Intersection Podcast

All you have to do is Google Andrea Kinghorn Busby and you will realize she is one smart lady. She is a doctoral student in Northwestern University’s Human Development and Social Policy Program and a fellow through the Multidisciplinary Program in Education Sciences Training Program. Her research focuses on using ecological frameworks to understand the intersection of home and school environments and their impacts on children’s development, especially among families from low-income, immigrant, or ethnic-minority backgrounds. Andrea is also a mother, a mother to a child who has a very special disability. Her daughter Ruth is albino and this genetic trait impacts more that her skin pigmentation...it impacts what she can see.What we see is the unique intersection in this story. What we see is Andrea and Ruth look completely different and Ruth requires special attention during this critical time in her life. This special attention created barriers for Andrea to find specialized child care after relocating to the

In part two of Bry’s story, she continues sharing how her career as a pediatrician collides with her instincts as a mother of a child who has a mental disorder.  This episode picks up with the decision to go to an in-patient facility and the realities behind what it means to gain access to quality care her child needed. If you have not listened to part one, please stop and go back to episode 41 for complete context. Here is part two of her story.Check Out The Links Below:The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness by Elyn R. Saks Find Me Online:Bobby Rettew TwitterBobby Rettew Portfolio WebsiteIntersection Podcast Twitter 

Her name is Bry and she is an amazing pediatrician in a small town in South Carolina. This mother of three faced one of the toughest challenges as a mother, finding out her son has a mental health issue and feeling completely helpless in a system that has no easy answers.  The next two episodes explores her journey in becoming a pediatrician and a mom and how all those relatable conventions were tested beyond measure when she finally started seeking help for her son.This story is one being faced everyday by parents, the rise of mental health issues found in their children with no easy answers and with little access to quality care. Her journey took her out-of-state to an emergency room just to have her son examined. Here is part one of her story. Find Me Online:Bobby Rettew TwitterBobby Rettew Portfolio WebsiteIntersection Podcast Twitter 

Teresa Bauer is more than a survivor, she is a friend and one that makes me coffee almost every morning at Figs Coffee and Creamery downtown Anderson, SC. Here story is one that was hiding behind her facade, one that was ever present in her life, yet tucked away behind that smiling face. We all have stories to tell and many times it takes years to tell our own story. But Teresa found the courage one Friday morning as I sat and drank my coffee upon the barstool in Figs. For years, I have documenting the stories of domestic violence victims and survivors. So many stories that have been recorded and shared, built on trust and perseverance. This is the first time I have interviewed a survivor of domestic violence who the was the child of a mom who experienced the abuse. Her story showcases the years and years of trauma a child can endure from witnessing someone they love receiving the abuse. She shares her story, her path, and the passage to revealing this delicate story. We hope you are patient du

Ken Scar has to be one of the most fascinating and talented photojournalists I have met, and I have only spent a few hours with him. Ken is a man of many passions! He loves his country, he loves his family, has a renewed desire to live life to the fullest, and he is an amazing storyteller.Ken’s path to Clemson University is an amazing journey, one that refined his craft during his time in Afghanistan during his tour with the Army as a photojournalist. His craft was challenged, but those experiences have shaped the way he captures stories today. Clemson’s long military history was a natural fit for Ken’s expertise as found himself capturing and sharing more and more Clemson military stories including Colonel Ben Skardon.Ken’s story is one of many intersections...one of transparency that allowed him to tell his story. Admitting you wanted to commit suicide is tough, writing those words is even tougher, but telling your own story comes as we find more wisdom in our life. Ken’s wisdom and path as a photojournalis

We all need a little more Ken Scar in our lives. He is a man with unbelievable authenticity that transcends from his personal life into the work that he loves so much, telling great stories. I have met many great storytellers in my life, none more highly decorated than Ken. Ken’s story is more than the amazing moments he has captured with his cameras. Ken’s story runs deeper beyond his time serving this great country. Ken has battled some of the hardest battles in his personal life that nearly drove him to suicide. What he found in the army in the heat of an ambush was his desire to live. Ken Scar is the face of the brave, a man who breaks down barriers as he tells stories for Clemson University. But for this podcast, he breaks down his own barriers and shares his battle with depression, mental illness, divorce, almost dying in combat, and his desire to live...to live life with his kids and continue to capture and share more stories. Here is part one of our conversation. Check Out Links Below: Meet Ken Sca

Is printing newspapers a dead enterprise? You better ignore the national narrative because John Garrett has a message you want to hear. John Garrett started Community Impact Newspaper from the game room of his home with his wife and best friend, Jennifer. The belief that everyone—not just the insiders—should know what is happening in their own backyard. This prompted him to leave a news giant and start his own news organization...print first.Community Impact has a mission, to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through collaboration of a passionate team. John is beyond passionate. He believes in covering basic areas like city and county council meetings, local business news, and local news that and gives a community information about their community. Bottomline, he is doubling down on national media companies purchasing local newspapers who then aggregate national news into their reporting. He believes in local first!His success is bigger than the 26 print editions, the 45 communiti

