Lindy Cleveland and Marye Grace Browning joined the SavvyCast to discuss Unless U, a nonprofit that Lindy started. We discussed how Unless U was founded, their different programs, and their new ice cream shop. We even got to hear a personal testimony from one of their students, John!

Episode At A Glance: 

This week, Lindy Cleveland and Marye Grace Browning shared all about Unless U, a Birmingham-based nonprofit that serves developmentally disabled adults. Lindy, the founder and executive director of Unless U, shared why she started the nonprofit. Lindy and Marye Grace discussed their amazing new facility, how their classes work to serve students, and their new program Post Place. 

What Is Unless U?

The inspiration for this amazing nonprofit is Lindy's brother Jordan. Lindy's brother Jordan has down syndrome, and her family found themselves at a crossroads once he finished his high school program. Frustrated by the lack of programs for adults with developmental disabilities, Lindy decided to start one herself. The Christian-based organization first opened in November of 2014 with 10 students enrolled. Today, Unless U creates a college-like environment for their students to continue their education, receive vocational training, and learn life and social skills. According to their website, Unless U "envisions a world where adults with developmental disabilities are not seen through the lens of their disability but rather through what they offer their community."

Questions We Answered In This Episode: 

• How was Unless U started? 
• How has Unless U grown over the years? 
• What are your roles at Unless U?
• How do the classes work for students?
• What is your new program Post Place?
• How did you go about fundraising for your new facility?

Resources Mentioned In This Episode: 

• Unless U website 
• Cleveland Consulting 
• Unless U Instagram: @unless_u
• Unless U Scoops Instagram: @unlessu_scoops

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on iTunes, it would be SO appreciated!!! Blessings to you!!!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

Men can get Breast Cancer Too: Talking with a Male Breast Cancer Survivor

How JH Ranch Creates Lasting, Transformative Change for Teens & Young Adults

Jim and Wendy Coupland shared Jim's battle with breast cancer in this week's episode. While many people may typically think of breast cancer as something women suffer from, Jim's story is proof that breast cancer can affect everyone. 

Episode At A Glance: 

This week on The SavvyCast, Jim and Wendy Coupland joined me to share Jim's breast cancer story. Their daughter, Finlay Coupland, is the social media manager & podcast editor for Family Savvy. After I heard about their experience through Finlay, I knew the Couplands' story needed to be shared!

Jim's Battle With Breast Cancer: 

After noticing a spot on the right side of his chest, Jim mentioned it to his doctor. Since it was not bothering him, Jim's doctor said it was probably just a cyst and was not concerning unless it began to bother him or get bigger. However, over the course of three years, Jim's doctor noticed the spot changing and decided to have it surgically removed, still thinking it was just a cyst. That being said, no one expected the pathologist to call back saying that Jim had breast cancer. After hearing this, Jim and Wendy went to UAB where they found out that Jim had Stage 2 breast cancer. Jim had a lumpectomy and then began his 20 rounds of radiation treatment. Thankfully, Jim's treatments worked and he is now cancer-free. Today he lives a full, vibrant life and is on medication to help prevent the cancer from returning.

Questions We Answered In This Podcast:

• How did Jim discover he had breast cancer? 
• What are the different stages of cancer? 
• Is there a difference between a mastectomy for men and for women?
• Did Jim experience any side effects during his radiation treatment? 
• What was it like for Wendy to walk through this process as a wife and mom?
• How did Jim get breast cancer? 

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on iTunes, it would be SO appreciated!!! Blessings to you!!!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

How Type 1 Diabetes and a Service Dog Changed Katelyn House's Life

Lets Talk: Surviving Cancer When You're Given Two Months To Live

Katelyn House has been living with type one diabetes since she was diagnosed at age seven. This week she shared what it has been like to grow up with type one diabetes, what her life is like now, and how her life has changed for the better because of her service dog, Mayer. 

