The Mark White Show

Tonight, I’m joined by Shoals CASA Executive Director Heather Begley to talk about Shoals CASA Rogersville Gives Back Fall Festival and the young person who helped get it started, Jaylinn Owens.

I first interviewed Jaylinn when she was just six years old. She had seen people in need and wanted to help. Today, she’s a teenager, and that desire to care for others has grown into an effort that helps Shoals CASA support children in foster care throughout the year.

Heather shares how that support makes a difference and previews the sixth annual Rogersville Gives Back Fall Festival on October 17th, from 9 to 2 at Rogersville Recreational Park. With a car show, vendors, live music, food trucks, and activities for the kids, it’s an opportunity to enjoy a day together while helping children in our community.

Join me tonight and help spread the word!

If stories like this are why you follow The Mark White Show, I’d appreciate your vote in the Top Host competition. This opportunity could help me recognize more difference makers, share overlooked stories, and connect people with help.

You can cast one free vote every 24 hours, and no donation is required. If you choose to donate for additional votes, funds raised through the competition help support the Ryan Seacrest Foundation through a grant from AIT. The foundation creates interactive media studios in children’s hospitals nationwide.

Thank you for supporting the work I care so much about!

VOTE: tophost.org/2026/mark-white-3

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

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Tonight, we’re getting ready for The Butcher’s 4th Annual The Butcher's Smoke and Flames Barbeque Cookoff coming to Vinemont on Saturday, October 24th!

In our first segment, I’ll be joined by Maria Singleton-Loan Officer, First South Farm Credit, the event’s top sponsor. We’ll talk about why First South Farm Credit chose to support Smoke & Flames and the importance of businesses investing in the communities they serve.

In our second segment, Kadi Lee Smith of The Butcher - Meat Co. joins me to share what she and her husband, Justin, have planned for October 24th!

From the KCBS-sanctioned barbecue competition and People’s Choice Boston Butt Competition to live music, classic cars, arts & crafts vendors, a Kids Zone and plenty of food, there’s a lot to look forward to!

The event takes place at the Vinemont Sports Complex, with gates opening at 10a.

Visit ButchersSmokeAndFlames.com for more information.

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If stories like this are why you follow The Mark White Show, I’d appreciate your vote in the Top Host competition. This opportunity could help me recognize more difference makers, share overlooked stories, and connect people with help.

You can cast one free vote every 24 hours, and no donation is required. If you choose to donate for additional votes, funds raised through the competition help support the Ryan Seacrest Foundation through a grant from AIT. The foundation creates interactive media studios in children’s hospitals nationwide.

Thank you for supporting the work I care so much about!

VOTE: tophost.org/2026/mark-white-3

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

News That Unites!™️

On this Make a Difference Minute, Maria Singleton, senior loan officer with First South Farm Credit in Cullman, shares why supporting local events and businesses matters.

After learning more about The Butcher - Meat Co. and the The Butcher's Smoke and Flames Barbeque Cookoff, Maria says the Smith family’s commitment to agriculture, farm-to-table food and their community made the event a natural fit for First South Farm Credit.

The Butcher’s 4th Annual Smoke & Flames Barbecue Cook-Off is Saturday, October 24th, at the Vinemont Sports Complex.

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

News That Unites!™️

A child should never have to miss school because they don’t have a pair of shoes. During my conversation with Lynn Worley, she shared that this is a reality her family has learned about through their work with Sole Sisters AL.

Tonight, Lynn will share how a conversation with her three teenage daughters became a family effort to provide new shoes for young people across Alabama. We’ll talk about the needs they’re meeting, how they work with schools & community organizations to protect each child’s privacy and dignity, and why larger shoes for middle & high school students are especially needed.

Their effort began with the idea that helping even one child would be worthwhile. I hope you’ll listen and consider how you might help them reach another.

Stories like this are why I’m asking for your vote in the Top Host competition. A larger audience could help introduce efforts like Sole Sisters AL to more people willing to get involved. That’s what I want to do with this opportunity, & your support can help me work toward it.

Learn more at SoleSistersAL.org and share this with someone who would like to make a difference.

You can cast one free vote for me every 24 hours at:

tophost.org/2026/mark-white-3

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

News That Unites!™️

A child should never have to miss school because they don’t have a pair of shoes. During my conversation with Lynn Worley, she shared that this is a reality her family has learned about through their work with Sole Sisters AL.

