The Mark White Show

On this re-air episode of The Mark White Show, Jared and April Smith open their hearts about a season of life no family ever expects to face. Both diagnosed with cancer, they found themselves fighting two battles at once while trying to keep faith, family, and everyday life moving forward. In this candid and powerful conversation, Jared and April share the fear, the courage, the prayers, the setbacks, and the surprising moments of goodness that have carried them through. Their story is one of resilience, honesty, and a hope that refuses to quit. Tune in as they remind us that even in the hardest moments, none of us are alone.

On this Make A Difference Minute, I'm sharing a personal reminder about the importance of a colonoscopy and early detection. After recently having a colonoscopy myself and seeing how prevention works firsthand, I'm encouraging listeners to talk with their medical professional about screening and not wait for symptoms to force the conversation. It’s not about fear. It’s about information, prevention, and taking care of the people who need you here.

Sponsor: Thompson Roofing and Construction

256Roofing.com

On this episode of The Mark White Show, I’m joined by Joel Dixon to talk about the heart behind Forging Families and the community effort that continues to support families pursuing adoption.

We also discuss Sacred Selections, a nonprofit dedicated to removing financial barriers so children can find permanent, loving homes, and how the Forging Families 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile Fun Run, happening January 10th in Columbiana, Alabama, plays a vital role in that mission.

This is a conversation about faith in action, community support, and the belief that families are worth investing in.

Registration information for the race can be found at www.ForgingFamilies.run.

On this Make A Difference Minute, we’re highlighting Forging Families with Joel Dixon, a community effort that supports families pursuing adoption through Sacred Selections.

The Forging Families 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile Fun Run takes place January 10th in Columbiana, Alabama, and offers a way for runners, walkers, and families to come together for a purpose bigger than themselves.

Learn more and register at www.ForgingFamilies.run.

Sponsor: Athens Bible School

AthensBibleSchool.org

On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m reminding listeners that not everyone has the support system we assume they do. Many people have learned to survive and succeed on their own, quietly and without recognition. This segment encourages kindness, gentleness, and awareness, because we never truly know what someone else has had to carry alone.

Sponsor: Bankston Motor Homes

BankstonMotorHomes.com

On this Make A Difference Minute, we take a walk down memory lane with Jerry Mathers, forever known to generations as Beaver Cleaver from Leave It to Beaver.

But this conversation is about more than remembering lines from a beloved television show. It’s about life after the cameras stopped rolling. About growing up in the public eye. About navigating adulthood when the world thinks it already knows your story.

Jerry Mathers shares honest reflections on identity, purpose, and what it means to build a meaningful life beyond childhood fame. His journey reminds us that no matter where we start, we are not limited by a single chapter. Growth, reinvention, and gratitude are always possible.

This is a reminder that our past may shape us, but it does not have to define us. Listen, reflect, and share this moment with someone who needs encouragement to keep moving forward.

Sponsor: Hydration Lounge

HydrationL.com

Thanks to Brenda Lynn Allen of Brenda Lynn Allen Music, I found out about Music & Memory and wanted to share about the work of this organization when it comes to those living with dementia or Alzheimer's. I hope you will listen and share my conversation with Music & Memory Program Director Justin Russo.

On this MADM, Justin Russo is sharing his background and the benefits of a music playlist for those who are living with dementia or Alzheimer's. I hope you will listen and share.

Sponsor: Athens Bible School

AthensBibleSchool.org

Tonight on The Mark White Show, I’m joined by Nicky Wilson and her daughter, Girl Scout Abby Wilson. Abby recently completed a remarkable Silver Award project that brought the Madison City community together in a big way.

What began as a simple request for neighbors to save their plastic lids grew into a collection of 650 pounds of recyclable material. Thanks to the generosity of local families and fire stations who served as drop off points, those lids were transformed into two buddy benches and two toddler picnic tables.

Nicky and Abby will share how the project came together, why it mattered, and how other civic groups can do something similar. It’s a great example of leadership, service, and the power of community support.

On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m reminding listeners that progress doesn’t require perfect timing or perfect conditions. Growth starts when we choose to take the next step with what we have. This segment encourages action, momentum, and the belief that starting now is often the most powerful choice we can make.

Sponsor: Premier Structures, Inc.

PremierStructures.com