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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 10/10/2025

    How Harvesters and the YMCA Are Fighting Hunger in Kansas City

    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 together to provide hope and dignity to those in need.   Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. In this episode, Mark is joined by Elizabeth Keever, Chief Resource Officer at Harvesters, and Jim Hawkins, Spirit of Service honoree and longtime YMCA volunteer, to share how the Providence YMCA's food pantry is making a difference in the community and how volunteers are leading the fight against hunger.   To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City- Let's Go! https://kansascityymca.org/     00:00 Introduction to the Movement Podcast 00:35 Food Security Discussion with Elizabeth Keffer and Jim Hawkins 01:51 Jim Hawkins' Volunteer Journey 03:06 Elizabeth Keffer on Food Insecurity 03:52 The Role of Volunteers 04:59 Harvesters' Mission and Impact 06:47 Partnerships and Community Impact 11:48 Innovative Approaches to Tackling Hunger 17:57 Challenges and Future of Food Security 30:02 Encouragement to Volunteer and Conclusion     👉 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

    37 min

  8. 09/04/2025

    This YMCA Program Is Transforming Immigrant Stories in Kansas City

    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 development that show how the YMCA builds bridges across cultures.   Welcome to The Movement! Join us as we celebrate 165 years of impact with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. In this episode Mark is joined by Executive Director Andrea Toney, Program Coordinator Aracely Van Kirk, and ESL graduate Mene share how the YMCA of Greater Kansas City empowers individuals through English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, immigrant support services, and a commitment to inclusion and belonging.   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 01:05 Introduction to the North Kansas City YMCA 01:37 The New American Welcome Center: A Hub for Immigrant Support 02:47 Belonging Begins With Us: Creating Inclusive Spaces 03:18 Meet the Team: Stories of Impact and Inspiration 07:47 The Importance of Learning English 09:11 Building Community Through Programs and Events 21:10 Welcoming Week: How to Get Involved 23:10 Final Thoughts: Fostering Belonging and Inclusion   👉 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

    26 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
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024-2026
  • Show Website
    The Movement