WORDS FOR THIS YEAR'S GRADUATES. LERAE COLLINS

INSIDE UPDATE FROM CUBA: Embargo... Blockade...what's next?

This week's show is an update from inside Cuba. After 60 years of a US Embargo on trade and now a new US blockade on Cuba, what is life like for people on the island? Sylvia Rozwadowska of Colibri Travel and Tours just returned from Cuba and is planning another trip in June in order to help the Cuban people. Hear the latest about the effect of power outages and the attitudes of people in face of a failing government and international actions. In partnership with Colibri Travel & Tours, this Humanitarian Trip to Cuba [https://colibritraveltours.com/humanitarian-trip-to-cuba/] (June 13-19) supports Con Razón, connecting you with local communities to make a real impact. https://conrazoncuba.org/ https://colibritraveltours.com/

WORDS FOR THIS YEAR'S GRADUATES. LERAE COLLINS

This Convo for this week is a conversation with LeRae Collins, the 2026 Emory & Henry University Commencement Speaker. She's President and CEO of Holston Foundation in Knoxville, the first woman to hold the position in the organization's 40-year history. You'll hear her overall message she shared with graduates that "all roads lead to Emory & Henry." She also reviews some of the important concepts she emphasized in the address and reminds us all of John Wesley's important guidance for us to "do all the good we can.... as long as ever we can."

Treva's SOAP-- and the life and career behind it.

This Conversation this week focuses on Treva Randall and her soap... candle.. lotion...and cream business. Plus, the conversation gets off the business and soap making skill into Treva's life that provides the background for her small, private business as well as her 21 -year -career at Emory & Henry. The business is called Bohicket Apothecary and you'll hear the origins of the name in this episode. You can find her at the Abingdon Farmer's Market -- and online at https://www.bohicketapothecary.com/

Blowing the whistle on corporate health insurance. Wendell Potter

Wendell Potter worked for large health care corporations CIGNA and HUMANA for 20 years. In a crisis of conscience, he quit. Two events prompted his decision: (1) observing the RAM health care clinic in Wise, VA where uninsured people were literally getting health care in a barn, and (2) the death of a 17-year-old girl who was denied coverage for a liver transplant. Since his resignation, he has been a strong and constant voice for finding a better way to provide health care in our country. What is the scam? What about Tennessee's RX Bill? What are the chances for improvement? What does Potter advise us all to do?

THE DOCTOR'S DIAGNOSIS: OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IS FAILING

Dr. Robin Feierabend has diagnosed our health system in the U.S. as "failing." His conclusion is based on more than 30 years as a teaching physician and Professor Emeritus in Medicine at East Tennessee State University. He and some high profile fellow professionals are trying to address the issue in an event to which the public is invited. The prestigious panel includes a keynote address by Wendell Berry, author of four books on healthcare and a former insurance executive turned whistleblower. He is now president of the Center for Health and Democracy. The event is set for Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, 300 West Market Street, Kingsport, TN. It is free and open to the public. With early registration, attendees get a free lunch. More information at www.tccihc.org. What are the major problems in healthcare and how can we fix them? Details in this episode of This Conversation with host Teresa Keller.