In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Movement is the Medicine, Dr. Doug and Coach B sit down with Dr. Angela Myers, the newly appointed Chief Wellbeing Officer at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, to discuss leadership, healing, and the importance of taking care of those who care for others.

With nearly 25 years of service at Children’s Mercy, Dr. Myers has long been a respected leader in pediatric infectious disease and public health. Most notably, she served as the head of the hospital’s COVID-19 response, guiding her team—and the greater Kansas City community—through some of the most uncertain moments of the pandemic.

But Angela’s journey is not just about professional leadership. It’s about resilience in the face of personal adversity. In this episode, she opens up about her battle with cancer—not once, not twice, but three times. First in high school, then again in college, and most recently, in 2023, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. With the support of her family, colleagues, and Children's Mercy community, she took a 10-week leave of absence to heal, reflect, and ultimately realign her career with a new purpose: championing the well-being of healthcare workers.

Her decision to step away from leading the infectious disease division and into a role focused on caregiver wellness was emotional and courageous. In our conversation, Angela shares how that decision came to life, how she now defines success, and why supporting healthcare workers' health is essential to our children's health.

Topics Covered:

• Leading through a crisis: her role as head of COVID response at Children’s Mercy

• The emotional and physical toll of fighting cancer—three times

• The power of rest, reflection, and redefining purpose

• Why well-being in healthcare is not a luxury but a necessity

• How supporting caregivers improves outcomes for patients and builds stronger institutions

• The importance of vulnerability, gratitude, and letting go

This episode is a masterclass in grace under pressure and a profound reminder that movement and medicine go far beyond the physical. Dr. Angela Myers leads with heart, and her story will leave you inspired, challenged, and moved.

Don't miss this one. It's more than a podcast—it's a story of human strength.

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Fresh off Penn State's fourth straight NCAA Wrestling Championship, Sam Beckett joins the podcast to share his journey from Stanford to Penn State, his love for the sport, and what it takes to compete—and thrive—at the highest level. A masterclass in discipline, leadership, and mental wellness, Sam’s story offers lessons far beyond the mat for athletes and anyone looking to chase big goals with humility and heart.

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In this soulful and energizing episode of Movement is the Medicine, Dr. Doug, and Coach B sit down with Katie Peuvrelle, a dynamic performance coach with over 30 years of experience helping high achievers unlock their full potential. Katie has worked with driven tech executives, highly creative authors, Ivy League-bound students, and elite athletes across over 40 sports.

A Stanford University graduate with a BA in French Studies and an MA in Health Psychology, Katie helps her clients discover and embrace their own brand of excellence—the deeply personal combination of mindset, movement, and presence that leads to professional and personal fulfillment.

We explore her signature Leap framework, the role of movement in mental clarity, and how to tap into emotional resilience when the pressure is highest.

Key Topics:

• How to overcome fear and show up with confidence

• Movement as a pathway to emotional balance and mental focus

• Tools for achieving presence under pressure

• Lessons from decades of coaching elite performers in business, sports, and the arts

• Insights from her book Leap: Own Your Excellence

Learn more and connect with Katie:
Website: www.katiepeuvrelle.com
Book: Leap: Own Your Excellence and Engage Your Best Self in Business, Sports, the Arts & Life
Facebook: facebook.com/KatiePeuvrelleMA
Instagram: @katiepeuvrelle
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katiepeuvrelle

If you’re looking to improve your mindset, movement, and life performance, this episode is a masterclass in showing up with clarity, courage, and purpose.

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In this episode, Dr. Doug and Coach B sit down with Matt Gutierrez, a former NFL quarterback and De La Salle High School standout, to explore his football career's highs, lows, and turning points. From Michigan and Idaho State to the NFL and AFL, Matt shares lessons in leadership, resilience, and growth through adversity. His story is a powerful reminder that life after sports can be just as meaningful—and movement always plays a crucial role.

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In this episode, Movement is the Medicine welcomes Ann Rivera—a dynamic performance coach, former professional volleyball player, mother, and adventurer. Ann brings her incredible journey to life, from playing professional volleyball to becoming a mindset coach for athletes and high achievers. Whether she's coaching on the court or in life, Ann's holistic approach to success is inspiring.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Ann’s transition from professional volleyball to coaching and how she helps athletes unlock their potential.
• She is balancing her passion for adventure, coaching, and being a mom.
• She uses key mindset strategies to help others (and herself!) overcome negative thought patterns.
• The role of fun and focus is to maintain a balanced, fulfilling life.
• Ann’s love for pickleball has become her new outlet for staying sharp and testing her sports mindset tools.

