Kelsey sits down with Katie Neuner from the MU Extension Office to talk all things community development, agriculture, and family life in Lafayette County. From canning and food preservation to 4-H programs, farm safety, mental health resources, and supporting local families, Katie shares how the Extension connects rural communities with the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive. A practical, heart-of-the-community conversation for anyone raising kids, running a farm, or just loving small-town life in Rural KC.

Kelsey chats with Rebecca Baxter, owner of AirHeads KC, about balloon art, creative small-town business, and the hilarious chaos of life on her family’s farm. From giant balloon installs to pigs, peacocks, and twin-mom tales, this episode is full of personality, laughter, and Rural KC charm.

AirHeads KC: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083401204050

Winter Glow Dance Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/863811129486077/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Toy Grill: https://go.shopmy.us/p-32567402

Amika Shampoo: https://go.shopmy.us/p-32567138

Cabinet Pulls: https://go.shopmy.us/p-31015871

ATLAS9: https://atlas9.com/?windows=welcome

Activate Kansas City: https://playactivate.com/kansas-city

The Rabbit Hole: https://www.rabbitholekc.org/

Kansas City Walk Thru Plans: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571850860085

Summary

In this episode of 'What's the Tea in Rural KC', host Kelsey Legate speaks with Susie Arbo from Country Crossroads Counseling about the importance of mental health, especially in rural communities. They discuss the journey of starting a counseling business, navigating family dynamics during the holidays, supporting children during stressful times, and how to offer support to those in need. Susie shares valuable tips for maintaining a positive mindset during the holidays and emphasizes the need for community engagement and awareness around mental health.

COUNTRY CROSSROADS COUNSELING: https://www.countrycrossroadscounseling.com/

Kelsey sits down with Christy, owner of River Reader Bookstore in downtown Lexington, to chat about small-town charm, community, and caffeine. From the shop’s cozy book nooks and pink mascot cow (Cowbell!) to creative programs like teacher wishlists, Where’s Waldo, and monthly coffee flights, Christy shares how she’s keeping the love of reading alive—one latte and children’s book at a time. A heartwarming conversation about books, family, and building a business that feels like home in Rural KC.

Kelsey is joined by friend Megan for a cozy, caffeine-fueled chat about surviving — and thriving — through the cold months with kids in tow. From indoor play ideas and local winter events to affordable ways to beat cabin fever, they swap real-mom tips, funny fails, and favorite family traditions that make winter in Rural KC a little more magical.

Links: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/2791937  

Union Station Holiday Reflections: https://unionstation.org/event/holiday-reflections/

Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant: https://www.crowncenter.com/listings/fritzs-railroad-restaurant 

Downtown Lighting Ceremony: https://www.facebook.com/events/30858862797091877

Wreathmas: https://www.facebook.com/events/567431703048453

North Pole Acres: https://northpoleacres.com/

Uncommon Goods: https://www.uncommongoods.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorJ4V70M06AxAtCw-ecFsvnd7SVHPz96GYZyztTvByc4_GkdQcB

Candy Cane Pizza: https://pin.it/71kQN6A17

The Wise Guy: https://www.thewiseguykc.com/

J. Rieger: https://www.jriegerco.com/visit-us/copy-of-upcoming-events

Lazia: https://crossroadshotelkc.com/lazia-restaurant/

Kelsey chats with School Resource Officer Sam Bell and her four-legged partner K9 Radar, a certified critical-incident response dog serving the Odessa School District. Sam shares how Radar helps calm students, support teachers, and even assist first responders after high-stress calls — plus how the pair built their bond through extensive training and community fundraising. It’s a heartwarming look at the human (and canine!) side of school safety, mental health, and small-town policing in Rural KC.

SHOW LINKS:

THE SUGAR NOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582717522976

Kelsey sits down with Brandon Fletcher, founder of Children with Opportunity, to talk about mentorship, community impact, and giving kids in Odessa the support they deserve. Brandon shares how the program connects local youth with positive role models, creates safe spaces for growth, and builds confidence through connection. It’s an inspiring conversation about showing up for the next generation in Rural KC.

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

CHILDREN WITH OPPORTUNITY (CWO): https://www.cwotherapy.com/

FAHRMEIER'S PUMPKIN PATCH: https://www.facebook.com/FahrmeiersMarket

CHALK THE WALK: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19auPiAQp9/

DOWNTOWN TRICK-OR-TREAT: https://www.facebook.com/share/16VDmJ76Nx/

DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CEREMONY: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D12C2vahd/

Kelsey sits down with Bethany Foss, FNP and Elly Bowman, RN, BC-FMP—co-founders of Rooted Wellness & Primary Care in Odessa—to talk modern primary care with a root-cause lens: hormones, thyroid, gut/autoimmune, pediatrics, and the everyday questions moms bring to a small-town clinic. How they blend traditional tools with functional strategies, why they launched in Rural KC, and practical tips to advocate for your health.

ROOTED WELLNESS: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576756534121

RIVER READER BOOKSTORE: https://www.facebook.com/riverreaderbookstore

CRAFT PUTT: https://www.craftputt.com/lees-summit

2244 Shaw School Road, Odessa Listing: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2244-Shaw-School-Rd_Odessa_MO_64076_M98585-89744

Kelsey sits down with her friend and fellow mom Megan Madsen to swap fall family traditions, hacks, and kid-friendly outings. From baking pumpkin bread and decorating porches to local pumpkin patches, birthday party trends, and even tantrum-taming tricks, this episode is packed with ideas for making the most of the season with little ones in Rural KC.

Fall in Rural KC Guide: https://locallivingrealestate.myflodesk.com/n2d4nj43cx

Fahrmeier's Pumpkin Patch: https://www.facebook.com/FahrmeiersMarket/

The Fun Farm: https://www.funfarmpumpkinpatch.com/

Vala's Pumpkin Patch: https://valaspumpkinpatch.com/

Playdoh Kits: https://www.youngwildandfriedman.com/

Rosy Bee Cookies: https://www.facebook.com/rosybeecustombakes/

All other links: https://shopmy.us/collections/2424082

Kelsey chats with Odessa Chamber of Commerce Director Leslie Shier about the Chamber’s mission to support local businesses and strengthen small-town life. From festive community events to economic development initiatives (like the push to bring back a grocery store), Leslie shares how the Chamber is shaping Odessa’s future — and why she loves raising her family here.