This episode of Big Blend Radio features Clay Stauffer, author of "What the World Needs Now: Virtue and Character in an Age of Chaos." In this thought-provoking conversation, Clay discusses how we can better navigate today’s complex world by embracing emotional intelligence, spiritual connection, and character formation. He addresses key issues such as loneliness, political polarization, trauma, homelessness, and the breakdown of community—and emphasizes the healing power of forgiveness, compassion, and active engagement in society.

Drawing from his work as a pastor, professor, and columnist, Clay offers a hopeful yet realistic roadmap for building stronger relationships and more unified communities in turbulent times.

Key Takeaways: • Loneliness and polarization are two of today’s most urgent challenges • Emotional intelligence is key to meaningful dialogue and empathy • Spirituality and connection support emotional and personal growth • Trauma and fractured family ties often underlie homelessness • Forgiveness and healing are essential to restoring relationships • Community support is crucial during personal and collective tragedies • Disasters often bring out the best in human nature • Strong communities require ongoing, intentional connection • Character formation is a lifelong journey • Real societal change demands active participation

Clay Stauffer is the Senior Minister of Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and teaches moral leadership at Vanderbilt University. He holds a Bachelor’s from Texas Christian University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from the University of the South at Sewanee. His doctoral research focused on faith, politics, and cultural polarization. Clay is also a columnist for "The Tennessean" and an active community leader. Learn more at: https://claystauffer.com/

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Books & Authors” Show with Books Forward features Rob Tonkin, author of the powerful memoir A**hole: Wild Stories of Trauma, Truths & Transformation (releasing July 21, 2025).

Known in the industry as “Rockin’ Rob,” Tonkin began his radio career at 14 and later produced the two-decade-long Honda Civic Tour, working with top artists like blink-182, The Black Eyed Peas, and One Direction. But behind the glitz of the music world lay a personal story of pain, survival, and transformation.

In this candid conversation, Tonkin shares what it took to face his childhood trauma—including sexual assault and the impact of a broken home—and how he found healing through self-reflection, therapy, and writing. He discusses the pressure on men to mask vulnerability, the effects of generational trauma, and the importance of emotional health, support groups like ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics), and self-care.

🔗 Pre-order the book and learn more: https://www.robtonkin.com/ 📚 Learn more about Books Forward: https://www.booksforward.com/

In this “From the Vault” episode of Big Blend Radio’s Heart Healthy Living with Dr. Jackie, we celebrate Parks & Recreation Month and the Summer Travel Season with an essential conversation on heart health during travel and outdoor adventures. Board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jacqueline Eubany highlights the importance of recognizing heart attack symptoms, the life-saving impact of CPR and AEDs in public spaces, and how to manage heart health at high altitudes.

She also discusses the Mediterranean diet as a practical, heart-healthy lifestyle and offers critical advice for travelers, especially women, who may experience different heart attack symptoms than men. Whether you're hiking, flying, or exploring a new city, this episode is full of smart tips to help you stay heart-healthy on the go.

📖 Read Dr. Jackie’s article “Heart Attack Safety Tips for Travelers” in Parks & Travel Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/dshq/#p=70

📘 Learn more about Dr. Jackie’s bestselling book “Women and Heart Disease: The Real Story”: https://womenandheartdiseasebook.com/

🎧 Subscribe to the show: https://hearthealthyliving-drjackie.podbean.com/

🔔 New episodes every 2nd Wednesday – also featured on Big Blend’s Quality of Life, Big Daily Blend, Vacation Station, and Parks & Travel channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork