Episodes
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Rich and Gaye Christiansen join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to discuss Rich's new book, BlindSighted. The book documents Rich’s journey of identity, faith, and healing and his being shaken to his core at the age of 54 after he learned that he was one of the first donor-conceived children.
Then Rich opens up about meeting family members from the side of his biological father, the love story of his mother and father, who was a blind attorney, and what’s next for Rich and Gaye.
Blindsighted releases on October 8th, 2024.
Related Links
Rich Christiansen: https://richchristiansen.com/
BlindSighted: https://www.amazon.com/BlindSighted-Rich-Christiansen/dp/B0D9WXQMFJ
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Tami Olsen (Recruiting and Foundation Director for the Young Automotive Group) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to discuss Young Caring For Our Young, the charitable group of the Young Automotive Group, and how the foundation is tackling issues related to clothing, hunger, literacy, and teen homelessness.
We also explore how the foundation is helping teachers obtain what they need to be successful in the classroom, the reality of teen homelessness in the state, and how teen drop-in centers are providing services such as laundry, showering, and hygiene kits for those who are struggling.
Lastly, Tami shares Dominic Elson’s inspirational story of overcoming hardship to become an exemplary employee of the Young Automotive Group.
You can donate directly by following the link here: https://thinkcaring.org/donate/
Related Links
Young Caring For Our Young: https://thinkcaring.org/
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Vicki Bourns (Director of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to remember Alice Merrill Horne, an innovative Utah artist and politician who helped establish a state arts organization and a state collection of artwork in 1899, and how the Utah Division of Arts and Museums helps care for art throughout the state. Then Vicki talks about a new state-of-the-art storage space that will protect Utah’s art for years.
We are also joined by Ben Steele (Helper-based Artist), who opens up about finding his unique art style, how Helper’s booming art community has helped give the town new life, and his commissioned piece honoring Alice Merrill Horne.
Lastly, in honor of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums’ 125th anniversary, we preview an upcoming exhibit set to open on December 10th at Utah Valley University’s Museum of Art.
Related Links
UA&M: https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/
Alice Merrill Home Art Collection: https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/alice-merrill-horne-art-collection/
UA&M 125th Anniversary: https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/125th-anniversary/#:~:text=On%20March%209%2C%201899%2C%20the,makes%202024%20our%20125th%20anniversary!
Ben Steele: https://bensteeleart.com/
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In this episode of our Educator Well-Being series, the hosts are joined by Milton Collins, principal of Lincoln Elementary in the Granite School District in the Salt Lake City region of Utah. Milton is having tremendous success in his school from students’ academic success to teacher happiness, thriving, and retention. He credits "leading from the heart" for this success, and in this episode, he shares his passion for the profession as a principal who is caring for the teachers – so the teachers can care for the students.
About Milton Collins
A native of Charleston, Miss., Milton attended Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss., on a four-year basketball scholarship and graduated with a degree in education. He then moved to Kankakee, Ill., where he started his teaching career as a third-grade teacher at Lorenzo Smith School in Hopkins Park, Ill. Milton went back to school and received a master’s degree in educational leadership from National Louis University in Evanston, Ill. He then held principal positions in school districts in Wisconsin and Arizona before relocating to Utah and serving as principal at Lincoln Elementary School in the Granite School District.
WGU Website: https://www.wgu.edu/about/governance/teachers-college/educator-well-being-from-principles-to-practice-podcast.html#
Youtube: https://youtu.be/0CV0CpicXYY?si=FzkE0kkFj9MGzM4Y
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Ava Leavitt joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to discuss how vital dancing has been throughout her life, how she’s navigated some of the most complex challenges she’s faced in high school, and her solution to how teenagers negatively engage with social media.
Then, Ava shares how losing her identity inspired her to create Dancers Without Limits, a dance program designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and how the organization is helping connect everyone passionate about dance.
Colton Hyde also joins us to talk about how volunteering for Dancers Without Limits has taught him to be himself after working with the other dancers.
Tammy Leavitt then shares how Dancers Without Limits has changed those participating in the program.
Lastly, Ava discusses the program's future as she approaches high school graduation and college.
