Advertise on podcast: C-10 Mentoring & Leadership Podcast

In this engaging episode 169 of the C-10 Podcast, Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation, joins CYITML Executive Director Matt Fulks for an insightful conversation recorded live at Music Theater Heritage. Speaking in front of C-10 students and mentors, Kathy shares her inspiring journey from her early days in media to leading major sports and tourism initiatives in Kansas City. She discusses the challenges of dealing with "failure," the triumphs of securing events like the NFL Draft and the 2026 World Cup, and the lessons learned along the way. Kathy's story is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of community engagement. LINKS: To see our 2025 Holiday Gift Catalog to give a gift with meaning this season, click here. 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 learn more about First Federal Bank of Kansas City, our Student Spotlight sponsor, visit their site. 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.

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.

In Episode 167 of the C-10 Podcast, we sit down with Sean Hart, former CEO of George Clinical in Kansas City, to explore his remarkable leadership journey. Sean shares insights from his career in global healthcare, offering valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and innovation that apply to any industry. This episode delves into Sean's experiences in scaling businesses, developing leaders, and navigating complex challenges. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your career, Sean's story provides inspiration and practical advice for achieving success and making a positive 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.

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.

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.

Join us for Episode 164 of the C-10 Podcast, recorded live at Music Theater Heritage inside Crown Center with our C-10 students and mentors. Our guest, Sam Brown, shares a powerful story of resilience and transformation that captivated our audience. After losing both parents by age 11, Sam's journey was shaped by the guidance of his 23-year-old sister and his own unwavering determination. From playing in the NFL and CFL to becoming a Project Engineer in the mechanical engineering field, Sam's path demonstrates the power of perseverance and adaptability. In this inspiring conversation, Sam opens up about his latest venture, SB Impacts, where he creates supportive environments for individual and community growth. His message of personal development, self-reliance, and community impact resonates deeply with our C-10 mission of mentoring and 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.

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.

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.

For more than 25 years, Ryan Lefebvre's voice has been synonymous with Kansas City Royals baseball. In Episode 161 of the C-10 Podcast, we sit down with Lefebvre, who grew up immersed in baseball as the son of former big league player and manager Jim Lefebvre. Ryan's journey in broadcasting began at just 19 years old, and after graduating from the University of Minnesota, where he also played baseball, he worked his way through the minor leagues, and a stint with the Minnesota Twins before joining the Royals broadcast team in 1999. But beyond the broadcast booth, Ryan's story is one of remarkable courage and transparency. In this powerful conversation, Ryan opens up about his personal battle with depression and addiction, a journey he detailed in his memoir "The Shame of Me: One Man's Journey to Depression and Back." His willingness to share his story has helped countless others face their own challenges, making him not just a voice of baseball, but a voice of hope and recovery. This episode was recorded in front of the C-10 Mentoring & Leadership program students and mentors in February 2025.   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.

Episode 160 of the C-10 Podcast features a conversation with contemporary Christian music powerhouse Matthew West, recorded during our C You In The Major Leagues' 10th anniversary celebration in December 2024. In this special episode, Emmy Award-winning Fox 4 anchor Abby Eden teams up with CYITML Executive Director Matt Fulks to co-host an engaging Q&A with Matthew West. Eden, who later served as emcee for the evening's celebration, helps bring out unique perspectives in this meaningful conversation. As a five-time GRAMMY® nominee and recipient of ASCAP's 2023 Golden Note Award, Matthew has established himself as one of Christian music's most prolific songwriters, with an impressive 34 number-one songs to his name. But beyond the accolades – including an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, and multiple GMA Dove Awards – lies a story of persistence, faith, and the power of using your gifts to impact others. In this intimate session, which includes an audience Q&A, West shares personal insights about his creative process, the challenges of the music industry, and how his faith has guided his career. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his music, this conversation offers valuable lessons about pursuing your passion while staying true to your values. 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 listen to Episode 39, which features a previous chat with Matthew, go 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.

