The Movement

YMCA of Greater Kansas City
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Monthly

Join Mark Hulet, YMCA of Greater Kansas City President CEO, for "The Movement." Each episode includes a special guest to help us dive into how the Y is more than a place or organization - it's truly a movement of people who've been working toward strengthening the community with holistic body, mind and spirit approach since 1860 in greater Kansas City.

  1. Jun 25

    Whole Person Health Doesn't Start in the Exam Room

    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 organizations and community partners can remove barriers to care by meeting people where they are.   The conversation begins with KC Care's participation in the YMCA of Greater Kansas City's Healthy Kids Day, where a mobile health unit provided dental screenings and wellness services directly to families attending the event. From there, the discussion expands into the broader mission of community health centers, the importance of whole-person care, and why trusted community spaces like the YMCA play such a vital role in improving health outcomes. Whether you're a parent, educator, coach, camp counselor, or simply someone who wants to better understand others, this conversation will challenge the way you think about empathy and community.   Will and Doug share how KC Care has evolved since 1971 into one of Kansas City's leading providers of accessible healthcare, offering medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, HIV care, care coordination, and insurance navigation regardless of a person's ability to pay. They also discuss how early intervention for children, strong community partnerships, and innovative approaches developed during the COVID-19 pandemic continue to shape the future of healthcare.   This episode is a reminder that healthier communities are built when organizations work together to make care more accessible, more personal, and more connected.     To learn more about YMCA of Greater Kansas City visit https://kansascityymca.org/   00:37 Healthcare Meets Community 01:43 What Is KC Care 04:08 Barriers to Access 05:31 How FQHCs Work 09:36 Everyone Belongs 12:06 Healthy Kids Day Partnership 16:00 Prevention and Active Living 19:24 Why Partnerships Matter 22:27 Biggest Impact Opportunities 25:35 Immunizations Partnership 26:30 Behavioral Health Access 27:20 Stress And Choices 29:38 Breaking Barriers Tactics 34:08 Clearing Up Misconceptions 38:00 Defining Partnership Success 42:39 Equity And Reimbursement 44:41 Hope After COVID Lessons     👉 Stay connected with us! 🔗 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kansascityymca 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymcakansascity/ 🐦 X (Twitter):  https://x.com/kansascityymca 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ymcakansascity

    48 min

  2. May 19

    The Film That's Making People CRY – And Why That's Exactly the Point

    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 day. They discuss the film May Contain My Life, which brings audiences into the daily realities of children and families living with life-threatening food allergies, and how storytelling – and a VR experience that shows both the child's and a friend's perspectives – can deepen understanding and inclusion. The conversation explores invisible needs, the burdens families carry, how kids learn empathy through social-emotional learning and conflict resolution, and why adult modeling matters in creating safe, inclusive spaces in camps, schools, and community programs. Whether you're a parent, educator, coach, camp counselor, or simply someone who wants to better understand others, this conversation will challenge the way you think about empathy and community.   To learn more about YMCA of Greater Kansas City visit https://kansascityymca.org/   00:00 Welcome to The Movement 00:36 What Is May Contain My Life? 02:33 Storytelling Builds Empathy 03:41 Invisible Allergy Realities 04:33 The Burden on Families 06:13 Inclusion and Small Tweaks 10:15 Reactions After the VR Headsets Come Off 13:45 Empathy Into Action 16:05 Teaching Empathy to Kids 18:00 When Adults Are the Obstacle to Modeling Empathy 19:18 Impulse Control Skills 22:12 Modeling Invisible Needs 24:57 Life Is Not Fair Talk 27:43 Inclusive Spaces Without Spotlight 30:14 Why YMCA Partnership Works 33:10 Empathy Engine Program 35:54 Closing Thanks And Call To Action     👉 Stay connected with us! 🔗 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kansascityymca 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymcakansascity/ 🐦 X (Twitter):  https://x.com/kansascityymca 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ymcakansascity

