Nashville is a hub for healthcare and medicine in Middle Tennessee. As the area grows in population and older nurses are retiring, the need for new nurses is growing.  In this Focus Interview, you'll hear from Amanda Pingston, assistant chief nursing officer at Ascension Saint Thomas West, who'll talk about why nursing is so important and fulfilling a career. She'll also talk about the affiliation the hospital has formed with Marian University, to help nurses get the training they need, including in-hospital training, and why both groups team up for an annual "Come Explore Nursing" event, at the hospital. You'll also hear from Tina Jacklyn, a student at Marian University Nashville's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, and how it's meeting her personal needs of doing something meaningful in the world.

INFO ABOUT THE ANNUAL "COME EXPLORE NURSING" EVENT (2026):

On April 21, 2026, Ascension Saint Thomas and Marian University’s Leighton School of Nursing will showcase the pathways to rewarding careers in a growing field at the annual “Come Explore Nursing.” This educational event provides an opportunity to meet Marian University’s faculty, admissions staff, current students, alumni and Ascension Saint Thomas nursing leadership, and to learn more about Marian University’s nursing programs.
The event will take place from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West, 4220 Harding Pike in Nashville.  

To learn more and register,   visit https://cloud.email.mariannursing.com/042126CEN.

Nashville is a hub for healthcare and medicine in Middle Tennessee. As the area grows in population and older nurses are retiring, the need for new nurses is growing.&nbsp; In this Focus Interview, you'll hear from Amanda Pingston, assistant chief nursing officer at Ascension Saint Thomas West, who'll talk about why nursing is so important and fulfilling a career. She'll also talk about the affiliation the hospital has formed with Marian University, to help nurses get the training they need, including in-hospital training, and why both groups team up for an annual "Come Explore Nursing" event, at the hospital. You'll also hear from Tina Jacklyn, a student at Marian University Nashville's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, and how it's meeting her personal needs of doing something meaningful in the world.
INFO ABOUT THE ANNUAL "COME EXPLORE NURSING" EVENT (2026):
On April 21, 2026, Ascension Saint Thomas and Marian University&rsquo;s Leighton School of Nursing will showcase the pathways to rewarding careers in a growing field at the annual &ldquo;Come Explore Nursing.&rdquo; This educational event provides an opportunity to meet Marian University&rsquo;s faculty, admissions staff,&nbsp;current students, alumni and Ascension Saint Thomas nursing leadership, and to learn more about Marian University&rsquo;s nursing programs. The event will take place from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West, 4220 Harding Pike in Nashville. &nbsp;
To learn more and register,&nbsp; &nbsp;visit&nbsp;<a href="https://cloud.email.mariannursing.com/042126CEN" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://cloud.email.mariannursing.com/042126CEN&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1775070461312000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1_deiMprextA801jPvq9bz">https://cloud.email.mariannursing.com/042126CEN</a>.
<blockquote></blockquote>

Nurses Needed--Your New Career?

In this Focus interview, Brittany Lee, Nurse Manager for the Maternal/Newborn Center at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown, joins Anna to give expectant moms and parents info on what to expect when they deliver. The Maternal/ Newborn Center focuses on the baby and the mother, as well as education and guidance after they're released to go home. 
Ascension Saint Thomas calls itself The Baby Hospital, because of its focus on babies, MOMS, and families before, during and after childbirth. If you're expecting, please listen to this interview, and then get to the Baby Fair.  It's set for Saturday, April 18th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown. There will be free "baby bump" photos, games, prizes and free seminars, birthing suite tours and free classes. This year's "Baby Fair" is Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s longest-running FREE annual event for new and expectant parents. 

