First Lady & Friends

Rich Nye (Senior Advisor of Education to Governor Cox) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about how his education experience growing up helped shape his passion for pursuing education as a career, the profound impact that teachers can have on students and their academic goals, and how the Information Age is evolving education at a quicker rate than we could have expected.

Then we talk about how transparency in the classroom is rebuilding trust between educators and parents, different ways parents can become better partners with educators to help support the needs of our children, as well as the positive research we see from schools that have placed restrictions on smartphone use in the classroom to improve academic outcome.

Lastly, we dive into how Artificial Intelligence can safely and effectively be used in the classroom to help promote a positive learning ecosystem for the student without replacing the role of the teacher.

Related Links

Sen. Fillmore, Rep. Welton and The Policy Project Announce Legislation to Limit Cellphone Use in Schools: https://senate.utah.gov/sen-fillmore-rep-welton-and-the-policy-project-announce-legislation-to-limit-cellphone-use-in-schools/#:~:text=Lincoln%20Fillmore%2C%20Rep.,opts%20to%20allow%20phone%20use.

Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, joins news and broadcasting pioneer Stephen Cohen on the Responsibility Matter podcast this week to share her journey from growing up on a ranch in Mount Pleasant to becoming a champion for community connection and responsibility.

Abby then reflects on lessons from her childhood, the significance of modeling positive behavior, and the importance of fostering responsibility in the next generation. 

She also talks about disconnecting from social media, finding true happiness through service, and creating meaningful connections in a divided world.

Related links:

Responsibility Matters website: https://responsibilitymatters.buzzsprout.com/2326887

Responsibility Matters on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/42O8Wvnw1vTNWMkBdfNOoy

Dr. Tomicah Tillemann (President of Project Liberty) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to discuss the breakdown of institutions in our society, fears that the United States won’t be a trusted global partner due to conflicts within the country, and how Project Liberty is focused on helping people regain control of their digital lives.

We also dive into the root of society's dysfunction that stems from conflicts caused by social media, how Frank McCourt Jr.’s latest book, Our Biggest Fight, aims to combat corporate algorithms, and why the business model surrounding our data needs to change to create a better and safer internet.

Then, we discuss how Facebook has become a hub of anger, outrage, and misinformation targeting an older generation and realistic steps at the state level that can be taken to help us regain our personhood.

Related Links

Project Liberty: https://www.projectliberty.io/

Our Biggest Fight by Frank H. McCourt, Jr.: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743398/our-biggest-fight-by-frank-h-mccourt-jr-with-michael-j-casey/

People’s Bid For TikTok: https://www.projectliberty.io/peoples-bid-for-tiktok/

Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, recently had the opportunity to appear on the Girls Talk Healthy Aging podcast with hosts Alli Kerr and Shawna Kaminski. We enjoyed the conversation so much that we wanted to share it here! 

We dove into the balance of taking care of family while making a meaningful impact across Utah and Abby's profound responsibility toward the children in Utah’s foster care system.

We also discuss how the "Disagree Better" initiative aims to alleviate the polarizing nature of modern politics and why empowering our communities through service can help combat the current outrage culture.

Follow the Girls Talk Healthy Aging podcast below:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/girls-talk-healthy-aging/id1700377806

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YJRwk644teudB0KoQIjKB

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSMCjRb6jDIxykYt0FK_Jw

Rich and Gaye Christiansen join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to discuss Rich's new book, BlindSighted. The book documents Rich’s journey of identity, faith, and healing and his being shaken to his core at the age of 54 after he learned that he was one of the first donor-conceived children.

Then Rich opens up about meeting family members from the side of his biological father, the love story of his mother and father, who was a blind attorney, and what’s next for Rich and Gaye.

Blindsighted releases on October 8th, 2024.

Related Links

Rich Christiansen: https://richchristiansen.com/

BlindSighted: https://www.amazon.com/BlindSighted-Rich-Christiansen/dp/B0D9WXQMFJ

Tami Olsen (Recruiting and Foundation Director for the Young Automotive Group) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to discuss Young Caring For Our Young, the charitable group of the Young Automotive Group, and how the foundation is tackling issues related to clothing, hunger, literacy, and teen homelessness.

We also explore how the foundation is helping teachers obtain what they need to be successful in the classroom, the reality of teen homelessness in the state, and how teen drop-in centers are providing services such as laundry, showering, and hygiene kits for those who are struggling.

Lastly, Tami shares Dominic Elson’s inspirational story of overcoming hardship to become an exemplary employee of the Young Automotive Group.

You can donate directly by following the link here: https://thinkcaring.org/donate/

Related Links

Young Caring For Our Young: https://thinkcaring.org/

Vicki Bourns (Director of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to remember Alice Merrill Horne, an innovative Utah artist and politician who helped establish a state arts organization and a state collection of artwork in 1899, and how the Utah Division of Arts and Museums helps care for art throughout the state. Then Vicki talks about a new state-of-the-art storage space that will protect Utah’s art for years. 

We are also joined by Ben Steele (Helper-based Artist), who opens up about finding his unique art style, how Helper’s booming art community has helped give the town new life, and his commissioned piece honoring Alice Merrill Horne. 

Lastly, in honor of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums’ 125th anniversary, we preview an upcoming exhibit set to open on December 10th at Utah Valley University’s Museum of Art.

Related Links

UA&M: https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/

Alice Merrill Home Art Collection: https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/alice-merrill-horne-art-collection/

UA&M 125th Anniversary: https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/125th-anniversary/#:~:text=On%20March%209%2C%201899%2C%20the,makes%202024%20our%20125th%20anniversary!

Ben Steele: https://bensteeleart.com/

In this episode of our Educator Well-Being series, the hosts are joined by Milton Collins, principal of Lincoln Elementary in the Granite School District in the Salt Lake City region of Utah. Milton is having tremendous success in his school from students’ academic success to teacher happiness, thriving, and retention. He credits "leading from the heart" for this success, and in this episode, he shares his passion for the profession as a principal who is caring for the teachers – so the teachers can care for the students.

About Milton Collins

A native of Charleston, Miss., Milton attended Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss., on a four-year basketball scholarship and graduated with a degree in education. He then moved to Kankakee, Ill., where he started his teaching career as a third-grade teacher at Lorenzo Smith School in Hopkins Park, Ill. Milton went back to school and received a master’s degree in educational leadership from National Louis University in Evanston, Ill. He then held principal positions in school districts in Wisconsin and Arizona before relocating to Utah and serving as principal at Lincoln Elementary School in the Granite School District.

WGU Website: https://www.wgu.edu/about/governance/teachers-college/educator-well-being-from-principles-to-practice-podcast.html#

Youtube: https://youtu.be/0CV0CpicXYY?si=FzkE0kkFj9MGzM4Y

Ava Leavitt joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to discuss how vital dancing has been throughout her life, how she’s navigated some of the most complex challenges she’s faced in high school, and her solution to how teenagers negatively engage with social media. 

Then, Ava shares how losing her identity inspired her to create Dancers Without Limits, a dance program designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and how the organization is helping connect everyone passionate about dance.

Colton Hyde also joins us to talk about how volunteering for Dancers Without Limits has taught him to be himself after working with the other dancers.

