Podcasts about community conversations

Jeff Hoover talks with Jeramy Coffey, Economic Development Director for the City of Russell Springs. They cover updates on the long-discussed Shogun restaurant project, why delays have happened, and what's still moving forward. The conversation also touches on other potential restaurant interest, road projects and roundabouts on Highway 127, upcoming grants, and what really sells businesses on locating in Russell Springs.

Welcome to another exciting episode of MindShareTV, where we explore the intersection of education, innovation, and leadership in a digital age. I'm your host, Robert Martellacci, Founder of MindShare Learning, and today I'm honoured to be joined by a global thought leader in EdTech, Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking, CoSN & Cooper Sved, Educator & 2025 Blaschke Research Fellow at CoSN Keith and his team have just released an incredibly timely and important report: “Screens in Balance: Education, Technology, and Community Conversations”, also known as the 2025 Blaschke Report, authored by Blaschke Fellow Cooper Sved. We'll unpack key insights from the report, explore the new Screen Time Toolkit, and discuss how educators and families can better navigate screen use in today's connected learning environment.

As we close out the year, how do we, as yoga teachers, gauge our progress? How can we assess our success? Today, host Rachel and returning guest Elena Cheung share their answers to these questions. We discuss why one-dimensional metrics like ratings, reviews, student numbers, online likes, and follows are so appealing, as well as the complexities of teaching that they fail to capture. Listen to this episode to learn how to balance your interests and values with the needs of your students, and how to meaningfully reflect on your work as a yoga teacher. — Show Notes: Complexities that ratings & reviews don't express [3:32] From "teacher knows best" to "the customer is always right"? [10:20] Navigating changing student tastes with integrity [13:06] The space that teaching experience creates around feedback [21:46] Why "objective" metrics appeal, and what they miss [26:12] How to gauge success as a yoga teacher [33:05] Final takeaways [47:27] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes: 74: Yoga for All 141: Pitfalls of Private Yoga (and How to Avoid Them) The Art of Teaching Impactful Group Classes Online Course Connect with Elena Cheung: Instagram | Elena Shapeshifts | The Way Softness Moves | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-153. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Russell County Clerk Patti Glover to talk about what's new at the clerk's office. They cover the latest specialty and personalized license plates, how the ordering process works, and why some designs are especially popular. Patti also shares important reminders about voter registration deadlines, changing party affiliation, and key dates for anyone planning to run for office.

Episode Description: What if wellness wasn't just a perk, but a leadership necessity? In this Working Forward Conversations episode, Nikki Lewallen Gregory and Jason Cochran flip the script on workplace wellness, diving deep into why wellness is a non-negotiable requirement for modern leadership. From morning meditations and mid-day workouts to setting boundaries and asking for help, they share personal rituals and team-wide practices that fuel sustained capacity and impact. Get a behind-the-scenes of how People Forward Network lives out people-first values, with wellness baked into every level: micro (individual), mezzo (team), and macro (world-changing mission). Whether you're burned out or building a better culture, this convo offers a fresh, energizing perspective on leading well by living well.   Additional Resources: Join the PFN Community! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Jason on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Define wellness clearly for yourself and your organization. Micro habits shape sustained leadership and personal energy. Team rituals protect energy and promote shared accountability. Modeling self-care encourages psychological safety and trust. Wellness supports impact beyond profit.  

Episode Description: What if wellness wasn't just a perk, but a leadership necessity? In this Working Forward Conversations episode, Nikki Lewallen Gregory and Jason Cochran flip the script on workplace wellness, diving deep into why wellness is a non-negotiable requirement for modern leadership. From morning meditations and mid-day workouts to setting boundaries and asking for help, they share personal rituals and team-wide practices that fuel sustained capacity and impact. Get a behind-the-scenes of how People Forward Network lives out people-first values, with wellness baked into every level: micro (individual), mezzo (team), and macro (world-changing mission). Whether you're burned out or building a better culture, this convo offers a fresh, energizing perspective on leading well by living well.   Additional Resources: Join the PFN Community! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Jason on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Define wellness clearly for yourself and your organization. Micro habits shape sustained leadership and personal energy. Team rituals protect energy and promote shared accountability. Modeling self-care encourages psychological safety and trust. Wellness supports impact beyond profit.  

