Podcasts about information center

A special episode dedicated to parents wanting to prevent eating disorders in their children's lives and to help promote body image.  TW: Discussions of ED, Disordered eating, Food, Body Image, and Mental Health. If you are not in a place to hear about these topics, please find another episode of mine to dive into. I wasn't in a place to edit this for a while, so I understand if you need to skip this one. I will just be THAT much more excited to see you in the next episode.

Today on the podcast, I talk with Kelley Coleman,  feature film development executive turned author and advocate for parent caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports draws upon over a decade of experience, including her own experience parenting a child with multiple disabilities. Kelley lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two boys, and her son's trusty service dog.  In our conversation today, nothing goes unturned when it comes to mothering through the stress and joy of having 2 boys- one with multiple rare disabilities. Kelley addresses the challenges and joys of her life with grace, grip, humor, and infinite love. Whether you are mothering a child with disabilities or not, I have no doubt that you will love Kelley as much as I did. Amazon link for the book: https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Tells-About-Parenting-Disabled/dp/0306831708/ Resources for parents: Parent Training & Information Center in every state: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/  Caregiver support: https://www.wearebravetogether.org  Thank you to our sponsor, the One Clock. Designed by artists, researched by wake scientists, and filled with unique music created by Grammy award-winning musician Jon Natchez (The War on Drugs), this clock will change the way your nervous system starts each day. One Clock, wake up better. https://www.oneclock.co/ To learn more about Kate Kripke, visit https://www.katekripke.com/ On Instagram @katekripke If you are interested in talking with Kate about receiving personalized support in motherhood, book a free clarity call at: https://www.calmconnectionsystem.com/call-ig Last week to apply for Kate's 12-month program Take the Leap! This program is guaranteed to change your life by helping to access that thing you are dreaming of AND will set you up to be successful in doing hard things for the rest of your life. Learn more are apply at: https://www.taketheleapwomen.com/ And.. big favor- If you found this episode useful to you, please consider sharing it with a friend. Let's make sure that nobody ever needs to mother alone. For questions, comments, and topic suggestions, email kate@katekripke.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/motherhood-uncut/message

This episode features Dr. Elizabeth Rochin, President at National Perinatal Information Center. Here, she discusses insights into the National Perinatal Information Center. Dr. Rochin also discusses the disturbing trend of rural hospitals closing their labor and delivery units leaving maternity deserts across the country.

The Navy center responsible for managing IT supporting intelligence operations has a critical responsibility to keep communications and data-sharing capabilities both reliable and secure. Commanding Officer Capt. Matt Cegelske for the center, called the Hopper Global Communications Center situated in the Office of Naval Intelligence, discusses at the Sea-Air-Space conference some of the unique cybersecurity challenges the center faces in the current threat environment and his plans for collaborating with industry to integrate modern tools to keep sensitive information safe. Follow more of our Sea-Air-Space coverage.

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Bill Thomas, the President of Mid-Atlantic Strategic Solutions. Thomas is a seasoned government relations and political affairs professional, with significant experience influencing public policy at the state and local level. As president of MASS, Thomas utilizes his government affairs experience, and vast understanding of the legislative and political processes, to advocate for issues important to clients. And through his wide range of contacts, Thomas engages elected officials, stakeholders and grassroots partners to deliver effective results. Prior to joining MASS, Thomas was a key staff person within the Pennsylvania legislature. He is the former Leadership Executive Director of the Office of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus Secretary, serving as a reliable member of the House Democratic Caucus leadership staff team. Prior to joining the leadership ranks, Thomas served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee from 2010 until 2014, where he gained significant experience in gaming policy, which he continued to influence up until he left the House in 2017. Thomas also served as the Deputy Communications Director for the House Majority Leader from 2008 to 2010. Before arriving in Pennsylvania and working for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Thomas served as the Assistant Director of the West Virginia Legislative Reference and Information Center, a nonpartisan, apolitical office of the West Virginia Legislature. A native of Long Island, New York, Thomas is a graduate of the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia. He currently lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with his wife Shelly and two children. Bill Thomas Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-thomas-89a03225/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billkdr/ X: https://twitter.com/billkdr Mid-Atlantic Strategic Solutions: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midatlanticss/ X: https://twitter.com/MidAtlanticSS

Note: This episode is a teaser for a newly released Member's Only episode. For those that have been on the Bigfoot Society train for a while, you know this is a big deal! In this member's only episode, I talk to Kevin Cook from the Iowa Bigfoot Information Center about his time researching Bigfoot in the late 1970s with Clifford LaBrecqueI first heard about the Iowa Bigfoot Information Center from David Weatherly's book “Monsters of the Hawkeye State”. I then tracked down Kevin (who has not been involved with Bigfoot for approximately 40 years) and the result of that is the interview.I've been in contact with Kevin for about a year now and he is now at the point where he is wanting the events of that time period recorded.Kevin requested that this not be available on the public feed for Bigfoot Society and I've honored his request by making this a Member's Only episode for the Patreon and Youtube Channel Members.Please enjoy this interview and a special thank you to Kevin Cook for going on record using Bigfoot Society regarding his research.Episode Resources:Monsters of the Hawkeye State by David Weatherly (Amazon Affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3Tu32ORTo hear the whole episode you can become a supporting member either on Patreon or Youtube. Links below:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bigfoot-society-100121995Youtube: https://youtu.be/LIyz5wxnB-8Share your Bigfoot encounter here: bigfootsociety@gmail.com

On this edition of Free City Radio we hear a conversation with Mercy an organizer and outreach worker at the Prostitution Information Center (PIC) in Amsterdam. The interview was recorded in the meeting / conference room of the PIC community space in the heart of the red light district in Amsterdam. This interview highlights the current and ongoing struggle against gentrification in Amsterdam, a process which is having detrimental impacts on the work and livelihood of sex workers in Amsterdam. Currently PIC is organizing a public campaign against moves by the Amsterdam city government to close some red light district windows to create galleries and studios. For more information on the Prostitution Information Centre: https://pic-amsterdam.com Music on this edition is by Anarchist Mountains. The accompanying photo I took at the Prostitution Information Center in Amsterdam, the image is on the office supply storage cabinet. Free City Radio is hosted and produced by Stefan @spirodon Christoff and airs on @radiockut 90.3FM at 11am on Wednesdays and @cjlo1690 AM in Tiohti:áke/Montréal on Tuesdays at 1pm. On @ckuwradio 95.9FM in Winnipeg at 10:30pm on Tuesdays. On @cfrc 101.9FM in Kingston, Ontario at 11:30am on Wednesdays. Also it broadcasts on @cfuv 101.9 FM in Victoria, BC on Wednesdays at 9am and Saturdays at 7am, as well as Met Radio 1280 AM in Toronto at 5:30am on Fridays. Now Free City Radio will also be broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa on Tuesdays at 2pm, tune-in!

The Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center at Wayne State University warns of laced drugs after a rash of overdoses, including a mass overdose event last week in Calhoun County. WWJ's Luke Sloan has more.  No injuries after a DDOT bus crashed on Detroit's east side. WWJ's Charlie Langton has more. (Credit: WWJ/Charlie Langton)

On this episode of the Chatham Park Podcast, we are talking with Melissa Beard, Executive Director of the Chatham Outreach  Alliance, or CORA. Cora has been helping those in need in Chatham County since 1989 and today you will hear about what they are doing and more.  CORA's ultimate goal is to build a community without hunger by collecting and purchasing healthy food for distribution though their food pantry, related programs, and network of local partners. Also joining this conversation is Jordan Cheney. Jordan does incredible work with branding and  marketing for Chatham Park and also helped organize this month's food drive. If you happen to be listening to this episode after the food drive is over, fear not. CORA will take your help almost any day of the year. https://www.corafoodpantry.org/www.chathampark.comNon-Perishable Donations can be dropped off through November 20th at the Vineyards Sales and Information Center, 500 Vine Parkway, Pittsboro from 10-5 M-Saturday and 1-5 on Sunday. 

How well do you understand the intricacies of election integrity? How aware are you of ERIC - the Electronic Registration and Information Center? Join us in our riveting conversation with Representative Rob Harris from House District 36 as we explore the inner workings of ERIC and its role in the voting process. We dive deep into the controversial aspects of the National Right to Vote Act, the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, and how ERIC is striving to expand voter participation. We also discuss why some states have chosen to withdraw from the ERIC program and our effort to stop its funding in South Carolina.Ever wondered about the vulnerabilities of the voting process? Curious about the implications of proposed bill S406? Buckle in as we continue our detailed conversation with Representative Harris. We uncover the potential risks of transmitting early voting information from the state SEC and the complexities behind electronic voting machines and poll watchers. Garnering insights into the importance of citizen engagement for maintaining election integrity, we discuss the benefits and training involved in volunteering as a poll worker. Come along on this enlightening journey as we discuss the challenges of maintaining election integrity and the role each one of us can play in this process.https://www.jacksonfamilyministry.comhttps://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

