C-10 Mentoring & Leadership Podcast

Matt Fulks/

Each episode of the C-10 Mentoring & Leadership Podcast brings listeners thought-provoking and educational conversations with community-minded leaders and mentors. Hosted by “C” You In The Major Leagues Director and author Matt Fulks, along with various guest co-hosts, we dig deep to see how successful leaders view leadership. Each episode’s guest shares thoughts and experiences with a focus on the foundational elements of CYITML: Care, Character, Coach, Commitment, Competitor, Composure, Comprehension, Concentration, Confidence and Courage.

  1. 168: Melesa Johnson, Jackson County Prosecutor, on Character and Perseverance

    11/07/2025

    168: Melesa Johnson, Jackson County Prosecutor, on Character and Perseverance

    In Episode 168 of the C-10 Podcast, we sit down with Melesa Johnson, the trailblazing prosecutor for Jackson County, Missouri. Recorded live at Music Theater Heritage, this episode features insightful questions from our students, offering a unique perspective on Melesa's leadership journey. Melesa shares her experiences growing up in a challenged area, her path through Columbia University and the University of Missouri School of Law, and her rise to becoming the first Black prosecutor for Jackson County. Her career highlights include serving as a law clerk, working in private practice, and leading violence prevention initiatives as Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas' Director of Public Safety. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Melesa's dedication to community service shines through her involvement with organizations like the KIPP Academy School Board and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City. As prosecutor, she is committed to fostering a safer, more equitable community through balanced justice. Join us for this inspiring conversation that highlights the power of perseverance and intentional leadership. LINKS: For more information about the C-10 Mentoring & Leadership program for high school students, visit our website. To make a financial gift to give students life-changing one-on-one mentoring and to help families in crisis, visit our secure donation page. For all episodes of the C-10 podcast and ways you can listen, click here. If you’d like to make a comment, have a suggestion for a future guest, or your company would like to help underwrite this podcast, please visit our contact page.

    53 min
  2. 166: Mike Garrett, Chiefs great and Heisman Trophy winner, on Character

    08/22/2025

    166: Mike Garrett, Chiefs great and Heisman Trophy winner, on Character

    In Episode 166 of the C-10 Podcast, we're thrilled to present a special conversation with Mike Garrett, recorded live at Music Theater Heritage in Crown Center. Led by veteran sportscaster and C-10 mentor Todd Donoho, this engaging discussion captures the wisdom of the 1965 Heisman Trophy winner and Kansas City Chiefs legend. From his groundbreaking career at USC to his memorable years with the Chiefs, Garrett's journey exemplifies excellence and perseverance. As we release this episode to coincide with the start of the Chiefs' 2025 season, his reflections on football, leadership, and personal growth resonate deeply with both our C-10 students and the broader Kansas City community. This unique interview, conducted in front of our C-10 students and mentors, offers invaluable insights from one of football's most accomplished figures, demonstrating how athletic achievement can translate into lifelong success and impact.   LINKS: For more information about the C-10 Mentoring & Leadership program for high school students, visit our website. To make a financial gift to give students life-changing one-on-one mentoring and to help families in crisis, visit our secure donation page. For all episodes of the C-10 podcast and ways you can listen, click here. If you’d like to make a comment, have a suggestion for a future guest, or your company would like to help underwrite this podcast, please visit our contact page.

    45 min
  3. 165: COURAGE with General Richard Myers (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

    07/11/2025

    165: COURAGE with General Richard Myers (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

    In Episode 165 of the C-10 Podcast, we present a unique and powerful conversation with General Richard Myers, recorded on a snowy February evening as part of a virtual C-10 session. This special episode, which includes thoughtful questions from our C-10 students, offers unprecedented access to one of our nation's most distinguished military and educational leaders. General Myers' remarkable 40-year Air Force career led him to become the 15th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2001-05), serving as the principal military advisor during one of America's most challenging periods. As a Kansas City area native who rose to the highest levels of military leadership, his journey embodies the potential that lies within every aspiring leader. The conversation takes on added significance as General Myers shares insights from his transition to academic leadership as the 14th President of Kansas State University (2016-22). His unique perspective on leadership in both military and educational contexts provides valuable lessons for our students and listeners alike. (And by keeping the students' questions in this week, you might be getting a hint of an exciting change coming to the C-10 Podcast this fall.) LINKS: For more information about the C-10 Mentoring & Leadership program for high school students, visit our website. To make a financial gift to give students life-changing one-on-one mentoring and to help families in crisis, visit our secure donation page. For all episodes of the C-10 podcast and ways you can listen, click here. If you’d like to make a comment, have a suggestion for a future guest, or your company would like to help underwrite this podcast, please visit our contact page.