Jeff Hoover sits down with Kem Bell to talk about the 53rd year of the WJRS Food for Needy Drive. They cover how the drive works today, why the switch to food certificates happened, and how the Russell County community continues to step up to help families in need. Kem also shares how donations are used and how listeners can get involved as delivery day approaches.

What happens when the guardrails of the Constitution start to shake? In this America at a Crossroads program, renowned constitutional scholar Erwin Chemerinsky joins veteran journalist Warren Olney to examine “The Constitution in Crisis: What's at Stake for American Democracy.”They break down threats to the rule of law, the future of the Supreme Court, voting rights, presidential power, and how ordinary citizens can respond when core democratic norms are under pressure.Erwin Chemerinsky is the Dean of Berkeley Law and one of the nation's leading experts on constitutional law and civil liberties. Warren Olney is the award-winning former host and executive producer of KCRW's nationally syndicated program To the Point.Recorded on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 5:00 pm Pacific, this conversation is part of the Community Conversations series founded by Jews United for Democracy & Justice.

Jamestown Mayor Regena Hinton joins Jeff Hoover to talk about Christmas on the Square, the city's holiday decorations, and the annual Grace Foley Hall home and business decorating contest. She shares memories of Miss Grace, details on how to enter the contest, and a look ahead at Jamestown's upcoming 200th anniversary and Lakefest planning.

Episode Description: How do we move from "just a job" to truly purposeful work in the middle of massive AI-driven disruption? Nikki and Jason tackle this question and unpack sobering data on disengagement, talk candidly about seasons of life and changing priorities, and introduce two practical tools that help people assess where they are and what needs to change: the Life Wheel and the Purpose Gap Matrix. Through real stories from their own team and a generational lens on AI's impact, they challenge both leaders and individuals to own their 50%, design work that fits who they are today, and stop waiting for employers to define their future. If you're dreading Mondays, feeling underutilized, or unsure how AI will affect your role, this conversation is a clear, compassionate call to get back in the driver's seat.   Additional Resources: Join the PFN Community! Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn Connect with Jason on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key takeaways Most employees lack purpose; leaders and individuals must change that. Life Wheel clarifies priorities across changing life seasons and roles. Purpose Gap Matrix reveals misalignment between strengths, rewards, and work. AI disruption demands proactive learning, experimentation, and career ownership. Organizations should design flexible cultures that support purposeful work.

Superintendent Michael Ford joins the show to discuss the upcoming school calendar, student assessment data, English learner support, classroom culture, and kindergarten readiness. It's a look at how the district is working to support students and plan for the years ahead.

Community Conversation welcomes Lake Cumberland Tourism director Danielle Wilson for an update on recent events around Russell County. She talks about the success of Christmas on the Square and the yearlong bicentennial celebrations, then shares details on this week's Grinch event, including food trucks, vendors, free photos, and ice skating. Danielle also previews the weekend's Blades, Brews and Food activities and explains why these gatherings have become local favorites.

Becoming the Teacher She Needed: How the CERCLE FRAME Pathway Shaped Andrene Cross

Sean Hammond fills in for Jeff Hoover and sits down with Russell County High School principal Shanna Tarter. They talk about the school's recent state assessment results, how NTI days work behind the scenes, and why building strong relationships with students matters as much as test scores. Tarter highlights improvements in school climate, the success of career pathways, the growth of the current events program, and the steady rise in attendance. She also shares how community support continues to make a real difference for students year-round.