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Dr. Jackie Jodl (Chief of Global Youth and Education of Global Youth and Education at Special Olympics) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about how fundamental education has been throughout her life, how her education journey has shaped her career, and the impact that Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease had on her life growing up.
Then, we discuss the importance of education and sports in creating opportunities to climb the societal and economic ladder, how unified sports transform social inclusion in education, and why understanding unified sports’ place in the educational system is crucial to alleviating the concerns surrounding integrating unified sports.
We also discuss some contributing factors to behavioral issues and absenteeism in the classroom, how funding-based segregation can prevent children from successfully integrating into the community, and some of Dr. Jodl’s fondest memories in education.
Related Links
Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/
Special Olympics Utah: https://sout.org/
Unified sports in Utah: https://www.sout.org/programs/unified-sports
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Sarah Allred (Director of First Lady Initiatives) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about this year’s Teacher’s Conference, how the National Governors Association (NGA) is helping build relationships with fellow First Spouses throughout the country, and how those connections are used to share ideas and tackle issues collectively in each state.
Then, we are joined by Marlon Reis (First Gentleman of Colorado) to discuss the learning curves of being a first spouse, different ways to handle the criticism that comes with the position, and why Marlon is so passionate about interacting with Coloradans to understand what truly matters to them.
Related Links
National Governor’s Association: https://www.nga.org/
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Kathy Searle, LCSW (Vice President of Utah Programs at Raise the Future), joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to discuss her experiences with adoption and how they have shaped her work today in helping to find families for children in foster care.
We also talk about the need to provide support to adoptive families, how adoptive families have to navigate the reality of expectations, and why community fear can have such a negative impact on foster families and their choices to adopt.
Then, we dive into Raise the Future’s mission of connecting youth with families.
Related Links
Raise the Future: https://www.raisethefuture.org/
Heart Gallery: https://www.utahadopt.org/building-your-family/heart-gallery
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Nubia Peña (Governor Senior Advisor & Director for the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs) and Claudia Loayza (Planning Policy and Engagement Coordinator) join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about how their respective backgrounds influenced them to serve others, how multicultural communities have made Utah stronger, and ways that we can be even more welcoming to all cultures as Utahns.
Then, we dive into how Magnify Utah connects communities and people throughout the state and some ways that it can help Utahns learn even more about the state.
Lastly, we discuss why dignity is so important to allow Utah to continue thriving and how we can serve our communities through compassion and proximity.
Related Links
Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs: https://multicultural.utah.gov/
Magnify Utah: https://multicultural.utah.gov/magnify/
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Utah First Lady Abby Cox led a discussion with Michelle Sobel (Unify America), David McCullough (American Exchange Project), and Sarah Igo (Vanderbilt University) on how we can help students develop conversation skills. Learn more about the Disagree Better Initiative at: https://www.nga.org/disagree-better/
You can also read about the conversation at: https://www.nga.org/news/commentary/disagree-better-panelists-highlight-ways-to-help-students-have-healthier-conversations/
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Tania Hansen (Deputy Director of First Lady Initiatives) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox this week and we talk about her background, her passion for helping others, and some of Tania’s favorite events so far that she’s had while on the team.
Then Sarah Allred (Director of First Lady Initiatives) and Amanda Millerberg (Show Up Board Member) join the show to talk about this year’s Summer Service Fair on Monday, June 3, from 4 - 8 pm MDT at Electric Park in Thanksgiving Point.
We also dive into the amazing service projects planned for the summer and the need to come together as a state to introduce service to our youth.
Related Links
Register for the Summer Service Fair: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-service-fair-tickets-867647054697?aff=oddtdtcreator
Service - Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/service
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book
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Aimee Winder Newton (Senior Advisor to Governor Cox and Director of the Office of Families) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox to talk about becoming the first director for the new Office of Families, the Office of Families’ emphasis on strengthening families so children have better outcomes, and Aimee’s efforts in protecting our youth from the harmful effects of social media.
Then we dive into the positive trends that we’ve been seeing from parents when limiting social media and some tips that you can use to help your child avoid addictive social media behaviors.
