Podcast appearances and mentions of courtney williams

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams and co-host Travis Vangsnes welcome Liz Sutherland, a former foster youth and author. Liz shares her journey through foster care, the challenges of aging out, and the importance of resilience and support.She discusses her experiences of finding family in unexpected places, the power of education, and the impact of her memoir, 'No Ordinary Liz.' Liz also highlights the need for kindness and unconditional love for children in foster care, and her hopes for her children's book, 'The Extraordinary Story of No Ordinary Liz,' to foster understanding and compassion.Checkout her books: The Extraordinary Story of No Ordinary LizNo Ordinary Liz: Surviving and Thriving After Foster CareTakeawaysLiz Sutherland is a former foster youth and author.She entered foster care at age 13 after an abusive home life.Aging out of foster care means turning 18 and becoming independent.Support from strangers was crucial for Liz during her transition to adulthood.Education became a key focus for Liz to build a better future.Liz found a sense of family and belonging while working at Walmart.Reuniting with her siblings was a pivotal moment in Liz's life.Writing her memoir was a therapeutic process for Liz.Liz aims to inspire others through her story and advocacy.Unconditional love is essential for children in foster care.

Dr. Monty Pal and Dr. Fumiko Chino discuss several of the top abstracts presented at the 2025 ASCO Quality Care Symposium, including research on federally funded clinical trials and financial reimbursement for trial participation. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Monty Pal: Hello, and welcome to the ASCO Daily News Podcast. I am your host, Dr. Monty Pal. I am a medical oncologist, professor, and vice chair of academic affairs at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles. Today, we are highlighting key abstracts that were presented at the 2025 ASCO Quality Care Symposium. I am delighted to be joined today by the chair of this year's meeting, Dr. Fumiko Chino. Dr. Chino is an associate professor in radiation oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center with a research focus on access, affordability, and equity. She is also a consultant editor of JCO Oncology Practice and the host of the Put into Practice podcast. I have got to listen to that.  Dr. Chino, welcome, and thanks so much for being on the podcast today. Dr. Fumiko Chino: I am overjoyed to be here, and absolutely, you should take a listen. Dr. Monty Pal: Definitely. And FYI for listeners, our full disclosures are all available in the transcript of this episode, so do have a look if you are inclined. Now, we have really seen some fantastic advances in health services and quality and supportive care, digital health, and beyond. There are some great abstracts that were presented at this year's meeting. I have actually picked a couple that I am particularly interested in and that I believe you share my interest in as well.  So, the first is an abstract actually from my friends at SWOG (Abstract 94). So, this was a terrific abstract from Joe Unger and Michael LeBlanc and Dawn Hershman. And this, I think, really hits on a very, very key issue right now, which is the benefit of federally funded trials. Do you mind just kind of spelling out some of the observations from what I think is a really brilliant piece of work? Dr. Fumiko Chino: Absolutely, and I think Dr. Unger's work is really important for our current funding environment. I think that this research is really essential to do to show the role of federal sponsorship in the design and conduct of clinical trials. Because what they did was really look at a landscape analysis over the last 20 years looking at funding and were able to show quite clearly that federal funding really matters for advancing the science in cancer care. So what they showed was that the federal funding was more commonly essential for early-stage clinical trials, so those phase 1, phase 2 trials that really help advance the science. And that federal funding was really essential for multimodality drug combinations, combinations with drug and surgery, combinations with drug and radiation. Those trials were much more likely to be federal funded. And then the last thing is that they showed that the patients that are, I think, the largest at risk for gaps in care who really need the advancements in science that keep U.S. health care amazing and wonderful and world-leading, so the kids, the pediatric patients, the patients with rare cancers, and the patients actually that could benefit from de-escalation or right-sizing of treatment, they were also all more likely to have federal funding. So I think this research that was presented really shows that if, unfortunately, current status of restricted federal funding continues, that we are going to lose out in terms of the next generation of cancer cures, cancer de-escalations, and the type of combination treatments that make advancements in science. Dr. Monty Pal: Indeed. You know, I always point to Joe Unger's paper, and I think it is in JAMA Oncology, right, that showed life-years gained from NCI trials. It is such an important piece of work. I think this is a really nice complement to that, isn't it, to show the specific areas that otherwise would be, am I right in saying, kind of largely untouched? Dr. Fumiko Chino: I think you are right in that what we know from what industry will sponsor versus what the federal government will sponsor, that the federal government really helps make up the gap to really make those advancements that save lives, that lead to more birthdays, that advance our knowledge and our capacity for providing more cures and more successful futures for our patients. I always like pointing to the de-escalation research, which is, and this is not to dig pharma, but no pharmaceutical company is going to run a trial that says you can give less of their drug, right? It just does not make sense for the business end of the science. And so, thinking about how to right-size treatments, how to do more with less, that really is the purview of the federal government. Dr. Monty Pal: Absolutely. Absolutely.  I am going to shift gears here and bring up another abstract that I found to be quite intriguing, and this relates to reimbursement of expenses, et cetera, for clinical trials. This is an abstract from Courtney Williams and team. It brings to mind the importance, I think, of recognizing the hardships that patients take on by clinical trials, but I also would love for you to comment on that sort of fine line between reimbursement for expenses and then, you know, sort of undue enticement. It is a challenging balance there. But give me your reflections on this abstract. Dr. Fumiko Chino: Absolutely. You are speaking about Dr. Williams' Abstract 93 from the Alabama group, and Alabama actually has this incredible group of health services researchers which is, are doing really important work in this space. What this trial shows is that, you know, it is a small pilot study, it is 30-something patients that received some support primarily for their travel and additional expenses related to their clinical trial participation for breast cancer. It showed that the money helps, and I think what we all know is that it is expensive to participate in clinical trials. It requires additional visits. It often requires some significant travel burden for our patients, and I do not feel that money reimbursement for clinical trial expenses is an inducement. Nobody participates in a clinical trial to get the money for their gas, right? We know that our patients are making some pretty significant sacrifices in order to participate in clinical trials, and what this type of program does is just actually reimburse them for their outlaying of funds.  And I loved this trial because the patients were actually given $1,000 a month for the first 4 months of their trial participation, and what the study showed is that the patients were using it for things like travel-related food, for things like transportation, caregiver expenses, or even some of their out-of-pocket medical expenses like cost sharing or prescriptions. And that they said that overall, the reimbursement really made a difference in terms of their capacity for staying on the clinical trial. Because we know our clinical trials really are not able to enroll the full diversity of patients that often have a disease, and that the patients that are at biggest risk for a health care disparity or a gap in care are also the least likely to enroll in a clinical trial.  