Race relations and health equity are among the pressing social issues being discussed at Thriving Together Atlanta’s Equitable Dinners series. Since January 2020, more than 12,000 people from across the metro Atlanta area have gathered for challenging conversations over a hot meal, with a side of performance art. Program Manager Adria Kitchens joins “Closer Look” to talk more about the origin and impact of the Equitable Dinners series. According to an Atlanta-area broker, the metro area has seen a negative net migration - meaning more people are moving out than moving in. That’s in addition to new data that says Atlanta is now among 39 metro areas that recently flipped from being an affordable place to buy a home to being a place where it’s now cheaper to rent. Scott Pratt, a real estate broker and owner of Pratt & Associates Realty, talks more about the housing market, the Trump administration’s proposed 50-year mortgage plan and explains why he still encourages people to become homeowners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel, the U.S., and the wider Middle East are at a critical inflection point. In this special America at a Crossroads program, veteran Middle East analyst Aaron David Miller joins host Madeleine Brand to unpack “Israel Update: Trump's Plan — Breakthrough or Breakdown.” They'll explore what the plan actually proposes, how it's being received in Israel and among Palestinians, and what it means for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy.Aaron David Miller is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and spent 24 years at the U.S. Department of State advising both Republican and Democratic administrations on Arab–Israeli negotiations. Madeleine Brand is the host of the award-winning KCRW daily news and culture show Press Play and co-host of the legal affairs podcast The Legal Eagle Files.Recorded on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 5:00 pm Pacific, this conversation is part of the Community Conversations series founded by Jews United for Democracy & Justice. Tune in for a nuanced, historically grounded look at one of the most contested issues in global politics.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Russell County Middle School Assistant Principal Sarah Aaron to talk about the school's strong statewide assessment results. They cover the school's green rating, the standout blue rating in reading and math, growth across every subject, and how the team-based culture supports student success. Sarah also shares how the school uses data, goal-setting, and celebrations to keep students motivated throughout the year.

Wine of the Episode: 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon by Delgadillo Cellars Join Jessica Yañez and Erika Sanchez for a late November/early December Chisme session where they dive deep into cultural conversations, community boundaries, and current events over wine. From Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance to debates about representation and AI technology, this episode covers the complex gray areas we navigate in modern life. [00:00 - 07:00] Welcome Back & Thanksgiving Catch-Up Taking a Thanksgiving break (no apologies!) Family gatherings and blending in-laws The 22-pound turkey situation and plans for smoked turkey feasts [07:00 - 10:00] Wine Time Jessica's 2016 Delgadillo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Erika's Cointreau Citrus Spritz Announcing the updated Tamales & Wine Guide (coming mid-December!) [10:00 - 24:00] Bad Bunny, Rosalía & Cultural Pride Bad Bunny announced as Super Bowl halftime performer The controversial Rosalía response and "colonizer behavior" Katie Miller's podcast with Charlotte Jones about the performance Why Bad Bunny's unapologetic Spanish-language stance matters [24:00 - 37:00] Community Conversations & Boundaries When to center yourself vs. when to listen The Bomba debate and staying in your lane Protecting community while avoiding division Learning from lived experiences outside your own [32:00 - 35:00] Coleman Domingo & Representation Latine representation in "Wicked" Two things can be true: being Black AND Latino Breaking down limiting perspectives on identity [35:00 - 42:00] Unity vs. Division Historical context: when Irish and Italians weren't considered "white" Economic issues disguised as racial ones The importance of respectful disagreement Why echo chambers prevent growth [42:00 - 50:00] AI Resurrection App The creepy new app for "talking" to deceased loved ones Jessica's memories of her grandmother Alternative: recording parents' stories with QR codes Does AI help or hinder the grieving process? [50:00 - 58:00] CBS Paramount Layoffs & DEI Dismantling All people of color laid off; white employees reassigned The importance of DEI beyond just race Barry Weiss named editor-in-chief despite no network experience What happens when we lose diverse newsrooms [58:00 - 1:07:00] Mariah Carey's Sephora Ad The commercialization of "It's Time" Tone-deaf timing with SNAP benefits controversy When organic moments become marketing strategies The "Sephora kids" phenomenon [1:07:00 - 1:16:00] Money, Greed & Billionaires Why do wealthy people always want more? Elon Musk as the first trillionaire Comparing Mackenzie Scott's giving to others' hoarding Jeff Bezos sponsoring the Met Gala and buying Condé Nast [1:16:00 - 1:21:00] Is Vogue Still Relevant? How smartphones and social media changed fashion media The double-edged sword of instant information Missing the early days of organic Instagram [1:21:00 - 1:27:00] AI Everywhere Can't tell what's real anymore Protecting elderly parents from sophisticated scams The danger of AI voice replication When convenience becomes scary [1:27:00 - 1:34:00] Golden Girls Are Forever Watching the Golden Girls special Realizing they were in their 50s and working! How ahead of their time they were on social issues Betty White's legacy and San Diego's own Mario Lopez [1:34:00 - End] Final Thoughts Living in the gray area of life No one can take away your determination Recapping the year ahead Preserving ourselves with wine! The Wine & Chisme Podcast celebrates Latine voices, culture, and community—one glass of wine and honest conversation at a time.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Salem Elementary principal KJ Webb to talk about the school's latest statewide assessment results and the work happening behind the scenes to support students.KJ shares how her team has focused heavily on reading and math over the past two years, and how that commitment paid off with strong growth and a green rating in those areas. She explains how teachers from kindergarten through fifth grade work together to build a solid foundation, and how MAP testing throughout the year helps guide instruction long before statewide scores are released.KJ also talks about areas where the school wants to improve, what teachers are doing in science and social studies, and how her staff uses data to shape lessons and support students at every level.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum to talk about upcoming bicentennial events, county projects, and the growing community spirit across the area. They cover everything from Christmas on the Square to local infrastructure plans, economic hopes, and the pride residents have in calling Russell County home.In the second half of the show, Jeff welcomes Jamestown Elementary School principal Zach Smith. They walk through the latest state test results, how the school uses data to guide instruction, and the importance of school climate, safety, and staff collaboration. Zach shares the progress the school is making, areas they're celebrating, and how his team is preparing students for continued growth.