Tammy Leavitt then shares how Dancers Without Limits has changed those participating in the program.

Lastly, Ava discusses the program's future as she approaches high school graduation and college.

Dr. Jackie Jodl (Chief of Global Youth and Education of Global Youth and Education at Special Olympics) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about how fundamental education has been throughout her life, how her education journey has shaped her career, and the impact that Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease had on her life growing up.

Then, we discuss the importance of education and sports in creating opportunities to climb the societal and economic ladder, how unified sports transform social inclusion in education, and why understanding unified sports’ place in the educational system is crucial to alleviating the concerns surrounding integrating unified sports.

We also discuss some contributing factors to behavioral issues and absenteeism in the classroom, how funding-based segregation can prevent children from successfully integrating into the community, and some of Dr. Jodl’s fondest memories in education.

Related Links

Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/

Special Olympics Utah: https://sout.org/

Unified sports in Utah: https://www.sout.org/programs/unified-sports

Sarah Allred (Director of First Lady Initiatives) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about this year’s Teacher’s Conference, how the National Governors Association (NGA) is helping build relationships with fellow First Spouses throughout the country, and how those connections are used to share ideas and tackle issues collectively in each state.

Then, we are joined by Marlon Reis (First Gentleman of Colorado) to discuss the learning curves of being a first spouse, different ways to handle the criticism that comes with the position, and why Marlon is so passionate about interacting with Coloradans to understand what truly matters to them.

Related Links

National Governor’s Association: https://www.nga.org/

Kathy Searle, LCSW (Vice President of Utah Programs at Raise the Future), joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to discuss her experiences with adoption and how they have shaped her work today in helping to find families for children in foster care.

We also talk about the need to provide support to adoptive families, how adoptive families have to navigate the reality of expectations, and why community fear can have such a negative impact on foster families and their choices to adopt.

Then, we dive into Raise the Future’s mission of connecting youth with families.

Related Links

Raise the Future: https://www.raisethefuture.org/

Heart Gallery: https://www.utahadopt.org/building-your-family/heart-gallery

Nubia Peña (Governor Senior Advisor & Director for the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs) and Claudia Loayza (Planning Policy and Engagement Coordinator) join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about how their respective backgrounds influenced them to serve others, how multicultural communities have made Utah stronger, and ways that we can be even more welcoming to all cultures as Utahns.

Then, we dive into how Magnify Utah connects communities and people throughout the state and some ways that it can help Utahns learn even more about the state.

Lastly, we discuss why dignity is so important to allow Utah to continue thriving and how we can serve our communities through compassion and proximity.

Related Links

Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs: https://multicultural.utah.gov/

Magnify Utah: https://multicultural.utah.gov/magnify/

Utah First Lady Abby Cox led a discussion with Michelle Sobel (Unify America), David McCullough (American Exchange Project), and Sarah Igo (Vanderbilt University) on how we can help students develop conversation skills. Learn more about the Disagree Better Initiative at: https://www.nga.org/disagree-better/

You can also read about the conversation at: https://www.nga.org/news/commentary/disagree-better-panelists-highlight-ways-to-help-students-have-healthier-conversations/

Tania Hansen (Deputy Director of First Lady Initiatives) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox this week and we talk about her background, her passion for helping others, and some of Tania’s favorite events so far that she’s had while on the team.  

Then Sarah Allred (Director of First Lady Initiatives) and Amanda Millerberg (Show Up Board Member) join the show to talk about this year’s Summer Service Fair on Monday, June 3, from 4 - 8 pm MDT at Electric Park in Thanksgiving Point.

We also dive into the amazing service projects planned for the summer and the need to come together as a state to introduce service to our youth.

Related Links

Register for the Summer Service Fair: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-service-fair-tickets-867647054697?aff=oddtdtcreator

Service - Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/service

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book

Aimee Winder Newton (Senior Advisor to Governor Cox and Director of the Office of Families) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox to talk about becoming the first director for the new Office of Families, the Office of Families’ emphasis on strengthening families so children have better outcomes, and Aimee’s efforts in protecting our youth from the harmful effects of social media.

Then we dive into the positive trends that we’ve been seeing from parents when limiting social media and some tips that you can use to help your child avoid addictive social media behaviors.

Related Links

Utah Office of Families: https://governor.utah.gov/families/

Utah Department of Health and Human Services | Social Harms: https://socialharms.utah.gov/

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book

Teaching is one of the noblest professions, and the well-being of teachers is a critical component of student learning and overall community advancement. During this special podcast episode recorded at SXSW EDU 2024, hosts Dr. Stacey Ludwig Johnson and Abby Cox are joined by National University President & CEO Dr. Mark Milliron, and Rady Children’s Hospital Senior Director Domonique Hensler, to continue the conversation on the importance of teacher well-being. During this episode, the expert panel examines the key positive strategies to implement to sustain educator well-being in the context of teacher preparation programs and K-12 schools, and concrete actions that should occur to keep educators well, despite elements that can exist beyond their control.

About Dr. Mark Milliron

Dr. Mark Milliron is an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant, who works with universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, foundations, corporations, associations, and government agencies across the country and around the world. He serves as President & CEO of National University (NU), one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the United States. NU is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and has a 50-year history of innovating around the needs of military, working, and other nontraditional students.

About Domonique Hensler

Domonique Hensler is the Senior Director for Care Redesign Planning and Mental Health Integration for Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego and Rady Children’s Health Network. Her experience includes positions as a Fellow and Analyst at Sutter Health; a Network Manager for TRICARE Southwest at Health Net, formerly Foundation Health; and Executive Director of the Community and Family Network. Since joining Rady Children’s in 1998, Domonique has served in various leadership, strategic implementation, and project management roles in healthcare administration.

Related links:

WGU: https://www.wgu.edu/about/governance/education/educator-well-being-from-principles-to-practice-podcast.html

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlwjT_YKfmk

Aubree Oliverson (Violinist) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox to share her earliest memories of growing up playing violin, some of her favorite teachers who made an impact on Aubree’s success, and moving away to Los Angeles at fifteen years old to pursue violon.

Aubree also talks about being one of this year’s Governor’s Mansion Artist Award recipients, some of her fondest memories of attending the Colburn Conservatory of Music, and her decision to make Berlin, Germany her home base to continue pursuing her career as a violinist.

We also talk about Aubree’s goals of working with the best orchestras and conductors at the highest level as she continues to excel in her career.

Related Links

Aubree Oliverson: https://www.aubreeoliverson.com/

Instagram: @olversonaubree

Deborah Moench: https://giftedmusicschool.org/faculty/deborah-moench

Eugene Watanabe: https://www.giftedmusicschool.org/faculty/eugene-watanabe

Robert Lipsett: https://www.giftedmusicschool.org/event/2012/robert-lipsett-masterclass

The original version of this episode can be found at https://stand4kind.podbean.com/. 

In this in-depth exchange, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox, Candy Olandt, and Maggon Osmond discuss the essence and urgency of education. Abby Cox, a pillar for educators and a special education background holder, gives riveting insights into the discernment needed at various institutional levels, building meaningful relationships, and the mastery of effective communication.

