The Mark White Show

Built to Last: Conversations on Building Safety

Heavy rain during today's Building Safety Month celebration in Huntsville, Alabama, made some of the messages inside difficult to hear, so I wanted to make sure the content was preserved and shared. This audio includes remarks from Larry Durham, Representative Rex Reynolds, Representative Andy Whitt, Senator Sam Givhan, Ronald Piester with the International Code Council, Michael Valenzuela with Madison County, Maura Wroblewski with the City of Madison, and Seth Gowan with the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board. The conversation focuses on building safety, workforce development, responsible growth, and the people working behind the scenes to help create stronger and safer communities throughout North Alabama. I hope you'll take a few minutes to listen. Special thanks to Micheal Valenzuela for the invitation. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: More Than a Song

On this Make A Difference Minute, I have country music artist Michael Peterson sharing experiences that shaped him through years of performing for veterans, military families, and active-duty service members. Through more than 500 shows, Michael discovered that music was often about much more than entertainment. Whether helping a soldier connect with his wife during Christmas in Iraq or providing a moment of relief for service members returning from difficult patrols, he learned that sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply showing up and creating a moment people need. It’s a reminder that behind every uniform is a story, and sometimes music has a way of reaching places words alone cannot. 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!™️

Heart Health & Heroes: Hope, Healing, and Honoring Service

On tonight's show, we’re bringing you two conversations centered around health, hope, & honoring others. First, cardiologist Dr. Payal Kohli joins me to discuss a newly FDA-approved treatment option for people struggling with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Nearly 120 million Americans are affected by hypertension, and we’ll talk about why some people continue to struggle despite medications and lifestyle changes, along with what this new development could mean moving forward. Then, with Memorial Day approaching on Monday, country artist Michael Peterson joins me to share the story behind “Old Army Hat” and discuss music that honors veterans and the sacrifices connected to service. Some songs become more than music. They become reminders of people, memories, & moments we never want to forget. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: Water Safety

On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Kristin Stitt with North Alabama Swim Schools and SafeSplash Swim Labs sharing an important reminder for adults who never learned to swim, it’s never too late. Many adults carry fear, uncertainty, or simply missed opportunities when it comes to water safety and swimming. Kristin explains that adult learners need a different approach and that every person has different goals, whether it’s overcoming fear, gaining confidence around water, learning basic swimming skills, or simply feeling comfortable enough to enjoy exercise in a pool. Learning water competency is not just for children. It can create confidence, improve safety, & open doors at any age. This MADM is brought to you by Singing River Dentistry, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Built for Life: Swimming, Safety, and Water Competency

On tonight's show, I’m joined by Kristin Stitt, Managing Partner of North Alabama Swim Schools and SafeSplash Swim Labs in Huntsville and Madison. Most parents believe they know whether their child can swim. Kristin says the bigger question may be whether a child is truly water competent. With a background in healthcare leadership and a passion for drowning prevention, Kristin is helping families understand that swim lessons are only one part of the picture. We’ll talk about why parents often overestimate swimming ability, the importance of adaptive aquatics, and why swimming may be one of the most valuable investments a family can make for a child’s future. We’ll also discuss why Kristin calls swimming “the first and forever sport” and how it can build confidence, discipline, emotional health, and life-saving skills that last far beyond the pool. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️