S1E6: How Community and Passion Drive Advocacy with Guest Christie Smerchek

In this episode, Christie shares her journey into advocacy for gun violence prevention, her experiences with faith communities, and her passion for making a difference. We explore how individuals can get involved, the importance of community action, and her insights on Taylor Swift's music.

Christie is a dental hygienist, former PTA president, and mom of two who somehow still finds time to fight for gun violence prevention — and make it look fun. She volunteers with MOMS Demand Action and Be SMART, bringing the same energy she uses to convince patients to floss to convincing communities to take action.

Connect with her-- Would love for people to attend a local MOMS Demand meeting, or go through the online training to be a Be SMART volunteer.
https://www.instagram.com/christie.from.kc/

Special thanks to our sponsor, Leader One Financial, for their recording space!

Music on this podcast is from the song "Grateful" by the local Kansas City band, The Canterberries. Stream and download their album, Flying Around. Follow them on Instagram for upcoming show dates @the_canterberries 🍓 🫐 🍒 https://www.instagram.com/the_canterberries/

Connect with the host, Haley Grayless, MSOD

vaxacollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/the_haleygrayless

https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleygrayless/

Transcript for this episode can be found at vaxacollective.com/podcast

S1E5: The Simple Shift That Makes Climate Action Feel Worth It with Guest Pip Cross

Philippa Cross is the founder of Marshall Sustainability, a boutique consultancy delivering senior-level advisory to companies on climate strategy, supply chains, and storytelling. With 20 years of experience leading sustainability functions at Fortune 500 companies including Unilever and Ben & Jerry's, Philippa brings a blend of corporate depth and entrepreneurial agility to her work.

She holds a Master's in Sustainability Leadership from the University of Cambridge, where she also teaches on executive programs. Philippa is co-author of Purpose Advantage 2.0 and was named one of the Top 50 Global Women in Sustainability by SustainabilityX magazine. She is also an alumna of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Program.

She's currently working on a B-Corp network in Kansas City on how to bring more mission-led businesses together in Kansas City; so love to hear from B-Corp curious people who would be interested to learn more and be part of this!
www.marshallsustainbility.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-cross/

Special thanks to our sponsor, Leader One Financial, for their recording space!

Music on this podcast is from the song "Grateful" by the local Kansas City band, The Canterberries. Stream and download their album, Flying Around. Follow them on Instagram for upcoming show dates @the_canterberries 🍓 🫐 🍒 https://www.instagram.com/the_canterberries/

Connect with the host, Haley Grayless, MSOD

vaxacollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/the_haleygrayless

https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleygrayless/

Transcript for this episode can be found at vaxacollective.com/podcast

S1E4: Mental Health Tools You Can Use to Make Your Life, I Daresay... a Party! Guest Mary Kate Short , LCSW, LSCSW

Mary Kate Short, LCSW (MO), LSCSW (KS) is a Licensed Clinical Social worker based in Kansas City, MO. She specializes in work with children and parents, along with couples and families. Mary Kate is highly skilled in helping families navigate difficult behavior and disconnection. She provides individual, couples and family counseling at Heartland Therapy Connection.

Ongoing parent/child workshops focused on strengthening parent/child attachment and increasing positive behaviors in children.

Heartland Therapy Connection

heartlandtherapyconnection.com

Special thanks to our sponsor, Leader One Financial, for their recording space!

Music on this podcast is from the song "Grateful" by the local Kansas City band, The Canterberries. Stream and download their album, Flying Around. Follow them on Instagram for upcoming show dates @the_canterberries 🍓 🫐 🍒 https://www.instagram.com/the_canterberries/

Connect with the host, Haley Grayless, MSOD

vaxacollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/the_haleygrayless

https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleygrayless/

Transcript for this episode can be found at vaxacollective.com/podcast