What’s the Tea in Rural KC

In 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...

In 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 ban...

In 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.

In 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 n...

Congratulations 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...

Kelsey 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...

Kelsey 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 a...

Kelsey 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 thi...

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,...

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...

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 th...

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 h...

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  ...

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 loo...

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...

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...

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://locallivingrea...

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 pl...

00:00 Welcome & iced-coffee vibes 01:15 Meet Kelsey + farm roll call (30 chickens, 3 donkeys, 1 Pancake the horse 🐴) 04:40 Jamie’s 90-second intro & mom pep-talk 09:30 From one room to wellness collective (and surprise landlord life) 18:45 Outsourcing, hiring for culture, and growing the team 25:10 Services: adjustments, dry needling vs. acupuncture, sports massage, private gym 33:30 Spor...

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 th...