The Mark White Show

On this Make A Difference Minute, Heather Nawrocki with AARP offers practical encouragement for anyone feeling the sting of loneliness, especially adults over 45. New research shows that nearly 4 in 10 people in midlife are struggling with disconnection, shrinking friendships, and the pressure of juggling work, family, and caregiving.

Heather reminds us that loneliness doesn’t mean something is wrong with you, it simply means you were made for connection. She shares simple, meaningful steps anyone can take to start rebuilding that connection, both during the holidays and long after they’re over.

A small reach, a small invitation, a small moment of courage can make a big difference.

Sponsor: Bankston Motor Homes

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On this Make A Difference Minute, we are highlighting a woman who has spent her life serving others. Her name is Savannah Butler. She is a wife, a mom to five children, a dedicated friend and coworker, and a United States Marine veteran who has always been the kind of person who steps up when someone needs help.

Savannah was first diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in 2020. She fought through chemo and radiation and returned to caring for her family and serving her community. Recently, new symptoms led to more tests, and she has now been diagnosed with Stage 4 Ewing Sarcoma. This time the cancer is more aggressive, and her treatment will take her to specialists at Vanderbilt and to Houston for a possible clinical trial.

Tye Hutt, one of Savannah’s closest friends, says Savannah has always been strong for others. Now, she hopes the community will stand strong for her.

Donate: gofundme.com/support-savannahs-fight-against-stage-4-sarcoma

Sponsor: Singing River Dentistry

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On this edition of The Mark White Show, nurse practitioner Tye Hutt joins me to share the story of her friend and coworker, Savannah Butler, a Marine veteran and mother of five who is now facing a recurrence of Ewing Sarcoma. Tye explains Savannah’s medical journey, the support her family needs, and how the community can help as she begins treatment and explores a clinical trial.

I’ll also be talking with country artist Sammy Sadler about his latest music and the path that has shaped his career.

Tune in as we highlight a family in need and enjoy a conversation with an artist whose story and voice continue to inspire.

On this Make A Difference Minute, Dr. Sheehan Fisher from Northwestern Medicine shares an important truth many families never hear, about one in ten new fathers experience postpartum depression. The symptoms often look different in men, which means many cases go unnoticed or untreated. Dr. Fisher explains why dads are vulnerable during those early months, how their mental health can affect the whole family, and where fathers can turn for help. He also highlights resources available for new dads who may be struggling in silence.

Sponsor: Premier Structures, Inc.

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Tonight’s show is for the people who feel like they’re doing life by themselves, even when they’re surrounded by others.

If you’re a new dad wrestling with emotions you can’t explain.

If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond and wondering when your circle got smaller.

If the holidays make the quiet moments feel heavier than normal.

You are not alone.

We’re joined by Dr. Sheehan Fisher from Northwestern Medicine to talk about paternal postpartum depression, a struggle many fathers have but almost no one discusses.

And Heather Nawrocki from AARP shares new research about loneliness in adults over 45, why it’s hitting so many in midlife, and how to take real steps toward connection again.

If you need understanding, encouragement, or just a reminder that someone sees what you’re going through, tonight’s show is for you.

On this Make A Difference Minute, Makenzie Phipps from this season of The Voice shares the heart behind her new song titled Christmas Snow. Makenzie has connected with listeners through her gentle sound and honest storytelling. In this short segment, she talks about the meaning of the song and what she hopes it brings to those who hear it. Tune in for a beautiful moment of music and message.

Sponsor: Green's Dependable Hardware

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On tonight’s edition of The Mark White Show, you will hear from two guests with two very different but meaningful stories.

First, you will meet Hayden Stuart from the McCalla, Alabama, community. Hayden has been facing multiple seizures a day, and he opens up about the impact this challenge has had on his life and the support he has received along the way.

You will also meet Makenzie Phipps from this season of The Voice. Makenzie shares her journey on the show and the heart behind her song titled Christmas Snow.

Both conversations offer honesty, hope, and encouragement. I hope you will listen & share.

On this Make A Difference Minute, 21-year-old Hayden Stuart of McCalla, Alabama, opens up about the daily impact of his severe seizures and the concerns he faces as he looks toward the future. Hayden shares how unpredictable each day can be and what it means to have people praying for him and offering support. His strength and honesty remind us why lifting one another up truly matters.

Sponsor: Athens Bible School

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On this episode of The Mark White Show, I’m joined by Icing Smiles founder Tracy Quisenberry and volunteer Sugar Angel Connie Ash. Icing Smiles is a nationwide nonprofit that provides custom celebration cakes to families with a child facing a critical medical illness. These cakes offer comfort, joy, and a moment of normalcy during some of the toughest days a family will ever face.

Tracy shares how the organization began in 2010, why this mission matters, and how it has grown into a network of more than fourteen thousand volunteer bakers serving families across all fifty states. Connie shares her own story, including the moment she overcame self doubt, applied to become a Sugar Angel, and began creating cakes that now lift the hearts of medical families in need.

This is a conversation about kindness, courage, and the power of small acts that make a big difference.

On this Make A Difference Minute, volunteer baker Connie Ash shares how she once doubted she had what it takes to serve as a Sugar Angel for Icing Smiles. She wondered if her skills were good enough and if she could truly make a difference for a family facing the critical illness of a child. But she took a chance, submitted her application, and was accepted without hesitation. Today, Connie creates cakes that bring joy, comfort, and moments of normalcy to families who need it most. Her story is a reminder that sometimes saying yes, even when we are unsure, leads to something beautiful.

Sponsor: CoraNation Tailoring & Alterations