American’s understanding and acceptance of the idea of being on the Autism Spectrum has changed dramatically over the last decade or two. The Autism Society of America has been at the center of that push for change……I discussed those changes with Joseph Joyce, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America AND April was Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and for millions of people, this isn’t just a headline—it’s daily life. John Lehr/President & CEO, Parkinson’s Foundation and Robert Baittie, a person living with Parkinson’s Disease, joined me to talk about why it is such complex disease we still don’t fully understand it.

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April has been World Wish Month, a time when Make-A-Wish Foundation shines a spotlight on the life-changing impact their wishes have for children facing critical illnesses. Manny Munoz discussed the impact with Dr. James Fahner, pediatric cancer specialist, and Founding Chairperson for Make-A-Wish America’s National Medical Advisory Council. AND, Earth Day may be behind us, but the bigger question is what happens after the headlines and the coverage fades. Sara Espinoza, President and CEO of the National Environmental Education Foundation, joins Manny to expound on that.

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Early detection is the key to surviving everything from Cancer to Heart Disease, yet a disturbing number of us fail to do the simple things, like routine screenings. I discussed that with Jody Hoyos, CEO, Prevent Cancer Foundation AND fishing might be one of the oldest things known to mankind, but it still hooks us in a very modern way. I found out what it is about fishing that hooks us, with Mark Kurlansky author of TO CATCH A FISH: Essays on the Joy, Frustration, Curiosity, and Allure of Fishing

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April is Autism Awareness; some call it Autism Acceptance Month. But today we’re discussing a different kind of story about Autism. It’s a story, about being on the spectrum, but also about family love, resilience, perseverance and how to handle bullying - while not allowing society to define you who are. I discussed with Leland Vittert…..a journalist……host of On Balance on NewsNation and co-author of: Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism

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Colorectal cancer is the fastest-growing cancer in younger Americans and has officially become the leading cause of cancer deaths for men under 50, and second for women under 50. Dr. James McCormick, a respected surgeon and Professor of Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Chairperson, Colon/Rectal Cancer Program to me why. AND, when most of us think about our military it instills a sense of pride in our country. And the epitome of that vision is often a Navy Seal. Commander Jack Ratliff, has written a memoir about how the experience changed his life. It is titled Riding the White Bull: The Making of a Navy SEAL.

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As Black History Month draws to a close, we take a closer look at an organization that’s quietly shaped generations of opportunity. Dr. Walter Kimbrough, Executive Vice President at UNCF joined me to talk about the legacy and future of the United Negro College Fund. AND would you know what to do if you or someone you were with was poisoned? It happens to someone every few seconds in our country. I discussed the dangers with Dr. Krys Johnson, Epidemiologist for America's Poison Centers

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For some reason, when we think of heart disease in our country, we think it only affects men. But, the number of women diagnosed with heart disease every year is significant. Celina Gorre CEO of WomenHeart and I discussed the disconnect. AND, you’d think a hospital is one of the safest places you could go in our society, but that hasn’t always been the case. But, not for the reasons you’d think. Dr Chris DeRienzo, Chief Physician Executive and Senior Vice President at the American Hospital Association told me about the strides they’ve made in improving outcomes.

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Manny Munoz discusses the history behind Black History Month this year because, if the math is right, this marks the 50th anniversary of our country officially recognizing February as Black History Month. Manny Munoz spoke with the Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery, author of Dismantling Racism: Healing Separation From the Inside Out, about its history and continued significance. AND, eating disorders affect millions of Americans, yet they are still widely misunderstood and often go undetected until serious harm is done. Registered dietitian Lee Cotton spoke with Manny Munoz about that issue and about February being National Eating Disorders Awareness Month.

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Sunday evening well over 100-million Americans will be tuning in to watch the Super Bowl, but many wont be watching for the game or even the halftime show, they’ll be watching for the ads. Dave Shoffner of SpotBowl.Com AND, as we celebrate Black History Month, I thought it interesting to share an often overlooked chapter in American History an alliance between Native Americans and formerly Enslaved Black Families. Recounted in The book: The Free and the Dead – the untold story of the Black Seminole Chief, the Indigenous Rebel and America’s Forgotten War, by Jamie Holmes

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IHeartRadio has been conducting a Thank a Teacher Campaign. That campaign has been powered by DonorsChoose. Manny Munoz got an update on the campaign from Alix Guerrier, the CEO of DonorsChoose. AND, more than 40 million Americans lost tens of billions of dollars last year alone to fraud, scams, and identity theft. Jonathan Walton is a victim-turned scam artist vigilante. He detailed his experience and how we can avoid becoming victims in his book titled Anatomy of a Con Artist: The 14 Red Flags to Spot Scammers, Grifters, and Thieves.

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January of 1986 was the first official federal observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Manny Munoz discussed why we celebrate it and the day’s significance with historian Kenneth C. Davis, author of the “Don’t Know Much” series of books. His most recent is titled The World in Books: 52 Works of Great Short Nonfiction. And January is National Blood Donor Month. While the title might be self-explanatory, the impact is much more than just a name. Rodney Wilson, national spokesperson for the Red Cross, told Manny Munoz how.

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