Life Changing Weekend

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. 

Routine childhood vaccination helps build protection as families navigate daycare, school and other group settings where infectious disease can spread. Childhood vaccines help reduce the risk of severe health effects, while also helping to protect siblings, other family members, and friends. To talk with us about the importance of keeping up with the vaccine schedule, we’re joined today by Dr. David Hill, pediatrician from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Next, Measles cases are increasing in several states, including Northern Virginia, raising new concerns as the U.S. works to maintain its measles eradication status. To discuss this, we’re joined by Candace DeMatteis, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID).

Small businesses have a unique opportunity in 2026 to transform how they compete for top talent. It comes at a critical time in the hiring market. To discuss the latest research on small business attitudes' towards hiring in 2026, how they are using AI to level up, and how AI hiring tools can help small businesses find the right talent to grow their business, we’re joined on this episode by Andrew Chimka, Senior Director of Product Management at LinkedIn.

Next, New AARP research finds that nearly one-quarter (24%) of workers aged 50 and older are concerned about losing their job within the next year, and more than two-thirds (67%) of older workers believe it would be difficult to find a new job right now.  With AI increasingly becoming part of the workplace, including the job search and hiring process, more older workers are recognizing the need to embrace this technology and use it to their advantage.  To talk with us about this we’re also joined by Carly Roszkowski, Vice President of Financial Resilience Programming at AARP.

THE FAITH EARLY LEARNING CENTER is an early education center for children aged 3-6 years old located in Beltsville, Maryland and has been operating in and a part of the Beltsville community for over 30 years!  WAVA is proud to partner with FAITH EARLY LEARNING CENTER in our Half-Price Tuition program for the upcoming school year.  To talk about the center and its programs, we’re joined by director Millis Gregory and a graduate of the CENTER, Manny Gregory, Millis’ nephew!

Next, Americans have significantly reduced their reading over the past decade, with studies showing a decline in reading for pleasure and fewer books read on average—resulting in the loss of billions of pages read.  To better understand why, ThriftBooks commissioned two surveys to examine American reading habits. To discuss the findings, we’re joined today by Barbara Hagen, Vice President of Marketing, ThriftBooks.  

Answering questions about health has become one of the most common ways people use AI, everything from healthcare and fitness to nutrition and preparing for doctor visits. Our first guest on this episode is Kate Rouch, the Chief Marketing Officer with OpenAI and when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she turned to AI to understand her diagnosis, prepare for appointments and navigate care.  

Next, measles cases are increasing in Northern Virginia, raising new concerns as the U.S. works to maintain its measles eradication status.  The outbreaks come as a new bipartisan national poll from the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) shows strong consensus among Americans on the importance of vaccination.  Candace DeMatteis, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) joins us to discuss further.

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, I’m joined by Amy Nofziger, Senior Director of Fraud Victim Support, AARP.

Next, nearly 1 in 4 Americans have no emergency savings and would struggle to cover an unexpected expense, according to Bankrate. 50% of consumers said their top New Year’s resolution is to save more money.  To talk about this and to offer smarter ways to save to help people reach their financial goals, I’m joined by Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian.

It’s tax time again, and the 2026 tax season will be very different for millions of Americans. Major tax law changes tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will affect families, seniors, tipped workers, overtime earners, and anyone who bought a new car in the past year. To discuss this tax season, we’re joined today by Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. 

Next, Kelley Blue Book has long been the go-to source for things car-related, and their 12th Annual Best Buy Awards reflect a year of vehicle testing and evaluation, identifying cars, trucks and SUVs with strong overall value and performance.  To discuss the best cars of 2026 and all this automotive, we’re joined today by author and car expert Brian Moody. 

And finally, according to Bank of America’s 2025 Workplace Benefits Report - NUMBER OF U.S. WORKERS TURNING TO EMPLOYERS FOR FINANCIAL HELP HAS DOUBLED - 1 in 4 Workers Want Assistance on Pressing Financial Needs, Up From 13% in 2023.  To talk about this trend, we’re joined today by Kai Walker of Bank of America

Respiratory Syncytial (SYN-SISIAL) Virus, or RSV, is a common, contagious, and potentially serious respiratory virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages.  Each year, approximately 177,000 adults 65 years and older are hospitalized in the US due to RSV and an estimated 14,000 of those cases result in death.  To discuss this further, we’re joined by Dr. Leonard Friedland, pediatrician and research scientist, Vice President and Director of Scientific Affairs and Public Health with GSK - North America and also Carole, a National Senior Games Athlete who contracted and overcame RSV.

PLUS, wastewater scanning data during the fall and winter respiratory virus season can curb the spread of illnesses nationwide. For communities and local health officials, the ability to tell if illness levels are rising, falling, or remaining the same can help them make important health decisions.  To discuss this, we're joined by AMANDA BIDWELL, SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM MANAGER FOR WASTEWATERSCAN AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY. 

At the Reviving the Community Fair in October 2025 at Kings Landing Park in Calvert County, I heard a presentation from a gentleman who survived an attempt to commit suicide.  His story was, as you can imagine harrowing but also redemptive and he is, by the grace of God, on this episode to tell us his story and how he is helping others in distress.

If you are in distress, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States and its territories. The 988 Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining local care and resources with national standards and best practices.  Remember, dial or text "988" for immediate help.

In a world where AI voices are stealing the spotlight, where algorithms flood our feeds and Zoom calls feel more scripted than sincere —from chatbots to synthetic narrators—one expert is fighting back with a message that's as human as it gets.  In his timely new book, "You Are The Message: Revolutionary Speaking Tools for a Better Life, Deeper Loves, and Irresistible Leadership", voice artist Joel Weldon says "AI can generate words, but it can’t create connection," and his breakthrough YouPWR Speaking Method proves that heart, tone, and intention are irreplaceable in building trust, inspiring teams, and forging real connections.

Unbound is an international nonprofit based in Kansas City, Kansas, and founded by lay Catholics grounded in the Gospel call to put the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable first.  And on this episode of The Life Changing Weekend, from the Archdiocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, we’re joined by Father Mike Sinkler who will tell us more about UNBOUND!  

Breakthroughs in treatment of Alopecia with Dr. Meena Singh and new treatments for sufferers of Migraines and Cluster Headaches with Dr. Alan Rapaport.

Treating Sleep Apnea with Dr. Kelly Gill and Breakthroughs in Early Detection Screening for Lung Cancer with Dr. David Tom Cooke.