Podcast

We are so excited about this week’s episode! We sat down with Commissioner Turner from the DIDD office to talk about what’s going on in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Eric and Matt asked hard-hitting questions about superpowers, technology, and how he became the Commissioner of DIDD. Topics such as Publix subs and the importance of diversity in the workplace were talked about, make sure to tune in. Our podcast wouldn’t exist without the grant from DIDD, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of this opportunity!   This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, TN’s …

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We are so excited to have Laura Berry on this week’s episode! Laura is with the Tennessee Employment Pathways Project with Vanderbilt University. Listen along to hear about the difference she is making in the disability community through this research project. Gina Wilson takes part in the conversation and discusses her involvement with the project through being a mentor. Matt and Trent (Spread the Positive) catch up and learn more about the project as well. Want to be a mentor or get involved? Please, check out the website employmentpathways.org This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread the Positive, …

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TV star, Eric Wilson joins us this week to talk about his experience at Special Olympics 2022! Eric and Norris were featured on ESPN multiple times during their time in Orlando for the Special Olympics. Sadly, Norris couldn’t join us for the recording, but we are so proud of him for bringing home several medals for powerlifting. John Wilson joins us again to recount his experiences alongside his son and the enjoyable time they had together! Matt “Man” Moore catches us up on everything going on in his life and his plans to participate in the Special Olympics 2026! This …

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We have a very exciting episode this week! Kathleen Simcoe joins the podcast from Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum! Not only does she have an extensive job title but an incredible passion for our field. Listen along as Kathleen talks about her background in Special Education and Behavioral Analysis and how it led to her current dream career with Vanderbilt, making waves! Gina Wilson, Matt Moore, and Trent Denson (Spread the Positive) join us in this exciting conversation to talk about the overlap with Waves.   This podcast is made possible through partnerships with Spread …

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Jimmy Parnel is a self-advocate for Waves and a graduate of the Advocacy in Motion (AIM) program. Through training, education, and advocacy, AIM transforms lives and cultivates independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. Jimmy has put in the hard work to have graduated from the program and has now provided himself with opportunities to obtain meaningful employment and sustainable income with his desired level of independence. Jimmy talks about the training he leads for AIM and how he receives income for doing so. Listen along as Lance, Matt, and Trent learn more about AIM and …

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Welcome back to Season Three! WOA is kicking this season off with one of our favorite co-hosts, Matt “Man” Moore, and special guests Dana and Brent Bythewoods! Waves has a long-time relationship with the Bythewoods; it all started when their daughter, Emily Hope, went through our Early Learning Program. We are so excited to have Dana and Brent on to share a piece of their story and announce all the exciting things they are a part of!   Mark your calendars for upcoming events! You can support two incredible organizations on September 15th. Waves is hosting our annual fall fundraiser, Brews …

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In the studio this week, co-hosts Matt Moore, Adam Finlan, and Trent Denson are joined by Craig, Kelly, and Samantha Campbell to talk about Cerebral palsy. March is Cerebral palsy awareness month. Listen now!

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 …

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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 …

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WOA – Autism Awareness Month! 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. Listen now!