Programs like this are an essential part of showing how financial toxicity can be overcome with pretty straightforward assistance to patients to help reimburse them for the things that they are already taking out of their pocket, for parking costs, for that $10 soup that they buy at the cancer center, for those additional expenses that we are, unfortunately, putting on them. Dr. Monty Pal: Very well said. And you know, I have started to dabble in clinical trials looking at CAR T-cell therapies for kidney cancer, and I have to tell you, it is just insane the amount of cost that a patient would have to take on to comply with the stipulations for some of these novel therapies. We require that they stay within 30 minutes of the facility for 28 days, and unless we are compensating for some of that, I mean, how can one afford a hotel stay that is that long? I mean, it is just, it is unprecedented, and it would certainly provide a huge barrier to many patients who would otherwise enroll. Really well said. I also wanted to bring up another financially driven topic, and treating renal cell, again, I would say the vast majority, 90% plus of my patients in clinic are on oral drug therapies. And I cannot tell you how often a patient will show up in my practice and say, "Doc, I have got 15 days out of this 30-day prescription left. What do I do with it?" You know, or some come with pill bottles from a deceased loved one. And it is so frustrating to say, "Take it to the pharmacy and they will just get rid of it for you." But sounds like there is an abstract from Dr. Mackler, Abstract 102, that seems to address this topic quite well. Am I right? Dr. Fumiko Chino: Absolutely. This presentation, I was the most excited about seeing because this group, which helps run a cancer drug repository, theirs is called YesRx, presented their data from the last approximately two years of running this repository, and they were able to show incredible benefit for their patients in Michigan. And it is a really straightforward program. It is run by pharmacists. It has support from the legislation in Michigan. And what they were able to show is that they repurposed medications that would otherwise have been discarded. They delivered them directly to the oncologist, which then actually dispersed them to the patients. They helped 1,000 patients in less than two years. They saved them millions of dollars, over $15 million presented in the abstract. And it is just a win-win-win because I know that patients actually, and sometimes patient caregivers, they feel very sad to have spent a lot of money out of pocket for their medication, and then if they have a dose reduction or, obviously, you know, if the surviving spouse then has to get rid of their medication, just dispose of them, it is very disheartening. And this is a way of kind of reclaiming power for patients. So they were able to accept donations from all over the state of Michigan and then also help over 1,000 patients. And so, it is a phenomenal program. Dr. Monty Pal: Just wild when I came across the dollar amounts, right, that they were saving. It just, it seems like a place that, you know, we just have to look, as cancer centers, right, and really take this on. Just brilliant. On that same theme of cost savings and so forth, you know, I think there has been a lot of focus on what recent policies have done in the context of us having access to therapies and so forth. And one of the topics that has come up is the Inflation Reduction Act and how changes pertaining to the IRA have really played a role in one's ability to take on some of these expensive prescriptions. And I believe John Lin and colleagues tackled that issue in Abstract 97. Could you comment on that, Fumiko? Dr. Fumiko Chino: Absolutely. Dr. Lin is one of my colleagues here at MD Anderson, so I know him very well, and he has been doing really phenomenal work over the last several years with looking at drug affordability and access. And what his analysis shows is that for patients, after the Inflation Reduction Act's cap on out-of-pocket expenses, is that it really did show that out-of-pocket expenses decreased. So what the Inflation Reduction Act did is that it eliminated the 5% co-insurance and placed this $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket expenses. And what that led to for these patients that were not able to have the low-income subsidy is that there were lower costs, and that there was a lower rate of drug abandonment, meaning that the prescription was not refilled. There was also a lower rate of unfilled prescriptions as well. And I think that it shows that health policy really can improve access to care. I think the flip side of the fact that the IRA, this policy, really did seem to help people is that what his research showed is that actually, even with the benefits of this cap, is that actually it is still really high in terms of the rate of people who are not able to fill their prescriptions or that completely abandon them over time. And that unfortunately, even with this change, that over half of people without the low-income subsidy were potentially not getting the full benefit of their medications because they were not able to afford them. And so I think it really kind of highlights that we still need to do more work about making drugs affordable. Dr. Monty Pal: Indeed, indeed. And I mean, in a setting like this, I mean, I think it is important to recognize that $2,000 is a lot, it is a big chunk of change, right, for a lot of families in the U.S. What do you think of the prospect of, like, decreasing that cap? Is that something that from a policy standpoint you would be supportive of? Dr. Fumiko Chino: Well, so something that is a real option for patients on Medicare is there is something called the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, and what it allows you to do is actually prorate the $2,000 over the whole year. And so instead of having to pay $2,000 as soon as you fill your prescription, because you are going to have, if you have an expensive medication, it is essentially you have to pay the $2,000 in January, right? It allows you to prorate it, so essentially $170 a month, and that comes to you as like a regular bill. And I think that as rolled out as part of the IRA is a really lovely way of thinking about how do we make these payments more stable over time, so it is not a huge hit sort of at the beginning of the year. And I think that alone actually can make a difference in terms of trying to help make sure that people can actually get their medications. Dr. Monty Pal: That is an excellent tip. Excellent tip.  We are going to shift gears entirely. We have been talking a lot about the dollars and cents of things and talk about an abstract from Sophia Smith and colleagues. So this is Abstract 550 at your meeting. And this hinged on a program of sorts to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. We do not often think about PTSD in the vernacular for oncology patients, but indeed, I mean, it is something that they must face, especially in the context of long-term survivorship. Can you talk a little bit about Dr. Smith's abstract? Dr. Fumiko Chino: Absolutely. I love this work from Dr. Smith, who is at Duke. She worked with Dr. Applebaum, who was my old colleague at Memorial Sloan Kettering. And this group of researchers really is trying to figure out how to best support people into survivorship so that they can actually thrive. And their patient population for this work was actually people who received stem cell transplant, and they focused on people who had PTSD symptoms. And what they were able to show through this SMART design, which is essentially this serial, multiple randomized trial, so everyone got randomized upfront to either usual care or this app, so this digital app that actually helped coach people through cancer distress. And then for the people who were non-responders, they were then additionally randomized to either the app plus coaching or a therapist versus the cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT.  And what they were able to show is that, number one, anyone who had the app seemed like they did better than those who did not start the path with the app. But then the additional help of either the therapist or the coach or the CBT made additional benefit over time. And so, I think this shows a really nice stepped care, which is you can potentially have some right-sizing of treatments cost saving, if we sort of give everyone the app, which is, I think, overall pretty low cost. And that for the people who do not get the full benefit from the app, then you can think about these maybe more tailored approaches, the therapist, the coach, the CBT, but that some people actually just respond to the app. And I think it allows us to, again, right-size the care for our patients. And I think it is really innovative to think about how technology can help improve access to care in the setting of something like PTSD. Dr. Monty Pal: Brilliant summary. Brilliant summary.  Gosh, it looks like such an exciting meeting this year. Congratulations on a terrific program for the ASCO Quality Care Symposium. I know you played a huge role in developing it, and thanks for sharing your insights on the ASCO Daily News Podcast. Dr. Fumiko Chino: No, I really appreciate you having me. ASCO Quality is my favorite meeting of the year. You know, it is really a phenomenal meeting, and I am so excited for next year in Boston in 2026. Dr. Monty Pal: Awesome. And thanks to our listeners too. You are going to find links to all the abstracts that we discussed today in the transcript of this episode. Finally, if you value the insights that you heard today on the ASCO Daily News Podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Disclaimer: The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. More on today's speakers: Dr. Sumanta (Monty) Pal  @montypal Dr. Fumiko Chino @fumikochino Follow ASCO on social media: @ASCO on Twitter ASCO on Bluesky ASCO on Facebook ASCO on LinkedIn Disclosures of Potential Conflicts of Interest: Dr. Monty Pal:     Speakers' Bureau: MJH Life Sciences, IntrisiQ, Peerview Research Funding (Inst.): Exelixis, Merck, Osel, Genentech, Crispr Therapeutics, Adicet Bio, ArsenalBio, Xencor, Miyarsian Pharmaceutical Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Crispr Therapeutics, Ipsen, Exelixis Dr. Fumiko Chino:  Consulting or Advisory Role: Institute for Value Based Medicine Research Funding: Merck

