In 2010, Christyn Taylor’s life took a drastic turn when her then seven-year-old daughter, Rebecca, was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. She immediately immersed into the world of pancreatitis as her daughter subsequently endured over 1,400 hospitalized days and 150 surgical procedures that also involved the removal of seven organs, including a Total Pancreatectomy and an Auto-Islet cell transplant. Through this process, Christyn realized the immense lack of knowledge and specialized care in the world of pediatric pancreatitis, which eventually led to the creation of Rebecca’s Wish.In this episode, we deep dive with Christyn on how she and her family take whatever life hands them and uses it all to make life better for others.LINKS:www.civicsoul.org/events www.Howcanihelppod.com www.Citizenofsound.com 

Gretchen Sisson is the author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood and a sociologist at Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health in the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. She studies adoption and abortion in the United States.Books Gretchen recommends:All You Can Ever Know by Nicole ChungYou Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity and Transracial Adoption by Angela TuckerBitterroot: A Salish Memoir of Transracial Adoption by Susan Devan HarnessWhat White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption by Melissa Guida-RichardsWe Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America by Roxana AsgarianSurviving the White Gaze by Rebecca CarrollLINKS:www.civicsoul.org/events https://www.gretchensisson.com/https://caringacross.org/www.Howcanihelppod.com www.Citizenofsound.com 

Heather Alexander and Lydia Callins lead St. John’s Committed to Black Wellness & Health Program which aims to provide support to Black Women and their families.  The goal of the program is to improve the health and quality of life of Expectant/ New Mothers and Babies within a culturally competent and affirming environment that empowers Black Women to:Build ResilienceReduce StressPromote healthy behaviors that support relationships and overall wellness. While making connections in a social or 1:1 settingDevelop and Set long-term life goals and plansEducation for nurturing and building bonds with their babiesLearn more about giving birth and what to expect before and afterLINKS:www.civicsoul.org/events https://www.sjch.org/committed-to-black-wellness-and-health/ https://cancercartel.org www.Howcanihelppod.com www.Citizenofsound.com 

Ciera Payton’s father spent time in prison while she was growing up, and her arts teachers were instrumental in shaping the incredible person she is today.  With Michael’s Daughter Foundation she provides free and low-cost enrichment programs to youth and families in underserved communities. These programs include, creative writing workshops, creating original plays, monologues and short films along with documentaries, and music. Her vision is to create a world where arts and scholarship funds are easily accessible to youth and families dealing with the challenges of having a loved one in the prison system. Oftentimes this impacts underserved and inner-city communities. The arts provide the power of creating something special and original, which results in a sense of accomplishment and confidence.Links:https://michaelsdaughter.org/https://civicsoul.orghttp://www.projectbubaloo.orghttps://Howcanihelppod.comhttps://Citizenofsound.com

Our guest, Gianna Mulkay is Executive Director of Foster Love, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care.  Through collaborations with individuals, companies, and community partners, they provide essential resources and educational opportunities for foster youth.fosterlove.comhttps://civicsoul.orghttps://cancercartel.orghttps://Howcanihelppod.comhttps://Citizenofsound.com

Flor Martinez was a child farm laborer and has been advocating for and helping farm workers ever since.  With her nonprofit, Celebration Nation, she provides clothing, water, food, sun/weather protection, toys, and health clinics to farm workers all over the state of California.  Flor also organizes marches, picketing events, and works tirelessly to pass legislation that will help this often neglected and abused essential community.  She is an inspiration to us all in how to stand up for communities in every way possible.  Links:https://www.celebration-nation.org/https://www.civicsoul.org/https:/Howcanihelppod.comhttps:/Citizenofsound.com

Mathew Littman is Executive Director of 97percent, a new gun safety organization (@97percentorg). He previously served as chief speechwriter to Joe Biden and appears frequently on national television as an expert on political campaigns and issues of the day. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters.https://www.97percent.us/https://www.1p.org/https://varasafety.com/https://naaga.co/www.citizensofsound.comwww.howcanihelppod.com www.mysaintmyhero.com DISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELP

Katie Paris is a 20-year veteran of national politics and an Ohio suburban mom. She moved to Ohio from Washington, DC, almost ten years ago, but it wasn't until the 2018 election that she quit her job in national politics to focus closer to home. Once she started meeting with other suburban women across the state, she started Red Wine & Blue to create suburban mom infrastructure that could fight disinformation and win campaigns. She now has a staff of 15 organizers and content creators and a national network of over 300,000 women who believe in inclusivity, vulnerability, and courage (best explained by the NYT episode of “The Daily”: The Field: Why Suburban Women Changed Their Minds and the Washington Post article: "‘Blue’ suburban moms are mobilizing to counter conservatives"). Red Wine & Blue's latest campaign is focused on fighting back against book banning and attacks on public education. Previously, she was CEO of Shareblue Media (now American Independent), Executive Vice President of Media Matters (which she helped launch as its first research director in 2004), and Program and Communications Director at Faith in Public Life (which she also helped found). Prior to building national organizations, Katie worked on gubernatorial, senate, and presidential campaigns. She lives in Shaker Heights, OH with her husband and two young sons. @redwineblueusahttps://redwine.blue/www.citizensofsound.comwww.howcanihelppod.com www.mysaintmyhero.com DISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELP

AJ Wolfe ​​Writer and entrepreneur. Owner of Cambrick Yard Media, an online media company creating high-quality, entertaining, and useful online brands and products. Topics currently covered by our properties include personal finance, social media, travel, current events and news, food, and philanthropy.@disneyfoodblog on twitter, instagram. Youtube.com/DFBGuide for youtube. DisneyFoodBlog.com websiteAshley Eckstein has been widely recognized and honored as an actress, entrepreneur, fangirl trendsetter leading voice for female fandom and now, author. Most known as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars, Ashley also founded Her Universe in 2010 - the groundbreaking fangirl fashion company and lifestyle brand. As the Founder and GM of Her Universe, Ashley continues to oversee all aspects of the company and she interacts daily with her fanbase of over 350,000 fans on social media and through www.heruniverse.com.Instagram: @AshleyEckstein @heruniverseTwitter: @heruniversehttp://www.ashleyeckstein.com/https://www.facebook.com/HerUniverseNicole Ashley started the blog @MyAdventureBook__ as a creative outlet to express my passion for style, travel and all things Disney. My goal is to help bring everyday magic to my followers' lives. I use my page as an informational platform to help families make the most of their Disney trips. Like so many others my Disney journey began when I was younger and my family would visit each year. Once I was old enough, I knew I wanted to work for the company so I joined the Disney College Program and I became a Photopass cast member in Magic Kingdom. I was honored to work there through parts of Disney history like the opening of "New" Fantasyland, The opening team for Princess Fairytale Hall and for Talking Mickey on Main Street. Disney has always held a huge place in my heart and I am so lucky to be able to share my experiences and knowledge with so many magical people!Tiktok and Instagram: @myadventurebook__ www.citizensofsound.comwww.howcanihelppod.com www.mysaintmyhero.com DISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELP

Estefanía Rebellón is the co-founder and Executive Director of Yes We Can World Foundation, a female-led nonprofit organization that believes every child has the right to education and safe spaces regardless of their location, current legal status or economic background. Yes We Can World Foundation created and operates the Yes We Can Mobile Schools program. The program is recognized as the first full-time bilingual education program for migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border. This innovative program addresses the academic and emotional needs of refugees, migrants and children in transit. Since July 2019 the Yes We Can Mobile Schools program has directly impacted the lives of over 2,000 children. Rebellón was a refugee from Cali, Colombia whose life was changed forever at the age of ten when she and her family were forced to flee their home due to death threats by the Colombian rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Rebellón and her family moved to Miami, FL where they were granted asylum, later becoming permanent residents, then U.S. citizens after ten years. Rebellón moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue her already budding career as an actress. Her work includes a role on the television show “Jane The Virgin,” hosting red carpet coverage for multiple Spanish media outlets and multiple features in national commercials and films. She starred in and co-directed the film “On The Other Side” which focuses on the story of Lupe and her migration journey to the United States. As an up- and-coming actress and humanitarian Rebellón is a champion and advocate for authentic Latin representation in the media and entertainment industry. In 2023 Rebellón was recognize as “Woman of the Year” by the Women’s March LA Foundation. During the COVID-19 pandemic Rebellón was recognized as a “Hero of the Pandemic” by the Los Angeles Times for leading efforts at Yes We Can World Foundation to provide thousands of personal protective equipment kits for migrant children and their families. Rebellón has also been recognized as an “Unstoppable Woman” by Telemundo/NBC, a “Local Hero” by Zoomin and has been nominated for the "Alfonso Garcia Robles Humanitarian Award” by Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) for the defense, promotion, protection and guarantee of human rights for immigrant people who are in a condition of vulnerability. Rebellón’s work has been featured in NPRs Morning Edition Show, Los Angeles Times, the New York Post, TIME for Kids and Global Citizen as well as in numerous ethnic media outlets.Instagram:@estefaniarebellon@yeswecanwf @thisisabouthumanity @immdef_lawcenterLINKS:https://www.yeswecan.world/https://filmfreeway.com/projects/1696197. www.thisisabouthumanity.com www.immdef.org www.citizensofsound.comwww.howcanihelppod.com www.mysaintmyhero.com DISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELP

Our guests today are helping to keep America’s promise to our allies in Afghanistan.  Right now there are people who risked their lives to help our soldiers and journalists during the war and are continuing to fear for their lives as the Taliban continue to hunt them. Mike Mitchell is the Executive Director of No One Left Behind and has an extensive background in nonprofits with significant experience in refugee and immigration work.  Prior to his role at No One Left Behind, Mike led the Luminus Network for New Americans where be helped build a local organization serving immigrants from more than 35 countries, and before that, he served in senior roles at two national refugee resettlement organizations.Mike is a social sector entrepreneur with a background in nonprofit practice and governance, and he has experience in housing, workforce development, and economic development.  He has a passion for creating tools for nonprofits that utilize technology and to bring about more effective organizations.  Prior to his time in nonprofits, Mike served as a volunteer with AmeriCorps and worked on Capitol Hill.  In addition to his professional roles, Mike has served on multiple Boards including Maryland Nonprofits where he was Chair for two years and Beautiful Day.  Interestingly, Mike grew up in Afghanistan and has lived and traveled around the world.  Major Kristen Greist is a  West Point Graduate, first female to graduate the Army’s premier leadership academy in 2015, also known as Ranger School, and the first female to branch and command an Infantry unit in US Army history. In April 2016, she again broke barriers when she became the first female Army infantry officer, transferring from military police. She was named to Fortune magazine's 2016 list of the World's Greatest Leaders and was inducted into the US Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame in 2018.  She is with us today because she helped her translator escape Afghanistan who also joins us today.Instagram - @noonelesftbehindusLinks:https://www.nooneleft.org/www.citizensofsound.comwww.howcanihelppod.comwww.onelegacy.org  www.mysaintmyhero.com DISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELP

Rebecca is a CEO and a published author who has earned a distinct reputation as a trailblazer and thought leader in the field. Her specialized training has equipped well over 100,000 professionals including FBI, Homeland Security, local law enforcement, community leaders, medical professionals, and more. Rebecca was appointed to the United States National Advisory Council and serves as an advisor to Aequitas, A21, and the HSI North Texas Task Force. She assists as a subject matter expert for investigations and operations across the country and is regularly called upon to testify as an expert witness. Rebecca is a highly sought-after speaker, consultant, and nationally recognized authority who is passionate about seeing people transform their lives so they can change the world.Instagram: @imrebeccabender @thisiselevateacademywww.citizensofsound.comwww.howcanihelppod.com www.connectingflights.org www.mysaintmyhero.com DISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELP

We know that a diet consisting of only unhealthy fast food is linked to all kinds of health problems and even a shorter life span, but in areas where the median income is at poverty levels, fast food is all you’ll find.  We call them food deserts or more accurately, food apartheid.   Our guests today are working to change this.​​Sam Polk is co-founder and CEO of Everytable, a food company that fights for food justice and equality by providing nutritious food that is accessible and affordable for everyone.In 2016, Sam, together with friend and former private equity professional David Foster, founded Everytable, a fresh-prepared food business blending grab-and-go storefronts, subscriptions, SmartFridges, and institutional food service. Everytable seeks to dramatically reduce the cost of fresh, nutritious food below the cost of fast food. They recently launched a pioneering social equity franchise program to empower, train and fund disenfranchised entrepreneurs from marginalized communities to open Everytable franchises in their own communities.  Sam authored a book, For the Love of Money, chronicling his journey from Wall Street to advocate for food justice and an equitable world.Clare Fox is VP of Strategic Partnerships for Everytable.  She leads on government, community and philanthropic partnerships, and strategic initiatives such as Social Equity Franchise and medically tailored meals. Previously, she worked in food systems, policy and advocacy for a decade. She served as Executive Director of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council. Clare led the organization toward several legislative wins, including universal food stamps at farmer’s markets, the first county urban agriculture program, first citywide food recovery program, and decriminalizing street food. She began her career managing a food access investment program at the City of LA Community Redevelopment Agency. She has served on numerous boards and appointed committees, including the Los Angeles County Inmate Welfare Commission. Clare has a Bachelors of Arts in Critical Social Thought from Mount Holyoke College, and a Masters in Urban Planning from UCLA. All her work is informed by a lifelong commitment to social and racial justice.Dee Adimora is an Everytable store manager and Everytable University participant through the Social Equity Franchise (SEF) program.  As a veteran fast food worker from Compton, Dee struggled with food insecurity, chronic low-wage work, and housing insecurity until she became a manager at Everytable. Now, she is about to become an Everytable franchisee with no upfront investment through Everytable’s Social Equity Franchise initiative. Instagram - @foreverytableLINKShttps://www.everytable.com/www.KMMA-caiths.org  www.citizensofsound.comwww.howcanihelppod.com 

The sudden loss of our dear friend Bob Saget January 9, 2022, was not only a terrible loss for those of us who knew and loved him, but the entire scleroderma community. Motivated by the passing of his sister, Gay, at the age of 47 in 1994 from systemic sclerosis, Bob devoted the rest of his life to raising awareness of the disease and funding for scleroderma research. He was a long-time board member of the Scleroderma Research Foundation.  Since Bob can no longer be a champion for this cause, we want to do what we can to keep his torch going.Guests:Kelly Rizzo is a dear friend, Bob Saget’s wife, and a native Chicagoan who now also calls Los Angeles home who is the multi-media / rocker-chic personality behind Eat Travel Rock. Kelly is host of "Eat Travel Rock TV," the award-winning on-demand entertainment series where she goes behind the scenes and off the cuff with master chefs, rockstars, and other creative industry heavyweights, while traveling the world. In 2023, Kelly is celebrating ETR TV's 9th year running with a milestone of almost 100 episodes released. In 2021 Eat Travel Rock AND Kelly’s Production company, Eat Travel Rock Productions, both won awards at the Taste Awards. You can also find her coast to coast as a food, travel & lifestyle expert, featured everywhere from The Today Show, GMA, The Kelly Clarkson Show, EXTRA, ABC, Bravo, VH1 and more.Susan Feniger is an Iconic culinarian, author, and entrepreneur who may be best known for her Modern Mexican concept, Border Grill restaurants, trucks, and catering; BBQ Mexicana and Pacha Mamas, fast casual eateries in Las Vegas; and Socalo, an all-day California canteen and Mexican pub in Santa Monica all created with her business partner Mary Sue Milliken. Susan has co-authored six cookbooks, starred on The Food Network’s popular “Too Hot Tamales” and competed on Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters.” In 2018, Feniger and Milliken were named the recipients of the Julia Child Award and honored with the Gold Award from the LA Times for culinary excellence and innovation in Southern California. Feniger is an active member of the community, and currently sits on the boards of the Scleroderma Research Foundation, Los Angeles LGBT Center, and L.A. Tourism & Convention Board; she also works closely with the Monterey Bay Aquarium as a member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force, a panel of culinary leaders committed to innovative outreach to promote sustainable seafood. Guests’ Social Media:Scleroderma Research Foundation@srfcureKelly Rizzo  @EatTravelRock Susan FenigerInstagram - @susanfenigerTwitter - @SusanFenigerSocalo's Instagram - @socalorestaurantLINKS:Srfcure.orgEattravelrock.comwww.citizensofsound.comwww.howcanihelppod.com CALL IN LINK: https://thedrlc.org/cancer/

