Podcasts about texas academy

Presented by Adrian N. Billings, MD, PhD; Texas Tech UniversitySTFM Conference on Medical Student Education 2025 Scott Fields Lecture | Sunday, February 2 2025In the evolving landscape of American health care, the call to practice and serve in rural communities offers a profound and transformative opportunity for clinicians. This presentation delves into the powerful concept of accompaniment—an approach where physicians not only deliver care but also actively engage with and support their patients and communities. For medical students aspiring to a career marked by meaningful impact, the rural setting offers a unique and inspiring canvas. Rural areas often face significant health care disparities, including limited access to medical resources and specialized care. This context demands a new kind of medical professional — one who is not only skilled in clinical practice but also deeply committed to community engagement and advocacy. The role of accompaniment involves more than just treating illness; it requires a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing empathy, education, and empowerment.Through accompaniment, physicians forge strong relationships with patients, understanding their unique challenges and needs. This model of care fosters trust and collaboration, leading to more effective and personalized treatment strategies. Additionally, it empowers healthcare professionals to become advocates for systemic changes that address the root causes of health inequities. Embracing a career in rural medicine through the lens of accompaniment offers a pathway to profound professional fulfillment and societal impact. Accompaniment aligns medical practice with the broader goals of social justice and health equity. For aspiring physicians, this approach not only enhances our clinical skills but also instills a deep sense of purpose and connection to the communities we serve. A call to service through accompaniment emerges as a beacon of hope and inspiration, guiding future medical leaders toward a more compassionate and equitable future.Learning ObjectivesUpon completion of this session, participants should be able to:Describe causes and consequences of rural health disparities.Justify the practice of medicine outside the walls of a health care facility to combat social determinants of health.Value the concept of accompaniment as it relates to a career of service in medicine.Copyright © Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, 2025Adrian N. Billings, MD: Dr Adrian Billings, of Alpine, Texas, is a National Health Service Corps Scholar alumnus, the chief medical officer of Preventative Care Health Services FQHC in the rural Big Bend of Texas, professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, associate academic dean of Rural and Community Engagement, and senior fellow of the F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural and Community Health at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Additionally, he serves as senior fellow of Health Equity with the Atlantic Institute. Dr Billings has been a career-long community physician along the rural Texas-Mexico border of west Texas. He is an elected school board trustee for rural Alpine Independent School District, serves as an officer in the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, and works on the Board of the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved. Dr Billings is passionate about rural health care workforce development and enabling rural borne and educated students opportunities to enroll in health care training programs.Link: https://www.stfm.org/stfmpodcastMSE25Closing

Listen in with Dr. Justin Moody and Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas discussing her path in dentistry. Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She attended  dental school at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. She graduated in 2018 and completed an AEGD residency in 2019. During dental school, she became involved in organized dentistry and served in various leadership roles including President of the American Student Dental Association. After graduating, she returned to El Paso and practices outside of the city at La Clinica de Familia (FQHC) where she serves as a Dental Director for the site. She also serves as a part-time faculty member at the Woody L Hunt School of Dental Medicine. She was recenty named the Texas New Dentist of the Year. She has continued her involvement in organized dentistry by serving in numerous roles with organizations including the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Hispanic Dental Associaton, Texas Dental Association, Texas Academy of General Dentistry, and the El Paso District Dental Society. She is an Alumnus of the American Dental Association Institution for Diversity in Leadership and was recognized as one of the American Dental Association 10 under 10 recipients & one of Incisal Edge 40 under 40 dentists. She is passionate in providing care to underserved communities and seeks to help close the gap in barriers to care. She strives to promote diversity within dentistry and seek to ensure inclusion at all levels of the profession.    Love what you hear? Join Tanya Sue Maestas on her podcasts Dental Fuel and New Dentists on the Block.

We were very lucky to get Dr. Tanya on the show and connect about all things public health, organized dentistry and leadership and the current landscape of dentistry for newer grads.  What a super cool interview with an incredible cool person!Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She attended dental school at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. She graduated in 2018 and completed an AEGD residency in 2019. During dental school, she became involved in organized dentistry and served in various leadership roles including President of the American Student Dental Association. After graduating, she returned to El Paso and practices outside of the city at La Clinica de Familia (FQHC) where she serves as a Dental Director for the site. She also serves as a part-time faculty member at the Woody L Hunt School of Dental Medicine. She was recently named the Texas New Dentist of the Year. She has continued her involvement in organized dentistry by serving in numerous roles with organizations including the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Hispanic Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Texas Academy of General Dentistry, and the El Paso District Dental Society. She is an alumnus of the American Dental Association Institute for Diversity in Leadership and was recognized as one of the American Dental Association 10 under 10 recipients & one of Incisal Edge 40 under 40 dentists. She is passionate in providing care to underserved communities and seeks to help close the gap in barriers to care. She strives to promote diversity within dentistry and seek to ensure inclusion at all levels of the profession.

This week on the LU Moment, we sit down with Dr. Ellie Maples, assistant director of admissions at LU, and Emily Oldbury, a second-year Texas Academy student, as they share with our listeners about the annual "Home for the Holidays" program.  Listen in to hear more.For updates on the latest news and events at Lamar University, visit lamar.edu/news.

This week on the LU Moment, Matthew Chin and Kenidy Bennett sit down with us to discuss the Texas Academy at LU. Matthew is the Student Body President for the Texas Academy, and Kenidy is the Journalism Club President. Listen in to hear more about this amazing program. For updates on the latest news and events at Lamar University, visit lamar.edu/news.

Dr. Young's novel, “2060” tells the story of Willis Smith, a data analyst employed by IntegraHealth Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Smith is assigned to identify a surviving meta-quad, a patient that has survived four naturally occurring cancers.  In his search Willis meets the owners of Mekong Gardens Senior Care Center who offer a distinctly different healthcare formula.   The story arc peaks when the owners of Mekong Gardens' care model is exposed and its owners are required to explain their alternative care model, or why they had been defrauding the Medicare program.  The novel is accompanied by a 36-page afterward that provides invaluable context for the novel.  Dr. Richard Young, a native Texan, is the Associate Program Director and Research Director at the John Peter Smith Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program in Fort Worth. He has also worked in emergency departments for much of his career. Dr. Young has served on various committees and commissions for the Texas Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians. He has had the privilege of training over 700 family physicians and teaching countless medical students. His publications have moreover concerned the nature of family medicine and the cost and processes of the U.S. healthcare system. In 2012 he published American HealthScare to help educate Americans about the difficult truths we face to better manage healthcare cost growth. This work resulted in his creating a related the blog www.healthscareonline.com.  Dr. Young earned his undergrad degree in chemical engineering at UT, Austin, he graduated from medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and completed his family medicine residency at John Peter Smith Hospital.   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehealthcarepolicypodcast.com

There are good reasons why Freddie Steady Krc has a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Academy of Music, a Texas Tornado Award from Buddy Magazine, and is in the Texas Music Hall of Fame. His rich musical history all comes together in Freddie Steady's Wild Country project, a setting in which the music of his many incarnations all comes together. Krc (rhymes with search) landed in Austin at the moment that a musical revolution was getting started at a styles-don't-matter joint called the Armadillo. By the time he hit town, he was also passionate about the Tex-Mex mix of the Sir Douglas Quintet (his first concert), the psychedelic sounds of rock innovators the 13th Floor Elevators, and the soulful folk of singer/songwriters like B. W. Stevenson and Jerry Jeff Walker. Session drumming includes studio work with everyone from Sir Douglas Quintet's Augie Meyers to Carole King, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters to The Faces' Ronnie Lane. Freddie's greatest stage memories include performing for Presidents Clinton and Ford, drumming gigs with Big Brother and the Holding Company, and with legendary San Francisco's Charlatans at Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His dozens of credits as a record producer include Peter Lewis of Moby Grape, Sal Valentino of The Beau Brummels, and Al Staehely of Spirit. https://www.freddiesteadykrc.com The Arwen Lewis Show Host | Arwen Lewis Executive Producer | Jeremiah D. Higgins Producer - Sound Engineer - Richard “Dr. D” Dugan https://arwenlewismusic.com/ www.thejeremiahshow.com @jeremiahdhiggins https://linktr.ee/jeremiahdhiggins

For updates on the latest news and events at Lamar University, visit lamar.edu/news.

Diet and nutrition are top priorities in helping your baby grow and thrive in the NICU. Registered dietitian Keli Hawthorne shares how you can play a pivotal role in your baby's daily nutrition.   In this episode, we chat about: Why did you choose to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics, specifically neonatal/pediatric? What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian? Where can parents go for assistance and help? What are some questions a parent should ask their child's nutritionist/dietitian? What are the pros/cons of milk fortification in micropreemies or babies smaller than 1600kg? You led the effort in getting FDA approval for intravenous omega-3 fatty acid lipid emulsions, but what does that mean for the average NICU baby? Keli Hawthorne, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian and the Director for Clinical Research for the Department of Pediatrics at the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to UT, Keli worked as a NICU dietitian and researcher for over 15 years. Her research background focuses on neonatal and pediatric nutrition including mineral absorption, intestinal failure, and human milk fortification for premature infants. Keli was a leader in the national efforts to obtain FDA approval for intravenous omega-3 fatty acid lipid emulsions for infants and children in the US with severe liver damage. She was honored with the Texas Distinguished Scientist Award from the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is a past recipient of the Emerging Dietetic Leader award and Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year. When Keli is not in Austin, she can be found at her nearby cattle ranch.   Connect with Keli: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   The NICU is hard. We're here to help.   Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby's NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English and Spanish.   Connect with Hand to Hold: Learn more or get support at handtohold.org   Follow Hand to Hold on social media: Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  YouTube   The following music was used for this media project: Music: Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Dr. David Bonner has a years of clinical experience and business success that now he has a chance to share with fellow dentist. I love the energy and true passion Dr. Bonner has to dentistry. We kick off the conversation discussing sensitivity, amalgams, public speaking, defining success, doctor's attitude, coaching, work life balance, and how to love the dental industry! Dr. David Bonner Bio:Leader in Advanced General Dentistry Dr. David M. Bonner was recognized as “Citizen of the Year” in 2013 by the Dumas & Moore County Chamber of Commerce. In 1992, nomineed Texas Dentist of the Year.The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio has honored him as an Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor.He lectures throughout the country to dental schools and Professional Dental Associations on dental technology, dental materials, and dental practices.Dr. B's enthusiasm for dentistry is contagious. His son, Dr. Reagan A. Bonner, graduated from The UT Dental School in San Antonio. His younger son, Dr. Justin D. Bonner, graduated from the UT Dental School in San Antonio and works as an Oral Surgeon in Temple, TX at the Baylor Scott & White Hospital. His daughters-in-law, Rachel and Lydia, are both Registered Dental Hygienists.Dr. Bonner says, “I love the Texas Panhandle and its people. I was raised here and wanted to raise my family here among some of the best people on earth.”“Dr. B” earned a B.S. in chemistry and biology at Stephen F. Austin State University in 1976, where he also taught chemistry and worked in chemical research.In 1980, he graduated with his doctorate from The University of Texas Dental School in San Antonio. While there he worked as a research scientist in biomedical materials.In 2009, he earned his M.B.A. from Texas Tech University with a certified emphasis in Health Care Management.After dental school graduation, Dr. Bonner returned to his hometown of Dumas where he has been in the practice of Orthodontics & General Dentistry since June of 1980.Dr. Bonner is active in organized Dentistry. He served as President for the Panhandle District Dental Society in 2010-2011, a component of the American Dental Association. He has served as President of the Panhandle Academy of General Dentistry, and Vice-President of the Texas Academy of General Dentistry. He is a member of professional organizations including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Orthodontic Society, International Association for Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Dental Association, Panhandle District Dental Society, Alumni Association of the Student Clinicians of the American Dental Association, and Memorial Hospital Staff.Active in the community, he taught 7 courses of Human Anatomy & Physiology at Amarillo College. He served as the “Head Wrangler” for Dogie Days 2008 and serves the Dumas Noon Lions Club as the Immediate Past District Governor for the Lions District. Dr. Bonner is also currently serving as City Commissioner & Mayor Pro Team for the City of Dumas.He has coached many of our youth in football, basketball, wrestling, soccer, and baseball. He and his wife Gayla, of 41 years, have four married children and nine grandchildren.

27 year law veteran, John “Bo” Nichols of the Bo Nichols Family Law Firm, voted “One of the Best Lawyers in America”, steps up to the mic & shares some of his weirdest (and just outright  disturbing AF) experiences. Let's just say, we now have a safe word.

Moe Schlachter is a registered nutritionist and dietician who obtained his Masters of Nutrition degree at Texas Woman's University. He is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES formerly known as CDE). Moe has been recognized by the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as Young Dietician of the Year in 2015 and with the Dietician in Media Award in 2020. Today, he joins the show to discuss the connection between sleep and nutrition and recommendations for balancing the two in order to achieve sound mental health.Key Takeaways01:25 – Moe Schlachter joins the show to discuss the relationship between nutrition and sleep03:20 – Sleep disturbance, melatonin, and tryptophan08:11 – Why it's difficult to pinpoint or zero in on one food or nutrient to improve sleep09:31 – Sleep and nutrition in adolescence10:51 – Separating food from sleep and a healthy cutoff time for caffeine13:30 – Foods to avoid and foods that help with inflammation issues14:44 – How to recognize disordered eating16:22 – Advice for new parents looking to improve their sleep17:35 – Sleep debt and catching up on sleep18:39 – Recommendations for balancing sleep, nutrition and mental health21:19 – Dr. Flowers thanks Moe for joining today's show to share his expertise and let's listeners know where they can connect with himTweetable Quotes“About seventy million people in this country have some kind of sleep deficiency. And the cost is really really big. It can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, stroke. It affects mood, productivity, and safety. So, sleep is super important.” (02:57) (Moe Schlachter)“Valerian is another nutrient that is an extract from a root that can help us fall asleep and increase our sleep quality. Ashwagandha is a supplement that can help us improve sleep as well. Foods like cherries and kiwis have different chemicals that help us boost production of melatonin and can help us fall asleep too.” (07:29) (Moe Schlachter)“When it comes to nutrition science, it's sometimes difficult to isolate specific nutrients or foods just because we, as a being, rely on so many different nutrients to support life function. So, if we're trying to zero in on sleep and isolate those nutrients, we can't really control other nutrients we need for other life functions. So, it can be tricky to try to zero in on one food because there isn't really the science of just focusing on one thing.” (08:21) (Moe Schlachter)“I would say you should cut off caffeine by about 1pm or so if you're finding that caffeine is keeping you up. But, if you're ok with it and it isn't interrupting your sleep then caffeine shouldn't be a detractor for you.” (13:15) (Moe Schlachter)“When there's disordered eating, there's also disordered sleep. It's a cycle. Starvation makes it harder to sleep. There's more anxiety. There's less restfulness. There's less relaxation. And that promotes even more anxiety which makes it harder and harder to eat. It's a cycle that devolves.” (15:21) (Moe Schlachter)“You cannot correct for a long pattern of chronic sleep deficiency, whether it's caused by a condition or caused by not setting the right regiment or rules for yourself. It's something that, over time, the effects can accumulate.” (18:05) (Moe Schlachter)Resources MentionedJFlowers Health Institute – https://jflowershealth.com/JFlowers Health Institute Contact – (713) 783-6655Subscribe on your favorite player: https://understanding-the-human-condition.captivate.fm/listen Moe's LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/moe-schlachter/Moe's Email – info@houstonfamilynutrition.comHouston Family Nutrition – https://houstonfamilynutrition.com/**The views and opinions expressed by our guests are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of J. Flowers Health Institute. Any content provided by our co-host(s) or guests are of their opinion and are not intended to reflect the philosophy and policies of J. Flowers Health Institute itself. Nor is it intended to malign any recovery method, religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Moe Schlachter is a registered nutritionist and dietician who obtained his Masters of Nutrition degree at Texas Woman's University. He is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES formerly known as CDE). Moe has been recognized by the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as Young Dietician of the Year in 2015 and with the Dietician in Media Award in 2020. Today, he joins the show to discuss the connection between sleep and nutrition and recommendations for balancing the two in order to achieve sound mental health. Key Takeaways01:25 – Moe Schlachter joins the show to discuss the relationship between nutrition and sleep 03:20 – Sleep disturbance, melatonin, and tryptophan 08:11 – Why it's difficult to pinpoint or zero in on one food or nutrient to improve sleep 09:31 – Sleep and nutrition in adolescence 10:51 – Separating food from sleep and a healthy cutoff time for caffeine 13:30 – Foods to avoid and foods that help with inflammation issues 14:44 – How to recognize disordered eating 16:22 – Advice for new parents looking to improve their sleep 17:35 – Sleep debt and catching up on sleep 18:39 – Recommendations for balancing sleep, nutrition and mental health 21:19 – Dr. Flowers thanks Moe for joining today's show to share his expertise and let's listeners know where they can connect with him Tweetable Quotes“About seventy million people in this country have some kind of sleep deficiency. And the cost is really really big. It can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, stroke. It affects mood, productivity, and safety. So, sleep is super important.” (02:57) (Moe Schlachter) “Valerian is another nutrient that is an extract from a root that can help us fall asleep and increase our sleep quality. Ashwagandha is a supplement that can help us improve sleep as well. Foods like cherries and kiwis have different chemicals that help us boost production of melatonin and can help us fall asleep too.” (07:29) (Moe Schlachter) “When it comes to nutrition science, it's sometimes difficult to isolate specific nutrients or foods just because we, as a being, rely on so many different nutrients to support life function. So, if we're trying to zero in on sleep and isolate those nutrients, we can't really control other nutrients we need for other life functions. So, it can be tricky to try to zero in on one food because there isn't really the science of just focusing on one thing.” (08:21) (Moe Schlachter) “I would say you should cut off caffeine by about 1pm or so if you're finding that caffeine is keeping you up. But, if you're ok with it and it isn't interrupting your sleep then caffeine shouldn't be a detractor for you.” (13:15) (Moe Schlachter) “When there's disordered eating, there's also disordered sleep. It's a cycle. Starvation makes it harder to sleep. There's more anxiety. There's less restfulness. There's less relaxation. And that promotes even more anxiety which makes it harder and harder to eat. It's a cycle that devolves.” (15:21) (Moe Schlachter) “You cannot correct for a long pattern of chronic sleep deficiency, whether it's caused by a condition or caused by not setting the right regiment or rules for yourself. It's something that, over time, the effects can accumulate.” (18:05) (Moe Schlachter) Resources MentionedJFlowers Health Institute – https://jflowershealth.com/ (https://jflowershealth.com/) JFlowers Health Institute Contact – (713) 783-6655 Subscribe on your favorite player: https://understanding-the-human-condition.captivate.fm/listen (https://understanding-the-human-condition.captivate.fm/listen) Moe's LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/moe-schlachter/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/moe-schlachter/) Moe's Email – info@houstonfamilynutrition.com Houston Family Nutrition – https://houstonfamilynutrition.com/ (https://houstonfamilynutrition.com/) **The views and opinions expressed by our guests are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect...

