Hope & Wellness 's Podcast

The proposed 2018 federal budget will affect families across the country that receives assistance to purchase food. In some states like Louisiana, over 20% of the state resident rely on SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, to purchase food. These residents also support the economy of small and large grocery stores that accept SNAP benefits. On this Memorial Day weekend, we discuss the history of this day of service and sacrifice. For many this is the weekend to break open the grill, we discuss food safety and tips to keep friends and family food safe.

Graduation ceremonies are a time of celebration for the graduate and their families In 2017, they have also been a time for civil protests. After the celebration, career counseling and mentors are critical to helping new hires successfully navigate challenging workplace environments, personalities, and politics. Our co-host, Mr. Antoine Brooks, MBA, shares his experiences on becoming a systems engineer and then a project director in a major defense corporation in Bethesda, Md. And we discuss possible changes to the Affordable Care Act, a program that provides health insurance for over 30 million Americans.

Early detection of major depression in adolescents remains a challenge. Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble created the AAKOMA Project, African-American Knowledge Optimized for Mindfully-Healthy Adolescents, to help African-American , Black and racially diverse youth and families successfully recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and access mental health care. Partnering with community members and faith-based institutions, Dr. Breland-Noble and members of the AAKOMA Project works to effectively educate, encourage and enlighten communities in North Carolina, Washington, D.C, Virginia, and Maryland that, on average, are reluctant to seek out professional mental health care services. Dr. Breland-Noble joins us to discuss depression, coping skills and the early findings from the AAKKOMA Project.

Mass incarceration disproportionately affects LGBTQ, low income, and urban communities. This has resulted in an explosion of women incarcerated and unable to gain their release due to the predatory practices of the money bail system. In honor of mothers, women, and caregivers, organizations around the country are working to release women from jail by Mother's Day, May 14, 2017. Mary Hooks, co-director of the Southerners of the New Ground and the founder of the Mama's Bail Out Day campaign, joins us later in the show to discuss how national and local organizations are working to free women from modern-day bondage.

Finding the right mental health therapist can be a daunting task. Quinn Gee,M.S., a mental health therapist and the owner of Magnolia Mental Health in Washington, D.C., joins us to offer some tips on finding the right therapist for your unique needs. Magnolia Mental Health provides services to most adults but specializes in the care of transgender persons. We talk about the special needs of the transgender community and the importance of therapy for therapists.

The recent, and now withdrawn, Pepsi commercial, brings attention to another fact of unsavory soda marketing practices: increasing healthcare disparities in underserved neighborhoods. African American and Hispanic youth are disproportionately targeted by soft drink companies with ads promoting nutritionally poor, sugar-filled drinks conveniently located in neighborhood corner stores. One 12 oz drink contains more than the recommended daily amount of added sugar for adults per the American Heart Association recommendations. We discuss the recent commercial and the disparate marketing budgets of soft drink companies versus public health organizations.

The Statue of Liberty is a world renowned landmark welcoming visitors from around the world to the US. In 2017, however, changes in immigration laws and new deportation priorities now place millions of people in the US in a state of uncertainty. Immigration attorney Sara Bazzi discusses the current immigration climate and the challenges facing undocumented immigrants seeking asylum in 2017.

Each year in the DC area, vulnerable children and adults are reported missing. The reasons for this phenomena vary and are complex. Recent local and national media attention highlighted the fact that each day, missing person reports are filed with the Metropolitan Police Department. Mayor Muriel Bowser has outlined an agenda to address this problem and councilmember Trayon White convened a community forum to discuss solutions to this disturbing trend. We discuss local groups and individuals that have updated the community before the national spotlight, some of the possible causes and solutions that each of us can implement.

At the age of 15, Yasmine Arrington founded ScholarChips, an organization that provides scholarships for college-bound students with a current or formerly incarcerated parent. The organization has awarded over $100,000 to local students in the suburban DC area while also offering support services. Ms. Arrington currently serves on the Commission on Re-Entry and Returning Citizen Affairs in Washington, DC while also serving as the MIss DC Plus America . We discuss the promising future of ScholarChips and local millenial leader, Yasmine Arrington

The kidneys are two detoxification powerhouses in the human body. March is National Kidney Month and a great time to understand how your kidneys work in sickness and health. Dr. Rodrick Stevenson, a general, and transplant surgeon. shares his expertise on kidney disease, kidney failure, and kidney organ transplantation in the US. African Americans, in particular, are at increased risk of developing kidney disease which, in most cases, asymptomatic in the beginning stages. As more and more kidney dialysis centers dot the landscape in inner city communities, we discuss preventive methods to keep your kidneys and other healthy and free of disease.

Registered dietitians are the main ingredient of any plan to prevent and manage diseases like obesity, hypertension, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, safely. Guest Cordialis Msora-Kasago is a registered dietitian, founder of the African Pot Nutrition and on a mission to help more eat more of the good stuff- vegetables, fruit,nuts,and seeds. With nutrition facts and individualized meal plans from the African Pot Nutrition, eating a plant -based diet is a joy, not a chore. Listen in and enjoy!

Dr. Booker T. Whatley, a professor at Tuskegee University, designed an innovative small farm plan that is now known as community sponsored agriculture( CSA). CSA's benefit the families of farmers and the local community by providing healthy food, job growth and preservation of heirloom vegetables and fruit. Eating ten servings per day of fresh vegetables and fruit is linked to longer life expectancy and a decreased risk of chronic health diseases and some cancers. Tune in as we discuss ways to increase your intake of fruit and vegetables, eat local food and support local farms.

Each year, CSA members support and invest in local farms. During the growing season, they reap the benefits of their investment- a weekly box of fresh vegetables and fruit. Now what? Mi Ae Lipe is the author of Bounty From the Box-The CSA Farm Cookbook, a recipe packed anthology that supports CSA members, with nutrition facts, food histories and culinary techniques for vegetables and fruit from around the globe. Written for CSA members, Bounty From The Box is a great resource for everyone ready to eat more vegetables and fruit.

The heroin and prescription drug abuse epidemic continue to impact the lives of families throughout the country. No longer confined to inner cities, the heroin epidemic, specifically, now impacts suburban and rural communities throughout the country. The public health response is proactive and forward thinking from a medical perspective. A stark difference is visible in the public outcry, public health concern, and political response to the current heroin epidemic vs the crack epidemic seen in the 1980's.Simplistic slogans and calls for mass incarceration are now replaced with funding and a focus on rehabilitation and education. Integral to this public health response is the Affordable Care Act: a lifeline that requires private insurance plans to cover substance abuse services and expands access to substance abuse services to millions of Americans.

The pharmacological benefits of medical marijuana include anti-inflammatory, bronchodilation and analgesic benefits. Physicians throughout the US care prescribe medical marijuana to help patients manage epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, PTSD, and, in small studies, Alzheimer's Disease,For many patients with acute and chronic pain, medical marijuana helps ease acute and chronic pain. Dr. Patricia Frye of Takoma Park Alternative Care discusses the health benefits of medical marijuana, in children and adults, as more states initiate Medical Cannabis Programs.

Hate, crimes, speech and harassment are on the rise. Starting as a Facebook group, Swamp Revolt, quickly organized and mobilized in response to increasing levels of intolerance. Swamp Revolt, a community organization based in the suburban DC area, conducted training sessions on active bystander training for over 1500 people on Inauguration Day 2017. Over 60 intervention trainers educated local community members on the best practices for assisting victims of hate speech and harassment respectfully, peacefully, safely and nonviolently. Tameka Bell, a community organizer, and social justice activist, joins us in the studio to discuss Swamp Revolt, bystander training, and next steps for newly minted activists.

The recent inauguration signals a change in not just an administration, new laws, and regulation but the very fabric of a country woven from threads from all over the world. Protests during the inauguration ceremony and the recent Women's March illustrated the concerns that many have with the change in administration. Bystander intervention programs are now available on college campuses, community and religious organizations to train everyday citizens to step up and help de-escalate volatile confrontations. What will the new administration bring in 2017 and how will the American public respond. We discuss this and more on the Hope and Wellness Show.

From Texas to Colorado, special education headlines the news. According to the Council of Education Statistics, approximately "13% of all public school students receive special education services." Attorney Ashley Van Cleef , a former special education teacher and now special education attorney, joins us to discuss the challenges facing many children receiving special education services. The current Supreme Court case of Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District is a groundbreaking case that will rule on the current adequacy of special educational services We discuss the benefits and limitations of FAPE, IDEA mediation, arbitration and IEP's for children and families. In some cases, special education attorney can ensure that school districts remain compliant with current education law.

New Year's resolutions are sooo 2016. In 2017, this year, focus on forming new habits instead of creating lofty resolutions which, by the way, are mostly kicked to the curb by February. Forming new habits can look intimidating, but small steps forward pave the way to change. We discuss what the Year of More looks like in 2017,-more movement, more water, more growth- and the small steps that may lead to major, positive life changes.

