Talk! with Audrey

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month which is a time to remind Americans of the importance of screening and early detection. The Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Center has developed a leading, comprehensive colonoscopy quality improvement program focused on improving screening rates and ensuring that all patients who undergo screening colonoscopy get the highest quality care. We talk about the importance of regular screening, what the signs and symptoms may be and strides made in treatments.

What does a successful life look like? More importantly, how can one lay a solid ground on which to build that life? Tom Lewis, founder and CEO of T.W. Lewis Company, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based real estate investment company, takes on these questions and challenges popular myths about what it means to live a fruitful life.

Can you look back at your life and say you have no regrets? Are you bogged down by the meaningless complexities of the world? In his witty, conversational book, Let's Talk, debut author Art Rios wants to make sure his readers know that it's never too late to make your life exciting, easier, and exceptional.

Dr. Kevin L. Schewe, a board-certified cancer specialist who has been in the private practice of radiation oncology for over 33 years, is an entrepreneur, and author of Bad Love Tigers a sequel to this first novel Bad Love Strikes. He chronicles the adventures of 1970's teenagers time-traveling through a dark time in history, with the adventurous hope of youth, laced with the unforgettable music of the 1960s and 1970s.

According to serial entrepreneur Scott Andrew, "Success is yours if you want it to be," who along with wife Daphne, has built more than thirty different national and international businesses in the multi-million-dollar playing field. Now he's telling you how he did it, in his new book, The Rugged Entrepreneur, What Every Disruptive Business Leader Should Know.

Since Ingrid Newkirk founded PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in 1980, it has become an unstoppable force and the largest animal rights organization in the world. She joins me now to talk about her latest book Animal-kind explores the richness of animals' lives, talents, emotions, and intelligence, and how we humans can act to prevent harming them.

The COVID pandemic has created unprecedented circumstances for our schools and our students. My guest is President and Founder of the Connecticut Parents Union Gwen Samuel we talk about their #GetSchooled campaign and the community's overwhelming support for innovative public schools.

Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the U.S. and the most prevalent among African Americans. It is also the blood cancer with the greatest racial disparity in incidence and prevalence; Black Americans are not only at twice the risk of developing this type of cancer when compared to white Americans and other ethnic groups, they are also more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age.My guests are Laura Ortiz-Ravick, Senior Manager of Outreach & Health Promotion at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and myeloma survivor Kelvin Yates.

With many families having everyone home for every meal, many are looking for unique meal ideas and bold flavors to mix up meal planning. Look no further than the frozen food aisle at your local supermarket. Chef Jamie Gwen joins me now with some of the most useful items to keep in your freezer and provide tips on how to turn them into a unique and satisfying meal.

Lupus nephritis or LN is a debilitating kidney disease that disproportionally affects the Black community, partially due to Black individuals being at a much higher risk of developing severe manifestations following a systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE diagnosis. Joining me to talk about the challenges of living with and treating LN, the racial disparities currently present in the healthcare system, and the future landscape for the treatment of LN, Dr. James Tumlin, Professor of Medicine, Emory University and founder and medical director of the NephroNet Clinical Trials Consortium and Victoria Gibbs, a meditation and yoga instructor, wellness influencer and LN patient.

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men in the U.S., it is more common, aggressive and deadly among Black men, compared to other racial groups. In fact, one in seven Black men will be diagnosed with the disease. Surgeon and urologist, Dr. Arnold Bullock and radiation oncologist Dr. Lannis Hall join me with important information on what all men, especially Black men, should know about prostate cancer.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a devastating inherited blood disorder that occurs in 1 out of every 365 African American births, impacting more than 100,000 people in the U.S. The community has been severely impacted by the pandemic, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listing SCD as one of the populations most vulnerable to severe illness and death from COVID-19. Joining me to talk about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on those with SCD, and the importance of receiving the vaccine to ensure patients can effectively manage this chronic illness, Lakesha Dickerson, a family nurse practitioner and Sickle Cell Disease patient and Dr. Biree Andemariam, founding director of the New England Sickle Cell Institute (NESCI) at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Rare diseases affect nearly 30 million Americans each year. One rare, progressive kidney disease, known as Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), is the most common, rare, inherited kidney disorder you've likely never heard of. My guest is Nephrologist, Dr. Meyeon Park, Director of UCSF Polycystic Kidney Disease Center of Excellence, she shares the signs, symptoms and impact that ADPKD has on the kidneys.

