In this episode, host Angie Jordin sits down with Lita Chatham—a registered dietitian, public health advocate, and president-elect of the Alabama Dietetics Association. Working with the Alabama Department of Public Health, Lita is on a mission to shift our state's health conversations away from weight-obsessed numbers and toward achievable, behavior-focused lifestyle changes.

Lita introduces us to the Alabama Wellness Alliance’s "For Everybody" campaign, a movement designed to prove that wellness belongs to every Alabamian, regardless of starting point or ability. She breaks down how to spot marketing tricks pretending to be health science, explains why frozen and canned vegetables are total lifesavers for busy parents, and highlights incredible state resources like the Alabama 100 Miles Challenge.

• Explore community health toolkits at AlabamaPublicHealth.gov/npa.

Remember, it's okay to suck, but it's not okay to skip. Tune in to find out how to add more joy—and fewer unrealistic expectations—to your plate today.

In this episode, host Angie Jordin sits down with Jamie Gray, the State EMS Director for the Alabama Department of Public Health. With over 25 years of boots-on-the-ground experience—ranging from dispatcher and paramedic to disaster medic and statewide leader—Jamie pulls back the curtain on the quiet emergencies, the mental health strain on first responders, and the unique funding and staffing struggles facing rural Alabama communities from the Wiregrass to the Black Belt.

Jamie shares a practical checklist every Alabamian can use to prepare their home for an emergency, explains why "ambulance driver" is a major misnomer, and challenges us all to step up and learn basic CPR and "Stop the Bleed" techniques.

• Learn more about state initiatives at AlabamaPublicHealth.gov/ems.
• Find local CPR classes through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

Our first responders show up for us on our worst days. Listen in to find out how you can show up for them.

In this episode, host Angie Jordin sits down with Stacey Little, the creator of the wildly popular Southern Bite food blog and Wall Street Journal best-selling author. Stacey shares his deeply personal mission to rescue the family supper table, explaining why the people in the seats matter infinitely more than a picture-perfect meal on the plate. He also busts common myths about Southern cooking, takes us back to his great-grandmother’s fig trees in Camden, Alabama, and gives all of us permission to embrace convenience if it means getting our loved ones together.

For recipes to feed your own family around the table visit SouthernBite.com.

Grab a plate, pull up a chair, and take a deep breath—your roadmap to a more connected, less stressful home starts at the next meal.

In this episode of Pulse Check, host Angie Jordin talks with Krishula Edwards, a Montgomery, Alabama native, mental health counselor, and workplace wellness consultant at Edwards Essentials LLC. Pulling from her unique dual background in clinical mental health counseling and public administration, Krishula translates heavy clinical terms into practical tools to help Alabama's workforce transition from barely coping to truly thriving.

Learn the crucial differences between standard stress and chronic burnout. Krishula shares actionable, on-the-clock strategies, such as taking structured "micro-breaks," implementing workplace morale committees, and establishing professional boundaries focused purely on performance. She also unpacks the military concept of being a "workplace wingman."

Your value as a human being is not determined by the length of your to-do list. Tune in to discover how to look at your daily plate, prioritize your peace, and take life one manageable bite at a time.

On this episode of Pulse Check, host Angie Jordin sits down with Mikala McCurry, the Communications Coordinator for the Alabama Securities Commission and the founder of the virtual faith community Walk by Faith, I’m Walking Too. Mikala shares her personal journey from a stressed, exhausted college student to a community mentor, explaining how cultivating internal resilience isn't just an abstract concept—it’s a vital pillar of your overall mental, emotional, and physical wellness.

Mikala breaks down incredibly practical, daily mental health tools, including the psychological "90-Second Rule" for emotional regulation, the power of keeping a personal "Victory Journal," and how to intentionally set boundaries around social media with digital fasting.

If you are feeling spiritually disconnected or emotionally drained, it is time to stop walking alone. Listen in to discover how to cultivate a local network of authentic accountability and plug back into your ultimate power source.