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Travis Vangsnes and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Jason Salamun, the mayor of Rapid City, South Dakota. They discuss Jason's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a community leader. Jason has a profoundly unique lens of seeing foster career and ways to support foster families having been in foster care, to later being a pastor, and then eventually a mayor galvanizing his city on the many ways to become involved. Jason shares insights on the growth of Rapid City, the beauty of the Dakotas, and the need for qualified foster families. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of social issues, the importance of resilience in youth, and the vital role faith communities can play in supporting foster families and foster care initiatives. This conversation is encouraging and inspiring! TakeawaysJason Salamun emphasizes the beauty and hospitality of the Dakotas.Rapid City is experiencing significant growth, attracting families.The importance of community support for children in foster care.Resilience is key for youth facing challenges.Faith communities can play a crucial role in foster care.Foster families are essential for providing stability and love.Every child deserves a place to belong.Community engagement is vital for addressing social issues.Jason's personal story highlights the impact of family support.The need for qualified foster families is critical. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview bestselling author Kate Angelo, who shares her inspiring journey from foster care to becoming a successful writer. Kate discusses the impact of her traumatic childhood experiences on her writing and the themes of belonging and family in her work. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, relationship skills, and mentorship for foster youth, and how her own experiences have shaped her mission to help others. The conversation also touches on the significance of breaking generational cycles and the need for emotional support in navigating life's challenges.Follow Kate, subscribe to her newsletter, and checkout her best selling books:TakeawaysKate Angelo's journey from foster care to bestselling author is inspiring.Writing has been a therapeutic outlet for Kate.The importance of empathy in relationships is crucial for foster youth.Foster care experiences shape one's understanding of family and belonging.Kate's book 'Girl Lost' explores themes of trauma and redemption.Mentorship can significantly impact the lives of foster youth.Breaking generational cycles is essential for personal growth.Emotional support is vital for navigating life's challenges.Foster youth need relationship skills to thrive in adulthood.Dreaming beyond trauma is possible with the right support. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

The Phoenix Mercury routs the New York Liberty, and the Minnesota Lynx ends the Golden State Valkyries' season. Christy Winters Scott and Helen Williams are here to recap a huge Wednesday night in the WNBA Playoffs!HerHoopStats.com: Unlock better insight about the women's game.The Her Hoop Stats Newsletter: https://herhoopstats.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wednesday night the Minnesota Lynx will play the Golden State Valkyries in Game 2 of the WNBA playoffs. As the playoffs heat up, MPR News' Emily Reese is reaching out a hand from the Lynx bandwagon and sharing everything new fans may want to know. First, we learned about the revenge tour: the Lynx are motivated to become champions this year after a loss attributed to a bad call last year. Then, we got to know the team's starters. This time, Reese joins Minnesota Now to talk about the StudBudz, Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, and why their viral, but very real friendship means so much to fans.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams welcome Danny and Ashley Smith, who share their journey as foster parents and their experiences working with children in foster care in various settings. They discuss the importance of consistency, understanding root causes of behaviors, and the challenges faced by foster parents. They also have some really practical tips to help navigate difficult behaviors. They remind foster parents to focus on the big picture and have patience to know that they may not always see dramatic changes in their kids at the time. However, that doesn't mean foster parents aren't making a huge impact in their lives. Danny and Ashley have lots of encouragement for future and current foster parents and share some of what they've learned and experienced talking to the kids (previously in their care) who are now adults. The conversation really highlights the transformative power of relationships and in the lives of kids in foster care. Listen to their music from their band WasperjawsEmpowered to Connect TrainingTakeawaysFoster care can start as a job but evolve into a calling.Understanding children's behaviors requires patience and training.Consistency is key in fostering relationships with children.It's important to regulate your own emotions before addressing a child's behavior.Building relationships through challenges can lead to deeper connections.Children in foster care need to feel cared for and valued.Consequences should be addressed after emotions have settled.Foster parents should seek community support and mentorship.Children often test boundaries to see if adults will remain consistent.The way we communicate with children shapes their self-perception. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

