Anna Marie's Sunday Focus

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 enged with, you can still make it meaningful for yourself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Tennesee 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna chats with Fahad Tahir, President and CEO of Ascention 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 utrasound, 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 YoutubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month and Anna continues her interviews on the topic. This week, her guest is David Wood, licenced therapist and Regional Director of Family Care Center, the largest outpatient behaviorial 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna discusses the lifesaving gift of organ donation wit 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.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Atendees can meet medical professionals focusing on womens' 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 identity. You do not need a referral from a doctor, and they accept all insurances. Get more information at www.alliedbehavior.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 INFOSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 on, and find out how YOU, as a driver, can help a neighbor who needs a ride, in this podcast, and at www.seniorridenashville.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Podcast contain contains info to help you love life after 50 years of age. Anna talsk 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.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 microschooling. 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 AcademyColumbia, Tennessee(931) 381-1468 x6261Traditional Public School1/27/2025 Shiloh HeadstartCookeville, Tennessee(931) 303-8297Private School1/13/2025 Cumberland Elementary STEAM Magnet SchoolNashville, Tennessee(813) 764-5803Traditional Public School1/26/2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. https://nashvillehumane.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Podcast, Dr. Joseph Sharpe, Chief Medical Officer at Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital talks types of depression. He discusses some of the things that contribute to the condition and some ways to build a strategy to support your mental health. He talks about the links to physical health and mental health, and lists four areas that we can work on to promote good mental health. They include good sleep hygiene, proper exercise (including how much, how often, and at what level of exercise), diet, and Rest, Relaxation and Socialization. All of those, Dr. Sharpe says, are key factors to supporting and promoting good mental health.He says one main takeaway would be to, "Stop comparing yourself to other people, and focus on yourself. Where are YOU? How do YOU feel?" We don't have to eat more because others are, have more because others do, or be perfect, because it LOOKS like others are. You will learn a LOT from this expert, and this may be an interview you save the link to listen to again, and share with others! Here's a link to Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, that includes a free mental health assessment tool, and contact information for more help. https://www.saintthomasbehavioral.com/Here's a link to many resources to get Mental Health help.https://www.nashville.gov/departments/health/clinical-health-services/behavioral-health-services See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna speaks with Michael Aldrich, Managing Editor of Nashville Parent Magazine. Nashville Parent is a free monthly print magazine, and daily-updated online resource. Michael discusses the information that Nashville Parent offers parents, through every stage of parenthood. Those resources include the Award-winning event pages, complete with links and information, as well as links and details about free events. They also offer giveaways every Wednesday of passes and tickets to events, a Baby Guide, a private school resource list, and much more! https://nashvilleparent.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Marie talks with Ryan Lampa, CEO of People Loving Nashville. He talks about the non-profit that serves the unhoused and vulnerable of Nashville. They host a meal every Monday night on the Gay Street Connector, and add other items that people who are unhoused may need. With the meal and supplies, PLN offers relief and community, then, as connection is formed, they help with housing. PLN offers restoration, by helping people deal with things that contributed to their situation, giving them hope, and helping them find what they are passionate about, and trying to help make those dreams work out for them. People Loving Nashville also has a coffee shop, Paradeisos, which employs formerly unhoused people, and brings in money for PLN to continue its mission. Ryan says they are always in need of donations, whether it's material items like clothing, or monetary donations. www.peoplelovingnashville.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna talks with Darla DeLeon, the CEO and co-founder of Steered Straight, a local non-profit that offers student assembly messages to educate kids about the substances they're encountering (and using), what it does to their bodies, and how to stop if they're already using.  They speak extensively about how vaping has become such a large problem in schools, even in the younger grades, and how other substances are substituted into the vaping devices.  Steered Straight also offers Intervention and a Recovery Program,  Listeners can support by shopping their thrift store and by picking up publications to help talk to a child about substance abuse. www.steeredstraight.org/donate-store/  www.steeredstraight.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Marie talks with Alecia Talbot, Executive Director of DSAMT (Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee.) Alecia gives details about their work with schools to help teachers improve outcomes of their Down students.     They discuss the support that DSAMT provides to families, schools and businesses to help people with Down Syndrome learn, grow, get jobs and find housing.They also talk supporting businesses owned by people with Down Syndrome, or a business that provides their family member with Down Syndrome a place to work.  Being December, they discuss their Santa visits to families that started during COVID, but has turned into a magical, wonder-filled time for people with Down Syndrome and their families.    More details at www.somethingextra.