While religion is generally declining in the U.S., a new Pew Research Center analysis from the Pew-Knight Initiative Research Report has examined the current impact of religious radio on American listeners.  To talk about the results of the survey and impact of religious broadcasting on our country, we’re joined today by one of the survey’s authors, Aaron Smith of Pew Research.

And then, according to a new survey commissioned by the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), 72% of people agree plasma donation is important, 79% of people have never donated plasma. This isn’t just an oversight; it’s a critical gap in understanding that can have major consequences for patients.  It can take 1,200 plasma donations to treat one person dealing with hemophilia – yet a lack of awareness of the impact of plasma donation is leading to a lack of donations.  To talk with us about this, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Keller, pediatric immunologist at Children’s National in Washington, D.C.

 

While religion is generally declining in the U.S., a new Pew Research Center analysis from the Pew-Knight Initiative Research Report has examined the current impact of religious radio on American listeners.&nbsp; To talk about the results of the survey and impact of religious broadcasting on our country, we&rsquo;re joined today by one of the survey&rsquo;s authors, Aaron Smith of Pew Research.
And then, according to a new survey commissioned by the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), 72% of people agree plasma donation is important,&nbsp;79% of people have&nbsp;never&nbsp;donated plasma.&nbsp;This isn&rsquo;t just an oversight; it&rsquo;s a critical gap in understanding that can have major consequences for patients.&nbsp; It can take 1,200 plasma donations to treat one person dealing with hemophilia &ndash; yet a lack of awareness of the impact of plasma donation is leading to a lack of donations.&nbsp; To talk with us about this, we&rsquo;re joined by <a href="https://research.childrensnational.org/people/keller-michael">Dr. Michael Keller</a>, pediatric immunologist at Children&rsquo;s National in Washington, D.C.
&nbsp;

Life Changing Weekend 04-12-26 Christian Radio Today

After a childhood accident left our guest with a traumatic brain injury, he credits a therapist whose kindness taught him that his voice mattered.  It helped him build a foundation of confidence for life.  A former U.S. Navy officer, combat veteran, Fortune 50 executive, podcaster and author, he now brings that message of hope, confidence and MATTERING to young readers in his new book, YOU MATTER LUMA.  Our guest in this EXTENDED PODCAST CUT of The Life Changing Weekend is John R. Miles.

After a childhood accident left our guest with a traumatic brain injury, he credits a therapist whose kindness taught him that his voice mattered.&nbsp; It helped him build a foundation of confidence for life.&nbsp; A former U.S. Navy officer, combat veteran, Fortune 50 executive, podcaster and author, he now brings that message of hope, confidence and MATTERING to young readers in his new book, YOU MATTER LUMA.&nbsp; Our guest in this EXTENDED PODCAST CUT of The Life Changing Weekend is John R. Miles.

Life Changing Weekend EXT PODCAST CUT John R. Miles EXTENDED PODCAST CUT

Colorectal cancer is now diagnosed more often in adults younger than 50, and experts say symptoms are frequently overlooked or dismissed. Screening can help find cancer sooner or even prevent it, and experts say persistent symptoms should always be checked, no matter your age. Most people should begin screening at age 45, though some may need to start earlier, depending on individual risk.  To talk about this, we’re joined by Dr. Paula Denoya, MD, an expert fellow from the American College of Surgeons.

Colorectal cancer is now diagnosed more often in adults younger than 50, and experts say symptoms are frequently overlooked or dismissed. Screening can help find cancer sooner or even prevent it, and experts say persistent symptoms should always be checked, no matter your age. Most people should begin screening at age 45, though some may need to start earlier, depending on individual risk.&nbsp; To talk about this, we&rsquo;re joined by Dr. Paula Denoya, MD, an expert fellow from the American College of Surgeons.

Life Changing Weekend 03-29-26 Younger People Getting Cancer

Operation Tidal Wave was one of the riskiest missions for B-24 Bombers during the Second World War.  The first-ever zero-altitude air raid, its objective was to destroy the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania that were estimated to provide 60% of Axis crude oil needs. 

In any single war story, there are thousands of stories inside the big story and on this EXTENDED PODCAST CUT of The Life Changing Weekend, we’re joined by author Jan Cress Dondi whose new book, THE NAVIGATOR’S LETTER, tells the true, inside story of this mission and its cost.  The book also follows the intertwined stories of her father and uncle, both B-24 Navigators who were captured as POW’s during Tidal Wave raids on Ploesti. 