The conversation focuses on the significance of educators' links with the key policymakers in their communities and how their voices and influence can create waves of change. Abby further delves into the benefits of educators forming connections with legislators, resulting in a more seamless educational policy process.

Discussion progresses to the topic of 'Disagree Better,' an initiative aimed at promoting healthier dialogues, particularly within the educational sector. The philosophy stresses the importance of engaging in difficult conversations, understanding differing views, and acknowledging disagreements as opportunities for growth. The phrase, "Tell me more about why you think that," symbolizes a tool for navigating these tricky exchanges.

Further into the conversation, the significance of emotional intelligence in fostering strong relationships in the education arena is emphasized. The potency of the 'Disagree Better' campaign is shown along with the transformation that occurs in classrooms where amicable discourse takes place. The focus shifts to the vital role of educators in fostering future leaders who possess not just academic proficiency, but also important life skills such as critical thinking.

The discussion concludes by acknowledging the worldwide network of teachers and their extraordinary mission of shaping future generations. Join the lively conversation and get a glimpse of educational transformation in action.

Related links:

The S4K Talks podcast can be found on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Meikel Reece (Emotional & Relational Intelligence Consultant & Utah Influencer), joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox to talk about how social justice was a fundamental aspect of her home growing up in Provo, UT., her desire to fit in with a predominantly white community when she was younger while being biracial, and how she learned to belong and feel at home with who she is.

Then we talk about Meikel’s passion for teaching emotional intelligence, learning to understand and process the emotions that we experience, and some strategies for acknowledging our triggers and taking control of them.

Lastly, we dive into the concerns surrounding trigger behaviors that negatively influence us, and why emotional intelligence can help communities disagree better.

Related Links

Instagram: @meikelreece

Permission to Feel by Mark Bracket

Vanessa Quigley (Cofounder of Chatbooks and Host of The MomForce Podcast), joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox to talk about moving back to Utah with her husband, Nate, to help build Chatbooks, how chasing her dreams of becoming an International opera singer shifted once Chatbooks started to take off, and the first viral video that helped put Chatbooks on the map.

Vanessa also opens up about the impact that Chatbooks has had on strengthening her relationship with her husband, how the family has helped contribute to the company over the years, and what’s next for Chatbooks.

Then we talk about Vanessa being named Miss Utah USA despite not being from Utah and some of the challenges that are not often talked about with adult parenting.

Related Links

Chatbooks: https://chatbooks.com/

The MomForce Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-momforce-podcast-hosted-by-chatbooks/id1464755075

Superintendent Mark Ernst (Tooele County School District) and Charlie Roberts (Assistant Coach for Tooele High School) join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox to talk about many of the challenges that teachers face nowadays, how social media has impacted the classroom, and the impact that Unified Sports has had on the schools throughout Tooele County.

Then Superintendent Ernst talks about the inclusion that has come with the introduction of Unified Sports, bridging the differences between regular and special ed experiences in the classroom, and the lifelong friendships that are built through Unified Sports.

Related Links

Special Olympics Utah: https://sout.org/

In the third episode of our Educator Well-Being series, our hosts are joined by Rachael Black, a WGU graduate and award-winning teacher. Together they explore some of the unique challenges facing rural educators – from funding models and policies that can sometimes skew toward urban schools, to helping educators get access to the services they need to address mental and physical health concerns. Rachael shares some of her innovative practices that fully use available resources, including regional grant funding. She also discusses the importance of collaborative learning groups among educators to build communities of practice that support each other and share knowledge, which is especially important as rural educators often teach more than one subject. Listen to learn about the positive outcomes of educators maintaining a growth mindset.

Related Links

WGU Website: https://www.wgu.edu/about/governance/teachers-college/educator-well-being-from-principles-to-practice-podcast.html#

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6maVMdcovrU

About Rachael Black

Rachael Black is a passionate educator with a strong commitment to transforming education in rural communities. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from WGU since 2016, Rachael is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technology. With an impressive eight years of teaching experience, she has been recognized for her outstanding contributions, including a nomination for New Teacher of the Year and winning an Innovative Teaching Award from Aledo (Texas) Independent School District.

Rachael's dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she has successfully secured over $160,000 in educational grants for innovative teaching projects. As a published author, Rachael shares her insights and experiences, advocating for accessible education for all. She has spoken before the Texas Senate in support of a bill aimed at increasing financial aid for adult learners. Rachael's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences and championing educational equity in rural settings.

Mariluz Cook (Miss Utah USA, Sports Broadcaster, and Host), joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about sharing her culture with others as a Cuban-American, her decision to move to Utah from Florida to pursue sports broadcasting, and where her passion for sports originated when she was younger.

Then Mariluz talks about her experience being selected to host the Rising Stars and All-Star Saturday night during NBA All-Star weekend last year, how competing in pageants helped persuade her to chase a dream of public speaking, and why she was hesitant to pursue Miss Utah USA as a known broadcaster to avoid being put into a box.

Lastly, we talk about Mariluz’s experiences in a male-dominated field, some of the amazing women who have paved the way to propel others in the sports landscape, and how approaching an opportunity with a, “Why Not Me?” attitude can help build the confidence to chase your dreams.

Related Links

Mariluz Cook: https://www.mariluzcook.com/

Emily Bell McCormick (Founder & President), Mary Catherine Perry (Director of Policy & Government Affairs), and Kristin Andrus (Community Champion) from The Policy Project join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about the originations of The Policy Project, the group's efforts to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, and the legislative steps the organization is taking to ensure that all K-6 students receive sexual abuse prevention education through The Safe Child Project.

We also talk about the importance of having difficult conversations with our children about child sexual abuse prevention, the need for prevention curricula to be taught in schools, and the easiest ways anyone can get involved.

Lastly, we dive into The Period Project, which was developed by The Policy Project to increase access to menstrual products in schools, workplaces, and public spaces, as well as how The Teen Center Project raised over $18,000,000 to develop Teen Centers in schools throughout the state to support teens in need.

Related Links

The Policy Project: https://www.thepolicyproject.org/

The Safe Child Project: https://www.thepolicyproject.org/thesafechildproject#:~:text=THE%20SAFE%20CHILD%20PROJECT%20SOLUTION,through%20a%20public%2Dprivate%20partnership.

The Period Project: https://www.thepolicyproject.org/theperiodproject

The Teen Center Project: https://www.thepolicyproject.org/theteencenterproject

Jared Quan (Award-Winning, Best-Selling Author) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about being a 2023 ​Utah Governor Spirit of Service Award Recipient, his work with non-profits throughout the state, and his passion for inspiring others who are interested in reading and writing.

Jared also shares some of his favorite authors and how his time driving for Lift to pay for expenses that accrued from his son’s heart condition inspired his book, “Lifted: Adventures in Ridesharing”, and the moment that Jared received the call that his son was going to get a heart transplant.

Then we talk about Jared’s work with both Jimmer Fredette’s and Steve Young’s organizations, the goal of bringing students more access to reading and writing resources, and some of the barriers preventing others from getting involved with volunteering and service.

