Quality Health Care Really Is For Everyone!

Colorful_spring_gardenSpring is gradually beginning to, well, Spring!  Let’s keep fingers crossed the warming trend continues.  I’ve seen buds on the trees and my tulips are just popping up.  Can’t wait to see the blossoms. 

In the meantime, as the country is abuzz over the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, many in our own community have been offering quality health care to families for a long time.  I had an amazing chat with Dr. Morgan Wills, Executive Director of Siloam Family Health Center.  He shared his passion for serving people from around the world who now call Nashville “home.”  And I had a tour of Siloam’s gorgeous Health Center.  Check out my interview and, if your business or organization needs a beautiful meeting site, Siloam can meet those needs as well!  What a place!  

In addition to Nashville’s “It City” status when it comes to food, sports and country music, our little town also enjoys top billing as one the country’s most creative places.  I spoke with Noah Spiegel, Chief Operating Officer of the Nashville Opera, about waaaaay more than Opera.  Listen to our chat about what’s making Nashville a “go-to” destination for the arts and culture and how the Opera is contributing to educating a new generation.  

Well, that’s about it for this post.  I just want to leave you all with my two cents.  Nashville is a great place to live, work and play.  If you haven’t played in awhile, this Spring is a great time to start.  Catch y’all later!

Polar Vortex Got You Down? Warm It Up Nashville!

beachIt’s all anyone is talking about: How Cold Is It?  Well I for one am tired of this polar vortex thingy and I’m heading South for warmer temps for awhile.  But before I go, check out some of these amazing folks I’ve interviewed of late.  From sustainability to adoption to those pesky New Year’s resolutions, it’s all here!  So listen and enjoy!

First up is local adoption attorney Rebecca McKelvey.  She enlightens us about the frustrating and confusing world of family and adoptions.  If you or someone you know needs to know more about these issues, check her out.  

Sustainability is fast becoming the new buzz word for all conservation-related efforts.  But really guys, it is the best way to ensure a healthy life for ourselves and a healthy planet for the future.  And if you’re a bit stymied about how to accomplish this all-important lifestyle change, check out my interview with Jennifer Tlumak, sustainability guru at Urban Green Lab.  

One of my fave bookstores, Parnassus Books, is known for hosting some of the best authors.  Coming up on Monday February 24th is New York Times bestselling author Matthew Quick.  You may have heard of his previous book, “The Silver Linings Playbook,” but he’ll be here to chat about his latest release “The Good Luck of Right Now.”  This is a seriously amazing book, a must read!  Check out my interview with Matthew, then go meet him in person at Parnassus!  

And finally, if you’re having trouble sticking with your New Year’s resolutions, “There’s an App for that!”  Yep, the good folks at Microsoft have some great new apps to help keep you on track.  I spoke with product manager Galileo Vieira (cool name, right?) about what’s new!  Check it out, then get busy downloading!  

Well, that’s it for now!  Let’s all pray for warmer weather and until next time, ciao Nashville!

Some Talented folks visit Nashville

Happy New Year Nashville!  It’s a cold one out there, but there are some amazingly talented people around to help keep your spirits warm.

First up, my friend, Don Winston, author and Nashville ex-pat extraordinaire has a creepy new thriller out.  It’s set in San Francisco and gives a very different look a the City By The Bay.  Check out my interview with the always entertaining Don Winston and then run, don’t walk, to download his book!  

MM 2012 (3)One of my very favorite performers is the incomparable Melissa Manchester. This prolific performer has endured and thrived for decades, enjoying success in music, TV, film and on Broadway.  Her collaborations and influences read like a “Who’s Who” in American music.  And, she’s coming to town for a very special one-night only performance.  January 18th she’ll be at Third & Lindsley for a benefit concert for West End Synagogue.  It’s part of the synagogue’s Annual Concert & Cultural Series and it is not to be missed.  No matter what age you are, or what your musical taste, Melissa Manchester has something for literally everyone!  Check out my interview with her and then go online to get tickets (they’re going fast) at www.westendsyn.org  

Well, that’s it for now.  Stay warm Nashville!