In this episode of Pulse Check, host Angie Jordin welcomes back Carol Gunter, Executive Director of the Cancer Wellness Foundation. Walking a parallel path as both a non-profit leader and a caregiver for her husband, Carol pulls back the curtain on the hidden practical, physical, and financial burdens of a cancer journey.

Discover how the foundation serves 32 counties across Central Alabama—from the Black Belt down toward the Wiregrass—providing direct relief through reloadable gas cards, free transportation, a specialized $2/$4 prescription WellCard program, and "Chemo Comfort Care Bags."

No family in Alabama should have to choose between keeping the lights on and paying for life-saving medication. Listen in to find out how you or your neighbors can access these completely free resources today.

Find more about the Cancer Wellness Foundation here: https://cancerwellnessfoundation.org/

In this episode, host Angie Jordin sits down with Dr. Bryan Strickland, a Montgomery-based internist with over 30 years of medical experience and a faculty member at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Dr. Strickland explains how an innovative new "Teaching Kitchen" partnership between UAB and Baptist Health is aiming to give Alabamians the hands-on skills they need to turn nutrition advice into everyday habits.

Tune in to learn why you don't have to give up Southern food culture to live a healthier life—and how adding just one extra serving of fruit or vegetables this week can jumpstart your wellness journey.

In this episode of Pulse Check, host Angie Jordin goes behind the scenes with Tommy McKinnon, Vice President of Community Engagement for Baptist Health and Executive Director of the Baptist Healthcare Foundation. Tommy brings over 30 years of expertise and a deep heart for service to a conversation mapping out how healthcare is being taken directly into the communities that need it most.

What We Discuss:

• The 17-County Reach: Expanding outpatient and community services far beyond the Montgomery area.
• Meet "JOY": How a mobile mammography unit and a traveling wellness bus are saving lives on-site in places like Barbour County.
• Caring for Our Most Fragile: How the 31st annual Birdies for Babies golf tournament raised over $215,000 for advanced neonatal cooling technology in local NICUs.
• Hospice & Compassion: Providing underinsured and uninsured Alabamians with dignified end-of-life care.
• The Next Generation: Awarding a historic 62 local scholarships totaling $202,000 for the 2027 school year to keep bright medical minds in Alabama.

Healthcare is more than an industry—it's a shared ministry of looking after one another. Listen in to discover how you can engage with the health roadmap being built right in your backyard.

In this episode of Pulse Check, host Angie Jordin sits down with Dr. Beth Long, a licensed professional counselor, board-certified behavior analyst, and founder of Works of Wonder in Montgomery, Alabama. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Long offers a beautifully liberating perspective: behavioral struggles are not character flaws or signs of bad parenting—they are simply skill deficits.

What We Discuss:

• Why "acting out" is usually a child's way of saying, “I don’t know how to use my words right now.”
• The power of pausing: Why you don’t need to solve a behavioral problem in the heat of the moment.
• The three proactive golden rules: Following through, teaching children to ask for permission, and practicing skills through play.
• How childhood skill deficits follow us into adult relationships and the modern workplace.
• An exclusive look at Dr. Long's brand-new resource for potty training children with developmental delays.

If you are navigating behavioral hurdles or want to explore family counseling, check out the free resources and clinic services at Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery.

Remember, behavior change isn't a straight line, and repetition is the best teacher. Be gentle with yourself today as you take the next step on your family's wellness journey.

In this vital episode of Pulse Check, host Angie Jordin sits down with Varina Mead, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Heart of Alabama Food Bank. With a rich career dedicated to strengthening families across Central Alabama, Varina shines a compassionate light on what food insecurity actually looks like in our state, shattering old stereotypes and laying out a clear connection between nutrition and long-term health.

