Anna Marie's Sunday Focus

We had a wonderful conversation with Youth Villages about the incredible work they are doing to support foster care across Middle Tennessee. We spoke with Frankie Boyette, Regional Supervisor of Foster Care, who shared valuable insight into the growing need for foster parents in our community, what makes a great foster parent, the requirements and process of becoming licensed, what to expect when...

Disability awareness starts with listening to the people living it. Tala spoke with ABLE Youth Executive Director Amy Saffell and Alexandra Jobe, a young Middle Tennessee woman who came through the organization’s program, about independence, accessibility and creating a more inclusive community. Both wheelchair users, Amy and Alexandra bring personal perspectives to the conversation. Alexand...

Tala spoke with Men Wear Pink ambassador Rashed Fakhruddin about what inspired him to advocate for breast cancer awareness, why it’s important for men to become allies and how our community can show up for those affected all year long. From starting conversations to supporting survivors and raising funds, everyone has a role to play. They also talk about Fit Crawl 2 Fight Breast Cancer, happ...

What happens when you are wrongly convicted? There is an organization in Tennessee that is there to fight with you and for you. We sat down with Jason Gichner, Executive Director of the Tennessee Innocence Project, to learn more about the organization’s work to help correct wrongful convictions across our state. Founded in 2019, the Tennessee Innocence Project investigates and...

We recently sat down with local entrepreneur and aesthetician Heidi Bellerjeau, whose personal journey is a story of reinvention, resilience and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. In her 50s, Heidi made the decision to return to school and further her education in aesthetics, skincare and the science behind beauty and wellness. After completing 750 hours of classroom and hands-o...

A Mt. Juliet mother is helping create meaningful change for children with disabilities, and she’s doing it with the support of Wilson County officials and members of her community. Jennifer Ethridge is a mother to several children, including her son Leo, who was born with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Because of his unique needs, traditional Parks & Recreation playgrounds...

Tala spoke with Melinda LaFollette, Musicians On Call's Director of PR & Events, and local musician Mikki Zip about the organization’s history and its mission to bring the healing power of music to patients, families and caregivers. They shared stories about the many artists who have supported the cause, the Middle Tennessee hospitals they serve and how musicians and community volun...

Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) is raising awareness about the growing threat of cryptocurrency scams and the importance of recognizing financial fraud. In our conversation with Kevin Walters, he explained their ongoing work to educate Tennesseans and strengthen protections against crypto-related fraud as well as commerce and insurance fraud throughout Tennessee. &nbsp...

We spoke with William Kenney of the Parkinson’s Foundation Tennessee and Kentucky Chapter about his personal connection to the organization’s mission. After witnessing his father’s experience with Parkinson’s disease firsthand, William joined the foundation to help ensure other individuals and families have access to education, resources and a supportive community throughou...

We spoke with Clip In 4 the Cure Director of Community Development LeighEllen Blevins about the high-energy team cycling event benefiting cancer initiatives at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. LeighEllen shared her personal connection to the cause and why supporting patients, families, researchers and care teams affected by cancer is so...

We spoke with Ashleigh Gonzales, Chief Development and Marketing Officer at AncoraTN, about the organization’s work to nurture survivor healing and combat human trafficking throughout Middle Tennessee. AncoraTN provides survivors with long-term, trauma-informed support through residential and community-based services, while also working to prevent exploitation through education, advocacy and...

The Collective in Nashville takes a holistic approach to mental health and recovery, helping individuals struggling with mental health conditions, addiction and other emotional challenges find a path toward lasting wellness. Tala spoke to founder and CEO Courtney Grimes on how this innovative program got started. Through its eight-week program, participants receive comprehensive, personalized supp...

For pregnant and parenting college students, continuing their education can feel nearly impossible without a strong support system. Tala sits down with Ella’s House founder Elise Jenkins, who shares how her own experience of discovering she was pregnant as she entered college inspired her to create the organization. We also hear from a mother who recently graduated from one of Ella’s H...

We explore the future of one of Nashville's most historic corridors. Jefferson Street was once the heart of Black culture, commerce, and community before the construction of Interstate 40 divided the neighborhood in the 1960s. Now, through the city's  Choose How You Move  initiative, a new draft plan aims to reconnect and reimagine the corridor while honoring its rich history. Justi...

How can the right support change a student's future? In this episode, we sit down with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee to discuss the incredible impact of its Achievers program, which helped graduating seniors secure an astounding $6.2 million in scholarships this year. We talk about the importance of college and career readiness, bridging gaps in educational support, and how mentors are empowering M...

As the cost of everyday essentials continues to challenge household budgets, many Middle Tennesseans are looking for ways to strengthen their financial future. On this episode, we're joined by Eric Meriweather, Managing Director and Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, to discuss practical money strategies, ways to manage rising costs, and how anyone can reset their financial goals. Whether...

Tala talks with a representative of Music & Miracles.  Their website is HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former host and TV Personality Laura Schweizer decided to walk away from her role with Local on 2, WKRN News Channel 2 lifestyle show to tell stories on an even deeper level. With a heart that beats for serving others and telling meaningful stories, Laura is stepping into her new role as Executive Director of Change the Stars, a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of children in Haiti. Th...

Tala Shatara sits down with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell to discuss the many ways he is fast tracking the city's needs. From year-round childcare centers that support parents to the importance of music education, Mayor O'Connell is keeping our city's children and their needs at the forefront. We also get to know him and his interests, which can sometimes be buried behind the policies and pres...

While she is continuously focusing on the storms moving through Middle Tennessee and South Kentucky,  WKRN Chief Meteorologist was facing a storm behind closed doors. She uses her platform to discuss her recent diagnosis of Endometriosis and her hysterectomy, helping women and men understand the complexity of this diagnosis, how she received help and how you can help others going through the...

2026 has been coined as the year of health and wellness, and here in Nashville, that movement is stronger than ever. From fitness and nutrition to recovery, mental health, and preventative care, more Tala spoke with Terry Barga and Vanessa Hampton, co-founders of Nashville Fit Magazine, B2 Wellness Suites and Bodywell, about the importance of health and wellness, and why the movement is larger tha...

Today is World Blood Donor Day, an international day of recognition dedicated to honoring blood donors and raising awareness about the constant, life-saving need for blood donations around the world. It’s a reminder that one simple act can make an extraordinary difference for patients facing emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and more. Tala Shatara sits down with J...

This Father’s Day, The Father’s House is redefining fatherhood—helping men show up for their families in meaningful, lasting ways and making every day feel like Father’s Day. The nonprofit supports fathers and all men transitioning back into society after incarceration, offering structure, mentorship, and life skills to help them rebuild their lives and reconnect with their...

Nashville is a hub for healthcare and medicine in Middle Tennessee. As the area grows in population and older nurses are retiring, the need for new nurses is growing.  In this Focus Interview, you'll hear from Amanda Pingston, assistant chief nursing officer at Ascension Saint Thomas West, who'll talk about why nursing is so important and fulfilling a career. She'll also talk about the affili...

In this Focus interview, Brittany Lee, Nurse Manager for the Maternal/Newborn Center at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown, joins Anna to give expectant moms and parents info on what to expect when they deliver. The Maternal/ Newborn Center focuses on the baby and the mother, as well as education and guidance after they're released to go home.  Ascension Saint Thomas calls itself The Baby Hospita...