Phyllis Cuttino is president and CEO of The Climate Reality Project which was founded by Vice President Al Gore to educate and train climate activists.  Phyllis is a leader with deep experience and success leading campaigns, coalitions and issue advocacy efforts to achieve policy and narrative change. She has extensive climate and clean energy experience and expertise. Cuttino was the executive director of the Climate Action Campaign - a coalition of 14 of the country's leading climate and health organizations representing more than 12 million Americans -- which is dedicated to making progress on federal climate, clean air and clean energy policy. As the Managing Director of Climate Nexus' Issues Management team, she piloted a unit dedicated to identifying emerging policy and narrative threats and opportunities and conceiving and operationalizing responses for the broader environmental movement. At The Pew Charitable Trusts, Cuttino led all sustainability efforts including the Clean Energy and Flood Prepared Communities programs, the Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate, the Clean Energy Business Network and the Pew Campaign for Fuel Efficiency.She has a background in policy, strategic communications and campaigns. In the policy arena, Cuttino worked on the senior staff of two United States Senators. In philanthropy, she served as vice president of public affairs for Ted Turner’s $1 billion gift to U.N. causes. As a senior vice president at a consulting firm in Washington, she helped Fortune 500 companies and nongovernmental organizations influence public policy and increase awareness of critical issues. Cuttino has directed issue advocacy campaigns and served in various roles for political campaigns.Cuttino holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Furman University in Greenville, SC.Guest Social Media:TW: @PCuttino; @ClimateRealityIG: @climaterealityhttps://www.climaterealityproject.org/trainingAD LINKS:https://mysaintmyhero.com/collections/share-the-love-st-amos-love-braceletDISCOUNT CODE: HOWIHELPhttps://www.citizensofsound.com/FEATURED CALL IN:https://www.wemarchfourth.orgOTHER HELPFUL LINKSEWG app - https://www.ewg.org/apps/Yuka app - https://yuka.io/en/EPA Safer Choice - https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/productsEarth911 for recycling resources - https://earth911.com/For analyzing public companies:Company research – ESG ratings search - https://www.sustainalytics.com/esg-ratingshttps://www.greenamerica.org/green-businesses-products-servicesPodcast Links: www.citizensofsound.comwww.howcanihelppod.com 

This special episode we welcome back voting rights activist, podcaster and documentary filmmaker Kim Moffat, and founder of Vote Mama Foundation and Vote Mama Lobby Liuba Grechen Shirley. The three of us  have an inspiring conversation about saving our democracy with Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is running for reelection.  Secretary Benson is a graduate of Wellesley College, Harvard Law School and Oxford University.  She is an expert on laws covering civil rights, education and elections. She is the former dean of Wayne State University Law School, where during her tenure it became a top-100 accredited law school. She is one of the youngest women ever to be inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.A nationally recognized expert in election law, Secretary Benson is the author of Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, a book on the role secretaries play in defending democracy. Prior to her election, she served as CEO and president of a national nonprofit that used the unifying power of sports to improve race relations.She is a recipient of the 2022 Profile in Courage award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, the Defenders of Democracy award from the Center for Election Innovation and Research and most recently, was is serving in a leadership position with the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the nation’s oldest, nonpartisan professional organization for public officials. TAGS:Www.Votebenson.comWww.votemamafoundation.orgWww.votemamalobby.orgWww.werethepeople.orghttps://mysaintmyhero.com/collections/share-the-love-st-amos-love-braceletPROMO CODE: HOWIHELPWww.citizensofsound.comWww.howcanihelppod.com

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks the cells of the nervous system and the brain. Most people who get diagnosed have a life expectancy of only 2-5 years on average.  There are currently promising treatments in late trial stages that give hope to patients suffering from this horrific disease, but most people cannot access these treatments.  Advocates, including my guests in this episode, are fighting to get medicine in bodies and increase funding for research.  We’ll learn the personal stories and struggles of a couple people battling ALS and how we can help advocate on their behalf.  Links:www.iamals.org 50% Discount Link: https://kiwico.com/caitlin50 or use code CAITLIN50www.loungefly.com www.peds.comwww.citizensofsound.com https://www.howcanihelppod.comhttps://www.lesliepowellmusic.com