Jeff Hoover welcomes Lindsey Westerfield and Kristina Burton from the Russell County Public Library to talk about new support services, including one-on-one help with applications, online accounts, Medicare enrollment, and digital basics for seniors. They also share upcoming programs and explain how the library is working as a true community hub.In the second segment, Russell Springs Elementary principal Kevin Reynolds joins the show to walk through this year's assessment results. He talks about the school's long run of high performance, how teachers use MAP testing to guide instruction, and why a strong school climate matters just as much as scores.

Jeff welcomes Russell Springs city clerk Chris Ramsey to share updates on this year's Christmas parade, the lineup, community involvement, and the holiday events planned at the city park. Sponsored by Jamestown Auto Sales.

What if chasing profit is actually killing your team's potential?

What if chasing profit is actually killing your team's potential?

In this heartfelt Community Conversation, Angel Miraya joins Shelly to talk about the complicated, beautiful season of midlife where multiple roles collide—mom, grandmother, daughter, caregiver, and woman rediscovering her own purpose. Angel shares how running four half-marathons in 28 days became a spiritual reset, how she's supporting her daughter through single motherhood, and why perspective, community, and prayer are everything.Her story offers encouragement for every woman navigating transitions she didn't expect, holding joy and grief at the same time, and learning to trust God with the pieces of life that feel too heavy to carry alone.Key Takeaways:You can hold joy and grief together—midlife is full of bittersweet moments.Allowing yourself to feel your emotions helps you process change instead of pushing through it.Intentional prayer creates space for perspective, peace, and God's guidance.Surrender isn't passive—it's choosing to trust God with outcomes you can't control.Supporting adult children looks different in every season, and grace is required on both sides.Grandmotherhood brings unexpected gifts and healing for the parts of motherhood you didn't get to experience.Perspective determines whether you see your responsibilities as burdens or as opportunities to love and serve.Community—safe friends who pray with you and for you—makes all the difference in a demanding season.Small daily shifts in obedience, kindness, or encouragement create a legacy bigger than any milestone.God often answers prayers in ways we didn't expect, but His timing is always intentional and good. Resources:Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

Jeff visits with Grant Hadley and Jason Eads from the Russell County Jaycees to highlight their annual Toys for Tots radio auction, the work that goes into it, and how it helps hundreds of local kids each year. Tune in for a look at the effort, heart, and hometown spirit behind this long-running tradition.

The real story of immigration enforcement isn't in the numbers or the politics, but lies in the human cost paid by children, caregivers, and families when ICE shows up without warning. In this episode of Inside Voices, we sit down with ACLU of Connecticut's Legal Director Dan Barrett to address how immigration enforcement is reshaping daily life for families in child care programs, schools, and local workplaces. We look at the state's new guidance, the recent cases shaking Connecticut and Chicago, and the terrifying first 48 hours after a detention when kids are left waiting, parents scramble for answers, and legal protections are put to the test. Dan explains what “sanctuary” actually offers, where the gaps are, and what families and providers can do right now to stay prepared.

Jeff welcomes Pastor John Speer and Scott Wells to discuss a free community Thanksgiving meal and the annual Living Christmas Tree at Liberty Baptist Church. He also talks with Danielle Wilson from Lake Cumberland Tourism about upcoming holiday events, including the Christmas parade, Christmas on the Square, and the Grinch and ice-skating festivities.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Trish Burton, owner of The Good Wife Mastectomy Boutique, to talk about the services she provides for women recovering from breast cancer. She explains how post-surgery fittings work, what insurance covers, and why many women don't realize these benefits are available for life. Trish also shares how she connects with patients, travels for mobile fittings, and advocates for women as they navigate recovery.

High achievers in business, sport, and life in general can benefit hugely from yoga practice. However, the very traits that lead to success in their field can bring up unique challenges when brought to the mat. Today, host Katja speaks with Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist Katharina Claeys about teaching yoga to high achievers. Katharina is an educator, speaker, and consultant with a focus on building resilience and nervous system regulation, as well as women's health. Listen to this episode to learn why setting realistic expectations, being flexible in your teaching approach, and managing the moments of transition into class are so important when working with high achievers. — Show Notes: Traits of high achievers on and off the mat [2:47] Which high achievers seek yoga for support? [6:29] Establish "the why" and set clear expectations [10:27] Working with perfectionism and Claeys [15:26] Be ready with a range of techniques [17:19] Doorway affirmations, tapping into physical senses [27:05] Work with the person, not the profession [31:49] Match your student's energy [34:17] Tips for teachers: self-care, scheduling, community, mentors [40:28] Get started teaching yoga to high achievers [45:22] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Online Burnout Resilience Program Previous Yoga Medicine Podcast Episode: Episode 146: Hustle Culture Meets Wellness Sphere Connect with Katharina Claeys & Resilience Yoga: Katharina Claeys | Instagram | LinkedIn You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-150. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.  

Jeff Hoover sits down with Extension Agent Megan Gullett and Homemakers committee chair Barbara Sharpe to talk about this year's Russell County Extension Homemakers Vendors Fair. They share how the event supports a local scholarship, highlight the wide range of clubs in the county, and preview the vendors, activities, and details for Saturday's fair at the ANC.

Designer Deanna “Dee” Kline shares how pruning a good thing made space to step back into her business full time—and why changing your mind is growth, not flakiness. We talk about trusting God's plan over expectations, noticing how discernment shows up in your body, and simple, quiet practices that help you hear your inner yes. If you're standing at a threshold, this conversation will help you feel seen, supported, and ready to take your next right step.Key TakeawaysPrune the good to make room for the right thing.Changing your mind = growth with new information, not failure.Discernment can show up as body signals (chills, flutters—even nerves).“Sleep on it”: if it still resonates after 24 hours, it's worth exploring.Quiet your world to hear God: voice memos, messy brain-dumps, porch time.You don't need everyone to understand your “download”—the assignment is yours.Adult-child relationships flourish when we release control and support how they want to be supported.Start small: schedule one tiny action toward what God keeps nudging.Join the Simple Shifts newsletter for episode resources + one doable rhythm each week: midlifemadesimplepodcast.comTry It This WeekTake 10 minutes to “brain-dump & be still”: record a voice memo or scribble a page, then sit quietly for two minutes and notice what idea keeps returning. That's your next right, very small step. Resources:Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer

Jeff Hoover sits down with Euretha Godby of Hospice of Lake Cumberland to talk about what hospice care really involves, how families can reach out, and the support available across the seven-county service area. Euretha shares how hospice provides comfort, guidance, and free resources for patients and their families, including palliative care options and year-long bereavement support.

This edWeb podcast is presented by CoSN and AASA and sponsored by ClassLink.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.The debate over student use of assorted technologies, including cell phones, computers, tablets, etc., is an ongoing discussion. In the most recently released 2025 Blaschke Report, Screens in Balance: Education, Technology, and Community Conversations, CoSN highlights the impact of screen time and how districts can address the concerns while also leveraging the positive impacts when it comes to making learning relevant to students today and in their futures.In this edWeb podcast, three leading-edge superintendents are joined by CoSN's 2025 Blaschke Fellow (lead author of the CoSN 2025 Blaschke Report). Together, they share how to effectively approach the debate over screen time in school districts. Successful strategies for developing, leading, and implementing screen time policies and practices in school district settings are highlighted.All registrants for the presentation receive a link to the recording and to the 2025 Blaschke Report after the live presentation. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 district leaders, school leaders, education technology leaders, teachers, and librarians.View all of the recent EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panels.AASA, The Superintendents AssociationAASA advocates for equity for all students and develops and supports school system leaders.ClassLinkClassLink's mission is to remove barriers between students and impactful education content.CoSNVisionary leaders empowering every learner to achieve their unique potential in a changing world. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Jeff Hoover welcomes staff and students from Jamestown Elementary to share the launch of their new Unite Club. They talk about how the program promotes drug prevention, builds leadership in fifth graders, and supports community service projects like food drives, coat drives, and Red Ribbon Week activities. Students step up to the mic to share what they've learned and why the club matters to them. A great look at how local schools are helping kids grow, lead, and give back.

Jeff Hoover sits down with the coaches behind Russell County's new wrestling program to talk about how the sport got started locally, why it's gaining momentum, and what it offers kids both on and off the mat. They also share details about this weekend's preseason scrimmage and community vendor event at Russell County High School.

Community Conversation welcomes back Adam Stille, the radio voice of Laker basketball. Adam talks with Jeff Hoover about his return to the broadcast booth, the upcoming season, and tonight's “Meet the Lakers” event. They cover what fans can expect, from food trucks to scrimmages, team introductions, and a preview of this year's boys and girls squads. A fun look at local basketball and the community gearing up for another season.

On November 9 we gathered at a local pizza shop to consider a necessary and daunting question: what is the future of Christianity? To consider such a question requires that we first have some sense of where we have been and where we currently find ourselves.This community conversation was the fourth we've offered and has been an important space for anyone longing to live a life of meaning and purpose.

Jeff Hoover sits down with three members of local law enforcement — Deputy Nathan Bradshaw, Constable Richard Wooldridge, and Steve Jones with court security — to talk about the Fraternal Order of Police and their upcoming holiday projects. The group shares details about this weekend's dessert auction fundraiser, how the proceeds help support the “Shop with a Cop” program, and their work bringing Christmas cheer to local children and nursing home residents.

Jeff Hoover has some fun with Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas and Jamestown Mayor Regena Hinton as they talk basketball rivalry ahead of the Kentucky–Louisville game. Mayor Thomas, a lifelong UofL fan, and Mayor Hinton, a dedicated UK supporter, share memories, friendly banter, and their game predictions. Plus, Jeff adds a charitable twist with a $250 donation to the winner's chosen cause. It's a lighthearted, hometown chat about sports, community, and good-natured rivalry.

According to Gallup, barely a third of Americans express a great deal or even fair amount of trust in newspapers, TV, and radio. In the 1970s, trust was as high as 72 percent. At Front Range Community College, students meet the press: Greg Moore, former editor of The Denver Post and recent National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame inductee; Corey Hutchins of the Colorado College Journalism Institute and “Inside the News In Colorado”; and Jeffrey Roberts of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. Our panelists mentioned resources for the community and for journalists at The News Literacy Project and Colorado News Collaborative. 

Inside Voices, Community Conversations: Care 4 Kids Crisis Challenges Early Start CT Vision by WNHH Community Radio

Inside Voices, Community Conversations | Ready or Not: Building Equitable Child Care Infrastructure by WNHH Community Radio

Ever been stuck in a “meh” moment, unsure if it's a yes or a no?

