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Raising Kellan

Marsh Naidoo, PT

An information hub for parents of children with disabilities.

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  • 20 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 33 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S1 · E178
    Friday · 32 min

    Episode 178. Part 3/3 of Advocacy Series with Robbie Faulkner of ARC Tennessee

    Robbie Faulkner is the Executive Director of The Arc Tennessee, a nonprofit that protects and advocates for the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is also the proud parent of two sons, Ian and Collin. Since her older son’s diagnosis of autism 28 years ago, Robbie has looked to serve individuals with disabilities and, for 31 years did so in the public education arena before coming to The Arc Tennessee. Timeline of our conversation: 1:35 Robbie’s Background 5:00 Multigenerational households 6:14 The Dinner Table 7:28 Robbie’s teaching career 13:00 How did Robbie transition to the ARC Tennessee 15:00 Advocate challenges and the potential for positive policy change TX vs Kennedy and DOJ Olmstead Decision 19:00 Telling your story, prioritising your vote. 23:00 The cost of misinformation 25:00 We can’t go back 27:05 CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS, especially If you have ideas for solutions to problems you experience 28:00 Joining ARC TN and accessing the policy calls while the TN House is in session

  • S1 · E177
    September 11 · 14 min

    Episode 177: Part 2/3 of the Advocacy Series with Edward Mitchell Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) of Tennessee

    Edward Mitchell was a victim of a hit-and-run bicycle accident in 2003 when he was hit by a truck, thrown into a ditch, and found by his little brother. Edward has quadriplegia with an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C5 and C6 levels. Edward obtained his bachelor’s degree in 2009 from Lane College, a private HBCU, and his MBA in 2011 from Union University. That hasn’t slowed him down; he works as Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee while serving on numerous boards. In 2018, Edward was selected as an inaugural ABLE Advisor for the Able National Resource Center. ABLE Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. In the summer of 2018, Edward was confirmed by the Republicans & Democrats of T.N. to testify before the Washington, D.C., Senate Special Committee on Aging. The hearing was titled, “Supporting Economic Stability & Self-Sufficiency as Americans with Disabilities ​and their Families. Timeline of the conversation. ​01:00 Edward Mitchell's backstory.​01:41 What are Able Accounts? ​04:51 Home and Community-Based Services and the Role it plays in the Disability Community. 06:08 Disability Advocacy Organizations in TN: Disability Rights TN, Tennessee Disability Coalition, ARC TN, and Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities​ 08:24 Centers of Independent Living 10:10 Statewide Independent Living Council 11:50 Conclusion

  • S1 · E176
    August 28 · 20 min

    Episode 176: Chaz Molder, 2026 Candidate for TN's 5th Congressional District talks about Public Education, HealthCare and AI Data Centers.

    Chaz Molder is a native son of Columbia, Tennessee. He graduated from Columbia Central High School, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Memphis Law School. He also served as his high school and college student body president. He was elected as the Mayor of Columbia, in 2018, becoming the youngest mayor in his city’s 200+ year history. Since then, Chaz has delivered for his community, revitalizing downtown Columbia, investing in public safety, and prioritizing community engagement, all while passing seven balanced budgets without increasing property taxes. He knows what it takes to win in tough places — he’s done it twice before. Now, Chaz is ready to win again and bring Tennessee values to Congress. Chaz is married to Elizabeth Fitzhugh, a Ripley, Tennessee native, and they are raising their three kids in Columbia. Timeline: 01:52 Homage to Dolly Parton 03:31 Chaz Molder's Bio His positions on: 07:00 School Vouchers and Education 10:00 HealthCare 12:30 AI Data Centers 14:32 Chaz Molder's support of the Disability Community and home and community-based services. 17: Call to Action: #GOTV

  • August 18 · 45 min

    Episode 175: Data Centers and the Environment with "Protect our Aquifer"

