!NSPIRE: A Whole New Conversation
“Inspire”, a new series featuring inspirational stories about women making moves in communities, politics, families, history, career and life; along with discussion of the issues impacting women on a daily basis. Join !nspire Hosts Betty Lou Pardue, Danielle Norwood, Amy Kelly, Amber Dickinson and Leslie Fleuranges. Inspiring Women, Inspiring You…on KTWU!
Email: inspire@ktwu.org
Phone: 785-670-1111

Season 5

EPISODE 501: Home Organization on a Budget
Learning how to declutter your home doesn’t need to be as painful as some make it out to be. The benefits can be numerous.
In today’s episode we talk with Lindsey Achilles, home organization expert, founder and CEO of Tidy Ventures about ways of organizing your home.
The Joys of Decluttering
The pehnomenon of decluttering has prompted more donations to secondhand stores and has started provoking questions about consumerism and waste. Learn more from this story from Rhana Natour of the PBS News Hour.

EPISODE 502: Power of Thrifting
Thrifting has become a multi-generational interest that speaks to people’s need to shop both economically and sustainably. Joining into discuss the art of thrifting is Deb Cole from Ethel’s Emporium Vintage in Overland Park, Kansas, and Toni Penisi, owner of Troost 39 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Troost 39
Is a non-profit Ministry that offers assistance to those most in need, by partnering with social service agencies throughout the city. Troost39 is committed to supporting the community of midtown Kansas City and the Troost Corridor.

EPISODE 503: PTSD From Tragedy
We turn our attention to the issue of traumatic events and post traumatic stress disorder. Joining to discuss this important topic is Patricia Bryan, Outpatient Team Leader for the Family Service and Guidance center and Charlotte Purcell a trauma survivor.
PTSD Causes
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can stem from an extremely stressful or terrifying event — either by being part of or witnessing it. Some symptoms might be made up of flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. To find more about this subject check out this information from the Mayo Clinic.

EPISODE 504: Capturing the Moment
We’re diving into the dos and don’ts of photography tips to help you get the most out of this hobby. Joining us to talk about creative ways to preserve your memories beyond your phone screen is Carol Meyers of Memory Makers Photography and Christina Noland, with Compass Marketing and Advertising Partners
Other Resources:
Essential photography tips for beginners.
Memory Makers Photography
Memory Makers can capture beautiful moments in many different environments both indoor and outdoor. We can discuss to determine the setting that best aligns with the look and feel you desire. More information can be found at Memory Makers Photography.

EPISODE 505: Getting Arty
On this episode, we discuss the arts in our community, the impact women have made in art, the benefits of the arts on children, schools, the community. Joining us to discuss the importance of art in out lives is Connie Gibbons, Director, Mulvane Art Museum and Marie Plinsky of the Topeka Art Guild
Feeling Artsy?
Here’s How Making Art Helps Your Brain
Topeka Art Guild
Founded in 1916, Topeka Art Guild is a membership association which strives to support the arts. Membership is available to both artists and those wishing to provide support for the guild and its mission. Guild membership has various levels of contribution and benefits. Check out the Topeka Art Guild on the web.

EPISODE 506: The Youth Mental Health Crisis
The numbers don’t lie – anxiety, dpression, and self-harm are rising at alarming rates among young people. Social media, academic pressure, family struggles – today’s kids are dealing with more than ever before. And yet, so many of them are suffering in silence. What can we do as friends, as parents, as a community? To discuss the youth mental health crisis are Amy Tibbitts and Morgan Schmitz, who are therapists with the Lilac Center.
Mental Health Resources for Adolescents
National Institute for Mental Health
The Lilac Center
The Lilac Center uses Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) a structured approach to help people who struggle with emotional disturbances like borderline personality disorder. It includes individual therapy, group therapy, and learning skills to help make life more manageable. Skills taught in DBT are ideal for anyone to use on a daily basis.

EPISODE 507: Impact Investing
With us to discuss the details of impact investing, a program that puts people and community first, are Marsha Pope, President of Topeka Community Foundation, Pam Alexander, Topeka Community Foundation board member, Erin Steele, Owner of Heritage Home and Janice Watkins, CEO of Topeka Habitat For Humanity.
Topeka Community Foundation
The Topeka Community Foundation has worked to improve the quality of life in our region through an active partnership with donors and others who believe, as we do, that positive change occurs through effective charitable givings.
Topeka Habitat for Humanity
Since 1984 we have built 115 houses and renovated or repaired hundreds more. Topeka Habitat for Humanity builds strong and stable neighborhoods by building strong and stable homes.

EPISODE 508: Women In Poetry
In this episode we discuss, a mellennia-old medium, poetry. Joining this discussion are Melissa Fite Johnson, poet, author and high school English teacher…and our own Kansas Poet Laureate, Traci Brimhall.
Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud® lifts poetry off the page, creating community and connection. Through this program, high school students across the country participate in a dynamic poetry recitation competition that is designed to improve their public speaking skills, help build confidence, and teach them about literary history and contemporary life.

