Talk! with Audrey

Preparing for back-to-school during an unprecedented time has certainly been challenging for parents and caregivers. For those who have been overwhelmed at the prospect of what their kids will need for the new school landscape, Lifestyle Journalist and Mom Julie Loffredi, has tips for any situation that can make your everyday routine a bit easier.

The need to rethink how the world creates, consumes and disposes of materials has never been more clear -- from storing energy more efficiently, to removing CO2 from the atmosphere and growing food more sustainably. Solomon Assefa, VP of IBM Research, Africa and Emerging Market Solutions joins me to talk about IBM’s annual 5 in 5.

As the fall season approaches, many families are readying their homes for routine safety checks and home maintenance. Lifestyle expert Martin Amado joins me with some simple precautions to keep in mind that will help you and your family enjoy the new season!

As client expectations continue to shift and face-to-face interactions are limited, companies have had to pivot quickly or improve upon their existing client care models to create more meaningful and personalized experiences in order to meet clients’ changing needs. Joining me to celebrate National Customer Service Week, Holly O’Neill, Chief Client Care Executive, Bank of America, to talk about how clients and companies are both redefining the client experience.

From the day-to-day anxiety caused by global circumstances to the” new normal” of working from home many people are experiencing pain and health problems that are causing them to rethink their wellness routines. As spas, gyms and wellness centers re-open, all eyes are on how these businesses have adapted to the new normal and what strategies and protocols are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of returning customers. Massage Envy CEO, Beth Stiller talks about their new safety procedures and protocols.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that impacts approximately 2.3 million people worldwide. Here today to with information about relapsing forms of MS (RMS) and a new treatment option, is Dr. Robert Shin, Professor of Neurology at Georgetown University and Director of the Georgetown Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center, and Kerry, a patient living with RMS.

A recent survey from Ancestry found that nearly 60% of parents say that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased their interest in understanding their genetic health. They recently launched AncestryHealth, it's an advanced genetic testing technology designed to help people understand their risk for developing certain inheritable health conditions. My guest is Sarah South, vice president of laboratory sciences at Ancestry DNA.

Are you preparing to travel in this new normal? My guest today is lifestyle and travel correspondent, Amy Goodman. And she has the latest in local travel trends, and how to plan a safe and happy road trip for the family.

According to a new Edward Jones and Morning Consult study, since the COVID-19 pandemic has upended the education sector, Americans are reconsidering investing in higher education. My guest is Nela Richardson, a principal strategist for Edward Jones, we talk about the details of the survey, revealing concerns over education investment, and some tools that are currently available to help assist you with planning for college.

A camping experience can be invaluable for those burdened by childhood cancer, as it provides support and connection to others. On August 29th, Northwestern Mutual through its foundation and in collaboration with Lollipop Theater Network, united hundreds of children and families who are affected by childhood cancer for a one-of-a-kind virtual camp experience called the Ultimate Camp-In. to tell us all about it, Eric Christopherson, Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy and Community Relations, and President of Northwestern Mutual Foundation.

The 146th Kentucky Derby was held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.To protect against COVID-19 a series of guest safety protocols have been put in place, but much more needs to be done to protect horses at the track. Kathy Guillermo, SVP of PETA’s horse racing department to talk about the changes PETA is trying to enact to protect horses at the country’s racetracks and what you can do to help.

Cancer is not what parents imagine when they envision their son's or daughter's childhood. Researchers are now trying to develop even more personalized treatments that will target a child-specific cancer and reduce side effects. My guest today is Dr. Anne Reilly, a pediatric oncologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The school day will look much different this year and not just inside the classroom. Parents are also going to have a lot to juggle. Our guest today is Erica Souter, a nationally recognized voice in the realm of parenting news and parenting advice. She's going to share information with us about digital tools from Messenger and  has some tips that we can use to stay socially connected and navigate this year's back to school season.

Each year an estimated 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma. It's a rare type of cancer that forms in the lining of major organs in the chest or the stomach. The most common form is malignant pleural mesothelioma, but less than 30% of patients were candidates for surgery to remove the tumor.  Dr. Rupesh Kotecha, a radiation oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute. We're going to talk about the facts of mesothelioma and how a technology already approved for brain cancer is offering a new innovative option for treatment.

The United Negro College Fund is the nation’s leading minority education organization and was founded in 1944 to help more African American students attend and graduate from college.  Dr. Michael Lomax, President & CEO, UNCF has information about this years revamped and highly anticipated UNCF National Virtual Walk for Education® that aims to raise funds to support HBCUs and the students they serve.

Many of us may likely know someone living with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and not even realize it. In fact, a genetic, progressive form of PKD, known as auto-somal polycystic kidney disease, or ADPKD, is the most common inherited kidney disorder you’ve likely never heard of. Joining me today in honor of PKD Awareness Day, is Dr. Meyeon Park, a leading nephrologist with the University of California San Francisco.

This year, more than 175,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a blood cancer, such as lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma. Dr. Caron Jacobson, Medical Director, Immune Effector Cell Therapy Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, joins me to discuss potentially life-saving therapy treatment options for patients with certain difficult-to-treat or advanced blood cancers.

Equifax, one of the leading credit reporting agencies, was recently sued in federal court in Virginia for including false information on credit reports.  That court - the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia - approved a nationwide Settlement with Equifax related to claims that it included inaccurate information on its credit reports tax liens and civil judgments, including how they were disposed (or described) or that did not belong on the credit reports. Consumer law attorney, Jim Francis joins me  to discuss the recent settlement, consumers rights, and how and why to check your credit report.

Up to 11% of new breast cancer cases are initially stage IV or metastatic. While there have been many advances in treatment, metastatic breast cancer remains incurable. Despite treatment advancements, metastatic breast cancer continues to take the lives of approximately 113 people in the US every day. Dr. Denise Yardley Senior Investigator, Breast Cancer Research Program, Sarah Cannon Research Institute at Tennessee Oncology has some positive news for advanced breast cancer patients.

As homes have become school for millions of children, parents across the country are caring for families in new ways. With the extra time at home comes extra time to involve kids in the day-to-day chore responsibilities, To find out why today’s parents are struggling to engage their children in household chores, Whirlpool enlisted the help of a developmental psychologist and a child development expert  joining me  with the results of the research paper and some help, lifestyle expert and mom Brooke Parkhurst.