Roger Cicala likes gadgets but most of all, he loves photography. This former physician fell in love with photography and built a nationwide photography rental business because of one lens he purchased. Yes, it was a Canon lens, one of those beautiful white, prime lenses. After purchasing this $5000.00 lens for a picture he wanted to capture, he found himself with an asset he only used a few times year. So he decided to rent it and from the living room of his house he grew a multi-million dollar business that not only rents photography equipment, but ventures into other arenas including testing lenses for NASA, testing lens and camera for accuracy, and even giving back to his medical roots.But what is so fascinating about of Roger as an entrepreneur, he has a venture he wants to dust off and find a group willing to partner. He has a way to photograph injuries of domestic violence victims using a special technology that could help law enforcement build a case against their abusers. Roger and I have many i

Running for political office has to be one of the hardest journeys an individual can face. It takes time, energy, lots of resources, a lot of contacts, and a committed family. Running for the highest offices in the State of South Carolina is the pinnacle of challenges for a democrat in a traditionally republican state. James Smith and Mandy Powers Norrell were ready to face that challenge charged with core values they believed were inside the heart of their fellow South Carolinians. Their statewide, grassroots approach took them city to city, meeting so many people, with so many passions yet fell short during the late hours of the 2018 November election night. I followed their campaign closely. My political background came as journalists covering Senator John McCain’s first presidential run in 2000, Senator John Edwards presidential run in 2004, and numerous Democratic and Republican National Conventions. James Smith and Mandy Powers Norrell had the drive, spirit, and commitment to serving the

You never know when you are going to meet such an old soul, a person with just a sense of wisdom that undoubtedly resonates with your viewpoint on life. I met Tammy one morning while working on a project for our friends at Welvista. Founded in 1991, Welvista is a 501(c)3 organization that helps uninsured and underserved South Carolinians gain access to essential health services while reducing the long-term costs of health care that result from untreated conditions. In 2018, Welvista filled more than 291,000 free prescriptions in the treatment of chronic disease. Tammy is a recipient of Welvista prescription assistance program. Tammy is one of 250,000 plus people in South Carolina who is uninsured. Tammy and I share something in common, we both have asthma and rely on medication to keep it under control. Since I have insurance, my medication is little to no costs. For Tammy, this is hundreds of dollars per month; money that is being used for rent, utilities, and livelihood. Here is our conversation.&

What does it mean to be a social media influencer? This is a question many of us “OLD SCHOOL” social media pioneers toss around while giggling under our breath. I guess it means you have more than 10,000 followers on the latest social media outlet. But seriously, what is a social media influencer? I want you to meet Kelly Olexa.Kelly is the founder of FitFluential, a nationwide network of highly influential fitness, health and wellness fanatics sharing their journey online via social media. She has also just launched Socially Fit Services with the goal to meet the needs of businesses and individuals struggling with Digital, Social and Influencer Marketing.She is probably the first true social media influencer, starting her journey in 2007 with a $600 camcorder and a YouTube channel. She had zero strategy and just put videos up of her “ramble-on-a-thons” daily and that’s it. No editing. No calls to action. No fancy graphics. Just Kelly, sweaty after her workouts sharing her ups and downs. Suddenly, she ha

Basketball hall-of-famer Pat Williams is the founder and senior vice president of the NBA’sOrlando Magic. In addition to his roles with the Orlando Magic, he served as general manager of the1983 world champion Philadelphia 76ers and managed both the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks. Pat is best known for acquiring top talents such as Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway.A cancer survivor, Pat is in remission after winning his battle with Multiple Myeloma which is a blood cancer. As an author of over 100 books, Williams has focused much of his writing on inspiring and motivating others through leadership, teamwork and peak performance. He and his wife, Ruth, are the parents of 19 children, including 14 adopted from four nations. In his new book, CHARACTER CARVED IN STONE, Pat shares incredible stories of West Point graduates who exemplify these traits. Williams proves that these 12 virtues aren’t exclusive to the military, but instead can be developed and u

“Only passions, great passions, can elevate the soul to great things.” - Denis DiderotAllison Andrews gave me a card with this quote one afternoon in 2005 while the Road Show crew from WCNC-TV in Charlotte, NC was preparing for a live television production. She always knew how to get the team excited about the live television event we were about to produce. Allison is one of the most passionate and creative people I know. And to be honest, I still feel guilty to this day when I had to tell her I was leaving television ultimately to go work for myself. At that time, and still to this day, she is such a tremendous leader and mentor that I never wanted to disappoint her. But what is so funny, she called me when it was time for her to leave broadcast television news to work for herself. Allison has done more than embrace entrepreneurship and small business ownership, she has embarked on a journey of learning how to tell her own story. We journalists have a hard time with this creative shift in thinking,

I believe there are certain people in your life that provide you the mentoring and leadership necessary to succeed. We are all blessed with God given natural talents, but there are only certain people who fully maximize that talent and share it with the world. Serial entrepreneurs are a special breed of people; true serial entrepreneurs. These are people who combine the ability to leverage their God given natural talent and courage to keep stepping up to the plate and swing for the stars. But the most successful serial entrepreneurs know which pitch to zero in on, stare down, and take that mighty swing. Leighton Cubbage grew up in Sumter, SC and from the moment he left his football career on the Clemson gridiron, he started swinging hard. Leighton has hit it big, many times, taking lots of calculated risks, and investing in places no one could imagine. He slept in the office and on the road for months when it was time to make sales necessary to fulfill dreams and passions. But it all started with th

From the moment I met him...I just started laughing. Not because he always wears a bowtie, I like bowties and I wear them constantly. Not because of his cool, unique, circular glasses; because I just recently started wearing glasses and I wanted something cool. I start laughing because he is always laughing, smiling, and trying to make other people laugh. This former military serviceman who found his career in higher education one day just gave it all up and start a career in comedy. Are you laughing yet? Well, the people that pay him to make them laugh certainly get what they pay for...a man of wisdom and pizzazz delivered on a plate full of laughter, full enough to make your see life in a new perspective. This is the heart of Mike Goodwin and I hope he brings just a little bit of laughter in your life, because his story is like all of ours...we just want to make a difference in the world. Some just have the guts and the laughs to do it!Check Out Links Below:Comedian Mike GoodwinComedy Zone Worldwi

This interview with Sister Norma Pimentel was recorded not long before President Trump visited McAllen, Texas on January 10, 2019; the center of the international border debate, right where Sister Norma runs the Humanitarian Respite Center. President Trump’s trip was to visit the border and advocate for the construction of a larger wall along the US-Mexico border. Sister Norma’s passion to serve this humanitarian crisis is larger than walls and this legal/political debate. This is why I had to sit down and hear her story.It is one thing to say we have passion and the heart to love all of God’s people. It is another to actively live this out in our daily lives. But one woman not only believes this to her core, she lives it everyday of her life. Sister Norma Pimentel is probably one of the most inspiration women I have ever met. Sister Norma serves as executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville, Texas and has directed this charitable arm of the Diocese of Brownsville si

It is February 7, 2017 and we find ourselves in the Catholic Charities Humanitarian Respite Center…right downtown McAllen, Texas. McAllen is the largest city in Hidalgo County, Texas, and the twenty-second most populous city in Texas. It is located at the southern tip of the state in the Rio Grande Valley. McAllen, Texas has the largest immigration processing center in the United StatesWe are getting a tour, learning about their operation. Their mission…to help those who have crossed the border and have been released from ICE to being the process of seeking asylum. I am traveling with a group from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Buckner Missions to learn more about immigration and the impact inside our communities. The Humanitarian Respite Center was created to provide a way-station for asylum seekers from Central American countries moving through McAllen, Texas. The respite center mainly serves women and children who have traveled together as a family and have been paroled from detention centers

Ministering at the corner of Boulevard and the world is a big statement for a church that has a congregation of roughly 500 people in Anderson, SC. Ellen Sechrest truly believes in this statement fundamentally and each day seeks more missional ways to carry out that goal at Boulevard Baptist Church. As Anderson, SC continues to see exceptional growth from the Hispanic/Latino populations, she has been seeking new ways to be a better neighbor. So she found herself drawn to McAllen, Texas to learn more about immigration, migration, and how she can better educate her congregation in Anderson, SC. What she found was a bigger missional calling. On her second trip to the Catholic Charities Humanitarian Respite Center downtown McAllen, Texas...she has found a missional calling to engage in more intentional ways to serve these populations. But what she found on this second trip, is the need is increasing. She continues to carry out that mission, to minister at the corner of Boulevard and the world. Check Out Links Bel

I just believe...don’t you? It’s that time of the year where kids can be kids and so can us little adults. We just can’t hold it back, admit it...you get a little a little giddy when see jolly ole Kris Kringle. You have the yearning to go crawl up in his lap and share your greatest wish, each and every holiday season.But there is only one Santa Claus. At-least every kid believes there is only one Santa and all the other Santa’s are … well … just fake Santas. But I was able to catch-up with ole Saint Nick...he invited me to his temporary home on the lake in Townville, SC. Just a short stop-over before heading back to the north pole for the last push before Christmas. It was Christmas 2014, I captured one of my most favorite images of Rosebud with Santa. It is this picture that is now hanging in our house during each and every Christmas holiday season. It is this picture that made me want to meet the man that made Rosebud’s eyes sparkle. So...regardless if you believe in Santa, there is one thing for

In 2006, I was working for the WCNC-TV Investigative Unit in Charlotte, NC. I was part of the team sent to the U.S.–Mexico border in Arizona in the hopes to find people migrating to the Carolinas. I was sent with the team because I knew the land, the people, and how to navigate the bureaucratic monster called “The Wall”.I found myself in a Econoline van riding with 15 people from Altar, Mexico to Sasabe, Arizona to cross in the United States. Along with 15 people traveling was a Coyotaje (Coyote). Coyote is a colloquial Mexican–Spanish term referring to the practice of people smuggling across the U.S.–Mexico borderSmuggling should not be misinterpreted to mean human trafficking. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) define smuggling as the "importation of people into the United States involving deliberate evasion of immigration laws.”In part two of my interview with Morgan Loew, we pick-up talking about crossing the border in Sasabe, the dangers of the border, and what is life is like for a reporter