Make A Difference Minute: A Life in Music
On this Make a Difference Minute, I have John Ford Coley, one half of the legendary duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, as he reflects on the people who first encouraged his musical gifts. John shares how his parents recognized his love for music early on, providing piano lessons and nurturing the imagination of a young boy who would pretend the footrest in a barber chair was a piano keyboard...
2m Jun 12
2m
Nights Are Forever: 50 Years with John Ford Coley
An early birthday present for this guy born at the tail end of the 70’s! Tonight, I’m honored to welcome one of my all-time favorite guests to The Mark White Show. Join me for a special conversation with John Ford Coley as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of two timeless classics, “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” and “Nights Are Forever Without You.” John shares memories of his friendshi...
38m Jun 12
38m
Make A Difference Minute: One Cup Can Make a Difference
On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Maelin Carlson and Landri Cruse, two Madison City School students who have turned a simple lemonade stand into something extraordinary. Together, they have now raised more than $21,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. What started with cups of lemonade has grown into a community effort that reaches far beyond their neighb...
2m Jun 11
2m
One Cup at a Time: Maelin & Landri's Mission for St. Jude
Tonight, I’m joined by two remarkable young ladies who are proving that you are never too young to make a difference. Maelin Carlson and Landri Cruse, along with Maelin’s mom, Megan Carlson, will share how a simple lemonade stand has grown into a mission of hope for the children and families served by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. What began with two best friends wanting to help has b...
31m Jun 11
31m
Make A Difference Minute: Creating Moments of Joy
On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Robert Diamond, better known as Bobby the Balloon Guy with Balloon Masters Entertainment. I caught up with Bobby at the Sheffield Public Library during their Summer Reading Adventure, where he entertained children and families with his Zany Magical Balloon Show. While many people know him for the incredible balloon creations he makes, Bobby sees himself...
3m Jun 10
3m
More Than Balloons: A Conversation with Bobby the Balloon Guy
On this episode, I'm joined by Robert Diamond "Bobby the Balloon Guy" of Balloon Masters Entertainment, the man behind The Zany Magical Balloon Show. Recorded on location at the Sheffield Public Library during its Summer Reading Adventure, this conversation goes beyond balloon animals and explores the people and purpose behind the smiles. Bobby shares how Balloon Masters Entertainment began, h...
32m Jun 10
32m
Make A Difference Minute: Learning to Carry the Pebble
On this Make a Difference Minute, I have my friend, Fran Birdwell, who is living with stage 4 colon cancer while also carrying the profound grief of losing two sons, Jacob and Matthew. Rather than trying to “get over” grief, Fran has learned that grief becomes something we carry. Drawing from a poem by Jessica Watson, she shares the powerful image of grief as a pebble. It is something we never...
2m Jun 09
2m
Carrying the Torch: Hope Beyond Grief
Tonight on The Mark White Show, I'm joined by Fran Birdwell for a deeply personal conversation about grief, hope, and learning how to live with both. Fran has been living with stage IV colon cancer and has endured the unimaginable loss of two sons. Through profound heartbreak, she has discovered that grief is not something we simply get over. It’s something we carry. It’s not easy. In fact, i...
35m Jun 09
35m
Make A Difference Minute: A Race Against Time for Miyanna
On this Make A Difference Minute, we share an important update about 4-year-old Miyanna Edmiston and her urgent need for a kidney transplant. As her kidney function continues to decline, her family is searching for a living donor in hopes of finding a match before dialysis becomes necessary. This segment highlights the medical, emotional, and financial challenges they are facing, while also re...
2m Jun 08
2m
Make A Difference Minute: Greatness of Heart
On this Make a Difference Minute, I reflect on a word we don’t hear very often, but perhaps need more than ever: magnanimous. It means having a greatness of heart. It describes people who are generous in spirit, gracious in disagreement, and unwilling to let bitterness or resentment define them. Being magnanimous doesn’t mean ignoring wrong or pretending hurt doesn’t exist. It means choosing d...
