Big Huntsville Podcast

🚀 In this heartwarming episode of the Big Huntsville Podcast , host Carl Thomas sits down with Fran Fluhler , the beloved Director of Manna House , a volunteer-led food distribution program serving thousands across Huntsville. Under her leadership, Manna House has become more than a food pantry. Fran shares her incredible journey of faith, community, and purpose — from leading hundreds of volunte...

🚀 In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast , host Carl Thomas sits down with Pastor Meghan Watson , Lead Care Pastor at Refuge Church and Campus Pastor at the Refuge Hope Campus located at First Stop in Huntsville. Meghan shares her journey from licensed social worker to pastor, and how her work brings holistic care—spiritual, emotional, and physical—to Huntsville’s homeless community. Learn...

🚀 In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast , host Carl Thomas welcomes Davina Patterson , Executive Director of the Disability Resource Network. Davina shares her journey from a 20-year career in healthcare to leading a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. From the history of the Independent Living Movement to modern challenges in disability rights, Davina highlig...

🚀 In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast , Carl Thomas sits down with Dr. Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt , a leading force behind Huntsville's medical education and clinical research advancement. As a faculty member at UAB’s Huntsville Regional Medical Campus, she shares how her team is training future doctors, expanding access to healthcare, and launching community-driven clinical trials...

🚀 In this heartfelt episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast , host Carl Thomas sits down with Sarita Edwards , founder and CEO of The E.WE Foundation. What began as a personal journey through grief and advocacy for her son Elijah, who was born with Trisomy 18, has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit supporting families navigating rare diseases. Sarita shares how her family’s experience sha...

In this Big Huntsville podcast episode, Kemsley Wilton, Middle Gifts Officer at the Downtown Rescue Mission, shares how donations between $1,000–$5,000 support shelter, food, and recovery programs for the homeless. He emphasizes community involvement, the mission’s values of hope and dignity, and stories of transformation. Kemsley Wilton also reflects on gratitude and the mission’s impact. 🎧 Host...

In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast , host Carl Thomas talks to Susan McDougal about her incredible work in the community, from running the Alabama State and Madison County Spelling Bees to owning a travel advisory business. Susan shares her passion for supporting students, helping children excel through educational programs, and giving back to the community through her involvement with...

In this episode of The Huntsville Podcast , host Carl Thomas interviews Dr. Kevin Dieckilman about the rich history and future significance of Israel. Dr. Kevin shares his personal journey, from leading tours in Israel to uncovering archaeological artifacts that validate biblical history. They discuss Israel's cultural, spiritual, and political impact on the world and explore ways to support a...

In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, host Daniel welcomes Raven Perry Beach, a dedicated attorney, kidney donor, and passionate community advocate. Raven shares her incredible journey from founding Beach Law Practice to becoming a living kidney donor for her brother. As the 2025 Alabama Kidney Walk honorary patient chair, Raven is committed to raising awareness about kidney disease and s...

In this episode of the Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas talks with Brad Davis, an Army veteran from Huntsville, Alabama, who courageously shares his personal journey navigating PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation. Brad opens up about the realities many veterans face, the power of community support, and how golf and organizations like PGA Hope have helped him find healing and purpose. H...

In this episode of the Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas sits down with Beth Haynes, the Executive Director of Christmas Charities Year Round (CCYR). Beth shares the impact her organization has had on the Huntsville and Madison County community for over 70 years. From providing clothing, school supplies, and medical equipment to offering holiday gifts and support to families in need, CCYR’s...

On this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl sits down with Jeremy, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley. With nearly two decades of service, Jeremy shares insights on the critical need for affordable starter homes in North Alabama, the challenges families face in the current housing market, and how Habitat empowers communities through affordable homeownership...

🚀 In this episode of Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl sits down with Tim Milner, the pastor of Essential Church in Huntsville, Alabama, to discuss the incredible transformation of the Five Points area and the heart behind Essential Church's mission. Tim shares the story of how he and his wife started the church from the ground up, how they acquired and renovated their building, and the impact th...

In this episode of the Big Huntsville Podcast, we chat with Preston Watts, a talented singer-songwriter, about his journey in the music world, from gigging in Huntsville to recording his first album, Distractions from the Truth. Preston shares his experiences, challenges, and aspirations as he strives to make his mark in the music industry. He also discusses the upcoming opportunity to perform at...

In this episode of the Big Huntsville Podcast, Carl interviews Jason Parks, a pastor at Refuge Church who has been a significant figure in the Huntsville community. They discuss Jason's involvement in numerous community initiatives, including 'Night to Shine,' a prom for people with special needs supported by the Tim Tebow Foundation, and 'Rooms of Refuge,' a program providing...

👨‍💼With Special Guest:  Gerry Guthrie In this deep and emotional episode of the Big Huntsville Podcast, the host welcomes Gerry Guthrie, a war hero and his high school friend. Gerry shares his riveting journey from being a West Point graduate and combat veteran in Afghanistan to battling PTSD, alcoholism, and ultimately finding redemption through faith. Discussing his life transitions, including...

👨‍💼With Special Guest:  Dr. Deborah Barnhart In this episode of the Big Huntsville podcast, we welcome Dr. Deborah Barnhart, former CEO and executive director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. With a career spanning over three decades in aerospace, defense, and government service, Dr. Barnhart shares insights from her groundbreaking achievements, including being one of the first women assig...

👨‍💼With Special Guest: Dennis Madsen 🎙️ In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast , host Carl Thomas sits down with urban planning manager Dennis Madsen to explore the future of Huntsville through the city's comprehensive master plan, The Big Picture. They discuss Huntsville’s rapid growth, the importance of diverse housing options, and the surge in apartment developments. Dennis highlig...

👨‍💼With Special Guest: Lawrence Souffrant 🎙️ In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast , host Carl sits down with Lawrence Souffrant, a multifaceted life coach, professional speaker, activist, husband, father, and entrepreneur. Lawrence shares profound insights on the concept of masculinity, reflecting on its diminished presence in today's culture and his personal journey to redefine it,...

👨‍💼With Special Guest: Chad Rodriguez 🎙️ In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, Chad Rodriguez, Executive Director of First Stop, shares how this unique day center supports Huntsville’s homeless population through meals, case management, outreach programs, and life skills training. Chad discusses the root causes of homelessness, including mental health struggles, substance use disorders,...

👨‍💼With Special Guest: Alex Hendrix🎙️ Big Huntsville Podcast | In this episode, host Carl Thomas chats with multi-talented Huntsville native Alex Hendrix—a curator, writer, mental health activist, and singer-songwriter known for her creative versatility and community involvement. Alex opens up about her journey in the music industry, diving into the inspiration and themes behind her recent singl...

👨‍💼With Special Guest: Joseph Ajdarodini 🎙️ Ever wondered what drives a bodybuilder to trade in their dumbbells for a moving dolly? From pumping iron to lifting heavy furniture, this bodybuilder's journey is a fascinating one. In this video, we explore the unexpected career shift of a bodybuilder who started a moving company. What motivated them to make the change? Was it the desire for a ne...