Odessa veterinarian Dr. Jim Peddicord joins me to share stories from his 45-year career caring for animals across rural Missouri. From starting his clinic in a converted lumber yard to treating everything from wolves to Burmese pythons, Jim reflects on the moments that shaped his life in veterinary medicine. We also talk horses, farm calls, breeding performance horses, and the realities of serving a small-town community. This episode is full of humor, heart, and a behind-the-scenes look at a career dedicated to animals and the people who love them.

In this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey sits down with Larry Hall, recipient of the 2025 Odessa Chamber of Commerce Hometown Hero Award. From his 30 years in the Odessa school district to his continued service through the Optimist Club and Community Service Center, Larry shares stories of quiet leadership, community impact, and a lifetime of showing up for others.

Kelsey sits down with friend and design-lover Megan Madsen to recap their favorite things—from trending paint colors and must-watch shows to viral recipes and splurge-worthy finds. They share honest takes on home projects, mom life hacks, ski trip prep, and the little things that made the year memorable. It’s a cozy, chatty episode full of real-life recommendations and plenty of laughs.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

PAINT COLORS:

Worldly Grey

Hushed Auburn

Snowbound

Gossamer Veil

Alabaster

Classic Grey

Modern Grey

NAIL COLOR:

Bubble Bath @ Beauty Nail Bar

MINI HUMIDIFIER

SHOWS:

Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model

Olympics

Taylor Swift: The End of an Era

Night Agent

The Beast in Me

Landman

BOOKS:

The Correspondent

The Favorites

The Last House on the Street

FOODS:

Brownie Pudding

Sweet Potato Muffins

Sweet Potato Bowls

Sushi Bowls - Japanese Rice single serve, Thai Chili tuna pack, avocado + Yum Yum sauce, EBTB, and soy sauce

Martini Dip

Venison Appetizer

Nescafe Gold Coffee - 2 teaspoons coffee, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon honey + water, ice, half and half, and milk

SPLURGE ITEMS:

Dope Ski Jacket

Our Place Air Fryer

Athleta Swing Dress

Alo Hat

Ninja Pro Espresso Machine

Bombas Socks

TRIPS:

Big Sky Skiing

Big Sky Breakfast - Western Cafe

Idaho Springs, CO Breakfast - Main Street Restaurant

7-year-old trip - NYC (Rockettes, American Girl, Statue of Liberty, Ice Skating at Central Park, Christmas Market)

Sequoia National Park/Yosemite National Park

Glacier National Park

FAVORITE THINGS PARTY:

Bogg Bag

Simmer Pot

Brie Dish

Marble Cheese Slicer

Candle Warmer

Hanni Moisturizer

Owala Coffe Cup

JBL Speaker

Lululemon Socks

Bloom Clear Protein

Dime Perfume

Life in Lilac Candles - Always Welcome/Haven

Geometry Dish Towels

COOKBOOKS:

Half Baked Harvest

Truly Simple

Pioneer Woman Cookbook

You Got This!

DINNER IN A PINCH:

Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta

In this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey chats with Sommer Watts, owner of Somersault Gymnastics and recipient of the 2025 Odessa Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year Award. Summer shares how a side-gig tumbling class grew into a thriving gymnastics program serving over 100 local kids, the challenges of entrepreneurship as a single mom, and her vision for the future of gymnastics in rural KC.

In this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey Legate sits down with Shelly Milner, owner of Heartland Pantry and the 2025 Business of the Year Award recipient. Shelly shares how Heartland Pantry grew from homemade jams to a brick-and-mortar staple in Odessa, plus insights on catering, community support, and what’s next for the business—including expanded hours and new menu offerings.

HEARTLAND PANTRY: https://www.heartlandpantry.com/

KC SEED LIBRARY: https://kclibrary.org/locations/ruiz/seed-library

In this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey sits down with Christina Durrill, labor and delivery nurse and founder of Divine Interruptions. Christina shares her journey into microcurrent neurotherapy, a gentle, non-invasive treatment helping people find relief from anxiety, migraines, insomnia, trauma, and more. They talk faith, neuroscience, and what it looks like when purpose meets healing in rural KC.

DIVINE INTERRUPTIONS:

https://www.divineinterruptionskc.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587401018718

SPILL THE TEA:

*sponsored by Apothecary Quilt Company⁠ - Living in Rural Kanas City can be a vibrant, modern experience! At Apothecary Quilt Company, find fabrics from your favorite designers. Come shop our distinctive collections at the heart of historic downtown Odessa, MO, or visit our website at apothecaryquilyco.com. Mention THE TEA in store, or enter the code on our website for 10% off orders of $50 or more. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Apothecary Quilt Company, purveyors of fine quilting goods.*

In this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey Legate sits down with Mayor Bryan Barner, recipient of the 2025 Community Betterment Award. Mayor Barner shares his passion for communication, transparency, and community engagement, along with updates on major city initiatives, growth plans, and what’s ahead for Odessa. A thoughtful look at leadership, momentum, and the future of a small town on the rise.

In this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey Legate sits down with Rayna and Evan Young, recipients of the 2025 Business Persons of the Year Award. They share the journey of growing Young Learning Academy—from navigating early ownership during COVID to expanding facilities, strengthening curriculum, and investing in the future of local families. A candid conversation about leadership, resilience, and building something meaningful in your hometown.

In this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey Legate sits down with Rob Waibel, recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, to reflect on over 40 years of service to the Odessa community. From coaching and mentoring generations of students to Friday night football announcements and lifelong community involvement, Rob shares stories of leadership, legacy, and the power of showing up for others.

In this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey Legate sits down with Dana Webb, Mayor of Oak Grove, to talk leadership, growth, and the future of Oak Grove. From serving during COVID to major infrastructure projects, community transparency, and what’s next for the city, this episode offers an inside look at small-town leadership in rural KC—plus a little friendly Odessa vs. Oak Grove banter.

CITY OF OAK GROVE:

https://www.facebook.com/cityofoakgrove

https://cityofoakgrove.com/

RURAL KC'S BEST KEPT SECRET

*sponsored by Heartland Pantry - from small batch jams to fresh breakfast pop ups and catering for all kinds of gatherings, Heartland Pantry is all about homemade food made with heart. Stop in or oder catering and be sure to mention What's the tea in Rural KC to get 15% off your next purchase. Supporting local never tasted so good*

Ground Roots Coffee