Our guest this episode is Garett Tomasek. Garett describes himself as an “advocate for the disability community, specifically working directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities”. In our time together we discussed his involvement and commitment to an international program called Best Buddies. This program promotes especially inclusion for the community of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Even so, what Garett and the Best Buddies family does, of course, directly effects so many outside the community served by Best Buddies.   Garett will spend much of our time together discussing his experiences with raising awareness of disabilities through Best Buddies. Today he chairs the Young Leaders Council for Best Buddies. Clearly as you will see Garett is a leader young or not. He is definitely a fierce and unstoppable advocate and I hope you will enjoy and appreciate what he has to say.   There is more to Garett than his involvement in Best Buddies. I will let him tell you all about his lifestyle and how he lives his absolutely positive life.     About the Guest:   Garett Tomasek advocates for the disability community, specifically working directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He studied Economics at Texas A&M University and works for an insurance company as a Business Analyst. Born and raised in Texas, he lived a traditional life, with one sibling and two loving parents. Living in the South, he had to learn about self-acceptance quickly as he struggled to accept being gay. The social isolation of not knowing who to trust he felt ostracized at times. Feeling different at times allowed him to connect to his peers who have an IDD, as they often shared the idea of just wanting to be accepted.  As a Board of Directors and Chair of the Young Leaders Council (YLC) at Best Buddies International, accessibility has become his driving passion. Best Buddies International “is the world's largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).” The YLC is an international council of participants working collaboratively on special interest initiatives to further the organization's impact. He is a champion for online and event accessibility, educating organizations on the missed economic opportunities when they choose not to have inclusive universal accessible practices.   Ways to connect with Milam:   LinkedIn: Garett Tomasek, link to LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gtomasek/  Instagram: _garett_tomasek, link to Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/_garett_tomasek/   About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.     Transcription Notes      Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i  capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Hi, once again, and welcome to unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. I love that anyway, today we get to talk with Garrett Tomasek, who deals a lot with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He's got a degree from Texas a&m University. And I'm not going to give you all the details because it's kind of more fun to hear it from him. So Garrett, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're really glad you're here.   Garrett Tomasek ** 01:48 Well, thank you so much for having me. And it's a pleasure to be here.   Michael Hingson ** 01:52 Well, why don't we start by you telling us maybe just a little bit about you kind of as a younger Garrett going through school, or any of that kind of stuff that you think is relevant and how you got kind of a little bit, at least where you are today.   Garrett Tomasek ** 02:07 Yeah. So I like had mentioned I am a recent graduate of Texas a&m university, I got a BS in economics. I was born and raised in North Houston, Texas, and I have two amazing parents and wonderful sister about four years younger than me. But growing up, I kind of found best buddies in high school. But sophomore year, and a friend had mentioned it to me, and I should kind of come to an event and it was an unbelievable, surreal experience. But growing up, I struggle a lot with my self identity and acceptance of being gay. And that's I think, where I kind of gravitated towards Best Buddies and a sense of wanting this sense of self acceptance. And I really struggled a lot with that. So having society I guess, wanting to accept me, I think gravitated me to best buddies and a sense of relating to other individuals with an ID of just wanting to be accepted. And finding Best Buddies is a fantastic organization just dedicated to inclusion and opportunity. And it's just been a fantastic experience since and I'm currently now a chair of the Young Leaders Council, which is a council of 24 different people across the country and two people from Canada as well. And I'm a board of director for the organization as well.   Michael Hingson ** 03:47 Tell me a little bit more about Best Buddies what it is, and we'd love to know more about how you got how you gravitated to it. But I'd love to learn more about the whole nature of Best Buddies, if you would, please.   Garrett Tomasek ** 03:58 Oh, yeah, it is a really, really cool organization. We are the world's largest organization dedicated to ending that social, physical and economic isolation individuals with an intellectual and developmental disability face or an IDD. We're all across the United States. We're in 43 different countries and we have our four main pillars, friendship, leadership, integrated employment and inclusive living. We started off in our friendship program. That's how we got founded back in 1989. And ever since we've grown to this global mission and just spreading inclusion all over the world and all over the country and it is a fantastic experience. And the three different four different pillars. It's the friendship pillar. So that's basically one to one friendships between a person with and without an IDD. And that can be from college. Each to elementary and we even have citizens and a buddy. So we try to make inclusion on all platforms in all arenas. And we have a leadership development, which is basically our ambassador program, training individuals with an add on how to self advocate, which is very important and honestly a really hard skill to learn of public speaking. And we have integrated employment in forming employers the importance of hiring people with a disability, and honestly the cost savings that they can achieve when hiring a person with an IDD. And our newest program, which is kind of my favorite now, which is inclusive living and it's kind of really conceptualizes all aspects of life. And it allows an individual with an IDD to live independently. So they can have an inclusive life of friends and have a job and now live independently. I'm all aspects that are very important and really, really cool and very impactful.   Michael Hingson ** 06:08 So how does it work? What kinds of things do you do to not only promote a lot more inclusion, and equality? But But how does? How do the programs work? Or what kinds of things do you specifically do?   Garrett Tomasek ** 06:22 So our friendship pillar is mainly in schools. So an example can be like a chapter. So my school that I just graduated from, from Texas a&m, we had a chapter and the way the chapters usually are set up is, at the beginning of the year, the chapter will pair individuals with an add in individuals without an add into a friendship. And they hang out several times a month, the chapter hosts different events. For everyone that is a member to hang out and have fun, they'll do like different dances and stuff. But mainly as a promotion aspect. It's just social media, word of mouth, and everyone just kind of talking about the impact that they have on themselves. Best Buddies has really helped me self discover myself, and really pushed me to be a better person and a better leader. And it's just a fantastic opportunity.   Michael Hingson ** 07:28 What kinds of things do you do in terms of helping, like with employment and so on? I'd love to hear some stories about that.   Garrett Tomasek ** 07:38 Oh, yeah, it's very impactful. So for example, there, I used to work at a grocery store in Texas called HEB. Wonderful grocery store, absolutely love it. And the way the program works with Best Buddies is that we partnered with organizations or companies like HNB. And we kind of go in and we tell them like, Hey, this is our program. These are the opportunities that are there for you. So I'm a person with when you hire a person with an IDD there, have significantly less turnover rate than a person without a disability without an IDD. And we show them other amazing things that the individuals in our program have and the skills that they're able to bring to the job and the individuals in our programs are paired up with a job coach, and the job coach goes to the job site, make sure that they have everything that they need advocates for any resources or support that they may need to be successful in their jobs. But Best Buddies is basically in that aspect, a support system to the person with an IDD so that they can be successful in that job. And over time, they kind of wean off and they kind of add in that support as needed. So that they can be successful and in their hopes and dreams. And we sit down with them and we set out Okay, so here are your goals are what are your goals, and then they go through and they make a path so that they can achieve those goals and set in achievable steps so that they can aspire to whatever they want to do in life.   Michael Hingson ** 09:27 What kind of reactions have you had from employers, not only at the beginning, when you're approaching them and saying, Hey, let's talk about this. But then later when they actually start having employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities, what what changes because I'm assuming things sort of change in their attitudes. Oh,   Garrett Tomasek ** 09:50 significantly. I think it's almost like a company wide cultural shifts, honestly, because, at first I think it's just a stereotype that individual with a disability are not effective, or they can't do the job as successfully as a person without a disability, and showing them that this person can be successful, but not just successful can honestly do the job better than their peers at times and showing that there is a path forward. And it kind of spreads throughout the company. And a lot of times, individuals from those companies will come and volunteer with the organization and other events as well. But it really changes perspective on not just the individuals working directly with our participants at that company, but it spreads throughout the company, and it really makes a cultural change. And it really pushes the importance of diversity and inclusion at the at the workforce.   Michael Hingson ** 10:57 Do you find that people with disabilities, once they get a job and start to work somewhere, tend to stay longer, and don't just go search for the next job?   Garrett Tomasek ** 11:10 Oh, for sure. I have had conversations with many of my friends who have an IDD and may start in a job and they talk about how they don't like it and I tell them that you can leave that is that is an option for you, you don't have to stick there that you can go search for another job that you can go do something else. But a lot of the times they feel so grateful and they enjoy the employer, they may not always enjoy the the hard work and the the mundane tasks at times, but who doesn't. And but they feel very loyal to that employer because that the employer gave them that opportunity, an opportunity that many people don't do and or many employers don't jump out to do that. And so they feel very grateful. And so they don't usually jump around. So they that's why that that really low turnover rate. But it's also very difficult for a person with a disability to get another job, specifically person with an IBD.   Michael Hingson ** 12:14 Well, not just especially it goes across all all lines of disabilities, it certainly has been true for persons with physical disabilities, we do recognize that if a company decides to be willing to hire us, and makes appropriate accommodations, which don't necessarily have to be at all expensive or complicated. But the companies that decide to really include us, we'll discover and do discover that not only can we do the job, but we will stay and oftentimes we can do it better. And that opens up the doors. And so I really liked the way you put that because it has been something that a number of studies have been conducted around. And it's always been the case that people with disabilities who get jobs, recognize how hard it was to get the job in the first place. So we love it. And we're going to be very loyal to the companies who are willing to hire us and bring us on board.   Garrett Tomasek ** 13:16 Oh, for sure. And it's it's really heartwarming, warming to hear and talk to my friends, when they get a job and the level of impact and just the overwhelming of emotions and feelings that they have when they are able to secure that employment so that they can be independent, and they can live the life that they are have just dreamed of. And not the dream that they've not just the life that they dreamed up but a life that they've been told that they can't achieve. And they are proving everyone wrong. And it is it is a really cool thing to hear when my friends are experiencing that.   Michael Hingson ** 14:06 This may not be a really magical question, but it still is worth asking. Do you find that the employers who catch on to this really become some of the strongest advocates on behalf of these employees and others?   Garrett Tomasek ** 14:20 Oh, for sure. Oh, for sure. And it spreads because they talk to their friends, they talk to their clients and they talk to people in their inner circles and it spreads it starts off with one employer and it starts and it spreads from there. i Yes.   Michael Hingson ** 14:38 Yeah. I mean, it's in that's the way it really ought to be that they catch on and then it gets to be a snowball rolling downhill and getting a lot more snow in other words that you get more people who become involved and it's a it's an increasing sort of thing, which is great. What kinds of jobs do you generally find that people are getting or does it go across As the board,   Garrett Tomasek ** 15:01 it honestly kind of really goes across the board. That's what he does a really great job and sitting down one on one with our participants in our jobs program to highlight their excitement, their goals and what they want to do. And we've really tried to align them to that career so that they can be successful and that they enjoy the job that they're doing. So it really kind of goes across the board and that aspect. So for example, I know, a couple of people in the chapter that I was in at a&m That worked at the grocery store, they were a bagger. I have a another friend that was at the information desk on campus, another friend that worked at the George HW Bush Museum and Library. So there's a lot of different opportunities that are available. And it's not just kind of like one job kind of thing.   Michael Hingson ** 16:07 Do you see that some of the people who go to work at a particular place like the George HW Bush Library, or the Information Center, and so on, that there is advancement, do they get promoted?   Garrett Tomasek ** 16:21 You know, that is an area that I think still has a barrier. And I think that is that next step and next arena for organizations, like Best Buddies, or advocates to continue to advocate and to show, hey, this person has been very successful, not just successful, but they are doing their job even more efficiently than the person that they just replaced, that they deserve to be promoted, and they should not be overlooked. It's not always the case that they're overlooked. But I do think that there is some seeing multiple instances in that way. Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 16:59 Yeah. And that's, of course, the next major step. And it makes perfect sense. I've seen that happen a lot that Oh, you do really well on this job. And yeah, there are other jobs, and there's a promotion, but we really like you being where you are. And that's, that's an attitude that we really need to be able to break down as well. And, of course, the the reality is that a person has to be able to prove that they can take an advancement. But more often than not, I think people would be surprised if they just if they really gave people the chance that they could go up and do higher level kinds of jobs. It doesn't have to be just one job fits all.   Garrett Tomasek ** 17:44 I completely agree.   Michael Hingson ** 17:47 Well, tell us more about you. Well, before we do that, well, let's do that. Tell us more about you. So you got involved in Best Buddies in high school, you said right. How did you actually first discover them?   Garrett Tomasek ** 18:00 So I had a friend back in, I think it was my sophomore year of high school. And she had mentioned, hey, you should come check out best buddies. She didn't do a great job on selling it, honestly, she just kind of said, Come on. It's basically just a group of friends hanging out. And I was like, Well, I really involved in all these other organizations. And I don't know if I really have time right now. And so I kind of pushed it off the can down the road. And eventually, I went to my first event and it was a Valentine's Day dance. And it was like I stepped into a portal into another world, and you stepped into the room. And you just felt this overwhelming feeling of joy, as it was a party celebrating acceptance, inclusion. And it's still something today that I struggle with, to put into words how impactful that that moment was on me. And after that event, I was hooked. And I joined the club and became heavily involved and just ran up the leadership pole as high as I can and got involved as much as I could and just trying to spread that mission and showing the possibilities that are within Best Buddies. And it was still, like I said, such an impactful event that really just changed my life.   Michael Hingson ** 19:36 So it's all volunteer program for you. Yes, yeah. So you and you said you're part of the Young Leaders Council now.   Garrett Tomasek ** 19:48 Yes. So after I got involved after that one event, I ended up being the the vice president of the chapter by that next year. At the beginning that night. next year and the year after that I became chapter president. That was during my senior year of high school, I started, Amr founded about nine different chapters in my area, a couple of different elementary, middle school and high school chapters, and won a couple of awards for my chapter, I want a couple of when won an award for chapter president and I was encouraged by the staff in Texas to apply for the Young Leaders Council. And that's where I currently preside over and the Young Leaders Council is basically a council of different participants in the organization. And our job is basically to advocate the participant perspective to the staff, who run best buddies on a daily basis and show them hey, this is what's rockin and rolling. And this is some areas that we could look further into. And we work a lot on special interests, so building different resources, doing little mini studies, and really kind of further developing the skills of the individuals on the council so that they can be more effective leaders in their communities. And when they go on past Best Buddies, or past the council, that they can make a stronger impact, whether that's at their job or other organizations as well.   Michael Hingson ** 21:30 What are some of the major disabilities that you encounter and Best Buddies?   Garrett Tomasek ** 21:34 Um, it's a wide range, zero palsy, Down syndrome. It's, it's a good wide range   Michael Hingson ** 21:44 of autism. Oh, yeah. So do you ever find or get involved with or advocate for any of the people with disabilities getting service animals to assist them? Do you ever have any involvement in that, um,   Garrett Tomasek ** 22:00 I don't have any involvement in that I don't actually know too many people that have a service animal that's in Best Buddies, I think I've met maybe one or two, and they had a vision or hearing disability. But those were the only two people that I knew. And that was mainly I believe, I met them at our annual leadership conference. And that's a really cool experience that one is, once a year, it's at Indiana University. It's basically representative from just about every chapter across the globe coming together for a long weekend. And those are the only two people that I've kind of met, I asked   Michael Hingson ** 22:40 the question only because I've been to places like Canine Companions for Independence, which is a school started up in Santa Rosa, California, but they have several campuses now. And among other things, they have trained service dogs to deal with people with autism and other kinds of disabilities. So it was just more of a curiosity as to whether you had encountered a lot of that. And of course, the reality is that most people, no matter what the so called disability is, don't use a service animal, even with with guide dogs. Um, I think it's probably well, it's less than 10%. I think there are about 10,000 guide dog users in the United States. And there are a whole lot more blind people than that, but it was a question I was just kind of curious about. But it is a, it is an issue that, that sometimes people find animals can really help them a lot, which, which is a good thing. But again, it takes a fair amount to want to have that responsibility. And oftentimes, the person with a disability can't necessarily handle the service animal on their own. So oftentimes, I think, with a number of the intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities that that people have, when they train with an animal, somebody else who is going to be the person who will be with them, will also be involved in learning to use the dog and may actually do some of the actual dog handling with him for the person. So it's, it's, it's a process all the way around. That is really cool.   Garrett Tomasek ** 24:19 Yeah, um, I know, at least at the my university, we had a pretty big program where students would train guide dogs, and that was really cool. We soon raised the puppies. Yeah. But they were they were already pretty fully grown, or at least they look fully grown. And they were mainly training them on campus who go on and off buses and it was always really cool. Seeing them go around campus and stuff, but, um, but I know that was a really big program at my university.   Michael Hingson ** 24:54 Yeah, I call them puppies because the until they actually go back to the school do the training. They're considered in the hands of puppy raisers. And oh, technically, you could have a 15 month old puppy. Well, I have a seven year old guy dog who thinks he's a puppy. But it is. But yeah, I've seen some colleges do that several years ago, I had the opportunity to go speak at Hartwick College in New York. And they have a, what they call it a puppy club on campus, from one of the guide dog schools, and they had several dogs on campus. And the school really accepted them, then the the job of the students who were involved was to raise the dogs to teach them basic skills. But what it also meant was when it came time for finals, anyone who needed a dog fix to calm down and be a little bit more ready for finals could have a dog visit their room and spend some time with them. So the dogs earn their own keep. Now, nothing like having a dog to help out when you're getting ready for final I guess, I had my own dog. So I was spoiled in that regard. Well, you we found you or I found you through Sheldon Lewis. And I guess that's is it best buddies that uses AccessiBe   26:12 we are in the process of furthering our partner with you guys. And one of the steps was to really kind of further our conversations and learn more about the impact with accessiBE. In fact, I actually had an internship with the insurance company over the summer, and actually pitch so at the in the summer, we had a pitch a product. And I wanted to do something with accessibility. And our team focused a lot with the digital aspects of our company. And so I discovered you guys, and I was like, look at this amazing company. And so I pitched to them, and they absolutely loved it. I don't know where that how that process ended up going. But as for specifically with Best Buddies, we are in the process of further strengthening our relationship with accessiBe.   Michael Hingson ** 27:06 Well, that's, that's cool. So what do you do now so that you have an income to be able to support your best buddies habit?   Garrett Tomasek ** 27:13 There you go. So currently, I will. So the this past semester, I actually had three jobs. I was at the information desk on campus, it was like a student center. And I helped train different student workers was a job coach for a program for specifically for individuals with an IUD so they can get a higher education and a job at the end of four years. And I was also an undergrad teaching assistant. But post graduation, I'll be working for that same insurance company that I internship over the summer. But as a business analyst, I believe my specific title is going to be associate product specialists. So I kind of like the title product specialists is kind of kind of cool.   Michael Hingson ** 28:01 Uh huh. So you work for an insurance company now? Yes. And what do you do? Um,   Garrett Tomasek ** 28:10 so we basically, um, I guess the best way to explain it is like we're a project management team. So we kind of work with engineers to make our websites legal to make sure our websites are up to code up to standards, and we work with advisors to make sure the resources or the documents on there are accessible to them, how we can improve that for them. And are they honestly being used? We look at the data analytics as well into that,   Michael Hingson ** 28:46 not to try to cause any grief or anything but how does the insurance industry deal with or view persons with developmental or intellectual disabilities years ago, we had major problems with insurance companies when it came to insuring say blind people or other persons with physical disabilities. And it turns out that the insurance companies were erroneously assuming that we were a higher risk. And I suspect that probably intellectual and developmental disabilities fall under the the legislation that has passed but just curious, is that ever been an issue in the insurance world to your knowledge?   Garrett Tomasek ** 29:25 I'm not to my knowledge. I can't speak on that. There is a lot of work to be done, just like in any area, but the specifically what I did over the summer, when I was working on my specific project, I worked a lot with advisors and I worked with a couple of specific advisors that have a vision disability, and how they told me the multiple loops and things means that they had to do just so that they can effectively read a document that they needed to do, so that they can be successful. And it was, when I had, I had multiple meetings with with them. And after I spoke with them, they were really high performers for the company. And they were still having to jump through all these hoops. So if we were able to make the process of, Hey, these are documents easier to them, for them to read and to understand, then they can spend more time on growing their business and growing the overall company. So that was a a unique and really cool experience for myself to learn more about the their life and the struggles that they go through, and so that I could be an advocate at corporate for them and advocate for better and more accessible tools and things for them.   