Resource Highlights:

• The 211 Statewide Hotline: A free, confidential, nationwide helpline. In Alabama, simply dial 2-1-1 and provide your zip code to be immediately connected to local food pantries, clothing, shelter, or utility assistance.
• Heart of Alabama Food Bank (HAFB): Serving 35 counties with dignity. Learn how to volunteer, donate, or access mobile food programs at HAFB.org.
• Map the Meal Gap: An interactive tool by Feeding America that lets you see exact food insecurity data down to your specific Alabama county.

Remember, food security isn't "their" problem—it’s a community-wide mission. Listen in to find out how you can share resources, reduce stigma, and help your neighbors thrive.

In this episode of Pulse Check, host Angie Jordin sits down with Amerika Blair, the Director of Innovation for the Montgomery Mayor's Office, a military leader in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, and the current President of the Junior League of Montgomery. Amerika shares her passionate approach to "doing government differently" by putting the lived experiences of everyday residents at the center of city policy, and reflects on the power of community service to ground and heal us.

We dive into actionable steps to break down digital silos, including Montgomery's civic innovation programs, the Junior League's annual Holiday Market and College and Career Night, and a simple 4-hour digital boundary challenge to get you back out into your neighborhood.

If you've been feeling disconnected or are looking for your true purpose, this episode is your invitation to take a step outside your comfort zone and find your community home.

In this episode of Pulse Check, host Angie Jordin sits down with Aretha Dix, a rural healthcare strategist, Air Force veteran, and dedicated Black Belt community advocate. Aretha pulls back the curtain on the hidden barriers facing our communities—from a lack of transportation and broadband internet to the foundational need for a true "healthcare home." She shares her deep belief that quality care shouldn't be a luxury reserved for certain zip codes.

We dive into the life-changing innovations happening right now across Alabama, including upcoming digital "med stations" (miniature local health booths connecting you to off-site doctors), community-led senior stepping walking clubs, and local farmers' markets offering fresh food access.

Grab a comfortable seat and tune in to discover how local partnerships are shifting the landscape of healthcare across our state, and how you can take ownership of your family’s wellness roadmap today.

In this episode, host Angie Jordin sits down with Dr. Sharlene Newman, an accomplished cognitive neuroscientist and the Executive Director of the Alabama Life Research Institute (ALRI) at the University of Alabama. Dr. Newman breaks down complex brain science into clear, reassuring terms. She shares how our minds form everyday connections, why constant multitasking might be draining our focus, and how managing everyday stress is vital to preserving our memory as we grow older.

Resource Highlights:

• Alabama Life Research Institute (ALRI): Explore local health studies and community resources at alri.ua.edu.
• West Alabama Cardiovascular Health (WACH) Program: Access free community health tools, health coaching, and blood pressure education at wachhearts.org.
• Alabama PULSE Health Resource Guide: Find local health roadmaps and free screenings near you at alabamapulsemagazine.com.

Remember, you have true agency over your own health journey. Take a gentle next step today—go for a short walk, connect with a loved one, or challenge your mind by trying something completely new!

In this episode of Pulse Check, host Angie Jordin sits down with Tiffany Smith, a certified family nurse practitioner and founder of Apex Infusion & Wellness in Montgomery. Drawing from her extensive background in vascular access and emergency medicine, Tiffany shares why she is passionate about moving away from reactive "sick care" to proactive, sustainable wellness right here in Central Alabama.

Together, they break down the growing focus on metabolic health—the simple foundation of how our bodies manage energy, weight, and sleep—and "translate" what absorption actually means when it comes to oral vitamins versus IV hydration. Plus, Tiffany plays a rapid-fire game of "Hot or Hype," giving her honest expert scores on everything from cold plunges and saunas to detox teas.

Remember, wellness is not a punishment—it is an investment in your quality of life so you can feel confident and take on the world. Listen in to discover simple, sustainable steps for your health journey today!

In this episode of Pulse Check, host Angie Jordin sits down with Amanda Senn, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission. Director Senn pulls back the curtain on how fraudsters are using AI to clone websites, fabricate invoices, and target hard-working Alabama families and retirees. Crucially, she shares why victimhood has nothing to do with intelligence, and how we can protect our loved ones from modern financial exploitation.

