As the cost of everyday essentials continues to challenge household budgets, many Middle Tennesseans are looking for ways to strengthen their financial future. On this episode, we're joined by Eric Meriweather, Managing Director and Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, to discuss practical money strategies, ways to manage rising costs, and how anyone can reset their financial goals. Whether you're working to pay down debt, grow your savings, or better prepare for the future, this conversation offers timely advice to help you make confident financial decisions, especially as the cost of living continues to rise in Middle Tennessee and beyond. 

As the cost of everyday essentials continues to challenge household budgets, many Middle Tennesseans are looking for ways to strengthen their financial future. On this episode, we're joined by Eric Meriweather, Managing Director and Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, to discuss practical money strategies, ways to manage rising costs, and how anyone can reset their financial goals. Whether you're working to pay down debt, grow your savings, or better prepare for the future, this conversation offers timely advice to help you make confident financial decisions, especially as the cost of living continues to rise in Middle Tennessee and beyond.&nbsp;

Money Practices from Northwestern Mutual

Music & Miracles is helping people discover healing, connection, and personal growth through the evidence-based practice of music therapy. During the interview, founder and board-certified music therapist Allyson Rodgers shared how the Brentwood-based practice uses music as a therapeutic tool to support emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being for individuals, families, and groups of all ages. The conversation explored the wide range of people Music & Miracles serves—from pregnant and postpartum parents to musicians, behavioral health patients, and those in recovery—while highlighting how personalized, client-centered sessions can help address everything from anxiety and trauma to communication, cognitive, and motor skills. Rodgers also discussed the science behind music therapy, dispelled common misconceptions, and explained why no musical experience is required to experience its transformative benefits.

Music &amp; Miracles is helping people discover healing, connection, and personal growth through the evidence-based practice of music therapy. During the interview, founder and board-certified music therapist Allyson Rodgers shared how the Brentwood-based practice uses music as a therapeutic tool to support emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being for individuals, families, and groups of all ages. The conversation explored the wide range of people Music &amp; Miracles serves&mdash;from pregnant and postpartum parents to musicians, behavioral health patients, and those in recovery&mdash;while highlighting how personalized, client-centered sessions can help address everything from anxiety and trauma to communication, cognitive, and motor skills. Rodgers also discussed the science behind music therapy, dispelled common misconceptions, and explained why no musical experience is required to experience its transformative benefits.

Music Therapy with Music & Miracles

Former host and TV Personality Laura Schweizer decided to walk away from her role with Local on 2, WKRN News Channel 2 lifestyle show to tell stories on an even deeper level. With a heart that beats for serving others and telling meaningful stories, Laura is stepping into her new role as Executive Director of Change the Stars, a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of children in Haiti. The organization aims to rewrite the future for children lacking resources for housing, medical care, and education. How can Nashville help? The Change the Stars Gala will be held on October 1, giving local Nashvillians the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a mission that reaches far beyond our own community. Laura joins us to share why she felt called to this new chapter, the life-changing work happening in Haiti, and how one evening of generosity can help transform children's lives for years to come. She'll also share insights on how to thrive in a high-pressure, high-visibility career while protecting your mental health—a conversation that's more relevant than ever as workplaces continue to prioritize well-being alongside performance. 

Former host and TV Personality Laura Schweizer decided to walk away from her role with Local on 2, WKRN News Channel 2 lifestyle show to tell stories on an even deeper level. With a heart that beats for serving others and telling meaningful stories, Laura is stepping into her new role as Executive Director of Change the Stars, a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of children in Haiti. The organization aims to rewrite the future for children lacking resources for housing, medical care, and education.&nbsp;How can Nashville help? The Change the Stars Gala will be held on October 1, giving local Nashvillians the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a mission that reaches far beyond our own community. Laura joins us to share why she felt called to this new chapter, the life-changing work happening in Haiti, and how one evening of generosity can help transform children's lives for years to come.&nbsp;She'll also share insights on how to thrive in a high-pressure, high-visibility career while protecting your mental health&mdash;a conversation that's more relevant than ever as workplaces continue to prioritize well-being alongside performance.&nbsp;

Change The Stars

Tala Shatara sits down with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell to discuss the many ways he is fast tracking the city's needs. From year-round childcare centers that support parents to the importance of music education, Mayor O'Connell is keeping our city's children and their needs at the forefront. We also get to know him and his interests, which can sometimes be buried behind the policies and press releases. What are his favorite Nashville hotspots? From restaurants, parks, music venues and gyms, Mayor O'Connell is highlighting those who are bringing him a form of relaxation and normalcy in the city.

Tala Shatara sits down with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell to discuss the many ways he is fast tracking the city's needs. From year-round childcare centers that support parents to the importance of music education, Mayor O'Connell is keeping our city's children and their needs at the forefront. We also get to know him and his interests, which can sometimes be buried behind the policies and press releases. What are his favorite Nashville hotspots? From restaurants, parks, music venues and gyms, Mayor O'Connell is highlighting those who are bringing him a form of relaxation and normalcy in the city.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell

While she is continuously focusing on the storms moving through Middle Tennessee and South Kentucky,  WKRN Chief Meteorologist was facing a storm behind closed doors. She uses her platform to discuss her recent diagnosis of Endometriosis and her hysterectomy, helping women and men understand the complexity of this diagnosis, how she received help and how you can help others going through the same. She boasts about the wonderful work Dr. Roseann Maikis, M.D., has done to help women just like her, and says she is one of the first and only surgeons in Middle Tennessee to use a laparoscopic robot called the DaVinci to perform non-invasive and smoother procedures for endometriosis. She shares on recovery and how others can support those going through post-operative care. 

