Anna Marie's Sunday Focus

Tala talks with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell about fast tracking childcare and music education.

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. 

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.  

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.  

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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. 

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!

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

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

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

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

Anna learns something about cars, how they work, and how to keep them working from Charlie Dubois, lead technician of Good Honest Mechanic in Hendersonville, TN. Charlie includes things you need to know about your car that are COMPLETELY different from cars just a few years ago. What systems are being run from computers, and what happens if the computer needs a tweak?  Plus, things that wear out and can cause a LOT of damage if you’re not having them checked when you should.  When you fill the car, do you stop fueling up when the pump handle clicks off, or do you click it a couple more times to make sure it’s full? One is the right way, the other is dangerous to you and to your auto.  Save yourself some headaches and money with this car information 

Heather Gallagher Director of the Beaman Park Nature Center, gives info about what’s happening in this Spring at Beaman Park, and tells us the SYSTEMS in place to help you know where you are, where you’re headed, or how easy it is to get help if you get lost! There are three main trailheads, located in the northwest edge of Davidson County on the Highland Rim. Walking or hiking levels range from accessible to more challenging. Beaman Park has diverse plant and animal life, hikes, a lending library you can use while you’re there, and educational programs.  Details: Ecosystem: A rare Highland Rim forest with unique plant communities, including rare orchids and sunflowers. Wildlife: Home to deer, bobcats, foxes, and various reptiles and amphibians.   Beaman Park is open dawn to dusk, seven days a week, and the Center Hours are generally Tuesday through Friday - Noon to 4pm, and Saturday - 9am to 4pm. Heather Gallagher says the best time to visit Beaman Park and Beaman Park Nature Center is .. TODAY!   (Dogs allowed, public restrooms, picnic tables) 5911 Old Hickory Blvd, Ashland City, TN 37015 Read more HERE.  

As many Nashvillians and Middle Tennesseans continue to rebuild after our massive ice storm, Anna chats with someone who knows all about insurance claims.   The guest is Kevin Walters, spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance who advises you on the importance of filing claims rather than just waiting/hoping for FEMA checks that many never come.  He offers info to help you file correctly, as some  just don't understand their homeowners' insurance policy. He also tells you what to do if you feel you've been wrongly denied a claim. 

There's a lot of damage to clean up after Nashville's recent deadly ice storm. Before you hire ANYONE to help you recover from the winter storm and ice damage, know that scammers are here NOW, knocking on doors, claiming they can help, repair, even file your insurance claims for you. Robyn Householder, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky lists the top scams, and tells you how to NOT get taken advantage of. Robyn lists "Red Flags" to look out for when someone offers you a deal, including a company vehicle that's NOT marked with company logo, or someone urging you to make a decision NOW.  Don't do it! Hear more in this interview, and make the BBB one of your first calls if you have any questions about a business, or if you think you've been scammed. More info at bbb.org or www.bbb.org/scamtracker 

Financial Advisor Paris Jackson with Northwestern Mutual talks to Anna about paying for the repairs to your property caused by the recent Middle TN ice storm. She talks about where to find the money in your budget to build your savings or emergency fund - including how to "buckle down!" Paris also gives ideas about ways to pay for repairs (since every repair doesn't have to be made immediately) and the deductibles involved, and what to look for in your homeowners insurance policy. Most importantly, she says, is to ASSESS where you are, what expenses you're facing, and - if needed - ask for help. 

In this episode, the guest is Dr. Joseph Sharpe, Chief Medical Officer at Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital. He talks about how to beat the winter blues.  He says it can be a serious issue in January and February, especially, here in Middle Tennessee with the short days, cloudy conditions, and isolation caused by weather.  He says regular sleep is vital, as well as exercise and healthful food.  Getting out of the house and socializing is also important. Hear more about how to deal with it, in this interview.  Read more about Dr. Sharpe HERE. 

Anna talks with Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Stephen Rich of Ascension Saint Thomas in Murfreesboro.  The doctor discusses various weight loss options, including medication, Behavior changes and surgery. Dr Rich says obesity is a disease, not a character fault. Everyone is different and may need a different approach from someone else with the same illness. Hear more options, and why not to give up hope that you can get back to a healthy body and a healthy life.

