Shows
James's Warr;orsAre you crazy? Is it grief? Or is it Menopause?đď¸ New Episode Alert! âAre You Crazy? Is It Grief? Or Is It Menopause?â  You might be wondering: why is Jamesâs Warr;ors â No One Walks Alone podcast talking about menopause? Because mental health matters.  This 10-year journey can bring depression, anxiety, and over 60 other symptoms. Itâs not just physical â itâs deeply emotional and psychological. Thatâs why this episode is a must-listen for women, mothers facing grief, and the partners who walk this path with them.  Join Dawn, John, and Donna as they dive into...2025-05-2352 min
Wild VoicesEp. 21: RetreatABLE Recap with Chris Smith and Lauren OftedahlWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Nicci and I are joined by Chris Smith and Lauren Oftedahl to discuss the first RetreatABLE event they hosted in Wisconsin a few weeks ago. The crew at Wild Voices Podcast couldnât be more thrilled to see the impact that these ladies are making in other communities, and we invite you to learn more about their passion and efforts to get people more connected to nature!Mentioned in the show:...2025-05-1638 min
Wild VoicesEp. 20: Ranger Madlyn Maples from Pinson Mounds State Archeological ParkWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Donna and Nicci head down to Pinson Mounds State Park to chat with Madlyn Maples, the park's Seasonal Interpretive Ranger. Madlyn shares some of the cool history of the park and some of the unique events happening at Pinson Mounds. Mentioned in the show:Pinson Mounds State Archaeological ParkBee Fest 2025Painting with MudThank you for being part of this journey with us! Your support means the...2025-05-0829 min
James's Warr;orsNavigating Mother's Day in GriefEpisode11: Navigating Motherâs Day in Grief On this episode of No One Walks Alone, Jamesâs Warriors podcast, John, Dawn, and Donna explore the complex emotions surrounding Motherâs Day for moms who are grieving the loss of a child. They reflect on what the second year of grief can look like, the ongoing process of âgrief work,â and how mourning evolves over time. Whether youâre a mother walking this difficult path or someone supporting a grieving mom, this heartfelt conversation offers compassion, understanding, and insight for the journey. https...2025-05-051h 03
Mindset & Action: Grow and Streamline Your BusinessWhat If Success Looked Different for You? (with Denise Duffield-Thomas) | EP305Send me a Text MessageWhat if the key to business growth isn't hustling harder but designing a business that works with your natural strengths? Money mindset mentor Denise Duffield-Thomas introduces us to "the chustle" â a chilled approach to hustle that creates success without burnout.Denise reveals how she's built a multi-million dollar business with a surprisingly lean team structure â no full-time employees and minimal management headaches. She challenges the entrepreneurial obsession with arbitrary financial benchmarks, encouraging listeners to define success on their own terms rather than chasing someone else's definition of achievement.The...2025-04-2846 min
Wild VoicesEp. 19: Below the Waves with Joe MeiselWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Donna talks with Joe Meisel, biologist, conservationist, and educator. He is the author of two books about the wonders of the natural world: The Marlinâs Fiery Eye and Other Tales from the Extraordinary World of Marine Fishes (Cornell Press, 2025) and Orchids of Tropical America: An Introduction and Guide (Cornell Press, 2014). He is a co-founder of the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation and has led research, education, and habitat protection programs for nearly thirty ye...2025-04-2451 min
James's Warr;orsThe Lifted ProjectOn this episode of Jamesâs Warr;ors: No One Walks Alone Podcast, we explore The Lifted Project created by John Burton. Join Donna, Dawn, and John as they share the powerful, emotional journey behind this inspiring âWe Are the Worldâ concept that took place in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Discover how a single room filled with people transformed into an unforgettable experience of unity, healing, and hope.2025-04-2358 min
Wild VoicesEp. 18: Road to Redemption with Raye CoonWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Donna is joined by Raye Coon, a life coach in Jackson and gem of a human! Donna and Raye discuss Raye's journey and her newest venture - Redemption Road - and the impact that nature has had on her personal and spiritual development. Mentioned in this episode:Connect and follow Redemption Road on social media.FacebookInstagramTikTokThank you for being part of...2025-04-1630 min