Related Links
Utah Office of Families: https://governor.utah.gov/families/
Utah Department of Health and Human Services | Social Harms: https://socialharms.utah.gov/
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book
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Teaching is one of the noblest professions, and the well-being of teachers is a critical component of student learning and overall community advancement. During this special podcast episode recorded at SXSW EDU 2024, hosts Dr. Stacey Ludwig Johnson and Abby Cox are joined by National University President & CEO Dr. Mark Milliron, and Rady Children’s Hospital Senior Director Domonique Hensler, to continue the conversation on the importance of teacher well-being. During this episode, the expert panel examines the key positive strategies to implement to sustain educator well-being in the context of teacher preparation programs and K-12 schools, and concrete actions that should occur to keep educators well, despite elements that can exist beyond their control.
About Dr. Mark Milliron
Dr. Mark Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant, who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world. He serves as President & CEO of National University (NU), one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the United States. NU is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and has a 50-year history of innovating around the needs of military, working, and other nontraditional students.
About Domonique Hensler
Domonique Hensler is the Senior Director for Care Redesign Planning and Mental Health Integration for Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego and Rady Children’s Health Network. Her experience includes positions as a Fellow and Analyst at Sutter Health; a Network Manager for TRICARE Southwest at Health Net, formerly Foundation Health; and Executive Director of the Community and Family Network. Since joining Rady Children’s in 1998, Domonique has served in various leadership, strategic implementation, and project management roles in healthcare administration.
Related links:
WGU: https://www.wgu.edu/about/governance/education/educator-well-being-from-principles-to-practice-podcast.html
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlwjT_YKfmk
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Aubree Oliverson (Violinist) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox to share her earliest memories of growing up playing violin, some of her favorite teachers who made an impact on Aubree’s success, and moving away to Los Angeles at fifteen years old to pursue violon.
Aubree also talks about being one of this year’s Governor’s Mansion Artist Award recipients, some of her fondest memories of attending the Colburn Conservatory of Music, and her decision to make Berlin, Germany her home base to continue pursuing her career as a violinist.
We also talk about Aubree’s goals of working with the best orchestras and conductors at the highest level as she continues to excel in her career.
Related Links
Aubree Oliverson: https://www.aubreeoliverson.com/
Instagram: @olversonaubree
Deborah Moench: https://giftedmusicschool.org/faculty/deborah-moench
Eugene Watanabe: https://www.giftedmusicschool.org/faculty/eugene-watanabe
Robert Lipsett: https://www.giftedmusicschool.org/event/2012/robert-lipsett-masterclass
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The original version of this episode can be found at https://stand4kind.podbean.com/.
In this in-depth exchange, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox, Candy Olandt, and Maggon Osmond discuss the essence and urgency of education. Abby Cox, a pillar for educators and a special education background holder, gives riveting insights into the discernment needed at various institutional levels, building meaningful relationships, and the mastery of effective communication.
The conversation focuses on the significance of educators' links with the key policymakers in their communities and how their voices and influence can create waves of change. Abby further delves into the benefits of educators forming connections with legislators, resulting in a more seamless educational policy process.
Discussion progresses to the topic of 'Disagree Better,' an initiative aimed at promoting healthier dialogues, particularly within the educational sector. The philosophy stresses the importance of engaging in difficult conversations, understanding differing views, and acknowledging disagreements as opportunities for growth. The phrase, "Tell me more about why you think that," symbolizes a tool for navigating these tricky exchanges.
Further into the conversation, the significance of emotional intelligence in fostering strong relationships in the education arena is emphasized. The potency of the 'Disagree Better' campaign is shown along with the transformation that occurs in classrooms where amicable discourse takes place. The focus shifts to the vital role of educators in fostering future leaders who possess not just academic proficiency, but also important life skills such as critical thinking.
The discussion concludes by acknowledging the worldwide network of teachers and their extraordinary mission of shaping future generations. Join the lively conversation and get a glimpse of educational transformation in action.