Anna interviews Alan Pruitt, Tennessee State Advocate for the Middle Tennessee Area of Tops (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly). They talk about the power of starting SLOW with Weight Loss. Most people have started, and stopped, and started again, on various weight-loss plans, and lost (then gained back) hundreds of pounds.  Alan discusses some things we're missing in sustaining weight loss: starting slow, making sustainable goals, SUPPORT, and taking advantage of digital tools we didn't have before. The non-profit, noncommercial weight loss support and education group TOPS Club, Inc. can help.  Read more at https://www.tops.org/home 

It's the time to start thinking about which school is right for your child in the Metro system.  Anna talks with Shelby Doyle, Sr. VP of Policy and International Partnerships at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

NASHVILLE AND MIDSTATE HOSPITALS NAMED TOP IN THE NATION* U.S. News and World Report and Forbes have listed several local hospitals as cream of the crop! For Maternity Care, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown (sometimes called “The Baby Hospital”, for delivering more babies than any other hospital in the state) has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of 2026’s “Nation’s Best Hospitals.”     In this episode of Focus, Richelle Graham, Chief Nursing Officer at Ascension Saint Thomas, Midtown, tells what it takes to reach that level of excellence. Specialized areas include Care for Moms and Babies, including even the most complex pregnancies, and a full continuum of services, including certified nurse midwives and an experienced team of OB physicians, neonatal nurses and maternal fetal medicine specialists. She also talks about pre and post natal support and educational programs. You can find out more about them HERE. *U.S. News and World Report also ranked Vanderbilt University Medical Center as number 1 in Nashville and Tennessee, and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt recognized as one of the top Children’s Hospitals in the nation. And Williamson Medical Center has been named on Forbes Magazine’s inaugural “Top Hospitals” 2026 list.

Anna speaks with Psychologist Dr. Kathryn Sherrod, PhD, about how children cope with the excitement and occasional overwhelming events of the holiday season.  Also, ways we as adults can face relatives who "push our buttons" and irritate us to the extreme on family get-togethers.

Anna Marie talks with Dawn Rutledge of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee about the organizations many activities.  They include: Northwest Xmas Tree1 – The YMCA of Middle Tennessee invites the community to join in spreading some joy and give a little extra support to families who need it this holiday season. Several YMCA locations are partnering with various organizations and encouraging others to join in holiday-themed events, provide gifts for individuals in need and help to ensure people have access to essential supplies and resources this winter. Strengthening community.. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone—regardless of age, income or background—has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Y-CAP Student Champion Awards – Since 1986, Y-CAP has been empowering students across Middle Tennessee to succeed through literacy tutoring, social and emotional learning programs, and college and career readiness resources—all at no cost. BreastCancer 2 – This year, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee celebrated 25 years of offering the After Breast Cancer program. AOA - The YMCA of Middle Tennessee offers a variety of wellness opportunities for Active Older Adults. Full Circle is a YMCA outreach program that gives individuals with an intellectual and/or developmental disability access to classes and activities that encourage self-sufficiency, socialization and staying active. Health and Fitness The YMCA of Middle Tennessee has a variety of programs and classes to help you achieve your unique health and wellness goals.    

Anna discusses the work of the Greater Nashville United Way. At United Way of Greater Nashville, their mission is to unite the community and mobilize resources so that every child, individual and family thrives. So many people are struggling right now, and don't know where to start, to get help. Ace Timmermeier, the Director, Regional Community Impact, says United Way can be your first stop to find the resources you need. They work to ensure that all families have a stable place to call home, food to eat and support in times of crisis. Hear https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/

As we turn the page on a new year, Paige Zulandt, Regional Communications Manager with the American Red Cross of Tennessee asks donors  to make an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets now to help keep the blood supply strong during National Blood Donor Month in January. As a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-26, 2025, will be automatically entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LIX giveaway. For full details, check out the attached news release and  www.RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl

Anna talks with Salvation Army Area Commander Bill Mockabee, who says our financial support  helps them provide clothing, food, rent and utility help for families in crisis, a summer camp for kids, supportive housing including life navigation education, disaster services, the Annual Angel Tree program, and so much more. You'll be surprised to hear how far-reaching those dollars given to the Salvation Army can be.   It goes well beyond the annual Angel Tree Program, that provides toys, clothing and household items for families in need. When you donate at a Salvation Army Bell-ringer location, via cash or by scanning a code, or whether you donate online or in the mail, your money helps people in our community all year long!  Above all, your dollars help provide hope for our brothers and sisters in need.   Click HERE  for more information. 

