The Living Well Podcast
The Living Well Podcast
City Union Mission
Welcome to The Living Well Podcast, brought to you by City Union Mission. In each episode, we'll bring you inspiring stories of transformation and hope. Join us as we sit down one-on-one with participants in our life-changing programs, hearing first hand about their incredible journeys. These powerful stories will take you inside the lives of individuals who have overcome immense challenges and found a path to success, all through the support of City Union Mission. From struggles to triumphs, you’ll witness the real impact of second chances. So, listen in, and be inspired by the resilience and courage of those who have truly found new life.
Hope, Hospitality & Transformation
In this powerful episode of The Living Well podcast, host Brad Burrow sits down with Lynn Johnson, CEO of City Union Mission, for a deeply moving and inspiring conversation about transformation, hope, and purpose. Lynn shares his personal journey into a life of service, the heart behind City Union Mission's work, and how the organization continues to offer more than just shelter, it offers true redemption through the love of Christ. From emergency services to long-term recovery and prevention programs, Lynn walks us through the Mission’s life-changing efforts to help the homeless and vulnerable find healing, purpose, and lasting hope. You’ll also hear about the importance of biblical hospitality, how trauma and mental health are being addressed, and why the Mission’s team is as unique as the people they serve. Whether you're curious about City Union Mission, passionate about community impact, or looking for ways to get involved, this episode is packed with encouragement and insight.
Aug 18, 2025
32 min
Healing the Whole Person
In this episode, we sit down with Philip Garvin, Clinical Director at City Union Mission, to explore how trauma, faith, and love intersect to bring healing and transformation to those experiencing homelessness. Philip shares what it means to lead with compassion, how trauma impacts the mind and soul, and why long-term recovery takes both clinical care and the Gospel.
Aug 4, 2025
25 min
Restoring Lives: The City Union Mission Approach
In this episode we talk with Jenna Garvin, Vocational Development Supervisor and Stephen Chichester, Men’s Ministry Director from City Union Mission about their life-changing work with homeless men in Kansas City. They share how education, career development, trauma recovery, and faith come together to restore lives. As homeless men progress through the programs at City Union Mission, they receive vocational training and financial education designed to prepare them for lasting success. You’ll hear powerful stories, bust common myths about homelessness, and learn how personalized care and spiritual transformation make lasting impact. Whether you're into community service, mental health, or ministry, this episode will inspire and challenge you.
Jul 21, 2025
41 min
When Faith Meets the Front Lines of Homelessness
In this inspiring episode, we talk with a longtime volunteer and board member, Diane Calhoon, about her 17-year journey serving at City Union Mission. What started as a simple “yes” to God turned into a life of teaching, mentoring, and loving people through some of their darkest seasons. She shares powerful transformation stories, the importance of addressing both physical and spiritual needs, and the growing challenges missions face today. Through it all, one thing remains clear: when Christ is at the center, lives—and generations—can be changed.
Jul 7, 2025
36 min
When Community Steps In
In this inspiring episode of The Living Well Podcast, host Brad Burrow sits down with Danni Boatwright and Dayton Moore—two bold voices for lasting change through City Union Mission. Danni opens up about her family’s personal journey through addiction and homelessness, while Dayton shares his perspective on leading with integrity and investing in people. Together, they offer a candid, hope-filled look at how faith and compassion can transform lives and cities.
May 19, 2025
26 min
Hopelessness to Healing
In this episode of Living Well by City Union Mission, host Stephen Chichester talks with Red, a graduate of the Christian Life Program. Once homeless, battling stage four cancer, and wrestling with disbelief, Red shares how his life was transformed by God’s grace. Now pursuing a career in emergency nursing, his story is one of hope, resilience, and redemption. Listen in and be inspired by this powerful testimony.
Apr 28, 2025
25 min
From Recovery to Service
Join us as we chat with Anthony Mills, the Care Center Team Leader, and Amanda Greene, the Administrator at the L Minor Care Center, about their inspiring journeys of recovery and their work supporting others. Anthony shares his story of overcoming addiction and homelessness through the mission’s Christian Life Program, while Amanda emphasizes the importance of grace, mercy, and accountability in the recovery process. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of working in a care center and how faith and community help transform lives. Tune in for an uplifting conversation on healing, hope, and service.
Apr 14, 2025
38 min
From Struggle to Strength
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Josh and Amanda, two very dedicated employees from City Union Mission’s, L Minor Care Center (LMCC), to hear their inspiring stories of resilience, faith, and service. Josh, once a guest of the mission, now uses his own experiences to help others on their journey to recovery. Amanda, the LMCC’s administrator, brings her military background and faith-driven leadership to a team that works tirelessly to support individuals facing extreme challenges. Together, they share the impact of providing a safe space for people in crisis, focusing on both their physical and spiritual well-being. This episode highlights the importance of small victories, community support, and how the love of Christ shines through in the work they do. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about the transformative power of faith, compassion, and second chances.
Mar 31, 2025
31 min
From Church Hurt to God’s Divine Healing
In this inspiring episode, Stephen Chichester opens up about a pivotal moment in his life when he was ready to give up. Just when everything seemed hopeless, God stepped in with a powerful message: "I have plans for you. You will find joy in helping others through what you're going through right now." Join Stephen as he shares how his weaknesses became the catalyst for strength, purpose, and a new perspective on work and life. Tune in to hear how God’s plans for you can turn your struggles into the very thing that propels you toward fulfillment and joy. You are needed, and your journey is just beginning.
Mar 17, 2025
39 min
A Family’s Journey Toward Overcoming Homelessness
In this moving episode, the Baugher family of Springfield, Missouri, shares their heart-wrenching journey from despair to redemption. Amid the weight of raising four children, sustaining a crumbling home remodeling business, and wrestling with the grip of addiction, their world teetered on collapse. But when darkness threatened to consume them, they found hope at City Union Mission. Through tear-soaked prayers, transformative programs, and unshakable community, healing began. Today, a father stands tall, sober and steadfast in a new job, while Natalia clutches keys to a car gifted by the Mission, a tangible symbol of their new journey. Tune in to hear how faith, perseverance, and the right resources can bring healing and new opportunities to even the toughest situations.
Feb 27, 2025
36 min
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