EPISODE 509: Connecting with Nature
We are all busy with work, electronics, and our mobile devices. It’s so hard to disconnect! But, can taking a break from the chaos to make time for a nature break have a really positive impact on our physical and mental health?
Joining us to discuss all of these natural benefits are Sheena Parsons, Manager of the KU Field Station, and Bluebird Taylor Mkown. Naturalist Supervisor at the Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center.
The Baker Wetlands and Discovery Center
The Baker University Wetlands and Discovery Center is a paradise for our student biologists, ecologists, biochemists, and pre-health professionals. The stunning 927-acre natural habitat is also open to Stargazers, bird watchers, and exercise enthusiasts are always bustling around the area, which is open to the public.
The KU Field Station
The KU Field Station welcomes students, faculty and staff from across the University of Kansas and other institutions for study at our three sites. In addition, we maintain 5 miles of public trails and offer many public programs for people of all abilities and skill levels.

EPISODE 510: Buying and Selling A Home, Where Do We Begin?
Traditional real estate transactions can be confusing. A recent poll, 49% said they were intimidated by the steps to buying or selling a home and to make the process even more complicated, there’s a housing shortage in a lot of kansas communities.
Here to discuss this topic are Melissa Herdman, a realtor with Kirk and Cobb Realtors, and, to understand finances we have Barbara Duncan, a partner, and senior wealth advisor with Clayton Wealth Partners.
Kirk and Cobb Realtors
Kirk & Cobb serves first-time and experienced sellers. They assist customers in buying and selling homes spanning the entire price spectrum and in all areas of the Topeka community. Kirk & Cobb is a premium-service brokerage which means all customers receive the same level of service, regardless of the price range in which they are working.
Clayton Wealth Partners
As a fee-only advisory firm, Clayton Wealth Partners financial advice is objective and based on the knowledge gained through years of in-depth professional training and experience.

EPISODE 511: Childcare Shortage In Kansas
The childcare shortage in Kansas is a pressing issue affecting families, childcare providers, and policymakers. Joining us to discuss some of the challenges that working parents in Kansas face, and how the city of Topeka is responding, are Sarah Elsen, Executive Director of Childcare Aware of Eastern Kansas, and Trina Goss, Director of Business and Talent initiatives at the Greater Topeka Partnership.
ChildCare Aware
ChildCare Aware of Eastern Kansas serves the 33 counties in Eastern Kansas. Additionally, the agency operates the Child Care Aware® of Kansas Resource Center for families seeking child care across the entire state of Kansas.
Greater Topeka Partnership
The Greater Topeka Partnership and Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas share commitment to addressing the critical need for accessible and high-quality child care services in the region.

EPISODE 512: Book Club Benefits
The Brown v. Board decision continues to impact generations. Joining to help us learn about the history and our continued fight for equality are Cheryl Brown Henderson, Founding President of the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research, Glenda Washington, Co-Chair of the 70th Anniversary Brown coalition and Dr. Beryl New, Co-Chair of 70th anniversary Brown coalition
Brown v. Board
In May of 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in the case of Brown versus the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. This case focused national attention on the practice of maintaining racially segregated public schools, which was a common practice at that point in time. Watch KTWU’s Black, White and Brown.
Impact on Younger Generations
Cheryl Brown Henderson along with LeTiffany Obozele, KNEA staff attorney discuss what the Brown decision means for our younger generations.

EPISODE 413: Season 4 In Review
It’s our annual season in review! We review our season 4 episodes and discuss eye-opening moments, impactful topics, remember the guests that joined us for season 4, and of course, the funnies.

EPISODE 414: Honoring Cancer Survivors
On this episode of !nspire, we honor the bravery of women battling cancer and those who made it through. We talk to survivors, families, and honor those whose lives were lost. We also discuss preventative measures and the resources they can access when going through a loved one with cancer.
Resources:
American Cancer Society in Kansas
https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/kansas.html
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
https://www.kucancercenter.org/patients-caregivers/cancer-education/cancer-resources
The Kansas Cancer Partnership
https://www.kscancerpartnership.org/cancer-survivor-resources/
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Cancer Prevention Control
https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/816/Cancer-Prevention-Control

EPISODE 415: Economic Despair
Over 300,000 Kansas families earn just around twenty thousand per year, putting them in a crippling state of financial distress. What impact does economic despair have on people, families, and communities?
Facts and Resources:
36.5% of adults in Kansas reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. 35,000 Kansans between the ages of 12 and 17 have depression. 51.8% of adults in Kansas who didn’t receive needed mental health care did so because of cost.

Creating a Peaceful Holiday
Program Sponsors



Become a Sponsor
Whether you are trying to reach business decision makers, affluent consumers, arts enthusiasts, or mothers, sponsoring programs like !nspire offers opportunities to help you connect with your target audience. Click below to find out how you can make the most of this opportunity.