Collaborative Solutions Podcast

n this episode of Collaborative Solutions, recorded during a dangerous January polar freeze, the conversation moves seamlessly between urgent, on-the-ground homelessness response and the deeper policy structures that shape who is helped, and how. City Commissioner Amber Sellers offers a rare perspective from inside government: someone who has worked directly with people experiencing hardship and n...

We kick off 2026 with a conversation with Mayor Brad Finkeldei, who shares what it’s really like to lead a city through complex and often polarizing issues. From homelessness to community growth, Mayor Finkeldei reflects on the role of political will, collaboration, and steady leadership in shaping Lawrence’s direction.   This episode explores what happens when policy, partnership, and persistence...

Today’s guests are three frontline community health champions: Raul Saenz-Escarcega of Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, a certified CHW who builds trust through relentless outreach—from encampments to home visits with Mobile Integrated Health—connecting neighbors to food, transportation, and care while advocating for equitable systems; Jenn Kessler of Heartland Community Health Center, who l...

On this episode of Collaborative Solutions (August 20, 2025), hosts Barry Feaker, Misty Bosch-Hastings, and Brett Hartford welcome special guest Dr. Kenneth Minkoff, a nationally recognized leader in psychiatry, addiction, and system design for behavioral health. Dr. Minkoff shares insights on how Douglas County became connected to his work through the Roadmap to the Ideal Crisis System, and he em...

In this August 13, 2025 episode of Collaborative Solutions, hosted by Barry Feaker and guest co-host Brett Hartford, the conversation centers on tackling homelessness in Lawrence, Douglas County, and beyond, featuring guests Kaitlyn Mercer, Manager of Family Support for Catholic Charities in Lawrence, and Nelson Vowels, Senior Director of Mission Operations for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kans...

In this powerful episode of Collaborative Solutions, Misty Bosch-Hastings and Barry Feaker sit down with Lawrence business leader Aaron Thakker, a man whose journey from justice involvement as a youth to successful entrepreneurship is both inspiring and deeply personal.   Aaron shares how one adult’s belief in him at age 17 changed the course of his life, sparking a transformation that now fuels h...

In this powerful episode, Misty Bosch-Hastings and Barry Feaker welcome Becky Lagger-Dyer, a nurse practitioner with Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health and a core member of the Homeless Response Team (HRT). Becky shares how she brings both medical and psychiatric care directly to unsheltered individuals, building trust and bridging critical service gaps.   Her personal journey - from a teen mom...

In this powerful episode of Collaborative Solutions, we spotlight Dustin Moore—Lead for the City of Lawrence’s Homeless Response Team through Artists Helping the Homeless, a devoted father and husband, and a tireless advocate for people experiencing homelessness.   Dustin’s journey to this role is nothing short of extraordinary. Formerly incarcerated and unhoused, he has transformed his life throu...

When Eric Knackstedt walked into a Lawrence warming shelter last winter, he was homeless, high, and ready to give up. What happened next changed the trajectory of his life. In this episode, Eric shares his powerful story of survival, recovery, and hope—and how a single, heartfelt conversation with peer outreach worker Kristin Demby helped him believe that healing was possible. Together with Misty...

In this powerful episode of Collaborative Solutions, we sit down with Hannah Bolton, founder of the Cardinal Housing Network—a recovery housing program born from heartbreak and transformed into healing. After losing her brother Sam to addiction, Hannah channeled her grief into purpose, creating a safe, supportive space for women in early recovery right in the heart of Lawrence.   Joined by Misty B...

In this moving episode of Collaborative Solutions, Sergeant Joshua Klamm emerges as a quiet force of transformation—proving that true public safety is rooted in compassion, connection, and dignity. A Topeka police officer who defies every stereotype, Klamm’s work in homeless outreach redefines what it means to serve and protect. With a heart-first approach, he meets unsheltered individuals not wit...

In this moving episode of Collaborative Solutions, host Barry Feaker and Director of Homeless Solutions Misty Bosch-Hastings sit down with Ray Rath — a certified peer support specialist with Mirror, Inc., and a man whose journey from heroin addiction and homelessness to national advocacy is nothing short of extraordinary.   Ray opens up about his past: from sleeping in a tent in Florida, battling...