    38 min

  3. May 7

    How Blue KC and the YMCA Are Building Healthier Kids and Families in Kansas City

    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 City partnered as presenting sponsor, how community health extends beyond clinics into walkability, food access, and social connection, and how events like Healthy Kids Day make resources more accessible for families. They highlight the importance of youth behavioral and mental health, including Blue KC's Shut Out the Stigma partnership with the Kansas City Royals, and emphasize belonging and community partnerships. Families and kids share excitement about activities like STEM/STEAM, planting seeds, sports, and the greenhouse.   To learn more about YMCA of Greater Kansas City visit https://kansascityymca.org/   00:00 Welcome to The Movement 00:38 Healthy Kids Day kickoff 01:42 Why Blue KC partnered with YMCA 03:17 Health beyond the clinic 04:57 Kids discover new passions 07:41 Healthy habits start young 08:50 KC Wolf surprise visit 09:39 Kids share their favorite activities 11:14 Youth mental health focus 14:10 Belonging as wellbeing 15:51 Power of partnerships 21:14 Meeting families where they are 22:46 Invitation to join the YMCA     👉 Stay connected with us! 🔗 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kansascityymca 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymcakansascity/ 🐦 X (Twitter):  https://x.com/kansascityymca 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ymcakansascity

    24 min

  4. Mar 26

    Why Every Kansas City Kid (and Adult) Should Learn to Swim

    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 comes from taking that first step into the pool.   Kevin candidly shares how he's always managed to get by – standing in shallow ends, wearing a life vest on boats while friends jumped in, laughing it off – but underneath it all, realizing he wasn't alone. Millions of people across Kansas City and beyond don't know how to swim. Gerald's journey is equally powerful: after traumatic childhood experiences near the water and years of being told to "stay away," he turned to water aerobics on a doctor's orders, then quietly began teaching himself to swim; half a lane at a time. The transformation didn't just improve his physical health, it changed his whole life.   This episode also dives into pool safety, the importance of YMCA swim lessons for all ages, and how the YMCA of Greater Kansas City offers financial assistance so that cost is never a barrier to learning. Whether you're looking for infant swimming lessons, children's swim lessons, or adult beginner classes, local swim lessons at your YMCA are closer and more accessible than you think.   We wrap up with an in-pool demonstration where Kevin – in his very first lesson – learns to blow bubbles, do a back float, and how to safely reach the edge of a pool.   If Kevin can do it, Kansas City can too.   To learn more about YMCA swim lessons and pool safety programs, visit https://kansascityymca.org/   00:00   Welcome to The Movement 00:36   Swim Safety at the Linwood YMCA 01:25   Meet Kevin Holmes and Gerald, YMCA Swim Instructor 02:52   Kevin's Honest Story: Avoiding the Deep End 05:43   Gerald's Journey: From Pushed In to Pool Instructor 07:39   The #1 Barrier to Swimming 08:07   Pool Safety and Why Kids' Swimming Lessons Matter 09:20   Advice for Adult Beginners: Be Patient, Don't Give Up 10:07   YMCA Scholarships and Financial Assistance 11:30   Kevin's First Swim Lesson Begins     👉 Stay connected with us! 🔗 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kansascityymca 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymcakansascity/ 🐦 X (Twitter):  https://x.com/kansascityymca 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ymcakansascity

    15 min

  5. Feb 25

    The Cleaver YMCA Story 20 Years in the Making: Bridging Troost and Building Community

    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 journey – from moving to Kansas City during a deeply segregated era to serving as mayor and later in Congress – and the lessons he learned about leadership, equity, and community healing. He discusses his childhood experiences with poverty, his mother's civil rights activism, early marches connected to national leaders, and how access to the YMCA helped shape his understanding of belonging and opportunity. Cleaver also reflects on efforts to "erase" the Troost boundary, address funding disparities, and build a more unified Kansas City. The conversation highlights the vision behind placing the Cleaver Family YMCA on Troost – creating not just a facility, but a bridge that brings people together across neighborhoods and backgrounds.   To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City visit https://kansascityymca.org/   00:00 Welcome to The Movement 00:36 Truce Avenue Divide 00:57 2006 YMCA Bridge Vision 02:17 Meet Emanuel Cleaver 02:52 From Texas to KC 05:43 Growing Up Poor 07:39 Quiet Heroes and Race 10:59 Civil Rights Awakening 13:21 Finding the YMCA 14:18 Call to Ministry 16:40 Remembering Jesse Jackson 18:08 Lessons as Mayor 20:27 How Troost Was Drawn 23:25 Cleaver YMCA as Bridge 27:44 Legacy and Closing   👉 Stay connected with us! 🔗 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kansascityymca 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymcakansascity/ 🐦 X (Twitter):  https://x.com/kansascityymca 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ymcakansascity

