Squeeze The Day

Grammy-winner Tricia Walker has performed with Shania Twain, Paul Overstreet, and Connie Smith. As a singer and songwriter, her passion is music rooted in the American South. In this podcast, she speaks on her friendship with Opry legend Roy Acuff, her success in country and gospel music, being a founding member of the Bluebird Cafe's Women in the Round, and establishing a Grammy Museum in her home state of Mississippi.

"Granny" Elnora Terry lost her only son to a tragedy. Her new beginning as an AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program has given her life new meaning. This podcast shares some of the most uplifting and powerful messages for all of us as she demonstrates her commitment to mentoring and tutoring children in high-need elementary schools and learning centers to create brighter futures.

Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia as a teen, Ray Lay shares how battling mental illness and substance abuse forced him to live on the streets. Learn how joining the Marines and getting his GED paved the way for his success. Today, he provides peer support for veterans, is a board member of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), and is an advocate for those struggling with mental health and homelessness.

A widow, after a happy marriage of almost 58 years, Marilyn Nevens found new beginnings at a senior center in Brentwood, TN. Today, she is matriarch and co-founder of the FiftyForward Card Crusaders, a group of women, who find support and purpose by creating gorgeous hand-crafted greeting cards. Marilyn's sense of self and story demonstrate anything – including starting a new business -- is possible at any age.

Edward Morris is a prolific writer, author, poet, playwright, and renowned country music journalist. A longtime editor of "Billboard Nashville", he also wrote for Country Music Television into his 80s until COVID caused layoffs. This music industry insider offers an intriguing look at his career as well as his unconventional love story and caregiving journey for his late wife Norma.

Andy Andrews has been hailed by the New York Times as someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America. His books have been translated into 40 languages. Four U.S. presidents have asked him to present as an inspirational speaker. He has worked with some of the world's largest corporations and sports teams. Learn how being homeless helped push him to read, learn, and craft a new beginning. Today Andrews is at the top of his game inspiring others to do the same.

Singer-songwriter Tom Grant has written songs for Tammy Wynette, Eddy Arnold, Ray Price, and Mickey Gilley. He sang with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, on Hee Haw, Pop! Goes the Country, and for years was a regular performer on Ralph Emery's morning show, and The Nashville Network's Nashville Now. In this interview, learn about Grant's career, health challenges -- including living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease -- and how growing up in a "Happy Days" type environment gave him a solid foundation for life.

Barbara Kimbro helps us learn about navigating life with a disability and describes how serving as an All of Us Research Program peer ambassador, volunteering, and being part of a senior community contribute to her well-being. This conversation illuminates her passion for precision medicine, people, and engagement to live life to the fullest.

Coach Bill Courtney is known for his inspirational leadership as a high school football coach in West Tennessee. His story, as told in the Oscar-winning documentary "Undefeated," is a shining example of encouragement to create winners on and off the field. Learn how "Undefeated" was a game changer for Courtney and how today he's recognizing "an army of normal folks" who make a difference in life.

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer Ed Batsel received a lifetime achievement award from President Biden for 25 years of service and 4,000 plus hours delivering meals. A FiftyForward Fresh Meals volunteer, he is soon to be 90. Despite recently losing his wife, Ed has a positive attitude and is a model for active aging. He loves learning from his children and grandchildren and is enthusiastic about health, hobbies, and engagement (especially for retirees).