Michael Hingson ** 31:04 I think the big challenge that we all tend to face is that companies in general haven't recognized that it's reasonable to say that part of the cost of doing business is providing full inclusion. You're right, there are documents that oftentimes are not prepared in a way that make them accessible. Oftentimes, there are meetings and documents aren't provided in advance so that people can research them. And the reality is, if companies would never do handouts at meetings, but provide them even a few hours in advance, it would be much better because if you hand out a document at a meeting, people have to read the document in order to talk about it, rather than giving people the documents and then saying your we'll talk about this at the meeting and then really being able to deal with it. So there's an advantage of doing that. But it goes even deeper, you know, people have coffee machines and other things at job sites that aren't accessible, because they're touchscreens, and things like that. And so the result is that some of us don't have access to it. Yet, we provide lights so that all of you sighted people can get around in the dark or we provide other kinds of things. We provide computer monitors, but people have had problems even getting access to screen reading software. The reality is that inclusion should be part of the cost of doing business. And it's so hard to get people to break down that barrier in their own mind. Oh for short,   Garrett Tomasek ** 32:44 and that's basically the curb cut effect. That's the idea that literally the cut in the curb for that ramp when you are out in public and different shopping centers and you have the concrete ramp up to the store. Not just individuals with a physical disability utilize that the a mom pushing their child in a stroller or dad pushing their child in a stroller or the the mailman with all these packages rolling up on that ramp that it makes society more efficient that these things that are, quote unquote accommodating for individuals with a disability really make everyone's life easier. And it's a beneficial to everyone, just like how you were saying.   Michael Hingson ** 33:35 Yeah, and one of the ones that amazes me the most. And I'm actually about to start on an adventure. So my attitude may upgrade. But one of the things that amazes me is that we have Android phones and iPhones very smart phones that to one degree or another and mostly talk. But I don't see Apple for example, really promoting voiceover, the whole screen reader process as a powerful tool for drivers in vehicles to make a lot more of what a driver normally would look at a screen to see rather than using a phone that talks and letting things come through verbally so that they can keep their eyes more on the road. Now having said that, my adventure is my wife passed away this past November and we and she was in a wheelchair she's been in chair her whole life and we had a 2017 van that was modified for her and we just sold that vehicle to to someone to actually to the company who originally provided it to us. But for me not being a driver which is okay because I think most people don't do a very good job of driving from my observations are but be that as it may be I need to get a car so that if I need to get around, I don't have to use somebody else's vehicle, they can drive my vehicle and we don't do wear and tear on their car. And I'm looking at getting new cars, a new vehicle, and it will be a whole lot less expensive than the wheelchair van was. And I'll be interested to see if in like 2023 vehicles, voices have been and voice technology has been integrated more into the driver experience. And I don't know the answer to that. But I was looking at a couple of vehicles this morning. And they say they've got voice recognition and other things. But I'd be curious to see if the voice output process has become a little bit more sophisticated. But my impression is, at least I don't hear anybody talking about it, that not a lot has been done. To eliminate a drivers need to look at screens rather than using voice.   Garrett Tomasek ** 35:53 That is a really interesting observation. But first, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, I can't imagine.   Michael Hingson ** 36:02 But she's still around. And if I don't behave, she's gonna beat me up. So I'm.   Garrett Tomasek ** 36:08 But that is a really cool observation. I haven't ever really thought about that. But I've really thought about the self automated self driving vehicles and how that's really going to transform the landscape, they have a long way to go to make sure that the safety aspects are all there. But that's really going to really transform so many lives. And it's really going to level out a lot of the playing field when it comes to opportunities.   Michael Hingson ** 36:37 Well, in so many ways, right? Because if you truly have good operating safe, autonomous vehicles, the accident rates going to go way down. And yes, it's going to help for people like me, if I want to just go out and get in the car and go somewhere, assuming again, the interfaces and the technology is there that allows me to do it, to be able to say, I want to go to the Costco and Victorville or be able to do that in some way. And that the technology is there to really let be input that. And that's of course, part of the whole issue. If you get a Tesla vehicle, everything is touchscreen. And of course, they would say, well, we can do that, because there's so much of the vehicle keeping in its own lane and monitoring itself that it that you can have the time to do that. And my response is balderdash. Because the reality is, you're still looking at the screen, rather than keeping your eye on the road part of the time. And as a passenger, I can't ever operate even a radio in a Tesla, because it's all touchscreen. And it shouldn't be that way because that clearly isn't very inclusive. No, it's   Garrett Tomasek ** 37:45 not. No, it's not. But I'm, I'm optimistic. I'm very hopeful that as the technology advances for those automated vehicles that the car industries or Apple or phone industries really see that there's a lot of opportunity for them that they are missing out on to make that technology more inclusive and available to all individuals no matter their ability. And I'm, I'm optimistic I think that if Apple or Android or Tesla or Ford, whoever it may be doesn't make that I'm sure some engineer or entrepreneur will come along and see that opportunity and make that.   Michael Hingson ** 38:38 Well, the issue is that the technology is available to do all of that today. The problem is, the problem is selling both the manufacturers and to some degree the public on it. But I think that if people really start to look at it, they're going to recognize how much greater a good experience a good driver experience it will create. And a much safer driver experience. I'm all in favor of autonomous vehicles, I really liked what Tesla's doing in a lot of different ways. And I think that overall, they they do start to make driving safer, but they're still missing out on a lot of stuff. And it isn't just the driver experience that we have to take into account. It's the passenger experience as well. But I agree with you, and I'm very hopeful that over time, we will find that people will, in reality, do the things that will truly make a driving experience and a passenger experience not only more enjoyable but safer. And the way to do that is to make sure that everybody has access. So it's a it's a process and it is a mindset shift all the way around. And that's really what it comes down to. So it's something that we'll have to hopefully see happen and I have faith that people overall have common sense. So you know, I think We'll, we'll see how that goes. I think that's the best thing. So, as an advocate, what's, what are some of the challenges? Or what's the biggest challenge that you face? And dealing with being an advocate? And how do you deal with it?   Garrett Tomasek ** 40:17 I'm educating others, and showing them the importance of inclusivity of accessibility. And it's very easy to discuss these conversations with groups of individuals who are exposed or have direct relationships with individuals with a disability, it comes very difficult to individuals who don't have those relationships or and it's often very difficult to get through to educate them on that importance, and why it's important, and a lot of people are very knee driven. And it's kind of like, well, I don't need that. So why do I need to focus on it, and it's, you got to find and change your argument, depending on who you're discussing with and what their individualize, I guess, priorities or view on life. So I guess the biggest difficulty is changing your argument, so that you're able to get the advocacy or the goal accomplished, it may not be the perfect packaged message that you would have liked it to be packaged up as, but the goal is to get the move that needle to further improve access, improve accessibility, because if there's not access inclusion can't exist. And that's, that's the goal is to have universal access as much as we can. So that's really the difficulty is knowing your audience and really knowing how to best package that message.   Michael Hingson ** 42:14 What is a typical roadblock that you find and face when you're talking with someone about say hiring a person with an intellectual or developmental disability? What's What's the barrier that comes up,   Garrett Tomasek ** 42:27 um, I think just predispose ideas, that person with a disability can't be successful in that role. And it's not just the individuals who aren't exposed or have relationships with other people with a disability or person with an IDD. But even parents, at times, have very similar parents with a child with an IDD have very similar ideas and thoughts because they were told one thing, they were told that their child can't do certain things. But organizations such as excessive FBI or Best Buddies is changing that narrative and changing the landscape and literally pulling opportunities out of thin air. And it's, it's, um, yeah, it's just it's   Michael Hingson ** 43:23 how do you break down the barrier? What do you say that causes an aha moment and gets the person to realize, maybe I had it wrong.   Garrett Tomasek ** 43:31 I think just having that genuine conversation, making sure you're not accusing anyone and making sure you are being as direct but open as possible and letting them know that they can ask any questions that they that they would like to ask that and letting them know that you may not message your question, the most appropriate way. But this is a safe space, and I'm here to help educate you on how to best talk about different identities or different groups. What is the most appropriate way of talking about a person with a disability or a person with an IDD and how to best package that I think a lot of people aren't aware of that. And so they are nervous in that area. And so they just kind of avoid it at times at all costs, so that they don't have to approach those things. But I think in forming individuals with who are able bodied, that the conversation that I'm having with them is a safe space that I'm here to educate them and I'm here to support them so that they can be more inclusive and have more accessible practices, and that they can be an advocate for others that them also understand Anything that this is not inclusion and accessibility is not a one man's fight. This is a collective group that we need everyone and as many people as possible because we have to work together to make that change to change the world to change our countries to change our communities. And we need numbers, and we have to, we need everyone on board or as many people as we can on board.   Michael Hingson ** 45:26 Have you faced discrimination in your own life for any reasons?   Garrett Tomasek ** 45:30 Um, I don't think I have personally but I have seen others who have, and it's very difficult to, to witness that. And it's hard as a friend to, to be there for that person. Because I don't know what that's like, I don't know how they're feeling. But I am here, I'm here to support them. And I'm here to help them in, get them through that situation. And it's, unfortunately, there aren't a lot of resources or support in our societies to defend against that, or the ones that are that are there, it's very difficult to do that. Or to penalize the people who are discriminating. But I personally, I don't believe I have, but I do know, I do have friends who have?   Michael Hingson ** 46:26 Well, I asked the question in, in part, because you said earlier that you were gay, and I didn't know whether you had ever faced any discrimination or whether that's ever come up for you? And I'm glad it hasn't. It shouldn't. But people are people, right. And so we always have challenges.   Garrett Tomasek ** 46:44 Oh, yeah. And that is part of who I am. And that is something that I have struggled with. But I have the opportunity and the ability to camouflage and society, I can dress a certain way. And I can act a certain way. And it makes it more difficult for people to I guess I label me and I guess discriminate against me. But that also is not truly authentic to who I am. And so I have that struggle on a daily basis. And that's something that I, I have to Yeah, I have to face daily at times. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 47:31 it's too bad that you even have to think about it, right? Because you are who you are. And there shouldn't be a problem with that. And unfortunately, all too often, all too many people do think it's a problem. And it's it's so unfortunate that we tend to be so judgmental at times.   Garrett Tomasek ** 47:51 Oh, for sure. And it was a growing up in the south and south of us that we have a very strong relation to religion, and I'm a big promoter of religion, I think it really helps people make meaning of things that don't really make sense. So I really, I think, I promote religion. I've really liked it. But I think it at times has hindered people from being who they truly are. And it's prevented me like you had said that I have to kind of second guess, the environments. I go into how I'm dressing how I act, how I talk. And it's it's frustrating at times, but I'm, I'm so fortunate to be in this situation I am because I do have that option. I do have that way that I guess that backdoor exit at times and not everyone has that, unfortunately. So.   Michael Hingson ** 49:05 Yeah. Well, I too, have a very deep belief in God and so on. And I believe in Christianity, but I also know that it's amazing how many people decide to be judgmental, which goes absolutely against the teachings of Jesus and it it doesn't matter what the Bible says about being gay or whatever word you want to use or not. The issue is it's still a relationship between you and God and it's not up to us to judge that and that's where the problem comes in.   Garrett Tomasek ** 49:42 Oh, for sure. And that's, um, I grew up a Lutheran all my life I went through confirmation and it because of certain groups and certain people at times and certain judge judgmental people. but it's really affected my faith, it's it's affected my belief and religion and and it's affected my relationship with the church or with God. And I'm and it's just because of a couple of collective people unfortunately.   Michael Hingson ** 50:17 Well, the reality, of course is to really look at it, there are two different things, there's a relationship with the church, and then it's a relationship with God. And the church is really composed of people. They can say what they want, but there are so many times that the relationship with God becomes affected by the judgmental pneus of people, which is, which is too bad? Yeah. Well, if you were to give some advice to somebody starting out in the whole world of nonprofits, and so what kind of advice would you give to somebody starting out? And what would you suggest that they do? How would you help them move along in the process?   Garrett Tomasek ** 51:00 You know, I always hear this, and it's maybe a cliche at this point, but write your y down and hold on to it revisit to it as much as you can. advocacy work is not easy. It's not designed to be easy. That's why you're here. There's a reason why you're here. There's a reason why you're advocating for a specific reason or specific mission. But your y will be your anchor at times. And it's oftentimes your last barrier, keeping you in the fight, you will get exhausted. Like I said, it's not easy, but we need you the mission that you were fighting for, or that you were advocating for, needs you. And without you. We can't make a difference. It's a collective change. It can no one individual can can make that that change. So it's a collective group and knowing your why and staying true to your why helps fuel your abilities of making that change and advocating for others and creating more inclusive, accessible environments.   Michael Hingson ** 52:18 I have been in the position of being a strong advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities for many years, I joined the National Federation of the Blind in 1972. And my story, in a sense is really similar to yours. When I was first approached, I had absolutely no interest in doing it. And finally, they kept calling and calling and I went to a meeting. And it took several meetings before I decided, well, maybe there's something to be said for this. And I became involved with I've been doing it ever since. But you know, there are a lot of people who say, Well, I'm not really a fighter I support but I'm not really a fighter. What do you say to people like that?   Garrett Tomasek ** 52:59 Well, I think I'm I agree, I don't I think fighting at times can come off very aggressive. Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 53:06 And I don't mean fighting in this. Yeah.   Garrett Tomasek ** 53:09 Yeah, I, I know what you mean. But I also know what and other people's context. And I think it's can come off as like, it's too much work, or it's too hard. But and people are busy, people are exhausted, they are going to work, they come home, and they repeat day in and day out. And at times, you feel like you don't have time to go volunteer for a nonprofit, or you don't have time to go advocate for others. But doing something small makes a huge difference. So whether that's you devoting five minutes, to sending an email to your friends and family about an organization that you have found really passionate about, you're making a difference because you're spreading that mission, you're spreading that that organization's word, and you're making that difference, it's theirs doesn't have to be you devoting hundreds of 1000s of hours for helping set up an event to fundraise a bunch of money. You don't have to always donate a bunch of money. It's whatever you can do is perfect. And there's it's your you're part of moving that needle, you're part of making that change. And whatever you can of that organization, whoever you devote that time and that effort to is and should be internally grateful for your, your support.   Michael Hingson ** 54:48 We're all role models or can be and the reality is if you can live your life in a very positive way and don't let people beat you down whether you're doing all sorts of volunteer hours or not. The fact that you live your life, and we all can live our lives to a large degree on our own terms. And yes, sometimes things come along. But if we persevere and go through it, by definition, we're helping move the needle, as you would say. What do organizations lose? Do you think when they don't have accessibility or accessible priorities in their existence?   Garrett Tomasek ** 55:30 They're losing opportunities. They're, they're taking on extra costs that they don't need to be taking on. They're not running their firm or organization as efficiently as they could. They are essentially discriminating against certain individuals, and they're missing out on opportunities.   Michael Hingson ** 55:50 Yeah, no doubt about it. And they're, they're missing out on a whole segment of the population that they've never perhaps come in contact with, that could truly enrich their lives.   Garrett Tomasek ** 56:05 Oh, yeah. I mean, I believe I saw the number a couple of days ago, it puts the disability community at a purchase purchasing power globally, about $8 trillion. Just from a consumer, if I was a company, and I wanted as many people as possible to purchase my product, that's a big purchasing power, that's a big population that could be purchasing my product or packaging, packaging, my surfaces. Or that's a big population that I should be hiring and be bringing into my workforce, so that I can make sure that I'm having an accessible or inclusive work and product and services.   Michael Hingson ** 56:49 The Center for Disease Control, says that 25%, roughly, of all people in the United States have some sort of disability, if you carry that across to places that don't include accessibility, or make a welcoming environment for persons with disabilities, they're losing out on 25% of their potential business. And the other side of that is or the other part of that is, and this is something that comes from a survey that was done by the Nielsen Company, the people who do all the ratings in 2016, where they said that people who have disabilities are extremely much more brand loyal to organizations that do provide inclusion and do welcome them in. So Oh, yeah, companies, some companies get it.   Garrett Tomasek ** 57:47 Oh, yeah, I mean, um, Pottery Barn, just recently released a, an accessible line of furniture and their furniture isn't cheap. It's really nice furniture. And it's pretty pricey. But that is a role model of that industry of it starts with one company, and it moves on from there, and other companies start noticing that there is opportunity within this community that they are missing out on, and they adapt, and they change because if they don't adapt and change, then they're gonna, they're not gonna be able to run efficiently and they're losing out on opportunities to to be successful.   Michael Hingson ** 58:33 How do you involve inclusion and accessibility and these ideas you're talking about in your daily just personal life,   Garrett Tomasek ** 58:43 advocacy at your work or in the day to day life? I mean, it can be as simple as, for example, at work, my previous job, when I was an undergrad, we had some renovations in our we had like, piano practice rooms that students could check out, and they were being renovated and usually or before they were being renovated. They were accessible to individuals with a physical disability, meaning that they there was a elevator, or a ramp that individuals with a disability could access to gain access to those practice rooms. But during the construction when they were remodeling, and they moved the piano rooms to an area that word was inaccessible. So work, I advocated and I told my employers, I said, Hey, this is no longer accessible. What are we going to do to change this or where what other opportunities can we create so that if a person that comes up to the dust that asked for a practice room, we are able to provide that to them and we're not turning them away just because they have a disability and we ended up creating alternative opportunities. And we made a couple of rooms accessible so that they could practice if they, if a person with a disability came to the desk and wanted to use the practice room.   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:15 There you go. You're, you're putting in practice what you preach.   Garrett Tomasek ** 1:00:19 There you go. Yeah. And it's it's simple stuff like that. It's, it's just saying something. It's, it's advocating, because the the person that came up to the desk and asked for the practice room, use a mobility device, a wheelchair, and they I said, Give me one second, I have to ask my supervisor to unlock the other room. And they were ready just to walk away, because they thought it was going to be too difficult. But I was I informed them that like, no, no, it's okay. It's a super easy process will actually start showing you where the room is right away. And just saying something makes a huge difference.   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:05 Yeah. That makes perfect sense. Yeah. Well, tell me if people want to contact you or learn more about Best Buddies, or remember more about you and just learn more about accessibility in general, how can they do that?   1:01:19 Well, you can find me on LinkedIn, or Instagram, most social media, you can search my name, it's G A R E T T  T O M A S E K, , on LinkedIn, and Instagram. But for Best Buddies, we are in all social media platforms. So you just type in Best Buddies. B E S T  B U D D I E S.org. That's our website. Or you just type in our name into any social media platform. And you can follow us we have a bunch of different newsletters that we send out monthly, the national or international headquarters office sends out information all the time on ways to get involved and learn more on the different things that we're making, the impact that we're making on the IDD community. But if you want to get involved in your local community or your local area, go to that same website, best buddies.org. You can search for the state or city that you're in, and you can contact your office, you can sign up for their local newsletter, and they will tell you all the different ways for you to get involved. If you want to get involved in a Chapter, a citizen program, however you want to be involved, we would love to have you there. We want you to be a part of the mission of making the universal accessible worlds and make inclusion a reality for everyone.   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:49 And, you know, that's as good as it gets. And you talked earlier about your challenge of as people become involved becoming good speakers, you certainly have demonstrated that you can be a good speaker at this.   Garrett Tomasek ** 1:03:00 Well, thank you so much. Well, I   1:03:02 want to thank you for being with us today. And I want to thank you for listening. hope that you've enjoyed this and you've learned a lot. Reach out to Garrett reach out to Best Buddies learn a little bit more about the whole idea of inclusion and accessibility. Of course, you can listen to other episodes of unstoppable mindset and learn that as well. I'd love to hear from you. Please reach out to Michaelhi M i c h e l h i accessibe A C C E S S I  B E.com. Love to hear from you. You can also go to our podcast web page www dot Michael hingson M I C H A E L H I N G S O N .com/podcast. And we'd love to hear your thoughts and we'd love it. If you listen to more of the podcasts. If you haven't, we do want to hear your thoughts. We do want to hear your opinions, we value them very highly. And I would ask that if you would please do so please give us a five star rating wherever you're listening to the podcast. We really appreciate your ratings. And of course, we would like to have those great five star ratings whenever possible. So thank you again for being here with us today on unstoppable mindset. And Garrett especially you thank you very much for being here. And we'll have to do this and talk some more in the future.   Garrett Tomasek ** 1:04:16 I would love it. Thank you so much for having me.   **Michael Hingson ** 1:04:23 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com. accessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