Related links:
The S4K Talks podcast can be found on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Meikel Reece (Emotional & Relational Intelligence Consultant & Utah Influencer), joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox to talk about how social justice was a fundamental aspect of her home growing up in Provo, UT., her desire to fit in with a predominantly white community when she was younger while being biracial, and how she learned to belong and feel at home with who she is.
Then we talk about Meikel’s passion for teaching emotional intelligence, learning to understand and process the emotions that we experience, and some strategies for acknowledging our triggers and taking control of them.
Lastly, we dive into the concerns surrounding trigger behaviors that negatively influence us, and why emotional intelligence can help communities disagree better.
Related Links
Instagram: @meikelreece
Permission to Feel by Mark Bracket
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Vanessa Quigley (Cofounder of Chatbooks and Host of The MomForce Podcast), joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox to talk about moving back to Utah with her husband, Nate, to help build Chatbooks, how chasing her dreams of becoming an International opera singer shifted once Chatbooks started to take off, and the first viral video that helped put Chatbooks on the map.
Vanessa also opens up about the impact that Chatbooks has had on strengthening her relationship with her husband, how the family has helped contribute to the company over the years, and what’s next for Chatbooks.
Then we talk about Vanessa being named Miss Utah USA despite not being from Utah and some of the challenges that are not often talked about with adult parenting.
Related Links
Chatbooks: https://chatbooks.com/
The MomForce Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-momforce-podcast-hosted-by-chatbooks/id1464755075
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Superintendent Mark Ernst (Tooele County School District) and Charlie Roberts (Assistant Coach for Tooele High School) join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox to talk about many of the challenges that teachers face nowadays, how social media has impacted the classroom, and the impact that Unified Sports has had on the schools throughout Tooele County.
Then Superintendent Ernst talks about the inclusion that has come with the introduction of Unified Sports, bridging the differences between regular and special ed experiences in the classroom, and the lifelong friendships that are built through Unified Sports.
Related Links
Special Olympics Utah: https://sout.org/
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In the third episode of our Educator Well-Being series, our hosts are joined by Rachael Black, a WGU graduate and award-winning teacher. Together they explore some of the unique challenges facing rural educators – from funding models and policies that can sometimes skew toward urban schools, to helping educators get access to the services they need to address mental and physical health concerns. Rachael shares some of her innovative practices that fully use available resources, including regional grant funding. She also discusses the importance of collaborative learning groups among educators to build communities of practice that support each other and share knowledge, which is especially important as rural educators often teach more than one subject. Listen to learn about the positive outcomes of educators maintaining a growth mindset.
Related Links
WGU Website: https://www.wgu.edu/about/governance/teachers-college/educator-well-being-from-principles-to-practice-podcast.html#
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6maVMdcovrU
About Rachael Black
Rachael Black is a passionate educator with a strong commitment to transforming education in rural communities. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from WGU since 2016, Rachael is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology. With an impressive eight years of teaching experience, she has been recognized for her outstanding contributions, including a nomination for New Teacher of the Year and winning an Innovative Teaching Award from Aledo (Texas) Independent School District.
Rachael's dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she has successfully secured over $160,000 in educational grants for innovative teaching projects. As a published author, Rachael shares her insights and experiences, advocating for accessible education for all. She has spoken before the Texas Senate in support of a bill aimed at increasing financial aid for adult learners. Rachael's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences and championing educational equity in rural settings.
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Mariluz Cook (Miss Utah USA, Sports Broadcaster, and Host), joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about sharing her culture with others as a Cuban-American, her decision to move to Utah from Florida to pursue sports broadcasting, and where her passion for sports originated when she was younger.
Then Mariluz talks about her experience being selected to host the Rising Stars and All-Star Saturday night during NBA All-Star weekend last year, how competing in pageants helped persuade her to chase a dream of public speaking, and why she was hesitant to pursue Miss Utah USA as a known broadcaster to avoid being put into a box.
Lastly, we talk about Mariluz’s experiences in a male-dominated field, some of the amazing women who have paved the way to propel others in the sports landscape, and how approaching an opportunity with a, “Why Not Me?” attitude can help build the confidence to chase your dreams.
Related Links
Mariluz Cook: https://www.mariluzcook.com/
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