Co-hosts Juju Gotti and Trysta Krick talk about the WNBA playoffs, the epic, milky, puffer jacket choices of Skylar Diggins, the lack of accountability from Alyssa Thomas, and the incredible story of Courtney Williams and the StudBudz. It's playoff time with Alley Oop the comedy show that talks about all things basketball, hoops, and hoopers. #wnba #wnbaplayoffs #pheonixmercury #minnesotalynx #seattlestorm #connecticutsun #courtneywilliams #studbudz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Saturday, September 13, more than a hundred environmentalists rallied at the State Capitol to call for passage of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. Many criticized Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for refusing to allow the bill to come up to a vote the last two sessions under pressure from more than 60 paid industry lobbyists. In Part one of our coverage, we start off with music from Terri Roben and then hear from Alexis Goldsmith of Beyond Plastics, Monique Fitzgerald of the Brookhaven Landfill Action and Remediation Group; and Courtney Williams, of the Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions. Thank you to Sonja Stark for the audio recording. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams engage with Ryan O'Donnell, a tech entrepreneur and former foster parent, who discusses his journey from organizing a record-breaking food drive to creating a technology platform aimed at improving communication and collaboration within the foster care system.Ryan shares his personal experiences as a foster parent, the challenges he faced, and how these experiences inspired him to develop 'Your Case Plan', an app designed to streamline communication among all parties involved in a child's welfare. The conversation also touches on the importance of legal representation for families, the need for affordable housing solutions for foster youth, and the broader implications of technology in enhancing the foster care system.TakeawaysRyan O'Donnell is a tech entrepreneur and former foster parent.He organized a record-breaking food drive during high school.His experiences as a foster parent highlighted communication issues in the system.'Your Case Plan' was developed to improve collaboration in foster care.The app is free for families and aims to streamline communication.Ryan emphasizes the importance of legal representation for families in the system.Affordable housing solutions are crucial for youth aging out of foster care.The foster care system often lacks transparency, leading to poor outcomes.Ryan's work aims to break the cycle of families entering the system.The conversation highlights the need for multifaceted solutions in foster care. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In top news, Pope Leo plans to continue the welcoming tradition of Pope Frances for LGBTQ folks. In politics, Texas state representatives decide to take their state mandated police escorts to a gay bar. And down in Florida, Floridians are being arrested for coloring in the Pulse memorial rainbow crosswalk. In culture & entertainment, beloved social media icon Raymond Harper aka Rolling Ray passed away at 28, actress Chloë Grace Moretz and model Kate Harrison got married over the Labor Day weekend and the StudBudz are still winning and this time in Vogue no less. Let's get into it.  Want to support this podcast?

In this episode of the Real Estate Pros podcast, host Q Edmonds interviews Jack and Courtney Williams, a husband and wife team running a successful real estate brokerage in Hawaii. They discuss their journey in real estate, their commitment to serving military families, and the importance of mentorship. The couple shares insights on their partnership dynamics, the systems they have in place to manage their business, and how they navigate challenges and pivots in the real estate market. They also talk about their future goals, including scaling their business and incorporating AI into their operations.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams, Travis Vangsnes, and Brian Mavis discuss Brian's new book, 'Go Upstream,' (releasing soon) which explores the connection between foster care and various social issues such as homelessness, addiction, and trafficking. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early intervention in children's lives and the role of family in healing social wounds. Brian outlines ten social wounds that often affect youth in foster care and shares his vision for a future where every child feels loved and cared for. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to get involved in supporting foster care and the families that provide it.Checkout all the resources and ways you can get involved fostering, adopting from foster care, or supporting foster families. https://americaskidsbelong.org/TakeawaysThe book 'Go Upstream' addresses the connection between foster care and social issues.Early intervention is crucial for healing children's trauma.Foster care is often overlooked in discussions about social wounds.Good families can provide better outcomes than programs alone.The ten social wounds include trauma, physical illness, and homelessness.Every child deserves to feel loved and cared for.The system is a response to harm, not the cause of it.Not everyone is called to foster, but everyone can care.Communities play a vital role in supporting foster families.Awareness and understanding of these issues can lead to change. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview Ariana Rodriguez, Miss Kentucky 2025. Ariana shares her inspiring journey from being a homeless child in foster care to winning the title of Miss Kentucky! She discusses her advocacy work through The Lucky Ones Foundation, which aims to empower youth in foster care and educate the public about the foster care system. Ariana emphasizes the importance of amplifying the voices of children in care and the need for social support. The conversation also touches on the role of pageantry in advocacy and the life skills necessary for youth aging out of foster care. They also discuss the critical importance of equipping kids in foster care with crucial life skills. This is a great conversation and Ariana's resiliency and drive to dream big while amplifying the voices of others is really inspiring. Checkout Ariana's nonprofit, The Lucky Ones, which provides essential resources and support for kids in foster care. She also has a podcast--The Lucky OnesTakeawaysAriana's journey from foster care to Miss Kentucky is inspiring.The importance of social support for youth in foster care.Advocacy for children's voices in the foster care system is crucial.The Lucky Ones Foundation aims to educate and empower foster youth.Life skills education is essential for youth aging out of foster care.Ariana's podcast amplifies the voices of those in the foster care system.Social workers need to listen to children to make effective changes.The pageant platform can be a powerful tool for advocacy.Ariana's initiatives focus on both foster care and agricultural education.Community support is vital for the success of initiatives like The Lucky Ones. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

Courtney Williams, Natisha Heideman & DiJonai Carrington from the Minnesota Lynx stop by to talk with Jason about merging with new teammates, Napheesa Collier's return from injury and the organic chemistry this team has on and off the court. Courtney and Natisha livestreamed the entire WNBA All Star Weekend and it went more than viral. Jason asks them about that experience and specifically when Courtney asked Diplo to start playing different music at the afterparty.

