Traci Lamb shares her powerful personal journey as a caregiver while introducing Odessa Connect, an innovative technology that transforms any TV into a simple two-way communication platform for seniors. Her five-year caregiving experience provides valuable insights on balancing personal wellbeing with the responsibilities of caring for aging parents.

• From award-winning recruiter to caregiving entrepreneur, Traci's diverse professional background spans multiple industries
• The emotional reality of being a caregiver - "It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life"
• How Odessa Connect solves communication challenges with an 11-button remote designed specifically for seniors
• The platform offers video calls, messaging, photo sharing, and vital sign monitoring through the TV
• Common misconceptions about hospice - services can be available for years, not just final days
• White-label options allow healthcare organizations to customize the platform with their branding
• The importance of caregiver self-care and recognizing when to seek respite
• Resources available include Area Agencies on Aging, support groups, and respite care

Stay connected with the ones you love. Odessa Connect makes video calls, messages and updates as easy as pressing a button. No apps, no stress, just connection.

What drives a military logistics specialist to become a champion for veteran suicide prevention? For Brianne Brown, it wasn't just career evolution—it was a calling born from personal experience.

In this powerful conversation, Air Force veteran Brianne Brown pulls back the curtain on her journey from military service to her vital work as Central Florida Regional Program Director for The Fire Watch. With raw honesty, she reveals how her experiences as both a veteran and former spouse of a combat veteran shaped her understanding of the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.

Brown introduces us to The Fire Watch's innovative community-based approach to veteran suicide prevention. Unlike traditional support models, The Fire Watch trains everyday citizens to recognize warning signs and connect veterans with resources before they reach crisis—a strategy proving essential in Florida, where veteran suicide rates are 2.5 times higher than non-veteran rates.

The discussion delves into the military mindset that can sometimes work against veterans in crisis. "Our motto is to solve the problem and eliminate the threat," Brown explains, revealing how this training can become dangerous when veterans view themselves as the problem. She also explores the complex interplay between psychological, social, spiritual, and physical health that creates true well-being for veterans.

Perhaps most compelling is Brown's perspective on healing: "Healing happens in community, not in isolation." This simple truth drives The Fire Watch's mission to create networks of trained supporters throughout Florida communities.

Whether you're a veteran, know a veteran, or simply care about preventing suicide, this episode offers practical wisdom and a path to make a difference. Brown shares how anyone can complete the free one-hour training at thefirewatch.org to become what she calls a "Watch Stander"—someone equipped to recognize warning signs and connect veterans with life-saving resources.

Ready to stand in the gap for veterans in your community? This conversation will show you how one hour of your time could save a life.

Norman Harris welcomes Michelle Hogan, Associate Director of Community Donations at Metropolitan Ministries, for a conversation about finding purpose through service and making an impact on homelessness.

• Michelle's childhood experiences with racism sparked her passion for advocacy and social justice
• Metropolitan Ministries serves the homeless through services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity, and instill self-sufficiency
• Coordinating a donation of 300 bed sets from Ashley Furniture provided essential comfort to children and elderly individuals who previously had nowhere to sleep
• Becoming homeless is often just one missed paycheck away, but helping those who've lived outside for years requires addressing deeper issues beyond just resources
• Metropolitan Ministries offers multiple ways to help, including volunteering at meal sites, sorting donations, participating in food drives, and hosting collection drives
• Michelle's personal journey from corporate life to homelessness to nonprofit leadership demonstrates resilience and the importance of following your purpose
• Finding your voice through platforms like podcasts and social media can create change by helping people understand issues from new perspectives

To learn more about Metropolitan Ministries or to get involved, visit metromin.org or follow Michelle Hogan on LinkedIn.