Early Years Podcasts

October 10, 2023: Hilinski’s Hope works to eliminate the stigma of mental health issues among student athletes. Kimberly McBroom spoke to Mark and Kym Hilinski, the parents of a college quarterback who took his own life in 2018. Their mission is to raise awareness among college and high school athletes to help prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy.

September 12, 2023: September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Kimberly McBroom is talking with a young woman who we first met a couple of years ago. Her name is Juanita Prada. She is a childhood cancer survivor and the creator of an awareness movement called “Behold, Be Gold.”

August 8, 2023: Students are heading back to school over the next several weeks. School supplies are important, but so is their mental and emotional wellness. In this episode of Early Years, Kimberly McBroom is chatting with Karen Garlow, the Supervisor of Counseling for Roanoke County Public Schools about how families can get prepared for what the new school year might bring.

June 14, 2023: ParentsTogether is sounding the alarm about the “summer body” dieting trend targeting teenage girls on social media that promote unhealthy habits, like extreme calorie counting and dangerous weight loss challenges.

April 11, 2023: In this “Early Years” podcast, host Kimberly McBroom is chatting with two local moms on different journeys with autism, but with a common goal. They’re also working to raise awareness about an upcoming conference being hosted by Piedmont Autism Action Group.

February 22, 2023: Author and mom Jessica Lahey knows first-hand about the cycle of addiction and substance use disorder. She dealt with alcoholism herself until a decade ago, when she hit her personal rock bottom. To help prevent her children from heading down the same road, Lahey did extensive research on addiction and released her book, “The Addiction Inoculation.” It serves as a guide for parents on practical and effective ways to talk to their kids about drugs and alcohol.

December 9, 2022: We’re chatting with Nancy Hans, Executive Director of the Partnership for Community Wellness (formerly Prevention Council of Roanoke) about the ongoing dangers of rainbow fentanyl, counterfeit prescription medication and edible gummies. Hans also outlines how her organization works to educate the community.