Courtney Williams, Natisha Heideman & DiJonai Carrington from the Minnesota Lynx stop by to talk with Jason about merging with new teammates, Napheesa Collier's return from injury and the organic chemistry this team has on and off the court. Courtney and Natisha livestreamed the entire WNBA All Star Weekend and it went more than viral. Jason asks them about that experience and specifically when Courtney asked Diplo to start playing different music at the afterparty. Plus, Temp of the Team featuring losses to the White Sox

The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx wrap up their regular-season playoff series, while the Las Vegas Aces tighten up defensively as they climb the WNBA standings, the Indiana Fever continue to be plagued by injuries, and more insights with Christy Winters Scott and Richard Cohen.HerHoopStats.com: Unlock better insight about the women's game.The Her Hoop Stats Newsletter: https://herhoopstats.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Felicia and François are back after a tough road trip that saw the Liberty stumble against the Aces and Lynx — but New York bounced back at home with an 85–75 win over Minnesota, showing sharper focus and a different mentality from the jump. We break down: The Liberty's locked-in start and how mindset set the tone. Smart defensive adjustments to limit Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride. Sabrina Ionescu's two-way impact — not just scoring, but defending and leading. Jonquel Jones' dominant night in the paint. A collective effort on the glass and why boxing out mattered so much. Kennedy Burke's continued spark off the bench. Our favorite moments from the victory and what it means going forward.

For this Fan Out Friday, Khristina is joined by Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve to break down the team’s dominant run to the top of the WNBA standings and becoming the first team to clinch a playoff spot. They dive into Napheesa Collier’s MVP-caliber season, the rise of the Studbudz duo of Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman and their growing impact on the team, the addition of Dijonai Carrington at the trade deadline, and the real story behind Diana Taurasi’s absence from the 2024 Olympic gold medal game. Want more women’s basketball scoop? Follow the show on Instagram @ICYMIwithKW and X @ICYMIwithKW and for more on Khristina, follow her on Instagram @khristinawilliams Let us know what you think of the show by leaving a rating and a review! CREDITS Executive Producers: Nikki Ettore Jessie Katz Tyler Klang Jonathan Strickland Producer: Buffy Gorrilla Producer & Editor: Tari Harrison Host: Khristina WilliamsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams welcome Laura Mobley, who shares her extensive experience in the foster care and adoption space. They discuss the launch of the Fostering Front Door initiative, aimed at providing a curated resource for individuals interested in foster care. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the differences between fostering and adoption, and the need for accessible information to guide potential foster parents on their journey. They also discuss the challenges and needs of the foster care system, emphasizing the importance of providing resources and support for potential foster parents. They explore the necessity of creating a space for individuals to learn about fostering, the role of continuing education, and the significance of relationships in the lives of children in foster care. The introduction of FosterCon as an educational initiative is highlighted, along with the various support options available for those involved in the foster care system.Foster Front Door website: https://americaskidsbelong.org/lp/fostering-front-door-program Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams and co-host Travis Vangsnes interview Erin Dooley, an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. Erin shares her journey from being a volunteer to becoming a foster parent and eventually creating the impactful short film 'Adopting Faith.' The conversation delves into the themes of faith, family, and the importance of community support in foster care. Erin emphasizes that while not everyone can foster, there are many ways to help and support children in care. The episode concludes with Erin's hopes for the film and her encouragement for listeners to get involved in their communities.Watch the film "Adopting Faith": Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

AU Pro Sports senior reporter Savanna Collins joins Sarah to preview this weekend’s Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) Championship Series, discuss how the Talons and Bandits carved their paths to the final weekend, and share what surprised her most about the league’s inaugural season. Plus, the Portland Thorns give a superstar her flowers, the Phoenix Mercury celebrate a homecoming, and a “What The Fact” about players and porta-pottys. Follow Savanna on Instagram here Follow the AUSL’s Bandits here, Blaze here, Talons here, Volts here The AUSL All-Star Cup schedule and list of players is here Check out the video of Torchy here Read the Guardian’s report on the investigation into the San Diego Wave here Keep updated on the World Aquatics Championships here Read more about why Courtney Williams can’t show off her Moolah Kicks here The Tour de France Femmes schedule is here Check out the tribute video the Phoenix Mercury made for Brittney Griner here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get a boots-on-the-ground look at All-Star Weekend from Tyler DeLuca, then he teams up with Chelsea Leite to break down the New York Liberty's free-agent frenzy as the second half of the 2025 WNBA season gets ready to tip off.HerHoopStats.comUnlock better insight about the women's game.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two Minnesota Lynx players celebrated the 2025 All-Star Weekend by livestreaming basically the entire thing on the platform Twitch. Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman took viewers inside practices and parties, picking up 500,000 views and reaching 70,000 followers to their account, StudBudz. Sports Illustrated called it a "generation-defining piece of WNBA content."During warm ups, the players wore shirts that said “Pay Us What You Owe Us.”Meantime during the game Napheesa Collier broke an all-star game scoring record. Joining Minnesota Now to talk about the game, plus the Twins and other Minnesota sports news, are our sports contributors, Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson.

WNBA players were downtown Indianapolis Saturday night...to celebrate after the WNBA All-Star Game. Angel Reese reserved a spot at an Indianapolis nightclub...and invited WNBA players to join the party. Unfortunately for Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman...who refers to themselves as Studbudz...they were unrecognized by the doorman and denied entry into the club. We reveal and react to Studbudz being unrecognized...and denied access to a WNBA afterparty. We discuss the presentation of Studbudz...and question if they're good representatives of the WNBA. We explain why presentation matters...and why this is one of the reasons the WNBA isn't taken seriously. SUBSCRIBE TO BEHIND THE LINE - SHORTS: https://www.youtube.com/@btlshorts-84

We had an unforgettable, fun-filled WNBA All-Star Friday Night with Aaron Barzilai and Calvin Wetzel.Natasha Cloud kicked things off with a thrilling win in the Skills Challenge, edging out Erica Wheeler by just 1.1 seconds in a nail-biting finish. Then, Sabrina Ionescu reclaimed her crown in the 3-Point Contest, knocking off 2024 champion Allisha Gray to capture her second title. A New York Liberty sweep!HerHoopStats.comUnlock better insight about the women's game.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams engage with Congressman Greg Landsman, who discusses his advocacy for children and families, particularly those in the foster care system. Landsman shares his journey from local politics to Congress, emphasizing the importance of community support and early childhood education. He introduces his bill aimed at allowing foster care youth to use housing vouchers for on-campus living, highlighting the positive impact of community and belonging on educational success. The conversation explores the complexities of Congress, the importance of bipartisan support, and the need for consistent adult advocates in the lives of foster youth.Learn more about Senator Landsman at house.gov or senate.gov Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In her debut episode of The Her Hoop Stats Podcast, Cindy Brunson joins Jamie Steyer Johnson to discuss a topic close to her heart: the impact of Athletes Unlimited stars making waves in the 2025 WNBA season.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams welcome back Bethany Hall, a licensed family nurse practitioner and director of training at Chosen. They discuss the importance of foster care awareness, the impact of movies on perceptions of foster care, and the ongoing need for support in the foster care system. Bethany shares insights on the significance of one-on-one coaching for foster families and the necessity of understanding attachment styles to better support children from hard places. The conversation emphasizes hope, community support, and practical strategies for caregivers. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of fostering, discussing the various challenges faced by foster families, including attachment issues, behavioral problems, and the phenomenon of blocked care. They emphasize the importance of community support and the emotional toll that fostering can take on caregivers. The discussion also highlights the blessings that come from fostering and the need for better support for biological families to facilitate reunification. The speakers share personal experiences and insights, encouraging potential foster parents to embrace the journey despite its difficulties.Helpful resources:Check out Chosen's array of resources.Free webinar content on a variety of practical topics from America's Kids Belong. 

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams interview Peter Mutabazi, a remarkable individual who shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Uganda to becoming a foster parent in the United States. Peter discusses the importance of kindness, education, and the role of men in foster care, as well as the unique dynamics of adopting children of different races. He emphasizes the need for love and safety in the lives of children in foster care and shares insights from his experiences as a single father. Peter also talks about his books and foundation aimed at helping foster children feel seen and known.Follow Peter Mutabazi on Instagram: @fosterdadflipperHis website:https://petermutabazi.com/Peter's new book:Love Does Not Conquer All: And Other Surprising Lessons I Learned as a Foster Dad to More Than 40 Kids

In this special crossover episode, Khristina and co-host of the Levels to this podcast, Terrika Foster-Brasby, are joined by Moolah Kicks founder, Natalie White. They discuss White's motivation to start Moolah Kicks, a brand dedicated to creating premium performance sneakers for female basketball players. White shares her journey from the brand's inception, its success, and partnerships with athletes like Courtney Williams. Moolah Kick's new sneaker line called 'Grocery Pack' drops today. Want more women’s basketball scoop? Follow the show on Instagram @ICYMIwithKW and X @ICYMIwithKW and for more on Khristina, follow her on Instagram @khristinawilliams Let us know what you think of the show by leaving a rating and a review! CREDITS Executive Producers: Nikki Ettore Jessie Katz Tyler Klang Jonathan Strickland Producers: Mike Coscarelli Buffy Gorrilla Producer & Editor: Tari Harrison Host: Khristina WilliamsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams engage with Laura (Foster Parent Partner), a prominent figure in the fostering community, to discuss the importance of Foster Care Awareness Month. Laura shares her journey into engaging foster care, the impact of her social media presence, and the challenges faced by foster parents. The conversation also emphasizes the need for trauma-informed care, community involvement, and the importance of flexibility and grit in fostering. Laura also discusses her future plans and encourages listeners to get involved in supporting foster care initiatives.Follow Laura:Instagram and YouTube: @foster.parenting

On Wednesday, May 7, several hundred advocates were at the New York Capitol to urge legislative leaders to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Bigger Better Bottle Bill. They also held a rally where speakers discussed the negative impacts of polluting trash incinerators and overflowing landfills near their homes, and shared how legislation to reduce waste will save money. They highlighted the increasing evidence of how micro and nanoplastics are negatively impacting upon the human body. They released a letter in support from 30 leading environmental justice groups, including NAACP New York, Hispanic Federation, and Hip Hop Caucus. We hear from Blair Horner of NYPIRG; Ryan Castalia of Sure We Can, a nonprofit recycling and redemption center in Brooklyn; Senator Pete Harckham; Vanessa Fajans-Turner of Environmental Advocates NY; Yvonne Taylor of Seneca Lake Guardians; Courtney Williams of Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions; and, Dr. Sandra Steingraber of Concerned Health Professionals of New York. By Mark Dunlea for the Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Send us a textBreaking down the WNBA playoff picture by analyzing which teams are locks for the postseason and which face uncertainty due to roster changes and chemistry concerns. I categorize teams into two groups—questionable playoff contenders and automatic qualifiers—based on their star power, depth, and potential to make meaningful playoff runs.• Dallas Wings as a questionable playoff team with a guard-heavy lineup of Arike, Paige Becker, and DiJonai but concerns about front-court depth after losing key players• Chicago Sky's playoff hopes resting on Angel Reese and Carmela Cardoso's development, alongside rookie Haley Van Lith• Los Angeles Sparks featuring a revamped roster with Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, and Rickea Jackson, with questions about Cameron Brink's impact upon return• Phoenix Mercury's talented trio of Alyssa Thomas, Kaleah Copper, and Satou Sabally possibly limited by spacing concerns and questionable depth• Seattle Storm expected to make playoffs despite losing Jewell Loyd, thanks to Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Ezi Magbegor• Minnesota Lynx as automatic playoff qualifiers with Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams coming off a Finals appearance• Indiana Fever reaching a new level with Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and DeWanna Bonner forming a formidable trio• Atlanta Dream's elite trio of Rhyne Howard, Alisha Gray, and Brittney Griner making them serious contenders• Las Vegas Aces remaining championship favorites with Asia Wilson, Jewell Loyd, and Chelsea Gray• New York Liberty established as the top automatic playoff team with Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones leading their title defensePlease make sure to like, subscribe, comment, and tell anyone who's anyone about the show!Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/GetABucketShow for more content!!!

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes speak with Scott Fuller, Vice President of Advancement at Murphy Harpst Children's Center. They discuss the organization's century-long commitment to caring for vulnerable children in foster care, Scott's personal journey into the field, and the innovative therapeutic programs offered, including equine therapy. The conversation highlights the importance of community support and the evolution of child welfare services in Georgia. This conversation also delves into the complexities of congregate care and residential group homes, exploring the evolving landscape of child welfare. The speakers discuss the myths surrounding residential care, pros and cons of residential foster care settings, the importance of community in healing, and the challenges faced by youth transitioning to adulthood. They emphasize the need for supportive policies and community involvement to address the gaps in foster care and ensure that every child receives the love and attention they need to thrive.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams welcome Nicole Barlow, a former foster parent and health and wellness coach, to discuss the essential habits foster and adoptive parents need to adopt for their well-being. Nicole emphasizes the importance of self-care, nutrition, movement, and rest, explaining how these elements not only benefit the parents but also create a healthier environment for the children in their care. The conversation highlights practical strategies that parents can implement to improve their mental and physical health, ultimately leading to better outcomes for their families.Checkout Nicole's podcast and coaching resources. 

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, host Courtney Williams engages in a heartfelt conversation with her children Eli and Ayla about their experiences growing up in a large foster family. They discuss the emotional complexities of fostering, the dynamics of their family, and the lessons learned through their journey. The conversation highlights the importance of compassion, patience, and the challenges faced when welcoming new foster children into their home. Eli and Ayla share their insights on the impact of fostering on their lives and the significance of family support in navigating difficult situations. In this conversation, Eli and Ayla share their experiences growing up in a foster and adoptive family, discussing the challenges and rewards of navigating sibling dynamics, the importance of community support, and their aspirations for the future. They emphasize the need for love, accountability, and family connections for children in foster care, while also providing encouragement for potential foster parents.Checkout Courtney's Kindle book: Navigating Foster Care with Your Children: A Support Guide to Help You and Your Family Through the Journey

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, our hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams interview Jenni Lord, founder of the nonprofit CHOSEN. Jenny shares her personal journey into the child welfare space, highlighting the importance of understanding trauma in foster care and adoption. She discusses the evolution of CHOSEN, its mission to support families, and the critical role of parental self-regulation in the healing process. The conversation emphasizes the complexities of child removal and the need for ongoing education and support for families navigating these challenges. In this conversation, Jenni also discusses the evolving language around adoption and foster care, emphasizing the importance of understanding the grief children experience when separated from their families. She highlights the need for trauma education for parents and the significance of connection in the healing process. Jenni shares insights into the services provided by CHOSEN, including telehealth support and individualized action plans for families. The conversation also features transformative stories of families who have benefited from these services, underscoring the universal need for connection in fostering healthy relationships.Learn more about the services and resources offered at Chosen.  Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Travis Vangsnes and Courtney Williams interview Tracy Rudd, State Director of Colorado Kids Belong. Tracy shares her journey into foster care advocacy, the importance of recruiting foster parents, and the impact of the I Belong Project-which connects children in foster care awaiting adoption to families. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of adopting teenagers, the significance of building a support system for foster families, and the need for systemic change in the foster care system. Tracy emphasizes the importance of community involvement and encourages listeners to open their hearts to foster care and adoption.

In this episode of the Fosterer Friendly podcast, Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Dr. Sharen Ford, a nationally recognized child welfare consultant with over 30 years of experience and Director of Foster Care and Adoption at Focus on the Family. Dr. Ford discusses the significance of public-private partnerships in foster care. Dr. Ford also shares her extensive experience and insights on how collaboration between faith-based organizations and government agencies can lead to better outcomes for children in the foster care system. The conversation covers the roles of state and private agencies, the importance of community involvement, and the challenges faced by faith-based families in fostering. Learn more about Focus on the Family's Foster Care and Adoption Program.

It’s time for the first annual Slice-ee Awards!! Sarah, Misha and Alex announce the nominees in each category and ask YOU to cast ballots. Plus, Jane McManus, editor of The Year’s Best Sports Writing 2024, joins Sarah to share her favorite pieces from this year, and chat about her upcoming book The Fast Track: Inside the Surging Business of Women's Sports. Then a *unique* In Memoriam, and some delights and comforts to offset your New Year’s dread. Submit your ballot for the first ever Slice-ee Awards here!! Nominees for the Sam Kerr Tackling The Pitch Invader Video We Can’t Stop Watching Award can be viewed here: Jonquel Jones & Sandy Brondello’s collision Angel Reese & NaLyssa Smith’s free throw line moment Cat offering support on the balance beam Nominees for the Serena Williams Catsuit Fit of the Year Award Kelsey Plum’s fit Courtney Williams’ fit A’ja Wilson's fit Pre-order Jane McManus’ book The Fast Track: Inside the Surging Business of Women's Sports here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes discuss the critical issues surrounding foster care, particularly the high rate of burnout among foster parents. They are joined by Rebecca Harvin and Stacy Lasonde, who share their experiences and insights on the importance of support systems for foster families. The conversation highlights the creation of Haven Retreats, Rebecca's nonprofit organization aimed at providing therapeutic retreats for foster and adoptive caregivers. The discussion delves into the emotional challenges faced by foster parents, the significance of addressing grief, and the need for community support, especially for biological children in foster families. Stacy shares personal stories of finding support from Haven (as a foster mom) as well as how Haven has provided support, rest, and encouragement to her whole family. The episode concludes with aspirations for expanding Haven's reach to support more families across the nation.LEARN MORE about Haven Retreats: Stats cited in this episode on foster parent attrition: Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Cayela Moody, a passionate advocate for foster care and community support. Cayela shares her journey as a foster adoptive parent and her efforts to establish a foster-friendly community in Jacksonville, Florida. The conversation highlights the importance of support systems for foster families, the motivations behind choosing foster care, and the role of businesses in creating a supportive environment for foster families. Cayela emphasizes that even after closing their foster home, there are still opportunities to contribute to the foster care community through advocacy and mentoring.In this conversation, Cayela also discusses her efforts to support foster families in Jacksonville through the Foster Friendly initiative. She highlights the importance of community support, resource accessibility for caregivers, and the vision for a collaborative future in foster care. Cayela emphasizes the need for businesses to engage with foster families and the significance of providing resources to ease the burden on caseworkers. The conversation concludes with encouragement for individuals interested in fostering and advocating for children in care.Learn more about Foster Friendly Communities.  Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

