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

In this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey Legate sits down with Mickey Starr, the 2025 Volunteer of the Year, to celebrate the heart behind the service. From serving on the Board of Aldermen to showing up wherever help is needed, Mickey shares why volunteering matters, how anyone can get involved, and what makes Odessa such a special place to serve.

In this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey sits down with Ashley Vinson, owner of Evolved Health, to talk fitness, hormone health, and building a wellness business from the ground up. Ashley shares her journey from corporate life to personal training, plus practical tips on protein, meal prep, realistic fitness goals, and staying consistent without the burnout. She also spills what’s next for Evolved Health and the exciting wellness offerings coming to Rural KC.

EVOLVED HEALTH:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Evolved-Health-LLC-61574960964987/

https://evolvedhealthllc.com/

SIGN UP FOR EVOLVED HEALTH'S SNAKE SATURDAY 5K:

https://runtheday.com/register/detail/snake-saturday-5k/

RURAL KC'S BEST KEPT SECRET:

*sponsored by Branded Boutique - offering a wide range of gifts, spirit wear, house plants, and organic cleaning/skincare products. Mentioned What's the tea in Rural KC podcast and get 20% off your next purchase*

BLENDED BLISS - opening soon inside Iron Vault

Congratulations to the Odessa Church of Christ on being chosen to receive the 2025 Organization of the Year Award!

This award is presented to an organization that serves the Odessa community through meaningful outreach and ongoing support.

Odessa Church of Christ consistently demonstrates a heart for service through a wide range of community-focused efforts. Their involvement includes supporting I Love Odessa, maintaining a community garden and garden cart where anyone may take fresh produce at no cost, and encouraging residents to donate extra produce from their own gardens to help others.

Throughout the year, the church finds creative and thoughtful ways to connect with the community. They deliver May Day flowers and Boo Grams to senior living centers, host a community-wide Vacation Bible School, and fill 30 backpacks for the BackSnack program. They also host a community trunk-or-treat complete with a free meal, provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need within the school district, and hand out free popcorn and popcorn balls during the Christmas Lighting ceremony.

This year, The Odessa Church of Christ presented A Night in Bethlehem, an interactive experience for families, and continues to host an annual Christmas Store where children can shop for gifts for their families.

Through their generosity, consistency, and commitment to serving others, The Odessa Church of Christ continues to make a meaningful impact in Odessa. Thank you for all you do to support and care for our community.

Kelsey sits down with Christine Hollingsworth, owner of Turquoise Door Bakery in Lexington, to talk baking, small-batch business, and slowing down in the new year. From no-spend January tips and using what you already have, to the story behind her beloved Springerle cookies, paint-your-own treats, and artisan baked goods, Christine shares how she turned a lifelong love of baking into a community favorite. They also dive into small-town collaboration, local media, and why investing in rural places matters.

TURQUOISE DOOR BAKERY: https://www.facebook.com/TurquoiseDoorBakery

https://www.instagram.com/turquoisedoorbakery/

https://www.turquoisedoorbakery.com/

SIGN UP FOR A SPRINGERLE COOKIE CLASS AT TURQUOISE DOOR BAKERY: https://www.turquoisedoorbakery.com/cookie-classes

KELSEY'S COOKBOOK: EVERYDAY MEALS FROM A RURAL KC KITCHEN. On sale now for $17! https://stan.store/kelseylegate/p/kelseys-cookbook

RURAL KC'S BEST KEPT SECRET

*sponsored by 2nd Street Nutrition - your local healthy hub in downtown Odessa. Offering clean, energizing teas, protein shakes, and supplements to fuel your healthy, active lifestyle. Open Monday-Friday 6:30-4, Saturday 9-2, Sunday 10-2. Mention "What's the tea in Rural KC" next time you're in and get 1/2 off your drink!*

Route 24/224. Locations mentioned during the segment, below

Fahrmeier Farms

Wentworth Academy Museum:

Lexington Historical Society Museum

Battle of Lexington Museum

Women's Club of Lexington

Rasa Orchards

Schreiman Orchards

Peters Orchards and Market

Kelsey sits down with Jamie Martinko for an update on Odessa Sports Lab and the exciting growth happening behind the scenes. From new programming and expanded training opportunities to community partnerships and what’s next for local athletes, Jamie shares how Sports Lab continues to evolve and invest in youth, performance, and small-town sports culture. A great listen for parents, athletes, and anyone cheering for Rural KC’s next generation.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579009710813

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportslab_odessa/

Kelsey sits down with Eric Kosinski, MoDOT’s Improve I-70 Program Director, to break down one of the biggest infrastructure projects Missouri has ever seen. They talk funding, timelines, construction phases, and what the I-70 expansion really means for communities like Odessa — including the new interchange design, traffic impacts, and long-term growth. A must-listen for anyone wondering how this historic project will shape travel, safety, and economic development across Rural KC and the state.

Improve I-70 Blue Springs to Odessa: https://www.modot.org/projects/improvei70/bluespringsodessa