    In this episode, Sara Smith and I chat with Scott Schoefernacker and Sarah Houston of "Protect Our Aquifer,", a water resource nonprofit in Memphis, TN. This podcast centers on the Memphis Sand Aquifer and the potential impact of data centers on the environment. Timeline of our conversation: 00:41 What is an aquifer and its significance? 03:41 The origin story of "Protect our Aquifer" 06:41 How big is the Memphis Sand Aquifer? 6:26 Sara Smith relates, in her opinion, what happened when the data center came knocking in Ripley, TN 9:21 Data centers and the impact on power and water 11:28 Ripley moratorium 12:54 How do communities do the research? 16: Community Benefits Agreement (informal) vs a Data Center Ordinance (legally binding) 19:34 Should Data Centers be contributing to the communities they build in? 21: 55 How should citizens engage in the pushback and questions to ask? 22:52 Environmental regulations including: EPA, TDEC, WHPP (wellhead protection plan) 26:52 Zoning and community planning. 30:38 Access to records and why a data center ordinance is critical for a single point of access to fact-find regarding the impact of data centers on their communities and surrounding environment. 35:15 PFAS and "forever chemicals" 36:37 Upcoming Community events by "Protect our Aquifer" (POA)

  • S1 · E174
    August 14 · 21 min

    Episode 174: Part 1/3 of the Advocacy Series with Family Voices of Tennessee

    In this episode, I chat with Mandeep Kaur and Leah Williamson of Family Voices of Tennessee. Timeline: 1:30 Introduction of Leah Williamson, Director of Family Voices of Tennessee. 5:25 Introduction of Mandeep Kaur, Family Advocate at Family Voices of Tennessee. 10:34 What does Family Voices do and how do families connect with this organization? 12:26 Advocacy is an ever-changing landscape. 12:30 Statement from Family Voices National (and TN) on the DOJ opinion on the Olmstead Decision is available on the Family Voices Facebook page. 17:24 Upcoming events: Party in the Park Oct 17, 2026 and Disability Day on the Hill 2027 18:59 Call to Action 19:37 Words of encouragement.

  • S1 · E173
    August 5 · 26 min

    Episode 173. 2026 Collection of Primary Source Voting Stories - Ms Naomi King, Dyersburg TN

    Back Story This summer, we launched a #GoVote TN grassroots voter awareness campaign. We travelled over 500 miles from Franklin, Union City, to Memphis, TN, to amplify the message that electing representatives who understand the disability community is important for crafting policy that supports this community (in fact, all communities) in terms of healthcare, housing, voting rights, etc. This episode is published on a day that commemorates the signing of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) on August 6, 1965. On the 61st anniversary of this law, voting rights face an ever-growing assault of redistricting/gerrymandering, from cracking Memphis into 3 congressional districts and diluting the ability of the majority-minority Black district, which has historically elected Democratic Representatives. This redistricting of the Tennessee Congressional maps over three days was set into motion by the Louisiana vs Callais Decision on April 29. 2026. According to the Supreme Court decision, proclaimed that race was no longer a factor and in play in present-day America; therefore, the majority-minority districts that were carved out for citizens to elect their representatives were unconstitutional. The Calais Decision makes racial gerrymandering "unconstitutional" but partisan gerrymandering ok. As a result, to now prove redistricting discriminatory, you have to prove intent vs impact. (Tisby, Justice Journey Podcast, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-justice-briefing-with-dr-jemar-tisby/id1460240056?i=1000780389308)2026 Collection of Primary Source Voting Stories We will be capturing primary sources of voting stories. We invite you to share your story with us. In the first installment, Ms Naomi King, who was born on 11/3/33, talks about how she moved with her grandparents from Decatur to Dyer County, TN; her early life; her first voting card in 1954; and her voting history. I am joined by my dear friend Rachel Townsend as we talk to the living legend. Timeline: 1:24 Do you remember when you registered to vote or the first time you voted? 2:59 Have you always voted? 4:13 How did everyone stay informed of campaigns back then? 5:10 Ms Naomi's early years, school, and getting married. 12:49 The Achievement test and starting High School at Bruce. 15:38 What recollections of history stand out in your memory? 18:17: Agriculture in West Tennessee back in the day? 21:05 A loan from Mr Lipford at First Citizens National Bank to start King's BBQ. 21:44 Ms Naomi's message to young people.23:44 Conclusion.