2m Jun 07
2m
Make A Difference Minute: Carry Their Love Forward
On this Make A Difference Minute, I share a message for those walking through grief and loss. This segment encourages listeners to honor their loved ones by continuing to live, grow, and find joy while carrying their love forward. This MADM is brought to you by Bama Estate Planning by Attorney Harlan D. Mitchell, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real ...
2m Jun 06
2m
Make A Difference Minute: A Friend Remembered
On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m remembering my friend, Chad Collins. Chad and I grew up together around Sanders Street and Second Avenue in Athens, Alabama. As the years passed, life took us in different directions, but the memories and friendship remained. Over the last several weeks, many people followed Chad’s battle with pancreatic cancer. Through it all, one thing remained constant,...
2m Jun 05
2m
Make A Difference Minute: A Place to Help, A Place to Hope
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Nona Adams, principal of Cedar Hill Elementary School in Ardmore, Alabama, sharing what it means to have a Connie’s Cabinet on campus. Created in memory of Connie Ridgeway, Connie’s Cabinet provides a way for families to receive help with dignity and without shame. Principal Adams explains that many families quietly struggle and often don’t let others k...
2m Jun 04
2m
Make A Difference Minute: Never Stop Looking for Answers
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Steffenie Jenkins sharing the journey she and her family have faced as they searched for answers for their son, Jacob. Now 21 years old, Jacob is battling bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare and irreversible lung disease, and is receiving treatment through Mayo Clinic in Arizona. As Jacob’s health declined, Steffenie found herself in a position many famili...
3m Jun 03
3m
A Mother's Fight for Her Son: Steffenie and Jacob Jenkins' Story
On tonight's show, I'm joined by Steffenie Jenkins as she shares the story of her 21-year-old son, Jacob, and the medical battle that has changed their family’s life. After years of unanswered questions, Mayo Clinic diagnosed Jacob with Bronchiolitis Obliterans, a rare and irreversible lung disease. More recently, doctors determined the condition was likely caused by rheumatoid arthritis affec...
34m Jun 03
34m
Make A Difference Minute: Investing in Their Future
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Andy Esser with Edward Jones sharing why 529 education savings plans can be a valuable tool for families planning for future education expenses. While many people associate 529 plans with college savings, today’s plans offer more flexibility than ever before. Funds can be used for qualified educational expenses ranging from K-12 programs and trade school...
2m Jun 02
2m
Investing in the Future
Tonight, we’re bringing you two conversations centered on investing in the future, whether that’s through education planning or meeting practical needs within our schools and communities. In the first segment, I’m joined by Andy Esser with Edward Jones, for a national conversation tied to 529 Day, which took place last Friday. We’ll discuss new research showing many families are concerned abou...
30m Jun 02
30m
Make A Difference Minute: A Neighbor to Generations
On this Make A Difference Minute, we’re remembering Joe Negri, the beloved musician and actor known to generations of children as Handyman Negri on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. While many remember him as the friendly neighbor who walked through Fred Rogers’ television neighborhood, Joe’s contributions went far beyond a television role. An accomplished jazz guitarist and educator, he became an i...
2m Jun 01
2m
Make A Difference Minute: You Can't Be What You Don't See
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Marlee Phillips with the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy sharing how the Girls Inc. Eureka program is introducing young women to career paths they may have never considered before. For many students, exposure is everything. If they've never met a woman working in construction, design, architecture, marketing, project management, or the skilled trades...
3m May 31
3m
Make A Difference Minute: The Small Things Mean a Lot
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Ashley Russell of Athens, Alabama, sharing how small acts of kindness have helped carry her through cancer treatments and chemotherapy. When people hear about a cancer diagnosis, they often wonder what they can do to help. Ashley's answer is simple: the little things matter. A surprise package in the mail filled with items to help during chemotherapy. A...
2m May 30
2m
Facing the Unknown: Ashley Russell's Journey Through Cancer
Tonight, I'm joined by Ashley Russell of Athens, Alabama. What started as a back injury and time away from work quickly turned into something much more serious when doctors discovered a mass on her kidney and adrenal gland. Since then, Ashley has faced countless doctor visits, scans, testing, surgery, chemotherapy treatments, and the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Ashley is n...
26m May 30
26m
Make A Difference Minute: More Than Job Training
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Dr. Tommy Davis, Executive Director of the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy, sharing why their mission goes far beyond preparing people for careers in the skilled trades. While the academy was created to help address workforce needs, Dr. Davis quickly realized something even more important was happening. Lives were being changed. He shares the story o...
3m May 29
3m
Building Futures Together with Dr. Tommy Davis & Marley Phillips
Tonight, I’m joined by Dr. Tommy Davis of the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy and Marley Phillips as we highlight a partnership focused on creating opportunities and building futures for young people in our community. Dr. Davis will share how the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy is helping prepare the next generation workforce through hands-on skilled trades training, while Marley Phillip...
36m May 29
36m
Make A Difference Minute: Every Child Deserves the Chance to Learn
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Keri Morrison, Executive Director of Live Like Jake, sharing why swim lessons and water competency can save lives. Through Live Like Jake, thousands of swim lesson scholarships have been provided to families across the country, helping children gain critical self-rescue swimming skills. Keri also shares a heartbreaking reality many families may not reali...
3m May 28
3m
Live Like Jake with Keri Morrison
On this edition of TMWS, I’m joined by Keri Morrison, Executive Director of Live Like Jake, for a conversation every parent, grandparent, caregiver, teacher, and community member needs to hear. After the heartbreaking loss of her son Jake, Keri turned unimaginable grief into a mission focused on childhood drowning prevention, water safety awareness, and helping families protect their children ...
32m May 28
32m
Make A Difference Minute: More Than Medicine
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Yash Patel with Joe’s Pharmacy in East Limestone sharing what keeps him motivated as a business owner in healthcare. In a world where many people feel rushed or treated like a number, Yash believes helping people still matters. Sometimes, it’s saving someone money on prescriptions, seeing relief on a customer’s face, or simply caring enough to listen. In...
2m May 27
2m
Joe's Pharmacy Where Healthcare Feels Personal
At Joe’s Pharmacy, healthcare is about more than prescriptions. It’s about relationships, trust, and making sure people feel cared for. Tonight, I’m joined by Yash Patel, along with Betheny Turner and Liz Drake, as we talk about personalized patient care, supporting families and seniors, the challenges independent pharmacies face, and why local businesses still play such an important role in st...
34m May 27
34m
Make A Difference Minute: Building Communities From the Ground Up
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Ronald Piester, Vice President of Membership and Personnel Certification with the International Code Council, sharing a perspective many people may never think about. Behind every safe home, school, business, and public building are professionals dedicated to protecting lives and strengthening communities. Ronald shares how a family background in archite...
2m May 26
2m
Built to Last: Building Safety Month Conversations
On tonight’s show, I’m continuing the conversation surrounding Building Safety Month with a group of guests helping shape the future of building safety, workforce development, and community growth across North Alabama and beyond. Joining me are Ronald Piester, Vice President of Membership & Personnel Certification for the International Code Council, Steve Woodard, Director of Inspections for M...
42m May 26
42m
Make A Difference Minute: George Mills' Toast to the Flag
On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m honored to share a special recording from my friend, the late Sgt. George Mills, a World War II veteran, former prisoner of war, and a man who dedicated his life to serving others. Captured during the Battle of the Bulge and later liberated in 1945, Sgt. Mills understood sacrifice in ways few ever will. For years, he shared something he called “Toast to th...
3m May 25
3m
Make A Difference Minute: We're Not Invincible
On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m sharing a reflection about something many of us eventually come face to face with. For a lot of years, we can carry an unspoken belief that difficult things happen to other people. Then life has a way of getting our attention through loss, health struggles, unexpected news, or simply realizing time seems to move faster than it once did. This conversation is...
2m May 24
2m
Built to Last: Conversations on Building Safety
Heavy rain during today's Building Safety Month celebration in Huntsville, Alabama, made some of the messages inside difficult to hear, so I wanted to make sure the content was preserved and shared. This audio includes remarks from Larry Durham, Representative Rex Reynolds, Representative Andy Whitt, Senator Sam Givhan, Ronald Piester with the International Code Council, Michael Valenzuela wit...
20m May 24
20m
Make A Difference Minute: More Than a Song
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have country music artist Michael Peterson sharing experiences that shaped him through years of performing for veterans, military families, and active-duty service members. Through more than 500 shows, Michael discovered that music was often about much more than entertainment. Whether helping a soldier connect with his wife during Christmas in Iraq or providi...
2m May 23
2m
Heart Health & Heroes: Hope, Healing, and Honoring Service
On tonight's show, we’re bringing you two conversations centered around health, hope, & honoring others. First, cardiologist Dr. Payal Kohli joins me to discuss a newly FDA-approved treatment option for people struggling with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Nearly 120 million Americans are affected by hypertension, and we’ll talk about why some people continue to struggle despite medications...
34m May 23
34m
Make A Difference Minute: Water Safety
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Kristin Stitt with North Alabama Swim Schools and SafeSplash Swim Labs sharing an important reminder for adults who never learned to swim, it’s never too late. Many adults carry fear, uncertainty, or simply missed opportunities when it comes to water safety and swimming. Kristin explains that adult learners need a different approach and that every person...
2m May 22
2m
Built for Life: Swimming, Safety, and Water Competency
On tonight's show, I’m joined by Kristin Stitt, Managing Partner of North Alabama Swim Schools and SafeSplash Swim Labs in Huntsville and Madison. Most parents believe they know whether their child can swim. Kristin says the bigger question may be whether a child is truly water competent. With a background in healthcare leadership and a passion for drowning prevention, Kristin is helping fami...
34m May 22
34m
Make A Difference Minute: Don't Judge the Day Too Early
On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m discussing “Don’t Judge the Day Too Early.” I came across a short video today featuring Dick Van Dyke, and a line he said stopped me. “You should never judge a day by its weather.” That one line got me thinking about how quickly we can decide a day is ruined before it even has a chance to unfold. Today, I'm sharing a reminder that difficult beginnings d...
2m May 21
2m
Make A Difference Minute: What Really Matters
On this Make A Difference Minute, I’m focusing on “What Really Matters.” We live in a world that constantly tells us to chase more success, more possessions, more recognition, more things. Tomorrow, I’m sharing a reminder that life isn’t measured by what you own. It’s measured by relationships, kindness, memories, & the impact we have on the people around us. The things that matter most are ...
2m May 20
2m
Make A Difference Minute: Carrying More Than a Backpack
On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Melissa Mathieson, Director and Co-Founder of Kids For Life, sharing about the realities many children face when entering foster care and the support needed for both children and foster families. Melissa explains that many children enter care because of circumstances involving neglect, abuse, or addiction in the home, often arriving with very few belongi...
3m May 19
3m
Kids for Life with Melissa Mathieson
Tonight, I'm joined by Melissa Mathieson, director and co-founder of Kids for Life. Children entering foster care often face uncertainty and difficult transitions. Many arrive with very little and are stepping into situations that can feel overwhelming. Melissa will share how Kids for Life is working to support children and foster families across Northwest Alabama by helping provide practical ...
32m May 19
32m
Make A Difference Minute: The Power of Encouragement
On this Make A Difference Minute, I'm sharing about the “The Power of Encouragement” Life can get heavy. People carry stress, worry, family struggles, health concerns, & burdens that are often hidden behind a smile. Today, I’m sharing a reminder that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference, a kind word, a thoughtful message, or a simple moment of encouragement. You may ...
2m May 18
2m
Make A Difference Minute: Don't Ignore the Warning Signs
On this Make A Difference Minute, I talk with Dr. W. Craig Noblett, President of the American Association of Endodontists, about the connection between oral health and overall health. Dental problems aren't always just about teeth. Infections and untreated issues can affect daily life and, in some cases, become serious health concerns. Dr. Noblett shares warning signs people should pay attentio...
3m May 17
3m
Make A Difference Minute: So Fresh & So Clean Haircuts 4 Youth
On this Make A Difference Minute, I talk with Arryana Chestnut, founder and executive director of So Fresh & So Clean Haircuts 4 Youth, about an effort that goes far beyond fresh fades and clean cuts. Through mentorship, community partnerships, leadership conversations, and life skills workshops, young men are being encouraged and equipped to carry themselves with confidence and purpose. From t...
2m May 16
2m
Cultivating Confidence: So Fresh & So Clean Haircuts 4 Youth
Tonight, on The Mark White Show, I’ll be joined by Arryana Chestnut, founder and executive director of So Fresh & So Clean Haircuts 4 Youth. What started as a vision to provide free haircuts has grown into something much bigger. Through school tours, mentorship, encouragement, and community partnerships, Arryana and her team are helping cultivate distinguished young men one haircut at a time. ...
39m May 16
39m
Make A Difference Minute: Twenty-Four Years of Questions and Courage
On this Make A Difference Minute, Shannon and Randy Pike share the difficult health journey that has changed the course of their lives over the last 24 years. What began with an unexplained heart attack at just 27 years old led to a devastating stroke, years of unanswered questions, and the discovery of multiple rare autoimmune conditions. Through hospital stays, setbacks, uncertainty, and ongo...
2m May 15
2m
Fighting Rare Battles: Randy & Shannon Pike’s Journey of Faith, Family, and Perseverance
Tonight, on The Mark White Show, I’m joined by Randy and Shannon Pike as they share an incredible journey of perseverance through unimaginable health challenges. Randy is battling three very rare autoimmune diseases including Protein S Deficiency, two forms of Lupus, and Hypogammaglobulinemia. Their journey has included hospital stays, rehabilitation, uncertainty, and difficult days that teste...
33m May 15
33m
Make A Difference Minute: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
On this Make A Difference Minute, I talk with Principal Scott Jones of Allen Thornton Career Tech Center in Lauderdale County, Alabama about the future of today’s students and why he’s optimistic about the next generation. While some people criticize young people, Mr. Jones sees something different. He sees innovation, teamwork, work ethic, and students developing skills that will serve them we...
2m May 14
2m
Building Skills & Saving Smiles
On this edition of The Mark White Show, I’ll be joined first by Principal Scott Jones with Allen Thornton Career Tech to talk about the impact of career and technical education, the recent Lauderdale County CTE Banquet, and the exciting work ahead as they prepare to move into their new building. In the second segment, I’ll be joined by Dr. W. Craig Noblett, President of the American Associatio...
33m May 14
33m
Make A Difference Minute: Names We Must Never Forget
On this Make A Difference Minute, former Athens, Alabama Police Chief Wayne Harper reflects on the lasting impact of officers who gave their lives in the line of duty and why their sacrifice must never be forgotten. Speaking during National Police Week, Chief Harper shares the pain of personally knowing the officers and families affected, while also remembering the overwhelming support shown by...
2m May 13
2m
Make A Difference Minute: Bringing Community Theatre Back to Life
On this Make A Difference Minute, we’re highlighting how local people in Russellville, Alabama are coming together to help revive community theatre at The Historic Roxy Theatre through the upcoming production of Murder in the Magnolias. More than just a play, this effort is about neighbors volunteering their time, building friendships, stepping outside their comfort zones, and creating somethin...
2m May 12
2m