A Week of History

Hi Everyone!  I hope you all enjoyed a delicious and satisfying Thanksgiving holiday.  This past month has been a historic one in America.

It’s been 50 years since President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.  Do you remember where you were when you heard the news?  I was just a wee one, but I recall my mom’s tears and my dad’s disbelief like it was yesterday.  Have we learned anything from that fateful event?  What might have been had it not happened?  I spoke with my friend, local attorney and historian Norma Shirk to get some perspective of my own.  I share it with you.  

Following on the heels of the JFK story, let’s take a look at a current hot topic: the death penalty.  Recent events, including mass shootings and failed executions, are shining the spotlight on this issue.  And the conversation is changing.  I spoke with Stacy Rector, Executive Director of Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, to learn more.  

That’s it for now folks.  Keep checking here for more updates and interviews.  Have a great week!

Get your Fashion on Nashville!

It’s October in Music City!!!!!  Tons of fun stuff to do while supporting some seriously important causes.

First up is The Bootstraps Foundation’s “Passion for Fashion” event on the 17th. The event is sponsored by Zuus Country, check them out too!   This is your shot at viewing some gorgeous couture fashion, meet and greet some local celebs and help local high school students finance a college education.  I spoke with Matt Shorter, an Executive Board Member with The Bootstraps Foundation, to get the scoop.  Believe me, you’re not going to want to miss this one!  

Next up is the Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure”.  This is the annual party that raises serious dough for Breast Cancer research and treatment.  My friends at Susan G. Komen of Nashville and Middle Tennessee sat down with me to chat about the latest in research.  We also learned once again about the amazing resources available in our community.  

I’ve got much more, so stay tuned and keep reading!  Have a blast Nashville!

From Baseball to Goalball and Everything In Between

These past few weeks have been busy and soggy in Middle Tennessee.  And, as it does most of the year, sports ranks right up there with music as the local pastime.  I did some really cool interviews with folks breaking ground in the world of sports.  All of these interviews are local, so listen up and support your local teams!

If you’re a fan of baseball, like I am, this interview will knock your socks off!  The Vintage Baseball craze is sweeping the nation and Tennessee is not going to be left out.  The Tennessee Vintage Baseball League is having a rousing season and this impressive group of players is poised for growth.  Listen to my interview with Trapper Haskins from Franklin’s team, and then head out to the ballpark for a hotdog and some summer baseball fun!  Trapper Haskins

This next interview is with one of the most extraordinary athletes I’ve ever met.  Ricky Jones, Executive Director of the Tennessee Association of Blind Athletes, talks about his life, sports and what inspires him to triumph against the odds.  And the sport of Goalball will leave you breathless, really!  Check out Ricky’s interview.  Ricky Jones

This final interview for today is not related to sports, but it’s a doozy!  Lynne Bachleda shares her passion for the future by explaining why everyone should have an Ethical Will.  Not sure what it is?  Well give a listen and then try it yourself.  Lynne Bachleda

Well, friends, that’s it for today.  I’ve got some more interviews to share with you so stay tuned!

Stay Classy Nashville!

Furry Friends Invade Germantown, and That’s Not All!

Gosh, so many great new ventures popping up around town.  One of my main loves in life, in addition to the family, is my pets.  Our house is home to four, count ’em, four, lovable pooches of all ages and sizes.  In fact as I sit here writing, three of them are happily snoring away at my feet!  And I’m not alone in my passion for spoiling my furry babies.  Joining in the fun over in Germantown is “Crossroads Pet Shop,” a new venture brought to us by “Crossroads Campus,” the nonprofit that pairs at-risk young people with dogs and cats rescued from local shelters to help the animals learn obedience and encourages self esteem and skills for the youth.  I spoke with my friend Lisa Stetar, Executive Director of Crossroads Campus, and with a couple of the young folks at Monroe Harding who help train these lovable creatures.  Listen, be inspired and then go visit Crossroads Pet Shop!  

Coming up this week the National Association of Black Accountants are having their Annual Convention right here in Music City.  The event brings approximately 2,000 people to town.  The Convention happens June 5-8 at Gaylord Opryland Resort and features several opportunities for the public to be involved.  I spoke with Manual Torres, Convention Chair, to get the scoop.  Check it out and then go visit the NABA Convention.  

