Shows
What’s the tea in Rural KC33. ODESSA R-7 BALLOT MEASURE W/ DR. JON OETINGERIn this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, I sit down with Odessa R-7 Superintendent Dr. John Otinger to break down the two ballot measures voters will see on the April 7 ballot.We talk through why replacing McQuarrie Elementary has been identified as the district’s top facility priority, what improvements were completed in the 2022 bond issue, and what a potential new elementary school could look like.We also cover the difference between the proposed no-tax-increase bond and the capital levy increase, how the project would be funded, and what happens depending on h...
2026-03-2627 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC32. PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX W/ CHIEF THOMPSONIn this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey sits down with Odessa Police Chief Josh Thompson to break down the proposed public safety sales tax on the April 8 ballot. They walk through how the idea for a new police facility started, the legislative hurdles in Jefferson City, and why the current station—originally a school shop building—is no longer meeting the needs of officers or victims reporting crimes. The conversation also covers the citizen focus group that helped redesign the proposal, the reduced building plan, and what the timeline could look like if voters approv...
2026-03-1935 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC31. UNIVERSAL CDJR W/ SCOTT DUNCANScott Duncan, owner of Universal Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Odessa, joins me to share how he built his dealership from the ground up — starting with used cars, big risks, and a whole lot of grit. From Michigan to Chicago to Kansas City, Scott walks us through his journey in the automotive industry, growing from a one-room startup to 85 employees across two locations.We talk real estate investing, 1031 exchanges, the bold move to purchase the west wing of the old Odessa outlet mall, and how a USPS contract became an unexpected win. Plus, Scott gives insight into to...
2026-03-1248 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC30. JOHN KNOX VILLAGE EAST W/ TIFFANY MEINERSHAGENIn this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, I sit down with Tiffany Meinershagen, Executive Director of John Knox Village East, to talk about the realities families face as loved ones age. We dive into the emotional challenges of role reversal, why healthcare directives and power of attorney matter more than you think, and how rural communities can better access specialized care close to home.Tiffany also shares insight into senior living options, outpatient therapy services available locally, and what families should know about Medicare vs. Medicare replacement plans. Plus, we spill the tea on...
2026-03-0532 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC29. VETERINARY MEDICINE W/ JIM PEDDICORDOdessa 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.
2026-02-2639 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC28. HOMETOWN HERO W/ LARRY HOLIn 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.
2026-02-2427 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC27. FAVORITE THINGS W/ MEGAN MADSENKelsey 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 THINGSPAINT COLORS: Worldly GreyHushed AuburnSnowboundGossamer VeilAlabasterClassic Grey...
2026-02-1943 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC26. NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR W/ SOMMERSAULT GYMNASTICSIn 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.
2026-02-1720 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC24. BUSINESS OF THE YEAR W/ HEARTLAND PANTRYIn 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
2026-02-1025 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC23. DIVINE INTERRUPTIONS W/ CHRISTINA DURRILLIn 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=61587401018718SPILL THE TEA:*sponsored by Apothecary Qu...
2026-02-0538 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC22. COMMUNITY BETTERMENT W/ MAYOR BRYAN BARNERIn 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.
2026-02-0327 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC21. BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR W/ RAYNA AND EVAN YOUNGIn 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.
2026-01-2950 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC20. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT W/ ROB WAIBELIn 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.
2026-01-2733 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC19. CITY OF OAK GROVE W/ MAYOR DANA WEBBIn 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/cityofoakgrovehttps://cityofoakgrove.com/RURAL KC'S BEST KEPT S...
2026-01-2230 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC18. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR W/ MICKEY STARRIn 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.
2026-01-2016 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC17. EVOLVED HEALTH W/ ASHLEY VINSONIn 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/
2026-01-1536 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC16. ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR W/ ODESSA CHURCH OF CHRISTCongratulations 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...