Operation Tidal Wave was one of the riskiest missions for B-24 Bombers during the Second World War.&nbsp; The first-ever zero-altitude air raid, its objective was to destroy the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania that were estimated to provide 60% of Axis crude oil needs.&nbsp;
In any single war story, there are thousands of stories inside the big story and on this EXTENDED PODCAST CUT of The Life Changing Weekend, we&rsquo;re joined by author Jan Cress Dondi whose new book, THE NAVIGATOR&rsquo;S LETTER, tells the true, inside story of this mission and its cost.&nbsp; The book also follows the intertwined stories of her father and uncle, both B-24 Navigators who were captured as POW&rsquo;s during Tidal Wave raids on Ploesti.&nbsp;

Life Changing Weekend 03-22-26 The Navigator's Letter - EXTENDED PODCAST CUT

Routine childhood vaccination helps build protection as families navigate daycare, school and other group settings where infectious disease can spread. Childhood vaccines help reduce the risk of severe health effects, while also helping to protect siblings, other family members, and friends. To talk with us about the importance of keeping up with the vaccine schedule, we’re joined today by Dr. David Hill, pediatrician from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Next, Measles cases are increasing in several states, including Northern Virginia, raising new concerns as the U.S. works to maintain its measles eradication status. To discuss this, we’re joined by Candace DeMatteis, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID).

Routine childhood vaccination helps build protection as families navigate daycare, school and other group settings where infectious disease can spread. Childhood vaccines help reduce the risk of severe health effects, while also helping to protect siblings, other family members, and friends. To talk with us about the importance of keeping up with the vaccine schedule, we&rsquo;re joined today by Dr. David Hill, pediatrician from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Next, Measles cases are increasing in several states, including Northern Virginia, raising new concerns as the U.S. works to maintain its measles eradication status. To discuss this, we&rsquo;re joined by Candace DeMatteis, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID).

Life Changing Weekend 03-15-26 Childhood Vaccination

Small businesses have a unique opportunity in 2026 to transform how they compete for top talent. It comes at a critical time in the hiring market. To discuss the latest research on small business attitudes' towards hiring in 2026, how they are using AI to level up, and how AI hiring tools can help small businesses find the right talent to grow their business, we’re joined on this episode by Andrew Chimka, Senior Director of Product Management at LinkedIn.

Next, New AARP research finds that nearly one-quarter (24%) of workers aged 50 and older are concerned about losing their job within the next year, and more than two-thirds (67%) of older workers believe it would be difficult to find a new job right now.  With AI increasingly becoming part of the workplace, including the job search and hiring process, more older workers are recognizing the need to embrace this technology and use it to their advantage.  To talk with us about this we’re also joined by Carly Roszkowski, Vice President of Financial Resilience Programming at AARP.

Small businesses have a unique opportunity in 2026 to transform how they compete for top talent. It comes at a critical time in the hiring market. To discuss the latest research on small business attitudes' towards hiring in 2026, how they are using AI to level up, and how AI hiring tools can help small businesses find the right talent to grow their business, we&rsquo;re joined on this episode by Andrew Chimka, Senior Director of Product Management at LinkedIn.
Next, New AARP research finds that nearly one-quarter (24%) of workers aged 50 and older are concerned about losing their job within the next year, and more than two-thirds (67%) of older workers believe it would be difficult to find a new job right now.&nbsp; With AI increasingly becoming part of the workplace, including the job search and hiring process, more older workers are recognizing the need to embrace this technology and use it to their advantage.&nbsp; To talk with us about this we&rsquo;re also joined by Carly Roszkowski, Vice President of Financial Resilience Programming at AARP.

Life Changing Weekend 03-08-26 AI in Small Biz and Unretirement

THE FAITH EARLY LEARNING CENTER is an early education center for children aged 3-6 years old located in Beltsville, Maryland and has been operating in and a part of the Beltsville community for over 30 years!  WAVA is proud to partner with FAITH EARLY LEARNING CENTER in our Half-Price Tuition program for the upcoming school year.  To talk about the center and its programs, we’re joined by director Millis Gregory and a graduate of the CENTER, Manny Gregory, Millis’ nephew!

Next, Americans have significantly reduced their reading over the past decade, with studies showing a decline in reading for pleasure and fewer books read on average—resulting in the loss of billions of pages read.  To better understand why, ThriftBooks commissioned two surveys to examine American reading habits. To discuss the findings, we’re joined today by Barbara Hagen, Vice President of Marketing, ThriftBooks.  

 

THE FAITH EARLY LEARNING CENTER is an early education center for children aged 3-6 years old located in Beltsville, Maryland and has been operating in and a part of the Beltsville community for over 30 years!&nbsp; WAVA is proud to partner with FAITH EARLY LEARNING CENTER in our Half-Price Tuition program for the upcoming school year.&nbsp; To talk about the center and its programs, we&rsquo;re joined by director Millis Gregory and a graduate of the CENTER, Manny Gregory, Millis&rsquo; nephew!
Next, Americans have significantly reduced their reading over the past decade, with studies showing a decline in reading for pleasure and fewer books read on average&mdash;resulting in the loss of billions of pages read.&nbsp; To better understand why, ThriftBooks commissioned two surveys to examine American reading habits. To discuss the findings, we&rsquo;re joined today by Barbara Hagen, Vice President of Marketing, ThriftBooks.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Life Changing Weekend 03-01-26 Faith Early Learning & Reading Challenge

Answering questions about health has become one of the most common ways people use AI, everything from healthcare and fitness to nutrition and preparing for doctor visits. Our first guest on this episode is Kate Rouch, the Chief Marketing Officer with OpenAI and when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she turned to AI to understand her diagnosis, prepare for appointments and navigate care.  

