In this episode, the guest is Dr. Joseph Sharpe, Chief Medical Officer at Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital. He talks about how to beat the winter blues. He says it can be a serious issue in January and February, especially, here in Middle Tennessee with the short days, cloudy conditions, and isolation caused by weather. He says regular sleep is vital, as well as exercise and healthful food. Getting out of the house and socializing is also important. Hear more about how to deal with it, in this interview. Read more about Dr. Sharpe HERE.

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Anna talks with Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Stephen Rich of Ascension Saint Thomas in Murfreesboro about weight loss options.

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Anna interviews Alan Pruitt, Tennessee State Advocate for the Middle Tennessee Area of Tops (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly). They talk about the power of starting SLOW with Weight Loss. Most people have started, and stopped, and started again, on various weight-loss plans, and lost (then gained back) hundreds of pounds.
Alan discusses some things we're missing in sustaining weight loss: starting slow, making sustainable goals, SUPPORT, and taking advantage of digital tools we didn't have before. The non-profit, noncommercial weight loss support and education group TOPS Club, Inc. can help. Read more at https://www.tops.org/home

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It's the time to start thinking about which school is right for your child in the Metro system. Anna talks with Shelby Doyle, Sr. VP of Policy and International Partnerships at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

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NASHVILLE AND MIDSTATE HOSPITALS NAMED TOP IN THE NATION*

U.S. News and World Report and Forbes have listed several local hospitals as cream of the crop!
For Maternity Care, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown (sometimes called “The Baby Hospital”, for delivering more babies than any other hospital in the state) has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of 2026’s “Nation’s Best Hospitals.”
In this episode of Focus, Richelle Graham, Chief Nursing Officer at Ascension Saint Thomas, Midtown, tells what it takes to reach that level of excellence. Specialized areas include Care for Moms and Babies, including even the most complex pregnancies, and a full continuum of services, including certified nurse midwives and an experienced team of OB physicians, neonatal nurses and maternal fetal medicine specialists. She also talks about pre and post natal support and educational programs. You can find out more about them HERE.

*U.S. News and World Report also ranked Vanderbilt University Medical Center as number 1 in Nashville and Tennessee, and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt recognized as one of the top Children’s Hospitals in the nation.

And Williamson Medical Center has been named on Forbes Magazine’s inaugural “Top Hospitals” 2026 list.

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Anna speaks with Psychologist Dr. Kathryn Sherrod, PhD, about how children cope with the excitement and occasional overwhelming events of the holiday season. Also, ways we as adults can face relatives who "push our buttons" and irritate us to the extreme on family get-togethers.

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Anna Marie talks with Dawn Rutledge of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee about the organizations many activities. They include:

• Northwest Xmas Tree1 – The YMCA of Middle Tennessee invites the community to join in spreading some joy and give a little extra support to families who need it this holiday season. Several YMCA locations are partnering with various organizations and encouraging others to join in holiday-themed events, provide gifts for individuals in need and help to ensure people have access to essential supplies and resources this winter.
• Strengthening community.. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone—regardless of age, income or background—has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
• Y-CAP Student Champion Awards – Since 1986, Y-CAP has been empowering students across Middle Tennessee to succeed through literacy tutoring, social and emotional learning programs, and college and career readiness resources—all at no cost.
• BreastCancer 2 – This year, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee celebrated 25 years of offering the After Breast Cancer program.
• AOA - The YMCA of Middle Tennessee offers a variety of wellness opportunities for Active Older Adults.
• Full Circle is a YMCA outreach program that gives individuals with an intellectual and/or developmental disability access to classes and activities that encourage self-sufficiency, socialization and staying active.
• Health and Fitness The YMCA of Middle Tennessee has a variety of programs and classes to help you achieve your unique health and wellness goals.

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Anna discusses the work of the Greater Nashville United Way. At United Way of Greater Nashville, their mission is to unite the community and mobilize resources so that every child, individual and
family thrives.
So many people are struggling right now, and don't know where to start, to get help. Ace Timmermeier, the Director, Regional Community Impact, says United Way can be your first stop to find the resources you need. They work to ensure that all families have a stable place to call home, food to eat and support in times of crisis.
Hear https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/

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