C-10 Mentoring & Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Matt Fulks/

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Episodes

170

Latest episode

Nov 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

Each episode of the C-10 Mentoring & Leadership Podcast brings listeners thought-provoking and educational conversations with community-minded leaders and mentors. Hosted by “C” You In The Major Leagues Director and author Matt Fulks, along with various guest co-hosts, we dig deep to see how successful leaders view leadership. Each episode’s guest shares thoughts and experiences with a focus on the foundational elements of CYITML: Care, Character, Coach, Commitment, Competitor, Composure, Comprehension, Concentration, Confidence and Courage.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 22, 2025Episode 16958 min

169: Kathy Nelson, CEO of the KC Sports Commission and Visit KC, on Compassion

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.

November 7, 2025Episode 16852 min

168: Melesa Johnson, Jackson County Prosecutor, on Character and Perseverance

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.

October 17, 2025Episode 16744 min

167: Sean Hart, Senior Advisor, Precision for Medicine, on Character

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.

August 22, 2025Episode 16644 min

166: Mike Garrett, Chiefs great and Heisman Trophy winner, on Character

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.

July 11, 2025Episode 16555 min

165: COURAGE with General Richard Myers (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

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.

June 20, 2025Episode 16436 min

164: Former NFL player Sam Brown on COMPOSURE overcoming adversity

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.

May 2, 2025Episode 16351 min

163: Rob Browne, in Memory of the Late CEO of YouthReach International

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.

April 18, 2025Episode 16236 min

162: Shawnie Nix, former KCPD officer and C-10 Mentor on backgrounds influencing youth

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.

March 28, 2025Episode 16148 min

161: Ryan Lefebvre, Baseball Broadcaster and Mental Health Advocate, shares about his journey through addiction and depression

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.

March 14, 2025Episode 16050 min

160: Singer-Songwriter Matthew West on finding purpose, the journey, and importance of stories

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.