There is no question that advancements in technology are helping communities fight crime as the number of law enforcement officers continues to diminish. But are we the technology efficiently and effectively? Are we integrating various applications to address crime prevention? Can we do it in small, medium and large agencies, and in urban and rural areas? In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, sponsored by Lexipol, host Jim Dudley speaks with Jamie Hudson, Real-Time Information Center Manager at the Elk Grove (California) Police Department, about how his agency is using technology to harness information and intelligence. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. About our guest Jamie Hudson is the Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) Manager at the Elk Grove (California) Police Department. He has led the RTIC since its opening in 2019 and together with his dedicated group of RTIC professionals, has built it into a model for other agencies to use as a resource when exploring building their own. Jamie was an inaugural Board of Directors member of the National Real Time Crime Center Association and currently serves on the Association's Advisory Board. Jamie and the Elk Grove Police Department team held the Real-Time Symposium in May 2022, which was the first of its kind in the real-time center space, which was then continued by the NRTCCA.  Jamie began his career as a police dispatcher and after 28 years, moved from the dispatch world into the real-time world. He is a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Master Instructor and a career-long learner. He co-owns IXII Group, Inc., a training and consulting company. Jamie has been an instructor and presenter for 26 years. Additional resources on fighting crime with technology National Real Time Crime Association The 3 fundamentals of an effective real-time crime center Crime surging? Here's how technology can help How a camera registry program can benefit both law enforcement and the community  