Insurance is a Confusing topic. Health insurance, life insurance, homeowners insurance, disability and long-term care insurance.. How do we get what we need, and where do we even start? Today's guest is Paris Jackson, Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, and she's going to give you some simple, do-able financial things today, with a focus on Insurance. Be ready to take some notes if you can!  Here's the link to get in touch with her:  LINK

Our tenth Mayor of Metro Nashville Davidson County joins us in this podcast. Mayor Freddie O'Connell updates us on the progress that's been made during the first two years of his term, including the "Choose How You Move" transportation program, which focuses on four key areas: sidewalks, signals, service, and safety. The initiative aims to make streets safer for everyone and includes upgrades like smart traffic signals, expanded public transit services, and new sidewalks. The Mayor also talks about partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank to help get food into the hands of citizens, and how we can help! Find out more about it, and see how you can get help at this LINK : https://www.nashville.gov/featured-initiatives/transit/choose-how-you-move

Anna talks with a representative of Get Covered Tennessee, which offers free, unbiased, one-on-one assistance to help people understand their health care options and sign up for health insurance coverage. It's led by Family & Children’s Service that helps Tennesseans navigate their way through the confusion, and find the quality healthcare that fits their needs and their finances. Whether you're dealing with the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid (TennCare), the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CoverKids), or other community-based healthcare services, GetCoveredTennessee can help! In this interview Aida Whitfield, Program Director, Healthcare Access Program - ACA, tells you how to get this free help, in person or over the phone, and what deadlines you'll need to meet to get your best options.  For more information: Website: www.getcoveredtenn.org   Phone: 1-866-475-7879

In this Podcast, Lieutenant Bill Miller shares some of the knowledge he's learned in his decades-long career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. This includes keeping your child, and yourself, safe in vehicles. He also explains how to get your child safety seat installation inspected, or how to get the seat installed correctly, if you're not sure. Miller talks about the one demographic most likely to violate safety belt laws, and what you should change out if you've had a crash that made your seatbelts lock up to hold you in place.  This is truly an interview that could save your life! Please listen and please share!

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. 

This podcast contains info to help you love life after 50 years of age.   Anna talks with Sallie Hussey, Chief Executive Officer of FiftyForward. The non-profit organization supports, champions and enhances life for those 50 and older. FiftyForward offers Adult Day Services, Supportive Care Services, Lifelong Learning Centers, FiftyForward Fresh/Meals on Wheels, Care Teams, and numerous other services, assessments and support for older adults and/or their caregivers. Learn more about this amazing source of help, support and learning - as well as how to support the mission - in this interview, and HERE.

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.  

Faces of Hope are breast cancer survivors who share their stories to give hope to those diagnosed with breast cancer, or with a loved one who has been. Courtney Lewis, one of this year's American Cancer Society's Faces of Hope, says her cancer was a complete shock, since she was in her 20s when she detected it herself. She reminds younger women that they cannot take it for granted that they won't get breast cancer because of their age. She says her self-check probably saved her life, and encourages others to educate themselves about breast cancer, and about the American Cancer Society and what they offer. Faces of Hope will be at Nashville's 2025  Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on October 11th, 7am, at First Horizon Park. Read more about it HERE. 

Faces of Hope are breast cancer survivors who share their stories to give hope to those diagnosed with breast cancer, or with a loved one who has been.  Nicole Ramey and Domonique Weakley talk with Anna about their battles with breast cancer, telling us what it's like to hear the diagnosis, what treatments they had, and what helped them get through the treatments. They talk about how important it is to be ready to fight, to have a support group, and to make some hard decisions about saving their hair, their breasts, and their lives. They're on a mission to spread the word about how the American Cancer Society helps women just like them. These Faces of Hope ladies will inspire and motivate you to be with them and the American Cancer Society at "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer " on October 11th. Read about the American Cancer Society here: www.cancer.org Read more Making Strides here https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=110759 

Anna Marie talks with Shannon Geames (featured in the photo with her brother Matthew, who she lost to suicide in 2012). Shannon is a Board Member for the Tennessee Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. They talk about warning signs and risk factors for suicide, tell you how to get help if you're struggling, and how to talk about suicide with someone else who may be in trouble.  You can find out more at www.afsp.org

Anna talks with Dr. Lametra Scott, Executive Director and Founder of Breaking The SSickle Cell Cycle Foundation. She offered a brief history of sickle cell disease, her personal journey as a healthcare professional and parent to a child with the disease, and why it’s so important for people to know their sickle cell trait status. As a pharmacist, she also shared insights on supplements, nutrition, and transformative treatment options that can help support those living with sickle cell.  Dr. Scott said their goal was to educate, inspire, and empower more people to get informed, get tested, and become advocates in the fight for better care and awareness for themselves and their loved ones. Learn more at :btsscycle@gmail.com Also, get details on their Sickle Cell Warrior Walk & Run 5K happening Saturday September 6, 2025.

In this podcast, Jerrica Williams talks about the American Red Cross of Tennessee's need for compassionate individuals to step up and make a difference by becoming Red Cross trained and certified shelter volunteers. As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, the need for trained shelter volunteers has never been greater.  Here in the Nashville area, we frequently encounter tornados and flash flooding. Upon completion, participants will become registered Red Cross volunteers, equipped to assist in local emergency shelters and eligible to deploy to disaster zones across the country.  To learn more about becoming a shelter volunteer, visit: www.redcross.org/shelterheroesTN

In this podcast, Emily McKinley at Tennessee Donor Services announces the new Donate Life Tennessee specialty license plate. It's not just to show support for organ donation; it directly funds education and donor registration efforts that save lives. And Author Lisa Boullt joins us to talk about her sister who died in a tragic car crash, and whose organs and tissues went on to change lives. Lisa has written a compelling book about what it means to be a family member of an organ donor.  Become an organ donor at www.donatelifetn.org  Buy the book: 17 Again: A Story of Life After Life here : https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9781956906622&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs ) Get the donate life license plate here:  https://tennesseedonor.org/get-involved/donate-life-tn-license-plate/

Anna talks with Financial Advisor Paris Jackson of Northwestern Mutual about upcoming changes in laws that might affect people receiving Social Security or who are on Medicare, as well as how to use financial planning to prepare for healthcare and health emergencies. She also discusses what families can do to make back-to-school easier NEXT time around, and how much of an impact food spending has on a budget.

In this interview, Leon Davis Jr. and his son Jonathan H.L. Davis, founders of Black Men Vent Too, talk about creating space for Black men - and all men - to feel safe to open up, to 'vent' and to let other men know they're not alone in dealing with pressure, anxiety, financial issues, social issues, job and family stress.  It's a game-changer for many men who may not have EVER had the chance to openly talk about what's on their minds, including their mental health. By helping THIS generation of black men learn to be vulnerable, learn coping skills, and create a brotherhood, they hope to change families in Middle TN for generations to come. 

In this Focus, Ty Garth, founder of O.L.L.I.E (Only Living Life in Excellence) Lifestyle, talks about the group, as well as the O.L.L.I.E. Life Youth Mentoring Program, and the difference it's making in the lives of young men between 12 and 18. Ty talks about the need to pour into young people who may have never had a male role model in their lives. They learn not only how to navigate their lives with more knowledge and confidence, but also they're taught about the potential they all have, and how to advocate for themselves. They partner with other groups and community members to be - and to offer - even more to these young people. You can read more about the mentorship program, the clothing line, and how you might plug in to help this community-changing, life-changing mission HERE (www.ollielifeyouthprogram.org) Or at https://www.facebook.com/ollielifestyle

Anna welcomes Robyn Householder, President of the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, who discusses the latest scams, including sneaky ways thieves get your information.  Some of her advice to avoid being scammed includes not responding to an unsolicited email, call or text from someone you don't know, hanging up and calling the organization itself rather than taking someone's word that they're FROM that organization, and what to look for and ask for to make sure a business is legitimate. It boils down to taking your time, and investigating before you make a decision to buy, invest, or even click something online or in a text message.  Get more scam-fighting info here  https://www.bbb.org And see what the latest scams are, find out if they're happening in your area, or report one, to help keep your neighbors safe.https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

In this episode, Meagan Rust, Interpretive Director of  Nashville's Frist Art Museum, tells about current and upcoming exhibitions at the Frist, as well as the numerous related events and hands-on activities. The Frist features the Martin ArtQuest, videos, exhibition talks, tours, special nights with live music (It IS Nashville), and dining, all in addition to simply seeing the exhibitions.  Also coming up in November is an exhibit of photos taken by Sir Paul McCartney in the Beatles early years. There are also paid internships, docent and volunteer opportunities, and ways to save money by becoming a member. Learn more about what's at the Frist now, and what's coming up in the next few months, at www.fristartmuseum.org 

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:  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's guest is Paige Zulandt, Regional Communications Director of the American Red Cross of Tennessee. She shares some easy-to-remember tips to be ready for the extreme heat we have in Tennessee summers. They include preparing NOW in case you lose electricity or air conditioning in the heat and how to find places to cool down.  She also discusses learning CPR.  Summertime also means more injuries and fewer blood donor appointments, so she urges you to give blood, and talks about keeping families and pets safe on the water. Read more at www.redcross.org, and www.redcrossblood.org  Find all the app information HERE .