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Marie talks with Holly Bowman, Director of Development and Communication, for The Contributor, a newspaper produced here in Nashville and sold by homeless individuals.  By selling the paper, they learn about work and begin to make an income for themselves. Holly discusses how The Contributor helps the homeless through it's SOAR program (SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access and Recovery) to help people enroll in healthcare insurance and connects them with health care providers.    Once they are able to get a person in housing, they work with them for the first 9 months to a year, since many aren't used to dealing with traditional housing.  They also publish an annual resource guide of programs available to homeless.  www.thecontributor.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Maria talks with Mariela Moscoso, Executive Director of YEAH (Youth Empowerment Through Arts and Humanities).  She discusses how the organization uses music as a tool to strengthen individuals and build community.  They hope to empower youth to improve the culture of the community through the arts and self expression.  Their priorities include inclusivity, diversity, collaboration and providing access to kids who have barriers to music creativity.   She also discusses the Gig Explorer series where sessions are held on the arts that surround making music, like broadcasting, podcasting, and DJing. Also, discussed is the Unity Song Mix Project which will mix all the student's creations into a tapestry of song.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna speaks with Amy Cozzi, Senior Manager of Innovations and programs Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.  They discuss the programs they offer, which include children's feeding programs, seniors feeding programs, mobile pantry and home delivery services. One in 6 children in the Nashville area are food insecure, not knowing where their next meal is coming from.  She discusses their nutrition programs, including even cooking classes, and teaching people how to eat healthy while in poverty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The guest is Heather Gallager of the Beaman Park Nature Center. She talks with Anna about the center's upcoming 20th anniversary celebration in late October. They also talk about the property, primarily an old forest which has been saved, the birds that reside there, creeks where visitors can swim, and the plants found there.  Being several hundred feet above Davidson Country proper, the park has wild plants and trees not found elsewhere in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna talks with Rachael Wilkins, chief development officer of Safe Haven Family Shelter.  The organization serves over 300 families annually  experiencing homelessness.  Unlike most shelters, they allow the family to stay intact as a unit. Safe Haven provides assistance in obtaining and maintaining affordable housing.  They also provide workforce development for the parents, education for the children, and intensive case management. Rachael discussed the group's annual hike, a family friendly festivity, held Saturday 11/2/24 at Percy Warner Park. For more details on what they offer:  Safe Haven Family Shelter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annas talks with Suzanne Reed and Meghan Kelly, two survivors of cancer.  They relate their stories and discuss being  two of this year's "Faces Of Hope" for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.  We learn that we can form teams and raise money to we can help fund the future of breast cancer research.  The walk will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Walk of Fame Park. Get more details here:  Making Strides Against Cancer Walk in Nashville.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna discusses the work of Nashville's Martha O'Bryan Center with Sherica Nelms, the organization's Chief Program Officer.  They talk about the group's goal of ending poverty in one generation. They do this through education, employment services, family support services.Their Family Success Network, located in East Nashville, teaches education and employment skills which are needed to be successful. This includes teaching reading to getting one's G.E.D. to an IT boot camp to learn computers.  Learn more at the Martha O'Bryan Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna's guest is Stacy Hall,  the director of Mothers Over Murder in Nashville.  The group exists to fill a gap in the social services system, provides support and encouragement to women, as well as other family members, who have lost loved ones to violence in our area.  Women further along in the healing process also act as advocates in the community for a peaceful resolution to disputes and the rights of grieving parents to answers and justice.​   They're also joined by Suzie Payne, Assistant director of Mothers Over Murder who relates her personal story of loss at the hands of violence. You can get more information at Mothers Over Murder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna's guest is Stacy Hall,  the director of Mothers Over Murder in Nashville.  The group exists to fill a gap in the social services system, provides support and encouragement to women, as well as other family members, who have lost loved ones to violence in our area.  Women further along in the healing process also act as advocates in the community for a peaceful resolution to disputes and the rights of grieving parents to answers and justice.​   They're also joined by Pamela Adams, who relates her heartbreaking story of losing her father to violence. You can get more information at Mothers Over Murder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna talks with two people from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office:  Arriale Tabson, Public Information Officer, and Joel Brisson, Law Enforcement Liaison.  Joel discusses the department's efforts to seek input about people's use of streets and sidewalks, finding that most people don't use crosswalks (there aren't enough convenient) or they not watching where they're walking (yammering on their cellphones).    They've also sought to curb speeding in neighborhoods by giving citizens "Slow Down TN" yard signs notifying drivers that people have noticed your speeding and reckless driving.  The department hopes to curb behavior, not just write tickets. More pedestrians are out in fall, with locals sports and children going back to school.  They remind people that school zones have lower speed limits and the state has laws  about  not touching your cellphone while driving.  October is National Pedestrian Safety month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.