Episode At A Glance:

This week on The SavvyCast, Katelyn House shared the ins and outs of her journey with type 1 diabetes. Katelyn discussed the struggles of growing up with diabetes, as well as her desire to help others with diabetes feel seen and understood. Additionally, she shared how her service dog Mayer has changed her day-to-day life. Mayer even makes a special appearance in this episode! 

Who Is Katelyn House? 

At age seven, Katelyn House was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes due to a virus she experienced. Katelyn's brother was also diagnosed just ten months later. Since then she has experienced the ups and downs of this health journey. Katelyn graduated from Alabama with a degree in Human Development and is living an incredibly full and vibrant life.  In addition to advocating for others with diabetes, Katelyn recently launched her own blog! 

Questions We Answered In This Episode: 

• When were you diagnosed with type 1 diabetes? 
• How did you become diabetic? 
• What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
• Why did you decide to get a service dog? 
• If someone wants a service dog but cannot afford one, what do you recommend? 
• What benefits do you experience by having your service dog, Mayer? 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode: 

• Katelyn's blog 
• Off-Leash Dog Training 
• The Complete K-9 Dog Training 
• Camp Kudzu, a camp in Georgia for children with type 1 diabetes. 
• Camp Needles In The Pines, a summer camp in North Caroline for children with type 1 diabetes. 
• Dr. Maria Hella 

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on iTunes, it would be SO appreciated!!! Blessings to you!!!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

Let's Talk: Living a Full Life with Fibromyalgia and Lupus

How to Stay Independent in Older Age with Personalized Fitness Training

For many people, interior design can feel intimidating and overwhelming. This week the women behind Home with Hechart shared their passion for helping their clients create a beautiful space.

Episode At A Glance: 

This week Alex Hechart, Donna Woodfin, and Mary Clay Holtcam came onto the show to discuss their interior design business, Home with Hechart. We discussed everything from how their business got started to their favorite design trends and more!

What Is Home With Hechart? 

Home with Hechart is a home decor and interior design company founded by Alex Hechart and her mother, Donna Woodfin. After graduating college with a Marketing degree, Alex dreamed of being in the interior design business. With the support of her mom and her husband, she finally decided to start the business in 2020. The company started out of Alex’s mom, Donna’s, house, and eventually grew into a physical location in English Village in Birmingham. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, HWH knows the value of Southern style and is here to help you find the perfect blend of traditional style with a modern flair.

Questions Answered In This Episode:

• What are some great seasonal, holiday items for your home or as gifts?
• Can you work with any budget? 
• What are some of the easiest ways to change the look of a space?
• Are you following any design trends?
• What paint colors do you recommend? 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

• Sela Vie Web Design 
• Speckled Glass from Home with Hechart 
• Lafco Candles
• Pura Air fresheners

Connect with Home with Hechart:

• Instagram:@homewithhechart
• homewithhechart.com
• Email: [email protected] 

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on iTunes, it would be SO appreciated!!! Blessings to you!!!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

Why Art is the Perfect Gift for Any Occasion (+ My Recommendations)

Let's Talk: How to Turn a Pole Barn into a Lovely Cottage with Sharon Gilbert

Julie Howard's battle with chronic myeloid leukemia is a story of intense struggle, unmovable faith, and miraculous healing. I hope that listening to Julie's story encourages you as much as it did me!

Episode At A Glance: 

This week on the SavvyCast Julie Howard shares the ins and outs of her battle with bone marrow cancer. Her story is truly incredible, and this month marks five years of remission for Julie. From her near-death experience to her treatment journey to how she survived the mental and emotional toll of it all, Julie so graciously shares every part of her story. 

An Amazing Miracle:

Throughout the episode, Julie emphasized how her faith and hope in God carried her through this dark season. Her trust in Him grew stronger as her circumstances became bleaker and bleaker. In addition to her relationship with God, her relationships with her friends and family were huge support systems to Julie. From being given two months to live to now celebrating five years of remission, her story truly is a miracle.

