Raising Resilient Kids with Dr. Marion Pierson’s Foundational Wellness Tips
Release Date: 06/08/2025
The Heart of 2025 Kindness: Closing Thoughts and Community Stories
Small Changes Big Shifts
As the 2025 Kindness Campaign comes to a close, Dr. Michelle Robin and Bayleigh Soza reflect on a month filled with heartwarming stories and meaningful moments that prove how small acts can create powerful ripples of change. From classrooms embracing daily kindness challenges to communities uniting across the US, they celebrate the impact of connection, compassion, and generosity. Together, they honor the partners, sponsors, and kindness influencers who helped make this year’s campaign a success, reminding listeners that kindness isn’t just...
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Championing Change: How Benjamin Gardner Uses Pickleball to Create Kindness and Community
Small Changes Big Shifts
At just 11 years old, Benjamin Gardner is proving that kindness, creativity, and purpose can spark powerful change. Alongside his dad, Kyle, Benjamin shares how his love for pickleball led to the creation of Stinger Prints—a small business with a big heart. What started as a 3D-printed bag tag has grown into a ripple of generosity supporting the Kansas City Stingers Youth Foundation. Through entrepreneurship, giving, and community, Benjamin reminds us that no one is too young to make a difference and that the best businesses are built with heart. Key Takeaways: ...
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The Power of Connection: Dr. Karyn Shanks on Healing and Transforming Lives
Small Changes Big Shifts
True healing begins when we reconnect with ourselves, with others, and with deeper wisdom within. Dr. Karyn Shanks shares how her four-decade journey as a physician led her to reimagine medicine through compassion, connection, and personal agency. From her own experience navigating chronic illness to helping others reclaim their energy and wholeness, she reveals why the best medicine starts from within. Through her grounded insights and gentle guidance, Dr. Shanks reminds us that healing is not about fixing what’s broken, it’s about remembering that we were never...
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The Power of Healing Through Play: Carron Montgomery's Wisdom on Parenting Success
Small Changes Big Shifts
Healing often begins with awareness—the quiet moment you choose to look within and face what’s beneath the surface. In this conversation, Carron Montgomery, author, counselor, and trauma specialist, shares how her work through The Invisible Riptide and upcoming graphic novel The Real Truth About Lena helps others navigate anxiety, grief, and emotional growth with compassion. Drawing from her experience as a mother, therapist, and advocate for mental health, Carron reminds us that true healing isn’t about avoiding the waves but learning to move through them with grace, empathy, and...
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Legacy of Kindness: Marcy Langhofer’s Mission for Do Good for Erin
Small Changes Big Shifts
After the tragic loss of her daughter Erin to gun violence, Marcy Langhofer transformed heartbreak into hope by founding Do Good for Erin, a nonprofit devoted to ending violence and supporting those it affects. What began as a simple clothing drive in Erin’s memory has grown into a powerful movement that’s donated over $650,000 to local agencies and awarded scholarships to future social workers. Through courage, compassion, and community, Marcy shows that even in our darkest moments, love can rise, kindness can heal, and purpose can be reborn. Key Takeaways: ...
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Before the Breakthrough: Bayleigh’s Reflections Ahead of the Hoffman Process
Small Changes Big Shifts
Before the breakthrough comes the pause, the moment when you choose to look within and prepare your heart for what’s next. In this intimate conversation, Bayleigh Soza sits down with Dr. Michelle Robin to share her reflections before beginning The Hoffman Process- a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery. At just 26, Bayleigh opens up about the courage it takes to face generational patterns, practice self-awareness, and extend grace to herself and others. Through the lens of motherhood, leadership, and inner growth, she reflects on what it means to...
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Rekindling Community and Belonging: Jerry Colonna on Kindness
Small Changes Big Shifts
Real leadership begins when we stop striving to prove our worth and start remembering who we are. Jerry Colonna blends wisdom, vulnerability, and experience in a heartfelt conversation that reimagines what it means to lead with purpose. From the fast-paced world of venture capital to guiding others through Reboot, Jerry reveals how self-awareness, courage, and belonging can transform not only our work—but our lives. With honesty and compassion, he reminds us that true growth starts within. Key Takeaways: Kindness begins with doing your own inner work so...