  • S1 · E172
    July 24 · 31 min

    Episode 172: National Disability and Home Care Rights Coalition Response to DOJ Opinion on Olmstead Decision - (6/18/26)

    An in-depth conversation with Theresa Sweeny, co-founder of the National Disability and Home Care Rights Coalition, about emerging threats to disability rights and home- and community-based services (HCBS) in the United States. Sweeny explains that the coalition formed to unite disabled people, families, and organizations across diagnoses, waiver systems, and states in defense of civil rights protections rooted in the ADA, Olmsted, Section 504, HCBS, privacy, due process, caregiver rights, and equal dignity, amid growing fractures within disability communities and state-level erosion of these protections. The discussion centers on a Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel memorandum stating that Section 504 and the ADA do not impose a general integration mandate on states, thereby allowing states the potential of not meeting the provision of HCBS needed by persons of disabilities to live in the community and increasing the risk of institutionalization. Sweeny highlights the Latanya Reeves Freedom Act as a critical federal civil rights proposal that would create an enforceable statutory right to community living and stronger protections for people needing long-term services and supports, and urges listeners to contact their federal legislators to support and co-sponsor the bill. The episode also examines how narratives of “fraud, waste, and abuse” in Medicaid are used to foment public hostility towards marginalized communities despite the program’s role as a vital social safety net from birth to death for people who cannot otherwise obtain or afford health insurance. The episode concludes with a call for broad, unified advocacy, including engagement with the coalition’s unity statement and related resources, to defend the right of disabled people to live, work, and participate in their communities rather than being forced into institutions. Today’s Call to Action: National Disability & Home Care Rights Coalition, in coordination with the Ohio Disability & Home Care Rights Coalition, has developed a National Unity Statement to protect community living, home and community-based services, Olmstead, Section 504, and the Disability Civil Rights. The following petition represents “ 50 states. One fight. Protect Community Living” Here is your link to endorse https://forms.gle/vMJ7uzA2Uadvv2VK9 Resources ARC US , ARC TN, and Family Voices (National) are some of the organizations that have issued statements in response to the DOJ Opinion. Bruce Darling from ADAPT blog as what this opinion could mean for the disability community https://cdrnys.org/blog/uncategorized/the-olc-memo-olmstead-and-the-latonya-reeves-freedom-act/

  • S1 · E171
    July 15 · 15 min

    Episode 171: Your Vote Matters!

    Episode #171 (12 min listen) Today’s episode is a PSA as we head into the midterm elections. I am grateful to Anita Fowlkes, Administrator of the Dyer County Election Commission, for informing us of some key points 1:48 Early Voting starts this Friday, July 17, and runs till August 1, 2026. To vote early, you need to take your photo ID and go to your local election commission. In Dyersburg, that is at 113 W Market Street. Offices are open Monday through Friday 8:30 to 4:30. For working families, the election office is also open for three Saturdays, July 18, July 25, and August 1 from 9- 12 PM. If you live in a county other than Dyer County, please go to GoVoteTN.gov to confirm your voter registration and location. 4:08 The redrawn Congressional Maps (May 2026) change Dyer County from the 8th to the 5th Congressional District. See attached graphic for new Congressional Map and lists of candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives for the primaries. 4:27 For those who don’t live in Dyer County, go to: GoVoteTN.gov to find out your Congressional District. 06:29 What is needed and what forms of ID are accepted to vote. Please note Student ID’s are not accepted. 7:55 If you are already registered to vote and you change your address on the day you vote. 9:09 If you vote on election day, August 6th: Go to GoVoteTN.gov to determine your precinct. 10:00 During the primaries, you will be asked: 1) Do you want the Democrat or Republican Ballot because you are electing your nominees who will represent each party in the November elections. 2) You will also receive a general ballot for electing your local school board members, commissioners, etc 10:45 When do we get the results? 12:00 If you have any queries, please contact the Dyer County Election Commission at 731-286-4268

  • S1 · E170
    July 10 · 34 min

    Episode 170: Part 3/3 of the Healthcare Affordability Series with Kristen Grimm of "One Nation Fully Covered"