Organization: The Texas Academy at Lamar University Guest: Dr. Tilisa Thibodeaux - Dean of the Reaud Honors College & The Texas Academy at Lamar University For more information: https://www.lamar.edu/texas-academy-of-leadership-in-the-humanities/index.html NFP is a weekly feature highlighting a local not-for-profit organization in Southeast Texas, hosted and produced by Jason M. Miller Tune in each Thursday at 7:50 a.m. CT during Morning Edition on 91.3 FM KVLU in Beaumont, Texas or online at kvlu.org.

The Lamar University Texas Academy is taking the state by storm. This week on the LU Moment, Dr. Tilisa Thibodeaux dishes on how Texas high school juniors and seniors can join the program.

Have you been thinking about corporate wellness and not sure where to even begin on how to step into the space? You will want to grab a note pad because Caroline Susie breaks it down on who to talk to, when to talk to them, and the steps you need to actually make corporate wellness a reality for your practice. In today's session, I chat with Caroline Susie about the exact steps you need to take to begin your path into corporate wellness. ABOUT CAROLINE SUSIE Caroline is an award-winning registered, licensed dietitian with 16 years experience focusing on adult weight management. She loves calling out BS in nutrition pop science and likes to keep things REAL. She refuse to sacrifice her quality of life and am known for being a “carb crusader.” On that note, pass the Napa Valley cab please! When she's not helping her clients or addressing population health needs with employers, you can find her bellied up at the bar of the newest restaurant in Dallas, hence her tag line, “dietitian by day, foodie by night!” No food is off limits here. She is a fitness enthusiast who loves all things food and wine. Her and her hubby have a 1-year-old daughter and also 3 perfect dogs (one Lab and two Jack Russell terriers). Caroline has presented at these companies and organizations: Methodist Health System, Trinity Industries, Schneider Electric, National Charity League, Alpha Phi Luncheons, The Widows Journey, Celanese, Orix, Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Nutrition Entrepreneurs DPG. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: Clean up our LinkedIn and connect with me and Caroline Understand the key people at the companies you want to connect with Learn about their companies benefits and all the lingo Never be afraid to make new friends MORE FROM CAROLINE SUSIE Website Instagram LinkedIn iLiveWell Nutrition and Therapy We Empower individuals to optimize their unique healthy body plan through food and nutrition, and provide access to Registered Dietitians for all who seek qualified nutrition professionals. We provide every client with a unique plan that is based on their specific needs. Our practice is based on a positive and supportive approach to helping clients live a healthy life. Our sole objective is to improve our clients' overall wellness… to look and feel their best from the inside out. We believe a team's strength is in its people. Join us and make an impact. Click here to learn more about our openings. MORE FROM ADRIEN Marketing Wednesdays Action Steps Driven Goal Planner What is my Next Step as a Practitioner - Take the Quiz Foundations of Private Practice Building Your Dream Practice Apply for Business Coaching Resources for Your Practice Schedule Your FREE 15 Min Fearless Steps Call Connect with Adrien on Instagram and Facebook Private Practice Paperwork Templates Subscribe & Review on iTunes Click here to subscribe to iTunes! I add new episodes every week and if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Today I welcome educational psychology professor Kevin Cokley co-author of the new article The COVID‐19/racial injustice syndemic andmental health among Black Americans Kevin Cokley, Ph.D. holds the Oscar and Anne Mauzy Regents Professorship for Educational Research and Development in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a Fellow of the University of Texas System and University of Texas Academy of Distinguished Teachers, Chair of the Department of Educational Psychology, Professor of Educational Psychology and African and African Diaspora Studies, and past Director of the Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis.   He holds the title of Distinguished Psychologist and received the Scholarship Award from the Association of Black Psychologists. He has written several Op-Eds in major media outlets on topics such as Blacks' rational mistrust of police, the aftermath of Ferguson, police and race relations, racism and White supremacy, the use of school vouchers, and racial disparities in school discipline. His research has been recognized in media outlets including the New York Times, USA Today, and Inside Higher Education.

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - The esteem in which Dr. Antonio “Tony” Falcon, MD, is held in his native Starr County was on display at a recent VIP luncheon held at the Julabe Ballroom in Rio Grande City.Community leaders came together to recognize the Dr. Falcon's decades of service and to celebrate his recent appointment as a trustee of Baylor College of Medicine. Among those to praise Dr. Falcon were Starr County Judge Eloy Vera and Starr County Industrial Foundation President Rose Benavidez. In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Eduardo Olivarez, Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Chief Administrative Officer, also paid tribute. The Baylor College of Medicine has a brief biography of Dr. Falcon.“Dr. Antonio “Tony” Falcon is a family medicine specialist in Rio Grande City with more than 44 years of experience in healthcare. He attended Baylor University and then earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine before completing a family medicine residency in Waco. After completing his training, he returned to the Rio Grande Valley, where he grew up. Falcon is affiliated with Doctors Hospital Renaissance and Starr County Memorial Hospital. He was a presidential appointee to the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, served on the Texas Health and Human Services Council and has mentored medical students through the Texas Statewide Family Medicine Preceptorship Program. Falcon was named the Family Physician of the Year by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians in 2015.”Dr. Falcon said: “I would like to thank the Baylor College of Medicine Board of Trustees for giving me the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I look forward to participating in expanding Baylor's vision of excellence in medical education and community service.”The VIP luncheon also served as a celebration of Operation Lone Star, the full-scale emergency training exercise led by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas State Guard.OLS has taken place annually every summer for the past two decades in various cities along the South Texas border. Tens of thousands of free medical services are administered to thousands of underserved and uninsured individuals. Services include immunizations, blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, hearing and vision exams, medical evaluations, sports physicals, dental services, veteran services, mental health services, nutrition education, and smoking cessation.

Dr. Seymour is a family and functional medicine physician who joined the staff of the Environmental Health Center in 2015.  She learned, witnessed, employed and experienced the techniques and knowledge of Dr. Rea as together they examined patients.      She earned her B.S. in Biology at Texas Woman's University in Denton, TX where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.  She earned an M.S. in Health Services Administration at St. Joseph's College in Standish, Maine, and her medical degree at St. Matthews University School of Medicine, Grand Cayman, British West Indies.  Her Postdoctoral Training was at Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma as an Intern in Family Medicine from July 2006 – June 2007 and as a resident in Family Medicine from July 2007 – June 2009.    She's been vitally involved in the community serving as Board Chair for the Denton Area Teacher's Credit Union, as President of the Denton County Medical Society, and as a board member of Medical City Denton Hospital.  She has served on the Committee to Keep Denton Beautiful and on the Texas Dept. of Insurance Advisory Committee for the Standard Request Form for Prior Authorization of Medical Care or Health Care Services.  She also was the Chairperson on the Health Care innovation Challenge Grant Review, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. Dr. Seymour has been a Rotary Member, Denton, TX, for a decade.   Her community service has seen her serve as a volunteer for the Special Olympics, and as a Stephens County Science Fair Judge. She served on the Citizen's Advisory Committee for Denton ISD, Secondary Schools subcommittee. She was a volunteer assisting in the Integris Oral, Breast, and Prostate Cancer Screening. She has also been an Emergency Room Volunteer for the Denton Regional Medical Center. She's currently vice president of the Denton Lacrosse Board.   She was appointed to serve on Leadership America in 2018.  From July 2016 to May 2017 she served on the Texas Medical Association, Leadership College. She was appointed to serve from March 2012 to February 2014 on the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, National Conference of Special Constituencies (NSCS), and as an International Medical Graduate Delegate. From May 2012 – May 2014 she was appointed to serve as a Delegate to the Texas Medical Association's Council on Practice Management Services.    Dr. Seymour is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is certified by the Institute of Functional Medicine. Finally, she is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.  

On this episode of the Texas Family Law Insiders podcast, I speak with Jennifer Hargrave. Jennifer is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, she is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, the Dallas Bar Family Law Section and Collaborative Divorce Texas. U.S. News & World Report has included her in their ranking of Best Lawyers since 2012 (2012-2020), and Texas Super Lawyers has included her in their ranking for eight years running, naming her one of the Top 50 Women Attorneys in Texas (2014). We chat with Jennifer about collaborative law as well as: The collaborative commitment process Goals and outcomes for the collaborative process Helping the client formulate their why Resolving parenting issues Crafting a final decree And more

Dr. Andie Lee Gonzalez is from South Texas and started as a registered dietician nutritionist with HEB Nutrition Services. She now serves as a sales representative for HEB. Within this role, she helps maintain relationships with physicians, employers, and serves as a spokesperson for nutrition education, and health and wellness. As a delegate, she's a part of the public policy task force within the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr. Gonzalez's goal is to promote, encourage and empower healthy habits with her friends, family and community. "I've always said a touchpoint is better than no touch point. And so while I'm extremely grateful that through these Medicaid plans we have an access point to still be able to connect with those patients, I feel like there's still a lot of work to be done, traditionally. And you know, to be able to help with accountability and success and outcomes." - Dr. Andie Lee Gonzalez In this episode, you will learn: How public policy affects the cost of healthcare What and how specific policies influence insurance How nutrition therapy coverage varies between different insurance companies Resources to help expand public policy in healthcare How to contact our local representatives to demand change Keynotes: [1:38] How Dr. Gonzalez got into public policy [2:31] How public policy impacts the cost of health care [3:08] What specific policies influence what is covered by insurance? [5:48] What is covered by Medical Nutrition therapy today? What are some variants between different insurances in coverage? [9:44] Resources to prove efficacy of increased touchpoints with an RD [12:15] Can uninsured individuals acquire nutrition assistance under current public policies? [14:25] Dr. Gonzalez recommends resources and action items to help expand public policy in healthcare costs [16:26] How can those with a chronic illness take action today? [19:07] Dr. Gonzalez suggests how we can contact our local representatives [21:41] How to connect with Dr. Gonzalez! Connect with Dr. Gonzalez! LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andie-lee-gonzalez-phd-mph-rdn-ld-fand-a7b5107/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Dr.AndieLeeGonzalez/ Twitter https://twitter.com/gonza233 eatrightPRO website https://www.eatrightpro.org/ Connect with Yumlish! Website https://yumlish.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/yumlish_/ Twitter https://twitter.com/yumlish_ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yumlish/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/yumlish/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yumlish/message

Dr. Tilisa Thibodeaux shares the mission and vision for the Reaud Honors College and the Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities, two programs uniquely LU and now under Thibodeaux’ leadership. 

Dr. Andrew Victores, class of 2006, shares his experience attending LU’s Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities, earning his bachelor’s degree at LU and then attending medical school. He’s an LU ENT, who inspires others to pursue their passions at LU.

Making the move to private practice is an essential shift if you want financial freedom and ownership. How would you react if you opened your practice then a few months later one of the most devastating natural disasters in your city hit?! You need to find ways to be money-wise and mindful and you need to come up with creative ways to enhance your business without messing with the bottom line. In this week's episode of the #FearlessPractitioners #Podcast, I chat with Moe Schlachter, MS, RD, CDCES about his journey into private practice. From a commitment to not spending beyond your means to finding diversification in how you run your private practice, listen as Moe shares his story and learn how you can take action in your practice today! ABOUT MOE SCHLACHTER Moe Schlachter, founder and lead dietitian, is a registered dietitian nutritionist, professionally trained chef, and professor of nutrition. His integrated approach has helped countless patients achieve their nutrition goals. He holds a Masters of Nutrition degree from Texas Woman’s University and is a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist (CDCES formerly known as CDE). The Texas Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics recognized him as Young Dietitian of the Year in 2015 and with the Dietitian in Media award in 2020. When he wants to unwind and recharge he looks to the open road and enjoys road trips with his family. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: Setting personal and professional goals to be your north star. Being creative when disaster hits. Not being afraid to hustle, especially when there is no turning back. MORE FROM MOE Website Instagram - Houston Family Nutrition Facebook Instagram - Texas Wanderers Texas Wanderers Blog Do you have the Building Blocks to Be Your Own Boss in place? My new course, Foundations of a Private Practice, walks you through the MUST HAVE foundations for starting a profitable private practice. The building blocks you need to – finally – Be Your Own Boss! Get started on fulfilling your dream today by taking this course and then the self-evaluation so that you know if you have what it takes to be in private practice. Check out this beginner course to help you determine if you are ready to start a practice! MORE FROM ADRIEN February 2021 Accelerator Group Coaching Should You Start a Practice Build Your Dream Practice  Apply for Business Coaching Resources for Your Practice Schedule Your FREE 15 Min Fearless Steps Call Connect with Adrien on Instagram and Facebook Private Practice Paperwork Templates Subscribe & Review on iTunes Click here to subscribe in iTunes! I add new episodes every week and if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

In Part 2/2, Dr. Joshua Austin discusses his thoughts on current and future technology and practice trends, clinical and management advice for his colleagues among a host of other timely issues. Joshua Austin, DDS, FAGD, FACD graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School. He was awarded the Texas Dental Association Outstanding Senior Dental Student award.Dr. Austin is a published author and lectures nationally on restorative dentistry and reputation management. He has a monthly column in Dental Economics.  In 2009, the Texas Dental Association honored Dr. Austin by naming him Young Dentist of the Year. In 2010, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry named him New Dentist of the Year. Dr. Austin has earned a Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. In 2014, Dr. Austin was awarded with a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists for his outstanding commitment to ethics in patient care. Beginning in 2014, Dr. Austin has been named a Super Dentist in Texas Monthly Magazine.The Dental Clinical Companion Podcast (DCCP) is provided for general informational purposes only. The DCCP, MounceEndo, LLC, and Dr. Richard Mounce personally have no liability for any clinical, management, or financial decisions or actions taken or made by you based on the information provided in this program. The DCCP is not intended to offer dental, medical, legal, management, investment, surgical, tax, clinical, or any other professional advice. Reliance on the information in the DCCP is done entirely at the listeners own risk.  No guarantees, representations, or warrantees are made with regard to the completeness, accuracy, and/or quality of the DCCP.  The DCCP takes no responsibility for, does not endorse, and does not imply a relationship/affiliation to any websites, products, services, devices, individuals, organizations which are hyperlinked to any DCCP component or mentioned in the DCCP. Third party materials, hyperlinks, and/or DCCP content does not reflect the opinions, standards, and policies of MounceEndo, LLC (owner of the DCCP, Dr. Richard Mounce, the guest, or show sponsors). The DCCP makes no warranty that the Podcast and its server are free of computer viruses or other destructive or contaminating code elements. The Dental Clinical Companion Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special consequential or other damages arising out of any individuals use of, reference to, reliance on, or inability to use, this podcast or the information presented in this podcast.  Support the show (http://mounceendo.com/)

In Part 1/2, Dr. Joshua Austin discusses his mentors, practice philosophy, marketing strategies, and and "must have" digital technologies. Joshua Austin, DDS, FAGD, FACD graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School. He was awarded the Texas Dental Association Outstanding Senior Dental Student award. Dr. Austin is a published author and lectures nationally on restorative dentistry and reputation management. He has a monthly column in Dental Economics.  In 2009, the Texas Dental Association honored Dr. Austin by naming him Young Dentist of the Year. In 2010, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry named him New Dentist of the Year. Dr. Austin has earned a Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. In 2014, Dr. Austin was awarded with a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists for his outstanding commitment to ethics in patient care. Beginning in 2014, Dr. Austin has been named a Super Dentist in Texas Monthly Magazine.The Dental Clinical Companion Podcast (DCCP) is provided for general informational purposes only. The DCCP, MounceEndo, LLC, and Dr. Richard Mounce personally have no liability for any clinical, management, or financial decisions or actions taken or made by you based on the information provided in this program. The DCCP is not intended to offer dental, medical, legal, management, investment, surgical, tax, clinical, or any other professional advice. Reliance on the information in the DCCP is done entirely at the listeners own risk.  No guarantees, representations, or warrantees are made with regard to the completeness, accuracy, and/or quality of the DCCP.  The DCCP takes no responsibility for, does not endorse, and does not imply a relationship/affiliation to any websites, products, services, devices, individuals, organizations which are hyperlinked to any DCCP component or mentioned in the DCCP. Third party materials, hyperlinks, and/or DCCP content does not reflect the opinions, standards, and policies of MounceEndo, LLC (owner of the DCCP, Dr. Richard Mounce, the guest, or show sponsors). The DCCP makes no warranty that the Podcast and its server are free of computer viruses or other destructive or contaminating code elements. The Dental Clinical Companion Podcast expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special consequential or other damages arising out of any individuals use of, reference to, reliance on, or inability to use, this podcast or the information presented in this podcast.     Support the show (http://mounceendo.com/)

