Conversations That Matter with Ron Gray

Beyond the Mask: How a Mask Project in a Pandemic Became MoreI recently sat down with Sandy Shafer, Catherine Kamei and Denise Findley to discuss how they answered a call of service when the Coronavirus hit our communities earlier this year. My guests’ groups have made well over 20,000 face masks for hospitals, First Responders, nursing facilities, military members, schools, family & friends.Catherine founded the Super Hero Mask Project. After watching the horrific stories related to COVID-19 and the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment, she stepped up to help bring protection to thousands. Catherine says this project has become an extension of herself with nearly 10,000 masks made.Denise has made masks for health care facilities from Indianapolis to New York City and even Military Troops in Europe. Denise’s daughter is an educator at a local school in Lexington. Pink Tag Boutique helped donate 800 masks to her daughter’s school helping to protect students, teachers, and staff.Sandy’s drive is community. She is a former Lexington City Council member who is familiar how civic and service intersect. She partnered with female volunteers at Lexington correctional facilities who have made thousands of masks for our community.As Sandy says, community is all the people, all the time. It truly takes a community to stand in the gap in times like we are living now. To be part of these groups, visit the Super Hero Mask Group on Facebook or email Catherine at superheromasks2020@gmail.com. If you can wash & iron fabric, donate supplies or sew masks, please contact Catherine and she will match you up with volunteer opportunities. You can also drop off supplies at the KY Castle or East End Tap & Table downtown Lexington.

Welcome to the latest episode of Conversations that Matter with Ron Gray. In this episode, I sit down with Judge Julie Goodman to get to know her and discuss important issues she sees in the courtroom. Judge Goodman is currently a District Court Judge and is the second candidate running in a special election for Circuit Court Judge in Lexington on November 5th. Several other races will be decided the same day, including Governor and Lt. Governor of KY.It’s rare we get to know the judicial candidates, so I wanted to introduce you to the ones asking for your vote this election. Judge Goodman has deep roots in Lexington and has a storied career in law and the courtroom. In my interview you’ll learn more about her and her love for Lexington, the contrast between District & Circuit court and some of the biggest challenges our community faces from the courts perspective. Please share this episode with your friends & family and don’t forget to VOTE on November 5th!

There will be multiple elections in my hometown of Lexington on November 5th. Ones that too often get overlooked are judicial elections. A special general election for Kentucky 22nd Circuit Court 4th Division will be on the ballot the same day we choose our next Governor and Lt. Governor. It’s rare we get to know the judicial candidates, so I wanted to introduce you to the ones asking for your vote this election. Both candidates agreed to sit down with me and have a conversation about themselves and important issues. The first candidate is the Honorable John E. Reynolds. Judge Reynolds was appointed to the bench in early spring by the recommendation of a special committee due to a vacancy. He and I talk about his personal life growing up around horses to his law practice and current judicial experience. We got deep on important issues from opioid abuse + treatment to responsible gun ownership.Thank you for listening and please share with your family and friends!

We are an American society divided by race, culture and wealth. We are seeing an escalation of gun violence, especially in inner-cities. Suicide is at a generational high. We are broken with little community or political leadership. Where are the voices of faith leaders, fathers are absent, mother’s are over-worked and tired. It is the sad and hard truth. Yet, we long to connect.Our humanness calls us to be part of something, whether good or bad. Young people, especially, need a safety net. I found one in my community. Meet Josh Nadzam. He’s a social change entrepreneur who brings connection and belonging to kids through art. He’s a survivor of his own childhood. He’s a masters prepared social worker destined to create change for the next generation. He is the co-creative genius behind On The Move Art Studio, a nonprofit mobile art room created in a refurbished vintage trailer that travels to underserved neighborhoods to host free arts classes for kids. Josh and On The Move have served over 25,000 in just 4 years!Josh is a champion of marginalized and underserved kids in Lexington and around KY. On The Move Art Studio is growing and needs your support. They have acquired a second trailer that will expand their reach to kids around KY, but it needs some TLC. They are $1,000 from their first fundraising goal. Conversations that Matter will match the first $500 we raise in the next 7 days. You can be part of connecting kids with youth advocates who are creating an environment that will help elevate the best of the next generation of kids. Go to this link to help us reach our goal of $1,000 for On The Move!https://www.gofundme.com/2ndtrailerforonthemoveartstudioPlease share my conversation with Josh and help us honor the great work he and his team are doing!

I’m excited to share my recent conversation with Anita Franklin and Lynsey Sugarman. In episode 18 of Conversations that Matter, we have an important conversation on gun violence prevention and the upcoming WEAR ORANGE Peace Walk. Anita and Lynsey are two of the most committed people I know bringing community together and understanding the challenges that lead to gun violence. 100 Americans are killed with guns every day. Firearms are the second leading cause of death for American children and teens. Access to a gun increases the risk of death by suicide by 3x. We can change this and prevent tragedies from happening like this every day. Anita and Lynsey are two of the most committed advocates for gun violence prevention in our community. Join us at Duncan Park on Saturday, 6/8/19 at 4pm for the next Antonio Franklin Jr. WEAR ORANGE Peace Walk and learn how you can be part of the gun violence prevention movement!

In this episode we continue our discussion with a single dad and author, Steve Adams as we discuss parenting as a single dad and his upcoming book "Now What? A Divorced Dad's Guide to Parenting Excellence." We are also joined by a previous guest and single father, Dr. Pete Buecker.

This is the 3rd and final part of our 3-part series on Fatherhood after Divorce with dad and new author, Steve Adams. We discuss parenting as a single dad and review the 8 principles highlighted in his upcoming book "Now What? A Divorced Dad's Guide to Parenting Excellence." We are also joined by our previous guest and single father, Dr. Pete Buecker.

I sit down with a single dad and author, Steve Adams as we discuss parenting as a single dad and his upcoming book "Now What? A Divorced Dad's Guide to Parenting Excellence."

It was a great honor to sit down with my friend, Jessica Bollinger, to talk about building better relationships. Jessie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has practiced Imago Therapy for 20 years. In part 1 of our conversation we get to know Jessie and how Imago Therapy has impacted her marriage and family life. Imago - Latin word meaning: IMAGEJessie discusses how our childhood defines familial love and its influence throughout our lives...good or bad. And how incorporating Imago Therapy principles allows us to stay in the relationship environment.“We can be right or we can be in relationship.” - Jessica Bollinger

In part 2 Jessica Bollinger talks about how we are built for relationship & connection. The main principles of Imago includes intentional dialogue where we are able to cross the bridge into the other person’s world and mirror what the other person is saying to us. Principles of Imago:MIRROR:“What I heard you say is . . . . .”“Did I get that?” or “Did I get you?”“Is there more?” or “Tell me more.”VALIDATE: “You (or what you’ve said,) make(s) sense to me because . . .”EMPATHIZE “I can imagine that you might be feeling . . . . (angry, hurt, scared, frustrated, etc.).”

I continue my discussion with Jessica Bollinger, LCSW on how we can incorporate the principles of Imago Therapy into our personal and community relationships. Check out how using the principles of Imago Therapy has led to a concept of “Safe Conversations” in the community of Dallas, TX.https://youtu.be/5b14sYHcGmUAlso hear how Jessie is celebrating the new year answering these 3 questions:What’s one of the biggest lessons you learned this past year? What are you most looking forward to leaving behind?What are you most looking forward to in the new year?

Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Peter J Buecker is LIVE!Dr. Buecker is a Mind-Body Medicine Physician specializing in stress and inflammation reduction. In part 2 of Conversations that Matter with Dr. Buecker, we continue our discussion on creating a mindset to sustain change in our lives and knowing our value. “The emotional shift is what sustains the outcome.” Dr. Peter J. Buecker Our conversation also includes the benefits of meditation and how it impacts our lives. Learn more about Dr. Buecker and how he can help you Stress Less & Live More @ www.PETERBMD.com.