Ann shares her story of constantly leveling up, embracing family, and staying fearless while guiding others toward personal and athletic excellence.

Show Notes:

• Introduction: Get to know Ann Rivera, a former pro volleyball player turned performance coach.
• Life as an Athlete: Ann’s journey from volleyball stardom to professional coaching after an Achilles injury.
• Mindset Matters: Learn about Ann’s unique approach to mindset training, how she helps athletes and individuals stay focused, and how she practices what she preaches in her own life.
• Family and Balance: Ann discusses being a "Mama Bear & Queen," raising her family while pursuing meaningful work.
• Adventure Spirit: Hear about Ann’s incredible adventures—from studying abroad in Germany, walking the Camino de Santiago, to exploring Nepal—and how those experiences shaped her perspective on life and coaching.

Tune in for an empowering conversation highlighting the importance of mindset, adventure, and balance in achieving success on and off the field.

Call to Action: Learn more about Ann Rivera’s work at Ann’s Website and join us in this episode to discover how to unlock your greatest potential.

#MovementIsTheMedicine #AnnRivera #PerformanceCoaching #Mindset #AthleteSuccess #HolisticHealth #Podcast #AdventureLife

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Episode 17: The Aspen Institute’s “State of Play Kansas City” Report Breakdown

In this special solo episode of Movement is the Medicine, we look at the Aspen Institute's Project Play initiative and the newly released State of Play Kansas City report—an essential analysis of our region's youth sports and physical activity. As their 14th community report, this initiative partnered with Children’s Mercy Kansas City to uncover opportunities and challenges for making sports and physical activity accessible to all children in Kansas City.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Report’s Release: An overview of the report and why its findings are critical for Kansas City.
• Opportunities & Challenges: This analysis focuses on Kansas City's opportunities to improve youth sports access and the barriers that must be overcome.
• Key Findings: A breakdown of the report’s most significant findings, including:
  • The disparities in access to physical activity.
  • The impact of economic and racial divides on youth sports.
  • Success stories and areas where Kansas City excels.
• Action Steps: Practical advice and steps that parents, coaches, policymakers, and communities can take to leverage this report to improve youth sports and overall child wellness.
• Expert Insights: Drawing on expert opinions from the report and local leaders to give context to the data.
• Impact on Kansas City’s Future: What does this report mean for the future of youth sports in Kansas City, and how can we work together to provide equitable access for all kids?

Call to Action:

• Download the full State of Play Kansas City report and explore how you can make a difference in your community.
• Stay tuned for upcoming discussions on how we can collectively work to improve youth sports in Kansas City and beyond.

Why You Should Listen: Whether you’re a parent, coach, educator, or community leader, this episode offers vital insights into the current state of youth sports and physical activity in Kansas City. Learn how you can be part of the movement to make sports accessible, inclusive, and transformative for every child.

#StateOfPlay #AspenInstitute #KansasCityYouthSports #ProjectPlay #MovementIsTheMedicine #YouthSports

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Join us in Episode 16 of "Movement is the Medicine" as we sit down with Jasmine Brooks, the visionary head volleyball coach at Lincoln College Prep High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Jasmine shares her inspiring journey through sports, her deep passion for nurturing young athletes, and the transformative impact of #Ready2Play Camps and Clinics.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Jasmine’s Journey: Explore how Jasmine’s experiences in sports shaped her approach to coaching and mentoring.
• Ready2Play Impact: Learn about the success of the #Ready2Play grant program, designed to overcome barriers to sports participation by providing high-quality fitness and skill development directly in under-resourced communities.
• Program Benefits: Discover how the program helps young athletes at Lincoln College Prep meet daily activity recommendations from the World Health Organization, enhancing their physical and mental health.
• Holistic Development: Learn about the program’s comprehensive approach, which includes strength and conditioning, nutritional education, mental wellness strategies, and cognitive skill-building. This approach aims to boost self-confidence, stamina, and overall well-being.

Jasmine discusses the specific outcomes of the strength and conditioning program initiated in August 2022, which has significantly benefited over 35 female student-athletes by improving their performance and life skills.

Please tune in to learn how dedicated coaching and targeted support programs like Ready2Play create promising futures for young athletes and empower them to excel in sports and life.

👉 Don’t miss this insightful episode to see how Jasmine Brooks and the Ready2Play program are making a difference in the lives of young women at Lincoln College Prep. Share this story to inspire others about the power of sports and education in transforming lives!