For over 30 years, the National Perinatal Information Center (NPIC) works with hospitals, patient safety organizations, insurers and researchers to collect and interpret data that drives better outcomes. NPIC is 501(c)3 perinatal and neonatal data analytics/health services research organization committed to elevating member hospital quality outcomes and to improving the lives of women and newborns in our communities. Empowered by data, connected by purpose.

Today:  It's  America's Top homegrown vegetables. Master Gardener and vegetable expert Gail Pothour and I talk about them, along with growing advice for each one, including our favorite varieties.We actually got into such detail about each, we have to divide this chat into two episodes: today's and next week's Garden Basics podcasts. So today, we are talking tomatoes (no surprise there that is America's favorite vegetable to grow) as well as cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans and carrots. Next week: five more!It's  the Top Homegrown Vegetables, Part 1.  It's the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery.Pictured: A "river" of tomatoes and peppers, at the 2012 Heirloom ExpoPrevious episodes, show notes, links, product information, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net.Links: Subscribe to the free, Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.comVegetable varieties mentioned in Ep 263TOMATOESGail:Brad's Atomic Grape, “Thorburn's Terra- Cotta” , Green Doctor, Purple Boy, “Goldman's Italian American”UC Davis Vegetable Research and Information Center: “Cherry Grande”, “Sweet Cherry”, the “Sweet 100”, and the “Red Cherry”. For suitable container varieties they name “Patio”, “Toyboy”, “Better Bush” and “Small Fry.”Fred:Ace, Better Boy, Early Girl, Champion, Whopper, Big Beef, Dr. Wyche's Yellow,CUCUMBERSGail - Green Fingers, Silver Slicer, Alibi, VRIC: Pickle Bush, Bush Champion, Parks Bush Whopper, Salad Bush, and Spacemaster. Sweet Slice.PEPPERSFred- Big Red, Early Sunsation, Ozark Giant, Tequila,Gail - Sweet Roaster,VRIC - GypsyBEANSGail-Roman, Strike, Romana, Roc d'Or, Purple QueenVRIC - Goldencrop Wax, Resistant Cherokee Wax, Fordhook 242 Bush, Henderson's Bush (pole type), King of the Garden (bush butterbean), Dixie Butterpea (butterbean type), Baby Fordhook Bush (butterbean), Contender, Harvester, Roman, Tendercrop, Kentucky Wonder, Romano (Italian), Scarlet RunnerFred - Bingo.CARROTSFred - Danvers Half-Long,Gail - Chantenay, ImperatorThank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter

Our special guest in studio today is Patti Tidwell of the PHI Center in Tallahassee, FL. Their website says: The Pregnancy Help and Information Center offers services to women who believe they might be pregnant, those who are pregnant, and those with young children. We assist both mothers and fathers during pregnancy and after the birth of their child in obtaining the emotional and physical necessities for their family. All PHI Center services are free and confidential, regardless of your age, race, or religion. Their website is: https://www.phicenter.org/ Episode #1116 ******* This is the radio program with the music removed. By the way, I have written a new book, and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X ******* This is the radio program with the music removed. By the way, I have written a new book, and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Jon and Karen discuss the power of consistency and how it impacts your brand. Karen Larson is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, and collaborator. She has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson: Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

Jon talks with Karen Larson, CEO of Clear Brand Strategy, about life as a business owner. Karen Larson is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, and collaborator. She has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson: Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

Jon talks with Karen Larson, CEO of Clear Brand Strategy, about how to implement your brand. Karen Larson is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, and collaborator. She has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson: Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

In this episode, Jon and Karen discuss determining if you need a brand refresh. Karen Larson is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, and collaborator. She has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson: Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

In this episode, Jon and Karen discuss how people should be thinking about branding today. Karen Larson is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, and collaborator. She has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson: Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

Today –  We're talking to Colorado Sun outdoors reporter Jason Blevins about how the work of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center has evolved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Larson knows design. As co-founder of LMstudio and Creative Partner at Clear Brand Strategy Karen is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, and collaborator. She has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson: Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

Mike McCormick is the Media Relations & Education Coordinator at Florida/USVI Poison Information Center - Jacksonville. Poison Control Number: 1-800-222-1222

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by Ethan Greene, who is the Director at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. We of course dive deep on everything related to snow safety in the backcountry including some basic tips people need to be safe during avalanche season, the most common mistakes people make in the backcountry related to avalanche safety, what to do if you're caught in an avalanche, and much more. We wrap the show with a new backcountry meal critic (mac and cheese edition!), we go over some of the details from the first article from our 2022 AT thru-hiker survey, we do a triple crown of our top backpacking predictions for the new year, a glorious listener poop story, and more. Casio: Shop at casio.com/us/watches. Organifi: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 20% off at organifi.com/backpacker. Gossamer Gear: Use code “TAKELESSTREKMORE” for 15% off at gossamergear.com.  Enlightened Equipment: Use code “TREKPOD10” for 10% off Enlightened Equipment's Stock Revelation Quilt or Torrid Jacket at enlightenedequipment.com. [divider] Interview with Ethan Greene Colorado Avalanche Information Center AVALANCHE.ORG Time stamps & Questions 00:04:51 - QOTD: What hopes do you have for 2023? 00:10:57 - Reminder 1: Subscribe to the Trek's newsletter to stay tuned for the Badger sponsorship 00:11:47 - Reminder 2 & 3: Apply to blog for the Trek and shop our shorts! 00:12:36 - Introducing Ethan  00:13:20 - Tell us about your background in outdoor sports 00:14:01 - Have you always had a fascination with snow in particular? 00:15:47 - Can you tell us about ski joring in Leadville? 00:17:28 - Have you lived in the Rockies your entire life? 00:19:00 - How do you go from knowing you like snow to getting a doctorate in snow? 00:22:08 - Is there a rough estimate of how many people in the world have PhDs in snow? 00:23:33 - How have winters in the Rockies changed over the past 30 or 50 years? 00:24:54 - When are avalanches at the greatest risk for happening? 00:25:52 - If you're a backpacker, what are the safety basics of avalanches? 00:29:37 - What is the data about who gets trapped by avalanches? 00:31:08 - What resources do you recommend people look at? 00:33:10 - True or false: if you're covered by snow, spit to see which way is up 00:35:03 - What steps should you take if you're in an avalanche? 00:37:45 - Describe what movement through the snow is best 00:39:38 - Is a certain type of activity more likely to trigger an avalanche than others? 00:43:30 - What are some standout moments from your childhood or career? 00:45:28 - Have you ever been in an avalanche? 00:48:55 - Are there any myths about avalanches that aren't accurate? 00:49:37 - How common are avalanches that haven't been forecasted? 00:50:45 - What area is notorious for frequent avalanches? 00:53:12 - Do the icier conditions in New England change the avalanche likelihood? 00:54:12 - Does the direction of the mountain face impact the avalanche likelihood? 00:56:07 - Can you talk at all about dangerous snow features like cornices and crevasses? 00:58:37 - What conditions made 2019 such a big avalanche year? 01:01:15 - What kind of manpower goes into cleaning up avalanche debris? 01:04:04 - Should we consider avalanches when skiing and snowboarding at big resorts? 01:05:29 - If someone is interested in getting into the avalanche field, what's a good path for them? 01:08:48 - Do you feel a profound sense of boredom in the summer? 01:10:29 - What is some avalanche lingo the commoner wouldn't understand? 01:12:02 - Is there any question we didn't ask that we should have? SEGMENTS Backcountry Meal Critics: Backpacker's Pantry Trek Propaganda The 2022 AT Thru-Hiker Survey: General Information by Kate Richard Mail Bag Triple Crown of predictions for 2023 5 Star Reviews [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Dayne, Greg McDaniel, Kristina Diaz, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Patrick Cianciolo, Paul Packman Sealy, Sawyer Products, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jeff LaFranier, Keith Dobie Jr, Liz Seger, and Peter.

On today's episode, we highlight educational opportunities for growers through UC Davis' Fruit and Nut Research and Information Center as well as its upcoming annual extension course.   Supporting the People who Support Agriculture Thank you to our sponsors who make it possible to get you your daily news. Please feel free to visit their websites. The California Walnut Board - https://walnuts.org/ PhycoTerra® - https://phycoterra.com/ Verdesian - https://vlsci.com/ BeeHero - https://www.beehero.io/

The C Report for Thursday, December 1, 2022 (7:30 PM) In a world overwrought with fake news and propaganda by a biased media monopolized by six media corporations, The C Report emerges as an America First news show sifting through the aggregate to bring people around America and the world a different view that is independent, fair and patriotic. Join Mr. C weekdays for The C Report on Rumble, Clouthub, Odysee, Trovo, Foxhole, Pilled, or Twitch. === === === === === === SIGN UP FOR THE E-MAIL LIST: https://www.TheCReport.com === === === === === === SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE PODCAST: https://www.anchor.fm/thecreport === === === === === === SUPPORT: https://cash.app/$MacX5x5 https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macx99336 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mrctv === === === === === === SHOP: https://shop-mr-ctv.creator-spring.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thecreport/message

Join Matt for a lively discussion with Kyle Ash, Policy Director for the Bank Information Center, which coordinates with the World Bank to bring about positive change for the environment.

Chris Sullivan's Chokepoint -- WSDOT winter staffing shortfall // Robert Traynham, Meta, on Facebook's 2022 Voting Information Center // Dose of Kindness -- a 2 y.o.'s wishes for others come true // Gee Scott on DK Metcalf's injury // David Fahrenthold on voter intimidation/ district demographics // Rachel Belle on eschewing makeup in a beauty pageant/ the magic of other people's cookingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Armenia, Shushan Doydoyan, president of the Freedom of Information Center, and Lilya Afrikyan, coordinator for the Prime Minister's Office of Open Government Partnership, join the Anti-Corruption & Governance Center podcast this week to discuss the challenges and successes Armenia is experiencing as it fights to enact beneficial ownership transparency (BOT) reforms. Just after its 2018 revolution, the country's new government collaborated with civil society to implement a plan to transform existing beneficial ownership records into a comprehensive, digital, and open resource. Listen now to find out how and why the country was among the first to launch this kind of sweeping BOT initiative. This episode is hosted by CIPE's Luiza Ayvazyan, Program Officer for Armenia on the South Caucasus team.

For more than 50 years, NASA has been providing data on Earth's land, water, ice, and atmosphere. Now a new era of Earth science has begun.

