Advertise on podcast: American Fight Stories with Dabar

In this powerful episode of American Fight Stories with Dabar, host Melissa Dabar sits down with Sonya Jackson to share her emotional and inspiring journey of battling glioblastoma—an aggressive form of brain cancer. Sonya recounts how she first discovered the tumor and the life-changing road that followed. With unshakable faith in God, a supportive family rallying around her, and an unwavering sense of gratitude, Sonya opens up about the mental and emotional strength it takes to keep going. Her story is a moving reminder of the power of perspective, resilience, and choosing hope over negativity. Please email us your questions at [email protected] This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC SRPStudiosLLC.com Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Host Melissa Dabar interviews attorney and judge John Hughes on American Fight Stories, discussing his background as a Columbus, Mississippi native, Ole Miss law graduate, husband of 25 years to LaQuitta Hughes, and father of five daughters. Hughes describes his 24-year legal career spanning public defense, private practice, and serving as judge in Walls, emphasizing faith, prayer, civility in court, and balancing accountability with rehabilitation. He shares community involvement through Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Alpha Phi Alpha, and plans for a 501(c)(3) charity, Sadie’s Socks, providing coats, socks, food, and Bibles to the homeless. Hughes explains his campaign for circuit judge, door-knocking efforts, funding challenges, and voters’ concerns about fairness, consistency, and community connection, then encourages local voting and provides contact information before closing with a prayer for America. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Melissa Debar interviews community leader Lee Green about his years facilitating DivorceCare, a 13-week Christ-centered, video-driven program that offers healing and hope after divorce through discussion and a workbook. Lee explains how divorce disrupts spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical health, often leaving people overwhelmed emotionally, and describes common shame, sleepless nights, and the need to avoid rushing into new relationships. They discuss forgiveness as essential for personal healing, the impact of divorce on children who often blame themselves, and the harm of using kids as pawns. Lee shares testimonies of reconciliation, his own divorce and remarriage story, the value of counseling and facilitator training with Bobby Scott, and how DivorceCare continues to help participants years later. He provides contact details for future classes and support. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

In October 2026, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Melissa Dabar hosts American Fight Stories and interviews Meredith Moncrief, who shares her story publicly for the first time. Meredith, a Mississippi native with a criminal justice degree and a career in financial aid, describes becoming a single mother after her children’s father left, then later marrying a man who gradually imposed control through isolation, sleep deprivation, financial monitoring, and escalating emotional and physical abuse. After an initial assault and a cycle of “love bombing,” violence later erupted in front of her children, prompting them to flee and seek help from a bus driver. Meredith recounts police involvement, fear of losing her children, and ultimately being rescued when her best friend traveled 17 hours to help her leave. She discusses therapy, divorce, healing, faith, and encourages others that leaving—mentally and physically—is possible and that victims deserve to be truly loved. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Melissa Debar hosts Ty Scott on American Fight Stories with Dabar, praising him as a calm, prepared leader and “great American.” Ty introduces himself as a Hernando resident, chancery court staff attorney (law clerk) for seven years, National Guard officer with 19 years of service, and husband to Hannah Beth, a University of Memphis audiology professor, with two sons. He recounts growing up near Tupelo, attending Mississippi State (ROTC) and Ole Miss Law, and moving to DeSoto County. Ty explains what a staff attorney does, key functions of chancery court (family law, estates, guardianships, commitments), and the importance of even-keeled judges who follow the law, including recent joint-custody presumption and Albright factors. He shares deployments to Kuwait/Syria and Germany training Ukrainian soldiers, discusses leadership and family support, encourages voters to research judicial candidates and vote, and closes with a prayer and campaign info. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

