Big Huntsville Podcast

Exploring Community Love Through Huntsville's Manna House - EP 22

🚀 In this heartwarming episode of the Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas sits down with Fran Fluhler, the beloved Director of Manna House, a volunteer-led food distribution program serving thousands across Huntsville. Under her leadership, Manna House has become more than a food pantry. Fran shares her incredible journey of faith, community, and purpose — from leading hundreds of volunteers to running a hydroponic lettuce garden that feeds thousands. Hear her inspiring message about finding purpose through service, the beauty of diversity in volunteering, and how small acts of kindness can change an entire city. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Fran Fluhler – Director of Manna HouseFran Fluhler is the founder of Manna House, a Huntsville nonprofit dedicated to feeding and supporting those in need. What began as a small act of kindness grew into a vital community resource, serving thousands each week. Through Manna House, she has created a place of generosity, dignity, and hope for all. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The story and mission behind Manna House ✔️ How volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to serve ✔️ The impact of faith and compassion in leadership ✔️ How the hydroponic garden produces thousands of fresh heads of lettuce each month ✔️ The simple act of saying “yes” to service — and how it transforms lives 🎵 Whether you’re a Huntsville native or new to the community, this episode will inspire you to say “yes” to service and find purpose through giving. 💼 Connect with Fran Fluhler: 🌐 Website → https://www.mymannahouse.com/ 📸 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/mymannahouse 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]

Exploring Community Impact: Refuge Church's Unique Outreach - EP 21

🚀 In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas sits down with Pastor Meghan Watson, Lead Care Pastor at Refuge Church and Campus Pastor at the Refuge Hope Campus located at First Stop in Huntsville. Meghan shares her journey from licensed social worker to pastor, and how her work brings holistic care—spiritual, emotional, and physical—to Huntsville’s homeless community. Learn how hope, collaboration, and service are transforming lives across the city. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Meghan Watson – Lead Care Pastor at Refuge Church & Campus Pastor at Refuge Hope CampusMeghan Watson is the Connections & Care Pastor at Refuge Church, where she helps people connect with the church family and oversees care ministries. She holds a B.S. in Social Work from the University of Alabama and has over ten years of nonprofit experience in mental health, foster care, hospice care, and leadership. A Licensed Medical Social Worker, she has also served on several local and state boards. Meghan has been part of Refuge Church for five years and enjoys time with her family, friends, and church community. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How Refuge Church integrates social work and ministry to serve the community ✔️ Why Hope Campus was launched at First Stop to reach Huntsville’s homeless ✔️ The importance of holistic care: physical, emotional, and spiritual needs ✔️ Common misconceptions about homelessness—and how to help effectively ✔️ Opportunities for volunteering and partnering with Refuge & First Stop 🎵 Whether you’re a Huntsville local, a community leader, or simply passionate about service, this episode offers powerful insights into faith-driven outreach. 💼 Connect with Pastor Meghan Watson & Refuge Church: 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-watson-bsw-lbsw-88078891/ 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]

Empowering Independence & Disability Advocacy - EP 20

🚀 In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas welcomes Davina Patterson, Executive Director of the Disability Resource Network. Davina shares her journey from a 20-year career in healthcare to leading a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. From the history of the Independent Living Movement to modern challenges in disability rights, Davina highlights the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and access to resources. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Davina Patterson – Executive Director, Disability Resource Network Davina Patterson is a dedicated advocate and community leader with the Huntsville Disability Network, where she works to empower individuals with disabilities through access to resources, support services, and inclusive opportunities. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, Davina brings a strong commitment to accessibility and equity, helping bridge gaps between local agencies and the people they serve. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The mission and services of the Disability Resource Network ✔️ The history of Centers for Independent Living and the Independent Living Movement ✔️ Key disability rights milestones like the ADA and Rehab Act ✔️ The importance of accessibility, inclusion, and advocacy ✔️ How the upcoming State of Disability event with Maria Town will impact the community 🎵 Whether you’re a caregiver, advocate, or community leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights! 💼 Connect with Davina Patterson & DRN: 🌐 Website → https://www.drn256.org/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/davina.welborn/ 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]

Healthcare Expansion and Opportunities in Huntsville - EP 19

🚀 In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, Carl Thomas sits down with Dr. Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, a leading force behind Huntsville's medical education and clinical research advancement. As a faculty member at UAB’s Huntsville Regional Medical Campus, she shares how her team is training future doctors, expanding access to healthcare, and launching community-driven clinical trials—particularly in mental health. This is a must-watch for anyone curious about Huntsville’s growing healthcare landscape. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Dr. Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt – UAB Faculty, Physician & Clinical Research Leader Dr. Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, MD, PhD, FACP is a key figure in North Alabama’s healthcare evolution. As a faculty member at UAB Heersink School of Medicine’s Huntsville Regional Medical Campus, she mentors medical students and residents, expanding access to internal medicine training. Her work ensures Huntsville’s healthcare system keeps up with the city’s growth—by training the very doctors who will serve it. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How UAB trains future doctors to serve Huntsville’s growing population ✔️ The value of local clinical trials and how the public can participate ✔️ Addressing mental health gaps through research and care ✔️ Why community engagement is vital to medical education ✔️ The impact of clinical trials on individuals and future generations 🎵 Whether you're a local resident, aspiring doctor, or just curious about Huntsville’s growth—this episode is for you! 💼 Connect with Dr. Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt: 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-schwasinger-00ba002a9/ 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]

Advocacy Starts at Home: Building Support for Rare Disease Families - EP 18

🚀 In this heartfelt episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas sits down with Sarita Edwards, founder and CEO of The E.WE Foundation. What began as a personal journey through grief and advocacy for her son Elijah, who was born with Trisomy 18, has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit supporting families navigating rare diseases. Sarita shares how her family’s experience shaped a mission that now reaches into education, healthcare policy, and grassroots support for families across the country. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Sarita Edwards  Sarita Edwards, MHA is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The E.WE Foundation, a nonprofit based in Huntsville, Alabama, dedicated to supporting families impacted by Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) and other rare diseases. With over twenty years of experience in health systems leadership, she holds a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, and national certification as a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor. A licensed minister and award-winning advocate, Sarita is recognized globally as a patient expert, serves on multiple executive advisory boards and coalitions related to healthcare and rare disease policy, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Health Sciences. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ What Trisomy 18 is—and how Sarita’s family faced the diagnosis ✔️ Why advocacy in the healthcare system starts with asking questions ✔️ How families can become empowered, not overwhelmed ✔️ The power of grassroots organizing in changing policy and care ✔️ How grief became a platform for creating systemic impact 🎵 Whether you're a parent, professional, or policy advocate—this episode delivers compassion, clarity, and a call to action. 💼 Connect with Sarita Edwards & The E.WE Foundation: 🌐 Website → https://theewefoundation.org/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/saritakedwards 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]