Questions Answered In This Episode:

• What was your diagnosis?
• What was your treatment plan like? 
• How did you go about finding a stem cell transplant? 
• How did you cope?
• What did you do to help your mental and emotional health during this time?
• How does a stem cell transplant work?
• What advice would you give to others facing depression?

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on iTunes, it would be SO appreciated!!! Blessings to you!!!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

A Licensed Therapist Talks about How to Deal with Grief

An Inside Look At The Life-Changing Camp JH Ranch

This week my husband Zane shared about a passion of his: mentoring young men. Zane breaks down what mentoring is and why it is so important, especially in our culture today!

Episode At A Glance: 

There is so much value in finding and being a mentor, especially for young men in today's culture. Mentorship can be life-transforming, and it is something Zane is so passionate about! He was able to shed light on how to find a mentor, what aspects of life he focuses on in mentorship, and what resources he has found valuable!

Who Is Zane Tarence? 

My incredible husband Zane is originally from Montgomery, Alabama. In addition to being an incredible husband and father, Zane works as the managing partner with Founders Advisors. Zane has been mentoring and advising for over 20 years and has seen first-hand how fruitful mentorship is! As a result, he is so passionate about mentorship and eager to share about it any chance he gets! 

Questions Answered In This Episode:

• How do I find a mentor? 
• What does it mean to be a Godly man? How does this look in real life?
• Is mentorship just a counseling session? 
• How can a wife encourage her husband to become a mentor? 
• What is spiritual success? 

Important Life Aspect to Focus on When Mentoring:

• Spiritual 
• Health 
• Financial
• Family 
• Service 
• Social

Resources and Recipes Mentioned in This Episode: 

• My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers 
• Proverbs 
• Fabulous Brunswick Stew In a Slow Cooker 
• Cornbread In a Cast Iron Skillet 
• The Best Beef Brisket 
• Mississippi Green Beans 

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on iTunes, it would be SO appreciated!!! Blessings to you!!!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

How Mental Health Can Be Managed for a Full and Productive Life

Let's Talk: Living a Full Life with Fibromyalgia and Lupus

Along with being one of my favorite foodie friends, Katrina Adams is an extremely talented entertainer and cook. She is the creator of "In the Kitchen with K Marie," where she aspires to bring out the "domestic diva" in everyone!

The Episode At A Glance: 

This week Katrina Adams and I discussed her love for cooking and entertaining, as well as our favorite kitchen items and recipes! Katrina shared her cooking inspirations, which include her large family as well as other cooking influencers. If you love food, cooking, or entertaining, you are sure to find inspiration from this episode! 

What Is "In The Kitchen With K Marie"? 

"In the Kitchen with K Marie" is a blog started by Katrina Adams for her passion for cooking and entertaining. Katrina's passion for event planning, cooking, baking, and entertaining started early. As a little girl, Katrina watched her grandmother, mother and aunts prepare meals with love and passion. These passions help birth Cooking with K Marie. The mission of her blog, "In the Kitchen with K Marie" is to bring out the domestic diva in all ladies and help everyone know the kitchen is the heart of the home.

Questions We Answered: 

• How did she discover her love and talent for cooking?
• How coming from a large family inspired her love for cooking?
• What are her specialty things to make?
• What do people normally ask her to make the most?
• Who are her favorite social media influencers for cooking?
• Where are her favorite places to dine out?
• What are some of her must-have kitchen appliances?

K Marie's Most Popular Recipes: 

• Award-winning Lemon Pound Cake 
• No-Bake Oreo Dessert
• Key Lime Cake
• Banana Pudding

Resources We Discussed: 

• Southern-Style Instant Pot Collard Greens
• The Best Cornbread Dressing
• Katrina's cookbook, Knocking Out Cancer in the Kitchen: Cooking for a Cure 

Connect With Katrina Adams:

• Instagram: @kmariekitchen
• kmariekitchen.com

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on iTunes, it would be SO appreciated!!! Blessings to you!!!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

A Favorite Foodie Friend: Wine and Dine With Jeff

Let's Talk: Home Cooking Tips, Tricks, and Advice

Chris Bailey, editor and producer of The SavvyCast, shared about the importance of mental health on this week’s episode. He shared his own journey as well as which resources have been helpful for him.

