for nine years. He and his wife moved back to live in Kansas City, Missouri with their three boys, Siberian husky and cat. Kyle is a residential realtor with Moving to KC and loves all things Kansas City. He runs a great YouTube channel and was named the "official hype man of KC" by Mayor Quinton Lucas!

 

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Bergmann Bakes

Megan recently used Amanda Bergmann with Bergmann Bakes of Overland Park to make her daughter's Harry Potter themed birthday cake. It was truly the most beautiful cake ever. Amanda runs an in-home bakery using organic/non-GMO ingredients. She does custom cakes, cupcakes and with the use of more natural dyes. She is a perfect source for families with allergies, as she specializes in gluten free, dairy free, vegan and paleo options. 

Lunch at McLain's Bakery

Sarah has been hitting up locally owned McLain's Bakery for the Fox Hill salad, tomato soup, and grilled cheese. Head there to try them — you will not regret! Also a drive-thru option at a few of the locations.

 

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

The pain of miscarriage and infant loss is one that often leaves mom wondering how to process her grief, and sometimes her support network isn't sure what to do or say. Our guest today, Amy Balentine, is a local mom who started the organization You Made Me Mom after the loss of her own children. This online and in person group serves mothers who have lost babies during pregnancy or infancy through one year of breathing life. Amy is passionate about authentic and vulnerable living done in community and that passion is evident in our interview with her today. 

Meet Amy Balentine

Amy Balentine is a wife to Adam and mother to their eight children. Four children are living and four are in heaven. Out of the loss of her children, Amy created the support group called You Made Me Mom headquartered in Kansas City. The group serves mothers who have lost babies during pregnancy or infancy through one year of breathing life. The support group gathers on the third Thursday monthly. Amy is a 2005 graduate of the University of Kansas and currently resides in Kansas City, Missouri and attends Christ Community Church – Brookside Campus. Amy is a lover of hospitality, fine food and a well-organized home which all stem from her nearly ten years as a wedding and event planner before her calling to work in the home as a mom. Authentic, vulnerable living in community with one another is a great passion of Amy’s. She is learning that a life lived in eucharisteo (Greek for thanksgiving) is one lived well.

What We’re Loving In Kansas City

Electric Glow at the OP Arboretum

Enjoy a low-key version of the Luminary Walk where only the electric lights are on. No Santa, no candlelit woods, no musicians, no free cider, no trains running, and NO CROWDS. Capacity will be significantly limited on these nights, making them ideal for wandering through the lighted gardens and studying the intricate gnome and fairy houses. Cafe Celeste will be open in LongHouse, selling hot beverages and snacks, as well as adult beverages. Click here for more information!

Roasterie Coffee Holiday Blend

Sarah loves the Roasterie's Holiday Blend for a special treat as we enter the holiday season! The flavor is cinnamon, hazelnut and vanilla. Pick it up at the factory, Roasterie locations or most local grocery stores.

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 AdventHealth Cancer Institute.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we're honored to have Dr. Simy Elder on the show. Dr. Elder is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at AdventHealth Medical Group Hematology Oncology at Shawnee Mission. We discuss the latest breast cancer statistics, the importance of mammograms, and what to do if you're breastfeeding when your mammogram is due.

Meet Dr. Simy Elder

Dr. Simran Elder, MD, is a Board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist at AdventHealth Medical Group Hematology Oncology at Shawnee Mission. She also serves as the medical director for the AdventHealth High Risk Breast Clinic.

Dr. Elder earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. She also completed her residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at UMKC, during which time she was twice named Internal Medicine Consultant of the Year. She then went on to complete a fellowship in medical oncology-hematology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Dr. Elder has lectured and published extensively on various topics related to oncology, internal medicine and pediatrics, with a research focus on breast cancer. She has earned a number of professional honors, including being selected for the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society, a peer-nominated honor bestowed on physicians who display exceptionally compassionate care to patients.

A native of the Kansas City area, Dr. Elder is happy to be able to care for patients right here in her hometown. When she's not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and two German shepherds.

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. All of the events and ideas discussed on our episode today can be found in our fall guide. Be sure to check out our sensory-friendly fall guide, as well! Tag us at @kansascitymomcollective and tell us what fall things you're up to!

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Evergy!

Did you know? Evergy employees proudly live right here in Kanas City. So, in addition to sharing the same Zip Codes as all of us, they also share the same energy company—which means they’re Evergy customers, too. ​And that’s one reason why they’re working so hard to keep energy costs low for all of us.

Learn more about Evergy’s commitment to affordable energy at Evergy.com/KCmoms.

Connect with Megan and Sarah

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