Related Links

Jared Quan: http://www.jaredquan.com/

List of recipients: https://governor.utah.gov/2023/07/27/gov-spencer-cox-recognizes-recipients-of-second-annual-governors-spirit-of-service-award/

Fredette Family Foundation: https://jimmerosity.org/

Forever Young Foundation: https://foreveryoung.org/

Sarah Allred (Director of First Lady Initiatives) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to recap some of our favorite moments of the year which include the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, various service projects, and the ways we’ve been connecting with our youth to help promote positive change in our communities.

Then we dive into our latest Care Communities project that we’ve been working on to help provide support for our foster families and what we’ve learned from listening to our teachers during our annual Show Up for Teachers conference.

Lastly, we also talk about our favorite holiday traditions, the best books we read this year, and our favorite meals/restaurants we’ve had. 

Related Links:

Show Up Utah: https://www.showuputah.org/

Demon Copperhead by Barbera King Solver: http://barbarakingsolver.net/books/demon-copperhead/

Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice by Bill Browder: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/22609522

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/4934

Surrender by Bono: https://surrendermemoir.com/

Celeste Edmunds (The Christmas Box Executive Director, Co-Author of Garbage Bag Girl) and Richard Paul Evans (Author, The Christmas Box Founder, Co-Author of Garbage Bag Girl) join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about Celeste’s story of publishing ‘Garbage Bag Girl’, sharing her story of survival after being adopted by an abusive family as a child, and the hope and inspiration behind ‘Garbage Bag Girl’.

Then Richard opens up about the origination of The Christmas Box House and how Christmas Box House aims to change what childhood can look like for children who are victims of abuse, neglect, trafficking, or are facing homelessness.

We also dive into preventative measures that must be addressed to help protect the future of our children who come from unfortunate circumstances and the impact that drugs and substance abuse have on our struggling youth.

Related Links:

Garbage Bag Girl: https://www.amazon.com/Garbage-Bag-Girl-Celeste-Edmunds/dp/1958626635

The Christmas Box House: https://thechristmasbox.org/

The Christmas Box: https://richardpaulevans.com/books/the-christmas-box/

Celeste Edmunds: https://celesteedmunds.com/

Richard Paul Evans: https://richardpaulevans.com/

Aaron Hall (Missionary Department Director for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about how his upbringing taught him the importance of helping others, his journey to joining the Missionary department for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and various ways that parents can help prepare their children to be a successful service missionary.

We also talk about the Light the World event that took over Times Square in New York City, NY, how Giving Machines create charitable opportunities in our communities, as well as all over the country, and the impact that local charities have on being able to help others through Giving Machines.

Related Links:

The Light the World Initiative:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world

Giving Machines: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world/giving-machines

Curtis Bennett (Executive Director at One Kind Act a Day) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about the creation behind One Kind Act a Day and how the organization is focused on introducing kindness throughout early education to create positive change in society, one kind act at a time.

Then we dive into the science behind the psychological effects that follow negative thoughts and actions, the positive effects that come along with being kind and helping others, and how everyone can get involved with One Kind Act a Day to bring kindness in their own way.

Lastly, we talk about the need to have a sense of personal belonging to create a community of caring.

Related Links:

One Kind Act a Day: https://thepowerofkind.org/

Steve Young (Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback) joined Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, and Governor, Spencer Cox, last month to share his experiences and views on solving conflict and disagreeing better with each other at this year's Fall One Utah Summit.

The audio quality is less than what you're used to but we're sure you'll love the conversation!

Educator Well-Being: From Principles to Practice Podcast

This podcast is brought to you by Utah First Lady Abby Cox and Western Governors University Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Education Dr. Stacey Ludwig Johnson, facilitated by Marty Carpenter of Northbound Strategy. This limited series focuses on supporting teachers nationwide by providing strategies and resources to help educators thrive. This podcast is designed as a discussion forum with topics important to classroom teachers as well as school district leaders and other community members who have a vested interest in the well-being of our nation’s educators. Hosts and guests will share practical advice, tips, and tools to support teachers and help them thrive. Also included in each episode are reflective questions to help expand educator expertise.

Episode 2: Thriving Teachers, Schools, and Communities

In this episode, the hosts are joined by Amelia Azul-Elgas, Learning Experience Designer/Online Community Engagement Specialist on the Healthy Learning Team in WGU’s School of Education. Together, they explore the traits and characteristics that can help create environments where teachers and students will thrive. Azul-Elgas talks about taking a research-based, character-focused approach that contributes not only to the well-being of the teacher, but also to the classroom, school, and the community it serves. They share empirical data and results from 500 worldwide studies with more than half a million students to understand what works in this holistic approach that begins with self-reflection and includes compassion, empathy, respect, critical thinking, and other key proven characteristics to positively impact teachers while also creating healthy thriving classrooms. The panel also shares personal and professional experiences that highlight the importance of teacher candidates having this training embedded in their curriculum to build resilience and reduce burnout.
 

About Amelia Azul-Elgas

Amelia Azul-Elgas is a former classroom teacher who worked with more than 3,000 pre-service teachers as faculty in the WGU School of Education during her first seven years at WGU. She currently serves as learning experience designer/online community engagement specialist on the Healthy Learning team in WGU’s School of Education. She is also the elected director of membership for the WGU Latinx Employee Resource Group. With over 25 years of experience in education, community, and government organizations, Amelia is passionate about advancing equity and thriving in education. She holds a master’s degree in Education from UC Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Community Development from New College. She also has a certification in trauma-informed Dynamic Mindfulness from Niroga Institute.

Related Links

WGU Website: https://www.wgu.edu/about/governance/teachers-college/educator-well-being-from-principles-to-practice-podcast.html#

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v7jcd16wVNVj641jmBHmz

WGU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPA99rNPivw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-thriving-teachers-schools-and-communities/id1715758947?i=1000634810273

Sarah Sun (Miss Utah 2023) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about her experience growing up as a Chinese-American in Cedar City, UT, Utah’s first monument honoring Chinese railroad workers that’s set to be displayed on the southeast lawn of the state capitol, and how her mother’s desire to be more fluent in English helped inspire Sarah to be passionate about her education.

Then we dive into Amy Chua’s book, ‘Political Tribes’, the correlations between various disciplinary parenting styles and how they develop positive habits in children, as well as how Sarah’s parent's support for her passions helped lay the groundwork for her to become Miss Utah.

Lastly, Sarah opens up about using her platform as Miss Utah to advocate for better education and programming in prisons, the impact that different cultural evolutions have had on modesty, and why we need more women in leadership.

Related Links:

Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations by Amy Chua

Miss Utah: https://missutah.org/

Corey Fairholm (Utah PTA President) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about how she initially got interested in the Utah PTA, the need for parents to be more involved with their children’s education to give their children the best chance at success, and why there are always opportunities to help serve our kids through the PTA.

Corey also talks about how the PTA is bringing support to schools and communities throughout the state, the work that the PTA board puts in during the General Session to advocate for our children, and why attending the local school board meetings is so important to understand the changes that are being made in schools.

Lastly, we dive into the importance of having a great parent-teacher relationship to help reinforce a child’s education.

Related Links:

Utah PTA
https://www.utahpta.org/

Educator Well-Being: From Principles to Practice Podcast

This podcast is brought to you by Utah First Lady Abby Cox and Western Governors University Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Education Dr. Stacey Ludwig Johnson, facilitated by Marty Carpenter of Northbound Strategy. This limited series focuses on supporting teachers nationwide by providing strategies and resources to help educators thrive. This podcast is designed as a discussion forum with topics important to classroom teachers as well as school district leaders and other community members who have a vested interest in the well-being of our nation’s educators. Hosts and guests will share practical advice, tips, and tools to support teachers and help them thrive. Also included in each episode are reflective questions to help expand educator expertise.

Episode 1: The Importance of Healthy Learning and Working Environments for Teachers

In this episode, the hosts are joined by Dr. Mamie L. Pack, WGU’s Manager of Healthy Learning. In a “Help the Helper” approach, Dr. Pack shares the six Healthy Learning Pillars at WGU that are being integrated into the curriculum for teacher preparation and explains why helping teachers requires a holistic approach. The conversation goes deep into specific steps teachers can take to protect and grow their healthy learning and working environments through self-reflection, community, and advocacy,  all to increase educator wellness so teachers and students can thrive in today’s classrooms.

About Dr. Mamie L. Pack

Dr. Pack is the manager of healthy learning at WGU.  With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Pack is an innovative and transformational leader with a proven history of building safe spaces for faculty and students to thrive. As a thought leader promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Dr. Pack is committed to amplifying diverse voices in education centering her work in restorative and trauma-informed practices to improve equitable outcomes for all learners. She is passionate about breaking barriers in education and creating inclusive environments for healthy learning. Dr. Pack holds a Ph.D. in Education and a M.Ed. in Divergent Learning.

Related Links

WGU Website: https://www.wgu.edu/about/governance/teachers-college/educator-well-being-from-principles-to-practice-podcast.html#

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v7jcd16wVNVj641jmBHmz

WGU YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh-kMylOxkw

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-thriving-teachers-schools-and-communities/id1715758947?i=1000634810273

Michael Bonner (Teacher at the Ron Clark Academy, International Speaker, CEO of Bonnerville) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about developing ways for students to be passionate about the process of learning, how the Ron Clark Academy is transforming the classroom, and why pouring love into students is so important for their growth in and outside of the classroom.

We also talk about the challenges that Michael faces in the education system, some of the ways that he recharges to stay focused on being the best teacher possible, and why we all need to be advocates for our teachers as a community.

Lastly, we dive into practical ways to talk about social media in the classroom, how to navigate AI in the classroom, and why traditional educational curriculums may need to be reformed to fit in today's era of technology.

Related Links:

The Ron Clark Academy
https://ronclarkacademy.com/

Michael Bonner
https://twitter.com/MichaelBonner_
https://www.michael-bonner.com/

Saru Ramanan (Manager of Marketing and Communication at the Utah Nonprofits Association) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about feeling a sense of home as soon as she moved to Utah, bridging connections across different cultures and communities, and the root of her passion for working with nonprofits. 

Then we talk about how nonprofits collaborating with each other have the ability to create great opportunities for our communities, the competition that arises amongst nonprofit funding, and various ways that the UNA helps guide nonprofits throughout the state.

We also talk about the integral role that nonprofits play in our communities and how nonprofits can address funding challenges by seeking help through philanthropic entities.

Related Links:

Utah Nonprofits Association
https://utahnonprofits.org/

UNA Job Board
https://utahnonprofits.org/resources/job-board

Amy Antonelli (CEO of Humanitarian Experience, Inc.) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about her experience working in the Silicon Valley boom, the impact that Steve Jobs had on her passion for creating positive change, and how a natural disaster completely shifted her mindset towards helping others.

Amy also opens up about her experience working in the leprosy colonies that existed throughout India while working with Rising Star Outreach, being invited by Mark Zuckerberg to join Facebook to change their internal culture, and the events that led her to joining HXP to continue her passion for humanitarianism.

Lastly, we talk about the early beginnings of Humanitarian XP, the connections that HXP aims to develop through volunteerism, and some of the amazing places that HXP has been able to serve over the past few years.

Related Links:

Humanitarian XP: https://www.humanitarianxp.org/

Rising Star Outreach: https://risingstaroutreach.org/

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Curtis Bennett (Co-chair of JustServe) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to share his experience growing up in Mesa, AZ, and to talk about how mentors he gained in Mesa made an incredible impact on his work ethic. 

Curtis also shares the lessons he and his family learned while living in Santiago, Chile, learning to be successful in the business sector, and why it's so fundamental to find a positive mentor in life to promote healthy personal growth.

Then we dive into just a few of the service opportunities that JustServe provides throughout Utah, why it's beneficial to get out of our normal routine to serve our communities, and various ways that you can participate in this year's upcoming 9/11 Days of Service to honor those killed and injured on 9/11.

Related Links: 

JustServe: https://www.justserve.org/

Mentors International: https://mentorsinternational.org/

9/11 Days of Service: https://911day.org/

Tiny Tim's Foundation for Kids: https://tinytimstoys.org/

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Mike Moon (Associate Director at UServeUtah) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to discuss finding his passion for volunteerism, pursuing a career in higher education, and introducing volunteerism to students of all ages.

We also talk about UServeUtah's impact on volunteerism throughout Utah, the bond built among communities when people come together to help serve each other, and the benefits we receive when we bake service and volunteerism into activities that we already partake in throughout our lives.

Then we discuss Utah Philanthropy Day, a day used to celebrate Utah's outstanding philanthropists and volunteers that takes place on November 15, 2023, as well as UServeUtah's upcoming business training program, Leading for Impact, that will teach businesses to think more philanthropically.

Related Links:

UServeUtah: https://userve.utah.gov/

Utah Philanthropy Day: https://utahphilanthropyday.org/

AmeriCorps: https://americorps.gov/serve

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Gov. Spencer Cox to talk about some life updates, their recent trip to Atlantic City, NJ for the National Governor's Association where the governor was elected chair of the NGA, and the importance of building bipartisan relationships with other governors throughout the country.

Then we talk about the 2023-2024 NGA Chair's Initiative, Disagree Better, an initiative that will address being better about disagreeing with each other and polarization through public debates, service projects, public service announcements, and other various efforts.

Lastly, we dive into what we've been reading recently.

Related Links:

Disagree Better: https://www.nga.org/disagree-better/

Them: Why We Hate Each Other-and How to Heal by Ben Sass

A Time to Build by Yuval Levin

Love Your Enemies by Arthur C. Brooks

How America Got Mean by David Brooks

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Sharon Eubank (Director of Humanitarian Services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) to talk about what she learned from teaching English as a second language in Japan after graduating from BYU, her passion for service and helping others, and the different types of humanitarian aid that she has been a part of throughout her career.

We also dive into some of the service opportunities that are available to Utah, why volunteering has become so important for the state, and how humanitarian aid has helped build stronger communities. 

Related links:

Just Serve: https://www.justserve.org/

Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Katie Donoviel (Executive Director of the English Skills Learning Center) to talk about why becoming a teacher was such an important goal of hers growing up, how she was introduced to the English Skills Learning Center and the English language learning programs that the ESLC provides for low-income adult immigrants and refugees.

We also dive into how trauma can often impact meaningful learning, some of the issues that immigrant and refugee populations will experience while trying to learn a new language, and the need to be aware of triggers that might create a negative atmosphere for learning.

