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.    

When you have an emergency, experience a disaster, or are in immediate danger, who comes to your rescue? First, it's the person on the other end of that line when you call 9-1-1. Someone working in the Department of Emergency Communications. They're the ones who take in the information, and send it out to the First-Responders who will come to your aid. James Matthews, the Public Affairs Officer, with the Department of Emergency Communications, tells us what the Department is responsible for, what they do behind the scenes, and even the connection with the TV series  9-1-1:Nashville. He also talks about other ways to get help, and encourages you to remember the following: "If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or a crime in-progress, please call 9-1-1 immediately to request law enforcement, fire, medical, or mental health assistance. For non-emergency situations, call 3-1-1, visit www.hub.Nashville.gov   or use the hubNashville app."

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 service, 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 auUrogynecologist 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 .

Anna speaks with LPC-S David Wood,  the Regional Director of Family Care Center, the largest outpatient Mental Health provider in Tennessee,. In this interview, they discuss issues effecting older persons.  Many men don't last very long in retirement; they feel the need to be contributing.  Some late in life get stuck on regrets, without realizing there is still time to do things.  They also discuss the value of work and that, even in a job you're not totally engaged with, you can still make it meaningful for yourself.

Parenting is an important job and there are some things you find out LATER ON, that you might have done differently. Anna talks with the authors of the childrens book "World Records of the Stuffed Animal Kingdom, Declan Brenna, who wrote the book when he was eleven, and his father, Mike Brennan.  Their book will help give you insight into your child's imagination, a guideline to help them learn about animals and stretch their artistic side! Hear Mike and Declan tell how “World Records of the Stuffed Animal Kingdom” came to be, and why it deserves a space in the life of any kid, parent or grandparent you know. 

Dr. John Lazar,  Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville  speaks about lung cancer, treatments, causes, and risk factors. The lung cancer rate is higher in Tennessee and other Southeastern states because the smoking rate is higher.  He discusses an unexpected rise of lung cancers in women of a particular demographic with NO obvious risk factors who are, nevertheless, developing the cancers.  He also tells Anna the latest developments in detecting lung cancers, both in blood testing and imaging.

Anna continues her discussion with financial advisor Paris Jackson of Northwestern Mutual.  They talk about where to start if you're already struggling with your finances. Situations arise that are out of your control, like illnesses, or job loss, as well as poor choices that lead to debt. Also, the issue of college loans now coming due is a whole new problem for budgets.  Jackson tells us where to start, and how to set up a basic budget so you can start WHEREVER you are, to find where your money's going and make it work for YOU, instead of YOU working for your money. Read more about her HERE https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/paris-jackson/

Anna chats with Fahad Tahir, President and CEO of Ascension St. Thomas Hospitals, He discusses their new hospital planned for Clarksville, making access easier for residents of Montgomery Country without having to drive to Nashville.  They currently have same day surgery centers there, but will be able to more complex surgeries require overnight stays.  Tahir also talks about the mission of St. Thomas, being they are a non-profit hospital organization.

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. Read more at their website https://kicksandfluttersultrasound.com

In this week's Focus, Ann speaks with Daniel Fielding, speaker, accomplished podcaster, and the author of the insightful book, "The Asset Mindset: A Special Forces Perspective for Achieving Success." Daniel brings his unique experiences as a Special Forces Green Beret and celebrity bodyguard to offer practical, step-by-step guidance on developing a powerful mindset for achieving your goals. His website is HERE.  Also his podcast @theassetmindset5957 on YouTube.

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month and Anna continues her interviews on the topic. This week, her guest is David Wood, licensed therapist and Regional Director of Family Care Center, the largest outpatient behavioral health provider in Tennessee. They talk about how the mental health needs change throughout one's life, from the simple needs of a small child, through the teen years, adult years, and senior citizen years.

With the current economy on shaky ground, finances are a worry to all Middle Tennesseans. Anna chats with Paris Jackson, Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual.  This visit, Paris gives some insight on the current financial situation. With tariffs, a dropping stock market, new laws affecting investments, and rising costs of foods and goods, what do we do? She gives advice about how to react when we look at our 401k balance and see it's down, or our investment account balance, and see it's dropped. She tells us how to strategize, how to make a financial plan, and how to lower our debts, even in today's financial climate. 

