Advertise on podcast: Anna Marie's Sunday Focus

Nashville is a hub for healthcare and medicine in Middle Tennessee. As the area grows in population and older nurses are retiring, the need for new nurses is growing.  In this Focus Interview, you'll hear from Amanda Pingston, assistant chief nursing officer at Ascension Saint Thomas West, who'll talk about why nursing is so important and fulfilling a career. She'll also talk about the affiliation the hospital has formed with Marian University, to help nurses get the training they need, including in-hospital training, and why both groups team up for an annual "Come Explore Nursing" event, at the hospital. You'll also hear from Tina Jacklyn, a student at Marian University Nashville's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, and how it's meeting her personal needs of doing something meaningful in the world. INFO ABOUT THE ANNUAL "COME EXPLORE NURSING" EVENT (2026): On April 21, 2026, Ascension Saint Thomas and Marian University’s Leighton School of Nursing will showcase the pathways to rewarding careers in a growing field at the annual “Come Explore Nursing.” This educational event provides an opportunity to meet Marian University’s faculty, admissions staff, current students, alumni and Ascension Saint Thomas nursing leadership, and to learn more about Marian University’s nursing programs.The event will take place from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West, 4220 Harding Pike in Nashville.   To learn more and register,   visit https://cloud.email.mariannursing.com/042126CEN. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Focus interview, Brittany Lee, Nurse Manager for the Maternal/Newborn Center at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown, joins Anna to give expectant moms and parents info on what to expect when they deliver. The Maternal/ Newborn Center focuses on the baby and the mother, as well as education and guidance after they're released to go home. Ascension Saint Thomas calls itself The Baby Hospital, because of its focus on babies, MOMS, and families before, during and after childbirth. If you're expecting, please listen to this interview, and then get to the Baby Fair.  It's set for Saturday, April 18th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown. There will be free "baby bump" photos, games, prizes and free seminars, birthing suite tours and free classes. This year's "Baby Fair" is Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s longest-running FREE annual event for new and expectant parents.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna talks again with Paris Jackson, a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, to discuss essential tax credits and deductions to keep in mind before filing. A number of changes have been made to the 2026 tax laws, including the fact that tips are no longer taxable. Paris also outlines exactly which documents you should have ready or updated to ensure a fresh financial start this spring. Additionally, she shares advice on how to get help with budgeting and how to better secure your family’s future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For most of our lives, there's been stigma and misinformation about women's pelvic floor disorders. It is common, but not NORMAL for a woman to experience leakage, pain and other issues. But if no one talks about it, it can't be treated. Dr. Lisa Jambusaria, MD, FACOG, is an urogynecologist with Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville and Murfreesboro and she's our guest today. She's board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and talks about pelvic floor disorders that affect 1 in 3 women.  Dr. Jambusaria shares signs and symptoms that women often ignore or are embarrassed to talk about, as well as non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical treatments that are now available to you, locally. You'll want to listen and share this one with every woman you know.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna talks with Brandon Dyce, President & CEO of the Pet Community Center in Nashville.   With so many animal shelters experiencing an emergency overflow of unwanted pets, Pet Community Center's mission is to work on PREVENTIVE care for pets, including low-cost spay and neuter, vet services, vaccines and more... but work on a sliding scale. You can get your pets vaccinated there, and pay probably less than you are now. Even if you pay full price, you're supporting someone else who can't afford it, but needs to be able to take care of their pets.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ShowerUp provides healthful, clean opportunities for those experiencing homelessness in Nashville, TN with mobile showers and personal hygiene necessities. Their mission is to build relationships, restore hope and dignity, to those in those in need in our city by providing them with shower services and personal care. ShowerUp volunteers make people experiencing homelessness feel "seen" and "known".  The non-profit started in Nashville, and has since spread to other cities.In this Focus Interview, ShowerUp's Executive Director, Paul Schmitz, says they're grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve in Middle TN!Click HERE to find out how to help, and to stay updated you can follow their ShowerUp  Facebook and Instagram pages! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kimberly Fielding, founder of Kicks and Flutters Mobile Ultrasound, discusses her service.  They allow Nashville-area residents the flexibility to choose where to have your ultrasound, and who to invite. The At-Home Pregnancy Ultrasound Boutique offers 4D, 3D, & 2D technology, progress packages, live ultrasound gender reveal parties and live ultrasound baby showers. All services are in-home or at-venue and are provided by a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer with extensive experience in high-risk pregnancy and MFM ultrasound. Also, Kimberly will be Sat this year's Baby Fair in April at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown. Read more at their website https://kicksandfluttersultrasound.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna talks with Gabe Horton, Executive Director of Pawster, which is a pet fostering non-profit for pets whose person is in a crisis situation.   He discusses the reasons one might find themselves unable to care for their pets, including loss of housing, leaving a domestic violence situation, or health crisis.  Listeners also learn how they can support Pawster, either financially or as a foster pet parent.  It turns out, you don't have to have intense training or be at home all day to foster a pet.  Get more details here:   https://pawsternashville.org/ Please enjoy some heartwarming Pawster reunions here: https://youtu.be/HCMx1TBHzPg?feature=shared https://youtu.be/PZ-PNkzLByY?feature=shared https://youtu.be/NYtpypgnIJk?feature=shared https://youtu.be/UT1blNrn4jg?feature=shared See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean Miller has developed a powerful and revolutionary new approach to dog training. His teaching methods begin to show results in the first few minutes. In fact, in one hour, most dog owners find they have changed their relationship with their dog for the better! In this podcast, hear how that works! In Dean's book "A Dogs Way," he helps you discover how dogs think, what motivates them, and how they express their feelings. Once you understand your dog's language, you can better communicate what behaviors you want.  Dean also offers private instruction in obedience, behavior problems, aggression and various other dog and owner related issues.  Get more info at thedogcounselor.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this focus, Angelica Franzino-Brown, the Vice President of Artistic Planning at the Nashville Symphony, talks about the new Music Director, new shows on the way (including a collaboration with Dolly Parton), ways YOU can see a free concert, family shows, a musical petting zoo and something newcomers to symphony shows should know about CLAPPING during a performance.  She also shares some specifics about what guest performers have asked to have in their dressing rooms! One popular request is Soup! You’ve got to hear all about it!Find out more about events, schedules and tickets at www.nashvillesymphony.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna learns something about cars, how they work, and how to keep them working from Charlie Dubois, lead technician of Good Honest Mechanic in Hendersonville, TN. Charlie includes things you need to know about your car that are COMPLETELY different from cars just a few years ago. What systems are being run from computers, and what happens if the computer needs a tweak?  Plus, things that wear out and can cause a LOT of damage if you’re not having them checked when you should.  When you fill the car, do you stop fueling up when the pump handle clicks off, or do you click it a couple more times to make sure it’s full? One is the right way, the other is dangerous to you and to your auto.  Save yourself some headaches and money with this car information  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.

As many Nashvillians and Middle Tennesseans continue to rebuild after our massive ice storm, Anna chats with someone who knows all about insurance claims.   The guest is Kevin Walters, spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance who advises you on the importance of filing claims rather than just waiting/hoping for FEMA checks that many never come.  He offers info to help you file correctly, as some  just don't understand their homeowners' insurance policy. He also tells you what to do if you feel you've been wrongly denied a claim.  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.

Financial Advisor Paris Jackson with Northwestern Mutual talks to Anna about paying for the repairs to your property caused by the recent Middle TN ice storm. She talks about where to find the money in your budget to build your savings or emergency fund - including how to "buckle down!" Paris also gives ideas about ways to pay for repairs (since every repair doesn't have to be made immediately) and the deductibles involved, and what to look for in your homeowners insurance policy. Most importantly, she says, is to ASSESS where you are, what expenses you're facing, and - if needed - ask for help.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.