    This episode of the Raising Kellan Podcast concludes a three-part “Healthcare Affordability” series by featuring human rights advocate Kristen Grimm, founder and former executive director of Mothers for Medicare for All and newly appointed national director of One Nation Fully Covered under the Tim Carpenter Institute. [0:53] [1:17] [32:16] Drawing on her lived experience navigating her son’s 25 childhood and adolescent surgeries in children’s hospitals, Grimm describes how confronting medical debt, insurance denials, and complex Medicaid systems propelled her from hospital corridors to advocacy in the Tennessee legislature, Congress, and national healthcare reform movements. [3:17] [3:44] [4:29] [5:33] [5:53] [6:21] [6:47] [7:40] [8:06][8:43] [9:10] [9:31] [10:05] [10:42] Grimm argues that the current U.S. healthcare financing structure is economically flawed, violates human rights, and is driven by for‑profit insurance companies whose practices generate medical debt and obstruct access to needed care, including for children treated in children’s hospitals. [4:29] [10:59] [11:18] [18:55] [20:00] [22:22] [22:35] [23:14] [23:29] [24:03] She emphasizes Medicaid’s central role in sustaining children’s hospitals and covering nearly half of children in Tennessee and nationwide, framing guaranteed healthcare and medical debt as policy choices rather than inevitabilities. [5:33] [5:53] [6:21] [10:42] [10:59] [23:29] [24:03] The conversation highlights the emotional and financial toll on families, including examples of parents losing Medicaid coverage for their children after marginal income increases and struggling for years to pay off surgical bills. [15:05] [15:42] [15:55] [16:21] [16:41] [17:12] [17:24] As an incremental strategy toward universal healthcare, Grimm outlines the proposed Medicaid for All Children Act (“MACA”) in Tennessee, which would place all children on Medicaid, eliminate means testing and annual redeterminations, remove managed care organizations and private insurers from program administration, and raise provider reimbursement to Medicare rates to support pediatric participation. [12:03] [12:19] [12:32] [12:58] [13:19][13:52] [14:28] [15:05] [17:12] She contends this approach would ensure seamless coverage, reduce administrative burdens on clinicians, eliminate medical debt for children, and serve as a model for broader reform that ultimately covers all children through Medicaid and all adults through Medicare. [17:12] [28:24] [29:04] [26:29] [26:44] [27:03] [27:26] [28:09] The episode situates One Nation Fully Covered within the legacy of Tim Carpenter’s long-standing advocacy for healthcare as a human right and incremental policy change, while inviting listeners to engage in the movement, including through public awareness efforts such as “I love Medicaid” billboards. [29:04] [29:24] [29:45] [30:17] [30:38] [30:47] [31:18][31:49]

  • S1 · E169
    June 27 · 25 min

    Part 2/3: HealthCare Affordability in the U.S. and the CHES Survey

    Dr. Beth Beaudin-Seiler is a Project Director in the Health Research and Insights practice area, where she leads the Health Economics and Policy team. She leads a portfolio of work that focuses on health care affordability, including the Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey (CHES) - a survey designed to understand the burdens, trade-offs, and worries respondents have regarding affording health care. Her goal is to educate listeners on the findings of the 2025 TN CHES Survey.https://healthcarevaluehub.org/consumer-healthcare-experience-state-survey/ 1:38 Beth’s backstory from the College of Aviation at Western Michigan University, training pilots to researching healthcare at Altarum. What is Altarum? A nonprofit organization that focuses on improving the health of individuals who have fewer financial resources, or are disenfranchised by the system. Altarum works on behalf of federal, state, and philanthropic organizations on evidence-based research , planning, and implementing different strategies to address healthcare affordability. I am the senior manager of our health economics and policy program area, under our Health Research and Insights Division at Altarum. 728 What is the CHES Survey, and what are its findings? CHES survey stands for the Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey. In 2018, when we started CHES, because we've kind of felt like the healthcare system could be a lot like playing chess. It's difficult to navigate. The CHES survey asks about respondents' experiences with the healthcare system. Not only their experience in navigating it, their confidence in being able to navigate it, what they have experienced in terms of affordability burden, have they had to make trade-offs in terms of trading off food or housing or basic necessities in order to pay for a medical service or medical procedure or a test or their medications, whether or not they're worried about affording medical services both now and in the future. We ask about their levels of trust and respect in the system, and how they feel they've been treated in the healthcare system. 10:24 CHES Survey was presented at a Tennessee Justice Center webinar 11:17 How often do Tennesseans ration their medications? 13:38 Health care affordability concerns for individuals with disabilities? 16:13 When people with insurance choose to forgo care because of high deductibles and copays. 17:41 How should research like the CHES survey be utilized by parent advocates and healthcare providers that support this community? 22:23 Next Steps? The CHES survey has been conducted in 36 unique states in the US to form a national database. Findings need to be aggregated to benchmark individual state performance.