While Melissa Dabar is taking a brief hiatus to spend time with her family in Arkansas, she decided to revisit the American Fight Stories with Dabar archives and bring listeners an early episode of the podcast. This episode is a replay from the early days of the show, before episodes were being published on Facebook, and it features the Manuel family as they share their heartbreaking story of loss, unanswered questions, and their ongoing search for justice. The family recounts the disappearance of Carl Manuel, a beloved elderly family member, along with several other tragic and suspicious circumstances involving members of their family. They discuss the devastating emotional impact of these losses and their frustration over what they believe were missed opportunities, mishandled evidence, and inadequate responses to their concerns. Despite years of searching for answers, the family says they have yet to find the justice and closure they are seeking. They continue to raise awareness about their loved ones and encourage anyone who may have information to come forward. As Melissa takes some time away with her family, join her for this important episode from the American Fight Stories archives—a story of family, loss, perseverance, and the determination to keep searching for answers. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

While American Fight Stories with Dabar host Melissa Dabar is taking a brief hiatus to spend time with her family in Arkansas, she thought it would be the perfect time to revisit the podcast archives and share an important story from the early days of the show. In this powerful conversation, Melissa sits down with Jasmine Hoskins, a domestic abuse survivor who bravely shared her story publicly for the very first time. Born and raised in West Point, Mississippi, Jasmine opens up about her childhood, her journey through life, and how she eventually met and married the man who would become her abuser. What began as a relationship she believed was built on love ultimately became a nightmare that nearly cost her life. Jasmine recounts the terrifying violence she endured, including an attempt on her life by her abuser. He was later convicted and sentenced to 42 years in prison. Through heartbreaking honesty and remarkable courage, Jasmine shares what it took to survive, heal, and begin reclaiming her life. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength it can take to speak up, confront the past, and keep moving forward. As Melissa enjoys some time with her family, take a journey back into the American Fight Stories archives and hear Jasmine’s story of survival, courage, and resilience. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Host Melissa Dabar welcomes his friend Stephanie Patterson Dodd to American Fight Stories to discuss how faith, family, and service shaped her life and resilience. Stephanie shares her Memphis church upbringing, love of cooking and caring for others, and how losing her father at 18, then her mother and aunt a day apart after a texting-and-driving accident, led to deep grief and months of counseling. She describes becoming a single mom, later marrying Stacy Dodd, and learning healthier boundaries and perspective through Celebrate Recovery, where she addressed codependency and embraced flexibility beyond strict “black and white” living. Stephanie also highlights community support work including recovery connections, the Precious in Pink jail ministry that provides safe housing and structure for women leaving incarceration, mentoring youth through the Hope Center, and her real estate career building new homes. She also shares living with hidradenitis suppurativa and finding effective treatment that gave her life back. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

In this episode of American Fight Stories with Dabar, Melissa Dabar interviews Vicky Abbott, a licensed professional counselor in Mississippi with degrees from Ole Miss, certifications in addiction therapy, EMDR, and MRT, and experience working with drug court, CPS, probation, and serious criminal cases. They discuss how untreated mental illness and addiction can lead to death or prison, how trauma contributes to substance use, and why “functional” addiction is a myth. Vicky explains addiction’s effects on the brain, early substance exposure, work-life imbalance, and barriers like criminal background checks and childcare costs. She outlines Region IV Mental Health Services (often free or sliding scale), the second-offense DUI program and escalating consequences, marijuana-related DUI risks, and why EMDR requires stability. They highlight MRT’s accountability, goal-setting, and community service focus, local volunteer opportunities, and a call to seek help through Region IV Mental Health Services. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

