The Movement

What if healthcare didn't begin in a doctor's office, but in the places where families already gather, play, and build community?   In this episode of The Movement, the podcast from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, host Mark Hewlett sits down with Will Franklin , President and CEO of KC Care Health Center, and Doug Day , Chief Marketing and Development Officer, to explore how healthcare organizati...

What Would You Do If a Single Bite of Food Could Kill Your Child? In this episode of The Movement, the podcast from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, host Mark Hulet sits down with Mandi Kearns, COO of Just Like You Films, and Genevieve Muncy, the YMCA's Senior Behavioral Health Director, to talk about empathy, inclusion, food allergies, and the emotional realities many children face every single d...

In this episode of The Movement, the podcast from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, host Mark Hulet records from the North Kansas City YMCA during Healthy Kids Day – the YMCA's national initiative that has been championing healthy development for kids and families since 1992.   He's joined by Blue KC leaders Michaela Stevenson and Miranda Coffey to discuss why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas C...

In this episode of The Movement, the podcast from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, host Mark Hulet is joined by Kevin Holmes, evening news anchor at KSHB 41 Action News, and Gerald, a YMCA swim instructor who went from non-swimmer to certified swim instructor. Together they share their personal journeys with water – their fear, the avoidance, the turning points, and ultimately the confidence that...

In this episode of The Movement, the podcast from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, host Mark Hulet sits down with Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II to reflect on 20 years of the Cleaver YMCA and its impact along historic Troost Avenue. Often described as Kansas City's dividing line, Troost was shaped by segregation, redlining, and decades of disinvestment. Congressman Cleaver shares his personal jour...

Welcome to The Movement, a podcast by the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, where we explore the incredible stories that connect our community through youth programs, healthy living, and social responsibility. In this episode, we visit the Linwood YMCA and sit down with Gigi, the owner of Gigi's Vegan and Wellness Cafe, who shares her inspiring journey from surviving colon cancer to becoming a wellness...

Discover how volunteers at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City are transforming lives, strengthening communities, and inspiring a movement of service across the KC metro. In this episode, we explore the power of volunteer work at the YMCA, highlighting the stories of passionate community members who give their time to support youth programs, families, and neighbors. Hear firsthand accounts of what ins...

Discover how the YMCA of Greater Kansas City's Pedaling for Parkinson's program is empowering individuals living with Parkinson's Disease through movement, education, and community support. Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. In this episode, we highlight Pedaling for Parkinson's, a transformative YMCA wellness program designed...

Discover how Harvesters and the YMCA of Greater Kansas City are tackling food insecurity through community partnerships, volunteerism, and support for families in need.   In this episode, we explore the critical issue of food security and insecurity in the Kansas City metro. Hear inspiring stories of volunteerism, community trust, and partnership that show how the YMCA and Harvesters are working t...

Discover how the YMCA's New American Welcome Center in Kansas City is transforming immigrant lives through community, belonging, and support.   In this episode, we highlight the North Kansas City YMCA and its work as a New American Welcome Center, supporting one of the most diverse populations in the Kansas City metro. Hear powerful stories of immigrant integration, community belonging, and youth...

In this episode of The Movement, we find ourselves at the Best Buy Teen Tech Center in the North Kansas City YMCA.   Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.   At the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, we explore the integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) into youth programming. Hear inspiring stories from T...

Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.   In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of the YMCA's S.P.A.R.K! program, designed to combat summer learning loss and ignite student success through academic support and enrichment activities. Featuring insights from Zach Patterson, a teacher at the SPARK Program at Oak Grove...

Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.   In this episode, we explore the LiveSTRONG program at the YMCA — an evidence-based health and wellness initiative for those diagnosed with cancer. Hear the inspiring story of cancer survivor Maura, her supportive husband Ricky, and their coach, Kim. Discover how LiveSTRONG provides physical...

Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of water safety with guests Sabrah Parsons, Aquatics Director for the Kansas City YMCAs, and the Mayor of Kansas City, Quinton Lucas. Amid sharing heartfelt and tragic stories, they highlight the critical need for swim lessons and water safety...

Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. In this episode, we visit the Bonner Springs Family YMCA to explore youth and family programs, with a special focus on Healthy Kids Day. Hear from Brooke, Youth and Family Coordinator, as she shares her journey and insights into the development programs, community involvement, and unique part...

In this episode of 'The Movement,' we celebrate the 165th anniversary of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City by diving into the YMCA's efforts in addressing the impact of the pandemic on elementary school children, focusing on learning loss, social struggles, and mental health. Learn how the YMCA has implemented learning hubs, tutoring programs, and mental wellness initiatives. Meet Sydney Smith, a be...

In this episode of 'The Movement,' we celebrate the 165th anniversary of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City by taking a trip to the historic Paseo YMCA. Discover the rich history and community impact of the Paseo YMCA, from its foundational role for African Americans in Kansas City to its significance in American sports history as the birthplace of the Negro Leagues. Join us for an inspiring conversa...

In this episode of 'The Movement,' we hit the road to celebrate the 165 th anniversary of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City with a special visit to the Cleaver Family YMCA on Troost Avenue. Discover the Y's history of overcoming racial divisions and creating an inclusive community – and the moving story of Javonda Whitney and her journey of transformation thanks to the Y's support. From youth develo...

For girls and women across the country, flag football is becoming a platform for opportunities. In this episode, Mark Hulet hosts Sheila Sickau, Youth Marketing Manager for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Eme Porter, YMCA flag football quarterback, to discuss how this fast-growing sport is empowering young athletes to lead, compete, and succeed. From building friendships to Olympic dreams, hear their...

For KC Current Goalie A.D. Franch, her soccer career began at the YMCA in Salina, Kan. Host Mark Hulet talks to Franch about the value of playing sports at the Y growing up and her journey to becoming a member of one of the best teams in the NWSL. Hear her story and advice to parents and young athletes.

Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA, shares with host Mark Hulet her journey to becoming the first woman to lead YMCA of the USA. Hear how Ys are making an impact in a range of ways, from improving mental health to serving as a place that provides common ground and connections for people of all backgrounds at a time when the world seems more divided than ever.

Host Mark Hulet talks to Dr. Jessica Dain, Superintendent of Piper School District, and Darcy Swan, Senior Vice President of Youth Development, about how districts and the Y can work together to support student success. Hear about why they're passionate about youth development, trends in education and tips for families to ease into the school year.

As we launch the Y's podcast, host Mark Hulet, CEO, will talk to Dr. Michelle Robin, Chief Volunteer Officer of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. They'll share their passion for the Y and they dive into how the Y is more than a place or an organization, it's truly a movement of people who've been working toward strengthening the community with a holistic body, mind and spirit approach, since 1860 i...