Who is Chris Bailey? 

Chris Bailey grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and is an alumnus of Samford University. He has over 10 years of professional videography experience and helped create the SavvyCast. He is now a producer and editor for The SavvyCast, as well as the Founder and CEO of CSB Productions. Chris has worked on countless television and online productions including Chace Strickland and Sean Hobbs of Backyard Production, Emmy Award-Winning Documentary Director Michael Uys, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and many other directors, videographers, organizations, and online personalities. Chris is drawn to stories and strives to use videography as a way to reveal the deeper story behind every project. 

The Episode at a Glance:

This week I discussed the importance of mental health with Chris Bailey. Chris shared about his own mental health journey, as well as what resources have been helpful for him. We discussed depression, anxiety, medication, and how to find the right therapist. 

Questions We Answered: 

• What does depression feel like?
• What is the purpose of medication?
• How do you find a good therapist?
• What are the first treatment steps for someone who has or thinks they have depression? 
• How do you speak life into yourself?
• How do you unravel the habit of speaking negatively to yourself? 

Resources We Discussed: 

• Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It’s Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind by Louie Giglio
• Out of the Cave: Stepping into the Light When Depression Darkens What You See by Chris Hodges
• Trey Hill at Covenant Counseling 
• CSB Productions 

Suicide Hotline: 

The National Suicide Hotline number is 800-273-8255. If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, do not hesitate to reach out and find help.

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on iTunes, it would be SO appreciated!!! Blessings to you!!!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

A Licensed Therapist Talks about How to Deal with Grief

Let's Talk: Living a Full Life with Fibromyalgia and Lupus

My dear friend and incredibly talented artist Debra Hewitt shares why art is the perfect gift for any occasion. Debra’s pieces make a beautiful, personal gift for anyone and any occasion. 

EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

This week I sat down with Debra Hewitt to discuss why art makes the perfect gift for any occasion. If you listened to “Let’s Talk With Debra Hewitt: My Favorite Artist,” you are already familiar with Debra and her work! Debra is one of my dearest friends and an extremely talented artist, and we discussed so many of her gorgeous pieces this week. Whether you are looking for a condolence gift, a wedding gift, or a graduation gift, Debra has a collection to suit any occasion!

WHO IS DEBRA HEWITT? 

A native of Oxford, Mississippi, Debra Hewitt’s foundation is deeply rooted in faith and family. She grew up surrounded by lovely homes filled with antiques and art, which instilled in her an appreciation for beautiful things and the sentiment attached to them. As a young girl, she watched her mother, a self-taught artist, find deep enjoyment in expressing her style on canvas. Self-taught like her mother, Debra began painting over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Painting faith-based art is her passion, and she truly gives God all the glory for allowing her to live out her dream. Debra resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Bobby. The Hewitts are blessed with two beautiful children, Peyton and Maggie, and a wonderful son-in-law, William, as well as two beloved Dachshunds.

A PERSONAL, VERSATILE GIFT:

The gift of art makes a wonderful gift for a bridesmaid’s gift, a wedding gift, a teacher gift for back-to-school, a birthday gift, a graduation gift, an anniversary gift, a Christmas gift, and more! I LOVE to give art as gifts, because who doesn’t enjoy a beautiful piece of handmade art? Not only does Debra’s art make a FABULOUS gift for any occasion, but she also offers personalization for her pieces. She can make any piece whatever size you want, and customize it however you’d like. Debra offers virtual consultations to dream up the perfect piece for her clients. Additionally, she is happy to write any Bible verse you want on the back of a piece. 