Jon and Karen discuss the power of consistency and how it impacts your brand. Karen Larson is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, and collaborator. She has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson: Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

Jon and Karen discuss the power of podcasting in branding. Karen Larson is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, and collaborator. She has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson: Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

What beliefs do you hold about people with disabilities? Do you want to see positive change in education, the workplace, and the world for people with different abilities? Jeff Mattson hosts part 2 of a conversation with Scott Hatley. A native and resident of Portland, Oregon, Scott was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He is Co-Founder and Executive Director of INCIGHT. In this episode, you'll hear how Scott's story influenced his call as he wanted more than what he saw others with disabilities experiencing. God seems to use what we see as limitations, disabilities, or struggles as the very vehicle to His call for our lives…if we are open to the adventure. Scott's commitment to positive change is evident in his collaborative creation of INCIGHT's mission. Scott serves on the Board of Directors for Exceed Enterprises and serves on the Partnership Council for All Hands Raised. He is recognized by several organizations for his service to the Disability Community, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Personal Achievement Award and 2004 national finalist), Exceptional Parent Magazine (2006 Distinguished Service Award), Oregon Parent Training and Information Center (2007 Youth Achievement Award) and Exceed Enterprises (2013 Londahl-Risley Award).   To connect with Scott Hatley, visit:   ONLINE - https://www.incight.org https://www.theunderstandingmagazine.com SOCIAL - LinkedIn - Scott Hatley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-hatley-bb79974)     Our 2023-2024 Wholehearted Leadership Cohort application is open through September 15, 2022! If you are interested in taking a 2 year journey with other leaders from around the nation, check out the details on our website. You will get 15 one-to-one coaching sessions with one of our trauma-informed executive coaches, monthly group cohort meetings on a platform designed to create dialogue and community, and 4 in-person retreats in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon. Learn more at www.livingwholehearted.com.   To connect with Jeff & Terra Mattson and Living Wholehearted, go to: Instagram @TerraMattson @Living_Wholehearted @MyCourageousGirls Facebook @MyCourageousGirls @WeAreLivingWholehearted Websites LivingWholehearted.com MyCourageousGirls.com   Resources Shrinking the Integrity Gap https://davidccook.org/shrinking-integrity-gap-book/ Shrinking the Integrity Gap e-Course https://www.livingwholeheartedstore.com/e-courses Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace https://mycourageousgirls.com/shop/p/book-courageous-being-daughters-rooted-in-grace Dear Mattsons https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdPzQ_cUwCbRc-MQ40KL3a6ze06CiY38l Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters http://cpguides.org/

Jon and Karen discuss representing your brand in a positive way on social media. Karen Larson is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, and collaborator. She has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson: Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

On this episode, Jon and Karen talk about how to determine if you need a brand refresh. Karen Larson is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, and collaborator. She has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson: Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

What beliefs do you hold about people with disabilities? Do you want to see positive change in education, the workplace, and the world for people with different abilities? Jeff Mattson hosts part 1 of a 2 part conversation with Scott Hatley. A native and resident of Portland, Oregon, Scott was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He is Co-Founder and Executive Director of INCIGHT. In this episode, you'll hear how Scott's story influenced his call as he wanted more than what he saw others with disabilities experiencing. God seems to use what we see as limitations, disabilities, or struggles as the very vehicle to His call for our lives…if we are open to the adventure. Scott's commitment to positive change is evident in his collaborative creation of INCIGHT's mission. Scott serves on the Board of Directors for Exceed Enterprises and serves on the Partnership Council for All Hands Raised. He is recognized by several organizations for his service to the Disability Community, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Personal Achievement Award and 2004 national finalist), Exceptional Parent Magazine (2006 Distinguished Service Award), Oregon Parent Training and Information Center (2007 Youth Achievement Award) and Exceed Enterprises (2013 Londahl-Risley Award).   To connect with Scott Hatley, visit:   ONLINE - https://www.incight.org https://www.theunderstandingmagazine.com SOCIAL - LinkedIn - Scott Hatley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-hatley-bb79974)     Our 2023-2024 Wholehearted Leadership Cohort application is open through September 15, 2022! If you are interested in taking a 2 year journey with other leaders from around the nation, check out the details on our website. You will get 15 one-to-one coaching sessions with one of our trauma-informed executive coaches, monthly group cohort meetings on a platform designed to create dialogue and community, and 4 in-person retreats in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon. Learn more at www.livingwholehearted.com. To connect with Jeff & Terra Mattson and Living Wholehearted, go to: Instagram @TerraMattson @Living_Wholehearted @MyCourageousGirls Facebook @MyCourageousGirls @WeAreLivingWholehearted Websites LivingWholehearted.com MyCourageousGirls.com   Resources Shrinking the Integrity Gap https://davidccook.org/shrinking-integrity-gap-book/ Shrinking the Integrity Gap e-Course https://www.livingwholeheartedstore.com/e-courses Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace https://mycourageousgirls.com/shop/p/book-courageous-being-daughters-rooted-in-grace Dear Mattsons https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdPzQ_cUwCbRc-MQ40KL3a6ze06CiY38l Helping Moms Raise Confident Daughters http://cpguides.org/

On this episode, Jon and Karen discuss how people should be thinking about branding today. Karen Larson is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, and collaborator. She has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson: Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

La-Tanga Hopes joins Kevin and Chris to talk about how you can help those effected by flooding and how to reach out for help if you have been effected.

Cut Red Tape for Permitting and Zoning. The host for this show is Joe Kent. The guest is Zendo Kern. Hawaii County has the most housing regulations of any county in the nation, and a frustratingly huge backlog of building permits to prove it. Host Keli‘i Akina talks with Zendo Kern, the county's planning director, about the problems the county has been having with its computerized Electronic Processing and Information Center — known as the EPIC system — which was supposed to help clear the backlog. In addition, Akina and Kern talk about ways to streamline the county's zoning and approval processes so homebuilders can get on with the business of providing much-needed housing for Hawaii island residents. The ThinkTech YouTube Playlist for this show is https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQpkwcNJny6nA87XBgqRzAmCFmG39Wg_X Please visit our ThinkTech website at https://thinktechhawaii.com and see our Think Tech Advisories at https://thinktechadvisories.blogspot.com.

It should come as no surprise that the last few years has contributed to a mental health crisis across the globe. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization (WHO). In this podcast we're joined by Joelle Monaco, the Director of Outreach & Business Engagement at the Mental Health Association of New York State. Joelle is who we have turned to over the last year to help us support training front line workforce staff in trauma informed practice; Mental Health First Aid Certification; and also practices for supporting overall well-being. Below are the resources Joelle shared during our discussion: Mental Health & Information Center - https://mhanys.org/explore/links-resources/ MHANYS Trainings - https://mhanys.org/products/ Working on Wellness with MHANYS - https://mhanys.org/working-on-wellness-with-mhanys/

To work or not to work...that is the question Many adults with mitochondrial disease face a difficult decision about how to financially support themselves while balancing the energy demands and potential health toll of having a job. Working also gives many people more than just a paycheck; it can be a way to find gratification, and may be an important part of a person's identity. When faced with the challenging symptoms of mitochondrial disease, many things, including if and how to keep a job, come into question. Join us this month with guest speaker Lee Rachel Jurman. All are welcome! About the Speaker Lee Rachel Jurman is a private disability advocate and case manager with Personal Disability Consulting, Inc. She helps adults living with disabilities and their families navigate the maze of public and private systems, and make informed decisions about living and working with disabilities. Lee has more than 30 years of experience working with people with a range of disabilities. She was executive director of the Information Center for Individuals with Disabilities, a statewide non-profit Massachusetts agency for 6 years. She subsequently led a national corporate disability consultation and referral program at Work/Family Directions for over 9 years. Ms. Jurman has worked in a number of publicly funded community programs, and understands the services and systems available to people with disabilities. She has been in private practice since 2002, bringing compassion, experience, and a determined approach to identifying and securing the resources her clients need. Lee is a summa cum laude graduate of Ohio University, with a Bachelor Degree in Music Therapy. She has a Master in Management of Human Services from the Florence Heller School at Brandeis University. Lee is married, with two daughters adopted from China.

Dr. Khatuna Mshvidobadze is a Professorial Lecturer of Cybersecurity at the George Washington University and Adjunct Professor of Cyber Security at Champlain College. She is also a Senior Fellow at the Rondeli Foundation in Tbilisi, Georgia. Earlier, she developed and taught cyber security courses for M.S. and M.P.S. programs at Utica College. She has been Deputy Director of the Information Center on NATO in Georgia and Adviser to the Office of the Minister of Defense of Georgia. Her articles have appeared in Georgian and in English, including in Defense News, Jane's Defense Weekly, US News & World Report, Jane's Foreign Report, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and more.  She has presented topics on cyber threats at different venues inside and outside of the country: The Office of the Secretary of Defense, US Department of Defense, FBI Headquarters and field offices, Department of Justice, Defense Intelligence Agency, U.S. Healthcare Sector Coordinating Council, Mitre Corporation, Raytheon BBN Technologies, NATO and EU events. She has also been a speaker at TEDx, DefCon and RSA conferences and more. In this podcast, Dr. Khatuna Mshvidobadze traces the history of Russian information warfare doctrine, and its subset of cyber warfare, operating under an umbrella of “an integrated system of systems”. Through examples such as the Russia-Georgia conflict of 2008 and Ukraine critical infrastructure disruptions of 2015/2016 – she elaborates how the doctrine evolved, from its foundation days in the 1970s, rooted in the military writings of Nikolai Ogarkov, then Chief of the Soviet General Staff, to today. Laying out how the cyber troops units are structured under Russia's military and intelligence organizations, the GRU (Military Intelligence Directorate), Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), and Federal Security Service (FSB), she points out how they carried out the cyber intrusions, using such tactics as phishing and remote desktop protocols exploitations. Besides state sponsored cyber-attacks, she also notes the wave of ransomware attacks launched by Russian criminal groups such as REvil and Ryuk during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Mshvidobadze highlighted how outsourcing is a key element in carrying out the attacks, where criminal groups work with Russian threat actor groups, and sometimes across national borders. One example is the information warfare campaigns prevalent during the current Russia-Ukraine conflict carried out by “GhostWriter”, which has alleged ties to Belarus, a Russian ally. Referencing the recent supply chain attacks such as the SolarWinds and Kaseya incidents by Russian groups, she advises cyber defenders to step up defensive measures on critical infrastructure, re-assess supply chains, and build threat intelligence into cybersecurity frameworks. Recorded with Jane Lo, Singapore Correspondent, Wednesday 27th April 2022 1pm (Italy)/ 7pm (Singapore)