"Tis the season for family, food, happiness, sadness and economic reality checks. The memory of beloved family members and friends no longer here can make this time of year challenging. And for some, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) makes this time of year difficult. Understanding and embracing what really matters, healthy relationships with supportive friends and family, can make this time of year less stressful. As we look forward to 2017, we wish everyone peace, justice, hope and good health.

Chef Freddie Bitsoie is an award-winning Navajo chef and now, the new executive chef of the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian. There are over 500 Native American tribes in the US and all have a distinct cuisine served in family homes, community events, and restaurants. During childhood, Chef Bitsoie traveled and lived throughout the Southwest and understands the central role that food plays in culture, history, health ,and tradition. Chef Freddie Bitsoie shares his personal story and discusses how Native American food helped create cuisines enjoyed across the globe.

Justin and Terry Raimey,two brothers from Youngstown, Ohio, write and illustrate the novel and first of a kind anime comic series, Black Streak Kitchen, dedicated to cooking and nutrition. Chopped and Iron Chef winner Ed Harris is the culinary creative behind some of the recipes in the online videos and 2017 digital comic series. Join us in the studio and the Black Streak Kitchen as we learn more about the "personified anime cake characters" bringing a healthier life and recipes to kitchens around the globe.

The history of the first Thanksgiving highlights the generosity and hospitality of Native Americans who shared fish, fowl, cranberries, corn and venison with the Pilgrims. Their example should be a lesson for us all in grace ,compassion, and service to others. After this election cycle ,however, more than the turkey may become heated at the Thanksgiving table. Hosting friends and family for Thanksgiving can be stressful, but we share some tips to keep your the food hot and conversations cool. Introducing new plant- based dishes to the Thanksgiving meal, especially vegetarian ones, can increase fiber intake and decrease the intake of rich and calorie dense side dishes such as macaroni and cheese and candied yams. While this holiday begins a season of celebration, for many, it is a reminder of the absence of loved ones at the dinner table. Adequate sleep, physical activity, and moderation at the dinner table can help all of us enjoy this special time with family and friends.

January 20, 2017, a new president will take office and lead this country, What is not known, is how much of the Affordable Care Act will remain intact for the over 20 million US citizens that rely on it for health insurance. Since November 1, over 100,000 people have signed up for this signature legislation by President Obama that affects the daily health of many Americans, previously denied health insurance. We celebrate and recognize another man committed to peace and healthcare for all, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, On Nov 13, 1913, Dr Daniel Hale Williams was the first African-American to be elected to the American College of Surgeons and is the first surgeon to operate on the heart.

The 2016 election is an opportunity to vote for national and local leaders and officials, and also for the future of health care in the United States. One of the signature pieces of legislation during the Obama administration is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act . This signature legislation has provided over 8 million people with health insurance and for some, tax credits and cost-sharing reduction subsidies that reduce premium and out-of-pocket medical expenses for eligible enrollees. At stake with this election is access to healthcare for millions of Americans that were previously denied health insurance due to preexisting conditions. We discuss the importance of voting, addressing voter intimidation, and healthcare costs .

October 29 is World Stroke Day and the data is startling- more women die from stroke than from breast cancer. F.A.S.T. is an easy acronym that helps bystanders, friends and family members recognize the signs of a stroke and call 911. Remember- Time is Brain! People in Blue Zones live longer and fuller lives due to a variety of reasons and simple lifestyle choices. It's never too late to adopt simple lifestyle choices that can improve your health and prevent or manage chronic health care conditions.Can the suburban DC area become a Blue Zone.? We discuss bucket lists, cancer vaccines, healthy competition, and goal setting on the road to wellness.

The American Heart Association recently recommended a limit on the amount of added sugar that children 2-18 years of age eat on a daily basis. The incidence of childhood Type 2 diabetes and obesity are continuing concerns for families , physicians and public health officials. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the role of individual dietary habits and intake of saturated fats during adolescence specifically, was recently evaluated in a study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Another clinical research study, The Philadelphia Immediate Transport in Penetrating Trauma, is an automatic opt-in study that will evaluate the role of prehospital treatment in some adult victims of major penetrating trauma in the city of Philadephia.Some community members however, are concerned about the unique design of this study.

