Virginia Focus

Cancer sucks.  No argument there.  But once you or a loved one has been diagnosed, what are the first steps and next steps to getting through this in one piece? On this episode, we're talking with Michelle Rapkin - a three-time cancer survivor who is deeply acquainted with the ins and outs of the disease. She decided to share her hard won lessons as an author herself in the new book, "CANCER SUCKS: But You’ll Get Through It."

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave America a "C" on their latest report card. Results show more work and investment is needed to overcome decades of underinvestment in our transportation networks, water system, electric grid, and broadband capability. To learn more, we're speaking with Tom Smith, ENV SP, CAE, Executive Director, ASCE.

With deaths from gun violence at top of mind, researchers at Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions and the Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy just released a new report detailing how a firearm purchaser licensing (also known as permit-to-purchase) can drastically lower gun violence. Existing licensing laws are already associated with 56% fewer mass shooting incidents and an 11% reduction in urban county homicides. We're talking to Silvia Villarreal, the Director of Research Translation, to learn more.

The current pushback against DEI initiatives is multifaceted, but one key shift is a move toward placing the responsibility on the individual rather than on organizations or systemic structures. A new book written by a Human Resources professional encourages everyone to embrace personal responsibility as the way to driving meaningful progress and creating a truly inclusive culture. On this episode, we're talking to Delphia Howze about her latest book titled "Including You!: Leading Inclusion From Where You Are".

While women make up 48% of the workforce, women only hold about 29% of positions in STEM specialties. A new book, "Lessons Learned: Stories from Women Leaders in STEM" shares over 30 success stories from women holding leadership positions in STEM fields. On today's episode we're talking to one of the authors of the book, Dr. Peter Angood - who is also the CEO of the American Association for Physician Leadership.

When the time feels right to sell your business, how do you even get started?  On this episode we're talking about what business owners need to know when selling their business to avoid making the mistake of a lifetime and what factors they should consider in today’s dynamic marketplace. The guest on the show is Andy Goldberg. He's an attorney with decades of experience in the field of business and the author of a new book, THE BIG DEAL: A Practical Guide to Selling Your Business With Confidence and Clarity.

Some Virginians grow up in the commonwealth and don't take notice of the depth of history available around every corner. But others, like Coleen Dixon, who grew up in Arlington, find themselves mezmerized by the richness of American history at every turn. Ms. Dixon calls herself the historical homemaker and believes it is important to cherish and share the memories of those that have gone before us and made our country so great.

Homeowners can save money through a little known tax credit and make their energy bill shrink at the same time. A recent study shows 89% of U.S. single-family homes lack sufficient insulation, leading to increased energy costs. To learn more about a tax credit offered for making our homes more energy-efficient, we're talking to Curt Rich, President and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.

Many would say the new Trump administration has put American vaccine policies in the national spotlight. A new poll conducted by the Policy and Advocacy for the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease reveals that 74% of Americans support keeping FDA-approved vaccines widely available. As well about 70% of respondents said declining vaccination rates in children are causing concern. On this episode, we're talking to Candace DeMatties, Vice President of PFID.

This two part episode discusses the effects of obesity on the cost of healthcare as well as doctor burnout. While itself now being considered a chronic condition, obesity in America also increases the risk of developing other chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many cancers. We're talking to Emory University Professor and Chairman of the PFCD Dr. Kenneth Thorpe about a new study that highlights the potential financial savings resulting from modest to moderate weight loss by obese adults. Then we'll talk about how many doctors ‘feel your pain’ when it comes to long waits and rushed visits. Dr. Andrea Klemes, Chief Medical Officer, MDVIP gives us more information about a new survey showing doctor burnout with 9 in 10 physicians wishing they could do more to help patients stay well.