First Lady & Friends
117 episodes - English - Latest episode: 28 days ago - ★★★★★ - 32 ratingsJoin Utah’s First Lady Abby Cox and her friends for timely and candid conversations with fascinating people with unique perspectives in an effort to unite us all through our common humanity. Each week, Abby dives into discussions on topics ranging from education to motherhood to mental health and beyond.
Abby is an outspoken advocate for “getting proximate” with people who have different viewpoints, and using her platform as Utah’s First Lady to combat the empathy crisis our country is facing.
Come along with us as we journey to bring courage, compassion and connection back into our homes and communities... and have a lot of fun along the way! THANK YOU for being our friend.
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Episodes
Understand and Master Emotional Intelligence with Meikel Reece
March 21, 2024 06:55 - 50 minutes - 44.2 MBMeikel 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 an...
Vanessa Quigley on the Success of Chatbooks, the Importance of Family, and Adult Parenting
March 14, 2024 06:13 - 47 minutes - 41.4 MBVanessa 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 husb...
The Undeniable Impact of Unified Sports in Tooele Schools with Superintendent Mark Ernst and Charlie Roberts
March 08, 2024 07:10 - 33 minutes - 30.1 MBSuperintendent 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 differe...
Supporting Rural Educators
February 08, 2024 07:24 - 36 minutes - 32.6 MBIn 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 res...
Mariluz Cook on Hosting NBA All-Star Weekend 2023, Being Named Miss Utah USA, and Excelling in a Male-Dominated Field
February 02, 2024 07:26 - 52 minutes - 46.4 MBMariluz 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 ...
Advocating For Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education With The Policy Project
January 18, 2024 07:22 - 48 minutes - 42.2 MBEmily Bell McCormick (Founder & President), Mary Catherine Perry (Director of Policy & Government Affairs), and Kristin Andrus (Community Champion) from The Policy Project join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about the originations of The Policy Project, the group's efforts to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, and the legislative steps the organization is taking to ensure that all K-6 students receive sexual abuse prevention education through The Safe Child Pro...
Helping Others Achieve Their Dreams with 2023 Spirit of Service Award Recipient – Jared Quan
January 12, 2024 07:51 - 59 minutes - 52.7 MBJared Quan (Award-Winning, Best-Selling Author) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about being a 2023 Utah Governor Spirit of Service Award Recipient, his work with non-profits throughout the state, and his passion for inspiring others who are interested in reading and writing. Jared also shares some of his favorite authors and how his time driving for Lift to pay for expenses that accrued from his son’s heart condition inspired his book, “Lifted: Adventures in...
Our 2023 Review with Sarah Allred!
December 28, 2023 07:39 - 43 minutes - 38.2 MBSarah Allred (Director of First Lady Initiatives) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to recap some of our favorite moments of the year which include the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, various service projects, and the ways we’ve been connecting with our youth to help promote positive change in our communities. Then we dive into our latest Care Communities project that we’ve been working on to help provide support for our foster families and what we’ve learned f...
The Hope Behind ‘Garbage Bag Girl’ & The Christmas Box House with Celeste Edmunds & Richard Paul Evans
December 21, 2023 07:34 - 43 minutes - 38.4 MBCeleste Edmunds (The Christmas Box Executive Director, Co-Author of Garbage Bag Girl) and Richard Paul Evans (Author, The Christmas Box Founder, Co-Author of Garbage Bag Girl) join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about Celeste’s story of publishing ‘Garbage Bag Girl’, sharing her story of survival after being adopted by an abusive family as a child, and the hope and inspiration behind ‘Garbage Bag Girl’. Then Richard opens up about the origination of The Christmas ...
Helping Others Through Light the World with Aaron Hall
December 14, 2023 07:55 - 36 minutes - 32.2 MBAaron Hall (Missionary Department Director for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about how his upbringing taught him the importance of helping others, his journey to joining the Missionary department for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and various ways that parents can help prepare their children to be a successful service missionary. We also talk about the Light the World event that took over Ti...
Curtis Bennett on inspiring, motivating, and engaging with One Kind Act a Day
December 08, 2023 07:26 - 44 minutes - 39.2 MBCurtis Bennett (Executive Director at One Kind Act a Day) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about the creation behind One Kind Act a Day and how the organization is focused on introducing kindness throughout early education to create positive change in society, one kind act at a time. Then we dive into the science behind the psychological effects that follow negative thoughts and actions, the positive effects that come along with being kind and helping others, ...
