Why Sharing Art Engagement Impacts Health!

Why Sharing Art Engagement Impacts Health!

In this episode of the Let’s Share Podcast, host Leigh Byers, Founder and President of Have A Need A Ministry (HANA), is joined by Becky “Baby” Hudson—musician, arts and health practitioner, and Board Director of Art in Health Ocala Metro—for a powerful conversation on the healing role of art in people’s lives. What begins as a local story in Ocala, Florida quickly expands into something much bigger. Becky shares her journey from lifelong musician to serving in arts and health, where creative expression is used intentionally to support emotional, mental, and physical well-being. From working with healthcare environments to engaging individuals through organizations like The Arc Marion, this episode highlights how art creates connection, dignity, joy, and healing across diverse populations. A central insight from this conversation is simple yet profound: Art is a bridge between body, mind, and spirit—and it has the power to help people feel better and heal. While this work is happening in one community, the impact and opportunity extend far beyond. Arts in health initiatives are growing across the state, the country, and globally—creating new ways for individuals and organizations to serve others through creativity. This episode is both an introduction and an invitation. In this episode: * How art supports healing across body, mind, and spirit * The real impact of arts in health within a local community * Why creative expression matters in challenging life situations * A model that can be replicated in other communities * Simple, accessible ways anyone can engage in art for well-being Whether you are: * A community member looking for encouragement * An artsy person looking to share their artistic talents in their community * Someone navigating personal challenges * Or simply curious about the connection between art and healing …this conversation offers insight and inspiration you can apply wherever you are. Resources & Connections: * Art in Health Ocala Metro: AIHOcala.org [http://AIHOcala.org] * Follow Becky: “Becky Baby Music” https://beckybaby.com/ [https://beckybaby.com/] (social platforms) * Have A Need A Ministry: haveaneedaministry.com [http://haveaneedaministry.com]

How Connection Turns Into Community Impact

In this episode of Let’s Share, Dr. Leigh Byers welcomes Manal Fakhoury, founder of Ollin (pronounced "All in") Women International, for a conversation centered on connection, leadership, and the power of women supporting women. Manal shares how a simple invitation to gather women grew into a global movement rooted in collaboration, personal growth, and community impact. Together, they discuss how meaningful change begins within and expands outward—into families, organizations, and communities. This episode highlights: * The importance of connection and shared experiences * How women can lead through encouragement and collaboration * The value of focusing on what is working and worth celebrating * How mindset shapes the way we show up for others * Creating ripple effects through intentional relationships At the heart of this conversation is the Let’s Share mindset: Giving + Receiving = Sharing When we choose connection over division and encouragement over comparison, we create space for growth, impact, and lasting relationships. 🔗 Learn more about Ollin Women International: https://ollinwomen.org/ [https://ollinwomen.org/]

Meet A P.E.O.: The Sisterhood Empowering Women Through Education Since 1869

What if an organization founded in 1869 by seven young women is still empowering women today — and has invested over $462 million in educational support? In this episode of Let’s Share!, I sit down with Dana Sauro, President of Chapter GE in Ocala (one of nearly 6,000 Chapters!), to talk about the mission and sisterhood of P.E.O. International — an organization dedicated to helping women pursue certificates, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, PhDs, and more. ✨ Over 129,000 women have benefited ✨ More than 191,000 members worldwide ✨ Founded on faith, friendship, and lifelong sisterhood We talk about: • The ripple effect of investing in women’s education • How P.E.O.’s loans, grants, and scholarships work differently • Why this organization has endured for over 150 years • The power of sisterhood through every season of life If you know a woman pursuing education — or if you’re looking for meaningful connection and impact — this conversation is worth your time. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.peointernational.org [https://www.peointernational.org] 📱 Follow P.E.O. on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn And as always, prayers are welcome for the continued work of empowering women through education. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform — search Have A Need A Ministry Let’s Share!orking

Unless the Lord Builds the House: Restoring Hope in Marion County & Beyond!

Unless the Lord Builds the House: Restoring Hope in Marion County & Beyond 📖 Psalm 127:1 In this Season 4 premiere of Let’s Share, host Leigh Byers sits down with Lauren Lewis, Development Special Events Manager for Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Florida, to explore what it truly takes to create safe, affordable housing—and why a stable home changes everything. Lauren shares how a cross-country move from Oregon led her into mission-driven work, how Habitat walks families step-by-step through the homeownership journey, and how volunteers, donors, and community partners come together to build more than homes—they build hope, dignity, and generational impact. Throughout the conversation, Leigh and Lauren reflect on meaningful connections and timing—reminding us that what we often call coincidences are sometimes God’s little miracles, quietly aligning people and purpose. You’ll also hear about: 🏠 House blessing moments 👩‍🔧 Women-led and veteran builds 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The ripple effect of affordable housing for families 🍓 Habitat’s annual Strawberry Festival supporting a “Strawberry House” 🔗 Get Involved with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County 🌐 Main Website: 👉 https://www.habitatocala.org [https://www.habitatocala.org] 🛠️ Habitat ReStore (Shop or Donate Items): 👉 https://www.habitatocala.org/restore [https://www.habitatocala.org/restore] 💝 Make a Financial Donation: 👉 https://www.habitatocala.org/donate [https://www.habitatocala.org/donate] 📱 Follow on Social Media: Facebook & Instagram — Habitat for Humanity of Marion County 🎧 If this episode encourages you, please consider supporting the Let’s Share podcast through the donation link in the show notes. Every gift helps us continue sharing stories that strengthen our communities.

Interfaith Emergency Services: Investing in People with Purpose and Faith

In this powerful episode of Let’s Share, host Dr. Leigh Byers welcomes Karla Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services in Ocala, Florida. With over 42 years of serving vulnerable populations, Interfaith is more than a local charity—it's a faith-fueled movement of compassion, collaboration, and strategic care. Karla shares how Interfaith was birthed through unity among local churches and has grown to become one of the most impactful nonprofits in the region, offering food, shelter, prescription medication, healthcare, supportive housing, and more to those in crisis. From backpack food programs for children to housing for adults with disabilities, their services reflect one core belief: the investment in people is an act of great faith. This episode explores: * The power of interdenominational and inter-agency collaboration * The hidden stories of seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities impacted by poverty * The real, raw frontline work that fuels Karla’s leadership and Interfaith’s mission * How faith, humility, and daily service are the true leadership model * A model that can inspire other communities to adopt faith-based, collaborative approaches to crisis care 📍 Learn more or support Interfaith: 🌐 iesmarion.org [http://iesmarion.org] 📱 Instagram: @interfaithocala 📘 Facebook: Interfaith Emergency Services – Ocala 🙌 Giving + Receiving = Sharing Let’s share, support, and pray for those faithfully serving others.ay for those faithfully serving others.