Lastly, we talk about some of the success stories that have been made possible thanks to the ESLC and some unexpected moments that Katie has experienced while working in the profession.

Related Links:

English Skills Learning Center: https://www.eslcenter.org/

Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/

Show Up For Teachers: https://www.showupforteachers.org/

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Stephen LeFevre (Chief of Staff, Director of Strategic and Foreign Affairs with World Trade Center Utah) to talk about his passion for international affairs, his experience with attending graduate school in New York City during COVID, and WTC Utah's impact on the state. 

We also talk about WTC Utah's focus on making Utah a prominent state globally, how trade missions help Utah businesses grow, and what we can learn from international relations during a trade mission.

Related Links:

WTC Utah: https://www.wtcutah.com/

Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Kirsten Rappleye (Director of First Lady’s Initiatives) and Sarah Allred (Deputy Director of First Lady's Initiatives) to talk about the First Lady's recent trade mission to Europe, attending the opening ceremonies for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, and what our TED Talks would be if we were to give one.

We also talk about this year's Governor's Mansion Artist Awards, a few of our favorite recent service opportunities, and celebrating Bryce Canyon National Park's 100th birthday.

Lastly, we preview our upcoming second annual Show Up For Teachers Conference on July 19, 2023, at the Mountain America Expo Center, the latest regarding the National Governor's Association, and what we've been reading lately.

Related links:

Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/

Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/

2023 Show Up for Teacher Conference: https://www.showupforteachers.org/event/742b0a6b-f9cc-4a75-ad86-135e3f15ed85/summary

Show Up for Teachers: https://www.showupforteachers.org/

PBS Utah - Art Elevated: https://www.pbsutah.org/pbs-utah-productions/series/art-elevated-the-governors-mansion-artist-series/

Bryce Canyon: https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm

Utah Foster Care: https://utahfostercare.org/

Show Up for Serving: https://www.showuputah.org/service

From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks: https://arthurbrooks.com/from-strength-to-strength#:~:text=From%20Strength%20to%20Strength%20is,is%20well%20within%20our%20reach.

Horse by Geraldine Brooks: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/59109077

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60194162

Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice by Bill Browder: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/22609522

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58065033

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor: https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/breath-book

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Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Dehenna Davison (MP for Bishop Auckland & Levelling Up Minister) to talk about learning proper work ethic from her father at an early age in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, how the sudden passing of her father shaped her formative years, and becoming one of the youngest female Members of Parliament (MPs) at twenty-six years old.

We also dive into the dangers of social media organically producing political echo chambers, how Levelling Up is focused on creating opportunities for everyone across the UK, and the need for more youth who are interested in politics to help make positive change.

Then we talk about various ways we can have healthy disagreements to better understand one another and the toll that social media can have on the mental health of our youth.

You can also learn about the amazing work that the World Trade Center Utah is doing to elevate Utah’s global status and international engagement below.

Related Links: 

Dehenna's social links: Twitter, Facebook

Levelling Up: https://levellingup.campaign.gov.uk/

World Trade Center Utah: https://www.wtcutah.com/

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Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Julie Castle (CEO, Best Friends Animal Society) to talk about how rural Utah naturally embodies Utahns with an entrepreneurial spirit and the moment she decided she was going to give up her career in law and politics to move to Kanab and work for Best Friends. 

Julie shares what her jobs were while working for Best Friends during her early years there, how Best Friends' is leading the "no-kill" movement, and why Michael Vick's dogfighting operation became a monumental moment in the history of Best Friends.

Then we dive into Best Friends' goal of nationwide no-kill shelters by 2025.

Related Links:

Best Friends Animal Society: https://bestfriends.org/

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Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Pam Hayes (Founder, Stand 4 Kind) and Jay Francis (Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Miller Family Philanthropy) to talk about how Stand 4 Kind is tackling bullying in schools throughout the state, some of the programs involved within the curriculum, and the impact that cyberbullying and social media is having on our students.

Then we talk about how the data on bullying is consistently shifting how Stand 4 Kind approaches individual programs and different ways we can teach our children to be more empathetic and compassionate.

Related Links: 

Stand 4 Kind: https://stand4kind.com/

Stand 4 Kind Mobile App: https://forms.monday.com/forms/39c909638e848eec1e73eaac97ef9fca?r=use1

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Utah's First Lady Abby Cox and Utah Governor Spencer Cox join Liz Rivera (Director of Education) and Deborah Lindner (Director of Communications) with Utah Foster Care on the Fostering Conversations podcast this week to talk about all things Utah foster care.

We've heard from countless foster families, teens and children about what the state of Utah can do to Show Up for Foster Care and in this week's episode we talk about some of our goals for improving the lives of children and families in the coming months.

Related Links: 

Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/

Utah Foster Care: https://utahfostercare.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Fostering Conversations podcast: https://utahfostercare.org/fostering-conversations-podcast/

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Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Steve Wright (Vice President at Boncom) to talk about finding his passion for advertising at an early age, how he adapted to moving from Canada to Springville, Utah as a sixteen year old, and what he learned from moving to New York City after graduating from Brigham Young University.

We also talk about Boncom's drive for advertising that focuses on making a positive impact throughout the state, how the advertising and marketing landscape has evolved in the digital era, and some of our favorite books that we've been reading.

Related Links:

Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425592-devil-in-the-grove

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/123857637

Green Lights: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52838315-greenlights

Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story: https://www.goodreads.com/cs/book/show/61065813

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Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Emily Cloke (British Consul General in Los Angeles) to talk about “The Big Help Out” service project, how we're celebrating teachers in the state, and why championing the youth is such a fundamental topic in the UK.

We also talk about the long-lasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, why service and community flourished during the various lockdowns, and how education helped inspire Emily's passion for pursuing law and politics. 

Lastly, we talk about some of the places that Emily has been to in Utah and some of the "must-see" places that she needs to visit.

Related Links:

Emily Cloke Biography: https://www.gov.uk/government/people/emily-cloke

Emily Cloke Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmilyClokeUK

The Big Help Out: https://thebighelpout.org.uk/

Show Up Utah: https://www.showuputah.org/

Educator Wellness: https://www.showuputah.org/wellness

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Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Sumiko Martinez (Director of Autism After 21 Utah Project, Madison House Autism Foundation) and Nathan Anderson (Sr. Director of Public Affairs at Union Pacific and father of two sons on the Autism Spectrum) to talk about their shared passions for promoting awareness for those who are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, programs that Autism After 21 is developing to be more neuroinclusive for those who are on the Autism spectrum, and how communities can come together to help build better toolkits 

We also talk about innovative housing features that can provide a better living experience for families with a member who may be on the Autism spectrum and why it's so important to listen to our nuerodivergent friends in order to create better experiences in all aspects of life.

Related Links:

Autism After 21: https://madisonhouseautism.org/projects/utah/

Madison House Autism Foundation: https://madisonhouseautism.org/

Neuro-Inclusive Housing Utah: https://www.neuroinclusiveutah.org/

Love That Boy: What Two Presidents, Eight Road Trips, and My Son Taught Me About a Parent's Expectations: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25937665-love-that-boy

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox and Utah Governor, Spencer Cox, have an amazing conversation with Shawn (former NBA star) and Carrie Bradley that took place at the One Utah Summit in October of last year.