In this powerful episode of Collaborative Solutions, hosts Barry Feaker and Misty Bosch-Hastings spotlight two remarkable members of the Homeless Response Team in Lawrence, Kansas—Kristi Schutter of RADAC and Bryan Daugharthy of Mirror, Inc. Kristi shares her deeply personal journey from addiction to recovery and how it now fuels her passion as a recovery coach walking alongside individuals with c...

On this episode of Collaborative Solutions, Barry Faeker chats with Misty Bosch-Hastings, James Chisholm, and Brett Hartford, the heart behind the Homeless Resource Center. From NYC outreach to Lawrence leadership, Brett shares how trust, consistency, and a whole lot of hustle are helping transform lives—one haircut, one conversation, one day at a time.

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, we highlight the impactful work at the Lawrence Community Shelter (LCS). Executive Director James Chiselom joins us alongside key team members Mercedes Rowland, Karen Sibilio, and Megan Luttrell, who share their personal passion for serving the community and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.    Together, they discuss recent expansions in...

In this powerful episode of Collaborative Solutions, we welcome Josiah Haken to talk about how his organization addresses homelessness — not just locally, but regionally in New York & New Jersey. Josiah shares stories, insights, and real solutions that show what’s possible when communities step out of their silos and lead with humility, trust, and collaboration.   They remind us that solving h...

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, hosts Barry Feaker, Misty Bosch-Hastings, and Brett Hartford welcome and Renee Cavazos, Vice President of Homeless Response Systems in Houston, Texas. Renee shares how Houston has successfully reduced homelessness by 63% since 2011 through a coordinated entry system and regional collaboration with neighboring counties. The conversation explores how Lawre...

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, hosts Barry Feaker, Misty Bosch-Hastings, James Chiselom, and Brett Hartford explore Lawrence/Douglas County’s approach to prioritizing services for Douglas County residents, the challenges of homelessness policies, and the reality of individuals being dropped off from other areas. The discussion also considers whether a regional approach could be a viab...

Barry Feaker and Misty Bosch-Hastings welcome Homeless Response Team members Dustin Moore from Artists Helping the Homeless and Steven Carter with the City of Lawrence to discuss the ongoing efforts to support unsheltered individuals, particularly during extreme winter weather. They dive into the impact of warming centers, emergency shelter expansion, and the unprecedented 66% reduction in unshelt...

In this powerful episode of Collaborative Solutions, hosts Barry Feaker, Misty Bosch-Hastings, and Brett Hartford sit down with Megan Poindexter, Executive Director of the Senior Resource Center of Douglas County, to explore the vital work being done to support older adults in our community. As Lawrence and Douglas County prepare for a future where seniors will make up a significant portion of the...

On this episode of Collaborative Solutions, co-hosts Misty Bosch-Hastings and Barry Feaker sit down with Kelby Sanders, a peer, clinician, and outreach advocate with Mirror, Inc. Kelby shares his journey from lived experience to professional support, discussing the importance of meeting people where they are and removing barriers to recovery. He highlights the unprecedented approach of conducting ...

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, host Barry Feaker dives into a conversation with Ryan Sztorch, Senior Director of Crisis Services at Burt Nash Community Mental Health Center. Joined by Misty Bosch-Hastings and Brett Hartford, the discussion highlights the critical intersection of mental health, homelessness, and crisis intervention in Lawrence, Kansas.   Ryan shares his expertise in ho...

In this powerful episode, host Barry Feaker joins Misty Bosch-Hastings, Director of Homeless Solutions for the City of Lawrence, James Chisholm, Executive Director of the Lawrence Community Shelter, and Kyle Roggenkamp, CEO of the Ballard Center. Together, they explore the profound impacts of collaboration, empathy, and gratitude in addressing homelessness and fostering community transformation.  ...

In the first Collaborative Solutions episode of 2025, host Barry Feaker joins Misty Bosch-Hastings, James Chiselom, and guest Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. The discussion highlights Jonathan’s journey and his commitment to serving underserved populations through innovative public health initiatives like Wellness Wednesdays and mobile outreach services...

This episode of Collaborative Solutions celebrates Trina Tinsley, co-founder of the Jax Project, a grassroots effort born from her 8-year-old son Jax heartfelt question: “Why can’t we feed them dinner?” What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a lifeline of love and care for those experiencing homelessness.   Every Sunday, Trina and her team serve hot meals, but their mission goes far...