The flu is a very common but potentially serious illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. As many as 45 million Americans can get the virus each year, but even people who are vaccinated could still get the flu. Dr. CASEY LAFFERTY, Medical Director at Health First joins me to talk about what to do if you get it, how to protect yourself and your family and about a new preventive option people 12 years of age and older can take if they come into contact with someone who has the flu.

Digital currency is the wave of the future and central banks around the world are weighing introducing a new kind of money – one that will allow us to transact in our digital world, safely and securely by using central bank digital currency (CBDC.) Joining me to talk about digital currency and the wave of financial innovation it might bring forward, David Treat, senior managing director Global Blockchain and Multiparty Systems Lead, at Accenture.

According to the American Diabetes Association, about half of all people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage. Joining me to talk about diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the signs, symptoms and risks, Dr. Nicole Reardon, a board certified podiatric surgeon who practices at the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Francisco. Dr. Reardon is an expert in limb preservation and advanced wound care and oversees the limb preservation clinic and is a member of two wound care committees at the SFVA Medical Center; for one of which she sits as co-chair.

The K-12 education scene underwent considerable change over the past year, with unprecedented numbers of families considering new schools. Andrew Campanella, President of National School Choice Week, joins me to discuss how school choice can level the playing field, bringing info and options to parents.

The birth of a child is a joyous occasion for an entire family. For the families of the more than 150,000 American babies are born with a birth defect each year, it also brings fear and uncertainty. Pioneering fetal surgeon Dr. Scott Adzick, Surgeon-In-Chief at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia specializes in treating these babies' unique needs – including surgical procedures when they are still in the womb. He joins me to talk about how fetal surgery can help save and better the lives of many children worldwide.

Dr. Lance Okeke is an infectious disease specialist and COVID-19 site principal investigator for the ACTIV-2 clinical trial at Duke University. We talk about the historical mistrust of clinical trials among Black communities, the clinical trial and who's eligible to participate in the study. In April, 2020 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) public-private partnership to develop a coordinated research strategy for prioritizing and speeding development of the most promising treatments and vaccines. You've no doubt heard about the vaccine to help prevent covid 19 infections, but there is also a need to find effective treatments for people with Covid 19. In this series you'll hear first hand from an infectious disease specialist, a community advisor and a clinical trial participant about the need to diversify the study to help save lives.

Tony Wafford - President and CEO of the I Choose Life Health and Wellness Center and Rise Above Covid Community Advisory Board member. Tony lost 5 family members to Covid-19. We talk about the racial inequities and the impact on Black communities and the ACTIV-2 treatment study clinical trial that is testing different investigational medicines to determine if they are safe and can help adults with COVID-19 get better. In April, 2020 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) public-private partnership to develop a coordinated research strategy for prioritizing and speeding development of the most promising treatments and vaccines. You've no doubt heard about the vaccine to help prevent covid 19 infections, but there is also a need to find effective treatments for people with Covid 19. In this series you'll hear first hand from an infectious disease specialist, a community advisor and a clinical trial participant about the need to diversify the study to help save lives.

Mike McDaniel, an ACTIV-2 treatment study clinical trial participant talks about his personal experience in the ACTIV-2 treatment study clinical trial and why he feels it's important to consider volunteering to diversify the study. His family of five, were all Covid positive. In April, 2020 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) public-private partnership to develop a coordinated research strategy for prioritizing and speeding development of the most promising treatments and vaccines. You've no doubt heard about the vaccine to help prevent covid 19 infections, but there is also a need to find effective treatments for people with Covid 19. In this series you'll hear first hand from an infectious disease specialist, a community advisor and a clinical trial participant about the need to diversify the study to help save lives.

Small businesses are the heart of our country and they have been hit especially hard during the Coronavirus pandemic. Christina Tosi, a James Beard award-winning pastry chef and founder of Milk Bar, has information about the Made for More Small Business Fund, a new initiative from Ball Canning to celebrate and honor small businesses and provide monetary funds to help them grow.

It's no surprise that the kitchen is the heart of the home. And, while this holiday season may look a little different for many, there are still ways to stay connected through food and technology. Food and Lifestyle Expert Whitney Bond joins me now with ways to optimise your time in order to connect with loved ones over the holidays in new and creative ways.

