We explore how AO Tourism attracts visitors while improving daily life for locals, from sports tournaments and conferences to art, food, and outdoor events. Cat shares her path from intern to Director of Communications and Marketing, clears up misconceptions, and tells a moving story of turning hardship into a community run.

• AO Tourism’s mission and lodging tax funding
• Key drivers: University, Grand National, Chewacla, downtown Opelika
• Why tourism benefits residents as well as visitors
• How the team differs from a chamber model
• New Auburn office, Opelika visitor experience, local art gallery
• Cat’s career path and leadership approach
• How to bring conferences and tournaments to Auburn–Opelika
• Growing staff and capacity to serve the region
• Where to connect: aotourism.com and social channels

www.aotourism.com

We trace Dr. Susan Westerlund’s path from delivering babies to leading a thriving gynecology and wellness practice focused on menopause care and hormone therapy. We break down what modern evidence says about estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone for women and men.

• office-based gynecology focus after years in obstetrics
• expansion from Columbus to Auburn and growing demand
• perimenopause explained as a gradual transition
• wide symptom range including sleep and mood changes
• WHI study myths clarified and corrected
• benefits of bioidentical estradiol and micronized progesterone
• heart, bone, and brain protection with timely therapy
• role of testosterone for women’s libido and focus
• organic growth into men’s care and couples wellness
• how to get in touch and where to find appointments

westerwellhealth.com

We share how Ru's Roots Foundation became a free adaptive gym serving preteens through adults with different needs and why community after high school matters. Hannah opens up about turning grief into a legacy, breaking access barriers, and inviting volunteers and donors to join the work.

• free adaptive fitness for teens and adults with different needs
• location and how to visit the facility
• why post-school community and structure matter
• origin story rooted in faith and loss
• breaking ADA fears and building inclusive design
• volunteer-powered classes with one-to-one support
• programs like boxing, jiu-jitsu and weight training
• how to donate, volunteer or enroll

rus-roots.org

We talk with Executive Director Tabitha Vasilas about how Youth For Christ reaches unchurched teens in East Alabama through school clubs and juvenile justice ministry, and why local partnerships are vital. Tabitha shares her faith journey, common myths, the needs of today’s youth, and concrete ways to get involved.

• mission to build authentic Christ‑sharing relationships with 11–19 year olds
• campus life clubs as entry points to trust
• weekly outreach in group homes, detention centers, and prison
• not replacing churches, placing students in churches
• why local volunteers, prayer teams, and donors matter
• Tabitha’s path from sports and social work to ministry leadership
• addressing spiritual warfare while staying on mission
• teens’ hunger for truth and need for multi‑generational mentors
• how to serve as a volunteer, board member, or partner

eastalabamayfc.org

We talk with Tama Ward of Curated Living and Company about turning a love of vintage goods and needlepoint into an online shop, local classes, and a fast-growing stitchers’ community. Her path from military moves to curated coziness shows how to pivot, build connection, and grow with purpose.

• what curated living and company offers across vintage goods and needlepoint supplies
• the military family journey shaping home style and secondhand savvy
• moving from booth sales to online, pop-ups and markets
• launching and growing the auburn needlepoint club
• teaching needlepoint 101 and 102 for beginners
• why unique, cozy, one-of-a-kind items matter
• lessons on pivoting, flexibility and following traction
• local classes hosted at stitch therapy in auburn
• where to find the shop and contact details

curatedlivingandco.com

We trace how a recording dream became a concert venue, a sold-out supper club, and Opelika’s biggest music weekend. Rob Slocumb shares the festival schedule, the student showcase, and the pivots that kept The Sound Wall thriving after COVID.

• what The Sound Wall is and why it works
• Supper Club as a community builder
• Opelika Songwriters Festival schedule and highlights
• six venues and 40 artists across downtown
• student showcase and school workshops
• entrepreneurship lessons from a forced pivot
• family life, travel, and pickleball moments
• how to get tickets and best value passes
• upcoming jazz series with a touring clarinetist

Tickets are now on sale. Your best value is the weekend pass.

httos://theswmi.org

https://opelikasongwritersfestival.com

We explore how hydro seeding protects land on large sites and why the trades offer real paths to success. Chad shares how a values clash at work led him to launch a faith-centered company that now restores ground for solar fields and major contractors.

• what hydro seeding is and why it matters
• where erosion control fits on solar and construction sites
• how a job loss became a purpose-driven launch
• myths about college as the only route to success
• the role of faith and mission in daily operations
• family, community, and balance beyond work
• how to contact Burns Environmental for projects

www.alabamahydroseeding.com

We share how pelvic floor health, breath mechanics, and smart strength training help women move from “common” problems to real solutions. Hilary’s path from grad school to entrepreneurship shows why autonomy and recovery matter as much as reps.

• What the pelvic floor does and why it matters
• Breath work as the foundation for pressure management
• Stepwise training from table to floor to standing
• When to refer to a physical therapist
• Myths that keep women from seeking help
• Building a values-led business through self-advocacy
• How massage complements strength and recovery
• How to reach Hilary via Instagram or Facebook

www.facebook.com/valorwomenscoaching
www.instagram.com/valorwomenscoaching