Quest for New Inspiration Podcast

In the final special edition episode of our Feel Fest series, KT sits down with Madi Laughlin, singer songwriter, textile artist, poet, and one of the creative hearts behind Sunblush.

Sunblush was born in 2024 when two friends came home to the prairie within a day of each other, one from New Orleans and one from Switzerland, ready to make something together. What grew from that reunion is a band built to honor the feminine spirit of the Midwest: the beauty, the weirdness, the intelligence, and the emotion that rarely gets a stage.

Madi shares how Sunblush found its way to the very first Feel Fest in Hutchinson, why music can carry truth past the walls we build around ourselves, and why their shows feel like group therapy, where everyone walks out a little lighter and a little more undone. She also offers a beautiful reminder for anyone sitting on a song, a sketch, or a dream they are afraid to share: create in play, and save the critic for later.

Catch Sunblush live at Kirby’s on November 15th, and find their live performances on YouTube and Madi’s SoundCloud through the links in their Instagram bio.

Follow Feel Fest on Instagram and Facebook at @feelfesthutch to stay connected for next year

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if taking care of your mental health felt less like a chore and more like a block party?

In this special edition of The Quest for New Inspiration, KT sits down with Kenna Dowling, one of the heads of Feel Fest. It's a free, two-day community festival in Hutchinson focused on mental health and grief support, and it's packed with music, art, and connection.

Kenna shares how a chance conversation at the library turned into her "accidental" leadership role. She also talks about what surprised her while planning her first event and why she believes Hutchinson has amazing resources that more people deserve to know about.

Here's what's happening:

• October 9: Moonlight Dance at the Farmers Market with live music from Sun Blush, wellness drinks, giant Jenga, and cornhole
• October 10: Run of Remembrance in the morning (scholarships available), then an afternoon block party with 19 workshops, including cookie decorating, a Minecraft server, poetry, comedy, and fire trucks
• Evening: The Wisdom of Trauma at the Fox Theater, then Coco and closing ceremonies

Everything is free except the run. Bring your family, bring your friends, or just bring yourself.

Learn more at feelfest.org and follow @feelfesthutch on Instagram and Facebook.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes an organization truly person-centered? How does a team stay committed to serving others for decades? In this powerful finale episode of our Disability Awareness Month mini-season, we sit down with Angela Penner, Director of Services at TECH - bringing unmatched heart and perspective to the individuals and families TECH supports every day!

Tune in to hear: Angela’s real-life journey through multiple roles at TECH

• What most people don’t understand about those with disabilities
• How advocacy and connection change lives
• A behind-the-scenes look at Kansas’s 10+ year I/DD service waitlist
• Why community partnerships are the future of inclusive support

“We all need help sometimes. People with disabilities are no different — they just sometimes need help communicating their needs. That’s where TECH comes in.”

PLUS: Learn how you can support TECH’s mission through the TECH Art Gallery, where creativity meets purpose.

Hit play, get inspired, and help us close out this mini-season with heart.

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https://www.instagram.com/tech_inc_hutch/What does true independence look like for an artist with a passion for creativity? In this episode of The Quest for New Inspiration, we sit down with Madison Budreau, a longtime TECH artist, and her mom, Kathy Wagoner, to explore the impact of TECH’s art program and support services.

Madison shares how TECH has helped her grow as an artist, build confidence, and find a sense of purpose—giving her the opportunity to create, connect, and challenge herself in new ways. Kathy offers a heartfelt perspective as a parent, reflecting on how TECH has provided not only artistic outlets but also independence and community support for Madison.

At The Quest for New Inspiration, we love sharing stories that uplift and motivate—and Madison’s journey is a perfect example of how the right support system can unlock potential. Tune in as we discuss the misconceptions about disability services, the importance of inclusion, and what more people should know about TECH’s impact.

Learn more about TECH’s programs and how you can support their mission at techinc.org.

Follow TECH on social media and visit their gallery to experience the incredible art created by their talented clients!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the heart of TECH’s Adult Life Skills Program in this powerful episode of The Quest for New Inspiration. Host KT Gates sits down with Lauren, a Direct Support Professional (DSP), and Elijah, a former DSP and dedicated volunteer, to discuss how TECH empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How TECH helps clients gain independence and achieve personal goals
• The importance of inclusion and accessibility in our communities
• A heartwarming story of a TECH client stepping out of her comfort zone to perform at a community concert
• Ways you can support and advocate for individuals with disabilities

If you’re passionate about disability awareness, community inclusion, and making a difference, this episode is a must-listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to truly make an impact in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities? In this episode of The Quest for New Inspiration, we’re diving deep into the work of TECH—an organization dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering inclusion.

I’m joined by Alex Lutz, Staff Trainer, and Leah Ratley, Service Coordinator, two passionate professionals who work behind the scenes to ensure that TECH’s staff and clients have the tools they need to thrive. From the importance of proper training in disability services to the hands-on support that helps clients live independently, Alex and Leah share their experiences, challenges, and the moments that keep them inspired every day.

At its core, The Quest for New Inspiration is about discovering stories that ignite passion and purpose—and TECH is filled with them. Whether you're in the field of disability services, looking for ways to get involved, or just need a reminder of the power of human connection, this episode will leave you with a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for the people who make inclusion possible.

Tune in for an inside look at TECH’s mission and the inspiring people who bring it to life!

Learn more about TECH at techinc.org and follow them on social media for updates!

#DisabilityAwareness #TECHInc #InclusionMatters #Podcast #BehindTheScenes #Inspiration #Empowerment

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Join Dr. Terrie Sizemore, a seasoned veterinarian with 37 years of experience, on a heartfelt journey through veterinary care and children's literature. Discover the magic of her best-selling series, "D is for Dog," "C is for Cat," and "H is for Horse," offering easy-to-follow guides for pet owners.

Dr. Sizemore shares her passion for publishing with 160 titles and 100 children's picture books. Explore her diverse titles from A to Z Press, such as soulful stories like "Joy Outside the Box" and children's award-winning "The Little White Kitten and Her Little Red Mittens."

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You don't want to miss this hilarious yet, very inspiring episode featuring life coach Jayme Shiarla! She brings bright and positive energy; I hope this episode inspires you as much as it has me! 

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Join host KT Gates in "Soul Awakening" as she engages in a transformative conversation with Ulrika Karlsson. Born and raised in Sweden, Ulrika faced the abyss of despair in 2008, battling depression, burnout, and thoughts of suicide. In this episode, KT and Ulrika explore the profound question, "Who am I?" and delve into Ulrika's unique journey from darkness to becoming a beacon of light.

Ulrika, a single mom guiding others through mental health challenges, shares her powerful toolbox of holistic practices, including yoga for empaths, therapeutic sessions, karma clearings, and soul readings. This episode unveils pivotal moments in Ulrika's life, offering a glimpse into her awakening and developing her unique approach to healing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.