Happy New Year! As we enter the new year, we often make resolutions and after few days or weeks we abandon those commitments. I’m excited to share a series of podcast episodes which focuses on the NEW YEAR! BETTER YOU! In the next episode of Conversations that Matter, I talk with Dr. Peter Buecker, board certified orthopedic surgeon who now practices Mind-Body Medicine. He’ll help us explore why we aren’t following through with those commitments and ways we can be better committed to the discipline of becoming a BETTER YOU! Learn more about Dr. Buecker and how he can help you Stress Less & Live More @ www.PETERBMD.com.

In part 3 of my conversation with Dr. Melissa Cheeseman, we learn more about her life. Dr. Cheeseman is a veteran of the military. She spent 4 years in active duty with the Air Force, then came back to KY to complete an emergency medicine residency at the University of Kentucky in 2001. She has transitioned from private practice and now practices full-time at the VA Hospital in Lexington, KY.Dr. Cheeseman has been involved in Christian Ministry for many years. She became of follower of Christ through Young Life as a young adult. She was on the teaching team at Crossroads Christian Church in Lexington for 15 years. She became involved in Outward Focus Ministry, including Mission Ministry. Dr. Cheeseman and her husband, Jeff, founded the Wellspring Prayer Center, a prayer center in downtown Lexington. She’s also on the board of a nonprofit called, Lane of Roses, a faith-based organization that encourages and empowers young women. She continues her ministry through Compassion International and medical mission work in other countries.We also discuss how her faith has influenced her medical career and guided her over the years in our conversation. Dr. Cheeseman is a dynamic and multi-dimensional person. She has always provoked thought in me and inspired me to consider ideas beyond my comfort zone. I believe she’ll have the same effect on you as a listener. You can hear more conversations at www.conversationsthatmatter.co. I hope you’ll share our stories with your family & friends and continue to be part of conversations that matter.

In part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Melissa Cheeseman, we continue our discussion on the intersection of politics and religion.Some of our discussion includes how faith may influence party affiliation and policy leanings. We discuss when faith influences policy, but leaves some members of a community feeling marginalized, how do we reconcile this?Dr. Cheeseman also discusses the division between political leanings and faith communities and how we can reconcile this. She emphasizes how we fail to see each other for who we are, but instead, the issues or policies we support. This leads to division and we fail to see our shared humanity.Dr. Cheeseman offers enlightening ideas on the intersection of politics and religion in our conversation. I hope you’ll be inspired to see others for who they are and not the issues they support, no matter political affiliation or religious leanings.

At an all-time high, the intensity around political partisanship has divided the country. We no longer see each other for who we are, but the issues we support. Religion is often at the center of politics, leaving members of communities feeling marginalized based on the policies influenced by religion. I recently sat down with Melissa Cheeseman, Emergency Medicine Physician and Faith Leader, to discuss the intersection of politics and religion. And how we, as a society, can shift the conversation in a way that unites us because of our commonality vs. leading with our differences. We discuss an important question, “Does Religion have a place in Politics”? While this is a polarizing conversation, it is one we must have with ourselves, our family and members of our communities. There is no right or wrong answer, but one we should examine in an effort to unite us because of our shared humanity, in-spite of our differences.