Solving Conflict and Disagreeing Better with Steve Young
November 21, 2023 21:15 - 48 minutes - 43 MBSteve Young (Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback) joined Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, and Governor, Spencer Cox, last month to share his experiences and views on solving conflict and disagreeing better with each other at this year's Fall One Utah Summit. The audio quality is less than what you're used to but we're sure you'll love the conversation!
Thriving Teachers, Schools, and Communities
November 17, 2023 16:53 - 37 minutes - 33.7 MBEducator Well-Being: From Principles to Practice Podcast This podcast is brought to you by Utah First Lady Abby Cox and Western Governors University Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Education Dr. Stacey Ludwig Johnson, facilitated by Marty Carpenter of Northbound Strategy. This limited series focuses on supporting teachers nationwide by providing strategies and resources to help educators thrive. This podcast is designed as a discussion forum wi...
Presenting Your Best Self and Becoming an Advocate for Change with Sarah Sun, Miss Utah 2023
November 10, 2023 08:25 - 54 minutes - 48 MBSarah Sun (Miss Utah 2023) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about her experience growing up as a Chinese-American in Cedar City, UT, Utah’s first monument honoring Chinese railroad workers that’s set to be displayed on the southeast lawn of the state capitol, and how her mother’s desire to be more fluent in English helped inspire Sarah to be passionate about her education. Then we dive into Amy Chua’s book, ‘Political Tribes’, the correlations between various ...
How the Utah PTA Sets Our Children Up for Success with Corey Fairholm
November 03, 2023 06:20 - 44 minutes - 38.6 MBCorey Fairholm (Utah PTA President) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about how she initially got interested in the Utah PTA, the need for parents to be more involved with their children’s education to give their children the best chance at success, and why there are always opportunities to help serve our kids through the PTA. Corey also talks about how the PTA is bringing support to schools and communities throughout the state, the work that the PTA board puts...
The Importance of Healthy Learning and Working Environments for Teachers
October 19, 2023 23:12 - 31 minutes - 27.7 MBEducator Well-Being: From Principles to Practice Podcast This podcast is brought to you by Utah First Lady Abby Cox and Western Governors University Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Education Dr. Stacey Ludwig Johnson, facilitated by Marty Carpenter of Northbound Strategy. This limited series focuses on supporting teachers nationwide by providing strategies and resources to help educators thrive. This podcast is designed as a discussion forum wi...
How The Ron Clark Academy is Transforming the Classroom with Michael Bonner
October 10, 2023 17:49 - 51 minutes - 46.1 MBMichael Bonner (Teacher at the Ron Clark Academy, International Speaker, CEO of Bonnerville) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about developing ways for students to be passionate about the process of learning, how the Ron Clark Academy is transforming the classroom, and why pouring love into students is so important for their growth in and outside of the classroom. We also talk about the challenges that Michael faces in the education system, some of the ways th...
Talking All Things Utah Nonprofits with Saru Ramanan
October 06, 2023 06:10 - 45 minutes - 39.5 MBSaru Ramanan (Manager of Marketing and Communication at the Utah Nonprofits Association) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about feeling a sense of home as soon as she moved to Utah, bridging connections across different cultures and communities, and the root of her passion for working with nonprofits. Then we talk about how nonprofits collaborating with each other have the ability to create great opportunities for our communities, the competition that arises ...
From Silicon Valley Entrepreneur to Humanitarian Advocate with Amy Antonelli
September 21, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 54.2 MBAmy Antonelli (CEO of Humanitarian Experience, Inc.) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about her experience working in the Silicon Valley boom, the impact that Steve Jobs had on her passion for creating positive change, and how a natural disaster completely shifted her mindset towards helping others. Amy also opens up about her experience working in the leprosy colonies that existed throughout India while working with Rising Star Outreach, being invited by Mark...
Giving service on this year's 9/11 Days of Service with Curtis Bennett
September 07, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 40.8 MBCurtis Bennett (Co-chair of JustServe) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to share his experience growing up in Mesa, AZ, and to talk about how mentors he gained in Mesa made an incredible impact on his work ethic. Curtis also shares the lessons he and his family learned while living in Santiago, Chile, learning to be successful in the business sector, and why it's so fundamental to find a positive mentor in life to promote healthy personal growth. Then we dive into j...
Love, Belonging, and Service: How Volunteerism Can Counteract Hate and Foster Unity with Mike Moon
August 31, 2023 06:00 - 44 minutes - 39.3 MBMike Moon (Associate Director at UServeUtah) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to discuss finding his passion for volunteerism, pursuing a career in higher education, and introducing volunteerism to students of all ages. We also talk about UServeUtah's impact on volunteerism throughout Utah, the bond built among communities when people come together to help serve each other, and the benefits we receive when we bake service and volunteerism into activities that we alrea...