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, Anna speaks with LPC-S David Wood, the Regional Director of Family Care Center, the largest outpatient Mental Health provider in Tennessee, In this interview, he gives some insight on why May can be extra stressful. He also discusses women's mental health issues, which can often be linked with caregiver roles, and the realization that women have needs that often go unexpressed and unmet.He and Anna Marie also talk about childhood trauma, and how it can affect your adult life in possibly negative ways.  To learn more, reach out to Family Care Center HERE.

Anna discusses the lifesaving gift of organ donation with Emily McKinley, Director of External Affairs, at Tennessee Donor Services. Their goal is to save and improve lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. As a non-profit organ procurement organization, they serve more than 6 million people in Tennessee and Virginia.  Emily tells us what organs can be donated, how it can save or change lives, and how the families of Donor Heroes are helped to honor their loved one. More info is at www.donatelifetn.org

Anna chats with Kimberly Wells, Vice President of Women's Services at Ascension Saint Thomas.  They discuss the Women's Health services offered, things and their efforts to make medicine easier through the use of Navigators who advise patients about what options are available. They also talk about women may not have known, what they should be checking, and a free event on Thursday, May 8th at the Pinnacle. It's called HerHealth360. Attendees can meet medical professionals focusing on women's health, join a question and answer session, shop at vendors' booths, have a beverage, and even make appointments for things you've put off! You can get more info about the free event (including some free screenings) HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lauralynn_health-wellness-healthcare-activity-7300985563082358784-TxSc 

This month on Focus we're honoring National Donate Life Month, with interviews that give you more information about organ, eye,  and tissue donation and transplantation. In this interview, Dr. Jacfranz Guiteau, a kidney transplant surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, discusses kidney disease, treatments and transplantation. He discusses what's new, why transplants are needed, who can donate, what it'll cost to donate or receive a kidney. This incredibly informative and helpful information may help dispel some questions or fears that you may have about the possibility of a transplant for someone in your life. 

Our Place Nashville empowers adults with developmental disabilities by providing affordable housing, work that is meaningful, and inclusive communities in which to live.  Isolation is a frequent problem for this group.  Executive Director Jordan Collins tells Anna about the non-profit, and explains that half of the residents are neurodivergent (“friends”) and the other half are neurotypical (“housemates”). The natural supports provided by this model allow all the residents to thrive. You can get more information about Our Place Nashville, find out how to get involved, or how to support them, at www.ourplacenashville.org

Allied Behavioral Health Services is committed to offering diversity-informed, strengths-based, and affirming therapy for all clients. Executive Director Alison Peak, LCSW,ISH-E, says their therapists have experience in helping clients of all ages navigate life transitions, family stress, identity exploration, and relationship issues as well as mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, and trauma. They have four locations in the Nashville/Middle TN area, and  welcome clients of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and identities. You do not need a referral from a doctor, and they accept all insurances. Get more information at www.alliedbehavior.com

Anna talks with Paula Mangrum, founder of The Pet Pantry in Nashville.  When financial issues occur, feeding your pet may be almost impossible. The Pet Pantry is a non-profit that provides food and supplies to pet parents in need so they can keep their furry family members with them.  The organization needs donations of money and foods to meet the need in Middle TN.  Listeners can help by making Cash Donations or by visiting their Amazon Wish List. They're on Facebook HERE.  

Anna talks with local financial advisor Paris Jackson. They discuss reasons for the disparity in finances between minorities and white families (education about money is a large reason) and how having a budget and game-plan can change one's future.  Also discussed is generational wealth and why it's important, as well as investing and planning for retirement.

Beaman Park is one of Tennessee's most beautiful natural areas, yet many of us in Tennessee haven't taken advantage of all it can offer. Beaman Park is a state park, and has a nature center, hiking trails, and the ridges, hollows, creeks, forest vegetation, wildflowers and birds that are characteristic on the Western Highland Rim. Admission, parking and almost every event are all free. Dogs are allowed, on leashes (read more online), and there are special activities this spring, including one every day of Spring Break for students, families and adults who want to learn! In this podcast, Heather Gallagher, Manager of Beaman Park, talks about the special events, as well as how to keep up with what's happening all year at Beaman. Gallagher also tells how you can volunteer at Beaman Park, whether it's on a regular basis, or for a special event. The Nature Center serves as a jump-off point for exploring more than 2300 acres of Nashville's premier state natural area and offers a wide range of environmental education programs, school field trips, educator training workshops, outdoor recreation programs, and other special activities for people of all ages. Links:  -- BEAMAN PARK --BEAMAN PARK TRAIL INFO

As you get older, your transportation options can get smaller. Health issues and cost concerns can put you into a space where driving is not an option. That's where Senior Ride Nashville comes in! In this podcast, Carrie Brumfield, CEO of Senior Ride Nashville talks about Senior Ride's goal to foster a community that connects and empowers older adults, by connecting seniors who no longer drive with volunteers who do. She says by giving older adults the ability to get around town and foster relationships with community members, we honor the city we live in and make it better for all. Find out how Senior Ride Nashville can help you or a loved one, and find out how YOU, as a driver, can help a neighbor who needs a ride, in this podcast, and at www.seniorridenashville.org

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 at www.fiftyforward.org

Anna talks with Dr. Nishtha Sareen, medical director of the medical heart program at Ascension St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville.   There are conditions that affect women disproportionately to men, for example microvascular disease.  She tells us that exercise and healthy eating are more likely to benefit women than men. Also, certain heart conditions can occur during and after pregnancy.  One program they've started is Wednesday work out involving chair yoga.  More information is available online at Women's Heart.

Anna talks with Dr. Ameshica R. Linsey, the Associate Executive Director of the GOAL Collective--goal standing for Growing Opportunities for Adult Learners.  This local organization acts as a hub that connects adults with the education opportunities available to them, and provides information and connections to services and programs that help to make schooling happen. This includes things as simple as transportation and babysitting.

In this interview,  Anna talks about AgeWell. It's a trusted resource and organization that works to advance solutions to meet the needs of older adults and caregivers. In this interview, Grace Smith and Paula Daigle with AgeWell Middle Tennessee discuss the shifting needs of older folks, about some of the issues they're facing (like the costs of housing and medicine), and how they, and those who care for them, can get help, find resources that are available to them, and have a better, safer and happier life. They also offer an INVALUABLE TOOL: The Directory of Services. It's free, available online, or at the local public library. It has contact information for HUNDREDS of different reputable groups and agencies to help you find solutions to challenges faced by elderly folks or their family members. Get the info at agewelltn.org/

Anna interviews Shelby Doyle, Vice President for Public Awareness with the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.  They discuss how the choice of schools works in TN and the options that are available to help parents match their children with schools that fit their goals and talents.  They go over the list of education options currently available, including district schools, public, charter, private, magnet, and online learning. They also touch on efforts to reach the Hispanic community with information on their options. National School Choice Week will celebrate its 15th anniversary, and 3 school and community events are scheduled across Nashville to highlight the educational opportunities available to children, through School Choice. From January 26 to February 1, 2025,  the spotlight shines on the remarkable expansion of educational options across the country, including options such as open enrollment in district schools, public charter schools, private schools, magnet schools, online learning, homeschooling, and micro-schooling.  Get more information about education options in your area at https://schoolchoiceweek.com/event-near-me/. Events and dates to learn more in person include:  Northfield Academy Columbia, Tennessee (931) 381-1468 x6261 Traditional Public School 1/27/2025   Shiloh Headstart Cookeville, Tennessee (931) 303-8297 Private School 1/13/2025   Cumberland Elementary STEAM Magnet School Nashville, Tennessee (813) 764-5803 Traditional Public School 1/26/2025

Anna chats with Sara Whittemore, director of Development with Nashville Humane Association.  She tells about Nashville Humane's mission and the services they offer in ADDITION to Sheltering Animals. Nashville Humane helps with disaster relief, transporting pets here out of devastated areas, to get them care they need, and re-home if needed. They offer pet /people training programs, and host fun events in our community that also help raise money for the Non-profit. Find out more about how they can help you and how you can help, in this interview or at this link. nashvillehumane.org