In this Focus interview, Brittany Lee, Nurse Manager for the Maternal/Newborn Center at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown, joins Anna to give expectant moms and parents info on what to expect when they deliver. The Maternal/ Newborn Center focuses on the baby and the mother, as well as education and guidance after they're released to go home.&nbsp; Ascension Saint Thomas calls itself The Baby Hospital, because of its focus on babies, MOMS, and families before, during and after childbirth. If you're expecting, please listen to this interview, and then get to the Baby Fair.&nbsp; It's set for Saturday, April 18th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown. There will be free "baby bump" photos, games, prizes and free seminars, birthing suite tours and free classes. This year's "Baby Fair" is Nashville and Middle Tennessee&rsquo;s longest-running FREE annual event for new and expectant parents.&nbsp;

Taking the "Scaries" Out of Having a Baby

Anna talks again with Paris Jackson, a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, to discuss essential tax credits and deductions to keep in mind before filing. A number of changes have been made to the 2026 tax laws, including the fact that tips are no longer taxable. Paris also outlines exactly which documents you should have ready or updated to ensure a fresh financial start this spring. Additionally, she shares advice on how to get help with budgeting and how to better secure your family’s future.

Anna talks again with Paris Jackson, a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, to discuss essential tax credits and deductions to keep in mind before filing. A number of changes have been made to the 2026 tax laws, including the fact that tips are no longer taxable. Paris also outlines exactly which documents you should have ready or updated to ensure a fresh financial start this spring. Additionally, she shares advice on how to get help with budgeting and how to better secure your family&rsquo;s future.

5 Tips to Know Before You File Taxes

For most of our lives, there's been stigma and misinformation about women's pelvic floor disorders. It is common, but not NORMAL for a woman to experience leakage, pain and other issues. But if no one talks about it, it can't be treated. Dr. Lisa Jambusaria, MD, FACOG, is an urogynecologist with Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville and Murfreesboro and she's our guest today. She's board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and talks about pelvic floor disorders that affect 1 in 3 women.  Dr. Jambusaria shares signs and symptoms that women often ignore or are embarrassed to talk about, as well as non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical treatments that are now available to you, locally. You'll want to listen and share this one with every woman you know.  

For most of our lives, there's been stigma and misinformation about women's pelvic floor disorders. It is common, but not NORMAL for a woman to experience leakage, pain and other issues. But if no one talks about it, it can't be treated. Dr. Lisa Jambusaria, MD, FACOG, is an urogynecologist with Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville and Murfreesboro and she's our guest today. She's board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and talks about pelvic floor disorders that affect 1 in 3 women.&nbsp; Dr. Jambusaria shares signs and symptoms that women often ignore or are embarrassed to talk about, as well as non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical treatments that are now available to you, locally. You'll want to listen and share this one with every woman you know. &nbsp;

Learning About Women's Pelvic Floor Health

Anna talks with Brandon Dyce, President & CEO of the Pet Community Center in Nashville.   With so many animal shelters experiencing an emergency overflow of unwanted pets, Pet Community Center's mission is to work on PREVENTIVE care for pets, including low-cost spay and neuter, vet services, vaccines and more... but work on a sliding scale. You can get your pets vaccinated there, and pay probably less than you are now. Even if you pay full price, you're supporting someone else who can't afford it, but needs to be able to take care of their pets. 

Anna talks with&nbsp;Brandon Dyce,&nbsp;President &amp; CEO of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.petcommunitycenter.org/">Pet Community Center</a>&nbsp;in Nashville.&nbsp; &nbsp;With so many animal shelters experiencing an emergency overflow of unwanted pets, Pet Community Center's mission is to work on PREVENTIVE care for pets, including low-cost spay and neuter, vet services, vaccines and more... but work on a sliding scale. You can get your pets vaccinated there, and pay probably less than you are now. Even if you pay full price, you're supporting someone else who can't afford it, but needs to be able to take care of their pets.&nbsp;

How to Save a Pet in Middle TN

ShowerUp provides healthful, clean opportunities for those experiencing homelessness in Nashville, TN with mobile showers and personal hygiene necessities. Their mission is to build relationships, restore hope and dignity, to those in those in need in our city by providing them with shower services and personal care. ShowerUp volunteers make people experiencing homelessness feel "seen" and "known". 

The non-profit started in Nashville, and has since spread to other cities.
In this Focus Interview, ShowerUp's Executive Director, Paul Schmitz, says they're grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve in Middle TN!

Click HERE to find out how to help, and to stay updated you can follow their ShowerUp  Facebook and Instagram pages!

<a href="https://showerup.org/nashville/">ShowerUp&nbsp;</a>provides healthful, clean opportunities for those experiencing homelessness in Nashville, TN with mobile showers and personal hygiene necessities. Their mission is to build relationships, restore hope and dignity, to those in those in need in our city by providing them with shower services and personal care.&nbsp;<a href="https://showerup.org/nashville/">ShowerUp</a>&nbsp;volunteers make people experiencing homelessness feel "seen" and "known".&nbsp;
The non-profit started in Nashville, and has since spread to other cities. In this Focus Interview,&nbsp;<a href="https://showerup.org/nashville/">ShowerUp</a>'s Executive Director, Paul Schmitz, says they're grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve in Middle TN! Click&nbsp;<a href="https://showerup.org/nashville/">HERE</a>&nbsp;to find out how to help, and to stay updated you can follow their ShowerUp&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/showerup">&nbsp;Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/showerupnashville/">Instagram</a>&nbsp;pages!

Showering Up Nashville's Homeless

Kimberly Fielding, founder of Kicks and Flutters Mobile Ultrasound, discusses her service.  They allow Nashville-area residents the flexibility to choose where to have your ultrasound, and who to invite. The At-Home Pregnancy Ultrasound Boutique offers 4D, 3D, & 2D technology, progress packages, live ultrasound gender reveal parties and live ultrasound baby showers. All services are in-home or at-venue and are provided by a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer with extensive experience in high-risk pregnancy and MFM ultrasound.

Also, Kimberly will be Sat this year's Baby Fair in April at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown. 
Read more at their website https://kicksandfluttersultrasound.com

Kimberly Fielding, founder of Kicks and Flutters Mobile Ultrasound, discusses her service.&nbsp; They allow Nashville-area residents the flexibility to choose where to have your ultrasound, and who to invite. The At-Home Pregnancy Ultrasound Boutique offers 4D, 3D, &amp; 2D technology, progress packages, live ultrasound gender reveal parties and live ultrasound baby showers. All services are in-home or at-venue and are provided by a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer with extensive experience in high-risk pregnancy and MFM ultrasound.
Also, Kimberly will be Sat this year's Baby Fair in April at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown.&nbsp; Read more at their website <a href="https://kicksandfluttersultrasound.com/">https://kicksandfluttersultrasound.com</a>

Mobile Ultrasound in Mid TN

Anna talks with Gabe Horton, Executive Director of Pawster, which is a pet fostering non-profit for pets whose person is in a crisis situation.   He discusses the reasons one might find themselves unable to care for their pets, including loss of housing, leaving a domestic violence situation, or health crisis.  Listeners also learn how they can support Pawster, either financially or as a foster pet parent.  It turns out, you don't have to have intense training or be at home all day to foster a pet.  Get more details here:   https://pawsternashville.org/

Please enjoy some heartwarming Pawster reunions here:

https://youtu.be/HCMx1TBHzPg?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/PZ-PNkzLByY?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/NYtpypgnIJk?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/UT1blNrn4jg?feature=shared

