Shows
Small Town Pulse with Steve & MelissaEpisode 9: Small Town School Systems, Dr. Willie FosterIn today's episode we meet with Dr. Willie Foster, the superintendent behind our amazing Spencer County School System! Get a peak behind the curtain of the struggles of running the school system in a growing rural county. And of course, we're celebrating some big wins too! 2025-07-2435 minSmall Town Pulse with Steve & MelissaEpisode 9: Small Town Schools with Dr. Willie FosterIn today's episode we meet Dr. Willie Foster, the superintendent behind our amazing Spencer County School System. Get a peak behind the curtain of the struggles of running the school system in a growing, rural county. And of course, we're celebrating some BIG wins too! 2025-07-2335 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Episode # 17 with Camile CaldwellUnion Break with Council 35 – Episode #17: Seniority Verification with Camile Caldwell
In this episode, Mischelle and Mya sit down with Camile Caldwell from Council 35's Grievance and Seniority Merger Integration Committee's (SMIC) to discuss the seniority verification letters recently mailed out as part of the Alaska-Hawaiian merger. Camile explains why these letters are crucial, what to do if your seniority date looks incorrect, and what supporting documents you may need. The team also clears up differences in how seniority has been tracked between airlines and emphasizes the importance of responding by August 29th. Don’t miss this important conversation that could impa...2025-07-2120 minSmall Town Pulse with Steve & MelissaEpisode 8: A Cleaner Kentucky with Whitney LewisOn Episode 8 we meet Whitney Lewis, the incredible single mom on a mission for A Cleaner Kentucky. She tells her about her non-profit Sun KYst sticks and stones and how we can get involved in the mission, one grocery bag at a time!If you were inspired by this episode, let us know! We definitely were. Follow Whitney on her Facebook page Sun KYst sticks and stones or join her FB group A Cleaner KY. Contribute to her cause with a donation by emailing her at acleanerkentucky@gmail.com. 2025-07-1732 minSmall Town Pulse with Steve & MelissaEpisode 7: Small Town PoliticsThis episode features Spencer County KY’s county judge executive, Scott Travis. He doesn’t shy away from any topics and shares his goals for Spencer County’s future. 2025-07-1054 minSmall Town Pulse with Steve & MelissaEpisode 6: What’s in store when you visit Taylorsville Lake State ParkThis week, we’re talking with Derrick Purvis from Taylorsville Lake State Park about everything this jewel in our backyard has to offer! 2025-07-0439 minSmall Town Pulse with Steve & MelissaEpisode 5: Small Town Tourism with Taylorsville KY TourismThis week, we have a heartfelt conversation with Taylorsville KY Tourism director, Katherine Scott. We touch on everything from what is amazing about our small town, the scenery of Kentucky and what’s most important about traveling….meeting the local people! Join us and be inspired to get out and vacation in your own back yard. 2025-07-0246 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Episode #16 With LECVP Virginia FritzUnion Break – Episode #16: PPP Explained with LECVP Virginia Fritz
In this episode of Union Break, Mischelle sits down with SFO LEC Vice President Virginia Fritz to untangle the details of the Productivity Premium Program (PPP). With 2025 being a transition year, there’s a lot of confusion out on the line — and Virginia brings clarity.
She explains what the PPP is and how it works.
What TFP will count toward your PPP, including boarding pay and State Bank hours.
She provides tips for meeting the thresholds and maximizing your bonus — up to $3,100.
Whether you’re flying the line or planning ahead, this episo...2025-06-2823 minSmall Town Pulse with Steve & MelissaEpisode 4: Small Town Non-Profits with Spencer County Humane SocietyMeet Victoria Snyder, the Society Manager & Founder of Spencer County Humane Society. We discuss the good and the bad of operating a non-profit in a small town. Please help us in supporting our first ever humane society at http://www.spencercountyhumanesociety.com 2025-06-1832 minSmall Town Pulse with Steve & MelissaEpisode 3: Small Town Medicine, Taylorsville Urgent Care PlusMeet hometown doctor, Dr. Joseph Snider and hear about the exciting new U of L Shelbyville Hospital practice opening up here in Taylorsville, KY. Open House is 6/28/25 from 11:30-1pm. Stop by & see us at 847 Taylorsville Rd, Taylorsville, KY.2025-06-1229 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Episode #15 with Scheduling Chairperson Jaqui BellenieUnion Break – Episode: Behind scheduling with Jaqui Bellenie
This week on Union Break, we sit down with Jaqui Bellenie, our SFO Scheduling Chairperson, for an inside look at how the upcoming months pairings are built. Jaqui walks us through the pairing construction process, how trips are assigned to each base, and breaks down scheduling concepts like "soft time" and how it impacts trip construction.
