In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jensen, Director of Development at the Get Real program under the Fort Smith Children’s Shelter Foundation. We talked about what it’s like supporting young adults aging out of foster care, how trauma shows up in resilience, and why simple things like a bed or a driver’s test can be life-changing. I really enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll appreciate hearing her perspective on what kids actually need when the system forgets them.

https://getrealu.org/

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In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Emily Vernon, Clinical Director at The Griffin Promise Autism Clinic and the only certified Spelling to Communicate (S2C) practitioner in Arkansas. We talked about what it really means to support neurodivergent individuals without trying to change who they are, how she helps families reframe the way they see autism, and why small wins in therapy often carry the biggest weight. I really enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll appreciate hearing her perspective on empathy, inclusion, and what it means to truly see someone.Emily Vernon, MS, OTR/L, S2C practitionerClinical Director Fort Smith200 N 15th St Fort Smith, AR 72901479-388-0826thegriffinpromise.orgVisit: arkansasminds.comFollow @arkansasminds on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Chandler Doss, VP and Branch Manager at First Community Mortgage. We talked about her personal money story—from childhood financial security to the shock of navigating single motherhood after the loss of both parents. Chandler opened up about the lessons she had to learn the hard way, how she found her way into mortgage lending, and why real estate remains close to her heart.

We also broke down practical homebuying advice, credit score tips, and the biggest myths around getting approved for a mortgage—especially for first-time buyers. I really enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll appreciate hearing Chandler’s real talk about financial stability, career pivots, and the power of relationships in business.

Contact chandler.doss@fcmhomeloans.com

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In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jazmine and Annie, the creative duo behind Anne Marie’s Collective—a photography brand built on friendship, fierce talent, and a shared love for storytelling. We talked about how their friendship blossomed into a business, how they balance motherhood and artistry, and what it really means to be invited into people’s most important moments. I really enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll appreciate hearing their perspective on partnership, purpose, and the beauty of documenting real life.https://www.instagram.com/jazminedean.jpeg/https://www.instagram.com/annemarie.jpeg/Visit: arkansasminds.comFollow @arkansasminds on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Tiffany DeVries, Youth Services Librarian at the Fort Smith Public Library. We talked about how she created Wiggle Worm Storytime, the unexpected turns in her career path, and the creative ways she’s connecting families across Fort Smith through early literacy and story-based community. I really enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll appreciate hearing her perspective on why libraries today are more vital than ever.

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In this episode, I sat down with Marissa Thornberry, a visual artist and poetic storyteller based in Arkansas. We talked about how she discovered her gift for painting later in life, what hands and flowers symbolize in her work, and why art has become a personal rebellion against the lie that “you don’t matter.” Marissa also opened up about resilience, faith, and rebuilding life from scratch after moving back from Honduras. I really loved this conversation—especially hearing how deeply she believes in the power of beauty and connection.

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In this episode, I sat down for part two with Gabrielle Mooney—Arkansas-based country singer-songwriter and sister of Shay Mooney from Dan + Shay. We picked up right where we left off: the night she flatlined in Fort Smith and somehow lived to tell the story. Gabrielle opened up about her brain surgery, near-death experience, and how God lined up every moment to bring her back to life—literally.

She also talked about navigating the music industry without riding her brother’s fame, the values her family raised her with, and why tithing, faith, and creative control matter more to her than anything money can buy. If you ever needed a reminder that you’re not here by accident, this is it.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellemooneymusic/

Ophrah Interview: https://youtu.be/DLw5Y0tA4xg?si=eAJEaRUhv_c7VS4J

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#ArkansasMinds #SupportLocal #PodcastLife

In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Gabrielle Mooney, a singer-songwriter with deep Arkansas roots and a powerful testimony of faith, family, and finding her voice. We talked about how growing up in a Southern gospel family shaped her artistry, how she reconciled her spirituality after breaking away from religious tradition, and how music has always been her safe place—even through personal health battles and emotional transformation. Gabrielle is also the sister of Shay Mooney from Dan + Shay, and it was incredible to hear her side of the story, separate from the spotlight but just as powerful. I really enjoyed this one, and I think you’ll appreciate hearing her perspective on healing, growth, and the power of creative expression.

@gabriellemooneymusic