#MovementIsTheMedicine #JasmineBrooks #VolleyballCoaching #YouthSports #Empowerment #PhysicalEducation #MentalWellness #CommunitySupport

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Join us in this inspiring episode of "Movement is the Medicine" as we delve into Wolfgang Prentice's compelling journey from his early days playing the highest levels of youth soccer in Redondo Beach, California, to facing the rigors of professional soccer with Forward Madison FC in Madison, Wisconsin.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Early Beginnings: Wolfgang's introduction to soccer, following his sister to practice, fueled his passion for the game from a young age.
• Development and Recognition: His realization at 14 that soccer could take him places led to significant personal development and recognition at the U-15 U.S. national team camp.
• Academy to College Transition: How his standout performances at Real So Cal caught the eye of college scouts, particularly CSUN head coach Terry Davila, shaped his decision to play at CSUN.
• College Challenges and Growth: The transition to college life at CSUN, where he adjusted to a new environment and honed his skills and resilience under collegiate coaching.
• Professional Aspirations and Setbacks: Wolfgang’s move to the professional stage with Forward Madison FC, where he strives to make his mark amidst the challenges of professional soccer at higher levels.

Wolfgang's journey is a narrative of resilience and adaptation. From the youth fields of California to the competitive pitches of professional soccer, his story highlights the ups and downs of pursuing a sports career, the critical role of early exposure and mentorship, and the continuous need for personal growth and adaptation to new challenges.

Tune in to hear how Wolfgang leverages his collegiate experiences to tackle the challenges of professional soccer, navigating through setbacks with determination and a strategic mindset. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the real-world application of perseverance and adaptability in sports.

Listen now and get inspired by Wolfgang's journey of continual development and his quest to leave a lasting impact in the professional soccer world on "Movement is the Medicine."

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Dive into the remarkable journey of Ekpe Udoh, from his formative years at Michigan and Baylor, through a dynamic international basketball career, to his current role as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks. In this episode, Ekpe opens up about the influential coaches who shaped his career and his unique engagement with the literary world through #EkpesBookClub, attracting notable members, including Michelle and Barrack Obama.

Ekpe discusses the challenges and triumphs of professional sports, his passionate advocacy for mental health among athletes, and how he uses his experiences to mentor today’s players. Whether you’re a sports fan, an aspiring athlete, or someone interested in the interplay between mental health and personal growth, this episode offers a deep dive into how resilience, support, and individual passions can lead to a fulfilling and impactful life.

Tune in to "Movement is the Medicine" to hear how Ekpe's life has been enriched by mentoring and literature and how he continues to inspire both on and off the court. This episode is a testament to the decisive role of mentors and the transformative impact of embracing one’s passions.

👉 Listen now and be inspired by Ekpe Udoh's journey of leadership, resilience, and intellectual curiosity.

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"Movement is the Medicine" is proud to tell you stories shaping our health and hearts.

In this powerful episode of "Movement is the Medicine," we are honored to host Shanna Adamic, a visionary leader in healthcare and philanthropy and the author of the inspiring book, "Audacious Optimism." Shanna's remarkable journey from an NFL cheerleader to a passionate advocate for health equity showcases her resilience and commitment to significantly impacting the healthcare system.

Shanna shares her deeply personal story of battling a life-threatening brain tumor, confronting misdiagnoses, and navigating a complex healthcare system that often left her needs unaddressed. Through her narrative, she illuminates the critical importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, teaching us that we are our bodies' CEOs. Her experiences have fueled her mission to bring empathy, precision, and patient-centric care to the forefront of health discussions.

"Audacious Optimism" isn’t just the title of her book—it’s the philosophy that Shanna lives by. In this episode, she discusses how maintaining a bold, unwavering optimism helped her overcome daunting medical odds and continues to drive her efforts to improve health outcomes for others. Shanna's insights are motivational and provide practical advice for anyone facing health challenges.

Listeners will also gain an exclusive look into Shanna’s work with the Oracle Health Foundation, where she applies her expertise and personal experiences to advocate for accessible and equitable healthcare solutions. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a patient navigating your health journey, or someone interested in the transformative power of positivity, this episode offers valuable lessons in courage, resilience, and the impact of an optimistic outlook.

Tune in to explore how Shanna Adamic’s journey of "Audacious Optimism" can inspire your path and help foster a more compassionate and understanding healthcare environment. Don’t miss this inspiring blend of personal triumph, professional insights, and heartfelt advocacy.

Join us for an unforgettable conversation that promises to enlighten, inspire, and empower.

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