National Governor's Association and 'Disagree Better' with Gov. Spencer Cox
August 17, 2023 23:35 - 57 minutes - 51 MBIn this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Gov. Spencer Cox to talk about some life updates, their recent trip to Atlantic City, NJ for the National Governor's Association where the governor was elected chair of the NGA, and the importance of building bipartisan relationships with other governors throughout the country. Then we talk about the 2023-2024 NGA Chair's Initiative, Disagree Better, an initiative that will address being better about disagr...
Sharon Eubank on the need for humanitarian aid and service in our communities
August 03, 2023 21:33 - 34 minutes - 29.5 MBIn this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Sharon Eubank (Director of Humanitarian Services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) to talk about what she learned from teaching English as a second language in Japan after graduating from BYU, her passion for service and helping others, and the different types of humanitarian aid that she has been a part of throughout her career. We also dive into some of the service opportunities that ar...
Katie Donoviel on improving English language skills with the English Skills Learning Center
July 27, 2023 06:00 - 41 minutes - 35.8 MBIn this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Katie Donoviel (Executive Director of the English Skills Learning Center) to talk about why becoming a teacher was such an important goal of hers growing up, how she was introduced to the English Skills Learning Center and the English language learning programs that the ESLC provides for low-income adult immigrants and refugees. We also dive into how trauma can often impact meaningful learning, some of the ...
Stephen LeFevre on World Trade Center Utah's impact throughout the state
July 21, 2023 06:00 - 45 minutes - 39.8 MBIn this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Stephen LeFevre (Chief of Staff, Director of Strategic and Foreign Affairs with World Trade Center Utah) to talk about his passion for international affairs, his experience with attending graduate school in New York City during COVID, and WTC Utah's impact on the state. We also talk about WTC Utah's focus on making Utah a prominent state globally, how trade missions help Utah businesses grow, and what we c...
Trade mission recap, 2023 Special Olympics World Games, and TED Talks with Kirsten Rappleye and Sarah Allred
June 29, 2023 22:06 - 47 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Kirsten Rappleye (Director of First Lady’s Initiatives) and Sarah Allred (Deputy Director of First Lady's Initiatives) to talk about the First Lady's recent trade mission to Europe, attending the opening ceremonies for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, and what our TED Talks would be if we were to give one. We also talk about this year's Governor's Mansion Artist Awards, a few of our favorite...
Dehenna Davison shares how Levelling Up aims to create equal opportunities throughout the UK
June 23, 2023 06:00 - 50 minutes - 22.4 MBUtah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Dehenna Davison (MP for Bishop Auckland & Levelling Up Minister) to talk about learning proper work ethic from her father at an early age in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, how the sudden passing of her father shaped her formative years, and becoming one of the youngest female Members of Parliament (MPs) at twenty-six years old. We also dive into the dangers of social media organically producing political echo chambers, how L...
Julie Castle on how Best Friends is changing the future for pets in shelters
June 08, 2023 06:00 - 43 minutes - 19.1 MBUtah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Julie Castle (CEO, Best Friends Animal Society) to talk about how rural Utah naturally embodies Utahns with an entrepreneurial spirit and the moment she decided she was going to give up her career in law and politics to move to Kanab and work for Best Friends. Julie shares what her jobs were while working for Best Friends during her early years there, how Best Friends' is leading the "no-kill" movement, and why Michael Vick's dog...
Pam Hayes and Jay Francis on reducing bullying with Stand 4 Kind
June 02, 2023 06:00 - 40 minutes - 17.8 MBUtah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Pam Hayes (Founder, Stand 4 Kind) and Jay Francis (Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Miller Family Philanthropy) to talk about how Stand 4 Kind is tackling bullying in schools throughout the state, some of the programs involved within the curriculum, and the impact that cyberbullying and social media is having on our students. Then we talk about how the data on bullying is consistently shifting how Stand 4 Kind approac...
Showing up for foster care with Liz Rivera and Deborah Lindner on the Fostering Conversations podcast
May 25, 2023 15:23 - 28 minutes - 12.6 MBUtah's First Lady Abby Cox and Utah Governor Spencer Cox join Liz Rivera (Director of Education) and Deborah Lindner (Director of Communications) with Utah Foster Care on the Fostering Conversations podcast this week to talk about all things Utah foster care. We've heard from countless foster families, teens and children about what the state of Utah can do to Show Up for Foster Care and in this week's episode we talk about some of our goals for improving the lives of ch...