Let me ask you a question…when you go to work every day, are you doing a job or is it your dream career? Because there is a difference! One of the things that I have learned from my years in private practice is that sometimes things just don’t work out. It wasn’t because I didn’t work or try hard enough, it was just not meant to be. In this episode of the Fearless Practitioners Podcast, I am joined by Amy Goodson and we are talking about how to be brave. Being brave enough to follow up on emails and connect with people can be the key that unlocks your dream career. Listen in as Amy shares how she built her dream career by tapping into her connections, following up with people and being brave. ABOUT AMY GOODSON Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD is a registered dietitian and consultant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with an emphasis in overall health, wellness and sports nutrition. She has fourteen years of experience and has worked with Ben Hogan Sports Medicine, the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers and their minor league affiliates, Texas Christian University Athletics, FC Dallas Soccer, the NBA G League, Jim McLean Golf School and many PGA Tour players as well as with many middle school, high school and endurance athletes. She also works with the everyday exercising population to improve health and wellness. Amy is a media spokesperson with over 750 media placements in a variety of media outlets locally and nationally. She serves as a media dietitian for RDTV where she does food and nutrition TV segments nation-wide. Amy is also an ambassador/speaker for the American Heart Association and the National Dairy Council, a speaker for Gatorade Sports Science Institute has served on the Dairy Max Health and Wellness Advisory Council and consults for Catalyst Training Lab where she provides international education and training for dietitians in five Middle Eastern countries. She speaks at a variety of nutrition, athletic training and coaching conferences in addition to providing health and nutrition presentations to various businesses and companies. Amy is the author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, a play-by-play on sports nutrition for athletes, parents, coaches and trainers. Its portable, flipbook size is perfect for a gym bag or weight room. She is also the co-author of “Swim, Bike, Run – Eat,” a sports nutrition book for triathletes and the nutrition contributor to retired NFL player Donald Driver’s book, The 3-D Body Revolution. She has written for a variety of on-line publications including Women’s Running Magazine, The Athlete’s Parent, the Dallas Cowboys 5 Points Blue platform. Amy is the owner of RD Career Jumpstart, a business designed to help dietetic students, interns and new registered dietitians determine and take the steps necessary to reach their dream career. She also serves as the Sponsorship Management Coordinator for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, connecting brands and companies to registered dietitians and dietetic students to enhance the member-sponsorship relationship. Amy received her Bachelor of Science in speech communications from Texas Christian University and Master of Science in exercise and sports nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. She is also a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics and adjunct professor at TWU. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: Being brave enough to try. Walking in and acting like you know what you're doing. Giving back and getting involved because that is how true connections are made. MORE FROM AMY Website Instagram Book Mentioned Do you have the Building Blocks to Be Your Own Boss in place? My new course, Foundations of a Private Practice, walks you through the MUST HAVE foundations for starting a profitable private practice. The building blocks you need to – finally – Be Your Own Boss! Get started on fulfilling your dream today by taking this course and then the self-evaluation so that you know if you have what it takes to be in private practice. Check out this beginner course to help you determine if you are ready to start a practice! MORE FROM ADRIEN Should You Start a Practice Build Your Dream Practice  Apply for Business Coaching Resources for Your Practice Schedule Your FREE 15 Min Fearless Steps Call Connect with Adrien on Instagram and Facebook Private Practice Paperwork Templates Subscribe & Review on iTunes Click here to subscribe in iTunes! I add new episodes every week and if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Philanthropy Misunderstood by Bob Hopkins The word PHILANTHROPY isn't new, but many think being a philanthropist is about money. In Bob Hopkins' new book, he assures us it IS NOT. He and 100 of his friends define, by way of their good deeds, that philanthropy is about LOVE OF MANKIND. Philanthropy Misunderstood is a 256-page coffee- table book that will surely entertain and inform you. You won't want to put it down. It is colorful and exciting. “Bob Hopkins Introduces us to 100 plus new best friends…people like you and me who give of themselves who actually LOVE others. What a joyful time Bob shares with us. Optimism and hope emerge from every page. Each person's story sparkles. Each one makes us prouder to be fellow ‘homo-sapiens'.” Dr. Claire Gaudiani, philanthropist, author and international lecturer. Bob recalls his first experience with his mother when he was five years old in Garden City, Kansas as they delivered groceries to a poor family during the holidays. He remembers the pat on the back he received from someone for doing good. “Maybe it was God,” he recalled. For more information, go to Philanthropy Misunderstood.   Read the Interview Hugh Ballou: Greetings. Welcome to this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange. Wow. This is going to open your mind to a whole new world. I just met Bob Hopkins recently on a recent trip to Dallas. Some of our previous guests that started Barefoot Winery said, “You have to meet Bob.” When I was in Dallas, I rang him up, and we met. They had shared his book with me called Philanthropy Misunderstood. I thought it was a nice book. When I started digging into the stories and what Bob knew about philanthropy, I said, “We have to share this with other people.” Bob, welcome to The Nonprofit Exchange. Tell people a little bit about you and your passion. Bob Hopkins: Thank you, Hugh. I am so honored to be invited to be here with you as your guest today. I am glad to know that there are some other people in the book in your audience today. I am an older person. I have been around for a long time. Every 20 years, I ask myself, “What am I doing, and where am I going?” I have divided myself into four different segments of my life. I am on the last 18 years. I give myself another 18 years to live. I am trying to figure out what to do, so I am probably going to go to a seminar called PSI in June to find out what I'm going to do next. But, Hugh, I have been involved with this word “philanthropy” for the last 45-50 years. I learn more about what it means all the time. Then I became confused and realized that what I thought philanthropy was is not. Or maybe it is part of, but that's why I had to dig into it and tell stories of 108 people who actually do philanthropic things for other people. That's what this book is about. Hugh: How long have you been engaged in the nonprofit arena with leaders and different kinds of organizations? Bob: I came to Dallas in 1984. I had just been involved as the director of development on the National Council of Alcoholism and learned all about this word called “fundraising” and philanthropy. Found out that the two of them are together as one word and one meaning, and they are also separate things. Some people get them mixed up. They think that fundraising is about money, but so is philanthropy. I have learned that philanthropy can be about money, but largely not. Instead, it's doing good things for others. That's how I got involved with this. I have been in Dallas for 38 years, and I have been working in raising money and now writing a book. I did a magazine called Philanthropy in Texas for a while. Every decade, I learned a little bit more about what that word means. Hugh: Bob, you and I are in our mid-70s, we'll say. We could be sitting back, chilling, and not doing anything. But you and I have a passion for being engaged. Why aren't you sitting around? You're teaching classes, and the stuff that you're asking your students is really profound. You're active with some local charities still. Why is this important to you? Bob: I don't know. I do it because I don't know what else to do. I do play tennis, and I do ride horses. Those are two of my hobbies. I do spend time doing those two things every week, so it's not like I'm constantly thinking about philanthropy, even though I have a horse named Philanthropy. I watch the USTA, and did you know the USTA is a nonprofit organization? They wouldn't survive if they didn't get contributions from people. They do good for others. I guess I'm involved with philanthropy pretty much all the time, even though it's my joy. I love doing it. I like talking about it. I like telling people about it. I like finding people who are doing different new things. I have found so many people over my 40 years that I decided to put them in a book. That's where Philanthropy Misunderstood came from. Hugh: I've had the joy of visiting a couple. The whole family does this water project. I won't get into it, but I want you to tell people. You called them up and said, “You have to meet Hugh.” I went over there, and it was an amazing visit with the whole family. I met the couple. I didn't meet the kids, but I have heard about them and their involvement. How about highlighting some of the stories? Let's talk about this one first; they will be guests on the show in June. It's folding paper. How does that help people? Bob: This is a crazy story, and it's a fabulous story. It's been so fabulous that it's been on Good Morning America. Neiman Marcus actually helped these girls sell these ornaments that are called origami that they make. Their church and schools make them with them. They have volunteers of hundreds of people who do nothing but help make origami, and they sell the origami for $50-$75 a piece. To date, they have raised over $2 million building water wells to actually give water around the world. 170 different water wells in 17 or 18 different countries. These girls are 15, 13, and 10 years old. They started it when they were 4, 5, and 6 because Daddy is part Japanese. He said, “We need to do some origami.” One thing led to the other. I'm not sure what the other is and how detailed you have to get in to find out what the thinking was of the parents, about involving their children in making these origami. That's their life. It is now their life. These girls are so smart because they are in a business. The 15-year-old is the president of the foundation. It's a cool thing. Hugh: I went to visit the whole house and the project. These volunteers come in to do the folding. It's engaged people in a focus. I don't know if the people come in and do that right now, but maybe the family can do more while the kids are out of school. There is another story in here that has a big picture, and it's Bonnie and Michael with Barefoot Winery. They were guests a couple months ago, and they were the ones who connected us. Tell the story about how you got connected and their story in the book. Bob: It's so interesting because Eric is actually the one who introduced me to Bonnie and Michael. He was the marketing director of Barefoot Wine. What Bonnie and Michael did, when they couldn't sell the wine, because nobody wanted to buy it because there was no place to buy it, and liquor stores didn't want to buy it because nobody was asking for it. They started giving it away to charities on the beach in beach towns, mainly starting in Florida. He would give it to them for free, and he said, “If you like it, go to your grocery stores and tell them to buy it.” Long story short, over 15 years, it became the #1 wine in America. Bonnie and Michael did it through giving wine away to charitable causes. I know that they had a marketing plan here. They said, “This is cause-related marketing,” which are words we used to use. They didn't really know it was philanthropy because they really wanted to sell wine. But it also made them feel good, too. I have taken Bonnie and Michael on a philanthropy trip to Mexico. So I got to watch them in action. It didn't have to do with wine; it had to do with building schools and painting houses for people in Mexico. It's a great story. They are in the book, and they should be. Hugh: The book is what you would call a coffee table book. It is hardbound. It's a $45 book. The quality of printing and the quality of the stories and an amazing layout and design. It should be $100. It's one of these treasures. My fourth book, which you have a copy of, Transforming Power, I teach people how to do things. I got to a point where I said, “Hmm, people want to be inspired by stories.” That's one of the premises behind this show is for people to tell their stories. There are people out there in the trenches who are struggling to make ends meet, to pull people together, to rally volunteers, to rally their boards, to rally their funders. Let's talk a bit about this title and what's behind it. What is the biggest misunderstanding on both sides, the funder and people seeking funding? Bob: It started with me. I was always told that philanthropy was about money. I started a magazine in Texas all about people who had money and gave it away. I would come into my staff and say, “I think we need to do Boone Pickens on the cover of the magazine. And the first question was, “How much money does he give away?” That was the common question. That was whether or not we were going to put him in the book on how much money they gave away. Finally, after a while, I realized, You know what? I know a lot of people who do so much more than writing a check. They're never recognized. I have this incredible woman from Houston named Carolyn Farb who spends 26 hours a day helping people learn how to raise money, but also build a hospital, and do all kinds of things. She is not known to be a huge giver, even though she is a giver; therefore, her picture would not be on the front cover of anything because of money. But it would be because of the word “philanthropy.” I realized, because of Carolyn, that I was talking to the wrong people. I needed to be talking to people who were in the book. The people in the book probably give money as well, but that wasn't what I wanted the focus on. I wanted them to tell me why they do what they do. Why do they build origami and build water wells around the world? They don't get any money for it, and they don't give any money. They give things. Well, they do give money because they raise money in their case. Bonnie and Michael, they give money, too. Instead, they gave wine. Chip Richey gives his time and effort and expertise in filmmaking. He's made lots of films about the Indians and Oklahoma. He did things for me for my philanthropy courses. There is Jordie Turk who was a student of mine, who volunteered on his own dime to come to Dallas and video my launch party. His name is not even on the piece. But he did it. He loved it. He is happy about it. I think that's what philanthropy does, moreso than what money does, is gives you joy. That's what everybody says. I get so much more out of what I did than what I gave. Hugh: Philanthropy is both. We have to run the organization. It's like having a car. You have to put gas in it. But there is a bigger piece to this. It's not money alone. Sometimes, people want to give money to save their conscience. They want to be doing something, and they're not really involved with it. So they want to buy a place. but buying a place and stepping up and working. Talk about the synergy of the two of those together. Bob: I'm a giver. But nobody would ever recognize me as a financial giver because I give $100 or $200 or $25 or $50 or whatever. I'm involved with a lot of organizations. I give not necessarily because I love the organization, but I love the person who is asking me. So I write a check in order to continue this relationship I have with this person as a friend or as a person who works with me. But when I actually take on a project and get my feet dirty and hands wet, and I go out and build something, or I paint, I come back tired, but for some reason, I give myself this secret pat on my shoulder and say, “You did good today, Bobby.” That's what happened to me when I was five years old. My mother and I went to give groceries in a trailer park in Garden City, Kansas. We walked away, and I felt this hand on my shoulder. It was patting my shoulder, and it said, “You did good today, Bobby.” I looked around, and there was nobody there. That is the feeling I have gotten because of giving my time and efforts, as opposed to writing a check to get you off my back to say, “Go. I put my name someplace.” They go, “Oh wow, $100. Thank you so much.” Then they come back the next year and do the same thing. There is just a real difference between the people who are in the trenches and the people who aren't. Hugh: I think it's important to give at any level. You say that you won't get recognized for $25 or $50. But if we get a lot of people who support us with their time, talent, and money—you give your time, talent, and money. There is a triage there that are all magnified by each other. If you have the synergy, if you have one person who gives $25, great. If you have 1,000 people who give $25, then you are paying salary and rent and some operating costs. Then you can rev up the engines and focus on your mission. I do find a lot of charities are compromised in many ways, but as you know, the story of SynerVision is we want to empower leaders to step up to the level that they can take the organization. I noticed some of your students are here from the class, and I want to talk about them as well. There is a synergy in those three. We spend time teaching leaders how to raise the bar on their performance so we know how to engage people who are philanthropic-minded. There is a whole lot of stuff there. Jeff, “Bob has given many of us the gift of learning to give, and it is life-changing.” What a quote that is. Talk about your students. I got to sit in on three classes last week. You're doing this Zoom group session education, which is quite remarkable. Your gracious spirit with them, and you see what's inside them, and you see potential that maybe some of them don't see in themselves. You said to me you challenged them to think about writing a eulogy, but you also mentioned doing some research on a nonprofit organization. There was a need for you to have to explain what that meant. What is a nonprofit organization? Talk a little bit about the class. Bob: I taught at a university here. I was teaching business and professional speaking. I decided I wanted to bring in my love and passion to the course. How am I going to bring my love and passion into the course when philanthropy is not in the syllabus? I included philanthropy in the syllabus. When you talk about business, you are going to talk about nonprofit businesses. They had never heard of a nonprofit business, even though they had. They knew what the Salvation Army and the Red Cross was. They knew what the Boys and Girls Club and Boy Scouts are. But they didn't know they were nonprofit organizations. They didn't know there were two million of them in the United States. They didn't know that half of the things that are positive about our country is philanthropy. I said, “Okay, let's have you all look at a nonprofit you are connected with.” They had no idea they were even connected with one. Landon is a new student this semester in my class right now. You asked him a question and asked him to talk when you were in my class. He did. He has a passion. You can feel it when he talks, about the things he does or can do and wants to do to serve people in our community. What I'm doing is there is maybe a small fire underneath them already, and I'm turning up the heat. They get passionate about it, and I empower them to do something about it once they learn about the fact that they can do it. They can do something on their own. Landon is one of those. He has several physical problems, and one of them is with his eyes. He picked a nonprofit organization that had to do with sight. He loves being involved with something he can connect with and understand. We all do. We all can. I am attention-deficit. There is a nonprofit organization and a school that has to do with children teaching children about dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorders. There is something I can do. There is something everybody can do because we all have something that we are connected with, and we just didn't know it. Hugh: I was going to come in and say hello, and I stayed the whole class for two of them. We are recording this in the middle of being sequestered home. It's a time of refreshing, renewal, revising, and thinking about how when we go back to work, how we are going to define the new normal. We are leaders. We will reset the bar. I don't think we're going to go back to what we did before. Most of the people in the book didn't do things in ordinary ways; that's why they are in the book. These stories will inspire others not just to do the same old thing that they always had observed, but to think about what they bring to the table that's really special. What is the new opportunity? Bob, let's dig into some more of these stories. The book is divided into sections. Talk a little bit about why that is and why that's important. Bob: I had some great people working with me. Tom Dolphins from Kansas City designed the book. The book is so attractive that people want to find out what it is. It's not just the words, but it's the design. And Ann Vigola from Lawrence, Kansas started out as my editor. She happened to be a student of mine prior to that. Ann spent a lot of time figuring out how to organize this book because as being an attention-deficit person, I have all this information up here. I didn't know how to organize it. It was organized starting out with topics. We did One Day at a Time because I am a recovering alcoholic, and I wanted to talk a little bit about that topic. One Day at a Time also had to do with the AIDS epidemic. I had a brother who died of AIDS, and I wanted to focus on that. Every person in here has had something to do in my life. People would say, “You didn't do so-and-so. They are such a great person.” I said, “I know, but I didn't work with them.” All of these people, I worked with. All the stories in here, many of them, I had something to do with. Chip got me involved in the Phoenix Project, or maybe I got him involved, which was helping warriors coming home from war, connecting them with their spouses on retreats with horses and massages. Chip actually put together a video about this whole thing. I was involved with that. I went to the sweat lodges with these warriors and watched them connect and relate to each other. They are all stories I have been involved with in one way or another, and that's one story I like a lot. Jordie worked with me with the poorest of the poor kids in Mexico in Guanajuato, Mexico, Leon. We would go to the poorest school, and I would tell the teachers, “I want to take your kids for just an hour once a week and bring in 20 of my students. We will teach them philanthropy.” We watched children change because of a handshake. Jordie was able to volunteer his time, even though he was a student of mine, to put this fabulous piece together that is on YouTube. These are all stories we were able to capture. I wish I'd had these two men together with me for all of the stories because somebody's contacted me and said, “We need to make a movie here with these short stories.” Some of them still have long-lasting things. One of the people in Mexico said, “Just teaching a child to do a handshake and watch her change as a person week after week after week has changed me as a person,” she said. It does. When you do philanthropy, it changes you. Hugh: That's a great sound bite. Serving churches in music ministry for 40 years, I took many mission trips. We went to give them, but we came back having received a lot more than we tried to give away. There is a reciprocity to giving. You're a giver, but you're blessed by your giving. You're enriched by your giving. You give stuff away, but it really impacts you. When I am with you, you're just full of energy. You're this most passionate energized person purposeful person. What more about the book? Was there a story here delving into their story for the book, that really moved you more than any other story?   Bob: Yeah. We took a vote in our little group who put this book together, Ann, Tom, and I. There is one called “Bridging the Gap.” It is written by Morgan Herm. He is a schoolteacher. He talks about a bridge that is in Pennsylvania, where he lives. He would go and meditate there. On this bridge, he noticed that somebody had put in a letter between the planks. He opened the letter, and it was a letter that a person had written about them being able to become at peace with themselves because of meditating on this bridge. He put the letter back. Then there was a collection of letters that people would put in about how this bridge had brought them peace. It helped them through their divorce, or it helped them through their domestic violence. Morgan finally built a mailbox so people could put their letters in the mailbox. They could read each other's letters. That's philanthropy. That bridge serves as a philanthropic metaphor or example of peace and love. That's one of my favorites, and it's written so well because Morgan is an English teacher and writer. Hugh: Each contributor wrote their own story. Bob: They wrote their own stories. There was a couple of them that I wrote. There was a woman named Ruth Altschuter in Dallas who died last year. I wanted her in the book. So I went to her husband and said, “Would you write this for me?” He said, “No, I can't write anymore. I don't write.” I said, “Let me write Ruth's story, and you approve it.” He said okay. But most people wrote their own stories. One lady wrote a story that I told her should be 1,000 words. It was 5,000 words. I read it and realized I couldn't cut anything out. It's the history of Swiss Avenue, which is one of the oldest historic districts in the United States. She called it, “Philanthropy Built Her Neighborhood.” It's about how the mansions and big houses on Swiss Avenue became run-down in the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. You could buy a piece of property here for $10 or 25,000, which are now going for $2 million, back in the old days. She wanted to tell the story about how it became a fabulous neighborhood that is looked upon as one of the premier places in the United States. It ended up being 10 pages, and I left the 5,000 words. It is the longest story. It wasn't meant to be that way, but it's really well done, so I didn't cut it out. Hugh: You said here. Is it in Dallas? Bob: Yes. I live in that district. I live in the Swiss Avenue historic district. Hugh: Wow, that's fascinating. Landon has a question. Landon, you're live, so if you have your mic on, do you want to talk to us? Landon Shepherd: My question is, let's say I have an idea for a nonprofit I would like to start. But I don't really know exactly how or where to start it, or who to talk to about getting started with what I want to do. What would be your advice to some of the students who may have these ideas, but don't know how to work out these ideas? Hugh: That question is for your professor? Landon: Either one of you guys. Hugh: We'll tag-team on it. Go ahead, Bob. Bob: He's a student of mine, and I will definitely have a talk about that. But we have in Dallas and in Fort Worth and every major city in the United States a center for nonprofit management. The centers for nonprofit management in each of the major cities are where people can go learn about giving and learn how to start an organization, a 501(c)3, the who, what, when, where, why. They have seminars all the time. You can go to the Community Foundation of Texas. You can go to the Dallas Foundation. These are other avenues of where people are experts in this. Yes, there is a way to do that. Landon, I will tell you who to contact here in Dallas. Hugh: There are centers like that in every city. There is also a universal presence called SynerVision Leadership Foundation. We have a blue button at the top of our page labeled, “Join.” We have this community with all kinds of resources. Sometimes, we find how to do strategy or how to do leadership or how to do fundraising or how to do a brand or marketing. We put it in one contiguous process so you don't have to look around. You can look at our site and see if that suits you. Combine working in person with one of these centers Bob is talking about. That would give you a leg up. Bob, I know half of the nonprofits started each year will close ultimately. My take on it is they haven't done a good job of looking at the market to make sure it's not being duplicated, and they haven't really activated their board and set themselves up for success. What is your idea of why some of those close? Bob: You're right. They usually are started by people who don't have any information. They have a passion, which you have to have for the topic. People who have cancer, they want to start a nonprofit organization that has to do with cancer and raise money in the name of somebody. The Susan G. Komen Foundation was started by Nancy Brinker here in Dallas because her sister Susan G. Komen had breast cancer. She told her before she died, “I am going to find you a cure for this.” What Nancy did was she surrounded herself with experts who knew how to put together a nonprofit. Now, it is the best one in the world. I can tell you five or six right off the top of my head that didn't last for more than a year because they didn't have a board of directors, they didn't know how to do their paperwork, they started raising money without knowing how to be a fundraiser. Let me tell Landon and everybody this. There is an association called the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in the United States. 