4:12 Connections

Heather talks with Michelle Garland about community, courage, and showing up during life’s hardest moments. Michelle shares her breast cancer journey, survivorship, and the emotional impact of serious illness, along with the friendships and support that carried her through. A thoughtful conversation about identity beyond diagnosis and the power of simply being present. For more information about t...

Heather sits down with Evan Summers, founder of Now Schmear This , to explore the connection between food, comfort, mental health, and relationship. From aromatherapy to flavor science, Evan challenges one-size-fits-all wellness culture, quick fixes, and shame around comfort. A thoughtful conversation about balance, individuality, and why relationship matters more than perfection. For more informa...

In this powerful episode, Heather talks with Jennifer Greenberg , suicide loss survivor and owner of Green Dragon Marketing, about suicide awareness, mental health stigma, and lived experience. Jennifer shares her story of losing her husband to suicide, navigating grief as a parent, and the importance of peer support, shared stories, and compassion. This honest conversation challenges misconceptio...

What do you do when words are hard? This episode is the audio recording from the 5th Annual Words Are Hard event, held on May 9, 2026 . Artists, writers, and community members came together to share deeply personal experiences through poetry, visual art, and storytelling. The event moves through three connected themes: Identity Fighting the Darkness Finding Hope Each speaker brings their own persp...

In this episode, Heather Croas sits down with Astrid Ross, Georgia Senate candidate, certified peer specialist, and founder of the Mental Health Support Network. Astrid opens up about her experiences as a suicide loss survivor, a mother of five, and a longtime mental health advocate, sharing how trauma, anxiety, and depression have shaped her work. Astrid’s nonprofit provides free mental health re...

In this episode, we sit down with community mentor and advocate Akella Clore to talk about foster care, creativity, connection, and what it really looks like to support others while carrying your own challenges. Akella shares her journey as a mother of nine, a former foster parent, and the founder of Colorful Creations, a program built around confidence, art, and youth empowerment. We explore her...

In this episode, we talk with professional networker Sara Branch about connection, community, and why networking is far more than business cards and elevator pitches. Sara shares her transition from corporate life to building a networking franchise and developing her own curriculum to help business owners connect with clarity and confidence. We explore social awkwardness, storytelling, mindset shi...

In this episode, we talk with mindset coach Andy Robinson, founder of LFG Mindset Consulting , about identity, trauma, and what it really means to choose your next chapter. Andy shares his path from serving in the United States Marine Corps to surviving a life-changing injury during Operation Iraqi Freedom and rebuilding his life with intention. His experience led him to a simple but powerful real...

In this episode, we sit down with newly published author and retired court professional Tracie Ingram for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, identity, mindset, and the power of encouragement. After 30 years in the criminal justice system and service in the United States Army , Tracie reflects on what she learned working in high-emotion environments and how those experiences shaped her perspe...

In this episode of 4:12 Connections , Heather is joined by attorney and empath Shannan Collier Stalvey, Esq. for a thoughtful conversation about communication, emotional regulation, and the assumptions that shape how we see others and ourselves. The episode explores how emotions show up in everyday interactions, why behavior is often a form of communication, and how conscious and unconscious bias...

In this episode, Chase Sanger shares his mission to advocate for veteran mental health after his own experience with traumatic brain injury and medical retirement from the Army. Hear how the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center gave him the tools to heal and how he now works to raise awareness and support for veterans facing invisible wounds. This conversation is a reminder that asking for...

In this episode, Heather and Josh dive deep into the many forms of communication; from body language and bilingual love stories to marketing and emotional expression through art. Josh shares his experience living in Honduras, surviving a medical crisis, and building a business rooted in meaningful connection. A thoughtful exploration of how we speak, listen, and understand each other. 🔗 Learn mor...

Welcome to Season 6 of 4:12 Connections ! In this powerful kickoff episode, Heather Croas and co-host Larry sit down with Brent Rittersdorf , local real estate agent, keynote speaker, and leader of Cobb County’s most dynamic networking group. Brent shares his journey from hospitality to real estate, the evolution of his keynote speech Ten for Ten , and the inspiration behind his new book The Point...