Mr. Diallo Sumbry is a father, artist, mentor. and one of the founders of the Adinkra Group in Mount Rainier, Maryland. This collective focuses on the culture and arts from the African diaspora, West Africa, the Carribean, Cuba and Latin America, and includes choreographer and personal trainer Akosua Akoto of ASA!Fitness , musician and cancer survivor Emerson Gibson, aka Spyda the DJ, the intergenerational dance group Farafina Kan ,and educator and photographer Kofi Handon of Loves Life Photography. The current GoFundMe campaign for the Adinkra Cultural Arts Studio will help the artists renovate and expand their current studio , and offer more African-centered arts programs to students of all ages. We speak with the Mr. Diallo Sumbry and discuss the economics of art in general, with a focus on the Adinkra Cultural Arts Studio . #SpydaStrong #EngageYourCore

Ms.V. Davis was a 23 year old college student and pharmacy technician when she learned about her non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis. Her family and co-workers rallied to her side during her journey to fight cancer. From long days in the Howard University Cancer Center to enduring the side effects of chemotherapy, Vandrea's family and friends helped make a challenging medical journey , easier. Sister-in-law Mrs. Tosha Davis, who is more like a sister, joins us in the studio and shares her insight on supporting a loved one with their cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. We discuss risk factors and treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on the Hope and Wellness Show. Our #MoveMusic for this Sunday is "Isn't She Lovely" ,from the timeless album released 40 years ago, "Songs in the Key of LIfe' , by Stevie Wonder.

Our guest, podiatrist Dr. Jennifer Gerres, joins us to discuss the foot and ankle in sickness and health. From strains and sprains to bunions, we cover a lot of ground in the field of podiatry,pun intended. Choosing the right shoe is important for everyday and athletic activity but what should you look for, and how high is too high for heels? And for all those that enjoy pedicures, what is a go and what is a no when you are in the salon? Listen in as we discuss pedicures, high heels and even "Cinderella feet" with Dr. Jennifer Gerres. Our Move Music today, you guessed it, the Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown with "Get on the Good Foot."

Dr. Nancy Young , Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, joins us to discuss how parents can help their college student navigate university campuses successfully, and ultimately, graduate. Preparing for college these days starts before the move-in day with conversations on alcohol use, nutrition, and the importance of a adequate sleep schedule . Parents remain important sources of wisdom and advice, even to college students, and can help them access services, academic advisory and mental health, on college campuses. Millions of college students live with medical diagnosis that require continued care and support during the school year. During college visits, parents and students should ask about the services and health care professionals available in university health centers. We discuss HIPAA, FERPA, and unexpected student health emergencies during the college years with our guest on the Hope and Wellness Show.

On this day , we remember and honor the victims , survivors and responders of the September 11,2001 attacks on New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The World Trade Center Registry, in New York, is a voluntary registry that continues to identify and monitor the health of those affected by these attacks. So far, an increase in asthma, PTSD , heart disease and certain cancers have been noted. For the victims and their families, the costs of care were covered , to a degree, by the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund from 2001-2004. Now, the 9/11 James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act , signed into law by President Obama in 2011, offers financial assistance for healthcare costs for all those directly affected by the 9/11 attacks. Continued awareness and permanent funding is necessary to cover the health related costs of all those directly affected by the 9/11 attacks.

Guest Changa Bell is a yogi and health coach, who learned yoga from his father as a child. Fast forward to today, and Mr. Bell teaches his six children and community members yoga ,as well. Through his work with foster children and juvenile offenders, Changa Bell has learned that yoga offers children an opportunity for calm and peace in their otherwise uncertain environments. Through his nonprofit, The Black Male Yoga Initiative, Changa Bell understands the necessary role that yoga plays in individual and community health benefits to men , women, and children, in inner city Baltimore. We speak with Changa Bell and discuss his road from the campus of American University as a student, to the White House , where he received the President's Volunteer Service Award.

For millions of students in the US, back-to-school means the return of students , as well as medications to backpacks and the nurses office. The recent increase in the cost EpiPen to treat allergic reactions has resulted in a sticker shock at the checkout line and parents are fighting back .Not far behind, the cost of insulin also continues to surge for over 5 million children with Type 1 diabetes. And for college students , parental access to education and health information stops once the child reaches the age of 18. We discuss FERPA, and HIPAA ,and the steps parents can take to assist their adult children during their college years- including conversations on consent. WIth the recent rape controversy involving actor Nate Parker, parents, and other role models, can help young adults understand the importance of consent and mutual respect .