  • June 5 · 26 min

    Episode 168. Part 1/3 on HealthCare Affordability Series with TJC

    In this episode, I chat with Shana Watkins from the Tennessee Justice Center about their upcoming HealthCare Afforability Summit, which will be taking place in: Knoxville on June 10, 2026 Nashville on June 17, 2026 Memphis on June 24, 2026 Timeline of the Conversation 01:30 What is the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC)? 03:00 What's in a name? Tenncare is Medicaid! 07:00 Harms of H.R.1 (Big Beautiful Bill) on Healthcare, specifically Medicaid, and implications for Tennesseans. 08:28 The “Unwelcome Mat” Effect 11:00 TJC - Anti-Hunger Program - “Fight for Summer EBT” 17:30 Advocacy in Action- Regional HealthCare Summits June 2026 22:36 We need to hear about your healthcare experiences in Tennessee. 24:20 Radical Inclusion - We need your voice, we need everyone's voice!

  • S1 · E167
    May 25 · 9 min

    Episode 167: Heart of Champions VBS - June 8-12, 2026 at Roellen Baptist Church in Dyersburg, Tennessee

    Ms Alicia Cantrell has an exciting VBS planned at Roellen Baptist Church in Roellen, TN, this coming June 8-12, 2026. Be sure to listen to see how your children can sign up. Timeline of conversation: 1:00 How did the idea for this Vacation Bible Study(VBS) evolve? 2:00 FFA, 4-H are Heart of Champions. 4:00 Some of the scheduled activities during VBS. 5:00 How to sign up for VBS 6:30 Ways to volunteer. 8:00 Volunteer training on June 2 at 5:30 at Roellen Baptist Church . 9:00 Conclusion

  • S1 · E166
    May 13 · 26 min

    Episode 166. Voting and Redistricting of Tennessee Congressional Maps with Rachel Lovell - Weakley County Election Commissioner

    Rachel Lovell is a dedicated public servant and advocate for civic participation in Weakley County, Tennessee. She has served as an Election Commissioner with the Weakley County Election Commission for the past five years, following five years on the Counting Board. Through her work, Rachel is committed to ensuring elections are fair, transparent, and accessible, and to helping voters understand the importance of registering to vote and making their voices heard. Outside of her civic service, Rachel is a professional in the healthcare industry and a busy working mom to two daughters. She brings a practical, real‑world perspective to conversations about voting, balancing a demanding career, family life, and community leadership. Timeline of our conversation 01: 08 TN Congressional Map Redistricting- May 7, 2026. 02:10 Redrawn map and its effects on Northwest Tennessee. 03:45 Timeline and what spurred the redrawing of these Congressional Maps? 07:19 How TN CD 8 (Northwest TN) is now TN CD 5. Who is our representative? 09:04 How do we check to see if we are on the voter rolls? Resource: GoVoteTN.gov 10:32: SAVE Act 11:11 Typically the role of the census in redistricting? The Purcell Principle. 12:35 Words of encouragement to listeners. 15:02 In-person voting registration in Dyersburg, TN - May 28 and August 6, 2026. 16:42 Declaration of Part is only done in a primary and NOT in a general election (as of 5/13/26) 18:24 Student voter registration 22:01 Volunteering at the Polls 23:23 Conclusion

  • S1 · E165
    May 1 · 34 min

    Episode 165. A Hopeful Message from John and Betty Ann Tanner

    Interview with Former U.S. Representative for the Eighth Congressional District of Tennessee, John Tanner, and his wife, Ms Betty Ann Tanner 00:55 Mr Tanner: Can you please tell us about your early life, sir, up to meeting Ms Betty Ann? 03:43 Ms Betty Ann: Can you tell us where you were born, how you met John, married, and your family ? 06:27 Mr Tanner: You have an incredibly distinguished career, including being a co-founder of the Blue Dog Coalition. What is and why is it called the “Blue Dogs”? 08:56 Mr Tanner: Can you tell us about NATO and the Role you played in this organization? 14:15 Mr Tanner: What is the significance of NATO? 17:37 Ms Betty Ann: What was a pivotal moment for you in your work-family life? 23:26 Mr Tanner: If there is one political reform to prioritise at present, what would that be? 27:36 Mr Tanner or Betty Ann: Tell us about your conservation work. 31: 33 Ms Betty Ann: Please tell us of some of the work you are involved in at present. 32:50 Mr Tanner: What message of encouragement would you give to the families of NorthWest Tennessee?