While she is continuously focusing on the storms moving through Middle Tennessee and South Kentucky,&nbsp; WKRN Chief Meteorologist was facing a storm behind closed doors. She uses her platform to discuss her recent diagnosis of Endometriosis and her hysterectomy, helping women and men understand the complexity of this diagnosis, how she received help and how you can help others going through the same. She boasts about the wonderful work Dr. Roseann Maikis, M.D., has done to help women just like her, and says she is one of the first and only surgeons in Middle Tennessee to use a laparoscopic robot called the DaVinci to perform non-invasive and smoother procedures for endometriosis. She shares on recovery and how others can support those going through post-operative care.&nbsp;

Danielle Breezy Discusses Endometriosis

2026 has been coined as the year of health and wellness, and here in Nashville, that movement is stronger than ever. From fitness and nutrition to recovery, mental health, and preventative care, more

Tala spoke with Terry Barga and Vanessa Hampton, co-founders of Nashville Fit Magazine, B2 Wellness Suites and Bodywell, about the importance of health and wellness, and why the movement is larger than ever now. We also discussed the misconception that health and wellness is only for elites, such as celebrities or athletes, when it is for everyone. They shared their free and easy ways to keep your body moving in Middle Tennessee, such as their free workouts at Riverfront Park in Downtown Nashville, and their online platforms featuring top health, fitness, nutrition and overall wellness information for the city's leading experts. people are taking a proactive approach to living healthier, more balanced lives.

 

2026 has been coined as the year of health and wellness, and here in Nashville, that movement is stronger than ever. From fitness and nutrition to recovery, mental health, and preventative care, more
Tala spoke with Terry Barga and Vanessa Hampton, co-founders of Nashville Fit Magazine, B2 Wellness Suites and Bodywell, about the importance of health and wellness, and why the movement is larger than ever now. We also discussed the misconception that health and wellness is only for elites, such as celebrities or athletes, when it is for everyone. They shared their free and easy ways to keep your body moving in Middle Tennessee, such as their free workouts at Riverfront Park in Downtown Nashville, and their online platforms featuring top health, fitness, nutrition and overall wellness information for the city's leading experts. people are taking a proactive approach to living healthier, more balanced lives.<a></a>
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Fitness Is Trending

Today is World Blood Donor Day, an international day of recognition dedicated to honoring blood donors and raising awareness about the constant, life-saving need for blood donations around the world. It’s a reminder that one simple act can make an extraordinary difference for patients facing emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and more.

Tala Shatara sits down with Jerrica Williams of the Nashville area chapter of American Red Cross to discuss the importance of donating blood, the ongoing need for donors, and how communities can unite to help save lives. Find out how community members are rolling up their sleeves for the community including one Nashville man who received his own health diagnosis from donating blood since the 90s.  

Today is World Blood Donor Day, an international day of recognition dedicated to honoring blood donors and raising awareness about the constant, life-saving need for blood donations around the world. It&rsquo;s a reminder that one simple act can make an extraordinary difference for patients facing emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and more.
Tala Shatara sits down with Jerrica Williams of the Nashville area chapter of American Red Cross to discuss the importance of donating blood, the ongoing need for donors, and how communities can unite to help save lives. Find out how community members are rolling up their sleeves for the community including one Nashville man who received his own health diagnosis from donating blood since the 90s.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Save Lives on World Blood Donor Day

This Father’s Day, The Father’s House is redefining fatherhood—helping men show up for their families in meaningful, lasting ways and making every day feel like Father’s Day.

The nonprofit supports fathers and all men transitioning back into society after incarceration, offering structure, mentorship, and life skills to help them rebuild their lives and reconnect with their children. At its core, the mission is about second chances—restoring identity, rebuilding trust, and creating stronger families one father at a time.

Tala Shatara spoke with co-founder Ron Sisney on how their program serves as more than just a halfway house. Timely for Father's Day, many men facing incarceration also suffer from estranged relationships with their children -- before, during and after release from prison or jail. He shared how the program originated, the different ways they help men, including providing housing, employment and the ability to reconnect with their families. They are one of many programs that several prisons recommend and/or work with as men transition into civilian life again. 

This Father&rsquo;s Day, The Father&rsquo;s House is redefining fatherhood&mdash;helping men show up for their families in meaningful, lasting ways and making every day feel like Father&rsquo;s Day.
The nonprofit supports fathers and all men transitioning back into society after incarceration, offering structure, mentorship, and life skills to help them rebuild their lives and reconnect with their children. At its core, the mission is about second chances&mdash;restoring identity, rebuilding trust, and creating stronger families one father at a time.
Tala Shatara spoke with co-founder Ron Sisney on how their program serves as more than just a halfway house. Timely for Father's Day, many men facing incarceration also suffer from estranged relationships with their children -- before, during and after release from prison or jail. He shared how the program originated, the different ways they help men, including providing housing, employment and the ability to reconnect with their families. They are one of many programs that several prisons recommend and/or work with as men transition into civilian life again.&nbsp;

Helping Fathers Show Up for Their Families

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>.
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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. The Baby Fair is 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. The Baby Fair is set for Saturday, April 18th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at&nbsp; 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

Public Affairs program that airs on Sunday mornings.

Anna Marie's Sunday Focus

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