2026-01-1328 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC15. TURQUOISE DOOR BAKERY W/ CHRISTINE HOLLINGSWORTHKelsey 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/TurquoiseDoorBakeryhttps://www.instagram.com/turquoisedoorbakery/
2026-01-0829 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC14. SPORTS LAB UPDATE W/ JAMIE MARTINKOKelsey 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=61579009710813Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportslab_odessa/
2026-01-011h 11What’s the tea in Rural KC13. IMPROVE I-70 W/ ERIC KOPINSKIKelsey 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
2025-12-1842 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC12. MU EXTENSION W/ KATIE NEUNERKelsey 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.
2025-12-1140 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC11. AIRHEADS KC W/ REBECCA BAXTERKelsey 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=100083401204050Winter 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_ty...
2025-11-2746 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC10. COUNTRY CROSSROADS COUNSEILING W/ SUSIE ARBOSummaryIn 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...
2025-11-2034 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC9. RIVER READER BOOKSTORE W/ CHRISTY TODDKelsey 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.
2025-11-1339 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC8. WHAT WE'RE DOING WITH THE KIDS THIS WINTER W/ MEGAN MADSENKelsey 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
2025-11-0657 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC7. CRITICAL INCIDENT REPONSE TEAM W/ K9 RADAR AND SRO BELLKelsey 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
2025-10-3043 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC6. CHILDREN WITH OPPORTUNITY W/ BRANDON FLETCHERKelsey 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 SHOWCHILDREN WITH OPPORTUNITY (CWO): https://www.cwotherapy.com/FAHRMEIER'S PUMPKIN PATCH: https://www.facebook.com/FahrmeiersMarket...
2025-10-2338 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC5. ROOTED WELLNESS W/ BETHANY FOSS & ELLY BOWMANKelsey 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=61576756534121RIVER READER BOOKSTORE: https://www.facebook.com/riverreaderbookstoreCRAFT PUTT...
2025-10-0939 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC4. WHAT WE'RE DOING WITH THE KIDS THIS FALL W/ MEGAN MADSENKelsey 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/n2d4nj43cxFahrmeier's Pumpkin Patch: https://www.facebook.com/FahrmeiersMarket/The Fun Farm: https://www.funfarmpumpkinpatch...
2025-10-0234 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC3. ODESSA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE W/ LESLIE SHIERKelsey 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.
2025-09-2536 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC2. PARTNERS FOR THE PARKS W/ WES CARRILLOIn this episode of What’s the Tea in Rural KC, Kelsey sits down with community leader and Odessa resident Wes Carrillo to talk about his journey from small-town Southeast Kansas to becoming a lawyer, youth coach, and passionate advocate for local parks.Wes shares how his love for sports and community shaped his involvement on the Odessa Partners for the Parks board — including their ambitious plans to build a new 80,000-square-foot civic center with basketball courts, a walking track, fitness space, and even a splash pad!Tune in to hear about the vision behind this...
2025-09-1846 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KC1. SPORTS LAB W/ JAMIE MARTINKO00:00 Welcome & iced-coffee vibes01:15 Meet Kelsey + farm roll call (30 chickens, 3 donkeys, 1 Pancake the horse 🐴)04:40 Jamie’s 90-second intro & mom pep-talk09:30 From one room to wellness collective (and surprise landlord life)18:45 Outsourcing, hiring for culture, and growing the team25:10 Services: adjustments, dry needling vs. acupuncture, sports massage, private gym33:30 Sports Lab Odessa—origin story & vision41:50 Youth “Kidletics,” speed/agility, mobility/stability, dietitian workshops49:20 Why Odessa? Access, growth, and resources for local athletes55:10 TEA: childcare + pre-opening fall workshops58:30 KC’s Best-Kept Secret: Oak Tavern pi...
2025-09-0846 minWhat’s the tea in Rural KCWhat's the Tea TrailerHi there, and welcome to What’s the Tea in Rural KC.I’m your host, Kelsey Legate, your go-to girl for rural real estate, a mom of two, homesteader at heart, and a firm believer that fresh eggs and small-town stories are worth sharing.Around here, we celebrate what makes rural Kansas City so special, from new businesses popping up on Main Street, to community events you don’t want to miss, to the behind-the-scenes stories that have everyone in town talking.On this podcast, you won’t...
2025-09-0401 min