In part 2 of my conversation on domestic violence with Lenzi Dodgen & Scott Lancaster, we talk about why victims stay with their perpetrator, the stigma around domestic violence and support for survivors. In the United States, an average of 20 people experience intimate partner physical violence every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually.1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. This includes a range of behaviors and in some cases might not be considered “domestic violence”.1 in 10 women have been raped by an intimate partner. Data is unavailable on male victims.On a typical day, domestic violence hotlines nationwide receive over 20,000 calls.An abuser’s access to a firearm increases the risk of intimate partner femicide by 400%.Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.Intimate partner violence is most common against women between the ages of 18-24.19% of intimate partner violence involves a weapon.source: ncadv.orgIf you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.For anonymous, confidential help, 24/7, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional/psychological abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence varies dramatically. (source: www.ncadv.org) Domestic violence occurs in every community. It affects women and men, gay/straight, all races and religions, income levels and education. (source: www.ncadv.org) 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. This includes a range of behaviors and in some cases might not be considered “domestic violence”. (source: www.ncadv.org) I recently had an important conversation about Domestic Violence with Lenzi Dodgen, Survivor Advocate & Prevention Professional; and Scott Lancaster, Children’s Advocate and current Program Manager at Greenhouse 17 in Lexington, KY. Part 1 of 2 podcasts with Lenzi and Scott includes the staggering prevalence of domestic violence in the US, warning signs and an in-depth look at what precipitates intimate partner violence and how our culture contributes. The knowledge and perspective Lenzi and Scott share are very enlightening. This is an educational and empowering discussion. My biggest take-away is men must join the conversation women have been having for generations. It’s the only way to shift our culture to one of respect and equality, from in-the-home to the workplace. I hope you’ll take time to listen and share the conversation with others.

Suicide has increased over the past two decades by an astounding rate. In half the United States it has increased by 30%. In KY it increased by 37% in 2016. It’s the 2nd leading cause of death among ages 15-34 in the US; and the 10th leading cause of death overall. In 2016, 46,000 people died by suicide. In part 2 of our Suicide Prevention Awareness podcast, we continue the discussion of suicide prevention, warning signs and ways those who suffer from risk factors can get help. I am joined by Tammy Barrett, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the State of KY; Dr. Susan Pollack, Pediatrician and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics; and joining us from part 1 is Janet Shedd. Janet is a suicide loss survivor. Her youngest son, Tom, died by suicide at age 18 in 2015. We hope you will share this episode and begin a conversation with people in your life. For support you can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline @ 1-800-273-SAFE or text 741741.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in America. It’s the 2nd leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults ages 15-34. 46,000 Americans died by suicide in 2016. Over the past 2 decades suicide has increased by 30% in half the United States. In KY, it increased by 37% in 2016. Suicide is a major health crisis in our country. In episode 4 I had the honor to sit down with my new friend and suicide loss survivor, Janet Shedd. She lost her youngest son to suicide in 2015. His name was Tom & was 18 years old. Janet courageously shares the story of Tom, his struggle with depression, and how important it is to talk about mental health and suicide risks. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to talk with your family & friends about how difficult life can be and the risk factors associated with suicide, including depression. There’s a stigma around these discussions, but the risks drop when we talk about it. If you are struggling and need to connect with someone, please ask for help. If you see someone struggling, ask if you can help them. Anyone can call the Suicide Prevention Hotline @ 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or text 741741 24/7.

Immigration is at the very fabric of who we are as a country. We have always been a place for those who have sought refuge from the greatest storms of life. I have many friends who have sought that refuge and found it in America. We are all immigrants. I recently sat down with my friend, Ninfa Floyd, who came to America 57 years ago. Her family escaped the oppressive regime of a communist dictatorship. We discussed her experience as a child coming to a strange land, not knowing the language, and being different than other kids her age. A challenge for anyone, but as a child a very scary one. Ninfa brings humanity to the stories of people who are seeking refuge today. She is fiercely compassionate and believes we fail a very basic test of humanity turning our backs on the most vulnerable. I hope you’ll take time to listen to our conversation. Please share with your family & friends and feel free to engage us in the comments.

Today we sit down with Logan Nance, US Army Veteran and candidate for Midway, KY, City Council to discuss gun violence and how we build safer communities together.

By finding our commonalities, we can better understand the perspectives from which we each come from. Join us on Conversations that Matter to explore real world topics with interesting people, all with the goal to drive change in our communities.