Now We KnowBurning Sands with Guest Thomas PolkFor the first time in Now We Know's history, Donna & Jonathan have a two-peat guest: Thomas Polk. In March 2023, Donna & Jonathan interviewed Thomas (who happens to be Donna's dad) about his affiliation with Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Incorporated. This episode is a continuation of that telling as the origin story. What prompted the discussion was the untimely passing of Caleb Wilson, a pledge of Omega Psi Phi, in Louisiana in February as a direct result of hazing. Hazing, a practice long withstanding time, has resulted in the tragic ending of too many young lives and...2025-04-1456 min
Wild VoicesEp. 17: Spring Equinox Retreat 2025 RecapWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Nicci, Donna, and Chris chat about the amazing Spring Equinox Retreat that took place at CloverPenny Farm on March 22, 2025. What a wonderful day of connecting, community, love, and support! If you didn't make it, check out this episode to see what you missed. Mark your calendar for June 21, 2025, when we will be hosting the Summer Retreat!Thank you for being part of this journey with us! Your support means the world. Please...2025-04-0334 min
James's Warr;orsJames's Warr;ors 5th Year AnniversaryIn this special episode of the James's Warrior podcast, John Burton interviews Donna Thomas and Dawn Cavaccini, the founders of James's Warriors, as they celebrate five years of impactful work in suicide prevention. The conversation explores the challenges of doing good, the importance of joy in their mission, and the evolution of their program. They share personal stories of healing through helping others and the significance of community support in their journey. The episode highlights the bravery required to confront grief and the hope they aim to instill in the lives of those they reach. In this conversation, Donna...2025-03-191h 00
Wild VoicesEp. 16: Spring Nature Events 2025 with Nicci and DonnaWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.The Plant Shop - Plant Sale219 North Parkway Ste 6 Jackson TN 38305March 13-15, 2024 10:00 AM - 6:00 PMSpring Equinox Nature RetreatCloverPenny FarmSaturday, March 22, 2025 10:00âŻAM - 6:00 PMCommunity Seed SwapThe Ledge - 3581 Highway 70 E, Spring Creek TN 38305March 27, 2025 12:00 PM - 4:00 PMSpring Tree Identification HikePinson Mounds...2025-03-0632 min
Wild VoicesEp. 15: Healing in the Wild: Grieving and Nature with Lauren OftedahlWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.We took a little sabbatical due to illness, weather issues, and a particularly devastating loss at the farm. Our beloved Walter, our gender-fluid turkey and mascot of the Wild Voices Podcast, was taken by a predator. This episode is perfectly timed, as we speak with Lauren Oftedahl about using nature to navigate grief. Lauren is a published author, graphic designer, and an all-around gem of a human being.Mentioned in the show: RetreatAble...2025-02-2845 min
Wild VoicesEp. 14: Winter ForagingWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.âPlants and animals donât fight the winter; they donât pretend itâs not happening and attempt to carry on living the same lives that they lived in the summer. They prepare. They adapt. They perform extraordinary acts of metamorphosis to get them through. Winter is a time of withdrawing from the world, maximizing scant resources, carrying out acts of brutal efficiency, and vanishing from sight, but thatâs where the transformation occurs. Winter is not the de...2025-02-0623 minWild VoicesEp. 13: Diana Cotten's Bringing a New Plant Shop to West Tennessee!Welcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, we chat with Diana Cotten, a local businesswoman, nature lover, and country-life extraordinaire! Diana shares with us the details about her latest venture - a plant shop coming to the West Tennessee area! This hilarious episode covers everything from the plant shop to bean dust and an extensive conversation about snakes. Thank you for being part of this journey with us! Your support means the world. Please subscribe so you don't miss f...2025-01-3029 minJames's Warr;orsFourth Episode David HenryIn this episode of 'No One Walks Alone', host Donna Thomas, along with Co-host Dawn Cavaccini, John Burton, and David Henry, delve into the critical relationship between exercise, nutrition, and mental health. They discuss personal experiences with dietary changes, the importance of accountability in fitness, and the role of sleep in overall wellness. The conversation also touches on the challenges of weight loss, particularly for women, and the misconceptions surrounding muscle and fat. David shares insights on effective training methods and nutritional strategies, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to health and wellness. In this conversation, the speakers discuss...2025-01-291h 06
Wild VoicesEp. 12: 2025 - Interesting Start & Upcoming EventsWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.The snow settled in, and we did too! Snuggle up and enjoy this episode where Nicci and I talk about all the great events and happenings in the coming months! Upcoming Events:Wild Voices Spring Retreat - March 22, 2025 at CloverPenny Farms. More details to come! RetreatAble: A wheelchair-accessible nature retreat - April 25-27, 2025 at Camp Wawbeek - Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps 1450 State Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 Women's Virtual Winter...2025-01-1633 minJames's Warr;ors3 RD Episode Dr. Jaimee.In this episode, Donna Thomas, along with guests Dawn Cavaccini and John Burton, engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Jaimee Arnoff, a clinical psychologist specializing in youth mental health. They discuss the importance of parental involvement in therapy, the creation of coping kits for teens, and the need for open communication within families. The conversation highlights the challenges teens face in expressing their feelings and the role of therapists in facilitating these discussions. The episode emphasizes the significance of agency for teens and the complexities of navigating family dynamics when it comes to mental health. This conversation delves...2025-01-1551 min
Wild VoicesEp. 11: Landscaping with Brad GanoWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, we chat with Brad Gano about all things landscaping. Brad, a private landscaper in Denver, Colorado sat down with us for a great conversation about grasses, trees, and tips for getting the most out of your landscape. Check out the episode as Brad shares his knowledge, and the dogs provide some additional comedic action (yes, there was a dog fart in the camper - that was rough).Thank you for being part...2025-01-0236 minJames's Warr;ors2nd Episode Healing vs Surviving.Summary In this episode of the James' Warriors podcast, Donna Thomas, Dawn Cavaccini, and John Burton discuss the complexities of mental health, healing, and the journey of survival after loss. They share personal stories of grief, recovery, and the importance of support systems. The conversation delves into the nuances of language surrounding mental health, the impact of daily routines, and the significance of coping strategies. John shares his transformative journey from crisis to recovery, emphasizing the role of family and the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones. The episode concludes with reflections on finding meaning and...2025-01-0158 min
Wild VoicesEp. 10: Adventure Therapy with Renee RoarkWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.Now that the holidays are coming to a close, many people may be feeling the need to reflect and focus on self-care. That can often include therapy. In this episode, we chat with Renee Roark about Adventure Therapy. Renee shares how her approach to therapy within nature takes a different approach to helping her clients heal through connecting with nature. Mentioned in the show: National Outdoor Leadership School Association for Experiential Education Adventure Therapist, L...2024-12-2646 min
Pivoting to WEB3Bridging AI & Law: Technology's Role in Legal Services with Thomas Daley and Donna MitchellIn today's episode, we're discussing the intersection of law and artificial intelligence with our esteemed guest, Thomas J Daley. Thomas is a board-certified family law attorney from Texas, a former high-frequency trading software developer, and an innovator with a keen interest in leveraging technology to improve legal services.In this episode, Thomas shares fascinating insights and first-hand experiences about the evolving role of AI in the legal industry. We'll discuss an incident where an AI, possibly ChatGPT, generated a legal brief with incorrect case citations, emphasizing the critical need for diligent fact-checking. We'll explore AI's potential to...2024-12-2440 min
Wild VoicesEp. 9: Nature Projects for the WinterWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.Winter is upon us in West Tennessee! With the cold (and recently rainy) weather rolling in, thereâs no better time to start planning fun winter projects to connect you to nature and your creativity. In this episode, we discuss a few of our favorite things to do during the winter and offer up some of our favorite resources. Stick around to learn more about Nicciâs upcoming Winter Solstice event at the end of the episode! ...2024-12-1925 minJames's Warr;orsWho we are.In this episode, John Burton hosts a conversation with Donna Thomas and Dawn, founders of James's Warriors, a community organization dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. They share the story behind the organization, which was born from personal tragedy and a desire to change the stigma surrounding mental health. The discussion covers their fundraising efforts, the importance of community engagement, and the balance between addressing the darkness of mental health issues while also celebrating life and hope. They emphasize the message that no one has to walk this journey alone and the therapeutic...2024-12-1849 min
Wild VoicesEp. 8: Mushroom Hunting with David BlackwoodWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, we chat with David Blackwood about all things mushrooms. David is the Director of the West Tennessee River Basin Authority by day, but mushroom hunting is his passion. This fascinating conversation includes tips on when and where to forage, the two deadly shrooms in West Tennessee, Davidâs favorite fungi, how to grow mushrooms with cardboard, and so much more! Big shout out to TheCo in Jackson, TN, for the recording space during this co...2024-12-1240 min
Wild VoicesEp. 7: UTExtension with Celeste Luckey Scott and Mary Glenys EspeyWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, we visit the UT-TSU Extension office to meet with Celeste Luckey Scott and Mary Glenys Espey and learn more about the Extensionâs programs and services. We talk about the Master Gardeners Program, Tennessee Smart Yard, and the services that the Extension offers to community members and homeowners. Recording this episode was so much fun and very informative. You donât want to miss all the great conversation. Mentioned in the episode:...2024-12-0549 min
Wild VoicesEp. 6: Wild Voices Retreat RecapWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.In this episode, Nicci and Donna are joined by Chris Smith for a lovely discussion about last weekend's Wild Voices Retreat. We talk about our favorite parts of the day, read some feedback from participants, and share a wonderful campfire song that has been sitting with our souls since. Thank you for being part of this journey with us! Your support means the world. Please subscribe so you don't miss future episodes, leave a review...2024-11-2133 min
Wild VoicesEp.5: Nature Talk with Donna & NicciWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.Join us as we sit by the fire on a beautiful Saturday and discuss the benefits of connecting with nature and give you some tips to combat the physical and mental challenges of the changing season. We'll give you a few strategies for coping with the stress of the upcoming election and holiday season, and Nicci shares some great ideas for ways to commune with nature when the weather isn't 'ideal.'Thank you for...2024-11-0724 min
Wild VoicesEp. 4: Herbal Remedies with Mikki Patterson from The Mystic's GardenWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.Come along with us on our journey to The Mystic's Garden in Enville, TN where we had a facinating conversation with owner Mikki Patterson. In this episode, we explore the wonderful ways that Mikki uses herbal remedies to treat a variety of issues, both physically and mentally. Mikki talks about calming teas, foraging, and shares great advice for those looking to add herbal remedies to their daily wellness routine. Mentioned in this episode: â â â â â The Mystic's G...2024-10-3137 min
Wild VoicesEp. 3: Laura Lamun on Wild Plants and HerbsWelcome to the Wild Voices podcast, hosted by Donna Thomas and Nicci Gano, where nature speaks and stories come alive.We had the pleasure of speaking with Laura Lamun, author of The Garden of EarthâLiving Remedies & Earth-Honoring Practices. In this episode, we eat a few things from Laura's yard and discuss the great uses and benefits of wild plants in West Tennessee and the Southeast. Laura also gives tips on foraging and aromatherapy and gives a sneak peek into her new book, which will be coming out later this year. Mentioned in this episode:...2024-10-2441 min
Cut The Tie | Entrepreneur Success UnleashedWhatâs Holding You Back from Your True Potential with Donna TashjianNever Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Donna Tashjian joins the show to share her powerful journey of overcoming adversity and founding Vibrant Living International, where she helps others unlock their potential and live authentic, purposeful lives. With deep insights into self-confidence, spiritual intelligence, and identity, Donnaâs approach empowers individuals to find clarity and fulfillment.About Donna Tashjian:Donna Tashjian is the founder of Vibrant Living International, a life coaching business dedicated to helping individuals discover their purpose and live with confidence. Donna specializes in helping her cli...2024-10-2437 min