We also get to know Jaqui personally and learn more about the critical work the scheduling committee does on behalf of our members. Don’t miss this informative and fun conversation that sheds light on the peop...2025-06-1027 minSmall Town Pulse with Steve & MelissaEpisode 2: Why is your Main Street important in a Small TownA small town’s Main Street is the heartbeat of the town. Taylorsville is blessed to have one of Kentucky’s 22 accredited Main Streets. Today, we’re hearing from board president Terry Vaughn and executive director Beverly Ingram about their goals for our small town Main Street. Note: The Gourd Festival was discussed but that event has passed. We hope to see you at it next year as Main Street has BIG Plans to make it bigger & better. 2025-06-0636 min
Small Town Pulse with Steve & MelissaEpisode 1 - Meet Your HostsA little about your hosts, Steve & Melissa, and what they hope you get out of listening to Small Town Pulse. 2025-06-0419 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Episode #14 Sick Banks Part 2 with Melissa OsborneEpisode Title: Understanding the Sick Bank – Part 2
Union Break is back with another important episode diving deeper into the new sick bank system. Melissa Osborne returns to break down how the sick banks work, clear up common misconceptions, and answer the questions we’ve been hearing from members. If you’re feeling unsure about how or when to use your sick bank hours, this episode is for you. Tune in and get the clarity you need!
#AFAAlaskaCouncil35 #Solidarity #UnionBreak #UnionStrong #SFO #VolunteersMakeADifference2025-05-2934 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Episode #13 With LEC Secretary James IkeharaOn today's episode, we're joined by James Ikehara, Secretary of Council 35 and a new member of the EAP Committee. James shares a fresh perspective on his role as secretary, offering insights into what the position entails beyond the title.
We get to know James on a more personal level, and he also breaks down the importance of membership dues—including how to check your dues status and ensure your personal contact information is up to date.
We learn why staying in good standing is essential to fully participate in union activities, especially when it comes to attending membership meetings, volunteering fo...2025-05-2027 min
Annex Sociology PodcastMelissa Osborne on College, Class, and Social MobilityDan Morrison (@danielrmorrison.bsky.social) interviews Dr. Melissa Osborne (@mosbornesoc.bsky.social), Associate Professor of Sociology at Western Washington University on their 2024 book Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility, which […]2025-05-1900 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Episode #12 Sick Banks featuring Melissa OsborneToday on Union Break: Understanding the New Sick Banks
In this extended episode, we dive deep into the new sick leave banks with special guest Melissa Osborne. She walks us through the key differences between the CBA Sick Bank and the State Sick Bank, explaining how each one works, how to call in, and how to designate which bank you want to use.
Melissa also breaks down:
How time is accrued in each bank
What’s required in terms of doctor’s notes
When and how to use each bank
There’s a lot to unpack, and we didn’t want to...2025-05-1349 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Weekly 5.7.2025 #1🎧 Union Break – Weekly Hot Topics at Council 35
June bidding is now open—get those preferences in!
TSA’s REAL ID rollout is coming fast—make sure you’re compliant.
EAP and Lyra— support and resources.
The Sick Bank implementation is underway—find out what it means for you.
Local LEC elections are officially open—don’t miss your chance to vote!
Tune in for a quick, informative breakdown of what’s happening this week at Council 35.2025-05-0802 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break #11 With EAP Chairperson Jody Ventura EAP Lyra and Pro StandardsMental Health Matters with Jody Ventura
This week on the Union Break Podcast, we're joined by Jody Ventura, Chairperson of EAP, for an important conversation about mental health and the resources available to us as flight attendants.
In Part 1 of our discussion, Jody breaks down the wide range of support EAP offers—from Lyra’s confidential counseling services to Professional Standards. We talk about how to navigate interpersonal challenges at work, when to reach out to a peer, and when it’s time to involve Professional Standards.
Jody shares her personal insights as a professional juggling both a demanding career and a...2025-05-0229 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break #10 Chairperson Reserve Committee Meg CaseyWe welcome Meg Casey, Chairperson for the Reserve Committee. Most of us have experienced reserve and know that it can be challenging at times. What perfect timing with all our new hires that have joined us in SFO. Meg gives us some helpful tips and offers some insights on “big wins” for reserves with the new contract. Meg is passionate about reserve life and is such a great resource. This fun conversation is jam packed with great info. Reserve questions Contact Meg @ Meghan.Casey@AFAAlaska.org or Zoe.Wulz@AFAAlaska.org Text @ 415-322-9299 #AFAAlaskaCouncil35 #Solidarity #UnionBreak #UnionStrong #SFO #VolunteersMakeADifference2025-04-2830 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break #9 Chairperson Interview With Raymond RamirezWe’re joined by Raymond Ramirez, Chairperson of the Service Committee. Service is a vital part of our work—and it’s constantly evolving. Raymond shares the how and why behind the changes we’re seeing.
Curious about the preorder meals program or box water? Raymond gives us the inside scoop on all things service.
#AFAAlaskaCouncil35 #Solidarity #UnionBreak #UnionStrong #SFO #VolunteersMakeADifference2025-04-1532 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break #8 Scheduling and BiddingOur schedules are so near and dear to us as flight attendants. Are you curious how to tweak your schedule? Do you want to know who the scheduling experts are and how you can get a hold of them? Mya and Mischelle are joined by Virginia Fritz, MEC Scheduling Vice Chairperson for PBS and Jaqui Bellini, Chairperson of the Scheduling Committee for Council 35. They are here to offer some tips on bidding your schedule and where to find resources. They also give us some sneak peeks of what’s coming for our June bids.
PBS.QA@Alaskaair.com
PBS@AFAAlaska.org
virgi...2025-04-0529 min
i'll call my guy.Breaking the Bar: Building a Law Firm & Beyond with Melissa OsborneNew season, new set! After a long break, Rich is back in the studio and brings on Connecticut State Representative Melissa Osborne.In this episode, Melissa Osborne and Rich get real about leaving big law to build something of their own. They share what went down behind the scenes—the risks, the doubts, and the moments that made it all worth it. From side hustles to full-blown businesses, they break down what it takes to bet on yourself and make it work. If you've ever thought about walking away from the traditional path, this one’s for you...2025-04-0152 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Chair Interview With Brad YoungWe all know safety is our top priority as flight attendants. Well, we get to sit down with Brad Young, ASHSC (Air, Health and Security) Chairperson for Council 35 at SFO. You’ll hear about who the committee collaborates with, what some of the recent trends are and even what improvements we can look forward to in the new contract. Join us for a lighthearted chat about safety.
#AFAAlaskaCouncil35 #Solidarity #UnionBreak #UnionStrong #SFO #VolunteersMakeaDifference2025-03-2723 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Interview with LEC VP Virginia FritzOn this episode, Virginia Fritz, LEC Vice President for Council 35, joins Mya and Mischelle. This is a continuation of the “Get to know your Union Reps” series. Virginia gives us some insight on what life looks like in her roles with the union. We call her “The Fixer” because she does just that. Her passion shines through in this conversation.
#AFAAlaskaCouncil35 #Solidarity #UnionBreak #UnionStrong #SFO #Volunteersmakeadifference2025-03-2113 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break #5 Hotel Committee Chair Hilary StreemMya and Mischelle welcome Hilary Stream, LEC Chairperson, for the Hotel Committee as a continuation of the “Get to know your Union Reps” series. Hilary offers a fresh perspective on the behind the scenes of what the Hotel Committee does to support us. She even goes into details on how our hotel properties are chosen. There are a lot of fun takeaways from our chat.
#AFAAlaskaCoucil35 #Solidarity #Union Break #UnionStrong #SFO #Volunteersmakeadifference2025-03-1526 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Episode 4 Interview with LEC President Melissa OsborneMischelle and Mya interview Council 35 LEC President Melissa Osborne, the first in a series of "Get to know your Union Reps." Over the next several weeks we will be chatting with the Council 35 officers, committee chairs and committee members to learn about their work and how they were inspired to volunteer to help members.
#AFAalaskacouncil35 #Solidarity #UnionBreak #UnionStrong #SFO #Volunteersmakeadifference2025-03-1222 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Episode 3 Official LaunchOn today’s episode hosts Mya and Mischelle interview Melissa Osborne, LEC President of Council 35, on topics that include:
• The official launch of the Union Break podcast
• Introduction of the hosts of the podcast
• Thank you to the outgoing MEC officers
• Engagement opportunities
#UnionBreak #Solidarity #AFAAlaskaCouncil35 #UnionStrong #SFO2025-03-0823 min
Union Break with Council 35Union Break Episode 2 C35 Mobilization Chat 2.26.2025On today’s episode hosts Mya and Mischelle interview Council 35 Mobilization Co-chairs Trista Vanta and Virginia Fritz. Topics of discussion include:
• How to Vote
• Getting an activation code
• Dues up-to-date
• Mobilization activities
• TA2 Tea-Time Talks-SFO Virtual Base Sits
• Next steps
https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/ta2/
https://afacwa-elections.org/2025-02-2615 min
Union Break with Council 35TA2 Voting Instructions 2/24/2025It’s been a highly discussed and debated topic, now it’s time to officially let your voice be heard. Our first episode of Union Break will provide you with much needed information about voting for TA2. Our guests, Melissa Osborne, LEC President and Virginia Fritz, LEC Vice President of Council 35, walk us through the process and also provide information about resources that are available: https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/ta2/
https://afacwa-elections.org/2025-02-2521 min
Pull Your Shelf TogetherOut With the Old and In With the New YearMelissa and Jessica close out 2024 with some more book recommendations.2024-12-3159 minPull Your Shelf TogetherThankful for Books and Readers Like YouMelissa and Jessica are back with some great book recommendations that can help make your holiday shopping a little easier.2024-11-3056 min
421 ShowMelissa Gilbert's and Jennifer Simmons Testimony: Finding Redemption Through Faith and Overcoming Addiction—A Journey of Grace and Divine RenewalSend us a textEver felt trapped in a cycle of addiction, unsure of where to find hope? Join us as Melissa Gilbert courageously shares her journey from the depths of substance abuse to finding redemption and recovery. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of faith, illustrating how a moment of desperation can become a turning point for seeking a better life. Alongside Melissa, Jennifer Simmons discusses the struggles of feeling unworthy and the profound impact of realizing that God accepts us as we are, even at our lowest.Our conversation...2024-11-2453 minPull Your Shelf TogetherAlways Bring an Extra SuitcaseJessica and Melissa are back from England with more books than they left with and more book recommendations than they know what to do with.2024-10-3156 minPull Your Shelf TogetherEngland Here We Come...AgainJessica and Melissa are headed to England again, but first they have some weird and fittingly English book recommendations.2024-09-301h 06
New Books in AnthropologyMelissa Osborne, "Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility" (U Chicago Press, 2024)Why do people go to college? In Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility (U Chicago Press, 2024), Melissa Osborne, an associate professor at Western Washington University, explores the experiences of students from low income and first-generation backgrounds who attend elite universities in the USA. The book offers a vital intervention for our understanding of the role of higher education and its connection to a range of social inequalities. It captures the sometimes difficult and ambivalent experiences of students from outside the traditional demographics for elite institutions. The analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the process of social mobili...2024-09-1147 min
New Books in Critical TheoryMelissa Osborne, "Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility" (U Chicago Press, 2024)Why do people go to college? In Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility (U Chicago Press, 2024), Melissa Osborne, an associate professor at Western Washington University, explores the experiences of students from low income and first-generation backgrounds who attend elite universities in the USA. The book offers a vital intervention for our understanding of the role of higher education and its connection to a range of social inequalities. It captures the sometimes difficult and ambivalent experiences of students from outside the traditional demographics for elite institutions. The analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the process of social mobili...2024-09-1147 min
The University of Chicago Press PodcastMelissa Osborne, "Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility" (U Chicago Press, 2024)Why do people go to college? In Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility (U Chicago Press, 2024), Melissa Osborne, an associate professor at Western Washington University, explores the experiences of students from low income and first-generation backgrounds who attend elite universities in the USA. The book offers a vital intervention for our understanding of the role of higher education and its connection to a range of social inequalities. It captures the sometimes difficult and ambivalent experiences of students from outside the traditional demographics for elite institutions. The analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the process of social mobili...2024-09-1147 min
NBN Book of the DayMelissa Osborne, "Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility" (U Chicago Press, 2024)Why do people go to college? In Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility (U Chicago Press, 2024), Melissa Osborne, an associate professor at Western Washington University, explores the experiences of students from low income and first-generation backgrounds who attend elite universities in the USA. The book offers a vital intervention for our understanding of the role of higher education and its connection to a range of social inequalities. It captures the sometimes difficult and ambivalent experiences of students from outside the traditional demographics for elite institutions. The analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the process of social mobili...2024-09-1147 min
New Books in SociologyMelissa Osborne, "Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility" (U Chicago Press, 2024)Why do people go to college? In Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility (U Chicago Press, 2024), Melissa Osborne, an associate professor at Western Washington University, explores the experiences of students from low income and first-generation backgrounds who attend elite universities in the USA. The book offers a vital intervention for our understanding of the role of higher education and its connection to a range of social inequalities. It captures the sometimes difficult and ambivalent experiences of students from outside the traditional demographics for elite institutions. The analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the process of social mobili...2024-09-1147 min
New Books in Higher EducationMelissa Osborne, "Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility" (U Chicago Press, 2024)Why do people go to college? In Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility (U Chicago Press, 2024), Melissa Osborne, an associate professor at Western Washington University, explores the experiences of students from low income and first-generation backgrounds who attend elite universities in the USA. The book offers a vital intervention for our understanding of the role of higher education and its connection to a range of social inequalities. It captures the sometimes difficult and ambivalent experiences of students from outside the traditional demographics for elite institutions. The analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the process of social mobili...2024-09-1147 min
New Books in EducationMelissa Osborne, "Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility" (U Chicago Press, 2024)Why do people go to college? In Polished: College, Class, and the Burdens of Social Mobility (U Chicago Press, 2024), Melissa Osborne, an associate professor at Western Washington University, explores the experiences of students from low income and first-generation backgrounds who attend elite universities in the USA. The book offers a vital intervention for our understanding of the role of higher education and its connection to a range of social inequalities. It captures the sometimes difficult and ambivalent experiences of students from outside the traditional demographics for elite institutions. The analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the process of social mobili...2024-09-1147 minPull Your Shelf TogetherFalse FallJessica is back this month and takes a break from FINALLY watching The Gilmore Girls to talk about what she's been reading with Melissa.2024-09-011h 08Pull Your Shelf TogetherWith a Little Help From Our FriendWith Jessica on the bench after eye surgery, E. Shaver GM Jenny pinch hits and joins Melissa to talk about books.2024-07-311h 05Pull Your Shelf TogetherBeach Reads?Melissa and Jessica are back with more book recommendations to hole up in the air conditioning with.2024-06-301h 09Pull Your Shelf TogetherA Good Time to Stay Inside and ReadMelissa and Jessica are back with more book recommendations to read in the glorious air conditioning.2024-05-311h 04Pull Your Shelf TogetherWeasels in Our AtticAfter a crazy busy month of spring breaks, Melissa and Jessica are back with more book reviews and recommendations.2024-04-3055 minPull Your Shelf TogetherFrance, I Hope Our Paths Croissant Again Melissa is back from a couple weeks in Paris and she and Jessica have more book recommendations.2024-03-311h 07
Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful“The Fine Line Between Fear & Empowerment: A Story of Young TNBC Survivorship And Advocacy" with Advocate Chance OsborneI’m so excited to have my dear friend and TNBC sister, Chance Osborne here with us today. We met through our advocacy work and I smile every time I hear her name - and now you will too! At the young age of 24, Chance received a stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis, all while carrying the weight of a family history of cancer and the BRCA1 gene mutation. This aggressive form of breast cancer presented her with daunting challenges, from enduring the grueling side effects of chemotherapy to navigating unexpected complications during her recovery from a double ma...2024-03-2029 minPull Your Shelf TogetherConferences, Festivals, and Covid Oh MyMelissa and Jessica fresh from a national booksellers conference, the Savannah Book Festival, and a bout of Covid are back with some book recommendations.2024-02-291h 01
Do Something More48. Wendy Osborne with 'Tabitha's Way' Food Pantry and Helping People Through Tough Times by Providing Temporary Food AssistanceSend us a textWendy Osborne was working in a corporate career when she found herself on a spiritual journey and felt inspiration come that she needed to open a local food pantry in her community. She decided to name the pantry ‘Tabitha’s Way’ after a story from the Bible about a woman who provided food and clothing to the needy. That was in 2010, and now their pantry operates out of three different locations in Utah County, serving thousands of people each month. I learned a lot in this interview! It was fascinating to learn t...2024-02-2732 min