Christine Porath joins me as co-host again as we talk with her brother, Mike Porath, about how community can help support us after difficult diagnoses. Mike’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare condition and it was a community he found online that helped him and he has grown that community to over 3.5 million on TheMighty.com, where members are empowered and connected to others living with the same health challenges as them.Links:https://peds.com https://corp.themighty.comhttp://www.christineporath.com https://www.howcanihelppod.comhttps://www.citizensofsound.comhttps://www.lesliepowellmusic.com

April and Bonnie share how their art has helped heal them and how teaching art to others, especially the children of Matsiko, changes the world.Be The Love producer and creative director, April Henry is an International award-winning Singer-Songwriter, Award Nominated Actor, and Touring performer, who sings in many languages and has made appearances on NBC6, CBS Radio, iHeart Radio, FUSE TV and much more. She is an experienced Vocal and Songwriting Coach who passionately guides and empowers the inner and outer Voices of all who wish to learn. April has taught complete beginners, seasoned Professionals, with after-school programs for inner city children, at the School of Rock, and privately, thereby expanding her mission of healing through the power of music. She is a survivor of Domestic Violence and one who now identifies as a 'Thriver' and seeks to empower and create a journey of peace and joy in all she meets, especially other women. Bonnie Root is an award-winning actress, filmmaker, and acting coach based in Los Angeles with a career spanning 25 years in film and Television. She has worked side by side with such industry greats as John Wells, Jerry Bruckheimer, Dick Wolf, Andy Garcia, Ryan Reynolds, Mia Farrow, Marcia Gay Harden and Kevin Bacon.  Bonnie has starred in over 55 major TV productions over the years.  She wrote, directed and produced the short film, SISSY, which took Best Film at the Downtown L.A. film fest, Best Film at London Bootleg fest, Special Jury prize for Best Ensemble at Amsterdam International, to name a few. Additionally, the film was screened at events sponsored by the Saving Grace Foundation, where Bonnie had an opportunity to speak on the topic of grooming and child abuse. For 12 years she has been leading empowering acting workshop intensives in the Pacific Northwest region. Bonnie is a survivor and advocate for all beautiful humans on their healing journey.Education in struggling nations is very expensive, so the ability of the world's poorest children to afford it is out of their reach. By sponsoring a child through Matsiko you can help an individual student to achieve the highest level of education or vocational school that is available in their country. This allows these children to become doctors, lawyers, mechanics, engineers, teachers, and many other wonderful professions!A Matsiko educational sponsorship:Protects children from child traffickingOpens up career opportunities that were once beyond reachElevates children to equal footing with their nation's most privileged onesReplaces the cycle of poverty with hope and prosperityEnables students to share this blessing with othersLinks:50% Discount Link: https://kiwico.com/caitlin50https://matsiko.org https://www.howcanihelppod.comhttps://www.citizensofsound.comhttps://www.lesliepowellmusic.com

All of us have or will experience the loss of a loved one. Jamie Epstein Kolnick lost three close family members before turning 30 and shares with us how she handles grief, how to show up for someone you know who is grieving, and how helping others has been instrumental in honoring her loved ones. Links:http://rftsf.orghttps://jamwithjamie.com https://www.howcanihelppod.comhttps://www.citizensofsound.comhttps://www.lesliepowellmusic.com

We’ve covered a lot of heavy, real issues, and we will do more of that in upcoming episodes, but today I thought I’d give us a little breather and a little magic.  I brought together the most knowledgeable Disneyland Influencers I know, to give you all the best tips and tricks to make your Disneyland experience the best.  Instagram Handles of Guests:@audreyleeyoung@fairytalemindy@followtheyellowbrickgirl@ilanatacobelle@itsjessicamcdonald@sarahsterling@theparentologist 