In the Season 5 finale of 4:12 Connections , Heather and Larry reflect on a year of transformation, storytelling, and learning to navigate life’s challenges. From masking and burnout to finding purpose and building community, this candid conversation explores what it means to grow, stretch, and stay anchored… even when things get messy. A powerful wrap-up to a season rooted in real talk and resili...

In Part 2 of our annual Mental Health and the Media series, Heather Croas welcomes Jennifer and Micah Grawey to explore how television portrays mental health. From animated standouts like Bluey and Adventure Time to true crime and dramas, they unpack what TV gets right, where it goes wrong, and why representation matters. 📩 For more information about The Green Phoenix or to be a guest on a future...

In Part 1 of our annual Mental Health and the Media series, Heather Croas is joined by Jennifer and Micah Grawey to explore how mental health has been portrayed in film—from horror tropes and outdated stereotypes to recent strides in representation and empathy. This episode dives into decades of cinema, highlighting the cultural impact of movies like Silver Linings Playbook , Beautiful Boy , I Saw...

In this deeply moving episode, the  Fighting the Darkness  Panel Discussion on Suicide Prevention—presented by 22one Realty Co. and Crawford Street Designs—brings together a courageous group of voices to share their lived experiences and professional insights. Moderator Larry Grawey is joined by Morgan Pickering (First Responder), Jessica Alexander (Therapist), Jennifer Greenberg (Suicide Loss Sur...

In this deeply moving episode, Heather and Larry sit down with Dave Griffith to explore the quiet strength behind a life shaped by caregiving, loss, and unwavering faith. From growing up as a military kid to navigating decades of marriage through mental illness and chronic health challenges, Dave shares his story with raw honesty and grace. Together, they unpack the emotional toll of long-term suf...

I n this heartfelt and candid conversation, Heather sits down with Haley—her youngest guest yet—for a deep dive into the generational shifts that shape how we experience life, technology, mental health, and belonging. From favorite films and ukuleles to the impact of COVID, bullying, and social media, they explore what it means to grow up in different eras and how those experiences influence ident...

In this episode of  4:12 Connections , physical therapist and athletic trainer  Scott C. McInturff, PT, DPT, ATC  joins the conversation to explore the deeper layers of healing—beyond just muscles and movement. With over two decades of experience, Scott shares how his approach to recovery blends science, empathy, and a deep respect for the mind-body connection. Together, we talk about: Why “creati...

Join us on  4:12 Connections  for a heartfelt and humorous conversation with author and mental health advocate  LJ Daniel . In this episode, Bree shares her journey as a writer, wife, and caregiver navigating life with neurodivergent loved ones. Together, we explore the challenges of masking, the emotional toll of caregiving, and how storytelling—both fictional and autobiographical—can be a powerf...

Join us on 4:12 Connections for an engaging conversation with Pastor Brandon Nichols of Mercy Hill Church. In this episode, Brandon shares his personal journey in ministry, discussing the evolving role of the church in supporting mental health and the strength found in community partnerships within Kennesaw. Learn about the importance of empathy, listening, and practical care in addressing sensiti...

In this episode of 4:12 Connections, we delve into a conversation with Emily Spellman, who offers a unique perspective on community and connection in Adairsville, GA. Emily's work at Living Way Academy and her involvement with Adairsville Coffee Co. highlight the ways in which strong relationships and a sense of belonging can contribute to mental health and resilience. Tune in to hear Emily's thou...

Join us on 4:12 Connections for an authentic conversation with Kennedy as she shares her journey of faith and the unexpected connections sparked by a shared love for coffee. Hear Kennedy's personal insights on finding her place and the meaningful experiences gained through serving in her church and her past role as a barista. Kennedy offers a down-to-earth perspective on navigating life and simply...

Step into the heart of connection and expression with the audio from our 4th Annual Words Are Hard Event, recorded live on May 17, 2025. Focused on "Art as a Means of Expression and Self-Care: Sharing Stories of Mental Health", this episode brings you the raw honesty and vibrant spirit of the day. Hear incredible moments from our open mic, where participants bravely shared their lived experiences...