Learn how to use the free She Can financial budgeting tools, sign up for real-time Financial Exploitation Newsletters, and discover the life-saving 211-KNOW text alert system. Your financial peace of mind is a vital pillar of your health. Take a breath, slow down, and use the links below to secure your family's future today.

• Website: www.asc.alabama.gov
• Live Help Helpline: 1-800-222-1253

In this episode of Pulse Check, we sit down with Brigadier General (Ret.) Jeff Newton, the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA). With 41 years of military service in the U.S. Air Force and Alabama National Guard, Commissioner Newton now commands a new mission: making Alabama the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.

Commissioner Newton breaks down the critical differences between the state and federal VA, details how processing times for claims have drastically dropped to under 90 days, and warns families about deceptive "claim sharks" looking to take a cut of their hard-earned retroactive pay. We also dive into the staggering hidden benefits available right here in the state, including incredibly affordable $24-a-day around-the-clock nursing care at state veterans' homes and entirely free burial plots for National Guard and Reserve members.

• Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA): Accessible at va.alabama.gov or by calling 334-242-5077.
• The Alabama Veterans Resource Center (AVRC): The state's brand-new public-private "one-stop shop" hub located at 100 Dexter Avenue in Montgomery.

In this episode of Pulse Check, we sit down with Jenny Warren, the Director of Development at CARE Humane Society in Auburn, Alabama. Jenny shares her inspiring journey from corporate sales to animal welfare, the powerful lessons of empathy that pets teach our children, and the reality of what local rescue organizations face today.

As the "dog days of summer" stretch across Alabama, Jenny breaks down the critical warning signs of pet heatstroke that many owners accidentally overlook. We also dive into the vital role of preventative care—like microchipping and spaying/neutering—to combat shelter overcrowding. Plus, Jenny gives us the inside scoop on CARE's upcoming summer camp programs and their exciting local fundraiser!

• Featured Organization: CARE Humane Society (Auburn, AL) – Serving companion animals and their families across Lee County through rescue, adoption, education, and foster care.
• Upcoming Local Event: Wine, Whiskers, and Wags – Happening July 15th! Visit the CARE website to grab your tickets and support local animal welfare initiatives.
• Youth Education: CARE Summer Camp – Beginner and advanced tracks designed to teach children empathy, responsibility, and hands-on animal welfare skills (including bottle-feeding kittens!).

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Carol Gunter, the Executive Director of the Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama. After a career dedicated to helping patients navigate the practical hurdles of a cancer diagnosis, Carol's world shifted entirely when her husband, Bill, was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic colon cancer.

Carol opens up about how sitting on "both sides of the fight" has radically changed her perspective on patient care—from replacing cost-effective bus passes with private, air-conditioned transport to realizing the overwhelming maze of medical billing and insurance advocacy. She shares beautifully raw insights on caregiver survival, the life-saving impact of local meal trains, and how giving and receiving grace can sustain a family through their darkest hours.

No matter where you are in your health or caregiving journey, remember that you don't have to carry the weight alone. Reach out to local resources today to find your roadmap forward.

Find more information about the Cancer Wellness Foundation and access resources here: https://cancerwellnessfoundation.org/

We sit down with Captain Jason Cupps of the Prattville Fire Department. With nearly 20 years of experience in Montgomery and Prattville, Jason pulls back the curtain on the life of a first responder and shares essential advice on fireworks, grilling, and heat safety.

Resource Highlights:

• NFPA & Sparky.org: Fun, kid-friendly apps and games to teach fire safety at home.
• The 2-to-1 Hydration Rule: Why water should always outpace your sports drinks.
• EMS Support: Three simple ways you can thank your local paramedics and firefighters this week.

Whether you’re heading to the lake or firing up the charcoal in your backyard, this episode is your roadmap to a safe and happy Alabama summer.