    31 min

  6. Feb 5

    Healing Chronic Health Conditions Through Plant-Based Diet

    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 chef. Learn how she turned to plant-based nutrition to heal herself and how she now helps her community through KC Health Initiative and Midwest Soul VegFest. Tune in to hear practical tips on healthy cooking, the importance of food access and justice, and how small changes in your kitchen can lead to big benefits in your health. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation and cooking demonstration that might just inspire you to make some healthy shifts in your life.   To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City visit https://kansascityymca.org/     00:00 Introduction to the Movement Podcast 00:36 Personal Connection to Healthy Living 02:06 Gigi's Journey to Wellness 03:11 The Impact of Food on Health 07:33 Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet 09:20 Practical Tips for Healthy Eating 10:35 Addressing Common Misconceptions 15:20 Incorporating Healthy Foods into Daily Life 20:35 The KC Health Initiative 22:19 KC Health Initiative and Midwest Soul VegFest 23:21 Debunking Myths About Healthy Eating Costs 24:45 Creating a Balanced Plate 25:57 Cooking a Heart-Healthy Meal 32:21 The Golden Bowl: A Nutritious Feast 33:32 Final Thoughts and Community Connection   👉 Stay connected with us! 🔗 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kansascityymca 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymcakansascity/ 🐦 X (Twitter):  https://x.com/kansascityymca 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ymcakansascity

    35 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    The Powerful Reason YMCA Volunteers Keep Coming Back

    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 inspires volunteers, how service creates lifelong relationships, and why the YMCA's Spirit of Service culture continues to make such a powerful difference in Kansas City Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. Joining the conversation are Bill Gibson, Spirit of Service award winner, and Michelle Ford, Executive Director at Platte County YMCA, who help us shine a spotlight on the individuals bringing the Y's mission to life. Learn how YMCA volunteer opportunities support everything from food pantries and youth development to wellness, outreach, and community engagement — and why giving back is at the heart of who we are.   To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City- Let's Go! https://kansascityymca.org/     00:00 Introduction to the Movement Podcast 00:36 The Power of Volunteer Work at the YMCA 01:25 Meet Bill Gibson and Michelle Ford 02:01 Bill Gibson's Journey as a YMCA volunteer 06:06 Michelle Ford on Volunteer Energy 10:07 The Impact of Volunteering on the Community 13:52 Barriers to Volunteering and How to Overcome Them 15:55 The Emotional Rewards of Volunteering 17:21 Building a Family at the YMCA 18:55 Expanding YMCA Volunteer Efforts 28:01 The Importance of Volunteers at the YMCA     👉 Stay connected with us! 🔗 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kansascityymca 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymcakansascity/ 🐦 X (Twitter):  https://x.com/kansascityymca 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ymcakansascity

    31 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    Pedaling for Parkinson's with YMCA of Greater Kansas City

    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 to help participants with Parkinson's Disease improve mobility, strength, and quality of life. Learn how the YMCA of Greater Kansas City addresses chronic diseases through evidence-based exercise programs, health education, and the power of community connection. Joining the conversation are Sarah Srock, Program Director II at Platte County Community Center South, and Dr. Muhammad M. Nashatizadeh, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center, who share medical insights and inspiring stories behind this life-changing exercise program for Parkinson's Disease.   To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City- Let's Go! https://kansascityymca.org/     00:00 Welcome to the Movement: Celebrating 165 Years with the YMCA 00:36 Introduction to Platte County Community Center 01:13 Parkinson's Disease and the YMCA's Pedaling for Parkinson's Program 01:23 Meet the Experts: Sarah Schrock and Dr. Mohammed 05:00 Understanding Parkinson's Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis 10:31 The Impact of Exercise: Pedaling for Parkinson's 12:41 Emotional and Social Support for Parkinson's Patients 21:21 Success Stories and Future Aspirations 25:02 The Power of Community and Group Exercise 26:04 New Treatments and Research in Parkinson's Disease 31:47 Concluding Thoughts and Hopeful Messages   👉 Stay connected with us! 🔗 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kansascityymca 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymcakansascity/ 🐦 X (Twitter):  https://x.com/kansascityymca 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ymcakansascity

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Join Mark Hulet, YMCA of Greater Kansas City President CEO, for "The Movement." Each episode includes a special guest to help us dive into how the Y is more than a place or organization - it's truly a movement of people who've been working toward strengthening the community with holistic body, mind and spirit approach since 1860 in greater Kansas City.

Information

  • Creator
    YMCA of Greater Kansas City
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024-2026
  • Show Website
    The Movement