Tonight on The Mark White Show, Lynn will share how a conversation with her three teenage daughters became a family effort to provide new shoes for young people across Alabama. We’ll talk about the needs they’re meeting, how they work with schools & community organizations to protect each child’s privacy and dignity, and why larger shoes for middle & high school students are especially needed.

Their effort began with the idea that helping even one child would be worthwhile. I hope you’ll listen and consider how you might help them reach another.

Stories like this are why I’m asking for your vote in the Top Host competition. A larger audience could help introduce efforts like Sole Sisters AL to more people willing to get involved. That’s what I want to do with this opportunity, & your support can help me work toward it.

Learn more at SoleSistersAL.org and share this with someone who would like to make a difference.

You can cast one free vote for me every 24 hours at:

tophost.org/2026/mark-white-3

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

News That Unites!™️

On this Make a Difference Minute, Lynn Worley shares how Sole Sisters AL is helping provide new shoes for young people in need.

Children can outgrow shoes in a matter of months—or even weeks—and that expense doesn’t end when they leave elementary school. Lynn explains why middle and high school students, often wearing adult sizes, can face an even greater need as the cost of properly fitting shoes increases.

Through Sole Sisters Alabama, Lynn and her daughters are helping families keep up with growing feet while making sure young people have shoes that fit.

This Make a Difference Minute is brought to you by Athens Bible School, a proud community partner of The Mark White Show. We appreciate their support as we continue sharing stories of encouragement, service, and people making a difference in their communities.

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

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Multiple myeloma is personal to me. My granddad, who raised me, battled this disease, and it took his life in 1998. He was 69, & I was 18.

Tonight, I’m joined by Tara, a nurse practitioner who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2018, and Dr. Joseph Mikhael, Director of Myeloma Research at the HonorHealth Research Institute.

Tara shares her experience of becoming a patient while having a background in caring for others. Dr. Mikhael helps us understand multiple myeloma, treatment considerations, & why timely access to care close to home matters.

For me, this conversation brings to mind the man who raised me and the families facing what ours faced. I hope you’ll listen and share it with someone who could benefit from greater understanding and support.

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

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On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Dr. Joseph Mikhael, Director of Myeloma Research at HonorHealth Research Institute, as he helps us better understand multiple myeloma.

Dr. Mikhael explains how this blood cancer develops in plasma cells within the bone marrow, how it can affect the body, including the kidneys, and what doctors mean when they describe multiple myeloma as “relapsed” or “refractory.”

This is a disease that has touched my own family, and I appreciate the opportunity to help others better understand it.

This Make a Difference Minute is brought to you by Bama Estate Planning by Attorney Harlan D. Mitchell, a proud community partner of The Mark White Show. We appreciate their support as we continue sharing stories of encouragement, service, and people making a difference in their communities.

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

News That Unites!™️

On this Make a Difference Minute, Coach Gene Stallings shares what his son, John Mark “Johnny” Stallings, brought to his family and the lasting impact his life continues to have on others.

Coach Stallings remembers the joy Johnny brought into his life and reflects on the many ways his legacy has been honored - from football facilities and playgrounds bearing his name to recognition from organizations & universities.

As Coach Stallings put it, “He has really made his little mark in life.”

John Mark’s story is a reminder that a person’s impact isn’t measured by what others believe they may be unable to do, but by the lives they touch along the way.

This Make a Difference Minute is brought to you by Bankston Motor Homes, a proud community partner of The Mark White Show. We appreciate their support as we continue sharing stories of encouragement, service, and people making a difference in their communities.

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

News That Unites!™️

On this Make a Difference Minute, I’m coming to you from Decatur, Alabama, at Mel's Sweet Treats with owner Melissa Cook.

Melissa shares the mindset that helped her through the early years of building her business: if you’re going to do something, give it everything you have so you can look back knowing you truly tried.

She also remembers one of those early customers who would stop by each morning for coffee, try the cookies and spend a few minutes visiting. It was a simple routine, but for a new small-business owner, his presence gave her encouragement to keep going.

Sometimes supporting someone’s dream really can be as simple as showing up.

For more information, follow Mel’s Sweet Treats on Facebook & Instagram.

This Make a Difference Minute is brought to you by Hydration Lounge, a proud community partner of The Mark White Show. We appreciate their support as we continue sharing stories of encouragement, service, and people making a difference in their communities.

Real stories.

Real people.

Real impact.

News That Unites!™️