Chef Herbert Holden, chef and SNAP-educator at the University of the District of Columbia,shares tips on keeping you , your family and guests safe during family meals and family reunions. From what to look for in a caterer to keeping food poisoning at bay at home, Chef Holden knows, from years of experience, the do's and don'ts for making school lunches and staying food safe during power outages. And our MoveMusic for the week? Jidenna and his new release,Chief Don't Run, delivers a funky beat mixed with poignant childhood memories and a powerful message.

And history is made at the Rio 2016 Olympics! Simone Manuel swims to two gold medals in the Rio 2016 Olympics. Simone Biles' precision moves in the same Olympic games lands more gold medals for the US gymnastic teams. In Baton Rouge, record flooding has devastated homes , families and communities. The city of Milwaukee, the most segregated metropolitan US city, is burning after another fatal police involved shooting. A gas explosion, in Silver Spring, Md ,displaced hundreds of families, as the search continues for victims and answers. Marion Christopher Barry, son of former DC Mayor Marion Barry and a community activist, died of an overdose on August 14,2016. We discuss the impact of these victories, and tragedies, on the Hope and Wellness Show.

One of the members of the Growing Healthy Families sessions, at the Anacostia Library ,has lost over 100 pounds through a variety of lifestyle changes. This weekly class, by 5 A DAY CSA, emphasizes vegetable and fruit intake as part of a healthy plate, as well as other lifestyle changes. We discuss the challenges of eating a balanced diet in food deserts ,and the dense landscape of fast food outlets in food swarms. For some with extreme obesity, bariatric surgery can help manage obesity as well as uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes , and heart disease. The basis of all options in obesity management, however, require lifestyle changes that remain elusive for some.

This July, a heat wave , the Zika virus, and mental health, take center stage. As the summer heat wave continues, young people across the nation participate in football conditioning camps and team practices, in preparation for the upcoming season. The risk of exercising in the intense summer heat has resulted in the death of one child from a heat stroke . Education and increased awareness of parents, visitors and coaching staff , can help prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke in young athletes. In Florida, local Zika virus transmission has resulted in infections in at least 4 people. July is National Minority Mental Health Month, and we discuss the importance of staycations, vacations and successfully managing depression with your healthcare provider.

Raising a child with autism can be challenging for parents and families.Our guest, Mrs. Janel Diggs, is the mother of a son, now a young adult, with autism spectrum disorder. Recognizing communication delays when her son was two years of age, Mrs. Diggs notified her pediatrician, who recommended a "wait and see" approach to care, despite her concerns. Instead, this mom contacted Child Find and a developmental pediatrician for early screening , intervention and therapeutic services. Mrs. Diggs continues to advocate for services for her son, now a young adult. We discuss early detection,and challenges in the educational system for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder.

Behind the Headlines- Endemic Structural and Gun Violence in America Dr. Joseph Richardson joins us to discuss an important root cause for gun violence-structural violence. As the director of the Capital Regional Violence Intervention Program at Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly, Maryland, Dr. Richardson researches the impact of structural violence in the escalating numbers of gun and state violence victims in the US. Mr Bristol Mayo is a resident of Baton Rouge, La., and recently, a peaceful protestor in the march for justice for Mr. Alton Sterling, a father of five fatally shot by the Baton Rouge police. Mr. Mayo joins us to discuss the conditions, and dangers marginalized communities face in North Baton Rouge in the midst of economic development throughout the rest of the city. From Baltimore to Baton Rouge, structural violence remains a daily threat to public health and safety.

Former California Patrol Officer Kevin Briggs has helped save the lives of over 200 people contemplating suicide during his career as a law enforcement officer. How? By listening and showing respect to individuals who had made the decision to "go over the rails " of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. We discuss suicide prevention , community policing and best practices for deescslating crisis situations on today's show .

Sun safety is for everyone! From sunscreen to staying cool in the shade, we discuss how to protect your skin and eyes from the glorious sun. And as the temperature rises, beating the heat and staying cool is important for the young ,elderly, and everyone in between. And if that wasn't enough, ,preventing mosquito bites is critical this summer as the Zika virus spreads globally. Think you know everything about Zika? Listen in to learn how to keep your family safe from this mosquito born virus.

Elizabeth Fellowes, acupuncturist and owner of Center Point Healing in College Park, Md,, discusses the role of acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine in the management of infertility, fibroids, menopause and dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). Many of the patients at Center Point Healing seek out acupuncture on the basis of referrals from friends, family and coworkers, instead of waiting for a referral from their allopathic physician. As more and more allopathic physicians learn about the benefits of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, this complementary medicine will become part of a integrated health care team that draws from the experiences of health care practitioners from across the globe.