As friends and family consider what their holiday plans may look like, the American Medical Association (AMA) wants to remind Americans that there are precautions we can take to ensure a healthy Holiday Season in 2020, with tips to help you celebrate the holiday's safely, Dr. Susan Bailey, President of the American Medical Association.

As this difficult year draws to a close, many Americans are taking stock of their economic situation and financial habits, with the goal of starting 2021 on sound footing. Setting yourself up for financial success requires an ongoing commitment. Lorrie Asker, Regional President of Idaho and Eastern Washington for First Interstate Bank joins me with a four step plan to help you reach financial success.

Sharon Miller, Head of Small Business at Bank of America, joins me now to discuss the impact of the pandemic on small business owners and the results of the 2020 Bank of America Small Business Owner Report, a study exploring the concerns, aspirations and perspectives of more than 1,000 small business owners across the country.

Lifestyle Expert Carmen Ordoñez has some great last-minute shopping tips, picking out unique stocking stuffers, which tech items are trending and more.

Many people living with diabetes struggle to afford their insulin. In response to this problem, Lilly has launched a nationwide grassroots campaign called Insulin Affordability:Learn. Act. Share. Beginning Jan. 2021, people enrolled in participating Medicare Part D plans, those with commercial insurance or uninsured, can access Lilly insulin for $35 per monthly prescription. Wade Neucks, Director of the Patient Affordability Solutions Team at Lilly Diabetes is my guest.

In a typical year, there are over 17 million surgeries in the U.S. – all resulting in surgical incision wounds. As elective surgeries continue to resume, it's critical that surgical incision wounds heal properly. November is Healthy Skin Month and joining me, renowned dermatologist, Dr. Jeanine Downie, with more on this important topic.

Nearly 65 million Americans experience bladder leaks in one form or another, the lack of conversation often inhibits people from taking the necessary steps to help manage incontinence. In honor of Men's Heath Awareness Month, the Depend brand is partnering with Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Mark Teixeira and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) for the Stand Strong for Men's Health campaign, an initiative to destigmatize male incontinence.

For 14 years, the Coors Light Líderes program has recognized, highlighted and honored the achievements of emerging Latino leaders through an online public voting competition, a national campaign, and robust community outreach. Richard Montez, the Director of Member Services at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities was named the 2020 Coors Light Líder of the Year.

According to a recent study, black founders of companies receive less than 1% of all venture capital funding, which in the U.S. alone, totaled approximately $130 billion. A Kauffman Foundation analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data found that 28% of Black entrepreneurs' profits were limited by lack of access to capital. Accenture has launched the Black Founders Development Program, and the Black Founders Development Fund. Kathryn Ross, Open Innovation Global Lead and Black Founders Development Program Lead at Accenture is my guest.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority registered countless voters for this year's election. The organization celebrated its Founders' Day, this month, marking 98 years of dedication to sisterhood, scholarship and service. Chapters across the globe celebrated to commemorate the organization's recent achievements, outline its goals for the future and its illustrious legacy. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, International Grand Basileus, Rasheeda S. Liberty joins me to talk about the 98 year anniversary of the Sorority and how it was instrumental in mobilizing women in this year's election.

As an undoubtedly stressful year winds down, there is no better time for you to take a break and relax with easy techniques that can be done at home that will help beat stress, reduce anxiety and relax muscle tension. Joining me now with her favorite - and sometimes unexpected - ways for people to maintain their overall wellness from the inside out. Health and Wellness Expert, & Celebrity Fitness Trainer, Founder of The Breath Zone and Water for Wellness Council Member Rebecca Kordecki.

According to the Salvation Army, Before the pandemic, one in six Americans were already living in poverty, and more than 70% of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck. While everyone has been impacted by the current outbreak, people living in poverty are feeling the effects quicker and more significantly. With more people facing hardship this year, the need to serve those most vulnerable is greater than ever. Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, National Commander, The Salvation Army joins me to talk about what they are doing to help serve those in need this holiday season and beyond.

