The intention of this podcast is to provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the opportunity to be heard in everyday scenarios. The goal of the podcast is to cover topics specific to people with disabilities by talking WITH them, not ABOUT them.
This podcast is made possible by the support from Spread The Positive, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and TN’s Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Episode Seventeen – We are wrapping up Season One today, with this episode about the INCREDIBLE Buchholz family! We could not have asked for a better season and start to the Waves of Awareness Podcast. We are so thankful for our co-hosts Trent (Spread the Positive), Matt-Man Moore, and Eric Wilson. Our hearts are full because of the stories shared by our guests, and we couldn’t be more thankful for their willingness to contribute to this platform.
The story revealed today by the Buchholz family is truly inspiring. Lindsey and Aaron Buchholz dive deep into their past with Waves and the journey it has been. They share the heart-wrenching experience of losing their son, Toby to SIDS at just 11 months old. The Buchholz’s were able to take their loss and create a beautiful foundation in honor of Toby, the Toby Project. Listen along as Matt shares his own stories of loss and offers his condolences to Lindsey and Aaron. Please show your support for the Toby Project at https://www.thetobyproject.com/
Episode Sixteen – On this week’s episode, Matt and Trent are joined by Staci Davis of Waves and Steven Komarnitski who recently opened a new inclusive kid’s gym in Franklin, TN. Join the conversation as we learn more about We Rock The Spectrum Kid’s Gym, the journey Steven and his family took to open the gym, and how it’s making difference in the Middle TN community. We Rock the Spectrum is an inclusive gym that welcomes children of all abilities to play, learn, and grow together. To learn more about We Rock The Spectrum Kid’s Gym, visit https://www.werockthespectrumfranklintn.com/.
Episode Fifteen – April is Autism Awareness Month, so we brought in mom, Gigi Pentar to talk about her sweet daughter, Aurora. Hosts, Matt and Trent (Spread the Positive) talk with Jenn Choate (Waves Early Interventionist) and Gigi about the services her daughter received from Waves. Gigi opens up about how beneficial Jenn was in Aurora’s progress over the last year. Matt gets clarification on what exactly it means to go through Early Childhood Development with Waves.
Episode Fourteen – On this week’s episode, Trent and Matt learn about the non-profit, Backlight Productions. The organization was founded by Melissa Smith a few years ago. Melissa brought two of Backlight’s finest friends and participants, Christie and Jackie Thompson. From Cinderella to the Wizard of OZ to the upcoming musical, Shrek; these are just a few of the shows Melissa has been a part of. Christie talks about her very own original script, “A Dream Come True,” and what it was like to watch it come to life on screen, starring her sister, Jackie. Trent and Matt ask about the newest musical and how to get involved with upcoming shows! If you are interested in watching Shrek the Musical, please purchase tickets at the following link: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/62045
Episode Thirteen – This week we are joined by our co-hosts Matt “The Man” Moore and Trent Denson (Spread the Positive), and special guests Christy Webb and Emily Layton. We got to catch up with Matt and the world of Best Buy, reminisce with Christy and the years she has spent on the board of Waves, Inc., and learn all about the incredible work Emily does with the non-profit, Williamson County CASA. Emily is the executive director of Williamson County CASA. We talk about the importance of the volunteers/advocates that work directly with the children within the program. Matt kept the conversation going by catching up with Emily and asking her questions about her new job. Christy, Emily, and Matt went down memory lane and talked about when Emily worked for Waves!
Episode Twelve – In the studio this week, co-host Eric Wilson, Adam Finlan, and Trent Denson are joined by Craig, Kelly, and Samantha Campbell to talk about Cerebral palsy. March is Cerebral palsy awareness month.
Episode Eleven – On this week’s episode, we are joined by Kate Harris, an early interventionist at Waves, and her son, Hayden. Listen along as she tells her story about raising a child with Down syndrome, her family’s adoption process, and how she envisions a future for Hayden. Hayden participates a little early in the conversation. Co-hosts Matt, Eric, and Trent keep the conversation as they all get to know Kate and her story better.
Episode Ten – Today is World Down Syndrome Day! In celebration, we have a special release two-part episode! This episode starts with a conversation between Trent Denson (Spread the Positive), Ryan Rotundo (National Down Syndrome Society), Gina Wilson, Marci Cohen, and Staci Davis (Waves, Inc.). The group talks about the importance of World Down Syndrome Day, how you can get involved and shares some personal reflections of growing up with a child or sibling with down syndrome. Part two is the party! We have six individuals supported at Waves who have down syndrome come to the recording table to talk. You’ve met Matt, Eric, and Norris. Today you are introduced to Adam, Celia, and Ryan. They are a fun, sometimes rowdy, crew. Sit back and enjoy the special two-part hour-long episode. Happy World Down Syndrome Day!