PERKS TO BUYING GIFT ART:

• There will not be a duplicate of that gift!  You can guarantee that someone does not already have it and that nobody else will give the exact same thing!
• Anyone and everyone no matter their age will love it.
• There is something for any and every occasion.
• If you have several gifts to purchase for different occasions, purchasing art can be your one-stop shop instead of going to several different places.
• Art is such a personal gift, and will be cherished and adored for ages to come!

PIECES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Angel Collection:
  • Perfect for a baby shower gift, a condolence gift, holiday gift ·
• Red Bird Collection:
  • This is Debra’s most popular condolence gift.
• 3 Angels of Protection on Acrylic Panel with Easel
  • Condolence gift or holiday gift ·
• 4x 12 (my favorite size) All White Cross Collection
  • Perfect for a vignette; I use this piece primarily for my vignette by my kitchen window.
• 4×12 Single white tulip collection 
• Landscape Piece painted on silk placed in an acrylic frame
• Gold Cross Shadowbox with Quartz– so unique and beautiful!
•  Large White Tulip collection
  • I love to use this piece to hide my coffee pot!
  • This one is also a very popular wedding gift.
• Limited Edition Cross with Selenite
  • This piece is a wonderful hostess gift, as well as a thoughtful bridesmaids gift!
• 2021 Joy to the World Christmas Collection is a perfect gift for the holidays!

CONNECT WITH DEBRA HEWITT:

Debra Hewitt Art Website: www.debrahewittart.com

Debra on Instagram:  @debrahewittart

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on iTunes, it would be SO appreciated!!! Blessings to you!!!

If you like this podcast, check these out:

Let’s Talk With Debra Hewitt: My Favorite Artist

Let’s Talk Interior Design Trends & Tips with Laura Dockery

In this episode, Licensed Physical Therapist Sean Hiller shares how fitness can “bullet-proof” the body.  Sean shares how the Master’s Performance program can help prevent future surgeries, heart disease, and so much more.

EPISODE AT A GLANCE:

This week, Sean Hiller comes back on the podcast to discuss Master’s Performance, which is a personalized fitness program at Vulcan Movement. He describes this plan as fitness training from a healthcare perspective. Sean shares how this plan has been transformative for many of his clients.

WHO IS SEAN HILLER?

Some of you may remember Sean Hiller from the Savvy cast episode, “When and Why PT is the Better Option Over Surgery.” Sean is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach, and CrossFit Level 1 Coach, and former Collegiate Athlete. He currently works as a Licensed Physical Therapist at Vulcan Physical Therapy. Sean is passionate about the benefits of personalized physical therapy and fitness and has seen firsthand how they have improved the health of his clients. Sean’s mission is to make the ground floor of healthcare fitness-oriented. Instead of walking into a doctor’s office when you are experiencing health issues, Sean’s goal is to use fitness as a preventative method before the health issues set in. For more conversations on proactive healthcare, be sure to check out Sean’s podcast, Impetus Health! 

WHAT IS MASTER’S PERFORMANCE? 

Masters Performance is a program specifically designed for aging adults. As we get older, our body starts to become less resilient and we are more prone to health problems. This science-backed program addresses the specific needs and weaknesses of each client. Clients undergo a physical assessment before they begin. In this assessment, Sean evaluated the client’s movement, morbidity, morbidity scales, cardiovascular system, and more. This program can help prevent everything from small nagging injuries to more serious health concerns. Sean has helped clients in their 50’s all the way to their 90’s live a more independent lifestyle! 

I hope you enjoyed this episode! As always, if you have time to rate, review and subscribe to The SavvyCast on iTunes, it would be SO appreciated!!! Blessings to you!!!

If you like this podcast, check these out: 

When and Why PT is the Better Option Over Surgery

Let’s Talk: Ellie Hiller With Vulcan Nutrition