Illuminating Hope: A Podcast of Hope House
Julie Ross is Vice President of Client Services – Segment Head for Empower. In her role, she serves as head of Client Service Managers, supporting associates, ERISA consultants, and project managers who serve clients in the large, mega, and not-for-profit segments.
![Season 2 Episode 12: A Childhood Survivor of Domestic Violence](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/66686d917c4eb74f2a734765_Julie%20Ross.png)
Michael Mackie a proud Midwesterner. Growing up, he always knew he wanted to be in TV. Or on TV. Or watching TV. (He's not picky.) "I even got my degree in broadcasting from the University of Iowa to prove to the world I was not...
![Season 2 Episode 11: Stroke Awareness Month with Michael Mackie](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/6658d7a1bce2b5deefc70b88_1716940347218.jpg)
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Hope House is celebrating! Listen to two Hope House therapists, Elizabeth and Hannah, discuss how important mental health is when leaving an abusive environment.
![Season 2 Episode 10: Mental Health Awareness Month](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/6658d642e6f86a7a6d9c734c_MHAM.png)
After graduating the academy, Adam began his career as a patrol officer. In 2014, Adam was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In 2015, Adam served as the training coordinator for the police department. In 2016, in addition...
![Season 2 Episode 9: Chief Adam Dustman of Independence Police Department](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/6630fe0c0e591607f9b366c7_Voices%20of%20Justice%20Cover%20%20(2).png)
Chief Bob Muenz assumed the role of Chief of Police in Blue Springs on October 1, 2017, bringing a wealth of experience accumulated over 30 years in law enforcement. His journey began in 1992 in Warrenton, Missouri, and has...
![Season 2 Episode 8: Blue Springs Police Department, Chief Bob Muenz](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/6620235bd0ddc7dc25687cbf_Voices%20of%20Justice%20Cover%20%20(1).png)
Judge Sill-Rogers was appointed to the Jackson County Circuit Court (16th Judicial Circuit) in September 1993. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in administration of justice from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She...
![Season 2 Episode 7: Judge Sill-Rogers](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/660c228a33bbed2b9963b1e9_Voices%20of%20Justice%20Cover%20.png)
Chief Charles Iseman served as a law enforcement professional since 1991. Iseman's service has many different roles and assignments to include Patrol Officer, SWAT Operator, Undercover Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Investigations...
![Season 2 Episode 6: The Voices of Justice - Chief Charles Iseman, Grandview Police Department](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/65f9e24019dd5b8ec839383e_Chief%20Charles%20Iseman.png)
Chief Forbes began his career in law enforcement on May 14, 1992, with the Independence Missouri Police Department. He attended the 84th Kansas City Regional Police Academy class and graduated as valedictorian. Travis...
![Season 2 Episode 5: The Voices of Justice - Chief Travis Forbes, Lee's Summit Police Department](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/65f9e1bd23031e3eb2814762_Chief%20Travis%20Forbes.png)
Katie Hendley fell in love with wine when she studied in Florence, Italy in 2001. She’s been hooked ever since and decided to make it official in 2008 with a diploma from the International Sommelier Guild and, in 2014, a Level 2...
![Season 2 BONUS: The Sommelier Showdown 2024](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/65de366d9644a14d79f35aa0_Sommelier%20Showdown%20(1).png)
Each February, young adults and their loved ones nationwide raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long effort focuses on advocacy and education...
![Season 2 Episode 4: Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/65dcd0378211a34940c6cf2f_TDVAM.png)
There is hope, there is help, and there is a way out. Christy's Champs founder and former Professional Boxer Christy Martin's story is to break the silence, to shatter the stigma, and to inspire others to seek the support they deserve...
![Season 2 Episode 3: Former Professional Boxer Christy Martin](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/65c2897d69c6e4ebc6f6076e_Christy%20Martin.png)
Did you know this January is the 20th anniversary of National Stalking Awareness Month? Stalking is a type of abuse that consists of a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that could cause a reasonable person to...
![Season 2 Episode 2: National Stalking Awareness Month](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/65afe4d59b960e317e1849a6_NSAM.png)
Chris Walden, is a certified USA Boxing official in the ring and President of the KC Gloves. Missy is a boxer and coach at Turner Boxing Academy. As a two-time KC Golden Gloves Champion, she made history in 2018 when she became the...
![Season 2 Episode 1: In Your Corner for Hope with KC Golden Gloves](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/659d6aee8ddce91c9813d7f9_KC%20Golden%20Gloves.png)
Josh Crumley / hairjosh has two decades of experience working with hair, and he has worked with some of the best stylists in Kansas City. His favorite part of the job is being able to combine his love for creative adventures, storytelling...
![Season 1 Episode 12: Skyline Downtown Salon: A Curious Hair Emporium](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/658b070176e530adbaa87c11_Caroline%20Hammond%20(1).png)
Safe In Harm's Way envision a world where survivors can recognize the feelings in their relationships as the hallmark red flags of abuse, effortlessly communicate, access resources, and embark on a journey of healing without...
![Season 1 Episode 11: Safe in Harm's Way Copy](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/6578a179e0490d31baed184c_Caroline%20Hammond.png)
Dr. Traci Johnson was born and raised in rural Texas, and her skill as a left-fielder earned her a softball scholarship to Prairie View A&M University outside of Houston. She attended MCP Hahnemann College of Medicine in Philadelphia...
![Season 1 Episode 10: Trauma Informed Care - Dr. Traci Johnson](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/6579cf5cf71077f215339209_Dr.%20Traci%20JOhnson.png)
MaryAnne Metheny, CEO and Tina Johnson, Manager of Community Partnerships break down who is eligible for tax credits and why. Applying for tax credits is easy and very beneficial to our Hope House giving community...
![BONUS: Tax Credits](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/6564df62d7f19d189f419459_Tax%20Credits.png)
jessica Lynn McCallop-McClellan is an inspirational speaker, (Jessica Lynn Speaks Life), She’s been an impactful keynote speaker at many women’s events and inspirational movements. She is also the Founder and President of 501c3...
![Episode 9: Giving Hope & Help - Jessica McClellan](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/6564defab335ee669594daf0_Jessica%20McLellan%20(1).png)
Courtney Stoddard Laufketter is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Budget Blinds of Lee's Summit and Overland Park. She has been involved with Hope House for 10 years. She co-created "12-ish Bars of Christmas" in...
![Episode 8: 12ish Bars of Christmas](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/65426445a629e6a7b48d6db2_12%20Bars%20of%20Christmas.png)
Radio/Podcast Host, Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Cable TV MLB Analyst, Life/Executive Coach, Former MLB Player, Husband, and Father Les Norman has a passion for people. He finds human beings utterly fascinating, loves sharing...
![Season 1 Episode 7: Breakin' the Norm](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/65426318727a0ad3acccfe9d_BestyBNB%20(1).png)
BestyBnB helps Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Animal Welfare, and other Social Service Agencies secure safe, temporary homes for clients’ pets during their time of crisis so they can & will seek help. Our Agency partners have...
![Season 1 Episode 6: BestyBNB](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/652e9bc89e8b6606f400a244_BestyBNB.png)
Monkey Brain Art was founded by Gary & Trish Walker in 2021. Founders, Gary and Trish Walker, have experienced the benefits of the healing practice of art, meditation, and mindfulness to combat the trauma of PTSD. Both having...
![Season 1 Episode 5: Monkey Brain Art](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/651c2731d5355d07ec2cb828_Monkey%20Brain%20Art.jpg)
As we kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month enjoy Artist Brooke Wangwe's survivor story! Brooke is a domestic violence survivor, works and trains in healthcare and is a self taught artist. She's worked on art therapy...
![Season 1 Episode 4: The Voice of a Survivor](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/651aec532fc6066e0945d6d0_Brooke%20Wangwe.jpg)
Detective Carolina Yeager. Detective Yeager was the 2019 recipient of Hope House "Everyday Hero Recognition Award." Detective Yeager has been a Blue Springs Police Officer since 2007 and became the Domestic Violence Detective...
![Season 1 Episode 3: Special Victims Unit: Blue Springs Police Department](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/650b5294e894dd1a3c204063_Dana%20Wright%20(2).png)
Dana Wright is a native Kansan who has dedicated her life to telling stories. As a career television journalist and talk radio host, Dana has conducted a variety of interesting interviews from...
![Season 1 Episode 2: Women in Media - Special Guest Dana Wright](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/64f73fc3954a5b9c8d9f1bad_Dana%20Wright%20(1).png)
From the South-Central riots in Los Angeles to Hurricane Andrew in Louisiana to national political conventions, when it comes to big stories, KMBC 9 News anchor-reporter Kris Ketz has always found himself in the right place...
![Season 1 Episode 1: 40 Years of Commitment & Dedication - Special Guest Kris Ketz](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63d17d93407a8a7ee8fdc5df/64f73fd20f2a8beae72efc4e_Kris%20Ketz.png)