Every October, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to make changes to their health benefits during Medicare's Annual Enrolment Period (AEP). Seniors 65 and older concerned about being exposed to COVID-19 still have ways to shop during AEP without leaving their homes. Shannon Adams, Medicare Advantage expert; head of customer experience at Cigna has tips to help you navigate the Medicare Annual Election Period during the pandemic and getting the most out of your plan.

Are you struggling when it comes to understanding and saving money? 2020 has been a year unlike any other in recent memory. For many, it has placed a renewed emphasis on the importance of smart financial planning and money management. As we look forward to 2021, Cetera Financial's David Treece, has some tips to help you manage your money in uncertain times.

Preparing for back-to-school during an unprecedented time has certainly been challenging for parents and caregivers. For those who have been overwhelmed at the prospect of what their kids will need for the new school landscape, Lifestyle Journalist and Mom Julie Loffredi, has tips for any situation that can make your everyday routine a bit easier.

The need to rethink how the world creates, consumes and disposes of materials has never been more clear -- from storing energy more efficiently, to removing CO2 from the atmosphere and growing food more sustainably. Solomon Assefa, VP of IBM Research, Africa and Emerging Market Solutions joins me to talk about IBM's annual 5 in 5.

As the fall season approaches, many families are readying their homes for routine safety checks and home maintenance. Lifestyle expert Martin Amado joins me with some simple precautions to keep in mind that will help you and your family enjoy the new season!

As client expectations continue to shift and face-to-face interactions are limited, companies have had to pivot quickly or improve upon their existing client care models to create more meaningful and personalized experiences in order to meet clients' changing needs. Joining me to celebrate National Customer Service Week, Holly O'Neill, Chief Client Care Executive, Bank of America, to talk about how clients and companies are both redefining the client experience.

From the day-to-day anxiety caused by global circumstances to the" new normal" of working from home many people are experiencing pain and health problems that are causing them to rethink their wellness routines. As spas, gyms and wellness centers re-open, all eyes are on how these businesses have adapted to the new normal and what strategies and protocols are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of returning customers. Massage Envy CEO, Beth Stiller talks about their new safety procedures and protocols.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that impacts approximately 2.3 million people worldwide. Here today to with information about relapsing forms of MS (RMS) and a new treatment option, is Dr. Robert Shin, Professor of Neurology at Georgetown University and Director of the Georgetown Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center, and Kerry, a patient living with RMS.

A recent survey from Ancestry found that nearly 60% of parents say that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased their interest in understanding their genetic health. They recently launched AncestryHealth, it's an advanced genetic testing technology designed to help people understand their risk for developing certain inheritable health conditions. My guest is Sarah South, vice president of laboratory sciences at Ancestry DNA.

Are you preparing to travel in this new normal? My guest today is lifestyle and travel correspondent, Amy Goodman. And she has the latest in local travel trends, and how to plan a safe and happy road trip for the family.

According to a new Edward Jones and Morning Consult study, since the COVID-19 pandemic has upended the education sector, Americans are reconsidering investing in higher education. My guest is Nela Richardson, a principal strategist for Edward Jones, we talk about the details of the survey, revealing concerns over education investment, and some tools that are currently available to help assist you with planning for college.

A camping experience can be invaluable for those burdened by childhood cancer, as it provides support and connection to others. On August 29th, Northwestern Mutual through its foundation and in collaboration with Lollipop Theater Network, united hundreds of children and families who are affected by childhood cancer for a one-of-a-kind virtual camp experience called the Ultimate Camp-In. to tell us all about it, Eric Christopherson, Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy and Community Relations, and President of Northwestern Mutual Foundation.

The 146th Kentucky Derby was held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.To protect against COVID-19 a series of guest safety protocols have been put in place, but much more needs to be done to protect horses at the track. Kathy Guillermo, SVP of PETA's horse racing department to talk about the changes PETA is trying to enact to protect horses at the country's racetracks and what you can do to help.

Cancer is not what parents imagine when they envision their son's or daughter's childhood. Researchers are now trying to develop even more personalized treatments that will target a child-specific cancer and reduce side effects. My guest today is Dr. Anne Reilly, a pediatric oncologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The school day will look much different this year and not just inside the classroom. Parents are also going to have a lot to juggle. Our guest today is Erica Souter, a nationally recognized voice in the realm of parenting news and parenting advice. She's going to share information with us about digital tools from Messenger and has some tips that we can use to stay socially connected and navigate this year's back to school season.