When it comes time to explore assisted living options for a loved one, most of us don’t know where to start. We’re unsure what questions to ask, what red flags to look for, and how to make a choice that truly meets our family member’s needs.

Today, I’m joined by Leigh Ann Hamby, Executive Director of Kauhale Byrd Springs here in Huntsville. With more than 20 years of experience running assisted living communities, Leigh Ann has helped countless families navigate this transition, and she’s sharing her insights with us. 

Listen now to get the information you need before you choose an assisted living facility. We cover:

How to know which type of care your loved one qualifies for

What to look for (and what to avoid) when touring communities

Questions you should be asking on a community tour

How pricing typically works for assisted living

Tips for making the move smoother and less stressful for your loved one

Red flags that could signal a community isn’t the right fit

Everyone deserves the chance to live independently. But for many people with disabilities, that dream feels out of reach.

Today, I’m joined by Davina Patterson, Executive Director of the Disability Resource Network. Davina and her team are on a mission to break down the hidden barriers that keep people from living life on their own terms.

The organization helps folks with disabilities gain the skills and support they need to create lives they’re proud of. Plus, we talk about why independence shouldn’t be a privilege—and what each of us can do to help make it possible.

We discussed:

The first step to help someone transition out of their family home

How to support youth through critical school transitions

What parents need to know about IEPs and 504 plans

How they’re helping people protect themselves from scams

Why many people with disabilities struggle to find a primary care doctor

July is Disability Pride Month

When I first moved to North Alabama, Madison was just a spot in the road. Now it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, and I’ve been lucky to see that growth firsthand through sports, school, and service.

In this episode, I sit down with Christina Hearne, Executive Director of Madison Visionary Partners, to talk about how MVP is helping shape that growth in all the right ways. Some recent projects include everthing from colorful murals and inclusive playgrounds, to a new senior center and plans for a Miracle League field.

We also talk about their microgrant program, upcoming volunteer events like Serve Madison, and how small ideas can lead to big change in our community.

If you haven’t been to downtown Athens lately, you might be surprised by what you find.

Today, I sit down with Tere Richardson, Executive Director of Athens Main Street. We talk about how the heart of this North Alabama town has changed over the years, while still holding on to the charm that makes it feel like classic small-town America.

Tere shares how Athens has grown as the city embraced outdoor dining and events, their entertainment district, and what’s still ahead, including plans to bring more downtown living to life.

Today, I’m joined by Tracy Bennett Smith, who leads Make-A-Wish Alabama. We talk about how the organization brings hope to kids across our state who are facing critical illnesses. Tracy walks us through how wishes are granted, how children are nominated, and the real impact a wish can have on an entire family.

We also discuss how people can get involved, whether it’s through events, volunteering, or even donating items to America’s Thrift Stores. Tracy shares stories that show just how much a wish can mean, and why they’re working hard to reach more kids in Alabama.

What you’ll hear:

What Make-A-Wish Alabama does and how it got started

How local chapters work with the national organization

Who qualifies for a wish and how the nomination process works

Why fundraising is key (and what Trailblaze and Wish Night means)

How thrift store donations and car tags help fund wishes

Stories that show the lasting impact of a wish

Learn more or get involved: 👉 wish.org/alabama 👉 alabamatrailblaze.org

What really happens when you call a crisis line in North Alabama?

In this episode, I sit down with Janet Gable, the heart behind Crisis Services of North Alabama (CSNA). Janet shares the powerful work CSNA is doing, from their 24-hour crisis line to helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. 

We also talk about how you can get involved and the upcoming events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you’re looking to make a difference or need help, CSNA is a lifeline in North Alabama. Tune in to learn how they’re making a real impact!

01:30 - The story behind Crisis Services of North Alabama

05:00 - How crisis counseling works and who it helps

09:00 - Support for domestic violence and sexual assault victims

13:30 - The role of forensic nurse examiners

17:00 - What’s 2-1-1 and how it’s helping the community

20:00 - Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Events you can’t miss

23:30 - How you can support CSNA and make a difference

Resources

Crisis Services of North Alabama

Call 2-1-1 for local support and resources

24-hour crisis line: 256-716-1000

What if a single community center could change the future for hundreds of kids? That’s exactly what the Huntsville Learning Center is doing.

I’m sitting down with Ray Allister, the executive director, to talk about the great work they’re doing for kids in Huntsville, Alabama.

The center runs after-school and summer programs to help kids succeed both in and out of the classroom. We also dive into real issues like income gaps and why community support matters. 

We discussed:

How a local center is changing the game for Huntsville's youth

The challenges today’s kids face (and what we can do about it)

How you can make a real impact in your community

Breaking down barriers to education for every kid

Why this work matters and how you can be part of it

I'm speaking with Daniel Kasambira, President and CEO of United Way of Madison County. We’re diving into what United Way is all about, from their big mission to new programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Young Men United. 

We’re also breaking down how United Way tackles local needs, builds powerful partnerships, and gets strategic with their resources. 

Here’s what’s coming up:

Meet Daniel Kasamabira (00:00)

United Way’s big mission (03:19)

The community needs a breakdown (05:51)

How they decide where resources go (13:16)

2-1-1 info & referral rervice (18:53)

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (22:00)

Young Men United (26:45)

EdX Cybersecurity Training (29:06)

How to make an impact (33:39)

This one’s a first: we have a dog guest on the Mo Show. Join us for a special episode featuring Stephanie Cook, a school counselor at Madison Elementary, and Barnie Fife, the school’s facility dog.

Barnie isn’t just a furry friend. He provides emotional support to students, helps them navigate tough days, and plays an essential role in the school’s daily life.

Stephanie shares the story of how she brought Barnie on board, from his training to his daily routines. Plus, you’ll hear about the relationship he has with the students, staff, and overall school community.

If you’ve ever wondered how facility dogs fit into schools (or just want to hear a feel-good story), this conversation is for you.

We covered:

Meet Stefanie and Barnie

Being a school counselor

The journey of getting a facility dog

What a facility dog does at school

Barnie Fife's training

Barnie's impact on students

Barnie's life outside of school

Today, we’re celebrating those who served by highlighting a powerful mission: helping veterans successfully transition to civilian life.

In this episode of Mo Show Live, I’m joined by Rich Landolt, retired Rear Admiral and President & CEO of Still Serving Veterans. With 32 years of U.S. Navy service under his belt, Rich is passionate about supporting veterans as they navigate life beyond the military.

We dive into:

How Still Serving Veterans helps with resumes, job counseling, and LinkedIn profiles

The key to translating military experience into civilian opportunities

Why managing expectations is crucial during the transition process

The impact of community support and corporate donations

Tune in for a conversations that’s all about honoring veterans and their future.