Advertising for a better world with Steve Wright
May 18, 2023 06:00 - 38 minutes - 16.8 MBUtah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Steve Wright (Vice President at Boncom) to talk about finding his passion for advertising at an early age, how he adapted to moving from Canada to Springville, Utah as a sixteen year old, and what he learned from moving to New York City after graduating from Brigham Young University. We also talk about Boncom's drive for advertising that focuses on making a positive impact throughout the state, how the advertising and marketing la...
Emily Cloke talks about “The Big Help Out” and the coronation of Charles III and Camilla
May 11, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 20.2 MBUtah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Emily Cloke (British Consul General in Los Angeles) to talk about “The Big Help Out” service project, how we're celebrating teachers in the state, and why championing the youth is such a fundamental topic in the UK. We also talk about the long-lasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, why service and community flourished during the various lockdowns, and how education helped inspire Emily's passion for pursuing law and politics....
Caring for our autistic friends after 21 with Sumiko Martinez and Nathan Anderson
May 04, 2023 23:27 - 47 minutes - 20.9 MBUtah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Sumiko Martinez (Director of Autism After 21 Utah Project, Madison House Autism Foundation) and Nathan Anderson (Sr. Director of Public Affairs at Union Pacific and father of two sons on the Autism Spectrum) to talk about their shared passions for promoting awareness for those who are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, programs that Autism After 21 is developing to be more neuroinclusive for those who are on the Autism spectrum,...
Shawn and Carrie Bradley at the One Utah Summit
April 28, 2023 16:31 - 29 minutes - 13.2 MBIn this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox and Utah Governor, Spencer Cox, have an amazing conversation with Shawn (former NBA star) and Carrie Bradley that took place at the One Utah Summit in October of last year. We dive into what it means to perservere through hardship, overcoming some of the mental health struggles that the two have experienced, and the joys of blending a family together. You can get involved in the One Utah Summit by visiting https://oneu...
Building cultural bridges with friends from the Emerald Hills Institute
April 20, 2023 06:00 - 48 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by friends from the Emerald Hills Institute to talk about what Ramadan means to them, their experiences with honoring Ramadan during school, and various ways that Utah has been a welcoming place for Muslim traditions and a few ways that the state can be more inclusive. We also talk about why it's so important to share our cultural and religous experiences to better understand all of Utah's amazing communities,...
Emily Auman opens up about her son, Everett, being diagnosed with Kleefstra syndrome
April 13, 2023 06:00 - 38 minutes - 16.7 MBIn this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Emily Auman, who talks about the moment she found out that her son, Everett, had been diagnosed with Kleefstra syndrome. She also shares how she found solace in knowing that there would always be a place for Everett, and how we should constantly be re-evaluating our expectations for our children. Emily also opens up about Everett's experience with growing up with friends through Special Olympics, why the se...
Vinay Kalva & Anagha Rao share how teens can live healthier lifestyles with Live Well Teens
April 06, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Vinay Kalva & Anagha Rao to talk about the inspiration behind their committment to service, their decision to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and who have been their biggest influences in their education and dedication to service. Then we talk about the the inspiration behind Live Well Teens, what their researching process looks like, and why they decided to target the physical, mental,...
Show Up for Teachers 2023 with Sally Steed, Lynette Cloward, and Sarah Allred
March 30, 2023 06:00 - 48 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Sally Steed (Vice President of Sales at Deseret News), Lynnette Cloward (Director of Events at Utah Business), and Sarah Allred (Deputy Director of First Lady's Initiatives) to talk about our upcoming second annual Show Up for Teachers educator wellness conference on July 19th, 2023!! We also talk about the complimenting gala at the Grand America sponsored by Deseret News and Utah Business and why it's so im...
The latest Show Up recap with Kirsten Rappleye and Sarah Allred
March 24, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 12.9 MBIn this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Kirsten Rappleye (Director of First Lady’s Initiatives) and Sarah Allred (Deputy Director of First Lady's Initiatives) to recap the past couple of major events from our Show Up initiatives including some of the amazing moments from unified sports with Weber State University and the Utah Jazz and the need to continuously raise awareness surrounding our foster families throughout the state. We also dive into ...
Megan Johnson on the origination of The Emily Effect and remembering her sister Emily
March 16, 2023 22:53 - 37 minutes - 16.1 MBMegan Johnson (Co-founder of The Emily Effect) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about her sister, Emily, the origination of The Emily Effect, and what life was like for them growing up in Sanpete County. We also talk about the early signs of Postpartum Depression (PPD) that Emily experienced, why sharing Emily's story is so important to spread awareness surrounding PPD, and some of the best resources available for those who may be experiencing symptoms of PDD....