Listen up: May is ALS Awareness Month

Happy Spring Music City!  Lots of goings on in Mid-TN and I’m glad to be a part of it.  I’m also super happy to share it all with you.

This past week was Mother’s Day and I had the very distinct privilege of talking to a very extraordinary family share their story.  Robert Gowan was in the studio with his adorable kidlets, Catherine and Will, and their talented friend and nanny Morgan Myles.  Robert’s wife Amy Gowan lost her battle with ALS last August and the Gowan family is working very hard to raise awareness of this misunderstood and horrible disease.  We also debuted a beautiful, moving song written by Morgan for her dear friend Amy.  I don’t want to spill all the beans, so listen to their moving and beautiful tribute.  First up is Robert’s interview, followed by Morgan. 

Also up is a great interview with a young woman who figured out how to earn half a million dollars in college scholarships.  That’s right, $500,000!  This enterprising gal put herself through Vandy and Belmont and now has written a book sharing all that juicy “How-to” with you!  My interview with Kristina Ellis was fun and chock full of great tips for parents and soon-to-be college students.   

And, to round out this post, I spoke with Sara Trembath of Boxtops for Education.  She shared how Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Wheat Thins and many other items in your pantry can raise dollars for your local schools.  Check it out!  

Well, that’s it for now.  Keep listening to WKDF 103 and WGFX 104.5 The Zone for more great interviews and of course, music and sports!  Have a great week Music City!

Communication is the Key to Family Harmony

Music City is buzzing these days.  It seems you can’t pick up a magazine or newspaper without seeing a story about our city’s growth.  Whether it’s in music, film, shopping, food or sports, we are definitely the “it” city!  I, for one, am so glad to be here to witness the exlosion.

Recently I interviewed a brilliant, enterprising and creative guy who’s helping families improve communication and help combat bullying.  Kevin Strauss, founder of familyejournal.com, is definitely onto something.  Through his free online journal, families can communicate with each other in a unique way.  And, organizations can join the Partner’s Program, a fee-based service that lets your organization or school offer this amazing program to your clients.  Listen to my interview with Kevin, then go online to www.familyejournal.com.  Here’s Kevin:  Kevin Strauss

I realize Valentine’s Day is over, but I thought I’d share a fun interview with a couple of rockin’ ladies.  Caryn Beth Rosenthal and Mary Jane Fahey, turned Cupid’s arrow around in their hilarious book “Dumped.”  If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a breakup you’re going to want to listen to these gals and then grab a copy of their book.  It’s the ultimate post-breakup bible.  Dumped

Well, that’s it for now Music City!  Keep on truckin’ towards Spring!

Something Weird is Happening at Sewanee

How are you all doing?  Happy New Year!  I guess I can say that for about another three days, right?  Hope you’ve been enjoying the winter.

Have you ever driving Southeast of Nashville, towards Chattanooga, and passed the tiny town of Monteagle?  Well, in those mountains lies a beautiful, pastoral, peaceful little town which is home to a gorgeous liberal arts college, known as the University of the South, or Sewanee.  Well, this Cali girl had never heard of such a place, until…my guest, author and screenwriter Don Winston, joined me to chat about his book about the place.  Well, it’s sort of about the place.  The book is called “S’wanee: A Paranoid Thriller” and it will give you chills down your spine and maybe even cost you a night’s sleep or two.  But, it also paints a picture of a gorgeous little idyll in Tennessee.  After you listen to Don’s interview, grab a copy of his book from Amazon.  And if you’re really curious, like I was, head down to visit Sewanee and see for yourself, if you can, what’s real and what isn’t.  Enjoy!  Don Winston

Now, if you’re a lover of music like I am, I have a treat for you!  And if you love gospel, then you’re really going to want to check this out.  Joshua Nelson, The Prince of Kosher Gospel, was in town doing a fundraiser concert for West End Synagogue.  Yep, you heard that right.  Joshua is African American and Jewish!  Whew!  This guy has talent to burn and a fascinating life story too.  Listen in and then let me know what you think!  Joshua Nelson: The Prince of Kosher Gospel

Have a great week, everyone!