Our guest ,Aaron Smith,RRT, MBA, is a registered respiratory therapist and clinical manager in Prince Georges County , Maryland. As a healthcare practitioner, Mr. Smith not only cares for patients with asthma, respiratory failure and cardiac failure, he also leads an education team that helps outpatients and physicians develop and understand their Asthma Action Plans-a management plan developed by physicians to help patients and caregivers manage asthma. We discuss the challenges of caring for a child with asthma , smoking cessation and COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

In the US, hatred and interpersonal conflict continue to fuel violent confrontations that result in injury and , in too many cases, the loss of life. Mr. Christopher Page, the executive director of the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County (CRCMC) , discusses the use of mediation to foster peace, resolve ongoing conflict and prevent community violence in a variety of settings and situations. Reentry, senior, governmental, parenting plans, and even homeowner mediation services , are just some of the services available to help Montgomery County residents resolve disputes. Restorative justice circles bring victims and offenders together to rehabilitate ,and resolve conflict. Dialogue circles help police officers and community members, communicate, collaborate and build respect. Listen in to learn how to access mediation services in your community.

We discuss the legacy and lives of two great men gone too soon: Prince Rogers Nelson .and Muhammad Ali. Both men , with larger than life personalities, shared their talents, gifts and greatness with the world. Muhammad Ali, three time world heavyweight boxing champion, philanthropist and humanitarian, was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's Disease over 30 years ago at the age of 42 ;he died from septic shock after brief hospital admission for a respiratory illness. Prince , singer, songwriter ,musical genius and ,philanthropist, died from an accidental overdose from the powerful synthetic opioid analgesic, Fentanyl. We discuss the lives of these men and the millions of other people, living with Parkinson's Disease and opioid addiction.

Pennye Jones-Napier and Julie Paez are the founders and owners of the Big Bad Woof, the pet store that supplies the essentials for the socially conscious pet and their pet owners. The store offers a variety of pet food choices that address and help prevent the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in dogs and cats. Both owners also provide their customers with a wealth of information on choosing and providing the best care for cats, dogs and small animals. We discuss the latest in pet dog food trends, kangaroo and alligator, and how to pick the right animal for your family and lifestyle. Where can you find healthy animals, not at puppy mills, in need of loving homes? Listen in for the answer to this and many more questions about pets.

Chef Jerome Grant is currently the executive chef of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History. During our interview, he was the executive chef of Mitsitam Cafe in the National Museum of the American Indian. Chef Grant's road to the Mitsitam Cafe began in Maryland, with stops in Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and St. Croix, and the influence of Jamaican , Native American and French cuisines. At Mitsitam Cafe, Chef Grant sources ingredients such as wild rice, chocolate, bison and wild elk to feed over 500,000 museum visitors authentic Native American dishes, and, just as importantly, support Native American tribes and small business owners. Whether preparing spiny lobster in St. Croix or bison, the national mammal of the US, in Washington, DC , Chef Grant understands food as the cultural heritage that both distinguishes and connects all of us .

Guest Shawn Blanchard is an author, mentor, mathematician and the former DIrector of Youth Services for the city of Detroit. His current book," How "Bout That For A Crack Baby: Keys to Mentorship and Success", highlights not only his personal story of overcoming family adversity at a young age, but the benefit of the consistent care and high expectations he received from his high school counselor. His practical approach, experiences and tips on the power of mentoring are lessons that will benefit parents, mentors and educators.Working in inner city schools in Detroit and New York, Mr Blanchard has guided young boys at risk for becoming high school dropouts, towards college application and acceptance with four year university scholarships.

Girl Trek is a nonprofit organization that promotes health, healing and community activism- all through walking. Girl Trek ,rooted in the history of the civil rights movement and the steps of freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, is a celebration of the power of walking to transform women ,families and communities. Each week, in cities across the US, Girl Trek members meet and walk together in neighborhoods, parks and on trails. In the month of May, the Girl Trek #Mamathon challenges women to walk 52.4 miles, in honor of mothers who always go above and beyond . Our guest, Ebony Andrews,MPH, is the Director of Sports Initiatives,and Manager of Digital Communications for the President's Council on Fitness,Sports, and Nutrition. A fitness enthusiast and former high school track and field athlete, Ms. Andrews is also the CIty Captain of Girl Trek in the Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland region. Ms. Andrews discusses the history and health revival of the Girl Trek movement ,and members.