Episode Nine – This week co-hosts Trent Denson (Spread the Positive) and Matt “the Man” Moore welcome a special guest– Matt’s mom, Sheila Moore! Sheila is the Executive Director of The Arc of Davidson County and Greater Nashville area. She shares the resources that are available to families, caregivers, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Gina Wilson of Waves also joins the conversation as she and Sheila share their experience of having adult children with disabilities. Sheila and Gina shed light on the technological advancements in prenatal care over the last 30 years and how that has changed the trajectory of families welcoming a child with disabilities into the world. Spoiler, the advancements are amazing and have changed how society treats individuals with disabilities.
Episode Eight – This week we learn about a nonprofit in Williamson County that is providing a really awesome service to those with I/DD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) — AbleVoices. Jen Vogus with AbleVoices joins Johnny Sunshine, Matt “Man” Moore, and Trent Denson (Spread The Positive) to share about her journey to start a nonprofit that brings photography to everyone. Johnny Sunshine recently participated in a self-expression photography class with AbleVoices and he shares his experience. Listen along to learn more and see you can get involved. This episode was recorded in late 2021, so the group also shares holiday plans they have coming up. If you’re interested in learning more about the self-expression photography display email us at podcast@wavesinc.com.
Episode Seven – Johnny Sunshine joins Trent Denson (Spread the Positive) to share what’s been going on in his world while highlighting some of the services he has received and participated in at Waves, Inc. Marci Patricelli Cohen, Adult Services Director at Waves, also joins to share news about Waves. John also tells us about a movie he’s recently watched. His review is spectacular, can you guess which movie he’s talking about? What do you think about a regular movie- review segment? Email us at podcast@wavesinc.com to let us know what you think!
Episode Six – We’ve got a music special for you today! Recently released artist, Sam Blasko, joins Matt and Trent in studio to share some of her music. Being a huge fan of music, especially country music, Matt understood the assignment and brought his guitar too. Listen along as Matt and Sam share their musical talents. You can find more of Sam’s music at https://open.spotify.com/track/0VcXqBW75fp8rEPQV5VBHt?si=23f6c98d891841f1 and https://music.apple.com/us/album/buying-houses/1607401244?i=1607401247
Waves, Inc., Waves of Awareness and Spread The Positive do not own the rights to music by the Judds or Bill Withers.
Episode Five –Matt “The Man” Moore is back this week talking to Trent Denson with Spread The Positive and Sharon Bottorff with The Arc of Williamson County. Listen along as they talk about all the resources available through The Arc and how Matt has contributed to the organization through his time on their board of directors. Matt also talks about his favorite subjects- music and sports. He shares his thoughts about football, both college and pro. Staci Davis with Waves joins the conversation to share some updates from the organization and plans for upcoming events. For more information about The Arc of Williamson County, visit https://thearcwc.org/. Follow the podcast on instagram @waves_awareness_podcast for behind-the-scenes content. This episode was recorded in late January and contains references to sporting events around that time.
Episode Four – Introducing Matt “The Man” Moore! He’s got a passion for being on the mic and sharing his life. Matt and Trent Denson of Spread The Positive talk with Brandy Blanton of High Hopes and Gina Wilson about early learning and the importance of the early childhood development. They also get the low-down on a new inclusive playground being built in Franklin. Listen along to see how you can support this amazing project. For more information about Ellie G’s Dream World, visit https://www.friendsoffranklinparks.org/inclusive-playground
Episode Three – This week Host Eric Wilson is joined by his mom and Waves Early Learning Director, Gina Wilson, along with Lance Jordan, Executive Director of Waves. Trent Denson with Spread the Positive helps with hosting as the group talks about disability etiquette and person-first language. Eric also calls out his first request for a celebrity appearance. Listen along to hear who is favorite super hero is right now.
Episode Two – Host Eric Wilson introduces Norris on this episode. Both receive services through Waves, Inc. and share with Trent Denson (Spread The Positive) some of their favorite topics like music and sports while sharing their thoughts on COVID. Alli Beth Harris of DIDD also joins the conversation.
Episode One – Welcome to Waves of Awareness. The podcast bringing the voices and personalities of those with disabilities to the community. Join host, Eric Wilson and Trent Denson (Spread the Positive) as they talk to Lance Jordan (Executive Director) and Staci Davis (Development & Community Relations Director) about the start of this podcast and the services available at Waves, Inc.