Sherry Cutler on the unique experience of being the spouse of an elected official
March 09, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 15.7 MBSherry Cutler joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about meeting her husband, Rep. Paul Cutler (Utah State Legislature House District 18), her passion for teaching, and their family's journey to becoming a representative in the legislature. We also talk about Sherry's experience being a spouse of a new representative during the legislative session and working together to create foster family connection kits and Valentine's Day gifts for foster children. See our w...
Courtnie Worthen on all things Inclusion Week with Special Olympics Utah
March 03, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes - 16.8 MBCourtnie Worthen (Director of Unified Champion Schools) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about her passion for unified sports, how Special Olympics has helped her grow as a person, and some of the most memorable moments from the USA Games. Then we dive into the importance of Inclusion Week, some of the great events that have taken place throughout the state to celebrate the inclusion of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and how we can use...
J.W. Davies on unified sports and further education for high school graduates with intellectual disabilities
February 16, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 19.7 MBJ.W. Davies (Co-Founder & Tax Partner of Davies + Allen) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about finding success in business throughout the state, the moment he learned that his newborn son, Tate, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, and the importance that unified sports has had on so many athletes with intellectual disabilities. We also talk about how the inclusion of unified sports in the education system can have a massive impact on the social growth of a stud...
Encouraging diversity, equity and human rights with the MLK Commission
January 12, 2023 16:58 - 49 minutes - 21.6 MBMembers of the Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and to talk about the commission's goals of advocating for and supporting underserved communities throughout the state of Utah. We also discuss how the murder of George Floyd was a tipping point in society that has led to countless moments of self-reflection and exploratory conversations within our communities to bring us clos...
A Christmas anniversary/reunion with the friends!
December 22, 2022 07:00 - 53 minutes - 23.6 MBUtah Governor Spencer Cox, Owen Fuller (CEO at Marq), Kirsten Rappleye (Director of First Lady's initiatives), and Jon Cox (Principal at Utah Public Affairs) join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to reminisce about Spencer and Abby's first time meeting each other, what dating in a small town looked like, and what all of the friends have been up to since the last time we got together. Then we dive into all things Utah Jazz including the surprises of the season so far and Wil...
Heather Vanboerum on finding forgiveness following an accident that would leave her a double amputee
December 08, 2022 22:59 - 49 minutes - 21.6 MBHeather Vanboerum joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about her passion for being outside and enjoying nature with her family, as well as the accident that took place in a Costco parking lot that would ultimately leave her on the verge of death and a double amputee. Heather also opens up about forgiveness helped her move forward throughout her journey, her physical and mental approach towards recovering from the accident, and immersing herself into the amputee co...
Jeremy Cunningham on positive mentors, finding his career stride, and raising awareness for Alzheimer's disease
December 01, 2022 16:13 - 45 minutes - 19.8 MBJeremy Cunningham (Public Policy Director with the Alzheimer’s Association, Utah Chapter) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about how the growth in technology has made an impact on the mental health of our youth, moving to Utah with nothing to his name, and the impact that his grandparents had on his life growing up. We also dive into his background in marketing and public relations, the impact that positive mentors can have on your career, and how Jeremy's car...
Elizabeth Petterson on being a "lived experience expert" and getting involved in foster care
November 17, 2022 07:00 - 47 minutes - 21 MBElizabeth Petterson joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about growing up in Minnesota with a single-parent household, building resilience and independence through the foster care system, and learning to be a child once she was adopted out of the system by her aunt and uncle. Then we dive into our recent trip to Washington D.C. to speak with the Department of Human Services about some of the experiences with foster care in the state of Utah and to advocate for th...
Kara Bachman shares how USU's food pantry is helping fight against food insecurity
November 11, 2022 07:00 - 47 minutes - 20.9 MBKara Bachman (Food Security Program Coordinator for the Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC) at Utah State University) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about the experiences growing up that inspired her to pursue nutrition, food security, and social justice. We also talk about some of the main factors contributing to a rise in USU's food pantry usage, how local food pantries contribute to the student population, and other services that are available to comba...
Matilyn Mortensen on the evolving state of journalism
November 10, 2022 07:00 - 38 minutes - 16.7 MBMatilyn Mortensen (Writer for @UUtah Communications & Host of "This is Not a Back-up Plan Podcast") joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about struggling to admit that pursuing journalism could be an achievable goal for herself, how journalism has evolved over the past couple of years, and where traditional media helps bridge together communities. Then we talk about Matilyn's decision to use her journalism background to create, "This is Not a Back-up Plan Podcast"...