Episode 159 of the C-10 Podcast welcomes former Kansas City Chief and current Chiefs Radio Network color analyst Danan Hughes for a special live recording at Music Theater Heritage in Crown Center. In front of our C-10 students and mentors, Hughes shares his fascinating journey from New Jersey to becoming a two-sport star at the University of Iowa, where his athletic prowess caught the attention of both the NFL and MLB. After being drafted by both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Milwaukee Brewers, Hughes chose the gridiron, spending five seasons as a wide receiver with the Chiefs during a transformative period for the organization. His insights into those years provide a unique perspective on a crucial chapter in Chiefs history. Following his playing career, Hughes has built an impressive second act in Kansas City's financial sector, currently serving as a senior business development officer and mortgage originator with Community America Credit Union. Now in his fifth season alongside Mitch Holthus as color analyst for the Chiefs Radio Network, Hughes continues to impact the Kansas City community both on and off the air. 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.

Episode 158 of the C-10 Podcast takes listeners on an exciting new journey with our first-ever (and possibly last) "car chat" featuring Fox4 news reporter Matt Stewart. In this unique and intimate setting, we dive deep into Matt's career, exploring the journey that led him to become a respected figure in the Kansas City media. As we, um, cruise through the conversation, Matt shares invaluable lessons from his days as a college football player at Northwestern University. These experiences helped shape his views on leadership, team building and how every person matters to a team. In a poignant turn, Matt opens up about his personal battle with cancer, offering a raw and inspiring account of his journey. This powerful episode showcases Matt's resilience, determination, and positive outlook in the face of adversity, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking motivation and perspective in their own lives. LINKS: To order Matt Stewart's books or "Stewart Strong" merch, visit his website. 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.

On Episode 157 of the C-10 Podcast, we're chatting with Mari Foster, one of this year's six Blue KC Coaches with Character honorees. Mari has been a coach in the Kansas City Public School District for more than 25 years. She started at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Middle School in 1998, and then created the Tiger Dance Team in 2005, which reached the state championships just three years later, in 2008. In addition to dance, Foster has also been the head boys’ and girls’ track and field coach at East High School since 2019 and is USA Track and Field Level 1 certified. Additionally, she works with House of Hope KC. As her nominator, Dr. Lee Allen Sr. wrote: “Coach Foster has been a coach and mentor to hundreds of students in multiple schools throughout her illustrious career. In addition to founding the Tiger Dance Team and growing it into one of the best dance teams in Missouri, she’s also helped capture multiple state championships and has had several of her student-athletes continue their careers at the collegiate level. Because of her love of children, Kansas City Public Schools asked her to serve in a role where she can mentor other district dance teams, and replicate her success district-wide. She means so much to so many students, past and present.”   LINKS: For more information about the Blue KC Coaches with Character program, visit this page on our site. 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.

For Episode 156 of the C-10 Podcast, we're featuring Tim Kluempers, the second of six 2024 Blue KC Coaches with Character honorees. Tim started the St. Thomas Aquinas Saints Rugby team in 2007. Under his direction, the Saints have won the Kansas state championship nearly every year, and they’ve competed on the national stage, also. Before getting into coaching, Tim played for the US National Rugby team from 1996-2001, and for the Kansas City Blues Rugby team for more than 20 years. By day, Tim is in Business Development for Budnick Converting. Additionally, he's heavily involved in youth rugby in Kansas City area. LINKS: For more information about the Blue KC Coaches with Character program, visit this page on our site. 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.

On Episode 155 of the C-10 Podcast, we're chatting with the July Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree, Jill Courter, the girls golf coach at Blue Springs High School.  Jill Courter has worked in the Blue Springs School District for more than 25 years, and has been the golf coach since 2007. During the past 17 years, she had an undefeated team that won the Missouri state championship in 2014, she’s had one individual golfer win the state championship, and she’s had five all-state golfers. But, as Alli Bowers, one of Jill Courter’s former golfers and her nominator wrote: “Jill’s tireless efforts to create a place where female athletes are respected and loved is her priority. I still remember the love, care and concern she gave me as a young athlete. Constantly encouraging, teaching, and pushing me to be my best self.”  LINKS: For more information about the Blue KC Coaches with Character program, visit this page on our site. 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.