Mothers in Congress are leading the way on children and family issues.  In new research Lisa A Bryant and Julia Marin Hellwege found that mothers write, on average, five more bills over their time in congress compared to women who are not mothers, and moms with children under the age of 18 are even more productive.  These congresswomen are more likely to include a variety of policy issues including healthcare access, educational priorities, and family leave.  Basically, we need more moms in office.   Today I’m going to talk to a couple of hardworking mothers who are committed to improving how government can help us, Liuba Grechen Shirley, a mother of three who started Vote Mama PAC and Vote Mama foundation and one of the mamas her PAC supports, congressional candidate of Western North Carolina, and another mom of three, Jasmine Beach Ferrara.  You may be thinking to yourself, Caitlin, you’re getting pretty political here.  Well, I created this podcast to share my platform with causes I want to help, organizations that I think are making a positive impact, and Vote Mama is one of them.  And though politics in this country are painfully divisive, I do believe these are two women who are fighting to improve the quality of life for all Americans. So, whatever your political affiliation, I hope you are able to listen to these brilliant mothers who care deeply about our country.Links:https://www.votemama.orghttps://www.votemamafoundation.orghttps://www.jasmineforcongress.com https://www.howcanihelppod.com https://www.citizensofsound.comhttps://www.lesliepowellmusic.com

Kristin Song and Fred Guttenberg lost children to senseless gun violence, one on a playdate and the other in a school massacre. Now, they are fighting to make sure no one else feels their pain.  As a parent of a young child who goes on playdates and will soon be participating in active shoot drills, it feels vital to discuss this heavy topic, and to take action to prevent more gun deaths.  In this episode, learn how we can make our country a safer place.Links:https://www.songstrong.org https://fredguttenberg.com https://www.bradyunited.org https://www.everytown.org https://momsdemandaction.org https://www.howcanihelppod.comhttps://www.citizensofsound.com https://www.lesliepowellmusic.com

We all have seen the treatment of refugees at the border on the news. It is one thing to watch it on tv; it is something entirely different to drive down from LA, stand next to the walls built at our border, and hear the families' stories in shelters firsthand. Zoe Winkler saw the news stories and decided she had to do something about it. She started This is About Humanity with her friends Elsa Collins and Yolanda Walther-Meade, to help people at the border. They’ve made dozens of trips and provided so many goods and services to improve the situation there, from building learning centers, giving food, connecting migrants with immigration lawyers, sponsoring an immigrant family settling in the US, and MORE. These women are making a significant impact, and you can help. Tell me about a person or organization that you think I should share on the podcast at 818-732-6486.Links:https://www.thisisabouthumanity.comhttps://www.howcanihelppod.comhttps://www.citizensofsound.com

Candace Cameron Bure is known for her work as an actress, author, producer, director, designer, businesswoman (the accomplishments are endless, really), and she’s also known for her faith.  One way she practices her faith is through Skip 1, an organization she participates in as a board member.  Candace visits us today with her good friend, fellow author, woman of faith, and founder of Skip 1, Shelene Bryan, to share her story, and inspire us all into giving a small sacrifice to make a big difference in someone’s life. It’s beautiful to hear how Candace and Shelene’s practice of their faith brings them to serve their community and beyond in ways that really make a difference to the recipients. Whatever your faith, or even if you do not consider yourself a person of faith, I hope you will be inspired by these women today. Links:www.howcanihelppod.com www.skip1.org www.candacecbure.com www.citizensofsound.com 

Learn about a few organizations that are directly helping Ukranians and other asylum seekers around the world in this mini episode.  World Central Kitchen, Unicef, International Rescue Committee, and Airbnb have stepped up in this crisis and are making a big impact.  Links:https://www.howcanihelppod.com/www.wck.orgwww.unicefusa.org https://www.rescue.orgwww.Airbnb.org   www.citizensofsound.com 

Learn how we can help people experiencing homelessness with Paul Leon and Katelyn Taubman from Illumination Foundation, an award-winning non-profit that provides housing, healthcare, and educational services to the most vulnerable in LA, Orange County, the Inland Empire and beyond.  IF was started by Paul Leon over 15 years ago. He was a public health nurse working on his MBA when a class project turned into a foundation that has helped tens of thousands people turn their lives around. Katelyn is a case manager for Illumination Foundation and her journey from homeless to not just stable, but working to end the cycle of homelessness for others is inspirational.  – Links:https://www.howcanihelppod.com/https://www.ifhomeless.orgwww.citizensofsound.com