In this episode of the Blended Kingdom Families podcast, A Stepmom's Faith-Based Guide to a Thriving Blended Family, Scott and Vanessa are joined by Courtney Williams—a wife, mother, stepmom, and faith-driven lifestyle influencer—to share her journey in creating a thriving blended family. From single motherhood to a beautiful family of eight, Courtney opens up about the challenges of merging households, finding balance between independence and unity in marriage, and the strength she draws from her faith. Whether you're a seasoned step-parent or just starting the blending journey, Courtney's insights on patience, prayer, maturity and intentionality provide practical advice and hope for families facing similar struggles. Tune in to learn how you can create a Christ-centered, thriving blended family that stands the test of time.We pray this episode blesses you today! Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community? Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/ For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

Send us a textWhat if Sabrina Ionescu's performance could redefine grit in basketball, drawing parallels with legends like Kobe Bryant? Join us as we navigate the exhilarating journey of the New York Liberty's 2024 WNBA Championship victory. We dissect Sabrina's vital role as a point guard, even when her shots didn't fall, and how players like Jonquel Jones emerged as game-changers. The conversation delves into team dynamics, exploring the power of collective play over individual stardom, and the seamless officiating that complemented this intense series.As the WNBA offseason looms, we turn our thoughts to the shifting landscape of free agency. Imagine the impact of potential moves by stars like Kelsey Plum and Elena Delle Donne on teams hungry for victory. We question the strategies that might unfold as teams like the Las Vegas Aces seek additional firepower, while defensive teams gear up to challenge New York Liberty's dominance. Speculations abound about how these shifts could alter the balance of power within the league, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.Finally, we shine a spotlight on the future stars of the WNBA, including rookies Carmella Cardoza and Angel Reese, and the dynamic potential they bring to the Chicago Sky. With debates on their respective strengths and the role of team environments in nurturing talent, we consider how these rising stars might evolve. Celebrating the electrifying presence of current league icons like Courtney Williams, Arike Ogunbowale, and Breanna Stewart, the episode wraps with a reflection on the excitement these players inject into the game, promising fans a spectacular future for women's basketball.Click https://linktr.ee/GABPod for more content!!!

Send us a textTo everything there is a season and a time. Tune into this message from Minister Courtney Williams as she reminds us that time is coming for a new season in God and all he has in store for those that trust him.If you would like to partner with us in spreading the message of Jesus to the world you can do so by selecting any of the options below.Cashapp: https://cash.app/$HHMCPaypal: http://paypal.me/HigherHeightsMCSquarepay: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcheckout.square.site%2Fmerchant%2FSTTM56DVVNYM5%2Fcheckout%2FRS62FOBO2VTWPTAOTTP32RRM%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29WROIC9CvvxdAjc1WKv5fLqDvFY3gLt5VBG0W41Hpfc_pDSWMXppYD98&h=AT3kxpjzOLmyFOmMEqEPvCkmUlom38WGZMyXxpsgOGXrNGMf-z9ZQE34tSfooE40yhaL1_LT0UfYkEqgdBGtAUZqjapoYBgJKLHyOmJlDAUHekOfnZwKY_RzKjxCVbXE29WoolMWwu8uTS3q6nQPTi20Wh8Mailing address 236 Parker Rd, Danville Va 24540 Support the show

In episode #117 of

Felicia and François discuss the New York Liberty's Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Lynx in the 2024 WNBA Finals: A 15-point lead lost: How complacency cost the Liberty in the 4th quarter Jonquel Jones' strong start: Why the Liberty stopped feeding her the ball Can the Liberty bounce back after giving up home court advantage? Courtney Williams and Napheesa Collier's late-game heroics for the Lynx Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart reflect on the lessons learned and the beauty in the struggle Minnesota's defensive adjustments: How the Lynx stifled the Liberty's stars in crunch time FOLLOW LIBERTY F.M. ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/libertyfmpod

Jessica shares her rough start to the morning (she fell into a ditch), talks Grizzlies with Lang Whitaker, drafts scary movies with Bennett Doyle and more.0:00 start/set the show7:00 Grizzlies 1st preseason home game10:00 Jessica's terrible morning26:00 Lang Whitaker50:00 DRAFT: Scary Movies1:27:00 WNBA Finals Game 1 was incredible!1:32:00 RAGGOWOle Miss v. LSUOhio Stat v. OregonUSC v, Penn StateChargers v. BroncosCommanders v. RavensBucs v. Saints

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams interview Larry and Tammie May, a couple who adopted a child after their biological children had grown up. The conversation explores their decision to adopt, the challenges they faced, and the importance of being brave and stepping out of the norm. They discuss the partnership between them and how they supported each other throughout the adoption process. The Mays also share their experiences of raising a child from a hard place and how it differed from raising their biological children. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of considering adoption at any stage of life and the rewards it can bring. Larry and Tammie May share their experience of becoming empty nesters and deciding to open their home to a child in need. They adopted internationally from El Salvador and were unaware of the crisis in the foster care system until they saw the staggering number of children in need. This realization led them to become CASA volunteers, advocating for children in the court system. They encourage others in the retirement stage of life to find ways to make a difference, emphasizing that retirement doesn't mean ceasing to work but rather finding the next adventure. They also highlight the importance of compassion and understanding for both the children and their biological parents in the foster care system. Through their work with Indiana Kids Belong, they raise awareness and engage businesses and faith communities to support children in foster care.Takeaways- Adoption is a viable option for couples at any stage of life, including empty nesters.- Being brave and stepping out of the norm can lead to fulfilling experiences and making a difference in the lives of children.- Having a strong partnership and supporting each other is crucial when considering adoption.- Raising a child from a hard place can be challenging but also rewarding, and previous parenting experience can provide valuable insights.- Adoption is a journey that requires thought, prayer, and openness to God's guidance. Becoming empty nesters can be an opportunity to open your home to a child in need and make a difference in their life.- Retirement doesn't mean ceasing to work, but rather finding the next adventure and making a meaningful impact.- Compassion and understanding are essential when working with children in the foster care system and their biological parents.- There are various ways to support children in foster care, such as becoming a CASA volunteer or engaging businesses and faith communities to raise awareness and provide resources.More from America's Kids Belong:Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Please consider donating today to support our mission to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast. To sign up for our 2024 FosterCon Webinar Series, go to AmericasKidsBelong.org/lp/Fostercon-WebinarsIf you would like to learn more about becoming a Foster Friendly Business or sponsoring the show, please visit AmericasKidsBelong.org/Foster-Friendly-Business