Anna talks with Gabe Horton, Executive Director of Pawster, which is a pet fostering non-profit for pets whose person is in a crisis situation.&nbsp; &nbsp;He discusses the reasons one might find themselves unable to care for their pets, including loss of housing, leaving a domestic violence situation, or health crisis.&nbsp; Listeners also learn how they can support Pawster, either financially or as a foster pet parent.&nbsp; It turns out, you don't have to have intense training or be at home all day to foster a pet.&nbsp; Get more details here:&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://pawsternashville.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pawsternashville.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750132565880000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3EP4uqH8G_Byr7j1v6X7eU">https://pawsternashville.org/</a>
Please enjoy some heartwarming Pawster reunions here:
<a href="https://youtu.be/HCMx1TBHzPg?feature=shared">https://youtu.be/HCMx1TBHzPg?feature=shared</a>
<a href="https://youtu.be/PZ-PNkzLByY?feature=shared">https://youtu.be/PZ-PNkzLByY?feature=shared</a>
<a href="https://youtu.be/NYtpypgnIJk?feature=shared">https://youtu.be/NYtpypgnIJk?feature=shared</a>
<a href="https://youtu.be/UT1blNrn4jg?feature=shared" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://youtu.be/UT1blNrn4jg?feature%3Dshared&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1750699003886000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0MGaPojh_DGGm6P2_5YGtH">https://youtu.be/UT1blNrn4jg?feature=shared</a>

Helping Mid TN Cats and Dogs When Their Owners Are In Need

Dean Miller has developed a powerful and revolutionary new approach to dog training. His teaching methods begin to show results in the first few minutes. In fact, in one hour, most dog owners find they have changed their relationship with their dog for the better! In this podcast, hear how that works! 

In Dean's book "A Dogs Way," he helps you discover how dogs think, what motivates them, and how they express their feelings. Once you understand your dog's language, you can better communicate what behaviors you want. 

Dean also offers private instruction in obedience, behavior problems, aggression and various other dog and owner related issues. 

Get more info at thedogcounselor.com

<a href="http://thedogcounselor.com/about-dean/">Dean Miller</a>&nbsp;has developed a powerful and revolutionary new approach to dog training. His teaching methods begin to show results in the first few minutes. In fact, in one hour, most dog owners find they have changed their relationship with their dog for the better! In this podcast, hear how that works!&nbsp; In Dean's book "A Dogs Way," he helps you discover how dogs think, what motivates them, and how they express their feelings. Once you understand your dog's language, you can better communicate what behaviors you want.&nbsp;
Dean also&nbsp;<a href="http://thedogcounselor.com/contact-dean/">offers private instruction</a>&nbsp;in obedience, behavior problems, aggression and various other dog and owner related issues.&nbsp;
Get more info at&nbsp;<a href="http://thedogcounselor.com/">thedogcounselor.com</a>

Helping Your Dog Be His or Her Best

In this focus, Angelica Franzino-Brown, the Vice President of Artistic Planning at the Nashville Symphony, talks about the new Music Director, new shows on the way (including a collaboration with Dolly Parton), ways YOU can see a free concert, family shows, a musical petting zoo and something newcomers to symphony shows should know about CLAPPING during a performance. 

She also shares some specifics about what guest performers have asked to have in their dressing rooms! One popular request is Soup! You’ve got to hear all about it!
Find out more about events, schedules and tickets at www.nashvillesymphony.org

In this focus, Angelica Franzino-Brown, the Vice President of Artistic Planning at the Nashville Symphony, talks about the new Music Director, new shows on the way (including a collaboration with Dolly Parton), ways YOU can see a free concert, family shows, a musical petting zoo and something newcomers to symphony shows should know about CLAPPING during a performance.&nbsp;
She also shares some specifics about what guest performers have asked to have in their dressing rooms! One popular request is Soup! You&rsquo;ve got to hear all about it! Find out more about events, schedules and tickets at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.nashvillesymphony.org/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1772561151450006&amp;usg=AOvVaw0uPd4tozZpnBCFP9CfCKsZ" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttp://www.nashvillesymphony.org/%26sa%3DD%26source%3Deditors%26ust%3D1772561151450006%26usg%3DAOvVaw0uPd4tozZpnBCFP9CfCKsZ&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1772691396311000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0RQbO3-Waz8o5sATTE_t6n">www.nashvillesymphony.org</a>

Nashville Symphony's 2026 Season Has Something For YOU

Public Affairs program that airs on Sunday mornings.

Anna Marie's Sunday Focus

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