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Every Veterans Day, we thank the men and women who've served our country. But what happens when they take off that uniform for the last time, and suddenly have to figure out what comes next? I discussed the US Army’s Partnership’s for Your Success Program, with 22-year Vet Antonio Johnson AND, the holidays are almost here, bringing family gatherings, crowded airports, and unfortunately, some unwanted guests: the flu, COVID and RSV. When that first cough, fever or sore throat hits, your neighborhood pharmacist could be one of your best defenses, and Dr. Antonio Gomez from the American Pharmacists Association gave me some advice on staying healthy and knowing when to act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our house Halloween is the favorite holiday, so as we celebrate All Hallow’s Eve – Jennifer Nardine, a teaching and learning liaison librarian at Virginia Tech taught me the History of Halloween. AND, we all have smoke alarms in our homes, but how many of us really know if they're working, or whether our families would know what to do if a fire broke out? Ivanette Bonilla from Kidde and State Fire Marshall Brent Heath told me about some surprising dangers around the house, the mistakes we make, and a few simple things that could save our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blake Burman is NewsNation’s Chief Washington Correspondent and Moderator of The Hill on NewsNationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Craig Burnett is Professor and Chair of Political Science at Florida Atlantic University and FAU’s Public Opinion LabSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WIOD Senior National Correspondent Rory O'Neill See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole Fisher is a Ballots Team writer, at BallotpediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might know him as Dr McDreamy. For me, he'll always be Ronald Miller in Cant Buy Me Love. Patrick Dempsey has spent years on TV saving lives, but in real life, his own mother's battle with cancer inspired a much more personal mission—and now he's taking on one of America's deadliest cancers. AND, finding mental-health help can be difficult even when you know you need it — figuring out where to start, who to trust and what you can afford can become a barrier all by itself. Project Healthy Minds founder and CEO Phillip Schermer, is trying to change that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's being sold at gas stations, smoke shops and online, often marketed as a natural way to boost energy, relieve pain or relax. But a substance called kratom is sending people to emergency rooms with overdoses and even causing deaths. Dr. Peter Papadakos, professor of anesthesiology and critical care at the University of Rochester Medical Center, explained what it is and the dangers. AND, imagine losing your eyesight and suddenly struggling with things you've done your entire life, like reading your mail, cooking dinner, or getting around on your own. For 100 years, an organization called VISIONS has been helping people overcome those challenges. I spoke with VISIONS CEO Molly Eagan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a time when Americans can seem divided over just about everything, Faith & Blue Weekend tries to bring communities and law enforcement together to get to know and listen to one another. The Reverend Markel Hutchins, is the driving force and creator of Faith & Blue weekend. AND, every once in a while – maybe once or twice a generation, an athlete comes along who doesn’t just dominate their sport — they change it. Robin Lundberg takes a look at one of those athletes in his new book: CAITLIN CLARK: From the Logo” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teachers have always spent some of their own money on their classrooms, but today some are buying everything from pencils and books to snacks for their students. DonorsChoose is there to help close that gap. I spoke with the group’s CEO, Alix Guerrier. And, we’ve been calling children’s mental health a national emergency for nearly five years now but for far too many families, finding help can still mean long waits, fighting with insurance, or ending up in an emergency room with nowhere else to go. I discussed the problems with Heidi Baskfield, Vice President at the Children's Hospital Association. ChildrensHospitals.Org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades we've talked about women trying to break through the glass ceiling. But are they being held back by a bigger problem? A decade ago Kathryn Jacob and Sue Unerman wrote a book titled: The Glass Wall, about all those pesky rules and expectations that can separate men and women long before they get to that corner office. They both joined me and told me what has changed in those 10-years. AND, becoming an American can take years — and even after someone earns a green card, that final step toward citizenship can still feel intimidating. Now Welcome.US is trying to make that last mile a little less lonely, matching aspiring citizens with everyday Americans who can help them prepare. I discussed it all with Nazanin Ash, CEO of Welcome.US. And Andy Sullivan Executive Director of No One Left Behind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than 2-decades, Wounded Warrior Project has helped veterans deal with the wounds of war — and increasingly, the toughest wounds are the ones we can't see. I discussed it with Walt Piatt, Chief Executive Officer of Wounded Warrior Project AND, we all have bad days and stressful weeks — but how do you know when those feelings have crossed the line into something that may require help? Dr. Christine Crawford is a psychiatrist and the new Chief Medical Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11, 2001, an entire generation of Americans has grown up knowing 9/11 as history rather than personal memory. One effort to make sure the day continues to have meaning is 9/11 Day. I discussed it with Jay Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day. AND, from rats in subway tunnels to raccoons raiding garbage cans - our cities are becoming some of the world's newest ecosystems. In his fascinating new book, Our Wild Familiars, award-winning writer and epidemiologist Dr. Dan Werb explores how wildlife isn't just surviving alongside us, it's evolving because of us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Identity theft used to mean somebody got your credit-card number or Social Security number. Today, criminals can get into your phone, take over your accounts and even use AI to sound—or look—like someone you trust. I discussed how we could protect ourselves with Eva Velasquez – CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. AND, Artificial Intelligence is already in our classrooms whether schools and teachers are ready for it or not. I spoke with Joy Okoro, Chief Impact & Operating Officer at Teach For America about best practices for students, teachers and parents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve been told to fear carbs, avoid fat, ditch gluten, stop eating after 7 and occasionally “detox” our bodies — but how much of that is actually backed by science? Mayo Clinic dietitian Tara Schmidt joined me for a fun chat the facts and myths about nutrition. AND, this summer marks two of the most significant moments in Anne Frank's story. Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, told me about their newest exhibit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.