Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek

Rachel Faulkner Brown, founder and director of Be Still Ministries and Never Alone Widows Retreats, speaks with host Chris Meek about how experiencing the loss of two husbands lead her to create a community that empowers military and first responder widows. Now married a third time, Rachel will speak in-depth about her journey to finding faith and seeking out marriage and love once again despite experiencing heartbreaking loss. Rachel will educate listeners about the power of "yes," believing that we have no way of knowing who is on the other side of our 'yes' and lifting up those who find themselves stuck in their shame and secrets on their journey to answering the call of their own 'yes.' Rachel, who maintains that God thinks way bigger than his children, will encourage the audience to think bigger each and every day. A champion for freedom, Rachel Faulkner Brown is an inspiration for finding freedom through Christ.

Cynthia Garrett, nationally recognized television host and personality, speaks with Chris Meek about her storied career in the entertainment industry and ultimate journey to finding faith. Garrett will speak about breaking industry barriers by making history as the first African-American woman to host a network late-night show, NBC's LATER w/ Cynthia Garrett, and how her ability to empathize and relate to others helped her garner mass respect within the industry. Her personal story of overcoming childhood sexual abuse, rape and addiction will highlight the power that God's love has to restore the soul. She will educate listeners on how to live as victors, not victims, when it comes to tackling the varied challenges that life presents through choosing to truly live out their faith rather than simply preaching it. Widely recognized in the world of Christian Ministry, Cynthia Garrett will empower listeners to embrace faith and let it guide their passion and purpose.

In this installment of Next Steps Forward show host Chris Meek speaks with Dr. Pat Boulogne, lifestyle medicine expert and coach, about how she has helped thousands of individuals implement simple and effective steps in their daily lives to regain their health. With over three decades of experience in delivering science-based solutions to those experiencing weight problems, chronic diseases and genetic dispositions, Dr. Boulogne will talk the audience through how she uses targeted diet and exercise recommendations, stress management and a no-drug approach to help her clients experience a happier, healthier lifestyle. She will provide useful information on reversing or minimizing the aging process by implementing a plan and paying attention to warning signs before it is too late. She will also discuss her bestselling book Why...Are You Sick, Fat and Tired? Dr. Boulogne will implore the audience to take control of their own lives and make a plan today to have a better tomorrow.

Kent Syverud, Chancellor and President of Syracuse University, speaks with program host Chris Meek about navigating the pandemic and its impact on the future of higher education. Breaking down the positives and negatives of virtual learning, he will pinpoint areas where education can be improved based on lessons learned throughout the pandemic and how those lessons underscore the importance of thoughtfully and safely reopening society. Chancellor Syverud will speak in-depth about the challenges that the loss of human interaction has presented college students and why that interaction is so important to three key areas: learning, personal development and mental health. At a time when protecting academic freedom is more important than perhaps ever before, the Chancellor will lay the groundwork for how universities can sustain and/or improve their reputations so that they do not simply become extensions of the private sector or a specific brand.

Chris Meek speaks with Shauna "Doc" Springer, one of the world's leading experts on psychological trauma, military transition and suicide prevention, in this installment of Next Steps Forward. A trusted doctor to our nation's military war fighters, Springer will discuss practical, tangible tools for suicide prevention and the importance of trust in the prevention process. A champion for the power of connection, Springer will speak on how methods and results of connection have changed over the past year and how stressor events, like the pandemic, have impacted the mental health of veterans. Springer will also provide powerful insight into her best-selling book Warriors, which explores how society can best support those who have sacrificed so much to protect us. Dr. Springer's knowledge and understanding will lead the audience on a path to discovering trust, purpose and connection - and inspire them to share those same values with others.

Andi Buerger, founder and chair of the organization Voices Against Trafficking, speaks with "Next Steps Forward" host Chris Meek about facilitating and energizing nonprofits, individuals, businesses and social groups to be a powerful collective voice in the fight against human trafficking. Having survived years of childhood abuse and having been trafficked herself, Buerger will share with the audience how her survival led her on a quest to rescue others who find themselves in similar situations. Not only will Buerger provide perspective on the state of human trafficking in the United States and around the world, but why she believes there is still hope that can be found in the situation if we unite and work together to end human trafficking for good. Buerger will also speak extensively about her book A Fragile Thread of Hope: One Survivor's Quest to Rescue. Buerger will impart life-changing lessons that will leave listeners full of hope and open to the power of healing.

On this edition of Next Steps Forward show host Chris Meek speaks with Mark Halperin, nationally recognized political analyst, reporter and current host of Mark Halperin's Focus Group on Newsmax TV. Halperin will speak about covering the ebb and flow of the ever-changing American political landscape over the course of his career and how his professional experiences have brought him up close and personal with a number of the major political news stories and key-players of the last three decades. Throughout his career following the course of many political candidates along their path to victory and through finding personal professional victory delivering news on several major national platforms like ABC, NBC and Bloomberg TV, Halperin has learned firsthand what it takes to win and will share with the audience how to pave their own paths to victory.

Show host Chris Meek speaks with Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, about the services that the organization provides to individuals and families who suffer distress from serious life crises, such as abuse, loss of a loved one and thoughts of suicide. Reynolds will speak about what she refers to as "the behavioral health tsunami," or how the remarkable events that unfolded throughout 2020 are impacting people's emotions and mental health and the steps that can ultimately be taken to address these concerns. Reynolds will also focus on the behavioral health of veterans and the Florida Veterans Support Line run by the Crisis Center, which offers veterans a connection to community resources and the opportunity to speak with a trained specialist. The attention that Reynolds pays to fostering good mental health and reaching out to those in her community are messages that the audience will be able to apply within their own lives.

COL Greg Gadson, a 26-year retired Army veteran, speaks with Next Steps Forward host Chris Meek about the loss of both his legs above the knees and the normal use of his right arm and hand after experiencing an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack while serving in Iraq. Refusing to be defined by his injuries, Gadson will explain to the audience how he draws on the lessons of pride, poise and team he learned as a linebacker at West Point, to find continued success within his life, career and family. Gadson is dedicated to leading others in living out Army values, including loyalty, duty and respect, and will speak in-depth about how these values can be applied to help others achieve goals and find happiness. A passionate advocate for wounded warriors and those with disabilities, he will speak on issues related to those groups while providing a firsthand perspective. Throughout the hour Gadson's story and insight will paint a portrait of true courage.

LTG H.R. McMaster, 34-year Army veteran and former National Security advisor, speaks with “Next Steps Forward” host Chris Meek about his recent book “Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World” and the current state of security, freedom and prosperity in the United States. As a soldier, commander, scholar and national security advisor, LTG McMaster brings a unique perspective to problem-solving that everyday Americans and listeners can utilize within their own lives. LTG McMaster will also speak in-depth about the downfall of “strategic narcissism” – the trap of defining problems as we would like them to be instead of defining them on their own terms. In this candid discussion, LTG McMaster calls for listeners to better educate themselves on the important issues of the day and for Americans to work together so that we are fully prepared to secure the future of our nation.