In this episode of American Fight Stories with Dabar, Dabar interviews Coach Camp, a veteran podcaster from SRP Studios, about the “fight” to stay positive and build community. Coach Camp shares growing up humbly in Walls, Mississippi, with a loving family, church roots at First Baptist Church of Walls, and the independence of a simpler time. He explains how motivation and discipline changed his path: after struggling in school and retaking the ASVAB, he joined the U.S. Air Force, then became a Memphis firefighter/paramedic, special operations rescuer, and task force responder. After multiple shoulder surgeries forced his retirement, he transitioned into teaching paramedic school and building the Motivate with Coach Camp brand, speaking widely, addressing first responder challenges like moral injury, and writing a book titled Running In Circles. The episode closes with Coach Camp praying for Dabar and the studio. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Host Melisa Dabar welcomes back Lorine Cady to discuss what Americans are “fighting” for today: loving America beyond party lines, taking personal responsibility, and voting as an informed citizen. Cady shares her experience as a poll worker, national convention delegate, and state party leader, emphasizing research, clear communication from elected officials, and the need for leaders who care about people. They reflect on DeSoto County’s growth in schools, hospitals, roads, and community life, and contrast it with the Mississippi Delta’s decline while highlighting opportunities for “home missions,” especially churches supporting children through Bible schools and outreach. The conversation also covers kindness and civility, the importance of church fellowship, revivals, spiritual growth, and a closing prayer for America, families, and communities Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Jessica Martin began her mental health career in Nebraska in 2004, working with juveniles facing mental health and addiction challenges. After moving to Mississippi in 2016, she continued working with adults involved in the criminal justice system and became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2022. Jessica is passionate about helping people navigate trauma, addiction, attachment wounds, and relationship struggles. Trained in EMDR, she also works to educate others about the connection between trauma, attachment, and addiction. Her own experiences with familial trauma and faith have shaped her understanding of pain, resilience, and healing. Jessica practices at Hope Enrichment Center and helps explore community outreach opportunities to make mental health support more accessible. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her husband of nearly ten years and their rescued dogs and cats. Here is a link to a YouTube video about what EMDR is:  https://youtu.be/Pkfln-ZtWeY?feature=shared Here is the link to Hope Enrichment Center: https://www.hopeenrichmentcenter.com/ This is a good free attachment style quiz: https://www.learneabt.com/eabt-quiz And this is the free ACES quiz:  https://www.acesaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ACE-Questionnaire-for-Adults-Identified-English-rev.7.26.22.pdf Also, if people want to find a therapist, psychologytoday.com is a wonderful resource.  Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Melissa welcomes prosecutor Tori Williams to American Fight Stories, praising her balance of toughness with mercy and her commitment to doing the right thing. Williams describes her third-generation legal family, including her great-grandfather Murray Williams, who went to law school after being hit by a train, and her grandfather’s service as district attorney from 1985–2000. She explains the roles of district attorney, county attorney, and justice court, and shares that she is running for county attorney to prosecute misdemeanors in DeSoto County, currently unopposed, with goals focused on community service and improving organization and filing systems. Williams discusses voting, her experience in felony prosecution, youth court work, domestic violence cases, use of technology like Ring and body cams, available court classes through Justice Network, and the importance of victim coordination. She also shares that her mother died in a car accident when she was three and how she chose to overcome it, then closes with personal details about her marriage and a prayer for the country. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

In this episode of American Fight Stories with Dabar, Melissa interviews Chaplain Gwendolyn Pitts McClure, a mother of five daughters, retired school attendance enforcement officer of 29 years, and longtime pastor now serving as managing chaplain in a Mississippi correctional facility. She shares why education must be a priority for every child, how her truancy work involved parenting support and hard decisions, and a story of recommending a child be placed with his father, later receiving thanks from the family. Chaplain Gwendolyn Pitts McClure discusses her own experience surviving a domestic violence marriage, her doctoral ministry project on breaking generational cycles of abuse and church silence, and her call to compassionate, focused ministry, including ongoing clinical pastoral education and caring for inmates facing loss. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Melissa Debar hosts Neil Colley on American Fight Stories, highlighting his work as a community connector through The Local Yokel podcast and the Fancy Nancy Foundation, named for his mother “Fancy Nancy” Colley. They discuss how Nancy’s legacy of unconditional love, feeding and clothing children, and encouraging families shaped the foundation’s mission to support vulnerable people by fundraising for other nonprofits. Neil recounts getting involved with Feed My Lambs after a program leader died, rallying friends to donate and launching successful barbecue fundraisers. They also spotlight the House of Grace domestic violence shelter (serving 11 counties) and the foundation’s Jeep giveaway fundraiser, plus other local organizations like DeSoto County Dream Center and Precious in Pink. The episode closes with a prayer for their community, businesses, and America. Please email us your questions at [email protected] You can find the American Fight Stories Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting