Life Changing Weekend

In every part of the world, an estimated 50 million face the reality of modern slavery, exploitation, and abuse every day, as people in power prey on vulnerabilities created by poverty. 1 in 4 people trapped in modern slavery are children.  Human trafficking generates an estimated $236 billion a year — two-thirds comes from commercial sexual exploitation. But there is hope.  Since 1997, One faith based non-profit organization, International Justice Mission, has partnered with governments to bring victims to safety from exploitation and abuse, hold perpetrators accountable to the law, support survivors with trauma-informed care and strengthen justice systems so all people can live free from slavery and exploitation.

To talk with us about IJM and to share some inspiring stories of the Church putting faith into action and bringing hope to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, we’re joined today by Sharon Cohn Wu.  Sharon currently serves as IJM’s Regional President in North America, leading strategy and teams responsible for IJMs constituent, government and corporate partnerships in the US and Canada.

Millions of Americans visit National/State Parks and other Public Lands year-round, but these areas are in dire need of repairs with a combined deferred maintenance backlog now estimated at over $35 billion.

As part of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), Congress created the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) that President Trump signed into law in 2020. The fund provided more than $9 billion over five years to tackle priority repairs – financed by mineral revenue from federal lands and waters, rather than taxpayer dollars – but this fund expired in August 2025.

Congress has a bill pending to renew the LRF, which presents a timely opportunity to support the continued repair and restoration of the United States’ most beloved landscapes and historic places.

To discuss this we’re joined by Rebecca Knuffke, Senior Officer, U.S. Conservation at The Pew Charitable Trust.

As teens gear up for school, sports, and college move-in, parents should be aware of meningococcal disease, an uncommon but serious illness.  Commonly referred to as meningitis, anyone can contract it, but it’s most often caught by teenagers through certain everyday activities—like sharing drinks or utensils, kissing, or living in close quarters.  Joining us again today to share his clinical and personal perspectives as a pediatrician and father of 7 is Dr. Michael Milobsky.  We’re also joined by meningitis survivor Jamie and her mom, Patsy, to talk about the devastating impact of the disease and to help empower parents.  www.Ask2BSure.com

Also, next Friday, July 24 is 24/7, a day to honor First Responders.  And to celebrate, more than 30,000 national CONVENIENCE STORES ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE recognizing the hard work, bravery and sacrifice of our Police, Fire and EMTs, doctors, nurses, 911 professionals and Red Cross volunteers who selflessly serve around the clock. To talk about this we’re joined by Kevin O’Connell, Executive Director of the NACS Foundation!  https://www.conveniencecares.org/24-7-Day

Children's Healthcare is in the spotlight today on The Life Changing Weekend.  Millions of children receive health coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP. Cuts to Medicaid could reduce federal spending on children’s health care by by billions over the next 10 years. To discuss the need for Congress to pay attention to pediatric care, we’re joined by Dr. Paul Haut, president of the Children’s Hospital Association, and 10-year-old Lucie Yu, who has been slowly recovering from pancreatitis and a choledochal cyst.

Next, Graduation marks a major life milestone, but for many teens, it also means taking on a new responsibility they may not feel ready for: managing their own healthcare.  A new survey finds many teens are unprepared for that shift and that the system does not adequately prepare young people to manage their care.  To discuss this, we’re joined today by Susan Shanske, a licensed clinical social worker with the BRIDGES Adult Transition Program.

Illegal Chinese-made vape products target children with flavors like blueberry, bubblegum and cotton candy, and are not approved for sale in the United States.  But despite enforcement efforts, they are still available in the US.  To talk about yet another threat to children, we’re joined by Emily Stack, Executive Director of Moms for America Action.

Next, mental health challenges can intensify during the move from military to civilian life, when structure, community and routine suddenly change.  But there is help!  The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes supports veterans and military families through programs focused on stability, opportunity, and long-term success.  The talk about this, we’re joined again by Andrea McCarren, former President of The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, and Benjamin Hightower, Air Force Veteran and VIRAL "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT" Singer-Songwriter.

Finally, GOUT is a common but serious form of arthritis that occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood that causes crystals to form and settle in the joints, affecting more than 12 million Americans. But not many people have heard of uncontrolled gout – a less common form of the disease - when a person is still experiencing symptoms despite taking gout pills. To talk with us this, and to encourage people to have the right conversations with their doctors and find a treatment plan that works for them, we’re joined today by Rheumatologist Dr. Suneet Grewal

This is the last weekend to enter your father for a Dad's Day Off from DECKED.com, Apple Camps has a great program for kids to create superheroes on their iPad, AND, you can show your kids the joys of golf at reduced rates!  Action this day!

This summer, more kids can trade screen time for tee time. Golf is seeing a surge in popularity among young people and a new program called Golf with Us from Bank of America is helping make the sport more affordable by offering young golfers access to discounted tee times at courses across the country.  To talk with us about the program, we’re joined today by USGA Executive Committee Member, Past President of the PGA of America and PGA Trailblazer Suzy Whaley.

Whether it’s a school event, a birthday party or a rare day off to simply spend time together, many dads are missing meaningful moments with their kids because work and financial pressure get in the way.  The issue resonates with DECKED, a U.S. company specializing in storage for trucks and garages.  DECKED is sponsoring the Dad Time Off contest, giving 100 dads the chance to take a paid day off through reimbursement of a full day’s wages.  To discuss, we’re joined by Greg “Chopper” Randolph, 1996 Olympian, Vice President of DECKED and a dad himself.

For over a decade the Live Big broadcast with Bishop Derek Grier has been a fixture on WAVA providing practical teachings and insights on the Word of God.  The show’s foundational message is to help listeners to discover a life larger than their own.  On June 13 and 14, Bishop Grier and Grace Church in Dumfries, VA is participating in Unity Weekend.  On this special episode of The Life Changing Weekend, Bishop Grier talks about his young days, his faith and the importance of Unity Weekend. 

Learn more about Unity Weekend and register by visiting UnityWeekend.com

You can hear Bishop Grier every weekday at 5am and 830pm on WAVA and at 530am on WAVA-AM 780.  You can also hear more and read more at GraceChurchVA.org and also DerekGrier.com. 

Nearly 20 million Americans have high blood pressure. Even with multiple medications and healthy lifestyle changes, many patients continue to struggle to get their numbers under control… putting them at greater risk for heart attack, stroke and other serious complications.  But a newly FDA-approved treatment is drawing attention because it works in a completely different way than traditional blood pressure medications giving patients with uncontrolled hypertension more options.  To explain further, we’re joined by cardiologist Dr. Payal Kohli.

Then, postpartum depression is commonly associated with new moms, but it can affect new dads, too. To discuss this and offer some guidance on recognizing symptoms and seeking help, we’re joined today by Dr. Sheehan Fisher, PhD, a psychologist with Northwestern Medicine.

Three guests this week!  First, discuss the importance of protecting your biggest organ - your skin - for the sun!  Then, the importance of protecting our natural teeth, and finally, protecting your eyes!  All in one action-packed episode of The Life Changing Weekend!

A new survey of Americans finds that nearly three-quarters (73%) say they begin to feel more relaxed or recharged within an hour of being outdoors. Forty percent say they begin to feel more relaxed or recharged within 30 minutes of being outside. Still, 40% say they do not spend as much time outdoors as they would like.  To discuss why time outdoors can deliver fast mental health benefits and some simple, accessible ways to reset, we’re joined by Jessica Doyle, Travel Innovation & Trends Expert at Travel + Leisure.  

Next, for the last 24 years, The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have collaborated on the Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP) to find more sustainable ways to manage river infrastructure to optimize benefits for people and nature.  But now, Federal funding for this program is on the chopping block. To talk more about the Sustainable Rivers Program, how it impacts the environment and the economy, we’re joined by Jim Howe, Senior Policy Advisor for Freshwater at The Nature Conservancy.

Children are exposed to thousands of germs every day through the food they eat, the air they breathe, and the surfaces they touch. Vaccination can help strengthen their natural defenses against serious or even life-threatening diseases their immune systems may not be able to fight on their own.  To talk more about this, we’re joined in this episode by pediatrician Dr. Michael Milobsky.  

Nearly 9 in 10 Americans say maintaining brain health as they age is very important, yet few know a lot about how to do it.  A recent survey of U.S. adults 40 and older found that respondents identify mid-life (ages 40 to 64) as the critical window to adopt habits that may support brain health, as many risk factors linked to later cognitive decline begin to emerge during these years.  To talk more about it with us, we’re joined in this episode by Dr. Heather M. Snyder, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Medical & Scientific Relations of the Alzheimer's Association.

On Friday, May 8th, women are invited to gather at Kettering Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, for a for WAVA's Annual Women's Event featuring dinner, praise and worship, and a live comedy experience with Comedienne Tanya Lewis, known across the gospel entertainment world as the Doc of Comedy.  On this episode of The Life Changing Weekend, Tanya joins us to talk about her life and comedy and why she’s participating in our women’s event, FOR THE JOY!  An Evening of Laughter, Faith and Sisterhood! 

Get tickets at WAVA.com, use keyword JOY

New AARP research shows nearly one in ten adults age 50 and older have been targeted by an online romantic connection who asked for money or promoted a cryptocurrency investment, putting more than 11 million older adults at risk.  To talk with us about this, we're joined by Amy Nofziger, Senior Director of Fraud Victim Support at AARP.

Fraud has become a reality for millions of Americans—and a growing source of anxiety for even more. A new AARP survey finds nearly 4 in 10 U.S. adults (38%)—about 103 million people—have already experienced fraud, including stolen money or misuse of personal information.  To talk to us about this, we’re also joined by Kathy Stokes of the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

While religion is generally declining in the U.S., a new Pew Research Center analysis from the Pew-Knight Initiative Research Report has examined the current impact of religious radio on American listeners.  To talk about the results of the survey and impact of religious broadcasting on our country, we’re joined today by one of the survey’s authors, Aaron Smith of Pew Research.

And then, according to a new survey commissioned by the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), 72% of people agree plasma donation is important, 79% of people have never donated plasma. This isn’t just an oversight; it’s a critical gap in understanding that can have major consequences for patients.  It can take 1,200 plasma donations to treat one person dealing with hemophilia – yet a lack of awareness of the impact of plasma donation is leading to a lack of donations.  To talk with us about this, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Keller, pediatric immunologist at Children’s National in Washington, D.C.

After a childhood accident left our guest with a traumatic brain injury, he credits a therapist whose kindness taught him that his voice mattered.  It helped him build a foundation of confidence for life.  A former U.S. Navy officer, combat veteran, Fortune 50 executive, podcaster and author, he now brings that message of hope, confidence and MATTERING to young readers in his new book, YOU MATTER LUMA.  Our guest in this EXTENDED PODCAST CUT of The Life Changing Weekend is John R. Miles.

Colorectal cancer is now diagnosed more often in adults younger than 50, and experts say symptoms are frequently overlooked or dismissed. Screening can help find cancer sooner or even prevent it, and experts say persistent symptoms should always be checked, no matter your age. Most people should begin screening at age 45, though some may need to start earlier, depending on individual risk.  To talk about this, we’re joined by Dr. Paula Denoya, MD, an expert fellow from the American College of Surgeons.

Operation Tidal Wave was one of the riskiest missions for B-24 Bombers during the Second World War.  The first-ever zero-altitude air raid, its objective was to destroy the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania that were estimated to provide 60% of Axis crude oil needs. 

In any single war story, there are thousands of stories inside the big story and on this EXTENDED PODCAST CUT of The Life Changing Weekend, we’re joined by author Jan Cress Dondi whose new book, THE NAVIGATOR’S LETTER, tells the true, inside story of this mission and its cost.  The book also follows the intertwined stories of her father and uncle, both B-24 Navigators who were captured as POW’s during Tidal Wave raids on Ploesti.