  • S1 · E164
    April 15 · 2 hr 16 min

    Episode 164: ( 7 min epsiode) Thriving Caregivers - 4/18/26 Dyersburg TN

    (7 min listen) We are excited to be hosting Thriving Caregivers this coming weekend, 4/18/26, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Dyersburg First United Methodist Church. This program will be led by Kristin and Todd Evans, national speakers and authors of "How to Build a Thriving Marriage as you care for Children with Disabilities." Here is an outline of the program, and we hope to see you there Morning Session-Thriving in the Stress In the morning session we will redefine “self-care” and learn how to better manage stress in just 5 to 10 minutes a day. You will: Learn about the common mental, physical, and spiritual factors that contribute to chronic caregiving stress and mental health symptoms Practice simple coping skills to improve your mental, physical, and spiritual health Create a personalized stress-reduction plan Afternoon Session-Living Joyfully in the Present In the midst of the daily stress, illnesses, and grief, finding hope and meaningful moments can be difficult. In the afternoon session, you will discover how to find more joy and live your life to the fullest. You will: Practice easy ways to fully live in the present Cultivate a new perspective by cherishing simple moments and expressing gratitude Explore more ways to add joy and fun to your week

  • S1 · E164
    March 27 · 41 min

    Episode 163: Operation Metro Surge, Minneapolis MN with Journalist, Kyndell Harkness.

    This episode with Kyndell Harkness is a follow-up from an interview #161 with Molly and Kristen from the Mama Bear Podcast. Kyndell Harkness, a former photojournalist at the Minnesota Star Tribune and now CEO and founder of Infinite Voices. The episode delves into Kyndell's journey from Harlem to the Midwest, her extensive career in journalism, and her transition into a role focused on culture and community. Kyndell discusses her work in promoting diversity and inclusion within newsrooms, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices to cover blind spots and build trust with communities. The episode touches on Operation Metro Search in Minneapolis, highlighting the community's strategic response and ongoing mutual aid efforts. Finally, Kyndell introduces Infinite Voices, her consultancy aimed at fostering human-centered workplace cultures. She emphasizes the significance of building a strong cultural foundation that adapts over time, allowing organizations to thrive amidst change. 1: 31 Kyndell’s background 4:20 Kyndell’s role as Head of Culture and Community at the Minnesota Star Tribune 9:26 Diversity of Voices in the NewsRoom 12:59 What is happening on the ground in Minnesota? 19:42 Diversification of news sources 20:31 The beginnings of Infinite Voices 34:53 Business and People Strategy for your business 36:00 Final Words and Key Takeaways: 1) Stay curious and intentional 2) Person-to-person connections in the flesh! ⁠Link⁠ to Kyndell’s article in the Minnesota Star Tribune⁠ Link ⁠to Mutual Aid for MN

  • March 5 · 32 min

    Episode 162. Michaela Barnett, running for Tennessee's 2nd congressional district in 2026

    Michaela Barnett is a small business owner, scientist, and community leader who spent the last year working in Congress — so she knows firsthand what isn’t working, why, and what to do about it. She's running to flip the longest-held Republican seat in the country, Tennessee's second congressional district. Michaela is fighting to reclaim our people's power and reform our government to better serve the people of East Tennessee. This race is going to take all of us working together to flip this long-held Republican seat. Think about the message it would send to the powers that be, if we flip TN-02 blue! Timeline of our conversation: 0:00 Introduction 1: 30 Michaela's backstory and civil engineering career 5:30 Knoxfill - A community refillery in Knoxville, TN 9:17 Why is policy important? 12:17 School Vouchers and Students with Disabilities 16:00 Medicaid and universal basic healthcare 17:30 Women's Reproductive Health 24:29: Voting Rights and the SAVE Act 28:00 Action Items

  • S1 · E161
    February 23 · 43 min

    Episode 161: Operation Metro Surge Convo with the co-hosts of "Mama You Belong" Podcast