April 18, 2022 — Three environmental organizations are suing CalFire over the approval of a timber harvest plan by Mendocino Redwood Company which they say violates Measure V; would degrade the watershed of Russell Brook, which is a tributary of Big River; and would damage spotted owl habitat. The Center for Biological Diversity, the Environmental Protection and Information Center, or EPIC, and the Coast Action Group, filed in the Mendocino County Superior Court earlier this month, asking a judge to set aside the approval of the plan. It's the first legal challenge invoking Measure V, the 2016 citizens' initiative which declared that intentionally leaving dead standing trees is a public nuisance. Mendocino Redwood Company, which uses the herbicide Imazapyr in a practice called hack and squirt, or frilling, to kill tanoaks, maintains that the practice is a legal agricultural method under the Right to Farm Act and other local codes. Tom Wheeler, the executive director of EPIC, wants Measure V enforced. “I've been disappointed that Mendocino County has not, on their own initiative, gone and tried to enforce Measure V,” he said. “Because I believe the large industrial timber companies have used their legal muscle to bully the county into not taking legal action against them. And so I hope we can add some legal clarity about how Measure V is applied, and that through our lawsuit we can give the county greater confidence in their ability to litigate this.” In the summer of 2019, Xavier Becerra, who was the State Attorney General at the time, declined Mendocino County's request for an opinion on the legality of Measure V, due to an unspecified conflict of interest. CalFire also uses hack and squirt in study areas within the Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Wheeler elaborated on the role of Measure V in the lawsuit over the harvest plan, which covers 993 acres. “So we are not enforcing Measure V, because we cannot, per the terms of Measure V. The county is responsible for enforcing the nuisance measure there,” he specified. “But we are saying that CalFire, in approving a timber harvest plan that includes hack and squirt, that that is a violation of the Forest Practice Rules.” But Justin Augustine, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, said the lawsuit is about more than a citizens' initiative that's never been enforced. “Separate from the Measure V issue, we are also pointing out in our complaint and in this litigation overall that this hack and squirt and killing of tanoaks, it's not just a Measure V problem. It's an ecosystem problem, because these tanoaks are a major aspect of the integrity of our redwood forests.” While tanoaks are thought to compete with trees that produce high-value lumber, Augustine argues that they also produce up to 200 pounds of acorns a year, which is a vital food source for wildlife. Regarding the Russell Brook lawsuit, a CalFire spokesperson said in an email that, “CAL FIRE cannot comment on a project that is currently under litigation. The Timber Harvesting Plan was reviewed by an interdisciplinary team pursuant to the Forest Practice Act and Rules, was found to be in conformance with those rules and was determined to have mitigation measures in the plan to ensure there would not be any significant impacts to the environment.” Measure V was championed by Ted Williams, before he became the fifth district supervisor, while he was chief of the Albion Little River volunteer fire department. It was opposed by Jim Little, the Laytonville fire chief, Bruce Strickler, a retired CalFire Deputy Chief, and Marc Jameson, the retired deputy chief and demonstration forest manager. Mendocino Redwood Company claimed that there have been instances where firefighters successfully controlled fires in areas where tanoaks had been treated with herbicide, including the 2008 Mendocino Lightning Complex fires. But Augustine doesn't think the current THP includes enough protection for large old trees that were spared from an earlier plan in 2004. “They're projecting this idea that, don't worry, we'll protect these trees, but they have not disclosed what in fact they are going to do with each individual large old tree. For example, they state in their timber harvest plan, which was approved, that their biologists will determine which ones stay and which ones will go, and to us, that's really the fox guarding the henhouse,” he said. “And not what CEQA, the California Environmental Quality Act, is all about.” Wheeler added that the results of surveys for botanical species and northern spotted owls were not made public before the plan was approved. “The public has been denied that opportunity to understand what is at stake,” he complained. Both organizations have challenged timber harvest plans in the past. “We've won some and we've lost some,” said Augustine, of the track record for the Center for Biological Diversity. “And hopefully, this one will add to the win bag.”

Dara Goldberg, USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center Following a significant earthquake, the USGS National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) publishes a spatiotemporal estimate of the earthquake’s slip pattern, known as a kinematic finite fault model. These models are critical to informing downstream response products such as ShakeMap ground motion estimates and PAGER loss estimates. Because large earthquakes can involve slip over tens to hundreds of kilometers along a fault, it is vital to rapidly assess the amount and location of slip along the fault. Since its introduction to NEIC’s rapid response capabilities in late 2007, the finite fault product has been computed in the first several hours after a significant earthquake using only teleseismic data, for which it is generally possible to obtain a reliable model for earthquakes of magnitude 7 and larger. In this talk, I will highlight some recent and anticipated updates to the NEIC’s rapid finite fault modeling capabilities to include regional-distance seismic and geodetic observations. These new features allow rapid modeling of earthquakes as small as magnitude 6, and reduce the overall time required to produce a reliable model of slip.

Description: The Staff of STOMP-Specialized Training of Military Parents will discuss the important role that parents have in advocating for the emotional, medical, and educational needs of their loved ones with exceptional needs. Show Notes: https://wapave.org/specialized-training-of-military-parents-stomp/specialized-training-of-military-parents-stomp-installation-near-you/ https://wapave.org/links-for-military-families/   The podcast was made possible thanks to the generosity of the North Country Spouses Club and the Spouses' Club of Fort Eustis.  https://www.northcountryspousesclub.com/ https://scfeva.com/   Bios: Guest Host: Marie McGarry Marie, a native of Massachusetts, has lived in in 5 different States and two foreign countries during her 20 years as a military spouse. She currently calls Springfield, VA home. Marie has a son and a daughter, both in High School. Marie has a master's degree in Literacy Curriculum and Instruction and was an Elementary School teacher for 11 years. Marie has been an Educator with the MCEC® since 2017.  In her free time Marie enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling. Dee Bosworth: Over twelve years of marriage to her Active-Duty sailor, Dee has been a Navy Command Ombudsman for six years (cumulatively) while raising their child with exceptional needs. She is a mom, teacher, therapy facilitator, and active volunteer with state and national programs for persons with disabilities. As a Political Science major and a graduate from her state's Partners in Policymaking Program, Dee is passionate about advocacy and empowering military parents to advocate for a better world for our loved ones with exceptional needs Keishawna Smith Keishawna A. Smith is the wife of retired disabled combat veteran and mother of two children with special healthcare needs. Keishawna began working in the disability community when her first child was born at Ft. Hood, Texas. Later, she became involved with the Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center (MS PTI) as the Executive Assistant to the Director. She added on the responsibility and position of Parent Educator/Advocate, where she educated parents about their rights and responsibilities under IDEA/ADA. She has also been the Parent Coordinator for the Mississippi Family 2 Family Health and Information Center, helping families navigate health care systems and advocating for children with special health care needs across the state. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation and was a consultant with Community Links coordinating for The Respite Connect (TRC) Program. A major charge for Keishawna is to help parents/caregivers become better advocates for their children and their communities by assisting them in navigating health care and educational systems, accessing resources, and discovering the power of their voice. She wants to make sure that parents/caregivers are involved and have a seat at the table regarding their child(ren)'s health, education, and overall well-being.  

Jon talks with Karen Larson and Jamie Saunders, Co-Foundres of Clear Brand Strategies, a firm specializing in branding and marketing for wealth advisors, about the power of building your brand on today's market. Karen Larson Designer – Creative PartnerKaren Larson is a brand strategist, hands-on graphic designer, collaborator, and co-founder of LMstudio, a branding|design|art firm. Karen has built her career partnering and serving corporate and entrepreneurial businesses internationally. For the past ten years, Larson has partnered with Wealth Management and Financial Planning firms as a champion for their brands and support for all creative needs. She has built up a wealth of industry knowledge and an appreciation for the importance of long-term client relationships and communication. In her spare time, Karen serves on the board and volunteers her time as a designer for Heart 2 Hart Detroit, a homegrown non-profit serving the homeless and needy in Detroit. Larson also donates her time to help the amazing people at The Information Center, a 45-year-old non-profit organization serving Southeast Michigan. She lives just outside of Detroit, MI, with her husband, artist Robert Mirek, and her two fur babies Loki and Otis. Jamie Saunders Writer – Creative Partner Jamie Saunders is a storyteller, content creator, collaborator, and the founder of her own communications business, Saunders Says. Jamie has a passion for strategic marketing communications and, with her extensive knowledge of communications platforms, has spent years perfecting the craft of creating compelling content for all different types of industries and businesses. For her early adoption of social media as part of modern marketing strategies, Saunders has been featured in multiple publications such as Mashable for her work on evangelizing social media strategies as an integrated communications tool and Social Media Marketing All-in-One for Dummies (2nd Edition) as a successful case study on her work with Neenah, “Determining Return on Investment” in Social Media. Jamie also volunteers for the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter, and serves as the Alzheimer's Impact Movement Ambassador and the main point of in-district contact for Representative Lucy McBath. Saunders holds a Communications degree from the University of Georgia. She lives in Alpharetta, GA, with her husband Ken, her son Riley, and their dog, Lucy. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big!   Connect with Karen Larson and Jamie Saunders Website: https://www.clearbrandstrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71831686 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clear-Brand-Strategy-101977841687223

So many of the problems we face today, from Critical Race Theory education to gender fluidity to our problems at the border- these and so many others are impacted by elections.--It's important that we have free and fair elections and to restore the integrity that was once part of the system. If we don't do this, where are we headed regarding future elections---Joining Jim to discuss a specific future election threat headed our way was Tom DeWeese. Tom is president of American Policy Center. He's one of the nation's leading advocates of individual liberty, free enterprise, private property rights, personal privacy, back-to-basics education, American sovereignty and independence and protecting our Constitutionally-guaranteed rights. He is author of Sustainable- The War on Free Enterprise, Private Property and Individuals and Erase, a political novel.--According to Tom, at one time, the Secretary of State in each state was responsible for looking at the voter rolls and making sure they're clean and everything is honest so that we have free and fair elections. Suddenly that's become a racist idea and if we talk about election fraud, that's considered a lie from Donald Trump.--So what's the solution- One attempt to maintain state voter rolls is the Electronic Registration Information Center or ERIC. It's a voluntary membership organization that was originally set up to be a blue state project, but in recent years some red states, including Texas and Florida, have joined.--What's been ERIC's track record thus far and what might this organization mean for future elections- Find out when you review this important edition of Crosstalk.

So many of the problems we face today, from Critical Race Theory education to gender fluidity to our problems at the border- these and so many others are impacted by elections.--It's important that we have free and fair elections and to restore the integrity that was once part of the system. If we don't do this, where are we headed regarding future elections---Joining Jim to discuss a specific future election threat headed our way was Tom DeWeese. Tom is president of American Policy Center. He's one of the nation's leading advocates of individual liberty, free enterprise, private property rights, personal privacy, back-to-basics education, American sovereignty and independence and protecting our Constitutionally-guaranteed rights. He is author of Sustainable- The War on Free Enterprise, Private Property and Individuals and Erase, a political novel.--According to Tom, at one time, the Secretary of State in each state was responsible for looking at the voter rolls and making sure they're clean and everything is honest so that we have free and fair elections. Suddenly that's become a racist idea and if we talk about election fraud, that's considered a lie from Donald Trump.--So what's the solution- One attempt to maintain state voter rolls is the Electronic Registration Information Center or ERIC. It's a voluntary membership organization that was originally set up to be a blue state project, but in recent years some red states, including Texas and Florida, have joined.--What's been ERIC's track record thus far and what might this organization mean for future elections- Find out when you review this important edition of Crosstalk.

The Information Center at GSP is a resource for passengers, no matter where they're headed. Staff members and travel experts Shannon and Kim share a little about how to make the most of your trip with GSP. Learn about all the ways the Information Center can be of assistance at www.gspairport.com/information-center

Dr. Elizabeth Rochin and Bonnie discuss how we can leverage the power of data to reduce health disparities in maternal care and improve both maternal and newborn outcomes. Important Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-rochin-phd-rn-ne-bc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices