Suicide is the:2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-14 & 25-343rd leading cause of death for ages 15-244th leading cause of death for ages 35-44

In 2022, there were 1.6 million suicide attempts and over 49,000 people that died by suicide. In 2023, the number of deaths by suicide rose to over 50,000.
Deaths by suicide tend to increase during the colder months when days are shorter, resulting in less sunlight. These months are when people begin experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A little about our guest, Kristi Mitchell -

It is not a shock that photography took such a hold on me and became such a huge part of my life years ago!! It is my passion! I love that I am able to take moments in people’s lives, both big and small, and preserve them! 

The desire to document people and the moments that make up our lives has been one of my greatest joys and passions, and has allowed me to fulfill what I believe is one of my purposes in my life. My goal from the beginning was to capture real moments in a beautiful way and preserve them for others. To capture the beauty that exists in each person, each wedding, and in important moments that often happen when most photographers bring their camera down and feel they already got the shot.

Photography is not my only passion, I am a mom of 4 boys!  If I am not shooting a family session or wedding you can find me hanging with the family at the pool, going to many sporting events, traveling, teaching a spin class or if I am lucky enjoying a nice evening away with dinner, wine and friends.. just enjoying our moment!!

Book Kristi HERE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly Cunningham from New York has always wanted to be a mother — but without a baby of her own, she is breastfeeding her dolls.

She bought a Reborn Doll for her 27th birthday and says she quickly felt her maternal instincts kick in.

Kelly "just couldn’t help but want to care for Jennifer like a real child."

She "suddenly got so attached to her".

Cunningham isn’t the only one to become emotionally attached to the dolls.

Reborn Dolls are known to be used as a form of therapy to provide a sense of comfort and connection for people struggling with infertility, infant loss or dementia.

Over the past few years, Cunningham has continued to add to her collection and now cares for seven Reborn Dolls.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot happening at the YMCA - especially this year being their 150th birthday!

Click convo for all the details!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we welcomed back Taylor Stevens. She is a community servant and cares so much about the works she does. This week, we talked about self awareness and carrying out a plan of action to stay positive. 

Enjoy this weeks Circle Of Friends with Taylor. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rocki sat with Tammy of the United Way to discuss this years campaign and events! Click convo for all the details!

United Way of Central Illinois mobilizes communities to close gaps and open opportunities.

1999 Wabash Ave, Ste 107, Springfield, IL, United States, 62704Address

• (217) 726-7000Mobile
• http://www.uwcil.org/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we got to catch up with our good friend Stacey Skrysak. Outside of being your evening news anchor on News Channel 20; she is a mom, community leader and volunteer. 

This week, we got to hear about she and her families trip to London! Obviously Rocki had a lot of questions about the city as he would love to travel there as well. Mostly they talked about favorite moments and traveling internationally with kids! click for the convo and enjoy!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 100 rabbits were rescued from a home in Chattanooga, Tenn. The rabbits were rescued by the Humane Society of the United States and the McKamey Animal Center after an overwhelmed caregiver requested help.

Officials arrived onsite and found the rabbits living in extremely unsanitary conditions. The rabbits were suffering from multiple ailments including flea infestations, hair loss and injuries typical of overcrowding.

Several rabbits were possibly pregnant. Multiple nursing litters and rabbits of various ages were found burrowing in furniture throughout the residence.

The owner had cared for pet rabbits for over 30 years. However, after experiencing a health crisis, he became unable to care for the animals and the population rapidly increased. He then reached out to the McKamey Animal Center, which requested the assistance of the humane society.

The rabbits are being transported to a temporary, emergency shelter by the humane society where veterinarians will conduct in-depth exams and provide necessary medical treatment. Once healthy enough, they will be placed in shelters and rescues where they'll be able to seek adoptive homes.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 14th Annual 2024 Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival (SOB Festival) is returning for a RECORD BREAKING YEAR!  The event will be held at the Inn at 835 in Downtown Springfield on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend from 12-5pm. It will be held rain or shine, because attendees will be covered by the two 100' tents we've secured.

In 2024, there is slated to be over 150 beers and ciders from over +60 breweries that will be represented from across the Midwest and nationally.  We're excited to announce 19 NEW BREWERIES attending the festival.

Musical acts will keep you moving as you enjoy new and unique fine craft libations. Gourmet oyster dishes as well as food trucks to keep your belly happy while your taste buds are entertained by delicious brews.

To date, the SOB Festival has donated over $170,000 to area charities. This year's charity recipient is the Legacy Theatre, Springfield.  The Legacy Theatre fosters an environment where creative exploration of the arts is embraced and nurtured in an atmosphere of support and respect.

Parking is available on the street or two blocks to the North at the Vinegar Hill Mall Complex. For any other questions, visit sobfestival.com or call 217-522-3123. As this is a rain-or-shine, charitable event, refunds will not be issued.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Rocki sat with Brandy and Molly from an amazing local organization called Compass For Kids. Listen to the conversation to find out all about what they do for the kids of our community!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.