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Kindness Unleashed: How John Wang Transforms Lives Through Compassion
Small Changes Big Shifts
From facing personal ceilings to becoming the founder of the OneKindness Challenge, John Wang’s journey is one of growth, courage, and the power of choosing kindness. As the author of Big Asian Energy—recognized as one of Amazon’s Best Books of 2025—John has inspired millions through his writing, coaching, and global speaking. His story reflects how embracing authenticity and leading with compassion can break barriers, spark transformation, and create ripples of impact far beyond ourselves. Key Takeaways: Acts of kindness can transform lives and...
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Hope, Healing, and Community: The Inspiring Story of Matt and Chrissy Stewart
Small Changes Big Shifts
Longtime partners, parents of three, and now both cancer survivors, Matt and Chrissy Stewart’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and the power of choosing hope in the face of adversity. Diagnosed within months of each other—Chrissy with angiosarcoma and Matt with colorectal cancer—they turned their trials into testimony, leaning on family, community, and kindness to carry them through. Their story reflects how even in life’s hardest seasons, love and purpose can shine brighter than fear, inspiring others to live fully in each moment. Key Takeaways: Hope...
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Transforming Lives with James Swanwick: The Alcohol-Free Movement
Small Changes Big Shifts
Once an ESPN anchor and now the founder of Alcohol-Free Lifestyle, James Swanwick’s journey is one of self-discovery, transformation, and the power of choosing kindness for yourself. After giving up alcohol in 2010, James experienced dramatic improvements in his sleep, health, and clarity—changes that inspired him to create Project 90, a program helping high achievers break free from alcohol and unlock their full potential. His story shows that one intentional shift can spark a ripple effect of resilience, purpose, and lasting well-being. Key Takeaways: Quitting alcohol...
info_outlineWhole-person health starts with whole-family care—and that begins with a provider who sees you, hears you, and truly walks beside you. Dr. Marion Pierson brings decades of heart-led pediatric experience to the conversation, showing how health is more than check-ups and prescriptions—it’s about relationships, rest, and raising kids in rhythm with both structure and freedom. Her passion for serving her Kansas City community is palpable, and her insight into direct primary care reminds us that when families are empowered with knowledge, time, and trust, they don’t just survive—they thrive.
Key Takeaways:
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Community-based care thrives when families feel seen, supported, and invited into the healthcare process.
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Simple habits like sleep, hydration, and nutrition can dramatically shift a child’s mood, focus, and overall well-being.
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Transitions, like summer break, can be both freeing and disruptive—maintaining flexible routines helps children stay grounded.
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Parents’ self-care directly impacts how children experience structure, safety, and emotional regulation.
The right healthcare fit is like a good relationship—it’s built on trust, time, and open communication.
Resource Mentioned:
Sherrie Ortiz is the owner of Just One Day Travel Tours and a passionate advocate for creating memorable experiences through local travel as KC travel guide. With three years in business, she’s passionate about helping individuals and teams reconnect through shared experiences that spark joy and connection.
Website link: https://justonedaytraveltours.com/
About Dr. Marion Pierson:
Dr. Marion S. Pierson is a Board-Certified Pediatrician currently practicing in the Kansas City area. She received her medical degree from The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) in 1993. After graduating from medical school, she completed her residency at Georgetown University Children’s Medical Center in Washington, DC. Since 1996, Dr. Pierson has been serving the Kansas City community. She started at Metropolitan Multi-Specialty Physician’s Group (MMPG) in Kansas City, KS. There, she provided care to children living in underserved communities. Later, she served as a pediatric partner at Cradle Through College Care and Village Pediatrics. Her dedication and exceptional patient care has earned her multiple “Top Doctor” awards over the years. Most recently, she received the “Top Doctors of 2023” award by “KC Parent” magazine. She is also a Fellow of The American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP).
Over the years, Dr. Pierson has achieved a number of awards and recognitions not only in her field, but also within her community. These accolades include:
--Featured on PBS, Fox 4 News, KSHB-41 News and The Missouri Times
--Served as “Doctor of the Day” for the Missouri Senate
--Served as a Board Member in several community organizations
--Advocacy and volunteer work for “March of Dimes” and “SIDS Awareness 5K Walk”
--Partnering with “Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City” to provide pro bono care to students in need
In her spare time, Dr. Pierson enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She also is the founder and board president of MO Hives KC, a non-profit community organization that converts vacant lots into honeybee farms across the state of Missouri. In 2022, she was named “Missouri Beekeeper of the Year” by Missouri State Beekeeper Association.
Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:
https://smallchangesbigshifts.com
hello@smallchangesbigshifts.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts
https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts
https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco
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