35,000 professional fundraising people. I was a member of this group for most of my years as the president here in Dallas, and went to all the major conferences. There are conferences every year with AFP. There is a luncheon in most major cities every month that bring together all the people who raise money for the nonprofits in any city. There is a program with a speaker. It is a time to network, the people who have been there and done it before. That's how you do it. Hugh: Building a network around you. There is a peer-to-peer network, which is great, but you want to have a network of people who are even better than you. In my case, it's not hard to do. But hang around people who have been there, done that, and are experts. We have Jeffrey Fulgham watching who has a question. I want to allow you to talk. Jeffrey has been a member of that and is a certified fundraiser. Why is it important for you? You went through the certification process and studied development for so many years. Do you want to comment on the organization and why it's so important for people to understand now? Jeffrey Fulgham: I have always looked at it as a cliché of the good housekeeping seal of approval. I think this gets more important every day. This needs to be a profession, and it needs to be professional, not just in fundraisers but in nonprofits. There has to be some standard. We hope it's a standard of excellence, but there has to be some standard by which people can look and say, “Okay, this is an organization, or an individual, who is committed to certain principles, certain basic values, that transcend whatever it is that that organization is involved in.” Obviously, there are certain organizations whose values are going to be different than another one. But those values are related to the mission, not the operating strategy or the integrity of the entity or the integrity of the individuals working within it. What it allows us to do is create that standard. When someone looks at an organization, they have Guidestar to go to and the other metric organizations. But they also have a way to look and say, “Hey, this is what these organizations support. These are the values they support. This organization belongs to them and subscribes to these values. They subscribe to certain values. They set the standard.” Of course, the CFRE sets the standard as well. I think it's important for people who are giving, but also for people who want to get involved as volunteers, who want to go work somewhere. Do you want to work for an organization who subscribes to certain values and has that level of integrity? That's the main reason why I think it's all important. Hugh: Great. Before I let you go back into your listening mode, do you have a question for our guest today about philanthropy or about his book? Jeffrey: You know, that's the first time I've heard of this book. I'm definitely going to have to get a copy of it. I think it's really interesting that you mentioned that philanthropy is not necessarily about money. I always tell people that fundraising is not about money; it usually ends in money, but it's about relationships and about creating relationships that are long-lasting. Those relationships should transcend the money in that just because in a bad year, and we're having one by the way, where people are not going to make gifts to organizations they care about because they have to take care of their families and their friends. They will give more money to their church. They will make hard decisions about who they are giving to. If that person doesn't make a gift to my organization but they have been supporting me for 20 years, do I abandon them and ignore them because they are not giving money through our fundraising? No. Because I have a relationship with them that transcends their financial giving, or possibly their volunteerism. It becomes a different thing. Philanthropy is definitely a mindset beyond money, and I love that you are bringing that to the surface so people can understand what it's about. Hugh: I'm glad you asked me where to get the book. There is a website called PhilanthropyMisunderstood.org. You can find out how to get the book there. Bob: Thank you, Jeffrey. I want to know more about you as well. I am a member of AFP and of CFRE as well. There are a couple of people in the book who are CFRE, Scott Staub and Alfonse Brown. They have great stories in there not about fundraising. As you say, it was about relationship-building and the volunteerism they participated in as well. Hugh: Not everybody wrote a story in there. There is a story about a horse. Who wrote that? Bob: I wrote that one. It's my best story. I wanted Philanthropy to be on my front cover, and Philanthropy happens to be my horse. This woman by the name of Tracy Carruth, who is a big philanthropist in Dallas, breeds horses. I happen to have an Arabian horse. She breeds Arabian horses. Napatoff, who is her most beautiful world champion horse, was retiring. Before he died, or left the breeding ring, she wanted to make sure that I got an offspring from Napatoff. She gave me the semen from Napatoff to go into Sherry Rochesta, who was my Arabian. Through that, we got a beautiful horse that I named Philanthropy. I wanted to start that as my first story. My editor didn't like it, so we put it into the back. I am there with Tracy Carruth and our horses. That's the story. Hugh: The standards for everything, the quality of the writing and the photographs, the design of the book, all of these sections in the book. You start out with Circle of Influence. Jeffrey headed us that way. It's not about money; it's about relationship. When you and I had lunch recently, we talked about relationship. You now have a relationship with all these people, and they wanted to be in your book. Why is relationship important to our work? Relationship in our teaching at SynerVision, it's the underpinning of leadership and ministry, and it's the support for communications. Funding and philanthropy happens as a result of relationship. Say a little more about relationship and how it's important. Bob: Debbie Mrazek, who is one of the writers, wrote a part in the book called “Your Circle of Influence.” Who are all those people who will take care of you, who will take you to the airport and lend you sugar and tell you where to get the plumber? I had my students write down 100 people they know, wheedle it down to 25, and then 15 who will be in their circle of influence. I teach networking. It's not what you know; it's who you know. That's the first thing and last thing I say in my classes. My students, I say, “How many people do you know?” They didn't know 100 people. One of them knew seven. My family members. No, I don't want to meet anybody. No, I don't need people. I said to the class, “I'm going to take students to Nepal. It will cost $1,500. How many of you can raise the money to make it happen?” I went to this girl who said she knew seven people, and she didn't want to know any more people. She said, “I don't know anybody. I don't want to know anybody. I guess I'm not going to Nepal.” I said, “I guess you're not.” We took people to Nepal because my students most of the time realize that they have a great number of people around them who care about them, but there is a methodology of how to influence people and how to cultivate people and how to get them to be your friends, and more than friends, how to be a good friend, how to help people, and actually go around hunting for things to do for people. That's what I want my students to become. I don't think that we get anywhere in life without others. That's one of the key principles that I teach in my communication classes. Hugh: Your class that I sat in on is really about communications. You're really promoting good thinking skills. Communication to me is based on relationship. We can send a whole bunch of emails that nobody reads. It's not about data. Bob: No. I send emails, and I pick up the phone. We used to send faxes. We used to go knock on their door. We used to drive by. I think that this time right now, we're trying to figure out how to continue life in solitude since we are told to stay home, and stay home alone. I think we're finding this television and this computer even more important than ever since this is how we're able to stay in touch, through this cell phone we love so much and this computer. However, I can go next door and knock on the door and take them a cake and say, “I was thinking of you and realize you may not have any desserts at your house today.” Sometimes, I'll have my lawnmower man come out and next door, they don't mow their lawn very much. “Go mow their lawn. I'll pay you.” The people come home and say, “I can't believe you had somebody mow my lawn.” It was a philanthropic idea I had, was to love mankind and do something for the person next door. Hugh: Bob is an inspiration. My ideas are popping. You have 100 creative ideas every six seconds. You're prolific. In these stories, 100+ stories from people who helped change the world. We are all doing our part. It's not one person. But one person can start a movement. My friend in Lynchburg, he was the person who founded Stop Hunger Now, which is now Rise Against Hunger. Before we had a setback with coronavirus, they were on target to package 750 million meals. Their vision is to end hunger in our lifetime. It's not just about packaging the meals; it's about a lot more than that. One person thought of that and founded it, and it's now a major movement that will exist long past his lifetime, which is what he wanted. It's a legacy. What are the legacy possibilities for any of us who say, “I want to do something for humankind and have it keep going?” Are there possibilities for all of us? Bob: I always say, “What are you doing for the person who just passed away in your life? What will you do for your mother? What will you do for your father?” I got involved with building schools in Nepal with Don Wilkes. Let me tell you about Don Lueke since he is here. Don Lueke is from Kansas City; he and I met probably 30 years ago because he taught children at his school about giving. It's the Junior Leadership. It's similar to my PAVE program (Philanthropy and Volunteers Education). For the last 15-20 years, he and a man by the name of Steve O'Neill, who are businesspeople in Kansas City, take time out of their week every week to teach children at the Catholic school where their children go about giving back. This has become so sophisticated that this last year, I was a part of a seminar they had at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, where all of his students, maybe 30 or 40 of them, came and gave presentations on nonprofit organizations they had helped in the community. He does similar things to me: empower young people to get involved in the community. There is a double page about him and this group he is doing it with. Don Wilkes in Nepal for example. What can you do to honor somebody? He said, “If you can make a contribution of a couple thousand dollars, we will put someone's name on a classroom in a school we are building in Nepal.” I called my brother and sister and said, “For $2,000, we can put our mother's name on a classroom in Nepal.” My brother says, “I want to see a video of what it looks like.” I sent him the video, and he called me back immediately and said, “Let's do it.” My sister said, “Sight unseen, let's do it. We want to honor our mother.” For $2,000, our mother's name is on a school's room in Nepal. I know because I went to Nepal to see it. I had to go see my mother's name. When I got out of the car, and the children were clapping for me because I was amongst them, because I gave a simple $2,000 and put my mother's name on the deal, gave me such joy that we decided to do it again. I put my cousin's name and my aunt's name in another classroom on another school they are building in Nepal. That is a way you can provide not necessarily for yourself, but for somebody else that meant a lot in this society. Everybody we run around with meant a lot in this society. They did something in their lives that changed the world. Hugh: Absolutely. That's an inspiration. Are you willing to entertain questions if I open everybody's mic? Bob: Absolutely. Eric Groover: Bob, this is Eric Groover from the University of North Texas. How are you doing, Bob? Bob: Hi, Eric. It's good to see you again. Eric: Hugh, I just want to say thank you for hosting Bob. Bob and I are new acquaintances through some of our students at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science here at the University of North Texas in Denton. Just north of the DFW metroplex. Bob was actually scheduled to come speak to some students on our campus last week, and unfortunately we had to cancel that. Bob was gracious enough to bring up some of the books that we purchased for our students and faculty and staff. We spent a few minutes violating the university's shelter-in-place order, visiting in my office for 20-30 minutes. I just wanted to say, Bob, that it's been lovely watching you today and hearing your stories again. Just a huge thank-you to Hugh for hosting this event. He does you credit, and I'm glad for that. Thank you very much. Hugh: Thank you, Eric. Blessings. Nancy Hopkins: This is Nancy Carol Hopkins. Yes, I am Bob's sister. I am watching from Tucson, Arizona. Obviously, Bob has been an influence in a lot of people's lives, including mine and our younger brother. I wanted to make a comment on the volunteerism point. First of all, Bob gets asked frequently how come he stays so young and is so active at his age and has so much energy. If you look up and do some research on volunteerism, there is a lot of research that shows that volunteerism actually helps you medically, emotionally, physically, keeps you young literally. It does. There is medical research to prove that. If anybody wants to know how Bob stays so young and energetic, it has nothing to do with vitamins and pills he is taking. It has everything to do with the work that he does. Hugh: Very helpful, Nancy. Thank you so much for being here. Thank you for sharing that. Nancy: You're welcome. Hugh: You don't have to take tonic if you hang around Bob Hopkins. Nancy: That's right. You don't. Hugh: That's so rich. By the way, our governor slapped a stay-at-home order on us until June 10. The exception is volunteerism. If you volunteer for a charity, you can get out and do it. That was a good thing, I thought. Penny Rambacker: Hi, this is Penny Rambacker. How are you doing, Bob? Bob: They said Penny. I was hoping it was you. Penny: I'd like to make another comment about the idea of having purpose. I think Bob has a purpose, as many of us philanthropists have. I have been reading a book recently that said two of the things you can do to be the happiest in life are 1) to have a purpose and to feel needed, and that keeps you young and alive, and 2) is to be grateful. Those of us that practice gratitude and appreciate what we have are oftentimes people who are giving because they have seen other people with greater needs than their own. They become grateful for all of the things they have in their life. I had a huge gratitude lesson back when I first got into this. That was when I visited the garbage dump in Guatemala City. I saw children living there. It really touched my heart, and I had to do something about it. I found my purpose, and I felt grateful for the life I have. Two good things to think about when you are doing philanthropy. Yep, that's me and my kids. Hugh: What page is that on, Bob? Bob: Pages 48-49. Hugh: Love it. Great stories. Penny, where are you? Penny: I am in Naples, Florida. We work in Guatemala. My charity has built 57 schools in the mountains of Guatemala. We also sell handicrafts. We just sent an e-newsletter telling people to visit our store online. It's virus-free. You can go shopping for a greater good. If you want to go shopping, we have great things at Store.MiraclesInAction.org. Hugh: Good for you. I have been to Guatemala, and people are very poor. They have lots of wonderful natural resources. They do wonderful clothes with all these designs that are brilliant. What are you showing, Bob? Bob: This is Don Lueke's page. He is on pages 82-83. Hugh: Don, do you want to comment? Don Lueke: This is a great opportunity to showcase your work, Bob, and the work of everybody in that book. I appreciate the efforts on your part. Just want to add. We talk about having a purpose. I think that is what makes us get up every day, or at least get up quicker. I don't know if I have a lot more to add. I'm humbled by everybody's story in the book, so I think I am just one of many. Hugh: Thank you for sharing. I am humbled being part of Bob's network. *Sponsor message from Wordsprint* Bob, what is a parting thought you'd like to leave people with today? Bob: I am going to do another book called Philanthropy Understood. It's going to be new people. Some of the old people we want to expand upon, too. I'd like to do something with TAMS. I think TAMS is a great program that Eric Groover has been a part of before. There are so many people that I have been thinking about. That's what I'm doing right now, and that's why so many people are here who are in the book because I sent them a memo telling them all that we are needing to stay together on a monthly basis. We did have a man pass away yesterday in the book, Charles Lowe. He has spent 45 years working with the disease called neurofibromatosis, and I worked for them for eight years. I was able to tell all of the people in the book about his passing. So many people responded who didn't even know Charles, but did know his article in the book. I think the more we create this circle of influence around ourselves, the richer our lives are going to be. Also, the kinds of people we depend upon, I always try to find people who are smarter than you who have more things going on for them because they will lift me up instead of running around with people who will pull me down. My challenge to everyone is to continue these kinds of groups, and continue doing good together. That is the real fun about philanthropy and being volunteers. It's a togetherness thing. I did go with Penny to Guatemala, and I loved the experience. She is in the book. I went with her 20 years ago. I included her in the book because that experience changed my life 20 years ago. It's one of those many things that make up a person. It's so much fun going back in my history, in my family. My sister is the greatest philanthropist of our family. She is doing more than me even. I think that's the joy. I don't even say it's happy anymore; it's a joy to walk out on my front porch and say, “God, take me. What is my next step? What do I have to do next?” You know what. Somebody picks me up and takes me. I think that's the lesson I have learned more than anything: you have to be willing and tell people. Hugh: Bob Hopkins, you are a gift to humankind. Thank you so much for being our guest today. Bob: Thank you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For All Abilities – The Podcast - Adult ADHD and Then Diagnosed with Autism with Sarah Worthy   In this episode, I interview Sarah Worthy. We discuss her life as a child with ADHD and then her diagnosis of autism in adulthood. She discusses how has navigated life and work with the diagnoses and her love of running and video games. To connect with Sarah, please  follow her on LinkedIn (Sarah Worthy).  Please subscribe to For All Abilities – The Podcast! Please follow me on Instagram @forallabilities, LinkedIn (Betsy Furler) and on Facebook (For All Abilities). Go to our website www.forallabilities.com for information on our consulting services and software that enables employers to support their employees with ADHD, Dyslexia, Learning Differences and Autism. Thanks for listening!  Betsy     Thanks for listening to For All Abilities today!    Share the podcast with your friends, they’ll thank you for it!   Get our newsletter and stay up to date! The newsletter link is on our website www.forallabilities.com   Follow me   Twitter: @betsyfurler   Instagram: @forallabilities   Facebook: @forallabilites   LinkedIn: @BetsyFurler   Website: www.forallabilities.com   Full Transcript from Otter.ai    Betsy Furler  0:04   Hi, everybody, welcome back to for all abilities the podcast. This podcast is meant to inform the world of the amazing things people with neuro diverse brains are doing for our world. This is Betsy Furler. I'm your host, and I'm so excited to have my friend Sarah worthy with me today.   Sarah Worthy  0:24   Hi, Sarah. How are you? I'm great, Betsy. Thanks for having me here today.   Betsy Furler  0:28   Yes. So Sarah is also a female entrepreneur. She's founded a SaaS software company, and she's going to tell you all about that. But first, Sara, tell us a little bit about yourself. Give us a little intro.   Sarah Worthy  0:45   It's always tough to do an intro for me. I have been had a really exciting career over the past 15 plus years. Most of its been working inside growth stage technology startups across telecommunications hardware software. You know, the internet is has come out. So I've really gotten a chance to see the inner workings of everything that makes you know today's world possible. You know, I guess that's the nutshell of what I am. I'm also a mom, and a runner, avid, and an avid ADHD spectrum person.   Betsy Furler  1:21   So, tell us a little bit about how you What were you like as a little girl,   Sarah Worthy  1:26   I was everything you would typically expect from somebody who is later diagnosed with ADHD. But nobody ever caught it back then. But I was I was also very smart and incredibly smart. I was in gifted and talented programs. From the time I was in fourth grade. And I guess even third grade I was in a small group in that classroom of two other kids. They did all the accelerated math and things like that. You know, I was also really hyper getting outside running around. I was out catching tadpoles in springs. You know, getting dirty and making mud pies was one of the funniest stories I like to tell from my childhood that kind of segues into how I became an entrepreneur. I was always trying to sell things on street corners, not just the lemonade stand like I did the lemonade stand once I was like, oh, but all the other kids are doing that. So I had been I had a toy sale a cop stopped by and said I couldn't sell toys on my curb without a permit so i'd shipped really nice about it. And so then I had an earthworm fish he said, You know cuz I watch cartoons. I don't know. I was like eight maybe at this time. And I thought well, there's there's people go fishing so and we have a bunch of earthworms in our yard. So I dug up a bunch of earthworms and was trying to sell them not one of them sold by the way. I did put them all back because I was grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and there's no place to go fishing and you don't use earthworms for bait I found out that's just in cartoons. But I was always doing little things like that, that I think were kind of interesting. I definitely had a non traditional childhood and now way. I also grew up with a computer, which you know, for most kids is something today, they're starting to have the, you know, you're not that much different from me. You know, growing up, the internet didn't exist, but I had computers, computer games, dial up modem, that kind of thing. So I was always out there getting into things, really curious about things and exploring them. And I offer all my memories of my childhood are kind of mixed because I also had a lot of trauma, that result that was there from my and not being diagnosed as a kid and I was called a tomboy. I was called a difficult child. As I became a teenager, the meltdown started, and I didn't get a lot of support and that end, but I had my running. I had I was really great at sports. I was really great at school, and I took solace in that and just just plugged away. And then I went off to college at 16 at a early, gifted, talented program up at the Texas Academy, math and science and moved out of the house and from there I Guess I just was an adult and college started. And so there I don't know, is that a good initial story of my childhood I get into?   Betsy Furler  4:07   Yeah. So when did you start running? So you so you know what, I'll just keep the listeners in that. And before we started recording, Sarah and I were talking about running because I've been a person who has literally never run and my wife and I decided that I need to start running now. Because I'm walking a lot during this COVID-19 stay at home and I realized as life becomes more normal, I'm probably not going to have enough time so I need to start running. And I really started walking so much because I was getting so restless being in the house and I do not have diagnoseable ADHD but I am a very active person as far as I love to get out and talk to people do things. I'm always multitasking and doing stuff. So anyway, so how old were you when you started running?   Sarah Worthy  4:56   So well as my mom would tell. It is Running before I was walking   Betsy Furler  5:03   you're one of those you just went straight to the running.   Sarah Worthy  5:05   Yeah. And I was doing that by like nine months of age and and I have some pretty early childhood memories. One of them I was maybe four, and they hit so this is what I was like they had to install these special locks on all the doors to the house that were really up high so that I couldn't leave the house I learned very quickly how to get a broomstick and pop them off. And so again, I was like four and and because I wasn't in preschool in preschool yet and so it's right before then, but I decided to take my dog for a walk to the grocery store one day and you know I grew up in San Antonio nice little area. It was maybe a mile from there wasn't a mile mile and a half. It wasn't that far. But But I walked with a dog I went into the store let the dog tied up outside. I got some gum and a binder I got a kite one of this disposable plastic kites and stuff. And I just walked out of the store I put all five pieces of this chewing gum in my mouth at once. Like I remember this clear as day and got the dog and I was walking away and a police officer in the parking lot stopped me. Because here's this little kid. I just did all this effort. I had no concept of any of that none of this was intentional. It was just   Betsy Furler  6:20   go to the store and you get stuff and then you leave.   Sarah Worthy  6:22   Yeah, and luckily I was really cute as a little girl so I could get away with murder practically I never have murdered anybody. But I could have probably gotten away with it how to try. But But he so he pulled me in the car. And it was so funny. Looking back on it now because I was really like was like, I was a little scared and intimidated, but not like super bright. I still didn't think I'd done anything wrong. I had no concept of that. But he said he's like asking me questions. But he said I'm going to give you a lie detector test and I'm going to know if you're lying and I guess he's used to kids like this or something. But looking back, I realized a few years later, a little older. All he was doing was doing this switchboard thing because he had coffee Cars if you've never seen me inside of them even back then they were all gadget ended up as he's just flipping a switch to this light that would turn red or turned off depending on what he thought I was doing. So he obviously does not lie. That's funny. Yeah, of course, I told him all the truth because I, what did I know better? And so he taught took me in my dog band at home and my parents at this point, were frantic. My grandmother and grandfather were raising me and my grandmother had gone to water the Golan or he was on the phone with I don't know what it happened when I slipped out. But these these things happen all the time for me. But besides always leaving the house running around, the energy had to be going somewhere. And I was very lucky. I lived in a neighborhood where you could go out and do these things. Our cross country team ran the neighborhoods after schools together for training. So I'd remember my childhood mostly being outside running around the neighborhoods and like you and I were talking about, I mean, sometimes I walk it's no big deal. Right? Right. I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was 12. And so, which was a little odd in my neighborhood, all my friends, kids had bicycles. And I actually never had one until one of my friends got a new bike for Christmas. And she sold me her old one for, like, $10. And then she taught she taught me how to ride my bike. And so Wow, so I've ridden a bike every now and then, but I never really became that comfortable with it. So you know, there's always trade offs, I guess, if you spend all your life running.   Betsy Furler  8:26   Yeah, yeah. So So you went off to college at a really early age. And what were you like in college? Were you a more academic time of college kid more social kind of college kids? Like what? What was the college experience like for you?   Sarah Worthy  8:42   Oh, so it was a little bit. So when I was with Tam's, it was a little different at first. So the first two years the Texas Academy math and science is a program that takes in high school juniors through their junior and senior year and you get college AP credit, while simultaneously getting high school credit for the same class. So like I would take biology, hp, with, you know, other college students, but I would get high school credit as well. And during that time you lived in the dorms but every once a month you had to go home to your parents and they had curfews and all of that. So I think it would have been probably a little bit more like boarding school might have been I never went to school, but a little bit like that. And it's really funny because I kept in touch and I've seen old yearbook photos. I was never really you know, I look back I've always felt I I consider myself an extrovert and I really like people. But I really, especially as a teenager was not comfortable with myself. I was dealing with an eating disorder at that time. And I had a boyfriend and I had a few friends but it was a small group of people where I felt accepted no matter what I did. And I was very lucky to have that group of people there because there were a lot of moments during my teenage years when I was suicidal. I never, I never attempted it. But I got really close a couple of times and And so, you know it again it goes. I think a lot of it comes back when I look back. I feel very lucky to have come through that, obviously. But it was certain people incidents like getting into tamps really helped when I was back in a regular school, I was bullied all the time by the kids at school. The teachers all adored me. So it was that I got the teacher's pet. But I didn't understand, especially the teacher, I had no clue about all of these things that apparently everybody else knows. And everybody just thought there was that I wasn't trying or that I was intentionally rebellious or something like that. And not I was like, I just never I felt like I went through that period in a fog. When I got off to regular college after I was an additional department was living on my own. I was actually one of those people. I went to my classes, but then I also had a full time job to pay for things. And so school was almost like my part time activity. You know,   Betsy Furler  10:57   like, Yeah, I was   Sarah Worthy  10:58   I was doing 15 days. Our course loads, but I was scheduling my classes, you know, as much as I could just, you know, two days or three days a week. So I wasn't on campus except for those times. And in the rest of time I was at work. And so at that point, I it, it was more, I think, if you were someone going back to school in your 30s or 40s, you probably have found that college experience, I wasn't drinking, I wasn't part of a fraternity. You know, like, I was going to a lot of therapy at that point to get my eating disorder issues resolved. I got married. So all of those kinds of things that are kind of a little bit different. And I don't regret it at all. I look at a lot of the damage that some of my friends have done in college to their bodies, and I'm like I lucked out.   