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I bring together three trailblazers for a candid community conversation about the heart of collaboration in the travel and tourism industry. Joining are Dave Herrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities; Rebecca Mackenzie, President and CEO of the Culinary Tourism Alliance; and Sage Hamilton-Hazarika, Corridor Coordinator for the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State. Together, we discuss what true collaboration looks like, and the panel explores how putting trust, vulnerability, and outcomes over ego unlocks success not just in visitor numbers, but in cultural pride, reconciliation, and the preservation of stories and identity. My guests share real-life examples of cross-boundary partnerships, from bold destination branding to the creation of transformative culinary and heritage tourism experiences. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why collaboration in tourism is increasingly about trust, vulnerability, and prioritizing outcomes over individual recognition What tangible impacts true collaboration can have, from advancing reconciliation and celebrating cultural heritage to building destination resilience and social pride How Visit Quad Cities strategically collaborates with less resourced organizations to build regional brands and blur the lines between tourism, resident attraction, and economic development Why even small, volunteer-driven organizations can punch above their weight by leveraging partnerships for major projects What “radical collaboration” means to the panelists, and how adopting a mindset of openness and flexibility allows for bold, innovative work How the panelists measure the success of collaborative initiatives with a broader lens  that builds community and legacy Lessons from Destination on the Left's Community Conversation Collaboration isn't just a buzzword—in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, it's the engine that powers growth, creativity, and resilience. Drawing on stories from Dave Herrell of Visit Quad Cities, Rebecca Mackenzie of the Culinary Tourism Alliance, and Sage Hamilton-Hazarika of the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State, this conversation revealed that radical collaboration means far more than sharing resources—it's about trust, vulnerability, and transcending individual mentality. Success in this industry isn't a zero-sum game. Rather than competing, travel professionals thrive when they collaborate, lifting each other up and focusing on shared wins rather than territorialism. Collaboration in Action: Three Inspiring Examples For Dave Herrell, collaboration is built into the DNA of Visit Quad Cities, a regional destination marketing organization spanning 58 communities across two states. Bringing together diverse municipalities, counties, and funding sources demands a strategic approach. Dave described their innovative partnership with the local chamber of commerce to develop unified branding and marketing messages for the region, intentionally blurring the lines between promoting tourism, economic development, and livability. Rebecca Mackenzie painted a picture of taste of place, showcasing how food and drink tell powerful stories about a region's heritage. The Alliance's recent event in Nova Scotia exemplifies radical collaboration: over 12 months, culinary organizations, Indigenous tourism networks, Parks Canada, DMOs, and local operators built an immersive experience intertwining Mi'kmaq history, language, and cuisine. The event attracted visitors outside peak season and fostered social impact and cultural pride. As the sole paid employee in a mostly volunteer-run organization, Sage Hamilton-Hazarika knows firsthand how partnership is essential for small nonprofits punching above their weight. Through collaboration with DMOs, historians, and national heritage areas, the Consortium is developing the Harriet Tubman Scenic Byway, which will connect historic sites across New York and beyond. Radical Collaboration What does “radical collaboration” mean? My guests agreed that it is persistence—the refusal to accept ‘no' as an answer, and the humility to let go of credit and control. It means doing the work, inviting new and unexpected voices to the table, and learning from every opportunity that arises. Measurement of collaborative success must consider social and environmental impacts, not just economic ones. For example, being asked to the table, deepening partnerships, celebrating local cultures, and expanding access are all signs of progress—even if your logo isn't always visible. Resources: Dave Herrell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-herrell-57a5906/ Rebecca Mackenzie: linkedin.com/in/rebeccaleheup Sage Hamilton-Hazarika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sage-hazarika-438b331a Travel Alliance Partnership: https://travelalliancepartnership.com/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

In this Community Conversation, Kate opens up about leaving a #1 morning show, the pay-equity moment that sparked her exit plan, why she chose privacy to find love, and how midlife priorities now shape her calendar. We talk boundaries, grief of changing friendships, and what it means to “have it all—just not all at the same time.”Get the links + extras in my bi-weekly Simple Shifts newsletter. https://resources.shellyniehaus.com/midlife Key takeawaysThe whisper often starts as a nudge—honor it before it becomes a shout.You can have it all, just not all at the same time; decide your season's non-negotiables.Boundaries will change some friendships—and that's part of growth.If work consumes all mental space, there's no room for love or new callings.Think in “future bricks”: every yes is building the house you'll live in next.Consider bookending days around family and fitting work in the open spaces.Regret check: Picture yourself 20 years from now—what choice would you wish you'd made? Resources:Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shellyniehaus/Simple Shifts Newsletter: https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/tipsWomen Entrepreneurs In Prayer Call - https://midlifemadesimplepodcast.com/prayer