We dive into what it means to perservere through hardship, overcoming some of the mental health struggles that the two have experienced, and the joys of blending a family together.

You can get involved in the One Utah Summit by visiting https://oneutahsummit.com/.

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by friends from the Emerald Hills Institute to talk about what Ramadan means to them, their experiences with honoring Ramadan during school, and various ways that Utah has been a welcoming place for Muslim traditions and a few ways that the state can be more inclusive.

We also talk about why it's so important to share our cultural and religous experiences to better understand all of Utah's amazing communities, as well as how some of the biggest struggles as a parent are universal.

Lastly, we dive into some of our favorite service projects that we've done throughout the state.

Featured Guests:

Zeynep Oguz
Nur Azametli
Zena Altawallbeh
Neset Kablan
Hulya Kaplan

Related links:

Emerald Hills Institute: https://emeraldhillsinstitute.org/

Fill The Pot: https://www.fillthepot.org/

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Emily Auman, who talks about the moment she found out that her son, Everett, had been diagnosed with Kleefstra syndrome. She also shares how she found solace in knowing that there would always be a place for Everett, and how we should constantly be re-evaluating our expectations for our children.

Emily also opens up about Everett's experience with growing up with friends through Special Olympics, why the sense of belonging is so crucial to building strong friendships, and how Special Olympics is creating such an amazing community for so many families.

Related links:

What is Kleefstra Syndrome?: https://www.kleefstrasyndrome.org/what-is-kleefstra-syndrome/

Special Olympics of Utah: https://sout.org/

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Vinay Kalva & Anagha Rao to talk about the inspiration behind their committment to service, their decision to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and who have been their biggest influences in their education and dedication to service.

Then we talk about the the inspiration behind Live Well Teens, what their researching process looks like, and why they decided to target the physical, mental, and emotional needs of teenagers. 

We also dive into the coorelation between social media and various mental illness in our youth, how the fear of missing out is leading to many teens to feel like they need to rely on social media to stay social, and alternative ways that teens can stay engaged with their friend groups outside of social media.

Related links:

Live Well Teens Non-Profit: https://www.livewellteens.org/

International Baccalaureate (IB) program: https://www.ibo.org/

To get involved, you can visit: https://www.livewellteens.org/contact/

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Sally Steed (Vice President of Sales at Deseret News), Lynnette Cloward (Director of Events at Utah Business), and Sarah Allred (Deputy Director of First Lady's Initiatives) to talk about our upcoming second annual Show Up for Teachers educator wellness conference on July 19th, 2023!! We also talk about the complimenting gala at the Grand America sponsored by Deseret News and Utah Business and why it's so important to show our gratitude for all of the teachers in the state.

We also talk about why it's important that our teachers continue to share their stories of finding success in the classroom, how we can further support them by raising awareness of their work, and why we can never underestimate the influence that a great teacher can have on our youth. 

Lastly, we share some of our favorite teachers who had the biggest influences on us growing up.

Related links:

Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/

Show Up for Teachers (Nominations): https://www.showupforteachers.org/event/742b0a6b-f9cc-4a75-ad86-135e3f15ed85/websitePage:709b72db-1b84-4be4-80fb-c47ca4c31699

Show Up for Teachers Gala: https://www.showupforteachers.org/event/742b0a6b-f9cc-4a75-ad86-135e3f15ed85/websitePage:709b72db-1b84-4be4-80fb-c47ca4c31699

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Kirsten Rappleye (Director of First Lady’s Initiatives) and Sarah Allred (Deputy Director of First Lady's Initiatives) to recap the past couple of major events from our Show Up initiatives including some of the amazing moments from unified sports with Weber State University and the Utah Jazz and the need to continuously raise awareness surrounding our foster families throughout the state.

We also dive into the latest updates on our upcoming second annual Show Up for Teachers educator wellness conference on July 19th, 2023 with Arthur Brooks joining us as the keynote speaker.

Lastly, we dive into the upcoming service initiatives on the horizon including this year's family service fair at Thanksgiving Point's Electric Park on June 5th.

Related links:

Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/

Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/

Utah Foster Care: https://utahfostercare.org/

Arthur Brooks: https://arthurbrooks.com/

Show Up for Teachers: https://www.showuputah.org/wellness

Show Up for Serving: https://www.showuputah.org/service

Big Time Adulting: https://bigtimeadulting.blog/

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Megan Johnson (Co-founder of The Emily Effect) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about her sister, Emily, the origination of The Emily Effect, and what life was like for them growing up in Sanpete County.

We also talk about the early signs of Postpartum Depression (PPD) that Emily experienced, why sharing Emily's story is so important to spread awareness surrounding PPD, and some of the best resources available for those who may be experiencing symptoms of PDD.

Lastly, we dive into the reality that mental illnesses associated with PDD will appear differently among others, as well as how Emily's family is thriving and doing well through the support of their friends and family.

Related Links:

The Emily Effect

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Utah Maternal Mental Health Collaborative – PSI Utah

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Sherry Cutler joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about meeting her husband, Rep. Paul Cutler (Utah State Legislature House District 18), her passion for teaching, and their family's journey to becoming a representative in the legislature.

We also talk about Sherry's experience being a spouse of a new representative during the legislative session and working together to create foster family connection kits and Valentine's Day gifts for foster children.

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Courtnie Worthen (Director of Unified Champion Schools) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about her passion for unified sports, how Special Olympics has helped her grow as a person, and some of the most memorable moments from the USA Games.

Then we dive into the importance of Inclusion Week, some of the great events that have taken place throughout the state to celebrate the inclusion of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and how we can use Special Olympics and inclusive opportunities to create friendships.

We also talk about great ways that everyone can help support Special Olympics Unified Schools.

Related Links:

Special Olympics of Utah: https://sout.org/

Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/

Spread The Word: https://www.spreadtheword.global/

Special Olympics Inclusion Tiles: https://www.generationunified.org/games/inclusion-game-page-1/

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J.W. Davies (Co-Founder & Tax Partner of Davies + Allen) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about finding success in business throughout the state, the moment he learned that his newborn son, Tate, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, and the importance that unified sports has had on so many athletes with intellectual disabilities.

We also talk about how the inclusion of unified sports in the education system can have a massive impact on the social growth of a student with intellectual disabilities and why continued education after high school can be a great way to integrate a recent graduate into the "real world."

To inquire about helping donate to the Heber Valley Center For Learning, you can email J.W. directly at jw@daviesallen.com.

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Members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and to talk about the commission's goals of advocating for and supporting underserved communities throughout the state of Utah.

We also discuss how the murder of George Floyd was a tipping point in society that has led to countless moments of self-reflection and exploratory conversations within our communities to bring us closer together as Utahns. 

Guests: 

Commission Chair Bridget Shears
Vice Chair Aanjel Clayton
Commissioner Dr. Tamara Stevenson
Commissioner Ofa Matagi
Commissioner Luna Banuri

To find out more information regarding the MLK Jr. Human Rights Commission, you can visit the official MLK Jr. Human Rights Commission website.

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Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Owen Fuller (CEO at Marq), Kirsten Rappleye (Director of First Lady's initiatives), and Jon Cox (Principal at Utah Public Affairs) join Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to reminisce about Spencer and Abby's first time meeting each other, what dating in a small town looked like, and what all of the friends have been up to since the last time we got together.