    55 min
  4. 163: Rob Browne, in Memory of the Late CEO of YouthReach International

    05/02/2025

    163: Rob Browne, in Memory of the Late CEO of YouthReach International

    In memory of Rob Browne, the CEO of YouthReach International who died on May 1st, we're revisiting a fun and powerful conversation from 2021 that exemplifies servant leadership and the impact one person can have across the globe. Rob's unexpected passing, following the loss of his wife to cancer just 13 months ago, leaves a void in many hearts but also a legacy of service that will continue to inspire. From the basketball court at Lipscomb University under legendary coach Don Meyer to the challenging terrain of Siberia as a missionary, Rob's journey was anything but ordinary. As President and CEO of YouthReach International, he established mentoring communities for vulnerable youth around the world, touching countless lives through his dedication to serving others. In this conversation with host Matt Fulks, who had been friends with Rob since college, Rob shares invaluable leadership lessons learned from Coach Meyer, entertaining stories from his basketball days, and how these experiences shaped his mission to serve vulnerable youth across the world. His wisdom, humility, and heart for service shine through in every moment of this memorable discussion. LINKS: For more information about the C-10 Mentoring & Leadership program for high school students, visit our website. To make a financial gift to give students life-changing one-on-one mentoring and to help families in crisis, visit our secure donation page. To join us at the 4th Annual C You At Topgolf on May 29, 2025, to give students a mentor, visit here. For all episodes of the C-10 podcast and ways you can listen, click here. If you’d like to make a comment, have a suggestion for a future guest, or your company would like to help underwrite this podcast, please visit our contact page.

    51 min
  5. 162: Shawnie Nix, former KCPD officer and C-10 Mentor on backgrounds influencing youth

    04/18/2025

    162: Shawnie Nix, former KCPD officer and C-10 Mentor on backgrounds influencing youth

    In this special episode of the C-10 Podcast, recorded at Music Theater Heritage in Kansas City's Crown Center, we welcome Shawnie Nix, whose journey with C-10 exemplifies the power of meaningful mentorship. As a former Kansas City, Missouri police officer, Shawnie brought unique insights when she helped develop the C-10 program as a member of the curriculum committee. Her commitment to youth development grew as she later stepped into roles as both a pinch-hit mentor and eventually a one-on-one mentor. With regular host Matt Fulks away, curriculum committee chair Max Utsler steps in as guest host for this engaging conversation. Recorded shortly before Shawnie's relocation to Phoenix, this episode captures her reflections on law enforcement, mentorship, and the lasting impact of the C-10 program. Her story demonstrates how different life experiences can shape our ability to guide and influence young people. LINKS: For more information about the C-10 Mentoring & Leadership program for high school students, visit our website. To make a financial gift to give students life-changing one-on-one mentoring and to help families in crisis, visit our secure donation page. To join us at the 4th Annual C You At Topgolf on May 29, 2025, to give students a mentor, visit here. For all episodes of the C-10 podcast and ways you can listen, click here. If you’d like to make a comment, have a suggestion for a future guest, or your company would like to help underwrite this podcast, please visit our contact page.

    37 min
5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Each episode of the C-10 Mentoring & Leadership Podcast brings listeners thought-provoking and educational conversations with community-minded leaders and mentors. Hosted by “C” You In The Major Leagues Director and author Matt Fulks, along with various guest co-hosts, we dig deep to see how successful leaders view leadership. Each episode’s guest shares thoughts and experiences with a focus on the foundational elements of CYITML: Care, Character, Coach, Commitment, Competitor, Composure, Comprehension, Concentration, Confidence and Courage.