    In today’s episode, I chat with Kirsten DesMarias and Molly Hilgenberg, co-hosts of the podcast” Mama You Belong.” Kirsten and Molly live in Minnesota and are here to create an awareness of what is happening with regard to Operation Metro Surge. This episode was recorded Feb 9, 2026 and on Feb 12, 2026, Tom Homan who is leading Operation Metro Surge after Greg Bivino’s removal, reported that “immigration enforcement operation was winding down”, there however remains scepticism that this is happening (1) In the meantime, ICE detention facilities are growing at an alarming rate and as off mid January are reported 73 000 individuals in detention (2). There are emerging allegations of human rights violations, including children in Dilley, TX (3), and 32 reported deaths in detention in 2025 (4) Timeline of the Conversation: 1:41 Mama You Belong origin story 4:02 What is happening in MN in the Winter 2026? 5:12 Primary Source 1: Mom of Two 10:32 Men in Masks 18:37 Primary Source 2: Mom from Minnesota 21:00 Language matters: Protestors are not Domestic Terrorists 21:37 The Constitution and the First Amendment 22:00 What is happening in ICE detention centers? 25:35 When parents become politicised. 30:00 Children growing up in this time. 32: 00 Living in the Lie vs the Reality - Vaclav Havel essay on the “Power of the Powerless” 34:00 Regulating your nervous system during “Flooding the Zone” 38:00 Preparing for mutual aid in your community 40: 00 Conclusion with information resources and call to action. @onsitepublicmedia@toussaintmorrison@minneapolisward2@sahanjournal@bygeorgiafort@nekimal@minnesota50501@janashortal@monarca.minn@minnesota_neighbors@standwithminnesota@immigrantlawcentermn@immigrantdefensenetwork Stand with Minnesota - Website that consolidates testimonies, resources, and mutual aid opportunities. Resistance Guide - Free web app that helps match you to relief efforts based on your location, time commitment, and level of risk. 5 Calls App - Free app that identifies your elected officials, provides contact information, and scripts. References: 1)https://www.startribune.com/alex-pretti-memorial-rally-and-march-will-begin-at-south-minneapolis-park/601585225 2)https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/ice-expanding-detention-system/ 3)https://www.propublica.org/article/ice-dilley-children-letters 4) https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/jan/04/ice-2025-deaths-timeline Check out Mama You Belong Podcast

  • S1 · E160
    February 13 · 15 min

    Episode 160: "The Pantry" at St Johns Community Services

    In today's episode, I chat with Mandy Hinson from St John's Community Services about the services provided by the organization, as well as the as a budding new project called " The Pantry." Timeline: 1:00 Mandy Hinson introduction 1:49 What is St John's Community Services? 3:00 Oasis Program for unhoused youth and victims of domestic abuse. 4:00 The Pantry 5:42 The beginning of The Pantry 9:00 Collaborating with Second Harvest 9:30 Partnering with Discovery Park of America 11:00 Volunteers 12:30 Donations 13:50 Other opportunities to volunteer. 14:00 FUMC: Rhea House Food Pantry To get started with our IDD services: https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/long-term-services-supports/employment-and-community-first-choices.html To get started for help with homelessness and fleeing Domestic Violence, go to westtncoc.org

  • S1 · E159
    February 4 · 33 min

    Episode 159: Heather Henderson Talks Advocacy.

    In this epsiode I chat with Heather Henderson, a disability advocate from Columbia, TN Timeline: 1:00 Introduction 2:30 Information and Misinformation 4:30 Learning the Systems that support the Disability Community. 9:00 Advocacy: Proactive (planning) vs Reactive? 12:00 Unapologetic Advocacy 14:00 Accountability from Systems that serve the Disability Community 14:30 : What is on the Horizon for Heather in 2026 16:30 Heather, beginning in Architecture and Design - Her mentor, Steve Jacobs. 18:00 Resources that ACTUALLY serve the Disability Community. 21:51 Rural vs Urban Needs 23:00 Listening to families - Stakeholder vs End User. 27:00 Thinking about UNIVERSAL design before houses are built 30:30 Resurfacing of Derogatory Terms aimed at the Disability community. 31:00 Words of Encouragement and Conclusion.

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