The Mark White Show

Heavy rain during today's Building Safety Month celebration in Huntsville, Alabama, made some of the messages inside difficult to hear, so I wanted to make sure the content was preserved and shared.

This audio includes remarks from Larry Durham, Representative Rex Reynolds, Representative Andy Whitt, Senator Sam Givhan, Ronald Piester with the International Code Council, Michael Valenzuela with Madison County, Maura Wroblewski with the City of Madison, and Seth Gowan with the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.

The conversation focuses on building safety, workforce development, responsible growth, and the people working behind the scenes to help create stronger and safer communities throughout North Alabama.

I hope you'll take a few minutes to listen. Special thanks to Micheal Valenzuela for the invitation.

Real stories.

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Real impact.

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On this Make A Difference Minute, I have country music artist Michael Peterson sharing experiences that shaped him through years of performing for veterans, military families, and active-duty service members. Through more than 500 shows, Michael discovered that music was often about much more than entertainment. Whether helping a soldier connect with his wife during Christmas in Iraq or providing a moment of relief for service members returning from difficult patrols, he learned that sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply showing up and creating a moment people need. It’s a reminder that behind every uniform is a story, and sometimes music has a way of reaching places words alone cannot.

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Real people.

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On tonight's show, we’re bringing you two conversations centered around health, hope, & honoring others.

First, cardiologist Dr. Payal Kohli joins me to discuss a newly FDA-approved treatment option for people struggling with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Nearly 120 million Americans are affected by hypertension, and we’ll talk about why some people continue to struggle despite medications and lifestyle changes, along with what this new development could mean moving forward.

Then, with Memorial Day approaching on Monday, country artist Michael Peterson joins me to share the story behind “Old Army Hat” and discuss music that honors veterans and the sacrifices connected to service. Some songs become more than music. They become reminders of people, memories, & moments we never want to forget.

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

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On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Kristin Stitt with North Alabama Swim Schools and SafeSplash Swim Labs sharing an important reminder for adults who never learned to swim, it’s never too late. Many adults carry fear, uncertainty, or simply missed opportunities when it comes to water safety and swimming. Kristin explains that adult learners need a different approach and that every person has different goals, whether it’s overcoming fear, gaining confidence around water, learning basic swimming skills, or simply feeling comfortable enough to enjoy exercise in a pool. Learning water competency is not just for children. It can create confidence, improve safety, & open doors at any age.

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On tonight's show, I’m joined by Kristin Stitt, Managing Partner of North Alabama Swim Schools and SafeSplash Swim Labs in Huntsville and Madison.

Most parents believe they know whether their child can swim. Kristin says the bigger question may be whether a child is truly water competent.

With a background in healthcare leadership and a passion for drowning prevention, Kristin is helping families understand that swim lessons are only one part of the picture. We’ll talk about why parents often overestimate swimming ability, the importance of adaptive aquatics, and why swimming may be one of the most valuable investments a family can make for a child’s future.

We’ll also discuss why Kristin calls swimming “the first and forever sport” and how it can build confidence, discipline, emotional health, and life-saving skills that last far beyond the pool.

Real stories.

Real people.

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On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m discussing “Don’t Judge the Day Too Early.”

I came across a short video today featuring Dick Van Dyke, and a line he said stopped me.

“You should never judge a day by its weather.”

That one line got me thinking about how quickly we can decide a day is ruined before it even has a chance to unfold.

Today, I'm sharing a reminder that difficult beginnings don’t always lead to difficult endings and why some of life’s best moments come after rough starts.

You may want to give the day a little more time.

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On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m focusing on “What Really Matters.”

We live in a world that constantly tells us to chase more success, more possessions, more recognition, more things.

Tomorrow, I’m sharing a reminder that life isn’t measured by what you own. It’s measured by relationships, kindness, memories, & the impact we have on the people around us.

The things that matter most are the things money cannot buy.

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On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Melissa Matheson, Director and Co-Founder of Kids For Life, sharing about the realities many children face when entering foster care and the support needed for both children and foster families. Melissa explains that many children enter care because of circumstances involving neglect, abuse, or addiction in the home, often arriving with very few belongings and carrying burdens most people never see. Kids For Life is working to support not only children, but entire foster families, recognizing that helping families succeed creates a stronger foundation for children during difficult transitions.

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Tonight, I'm joined by Melissa Mathieson, director and co-founder of Kids for Life.

Children entering foster care often face uncertainty and difficult transitions. Many arrive with very little and are stepping into situations that can feel overwhelming. Melissa will share how Kids for Life is working to support children and foster families across Northwest Alabama by helping provide practical resources and reminders that these children are seen, valued, and cared for.

We’ll talk about the heart behind the organization, the needs many families face that people may never realize, and the ways communities can come together to make a difference. Sometimes helping a child does not require becoming a foster parent. Sometimes it simply starts with choosing to care and finding a way to help.

Listen in as we spotlight a mission built around hope, support, and helping children know they matter.

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On this Make A Difference Minute, I'm sharing about the “The Power of Encouragement”

Life can get heavy. People carry stress, worry, family struggles, health concerns, & burdens that are often hidden behind a smile.

Today, I’m sharing a reminder that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference, a kind word, a thoughtful message, or a simple moment of encouragement.

You may never know what someone else is carrying, but you might have the ability to help lighten the load.

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Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

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