Make A Difference Minute: Representing Culture on the Big Screen

Make A Difference Minute: Finding Her Place in the Story

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have 11-year-old Alabama actress Gabby Davis as she shares about landing the lead role of Izzy in Houdini the Magical Dog, currently being filmed in Athens, Alabama. After auditioning for the movie and receiving a callback, Gabby continued through the process until she received the call every young actor hopes for. She had been chosen to play Izzy. Her response was immediate. She screamed with excitement! Gabby’s journey into acting began unexpectedly after years of participating in beauty pageants. One opportunity led to another, eventually opening the door to the entertainment industry and now a leading role in a feature film. For Gabby, however, some of the best parts of acting are the people and relationships she discovers along the way. She loves meeting the cast and crew, working with the animals, and especially spending time with Kilo, the “magical” dog on set. At just 11 years old, Gabby is discovering where hard work, opportunity, and a willingness to try something new can lead. To find out more about Gabby Davis and Houdini the Magical Dog, follow Alabama FilmWorks on Facebook and Instagram. This MADM is brought to you by Bama Estate Planning by Attorney Harlan D. Mitchell, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: Representing Culture on the Big Screen

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Bro Richmond, son of actor and stuntman Branscombe Richmond, as he shares about his experience working on Disney’s live-action Moana. Bro was selected from a large casting search that brought together Polynesians from across the United States with a wide variety of skills and experiences. With his background in stunt work, Bro was chosen to portray one of Moana’s ancestors in scenes filmed aboard a boat placed on a massive gimbal designed to recreate the movement and conditions of the high seas. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bro says he feels fortunate to have been handpicked for the role and to be part of a film that gives him the opportunity to represent his Hawaiian culture on the big screen. For Bro, the experience is about more than being part of a major film production. It’s an opportunity to honor where he comes from while continuing to build his own path in the entertainment industry. This MADM is brought to you by Bankston Motor Homes, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: Bringing the Movies to Athens

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have actor and stuntman Branscombe Richmond as he shares how a simple drive through Athens, Alabama, helped bring the production of Houdini the Magical Dog to the community. While visiting North Alabama, Branscombe asked Ashley Chewning to show him a small town. She brought him to her hometown of Athens, and when he saw the downtown square, something clicked. A conversation with the mayor followed, along with a vision of what bringing film productions to Athens could mean for the city, its businesses, and its people. Now, that vision is becoming reality as Houdini the Magical Dog is filmed in Athens. During our conversation, I also had the opportunity to share my own connection to the city. After moving away when I was nine years old, I always hoped I would someday find my way back home. Years later, I did. For Branscombe, Ashley, and the team behind the film, Athens represents opportunity and possibility. Sometimes all it takes is someone seeing the potential in a community and being willing to dream about what could happen next. Follow Alabama FilmWorks on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about Houdini the Magical Dog and other film projects happening in Alabama. This MADM is brought to you by Hydration Lounge, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

The Future of Higher Education: Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Workforce

Tonight, I’m joined by Dr. Antoinette “Toni” Farmer-Thompson, president of Strayer University, for an important conversation about the changing face of higher education and the rapidly growing impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce. Today’s college student may be a working adult, a parent, a career changer, or someone trying to gain new skills while balancing the responsibilities of everyday life. At the same time, AI is changing the workplace at an incredible pace, leaving many people wondering how they can prepare and avoid being left behind. Dr. Farmer-Thompson shares why AI fluency is quickly becoming a new form of literacy, how higher education must better connect learning to real-world careers, and what working adults should consider when choosing a college or university. I hope you’ll join us for this timely conversation and share the show with others who may be considering the next step in their education or career. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: Preparing for an AI-Driven Future

On this Make a Difference Minute, I have Dr. Antoinette “Toni” Farmer-Thompson, president of Strayer University, as she discusses the rapidly changing role of artificial intelligence in education and the workforce. Dr. Farmer-Thompson says the question is no longer whether AI will transform the way we work. That transformation is already happening. The challenge now is making sure students, especially working adults who cannot afford to be left behind, have the skills, tools, and credentials necessary to remain competitive. She believes higher education must help people become more than observers of emerging technology. Students need the opportunity to develop AI fluency and become practitioners who can use these tools to transform themselves and the organizations where they work. At Strayer University, that means incorporating AI throughout the educational journey, redesigning programs to meet changing workforce demands, and staying connected with hundreds of employer partners to better understand the skills businesses need. As technology continues to change the workforce, the purpose of higher education must also evolve to prepare people not only for the jobs of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow. This MADM is brought to you by Premier Structures, Inc., proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️