Betsy Furler  11:44   Yeah, when I was in college, I was hanging out with my three or 400 closest friends and my my best friend from college just found her old calendar from college the other day and it's like she was like Betsy, we went to a lot of parties because so On this calendar, she wrote down like, you know, this party on this day and, you know this party on Monday. Well, now we had our sorority meeting on Monday. So, Tuesday, this party Wednesday, that party Thursday, this party, Friday, that party Saturday, another party Sunday study for whatever tests that and I went to a real academic, academically focused college and obviously, I did attend classes too. But, um, yeah, we, we spent a lot of time like I say, with our closest three to 400 friends, and it's so it's so interesting to me when I hear about other people's college experiences. And, you know, it's another way where people are so different and can kind of still, like, get to the same end point through a really, really different experience. Yeah, well,   Sarah Worthy  12:52   it's funny you say that, I mean, the first, the first year and a half or so after Tam's. I was pre med and just work in school was everything I was focused on, I don't think I went to a single party of any kind during that time. And that was also around the time my grandfather passed away. So it was a really hard time. And I really, I don't think I have any friends from that time in school. And then when I changed my major to philosophy, and in fact, part of like, when I took an intro to philosophy class, which was required for my degree, I just fell in love. And I just I was, like I said, I'm changing my major, I got a business major as well, because I knew with a philosophy degree, I'd never get a job. I was like, I will get a job with this. And so I've got to be practical as well. So I got the business degree as well. But the philosophy classes that was probably one of the best parts of my college years was being in those classes, and debating with other people. And philosophical debate is not like a political debate, and a lot of people don't know right, and I wish they did. I really wish they did. Because a lot of times they think that when I'm, I'm talking about an issue and it becomes You know what, I think As a bloodless philosophical debate, they start to feel like oh, it's conflict or something. But in those classes again, I felt like I was with a group of people that they enjoyed talking about really deep subjects. They enjoyed that back and forth. We were there to learn if you made them if you weren't correct, if the other person had a better argument or made a good point, it was actually very validating to me to be in that environment, because it helped me be challenged and to grow my business classes. Meanwhile, like my economics classes, one of my professors put all of this old tests in the library. So I just went and looked at it. I never I went to none of my classes that semester, just for tests. And I got, like, 100 kids in the class, but I ended up he because he had an attendance policy. I was like, I'll take a B because my time right, you're not ever elsewhere. Right? Because it was it wasn't challenging to me, and I really needed to be in so like with Tam's with philosophy. Like I have always had to be in environments like that where they push me to be better all the time, or I just get bored and I give up and I just, I find something else to do. I played a lot of video games in college, I still do. And a lot of people think of that as a frivolous thing. For me, I've really been able to utilize a lot of my experiences, from video games to make better user experiences in my software, which is something I think we sorely need today in business. It's something that's fun to use, not just, you know, a spreadsheet.   It's not a waste of my time, I guess. I don't know.   Betsy Furler  15:28   So back to the philosophy classes and all of that, and then I want to talk about gaming. And so my small private liberal arts college, all of our classes were pretty much like that. So we would have I mean, I had classes with six people. And, and we would, we would discuss all sorts of issues and very controversial issues at times and I took a lot of religion classes and, and I would say, Well, you know, like to some people in the class very well. rageous statements about religion because I, I believe God loves us all. And so and you know, there be like a kid who grew up Southern Baptist too has a different opinion on that and, and but it was so amazing to be able to sit in those classes and for me to listen to their opinion and then to listen to my opinion, and, and not have a feeling at all if I've got to change you, um, but just kind of learning from each other and taking in all of those different worldviews on all sorts of different topics. And I think it's something that, you know, you and I and other people who had that experience in college or earlier in life can now really take to this climate that we're in now and be able to take in information, synthesize that ourselves and make up our own opinion, and you know, come up with our own opinion on what's happening, but also be able to understand that just because somebody doesn't agree with us It's okay. It's, you know, oh yeah, that that happens in the world.   Sarah Worthy  17:04   And you actually went to the same college my mom and my stepdad went to because you went to Stephen F. Austin, right?   Betsy Furler  17:11   No, I went to Austin college and Sherman.   Sarah Worthy  17:13   Yeah, that's one. Sorry. I used to think I didn't go there. My parents did. But But yeah, no, I didn't know that when Way up north of in the North Texas, right. Yeah. Yeah, that's, that's where they went to. I visited their campus once because my mom was taking me up to Tam's, which is in Denton, Texas. And she was like, I want to go visit so we drove up there as part of it. And that was my first trip to Oklahoma. We cross the border at some river lake or something. Yeah, yeah. So I I'm sure that that's partly where I get some of this because I was raised at home. And there was a lot of fighting between my mom and stepdad but my grandparents, not at all. But my mom was very open minded, very liberal, very much willing to sit down and have that kind of discussion with you on something thing is she always called herself a Christian Buddhist kind of, you know, so yeah, I just I just want to throw that in. I think that that's one of the reasons why you and I get each other. So it is exactly what we need today. You're You're very much correct there. I think too much of today's political environment is being right. And in your opinion, rather than understanding reality, and this is why I love philosophy, philosophy is something that allows you to see that there are, there's one reality that we all share and connect to it. And we perceive it differently from one another. And it is in learning about the bigger picture and my my favorite parable in the world is the story of the blind men and the elephant. I don't know if you're familiar with that. You can do blind men and the elephant and there's like a Wikipedia page and all that. But it's this ancient parable and there's slight variations of it. But effectively this elephant is brought to this village in like rural India a long, long time ago. These three wise men, elders who are blind, are brought to see this elephant and experienced the elephant for the first time ever. And one of them's at the trunk. And it's like, oh, it's long and skinny with some moves around. It must be like a snake. And so you hear like, how he's taking the story away. I'm really abbreviating this because we have 30 minutes. One of them's on the leg of the elephant. And he's like, oh, an elephant must be like, a giant tree trunk. And so an elephant must be a tree or something. And then another one is a year and feels how wispy and thinks of it like a fan or something. And, And that, to me, is what we really we need people to be understanding. We're all blind men. And we're trying to discuss one reality that none of us can can see. And that's something that throughout my life has really helped carry my mentality. And it's so important, not just politically but just in my life as an innovator, as somebody who's supposed to go in and meet her in technology. You're not a computer programmer per se. And a lot of my job has been helping get designers and business people and customers and executives and programmers and everything all in a room to agree on something. And I don't think you can do that. If you go in with the idea that you're you're the only way that That's right.   Betsy Furler  20:16   Yeah. And it kind of leads back to the topic of neuro diversity of all of our brains really are different. You know, some of us have brains that fit a little more into the box of norm, but nobody's quote unquote, normal, and by the definition of the norm, and so we all have brains that work differently, and it's so vital to understand that and to honor the different ways people think I mean, I have through this COVID-19 thing, I've had people unfriend me on Facebook, because they don't agree. And I'm not even posting anything political really, I mean, super moderate, but   Sarah Worthy  20:55   you post stuff.   Betsy Furler  20:58   Right? And it's like Okay, like that. That's not about me, them unfriending me isn't about me. It's about how they view the world and that's okay. It's like, that is absolutely fine with me. We all have to see the world in our own way, but I would love it if we could all you know, try to understand the other person's point of view as well, which I think I do think that's what Austin college taught me. And it sounds like then Austin college taught her mom that and then she raised you in that way, which makes me feel good about my parenting as well.   Sarah Worthy  21:35   So it's so important and we need we need more of that we need less black and white in the world because if you look around the world is never been in black and white. Although just I was thinking about this. In the middle of the night I woke up and I was like, I have this thing tomorrow before I fall back asleep. And but and I've seen but black and white. I was like, oh, but except at night. Isn't that weird? And I'm looking around my room in the dark. There's a little light from outside and everything is like great night. Have you ever noticed that?   Betsy Furler  22:01   Oh, yeah. And it's really not not Stark black and white even at night. We have Shades of Grey.   Sarah Worthy  22:08   Yeah, but but the thing is everything is still colored. But at night we don't have enough light to see it. And that's what I was thinking. I was like that that a lot of times and that's really where I think when we talk about neuro diversity, there's there's this thing of like, well, just us you can't see it. Like maybe for you The world is Shades of Grey all the time, in your daily life. Like maybe you don't have all these other things like you know, you're not transgender, for example, you just don't know what that's like. And like, you know, and so that's a that's a dark place that doesn't have light on it in your perception of reality. But somebody else has a light shining brightly on that spot and understands it and can see it in full color. Again, this is just where it goes back to the elephant parable. I just think that that's one of the most amazing things about my brain. And it's why I think it's it's really changed my perception have so I wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until I was 20. On.   Betsy Furler  23:01   Oh yeah, let's talk about your diagnosis. And then don't forget to talk about gaming and how you kind of use that. And to cope with the world. So I've talked about, tell us a little bit about your diagnosis. I'm putting the elephant and the blind man story in the show notes.   Sarah Worthy  23:16   Yeah, you'll, you'll love that parable. It's awesome. It's so applicable. And then you can make segues into let's talk about the elephant in the room. It's so funny anyway. So So yeah, I'm, you know, it's funny. I don't know how I didn't struggle as much with my ADHD in college. But I did. I mean, I changed my major three times. It took me five and a half years to get through college. Thank goodness, I started young. And I took a semester off at one point because I was also dealing with an eating disorder at the time, and I ended up hospitalized for a little while and just totally like regular hospital for a week from dehydration and stuff. But then, wow. But then I needed to take some time off and I think I cut a semester down to like the minimum number of hours. So I'll let you take it. Because I was on financial aid and stuff, and I didn't want to lose it. But But I so it was a struggle to deal with it. But I want to hear other people. It's just the worst. But then I was 29 and pregnant with my son. And it was I had a friend at the time that I knew through work, who also had died. She been formally diagnosed. And this was the first woman I think I've ever met, that I probably had met others, but she this is what he knew and was diagnosed and everything and she was diagnosed ADHD with so much in common. And she just suggested one day she's like, have you thought about this? And so I went home and took some because we had quizzes. So I took a quiz online and it was like, Yeah, you're ADHD you should see a doctor. So I took an and I took it, I went to see a doctor, I got a formal diagnosis at 29. And they said it's actually really common for women who are pregnant to get that diagnosis because something about all the pregnancy hormones and chemicals just makes it where we can no longer cope. It All of the abilities are now gone. And so that's when we can't mask anymore. We can't hide it anymore. And that diagnosis was really crucial. I've been guiding said, I mean, I've been misdiagnosed with so many things starting at 16 I was diagnosed with depression. And I was put on like, back to back at least six different antidepressant medications. None of them worked. Some of them made me sleep a lot. It was just really tear it what made me have these hallucinating dreams when I was falling asleep.   Betsy Furler  25:29   Oh, my goodness. Yeah, it was terrible.   Sarah Worthy  25:32   I mean, they were kind of cool. I've never done acid, but I feel like that that drug was basically like,   so So I mean, they weren't traumatized or anything, but they were not helpful. And then it's an after that, you know, I was diagnosed with social anxiety and in a number of other things. The ADHD diagnosis Finally, I think got me on that path. And suddenly I don't talk about too much What about but I'm trying to because it's really important I do this. But then last question. I was formally diagnosed with autism, or one a few months ago. Uh huh. Or a few years ago, COVID time, but   Betsy Furler  26:09   yeah, really. But   Sarah Worthy  26:11   But and I've actually suspected for because of going through this entrepreneur journey, it's real clear that there's something that I don't perceive this happening around other people. And it's never been more clear than during this time as a founder when you're trying to build a team and fundraise and get early customers. There's if you find out every weakness that you have every bad habit, it's all Yeah, you're going through this so true, right? It's all highlighted. And and he's like, I can read. You know, I have Dale Carnegie's book on my nightstand, How to Win Friends and Influence People. The thing is so worn, I've had that thing for 10 years. Most of it still doesn't make sense to me. And everyone loves to read and I'm like, I don't think I understand. And so I and then I saw a movie with Claire Danes about Temple Grandin. Research and then I started reading about actual Temple Grandin and Temple Grandin has this white paper or whatever you want to call it out there about Visual Thinking. And I started reading I was like, that's my brain right there because I live inside my my head. And I, I hate to say this, but I feel bad for the people who can't you know, there's trade offs, but I don't know how I would live without my imagination. I can I can close my eyes and I can create a universe in my mind, I can manipulate models, I can follow all of these different details and in very clear color and sound. And that's how I function and of course social stuff with between people. I'm still trying to figure out that kind of thing. I look for people like you to be my friends because you guys tolerate my missteps and   Betsy Furler  27:52   we have fascinating conversations about like, how you perceive the world and how I perceive the world and what I contact Just like for you and what eye contact is like for me like it's really good so it's really fascinating.   Sarah Worthy  28:07   It will To me it is because all How can you get through three plus decades of your life? Not knowing this? So yeah dancin imagine like, I thought I was just like everybody else and I thought and perceived and sense everything like normal people. But it turns out I don't you know, I don't even know what that means. So it's I'm still in a very overwhelmed like state like even though it's been something where I felt pretty confident in the past couple of years. even getting the formal diagnosis, it wasn't so much a shock to me, it was more of like, Well, how do I tell people because they're not gonna write. And it's been reassuring. I live in data data, my best friend. And I say that because when you are in a position where you're so different from everyone else around you, you need that that internet and that data to see Oh, I'm not The only person there's not something wrong with me I'm just different and I grew up left handed so that might also help because already I was in that small minority oftentimes as the only left handed person in class I got the one beat I got all through grade school was in handwriting and I still to this day protest that grade because not one was left handed. So not one of them knows how to do a left handed   Betsy Furler  29:23   kid. And you know, that was when I my dad is left handed too so I did have some understanding until the lefties but he was old enough that he was forced to write with his right hand and early on a school and then his mother was like, absolutely not. He's writing with his left hand you know, and but then when I have Sam and he was it was apparent from like 18 months old that he was a lefty, and right away, and then you start realizing like everything is like we need left hand as little kids scissors because even though they say they're for both left and right, they are 12 paper and you Get final   Sarah Worthy  30:01   scissors because they stopped like five of them and there's more than five looking people in the city.   Betsy Furler  30:07   Right and then I'm writing his name all over them because they'll steal them right? Yeah. Do not take the left handed scissors and just all sorts of lefty you know baseball golf tennis like you know then you're using like the coach's left is right handed and oh my goodness. Yeah. So yeah, that is it's so different. Being a lefty is so much different than I perceived as a righty. Until I was parenting one. Yeah,   Sarah Worthy  30:34   and that's exactly I feel like right now, the best analogy when we talk about neurodiversity, is that you have right handed people and that's like 80% of the population. But then you saw that 20% of people that are neuro diverse are left handed or that are ambidextrous and in some way and and I think the world of righties doesn't realize it until they have to because and that's like any minority majority relationship. Till the majority is faced with the problem, like personally, they just don't. They just don't have any idea about what the struggle is. But meanwhile the people are in that minority are like struggling every single day. I mean, can openers for God's sakes like, come on. And she has left handed person, you're more likely to die by using a power tool, then as a right handed person. Oh, wow. Yeah, they're curious because they're not designed for us. But it being left handed i think is one of the things that has helped and kind of for me, I think having about 10 years between ADHD and the autism diagnosis, like like having that gap there to adjust, I think helped a little bit. But honestly, I really wish is like, I look at kids today who are getting especially the girls when a girl like Greta Thornburg, I am in all inspired by her story, because look at what she's done, but she had support and she struggled. I mean, they don't go into too many of the details, but you hear the interviews with the parents talking about Yeah, her childhood isn't that easy? Right, but I just think Wow, amazing. If I've done all of this, and I'm able to do so much right now, just imagine if I'd had that support at a young age instead of the struggles, as battles as being disruptive and all that.   Betsy Furler  32:11   And in the support, I think also the support   Sarah Worthy  32:14   of   Betsy Furler  32:16   parents who have that, who know their child has that diagnosis, but know that they can still do anything that they want to in their life, but they might take a different path and having to understand and, and support their child in that. I'm sorry, but if Trump can be our president, an autistic kid is certainly capable of doing anything.   Sarah Worthy  32:38   I mean, look at the world we live in today. Like there's so many people out there and one of the Richard Branson's dyslexic, and he's somebody else I'd greatly admire in the entrepreneur community of what he's done. And it's, you know, it's one of those things where I just look at what what people have done already. There's there's always other knowing that but there's this this cognitive dissonance that people have about Go. Einstein was probably autistic and blah all these you know, Newton or what have all these other people who are geniuses are supposedly like that. But then they're these parents are like, but my kid, he doesn't talk until you seven. He's never gonna make it. I mean, like that's like the most weird thing. Right? Right? I got C's and D's and F's, right until right?   Betsy Furler  33:21   I just went, you don't do well with academic school, and really has no impact. Like, it really doesn't matter. And I have said this on the podcast in the past. So this is a bit of a repeat for my listeners. But I've especially as an entrepreneur, I have had to undo things that I learned that made me a really good student. Yeah. Because a lot of what made me a really good student and just a really easy child to raise. And, you know, I don't mean good students, and with the academic part as much as just, you know, following the rules and responsible and doing what's expected. have me a lot of that. I've had to change my narrative about that in order to be a good entrepreneur. Because once you become an entrepreneur, and like you were saying, first of all, you find out all your faults, because we're none of us are good at everything and, and it suddenly becomes very glaring that, you know, you have, you don't do well in this one area. And but you also have to be able to really stand up for yourself in a way that you've never had to before. I've never had to before and, and really go against the grain of what a lot of people are expecting of you.   Sarah Worthy  34:36   Yeah. And to your point, I think that's exactly why we see I don't I don't think people who are on the spectrum or who are dyslexic or any of the nerd, I don't think we're better entrepreneurs. Compared to other people, I think there's more of us who become entrepreneurs because like you said, We grew up having to go against the grain by just existing like, right There, there was no fitting into the level that that someone who isn't on the spectrum could do. And so it just comes more naturally. I don't want to say now it comes. We're more used to having to do that to get home. So we just do it. And I know a lot of times I've just been very bold and people call me aggressive. I hate that, by the way, because when I'm aggressive, you'll know it, I'll become a weapon and teeth will be there. I mean, like, I say, like, there's a big difference between aggressive and being bold and assertive. Huge difference. So is it but but it hurts when I get called those things, because it's coming from a place where I think, you know, it's those social things. I don't know what to do with them. And it's great. And the best thing about my diagnosis has been knowing that knowing that I don't know that and I have to step more carefully. Yeah, sometimes you walk into, you know, the bull in the china shop thing that's, that would describe you as a child. Perfectly Yeah,   Betsy Furler  36:00   yeah. Well let's you know, so we're getting close on time. Yeah, I'm being going too long but I want you to talk really briefly about video games because so many kids who are on the spectrum love video games and I think they get so much out of it and it's such a positive thing but it's frequently thought of is so negative. So I would love for you to just touch briefly on video games and then tell my audience how they can find you if they want to connect with you.   Sarah Worthy  36:29   Yeah, yeah, so I mean my entire life I've played video games starting to the ones where you're just typing to a terminal go north go west anyone listening who's played this understands these type of games, the rest you know, you can look this up it's, they're long gone. But you know, they're classics. But Nintendo's have been my favorite The Legend of Zelda. I tell this story to everybody. So I'm sure you've heard it too. But like playing the game Zelda growing up and even though I am playing Breath of the Wild right now and I just cannot emit like video games with So far, but the game is Zelda, you know, it's so it's so much easier because in the real world, if you're someone on the spectrum, there's all of these invisible things that you don't know, between people. But in video games, that component has been removed, you know, and so you could go and you you get you talk to a villager and they say, Well, I can't help you save the princess. But I can give you some rubies to help you by a sword. If you find my cow that got lost, you go find the cow and then you talk to another villager and they do something else, you get a sword. And it's this step by step process. And that's exactly what entrepreneurship is like, you have no idea you're suddenly waking up in this world of I'm an entrepreneur on with with nothing and you have to like go talk to people to find out. So I think that it helps when when you are confused about what to do it at least tells you here's just do these things and trust the process, kind of like go talk to people even if you don't know what to say or do. So I think that that helps. But another component of video games I think a lot of people miss is that you know, when you're autistic, you need structure to a level that other people don't because the world is amazingly bright and loud. And it's like being at a rave 24 seven. And that's not exactly an app that's more I'm trying to think of like maybe being in a horse race stadium wall array this going on and there's a football game on or something Oh, just a dog. It just, there's so much and so having that structure, like the quest log, going in order, it really helps you figure out how to move through things. It gives me a sense of count like some days like I'm like, Well, if you know I do all of this maddening things, but then I spend two hours playing this game and I could relax because I I now no longer have to sort out all of these unknowns that I'm going to get wrong. Because being on the spectrum is about making you know way more mistakes every day. Then you ever understood you even made because nobody wants to tell you Everyone wants to Be nice, stop being nice to people on the spectrum Be kind, do not be nice. We hate it. I'm in a group right now write about this all the time. Like, why do they ask us how things are going if they don't really want   Betsy Furler  39:11   to know the answer?   Sarah Worthy  39:14   Right? Like don't ask us those questions.   And so video games provide that kind of thing. But what I love about them in terms of work, since we're wrapping up to is is the way I've seen them progress and you can go in and play these games and explore world. It provides an experience where it's catering to you and what you what you need to do to get to the next step. And we don't do that in today's world, we leave everything completely ambiguous. And I think there are a ton of people who are, you know, quote, neurotypical who could really benefit from a life not not this like completely structured but when you go to work every day, expectations are very unclear and videos. You hear this all the time when we talk about employee engagement managers don't really know what they want. They just want Money and success and so forth. But they don't really know how to lay this out. And when you when you play a lot of games, you start to understand then how to build those mechanics and build game that I haven't made any famous games or anything but of course in my computer classes, I've developed small games and I've thought about how I would do it differently. And it really gives you a perspective on where the world could be much better for everyone if we brought more of those elements in and people are thinking about video games as some sort of negative but you know, they used to when books first came out way long before any of us were alive. They thought books were dangerous, okay, and they frivolous and all of that when television or radio came out people think that and the same person who will spend all day on Sunday just watching football is gonna then in most people watch football also play video games. I'm sure this isn't exactly true, but but you know that the parents are thinking this is going to ruin my kid but it's not that I think some of the gains Like Grand Theft Auto that kind of thing. I think you know, certainly those are for adults. I just and honestly I'm of the mindset that you're you what you feed into your brain just like your body like if you eat junk if you watch junk if you play garbage violent games, then that's that's what's gonna come out of you right? Right and that's that's what you become so it's for me it's more of just I like this was all this one my favorite more I like that. I've always been a Nintendo fan. I'm not plugging Nintendo but I am in right now. I just add to this animal crossing, I just started playing that this last week with my son, and they have something I think everyone on the spectrum should will enjoy this especially the kids because they have these emotion things that you can do with your village neighbors. And so you can express a greeting or delight or laughter or so forth. And so it's it's a I feel like I'm like this game is teaching social skills between people without even like making it an obvious thing. I do get to The villagers all had personalities. And he talked to them too much. They get annoyed things like that. So it's almost like, like, perfect for people like me.   Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Adrien Paczosa is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian practicing in Austin, Texas, and the surrounding counties.  She is the founder of I Live Well Nutrition as well as being the founder of Fearless Practitioners, the division of her business that offers training to dietitians and wellness professionals. Adrien began her path towards nutrition by falling down. She has been dancing since age 2 and in college was a Kilgore College Rangerette. During practice she took a fall and broke her foot, and that sparked the ideas of needing a new direction in her life. After graduating in 2003 from the University of Illinois – Chicago with a bachelor of science degree in Human Nutrition, Adrien began her career as a staff dietitian at a hospital in downtown Chicago.  She was promoted to the hospital’s Director of Food Service and Nutrition and was responsible for all food preparation as well as patient nutritional care. While working at her clinical job, Adrien maintained her passion for movement by working as a personal trainer and nutrition coach in downtown Chicago.  In 2006, Adrien returned to Texas to be close to family, friends, and warmer weather! She opened her private practice, I Live Well Nutritional Therapy in 2007 to Create better access to dietitians. Check out Adrien and I Live Well Nutrition   So you know Adrien's legit: Adrien is a Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian (CEDRD). Adrien has been active in the local, state, and national dietetic association volunteering and holding board positions. She is currently the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Media Representative, which has allowed her to educate more Texans on the power of food. Becoming a board member and now the current chair-elect of Behavioral Health Nutrition (BHN) Dietetic Practice group has been a gift and honor to Adrien, and she continues to believe and strive to hold the bar set by BHN members to the highest degree of professional expectations.

On this special episode of the ACO Show, Aledade's CEO Dr. Farzad Mostashari (@Farzad_MD) speaks with Tom Banning, CEO of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. They discuss critical issues in primary care including value based care and the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic. They talk about what needs to happen to preserve independent primary care practices and ensure they are financially stable and able to provide critical services during this public health crisis.  

Episode 11 - Kathy McCarthy, Texas Academy of Family Physicians by Dallas Emerson

Dr. Justin Moody, Gabe Olsen, Dr. Joshua Austin, and Dr. Randy Houska gather 'round bottles #13 and 14 at Voices of Dentistry. Joshua Austin, DDS, FAGD, FACD, is a native San Antonian. After attending San Antonio's Health Careers High School and the University of Texas, San Antonio as an undergrad student, Dr. Austin graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School. UTHSCSA Dental School has been one of the top ranked dental schools in the nation since 1993. Dr. Austin excelled in dental school and was voted president of his graduating class. He capped off a successful senior year by being awarded the Texas Dental Association Outstanding Senior Dental Student award. Dr. Austin is a member of the prestigious Seattle Study Club, which is a network of professional dental study groups dedicated to ideal comprehensive dental care. Dr. Austin's other professional memberships include the Academy of General Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the Rotary Club of San Antonio. Dr. Austin is a published author and lectures nationally on restorative dentistry and reputation management. He has a monthly column and weekly e-Newletter in Dental Economics, the most read dental magazine in the world. In the past, Dr. Austin has served as a faculty member in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at UTHSCSA Dental School. Dr. Austin has received several awards during his dental career. In 2009, the Texas Dental Association honored Dr. Austin by naming him Young Dentist of the Year. In 2010, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry named him New Dentist of the Year, the most prestigious award it gives for dentists who have graduated in the previous 7 years. Dr. Austin has earned a Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. To be named a Fellow in the Academy, one must pass an exhaustive written examination and complete over 500 hours of continuing education. To be named a Master, another 1200 hours of continuing education must be completed. Less than 2% of the general dentists in the United States have achieved Master status. In 2014, Dr. Austin was awarded with a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists for his outstanding commitment to ethics in patient care. Beginning in 2014, Dr. Austin has been named a Super Dentist in Texas Monthly Magazine.

Anmol Oberoi talks with Dr. Joshua Austin about his 10 years stint at his dental clinic in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Joshua has done an amazing job at making sure he keeps a constant flow on inbound patients through reviews on Yelp and Google. In this conversation Dr. Joshua tells us about how: - He ranks on top of Yelp in San Antonio Texas even with review count lesser than that of other practices - Why he does not believe in using a review management software and that actually helps him grow his reviews - How to handle negative reviews - What review sites are most important for your dental practice and why reviews on facebook don't matter. - What are some do's and don't when asking for reviews from patients? About Emitrr: Emitrr is a messaging platform for your small business. Manage missed calls with two-way text messages, voicemails, text messages and more with our messaging platform built for your small business. Check us out on emitrr.com. About Dr. Joshua: Joshua Austin, DDS, FAGD, FACD, is a native San Antonian. After attending San Antonio's Health Careers High School and the University of Texas, San Antonio as an undergrad student, Dr. Austin graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School. Dr. Austin is a published author and lectures nationally on restorative dentistry and reputation management. He has a monthly column and weekly e-Newletter in Dental Economics, the most read dental magazine in the world. In the past, Dr. Austin has served as a faculty member in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at UTHSCSA Dental School. Dr. Austin has received several awards during his dental career. In 2009, the Texas Dental Association honored Dr. Austin by naming him Young Dentist of the Year. In 2010, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry named him New Dentist of the Year, the most prestigious award it gives for dentists who have graduated in the previous 7 years. Dr. Austin has earned a Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. Beginning in 2014, Dr. Austin has been named a Super Dentist in Texas Monthly Magazine.

Doc interviews Michael Graham and Craig Armstrong. TOpics covered include the EIDL and SBA 7A portions of the CARES act. Michael Graham is the Senior Vice President, ADA Government and Public Affairs Dr. Armstrong currently serves as the ADA Trustee for Texas. Hehas held a number of leadership positions within the ADA. Since 2002, he has been an alternate delegate and delegate in the ADA House of Delegates. He was also chair of the ADA Reference Committee in 2015. He is a member of the Texas Dental Association, the Greater Houston Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry and the Texas Academy of General Dentistry. In 2015, Dr. Armstrong was the president of the Texas Dental Association, and he was also the president of the Greater Houston Dental Society in 2004 and the Texas Academy of General Dentistry in 2010.

Today’s guest and topic will help us navigate the confounding questions around nutrition and the young athlete. So if you ever wanted to know what happens if you skip meals before an event, how many calories young athletes need to perform at their peak or easy meals for sports parents this is the show for you.  Our guest today, has taken her love for exercise and nutrition and created a career where she helps young athletes and their families stay healthy.  Her interest in working with young athletes started early as a young competitive figure skater and cross country runner. Specializing in wellness, sports, and exercise nutrition, she is the director of employee wellness at the Scottish Rite Hospital.  She also owns her own company, where she blogs and educates readers on various pediatric sports nutrition topics. Her creative simple, delicious recipes for young athletes and their families are easy and convenient.  A member of several national organizations, including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition, Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association, and the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

It costs too much. And it’s too complicated. According to a great many voters in 2020, that is the only way to describe our modern health care system. And this is driving their decision-making at the polls. The Jasons jump straight into the deep end in this episode of Y’all-itics, pouring a pint with the CEO of The Texas Academy of Family Physicians in the Medical District. Tom Banning says we have an amazing “sick care” system in America, but “health care” is broken. And he says a fundamental question that must be answered in is whether we think health care is a right or a commodity. If you’re like a growing number of Texans, you are underinsured. That is, you have insurance, but can’t afford to use it. So, the Jasons also wanted to know if there’s a way for Texas consumers to cut their health care costs without having to wait for the politicians (there is). And a random surprise guest helped to prove this point. More Info:Texas Academy of Family PhysiciansTrends in Texas Health Care CostsThe Commonwealth Fund 

Live from the 3M booth at the GNYDM 2019, Rob and Paul host Dr. Joshua Austin and chat with him about managing patient reviews, simplifying composites by utilizing Fil-Tek Universal and how doing so can lead to better efficiency and lower overhead. They also chat about the importance of doing and trying new things in a dental practice. Dr. Austin is a published author and lectures nationally on restorative dentistry and reputation management. He has a monthly column and weekly e-Newsletter in Dental Economics, the most read dental magazine in the world. In the past, Dr. Austin has served as a faculty member in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at UTHSCSA Dental School. In 2009, the Texas Dental Association honored Dr. Austin by naming him Young Dentist of the Year. In 2010, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry named him New Dentist of the Year, the most prestigious award it gives for dentists who have graduated in the previous 7 years. Dr. Austin has earned a Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. Listeners who want to learn more about Dr. Joshua Austin can find him at the usual social media platforms (except for Facebook) @JoshuaAustinDDS and be sure to check out his awesome Working Interreferences Podcast at all of the usual places. Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at Paul@DentalNachos.com and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so Rob at Rob@RMontgomery-Law.com.

Today’s episode of the Fearless Practitioners podcast welcomes guest Angela Lemond, RDN about how she amplifies her practice by choosing the right staff who are in alignment with her core values. Do you often think about what it will take to bring your practice to the next level? Among the many things to consider, have you thought about your staff? Choosing team members who fit with your vision, culture and core values makes all the difference in bringing your practice to a new level of success. In this show, Angela, co-owner of Lemond Nutrition shares her insights and inspiration on connecting with your core beliefs, and how she has been able to hire the best team members to build her dream practice. ABOUT ANGELA LEMOND Angela is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and co-owner of Lemond Nutrition. She left a successful career in corporate marketing in 2000 to pursue her love for nutrition. After graduating with honors from the University of Texas Southwestern coordinated dietetics program, she began her career at Children's Medical Center in Dallas (now Children's Health). She trained in all areas in the hospital before landing in cardiology then gastroenterology and eventually helped start the LEAN (Lifestyle, Exercise & Nutrition) Families program for overweight children. Angela started her private practice in 2008 and left Children's in 2009. Angela is Board Certified as a Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition. Most recently, she has co-authored and is certified as a LEAN Freedom dietitian coach. After transitioning out of inpatient pediatrics, she started understanding the importance of wellness across the family unit. Angela loves to motivate all ages to show folks the power food has to help achieve their goals and purpose in life. Whether that be helping someone with a medical problem that food can provide therapy for, or for general wellness. The behavioral aspects of eating cannot be understated. Angela loves to coach her patients and clients on the what, when and how of eating well for their specific goals. Areas she feels the most passionate about are family wellness, eating disorder recovery and digestive issues. Angela is a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which is the 100,000 member professional organization for food and nutrition professionals across the world. Quoted nationally on hot nutrition topics, her specialties revolve around children, families and general wellness. She is serving as a media representative and Delegate for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the 4,600-member Texas affiliate of the Academy. Angela is married with two children - Hannah age 14 and Evan age 11.  [click_to_tweet tweet="Need staff in your practice? @AngelaLemondRDN shares how hiring the right team members makes all the difference on this episode of the #FearlessPractitioners #Podcast with @AdrienPaczosa " quote="Need staff in your practice? @AngelaLemondRDN shares how hiring the right team members makes all the difference on this episode of the #FearlessPractitioners #Podcast with @AdrienPaczosa "] TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect and leading with your purpose. Building up your local connections to build up trust in the medical community. Core beliefs - do you know yours and your practices? What to look for when hiring a new additional provider. Finding your business right-hand person who loves the practice just like you. MORE FROM ANGELA Lemond Nutrition Lemond Nutrition Instagram Facebook Angela’s IG Angela’s Twitter MORE FROM ADRIEN Building Your Dream Practice FREE Driven Goal Planner Schedule Your FREE 15 Min Fearless Steps Call Fearless Practitioners Facebook

Dr. Joshua Austin is a native San Antonian. After attending Health Careers High School and the University of Texas as an undergrad student, Dr. Austin graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School. UTHSCSA Dental School has been one of the top ranked dental schools in the nation since 1993. Dr. Austin excelled in dental school and was voted president of his graduating class. He capped off a successful senior year by being awarded the Texas Dental Association Outstanding Senior Dental Student award. Dr. Austin is a member of the prestigious Seattle Study Club, which is a network of professional dental study groups dedicated to ideal comprehensive dental care. Dr. Austin's other professional memberships include the Academy of General Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the Rotary Club of San Antonio. Dr. Austin is a published author and lectures nationally on restorative dentistry and reputation management. He has a monthly column and weekly e-Newletter in Dental Economics, the most read dental magazine in the world. In the past, Dr. Austin has served as a faculty member in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at UTHSCSA Dental School. Dr. Austin has received several awards during his dental career. In 2009, the Texas Dental Association honored Dr. Austin by naming him Young Dentist of the Year. In 2010, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry named him New Dentist of the Year, the most prestigious award it gives for dentists who have graduated in the previous 7 years. Dr. Austin has earned a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry by passing an exhaustive written examination and completing over 500 hours of continuing education. In 2014, Dr. Austin was awarded with a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists for his outstanding commitment to ethics in patient care. If you check the December 2014 issue of Texas Monthly, you will see that his peers named Dr. Austin a Texas Super Dentist.

Conversation 58:  The Story, Journey and Passion of Sarah Dahms, RD-to-Be “When I first started in dietetics, I had no idea what I wanted to be but I knew there were a bunch of different options I could choose from. I always kind of desired to be an entrepreneur, to have my own practice. However, now that I’m learning more and more I really like education and promoting nutrition education through social media platforms. I am excited and leaving the doors open, listening to everyone's stories.” - Sarah Dahms, RD-to-Be Today I am reconnecting with my student side and having a conversation today with RD-to-Be, Sarah Dahms. You all know by now how much I love dietetic students and interns that I want to stay in touch with that time in my life and be a mentor going through all the crazy that comes along with the beginnings of our profession. Sarah and I met through Instagram and I admire her for all she does as a busy RD-to-Be. She is VERY active in the student component of the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which is something that wasn’t even on my radar as a student. She supports and connects students all over the state and helps other RD’s-to-Be obtain opportunities to help them with their future. Please enjoy my conversation about where it all begins as an RD-to-Be with Sarah. Connect with Sarah on Instagram @sarahdahms or email    www.anneelizabethrd.com Copyright © 2017 OPI & AEHC Song: One Of These Days Artist: The Gemini www.thegeminimusic.com Music used by permission. All rights received. © ASCAP OrtmanMusic   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anneelizabethrd/message

Tirza Nestel is a Dietitian/Nutritionist specializing in childhood nutrition. She received her Bachelors of Science degree as well as completed her Dietetic internship training at The University of The Incarnate Word. She is a member of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and The San Antonio Dietetic Association. Tirza has specialized in pediatric nutrition for over 16 years and provides nutrition education to parents of children with growth and development disorders, including autism, obesity, growth failure, behavioral feeding problems, and food allergies. She also enjoys public speaking and has presented multiple workshops/lectures on healthy living. Specialties also include creating and implementing nutrition programs for school-age children as well as providing shopping and cooking advice to families. Tirza has a true passion for the field of nutrition and dietetics and her mission is to inspire others to try new foods and make healthy eating fun and delicious. You can reach Tirza by email at: tirztirz8@gmail.com

THE Joshua Austin from The Accidental Geniuses podcast joins us via Skype for one hell of a podcast.  Of course, we discuss the usual dental BS— but the true content deep in the core of the podcast is when Josh goes into how you can use dental imaging technology for dick pics.  Judging by how NOT CHEAP dental imaging equipment is, they very well may be the worlds most expensive dick pics. Dr. Joshua Austin is a native San Antonian. After attending Health Careers High School and the University of Texas as an undergrad student, Dr. Austin graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School. UTHSCSA Dental School has been one of the top ranked dental schools in the nation since 1993. Dr. Austin excelled in dental school and was voted president of his graduating class. He capped off a successful senior year by being awarded the Texas Dental Association Outstanding Senior Dental Student award. Dr. Austin is a member of the prestigious Seattle Study Club, which is a network of professional dental study groups dedicated to ideal comprehensive dental care. Dr. Austin's other professional memberships include the Academy of General Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the Rotary Club of San Antonio. Dr. Austin is a published author and lectures nationally on restorative dentistry and reputation management.  He has a monthly column and weekly e-Newletter in Dental Economics, the most read dental magazine in the world.  In the past, Dr. Austin has served as a faculty member in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at UTHSCSA Dental School. Dr. Austin has received several awards during his dental career.  In 2009, the Texas Dental Association honored Dr. Austin by naming him Young Dentist of the Year.  In 2010, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry named him New Dentist of the Year, the most prestigious award it gives for dentists who have graduated in the previous 7 years.  Dr. Austin has earned a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry by passing an exhaustive written examination and completing over 500 hours of continuing education.  In 2014, Dr. Austin was awarded with a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists for his outstanding commitment to ethics in patient care. Find out more about Joshua Austin's practice at http://www.joshuaaustindds.com

Today I'm speaking with my good friend Kara Lydon. Kara , AKA The Foodie Dietitian, is a nationally recognized nutrition and culinary communications expert and yoga teacher based in Boston. Kara believes that the secret to a holistically happy life is nourishing the mind, body and spirit and she instills this integrative philosophy in the kitchen, yoga studio, working one-on-one with clients, on her food and healthy living blog, The Foodie Dietitian, and in her e-book, Nourish Your Namaste: How Nutrition and Yoga Can Support Digestion, Immunity, Energy and Relaxation. Her blog features delicious seasonal vegetarian recipes and simple strategies to bring more yoga and mindfulness into your life and has been most recently featured on SHAPE, TODAY, Fitness, SELF, The Kitchn, Prevention and Buzzfeed. Kara also partners with like-minded food brands and organizations on recipe development, food photography, nutrition communications, and media and spokesperson work. Kara is an avid writer too and has recently been featured in Yoga Journal, Food Network's Healthy Eats Blog, Today.com, Environmental Nutrition, and Eating Well Magazine. Kara is often sought after for her passion and expertise on yoga, food photography and social media to speak at events and professional meetings, including Today's Dietitian Symposium, Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Massachusetts Dietetic Association, Rhode Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group, Massachusetts Dietitians in Health Care Communities Dietetic Practice Group and the Bariatric Summit. Prior to starting her own business, Kara led health communication strategy for one of the fastest growing food start-ups in history. She began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at The Weight and Wellness Center at Tufts Medical Center. Kara graduated with honors from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and completed her dietetic internship at Mount Auburn Hospital, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training at Back Bay Yoga Studio (now YogaWorks) in Boston. When she's not working, Kara loves going for nature walks and hikes, trying new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with her husband and furry cat, Constantine. In this episode Kara and I talk a lot about her e-book, but also about how to tap into your intuition, when it comes to your career. Interestingly enough, it involves very similar practices as to when you're trying to tap into your intuition when it comes to eating. Kara talks about how taking frequent social media breaks (and quieting your external environment in general) is a great practice for tapping into your intuition, because it gives you an opportunity to think about what you want without being influenced through blog posts and photographs of what everyone else is doing. On top of that, she talks about the importance of distinguishing between “should” and “want.” Many times when we're looking to make a move in our career transition (OR trying to reach a health goal) there are a lot of people telling us what we “should” do. But, if we're not careful, we can spend most of our time getting “should” on, and very little time considering what we actually want. Sound familiar? A great life lesson. Links & Resources http://karalydon.com/blog @karalydonRD || Facebook || Pinterest || Instagram || YouTube Nourish Your Namaste e-book www.JessiHaggerty.com 

Dr. Joshua Austin is a native San Antonian. After attending Health Careers High School and the University of Texas as an undergrad student, Dr. Austin graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School. UTHSCSA Dental School has been one of the top ranked dental schools in the nation since 1993. Dr. Austin excelled in dental school and was voted president of his graduating class. He capped off a successful senior year by being awarded the Texas Dental Association Outstanding Senior Dental Student award. Dr. Austin is a member of the prestigious Seattle Study Club, which is a network of professional dental study groups dedicated to ideal comprehensive dental care. Dr. Austin’s other professional memberships include the Academy of General Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the Rotary Club of San Antonio. Dr. Austin is a published author and lectures nationally on restorative dentistry and reputation management.  He has a monthly column and weekly e-Newletter in Dental Economics, the most read dental magazine in the world.  In the past, Dr. Austin has served as a faculty member in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at UTHSCSA Dental School. Dr. Austin has received several awards during his dental career.  In 2009, the Texas Dental Association honored Dr. Austin by naming him Young Dentist of the Year.  In 2010, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry named him New Dentist of the Year, the most prestigious award it gives for dentists who have graduated in the previous 7 years.  Dr. Austin has earned a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry by passing an exhaustive written examination and completing over 500 hours of continuing education.  In 2014, Dr. Austin was awarded with a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists for his outstanding commitment to ethics in patient care.

Moving forward while still taking the time to pause, relax, and look back. Interview with Mike McCurley, Family Lawyer Click the play button, wait a few seconds and start listening to this Podcast. My guest today is Dallas Texas Family Lawyer Mike McCurley, whom I have invited to speak with me today not only because of the fact that he has an outstanding family law career and has greatly contributed to the practice of family law, but also because Mike and his family lawyer wife, Mary Johanna McCurley, have really taken the time to design their lives in relation to their practice to help them achieve more balance and harmony. I know both Mike and Mary Johanna personally and think highly of them, and I wanted Mike to share some of his insights on what he has done to help them achieve this balance.  But before we get started, let me begin with a bit of background about Mike McCurley. He is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.  He has garnered recognition from professional organizations in the community, and was recognized in 2002 as Texas' top family lawyer in Texas Lawyernewspaper, which is published every five years, and he ranked among the top five again in 2007.  In 2001 he earned the prestigious Sam Emison Award for outstanding contribution to the practice of family law from the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists. He has earned recognition on every Texas Super Lawyers list since they began in 2003, including recognition among the Top 100 Lawyers in Texas and Top 100 Lawyers in Dallas-Fort Worth.  He was also recognized by Worth magazine for high net worth people as one of the Top 100 Lawyers, not just among family lawyers but all top lawyers in the US. He has earned multiple honors by D Magazine as one of the top divorce lawyers in Dallas, and as one of Lawdragon's 500 Leading Lawyers in America.  Additionally, he has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in Texas, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in American Law, and in the Forbes, Town & Country, and Voguemagazines.  Mike’s executive-style leadership at the firm has also been the focus of a profile in D CEO Magazine. In 2010 and 2011 Mike was invited to participate in Renaissance Weekends.  Bringing together preeminent authorities and noted innovators in their fields of expertise from around the country, these invitation-only retreats are dedicated to personal and national renewal.  Mike is a sought-after source for reporters looking for expert analysis on family law matters, and he serves as a frequent resource for some of the nation’s leading print, broadcast and electronic media outlets, including the Associated Press, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, USA Today, New York Daily News, andChicago Tribune, as well as on programs such as Good Morning Texas. As a lecturer, Mike has also spoken on family law matters across the United States and internationally, and has authored a number of papers and publications on every aspect of family law and trial techniques.  You can find a good number of articles Mike and his partners and associates have written on for lawyer magazines.  He was one of the 30 people who was and still is contributing to the family law magazine.  You can learn more about Mike and his firm, McCurley Orsinger McCurley Nelson & Downing, on their website, www.momnd.com I feel like we’re halfway done with this interview, Mike because we've taken up all our time listing the recognitions you’ve earned, and which I know you’ve deserved.  Let’s just start back in the beginning and tell people how you got interested in the practice of family law, how it all started. Well, actually, I got all my teaching from when I got divorced myself in 1973.  It was at a time earlier on, when I was still a business lawyer.  Going through the divorce myself I was not very impressed with what I saw available to help me deal with divorce and adjust with the situation.  When my divorce was over, I converted my practice from focusing on business law to divorce law. So when you started out was your goal just to make things better than what they were?  Did you plan to grow a firm at that time or did you have other plans? At that time I was already with a family law firm and I wasn't thinking to grow another firm at that point in time.  I was just thinking that this is an area that needs people that are more precise and skilled in what they do.  So I thought about devoting my career to this particular area of law and when I saw that the more I got into it the more I liked it.  Of course, I did it at a certain level because being a business lawyer was a necessity.  Frankly, to do business  you need to have business. That’s the main reason.  It’s a natural thing for transition; it was just the catalyst from personal experience. Did you have a mentor in your early days when you were starting out in family law? No, not really.  I did have many mentors thereafter, but I mostly had myself as my own mentor.  When I first started in family law the reason I did it was because I had chosen to work in it. So you initially started with your personal opinion of how it should be practiced rather than emulating someone else who was doing a good job in that field. That is correct.  At that point in time divorce law was kind of a necessity that other firms had; it was not a priority. Were there any major influences in your life in terms of people who pointed you in the right direction? Yes, I would have to say that there's a couple of people that certainly made a real big difference in my skills, particularly in the area of family practice and divorce law.  One is a gentleman named Lion McGuire, who is still practicing today though only part time.  Another is a man by the name of Bill Coon, who is retired now and no longer practicing.  Those are the two people that have had the biggest influence in my life as a trial lawyer and a divorce lawyer. What was it about them that influenced you; was it their style?  Was it their personalities or was it the strategic way they looked at cases?  How did they influence you? I would have to say as a complete answer, all of the above.  What you listed is an important combination of traits for any one individual, and both of them had all of the above. Now I know that when you are on a case you tend to develop things from a business point of view, and while I haven’t been a client of yours I suspect that you have a good handle on the emotional situations that people are in when they go through divorce as well.  What sort of work have you done to properly understand the emotional, psychological aspects of divorce? Well, you have to strike a path of proper balance.  Of course you have to maintain professional distance to a certain degree, but at the same time if you pull back too far you then lose empathy for your client.  You must maintain a balance at all times.  I’ve done a number of things to try to improve my own abilities, one of which is to be in an on-going study of CLE law and coaching as well as psychology and psychiatry to better help me understand how the brain works.  A lot of what we are talking about with this emotional aspect is fear-driven.  So unless you understand the concept of what fear does in an in-depth way you will not be able to understand how to help these people in this process.  I can understand, having been through divorce myself, how fear would be a large factor in people’s lives when facing divorce. Do you also see that in the opposing counsel?  That some of their motivations and some of their reactions and the way they operate is due to fear? Of course.  The law practice, and not just in family law, is a fear-driven profession.  They used terms like "deadlock."  You know that they don’t call those “sick lines.” It’s a fear-driven concept in lots of ways, and you have to be cognizant of that.  The best thing in the world as far as I am concerned is to be a good family lawyer and to be proficient in what you do by not operating out of fear.  Be a firm rock; be more strategic in your thinking.  It’s sort of like martial arts. So you are in a firm with how many partners? 6 partners. Could you give me a history of your firm, how it has grown over the years and what the benefits of growth are?  Perhaps mentioning what some of the downsides of having a larger firm are, if there are any. Well it is a decision that you make consciously.  So if I thought of any significant downsides I would probably downsize.  My goal was to actually set about building and maintaining the most proficient, efficient divorce firm that I could that produces results and values and supports the client in every spectrum of need.   So that when someone comes here I feel good about them consuming the product that we deliver.  That was my goal and I believe that we have achieved it. I know that you work more with businesspeople and executives and other high net worth people, but do you offer a range?  Can your firm deal with middle income people as well as upper middleman or upper income? Oh sure.  Our firm, (I was about to joke about the second floor level, we have two levels and two floors here in our firm) has lots of young lawyers, and they don’t all start at the top.  So yes, we can deal with any needs, but we deal mostly with the needs of upper middle class and above; those are the people we want.  We offer different hourly rates, of course.  There are different expertise levels, but always with someone watching over those with less experience and mentoring them if they need it. It’s that sort of process.  You can't have a firm that size and made out of nothing but high net worth lawyers.  That’s the way it once was and that’s just doesn’t work anymore.  You have to take the youngsters and build them up and give them the experience and impress them as they work themselves up.  And the good ones rise to the top and the ones that aren't superb move out, and that's what I have done over the past 41 years. You must be good at it, because the firm has grown to the point where it is now and has always been highly respected. Thank you. So do you have any recommendations if somebody were starting a firm now?  What do you think they should be doing, especially if they want to grow a firm?  Are there any strategies you think would help in that area? Well, I can give a general answer to that question because part of it is general and part of it is personalized to each individual.  I guess you have to start with a goal.  That can be something as simple as asking how large you want your firm to be, and how long it will take you to get there.  I would also encourage these people to concentrate on where they want to be.  In making a firm, specifically, never hire people you’re not willing to be partners with. Because they could eventually end up right alongside you. Well, that's true.  And another thing is that it’s just another good weeding out process.  If they do not meet any of your qualifications intellectually and character-wise then you wouldn't care to let them be your partner.  That should result in you not hiring them in the first place. Of course we hire from the top of the class which is typical for all firms.  We look at a variety of things: their ranking in the class, how they did  in new court competitions (because we do a lot of litigation here), what is their undergraduate work and how well they are doing with that.  We pay attention to how well-rounded an individual they are, whether they have extracurricular activities or any particular interests. What have they done to pay back to their community? All of those things make a person proficient and efficient, and reflect on their good character.  Those are what I’m looking for. Do you feel in terms of your own goals that are you achieving them?  You’ve said that you tend to reflect on them every 5 years, because they change during that time. Yes. What about your partners.  Do you have a partners’ meeting with your all 6 of them?  Do you sit down and say what the goals of the firm are for the future? Yes, we do that monthly and we have a year-end meeting that is a time where those concepts are shared with all the partners.  So the end of the year meetings are important, but there are monthly ones above that. Have those put you on course as far as the direction you’re headed? Sure.  We don't wait till the year's end for the assessment. Let’s just go back and talk about balance in terms of your work and your personal life.  You and Mary Johanna have been in practice together and so the two of you must have looked at your own personal goals and  thought about if you were working too much, and how much time you needed to spend away. I know you both love to travel.  Was there any particular decision made that caused you to look at your work-life-balance?  Since I've known you these past 15 years your course your life is taking seems to be in balance.  But that's looking from the outside.  Was there ever any point in time where you realized that you needed your life to strike that balance, or have you always just thought that way? No, I guess I could say my life was probably out of balance until about 20 years ago.  I am by nature sort of a self-driven individual, and so is Mary Johanna.  I was raised in and was a product of the Depression and a father who believed in hard work and lots of it.  That’s the main reason I am a hard worker. So you have to be cognizant of my upbringing.  Left to my own devices I work way, way too much.  And so we to take time off and we use travel for that.  We have a home that we go to; it’s a good sort of short-term resting place.  We sit down each quarter and plan out where we are going to be and where we are going to travel and what we are going to do and then strike a balance because if you don’t calendar the balance, it won’t happen. If you are a hard charging, hardworking person, it is the best thing to be working and that is what I want to do.  If I don't calendar it, it doesn't happen.  Because that’s what I do. You said something about left to your own devices, so was there any point that you had a wake-up call, because most of the time we’re not exactly conscious of the fact the way we are running our life- it’s just running. Right. I know that you’ve gone to different retreats and resorts and those sorts of things that help with being rested.  Did they have any impact in terms of helping you recognize that you need to take control of your life? Sure. About 25 years ago I went to a place, the well-known Canyon Ranch in Tucson, North Arizona, and they have a weeklong intensive workshop with something they called the Laughing Center, or something like that, and my laugh was going really good.  My laugh was really fast and I laughed and I enjoyed it.  Going through that workshop I laughed with a grandmother and a man who was about a hundred, and at the rate I’m going I probably won’t make it that long. And after being with those folks, I felt that I needed to start looking into what they were talking about when it came to the way I laughed. I go back there every year now, at least once a  year, and this is something that I think keeps me on track. According to them what you need to do is pick one thing to change about how you’re living your life each time you come in, and of course I wasn’t satisfied with that.  I started doing two or three things at a time, and I’ve been doing the same thing ever since.  I’ve even started sharing that concept when I visit other countries, teaching it to people of different cultures, religions, whatever.  All of it is the idea that you’ll live a more balanced, serene, successful kind of life. So I calendar good amount of time for it every year. But you have to stand tough right?  Otherwise, as you've said, the way you are wired is to work, work, work. And my wife is a jealous mistress.  She’ll get you if you are not there. I know that you have made a significant contribution in the practice of the family law and maybe you could just talk for a moment about that, since you are also the president of the Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and you've worked with that organization for many years.   Is there anything that stands out for you in terms of contribution or changes that you helped make to the practice? Well, I was the President of the Matrimonial in 1999, and what came out of that of course was that I started a committee that deals with affected children, the effects of divorce with children.  I also created a committee that continues today to do that it’s been very rewarding to help others in that way. I think that it will outlast me, which is good because we’re protecting children affected by divorce and there’s so much more still that we can do for that.  I am very pleased with how I set that goal and how it has continued on with that committee. The other thing is the idea of helping other people cope with divorce successfully. We have a laugh workshop we give periodically to groups (including the one at Canyon Ranch) about how to go through divorce and get out of it successfully.  Divorce is one thing that can tax people.  Even the most sophisticated consumer, I don't care how much their net worth is, can be caught off-balance by divorce, and kept off-balance.  So that's the contribution that I really enjoy and I am going to keep doing that for the rest of my life, professionally and perhaps even after my career is over. In terms of other careers do you have any particular goals you've set that are important to you and that you want to achieve?  I don’t know if you ever thought of retiring, but do you see an end to your legal career at some point and maybe starting another career where you work with people more personally, either coaching or running the sorts of courses you mentioned? Well, what I have done in the past is that I’ve become more selective about how I spend my time and am going to continue to do that.  I’ve been particularly good about knowing when not to comment, because it takes a lot of time to do speech.  I still enjoy it though, I’m just more selective now, both about that and what cases I decide to take. I have become selective in everything that I do and am not yet in the process of my retirement.  I can't think of retirement because it’s a step toward death.  My grandfather lived until a hundred and five and I am not ready to start facing that, but I think in my mind the wiser thing is that I continue this state of transition rather than retirement. I’m not sure where I would go.  My life is on track now as far as I’m concerned, and how I would want to move past that depends on where my law practice would go.  The prospect of change in this area really excites me, where we might be headed next.  All I want to do is to stay on the cutting edge all of the time, and I hope that this continues and from where I sit today I foresee it moving on into the future. Have you noticed much change in the practice of family law in the past 5 years? Yes. In what ways have you seen it change, and where have you seen the most change? Oh, 5 years is a short number of years, but I can answer it if you enlarge it to 10- Okay, let’s say 10 years. If we include the past decades that provides more definable parameters, and we have a lot of things that have changed.  We have lawyers that are more educated and have better skills that what others had in the past. I think the quality of lawyers available for a person to hire to or to build a law firm with has improved.  There are better resources for students now and these kids are getting brighter and are really, really willing to work, which was a problem for a while.  The divorce practice, I think, is getting better and better through SLEs from states to states and national organizations.  African-American and matrimonial lawyers, the education of matrimonial law for our lawyers, organizations dedicated to furthering family law, all of these are in a better state than they used to be. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Mike McCurley is a well-recognized Texas Super Lawyer with years of experience in family law and more accolades than can be easily listed. He is one of the six partners with the firm McCurley Orsinger McCurley Nelson & Downing, and you can visit their website at www.momnd.com.