What’s the tea in Rural KC

SummaryIn 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/30858862797091877Wreathmas: https://www.facebook.com/events/567431703048453North Pole Acres: https://northpoleacres.com/Uncommon Goods: https://www.uncommongoods.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorJ4V70M06AxAtCw-ecFsvnd7SVHPz96GYZyztTvByc4_GkdQcBCandy Cane Pizza: https://pin.it/71kQN6A17The Wise Guy: https://www.thewiseguykc.com/J. Rieger: https://www.jriegerco.com/visit-us/copy-of-upcoming-eventsLazia: 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 SHOWCHILDREN WITH OPPORTUNITY (CWO): https://www.cwotherapy.com/FAHRMEIER'S PUMPKIN PATCH: https://www.facebook.com/FahrmeiersMarketCHALK 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=61576756534121RIVER READER BOOKSTORE: https://www.facebook.com/riverreaderbookstoreCRAFT PUTT: https://www.craftputt.com/lees-summit2244 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/n2d4nj43cxFahrmeier'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.

In 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 project, the reverse raffle fundraiser that makes it all possible, and how investing in local parks can transform the future of Odessa for generations to come.🎙️ Whether you’re a parent, coach, or just someone who loves seeing small towns thrive, this episode will leave you inspired by the power of community-driven progress.

00:00 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 pizza night 🍕1:01:00 Where to find Jamie & Sports Lab

Hi 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 just hear the usual updates. I’ll be sitting down with the people making things happen in Rural KC. You’ll get the inside scoop straight from owner’s mouths, answering all the questions everyone in town is already buzzing about. From new businesses to local developments to the stories behind the headlines. If people are talking about it, I’ll be talking to them.Think of this as your front-porch conversation with a neighbor: casual, a little fun, sometimes surprising, where we sip on what’s brewing in and around our community.Each week, I’ll be bringing you local business owners, community leaders, and everyday folks who are making Rural KC thrive. Whether you’re raising kids, raising chickens, or just curious about what life is like outside the city, you’ll find something here to connect with.So grab your vanilla iced coffee, and let’s get to sipping.Be sure to hit that follow button so you don’t miss an episode and join me as we spill the tea on all things Rural KC