Next, measles cases are increasing in Northern Virginia, raising new concerns as the U.S. works to maintain its measles eradication status.  The outbreaks come as a new bipartisan national poll from the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) shows strong consensus among Americans on the importance of vaccination.  Candace DeMatteis, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) joins us to discuss further.

Answering questions about health has become one of the most common ways people use AI, everything from healthcare and fitness to nutrition and preparing for doctor visits. Our first guest on this episode is Kate Rouch, the Chief Marketing Officer with OpenAI and when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she turned to AI to understand her diagnosis, prepare for appointments and navigate care.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Next, measles cases are increasing in Northern Virginia, raising new concerns as the U.S. works to maintain its measles eradication status.&nbsp; The outbreaks come as a new bipartisan national poll from the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) shows strong consensus among Americans on the importance of vaccination.&nbsp; Candace DeMatteis, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) joins us to discuss further.

Life Changing Weekend 02-22-26 OpenAI and Cancer & Measles Surge

New AARP research shows nearly one in ten adults age 50 and older have been targeted by an online romantic connection who asked for money or promoted a cryptocurrency investment, putting more than 11 million older adults at risk.  To talk with us about this, I’m joined by Amy Nofziger, Senior Director of Fraud Victim Support, AARP.

Next, nearly 1 in 4 Americans have no emergency savings and would struggle to cover an unexpected expense, according to Bankrate. 50% of consumers said their top New Year’s resolution is to save more money.  To talk about this and to offer smarter ways to save to help people reach their financial goals, I’m joined by Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian.

New AARP research shows nearly one in ten adults age 50 and older have been targeted by an online romantic connection who asked for money or promoted a cryptocurrency investment, putting more than 11 million older adults at risk.&nbsp; To talk with us about this, I&rsquo;m joined by Amy Nofziger, Senior Director of Fraud Victim Support, AARP.
Next, nearly 1 in 4 Americans have no emergency savings and would struggle to cover an unexpected expense, according to Bankrate. 50% of consumers said their top New Year&rsquo;s resolution is to save more money.&nbsp; To talk about this and to offer smarter ways to save to help people reach their financial goals, I&rsquo;m joined by Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian.

Life Changing Weekend 02-15-26 Bad Love and Hard Money

It’s tax time again, and the 2026 tax season will be very different for millions of Americans. Major tax law changes tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will affect families, seniors, tipped workers, overtime earners, and anyone who bought a new car in the past year. To discuss this tax season, we’re joined today by Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. 

Next, Kelley Blue Book has long been the go-to source for things car-related, and their 12th Annual Best Buy Awards reflect a year of vehicle testing and evaluation, identifying cars, trucks and SUVs with strong overall value and performance.  To discuss the best cars of 2026 and all this automotive, we’re joined today by author and car expert Brian Moody. 

And finally, according to Bank of America’s 2025 Workplace Benefits Report - NUMBER OF U.S. WORKERS TURNING TO EMPLOYERS FOR FINANCIAL HELP HAS DOUBLED - 1 in 4 Workers Want Assistance on Pressing Financial Needs, Up From 13% in 2023.  To talk about this trend, we’re joined today by Kai Walker of Bank of America

It&rsquo;s tax time again, and the 2026 tax season will be very different for millions of Americans. Major tax law changes tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will affect families, seniors, tipped workers, overtime earners, and anyone who bought a new car in the past year. To discuss this tax season, we&rsquo;re joined today by Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Services.&nbsp;
Next, Kelley Blue Book has long been the go-to source for things car-related, and their 12th Annual Best Buy Awards reflect a year of vehicle testing and evaluation, identifying cars, trucks and SUVs with strong overall value and performance.&nbsp; To discuss the best cars of 2026 and all this automotive, we&rsquo;re joined today by author and car expert Brian Moody.&nbsp;
And finally, according to Bank of America&rsquo;s 2025 Workplace Benefits Report - NUMBER OF U.S. WORKERS TURNING TO EMPLOYERS FOR FINANCIAL HELP HAS DOUBLED - 1 in 4 Workers Want Assistance on Pressing Financial Needs, Up From 13% in 2023.&nbsp; To talk about this trend, we&rsquo;re joined today by Kai Walker of Bank of America

Life Changing Weekend

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

99 clip(s)