Anna Marie's Sunday Focus

Tala Shatara sits down with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell to discuss the many ways he is fast tracking the city's needs. From year-round childcare centers that support parents to the importance of music education, Mayor O'Connell is keeping our city's children and their needs at the forefront. We also get to know him and his interests, which can sometimes be buried behind the policies and press releases. What are his favorite Nashville hotspots? From restaurants, parks, music venues and gyms, Mayor O'Connell is highlighting those who are bringing him a form of relaxation and normalcy in the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026 has been coined as the year of health and wellness, and here in Nashville, that movement is stronger than ever. From fitness and nutrition to recovery, mental health, and preventative care, more Tala spoke with Terry Barga and Vanessa Hampton, co-founders of Nashville Fit Magazine, B2 Wellness Suites and Bodywell, about the importance of health and wellness, and why the movement is larger than ever now. We also discussed the misconception that health and wellness is only for elites, such as celebrities or athletes, when it is for everyone. They shared their free and easy ways to keep your body moving in Middle Tennessee, such as their free workouts at Riverfront Park in Downtown Nashville, and their online platforms featuring top health, fitness, nutrition and overall wellness information for the city's leading experts. people are taking a proactive approach to living healthier, more balanced lives.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Father’s Day, The Father’s House is redefining fatherhood—helping men show up for their families in meaningful, lasting ways and making every day feel like Father’s Day. The nonprofit supports fathers and all men transitioning back into society after incarceration, offering structure, mentorship, and life skills to help them rebuild their lives and reconnect with their children. At its core, the mission is about second chances—restoring identity, rebuilding trust, and creating stronger families one father at a time. Tala Shatara spoke with co-founder Ron Sisney on how their program serves as more than just a halfway house. Timely for Father's Day, many men facing incarceration also suffer from estranged relationships with their children -- before, during and after release from prison or jail. He shared how the program originated, the different ways they help men, including providing housing, employment and the ability to reconnect with their families. They are one of many programs that several prisons recommend and/or work with as men transition into civilian life again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather Gallagher Director of the Beaman Park Nature Center, gives info about what’s happening in this Spring at Beaman Park, and tells us the SYSTEMS in place to help you know where you are, where you’re headed, or how easy it is to get help if you get lost!There are three main trailheads, located in the northwest edge of Davidson County on the Highland Rim. Walking or hiking levels range from accessible to more challenging.Beaman Park has diverse plant and animal life, hikes, a lending library you can use while you’re there, and educational programs.  Details:Ecosystem: A rare Highland Rim forest with unique plant communities, including rare orchids and sunflowers. Wildlife: Home to deer, bobcats, foxes, and various reptiles and amphibians.   Beaman Park is open dawn to dusk, seven days a week, and the Center Hours are generally Tuesday through Friday - Noon to 4pm, and Saturday - 9am to 4pm. Heather Gallagher says the best time to visit Beaman Park and Beaman Park Nature Center is .. TODAY!   (Dogs allowed, public restrooms, picnic tables)5911 Old Hickory Blvd, Ashland City, TN 37015 Read more HERE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a lot of damage to clean up after Nashville's recent deadly ice storm. Before you hire ANYONE to help you recover from the winter storm and ice damage, know that scammers are here NOW, knocking on doors, claiming they can help, repair, even file your insurance claims for you. Robyn Householder, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky lists the top scams, and tells you how to NOT get taken advantage of. Robyn lists "Red Flags" to look out for when someone offers you a deal, including a company vehicle that's NOT marked with company logo, or someone urging you to make a decision NOW.  Don't do it! Hear more in this interview, and make the BBB one of your first calls if you have any questions about a business, or if you think you've been scammed. More info at bbb.org or www.bbb.org/scamtracker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, the guest is Dr. Joseph Sharpe, Chief Medical Officer at Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital. He talks about how to beat the winter blues.  He says it can be a serious issue in January and February, especially, here in Middle Tennessee with the short days, cloudy conditions, and isolation caused by weather.  He says regular sleep is vital, as well as exercise and healthful food.  Getting out of the house and socializing is also important. Hear more about how to deal with it, in this interview.  Read more about Dr. Sharpe HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna interviews Alan Pruitt, Tennessee State Advocate for the Middle Tennessee Area of Tops (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly). They talk about the power of starting SLOW with Weight Loss. Most people have started, and stopped, and started again, on various weight-loss plans, and lost (then gained back) hundreds of pounds. Alan discusses some things we're missing in sustaining weight loss: starting slow, making sustainable goals, SUPPORT, and taking advantage of digital tools we didn't have before. The non-profit, noncommercial weight loss support and education group TOPS Club, Inc. can help.  Read more at https://www.tops.org/home See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASHVILLE AND MIDSTATE HOSPITALS NAMED TOP IN THE NATION* U.S. News and World Report and Forbes have listed several local hospitals as cream of the crop!For Maternity Care, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown (sometimes called “The Baby Hospital”, for delivering more babies than any other hospital in the state) has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of 2026’s “Nation’s Best Hospitals.”    In this episode of Focus, Richelle Graham, Chief Nursing Officer at Ascension Saint Thomas, Midtown, tells what it takes to reach that level of excellence. Specialized areas include Care for Moms and Babies, including even the most complex pregnancies, and a full continuum of services, including certified nurse midwives and an experienced team of OB physicians, neonatal nurses and maternal fetal medicine specialists. She also talks about pre and post natal support and educational programs. You can find out more about them HERE. *U.S. News and World Report also ranked Vanderbilt University Medical Center as number 1 in Nashville and Tennessee, and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt recognized as one of the top Children’s Hospitals in the nation. And Williamson Medical Center has been named on Forbes Magazine’s inaugural “Top Hospitals” 2026 list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.