Then we dive into all things Utah Jazz including the surprises of the season so far and Will Hardy's candidacy for coach of the year.

Lastly, we recap some of our favorite Show Up moments throughout the year and what we're all looking forward to in 2023.

You can learn more about the books discussed in this episode by clicking the links below:

The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson by Jeff Pearlman

No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam by Reza Aslan

ZEALOT: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan

God: A Human History by Reza Aslan

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention by Johann Hari

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Heather Vanboerum joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about her passion for being outside and enjoying nature with her family, as well as the accident that took place in a Costco parking lot that would ultimately leave her on the verge of death and a double amputee.

Heather also opens up about forgiveness helped her move forward throughout her journey, her physical and mental approach towards recovering from the accident, and immersing herself into the amputee community to find connection during her recovery.

You can learn more about Heather's story and her recovery journey by following her on Instagram: vb_flower_power

You can also find the books discussed in the episode here:

The Book of Joy By Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams
Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light by Mother Teresa

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Jeremy Cunningham (Public Policy Director with the Alzheimer’s Association, Utah Chapter) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about how the growth in technology has made an impact on the mental health of our youth, moving to Utah with nothing to his name, and the impact that his grandparents had on his life growing up.

We also dive into his background in marketing and public relations, the impact that positive mentors can have on your career, and how Jeremy's career intersected with comedian Joan Rivers.

Lastly, we dive into Jeremy's work in the field of Alzheimer's disease, why we need to do a better job at developing more accessible features for the aging population, and the isolating effects that the pandemic had on those suffering from Alzheimer's.

To learn more about Alzheimer's disease, you can visit the official Alzheimer's Association website here: https://www.alz.org/

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Elizabeth Petterson joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about growing up in Minnesota with a single-parent household, building resilience and independence through the foster care system, and learning to be a child once she was adopted out of the system by her aunt and uncle. 

Then we dive into our recent trip to Washington D.C. to speak with the Department of Human Services about some of the experiences with foster care in the state of Utah and to advocate for the foster care kids who don't have a voice.

Elizabeth also talks about why becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) has helped her develop a deep sense of empathy in the world of foster care, her desire to build a community of lived experience experts, and her passion for connecting vulnerable youth with helpful life resources.

To learn more about foster care in Utah, you can visit: www.utahfostercare.org

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Kara Bachman (Food Security Program Coordinator for the Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC) at Utah State University) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about the experiences growing up that inspired her to pursue nutrition, food security, and social justice.

We also talk about some of the main factors contributing to a rise in USU's food pantry usage, how local food pantries contribute to the student population, and other services that are available to combat food insecurity.

Then we dive into the stigma of food insecurity, why the pandemic helped combat that stigma by allowing people to not feel shame in asking for help, and what Kara has planned for the future once she finishes graduate school at USU.

To learn more about USU's Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC) you can visit their website: https://www.usu.edu/snac/

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Matilyn Mortensen (Writer for @UUtah Communications & Host of "This is Not a Back-up Plan Podcast") joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about struggling to admit that pursuing journalism could be an achievable goal for herself, how journalism has evolved over the past couple of years, and where traditional media helps bridge together communities.

Then we talk about Matilyn's decision to use her journalism background to create, "This is Not a Back-up Plan Podcast", to help women with many different aspects of life ranging from buying a home, meal prep, or even making a will.

Matilyn also shares what her life looks like now that she's completed a Master's Program in Political Science at Utah State University, what she's been reading lately, and what her 20-year plan looks like.

The books talked about in this episode are below:

Reluctant Immortals by Gwendolyn Kiste

Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II by Daniel James Brown

You can also find Matlyn on Twitter at MatilynKay

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Bracken Hertzler, Steven Hadfield, and Alizabeth Fonnesbeck, who are Mountain Crest High School students, to talk about their decisions to start getting involved in unified sports, some of their fondest experiences that they've had through unified sports, and how unified sports has helped create a more inclusive atmosphere throughout the school.

We also talk about some of the mental health challenges that high school students may experience in today's era, the importance of being empathetic to fellow students who might be dealing with mental health struggles, and why you shouldn't feel embarrassed to reach out for help and feel vulnerable. 

Lastly, we dive into some of the dangers surrounding social media and ways that we can disconnect from social platforms and smartphones.

To learn more about unified sports in Utah, you can visit: https://www.sout.org/

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Dustin Smith (Founder and President of Especially for Athletes) to talk about the inspiration behind creating E4A, the need to develop socially responsible athletes who can make a difference in the lives of others, and understanding the impact that social media can have on our teenagers.

We also dive into various ways to target high school culture to promote positive change, the inspiration that comes from integrating unified sports into high school athletics, and addressing the issues in society through service.

To learn more about Especially for Athletes you can visit: https://e4a.org/

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Dr. Susan Madsen (Founder and Director, Utah Women & Leadership Project and Inaugural Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership) and Kacie Malouf (Malouf Foundation Chair) to talk about the upcoming symposium, "Effecting Societal Change for Child Sexual Abuse", on October 26th that Saprea will host.

We also talk about how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have a dramatic impact on how our youth face adversity, why it's so imperative that we promote social change to keep our kids safer by preventing abuse, and how to develop the skills as parents that can help us build the lines of communication and trust with our children.

Then we talk about the effects that benevolent sexism can have on young women and how to give survivors the tools and support they need to heal.

You can also learn more about the Saprea-hosted symposium here: 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/effecting-societal-change-for-child-sexual-abuse-tickets-410900573677

To learn more about the Malouf Foundation, you can visit their website here: https://www.malouffoundation.org/

For more information regarding Utah State University's Utah Women & Leadership Project, you can visit: https://www.usu.edu/uwlp/

You can also visit Saprea at: 
https://saprea.org/

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Emma Broyles (Miss America 2022) to talk about growing up in Anchorage, AL, how her close bond with her older brother Brendan, who has Down syndrome, helped drive her passion for creating deep connections through Unified Sports based on inclusion and empathy, and different ways that we can make Special Olympics even better.

Emma also opens up about being the first Korean-American & Alaskan to become Miss America and some of the skills she's learned along her journey the past year.

You can learn more about Emma and her work with Special Olympics here:

Special Olympics | Emma Broyles

You can also find Emma on Instagram at @emmabroyles_

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In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Kirsten Rappleye (Director of First Lady’s Initiatives) and Sarah Allred (Deputy Director of First Lady's Initiatives) to recap some of the latest updates in our lives including a couple of visits to the emergency room, our favorite unified sports events that we've been to this year, and some of the upcoming unified sports events that are coming up.

Then we recap this year's Show Up For Teachers Conference, how we can continue to show support for our educators, and how the community helped contribute to an amazing event for teachers throughout the state this year.

We also talk about the idea of Care Communities helping address some of the complex issues surrounding foster care, why we need to continue raising awareness for the foster care community, and some highlights from the Summer of Service.

To learn more about getting involved with unified sports, you can visit the official Show Up website here https://www.showuputah.org/unified-sports.

You can also learn more about Unified Sports in Utah by visiting the official website here https://www.uhsaa.org/unified/.

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Brittney Cummins (Senior Advisor for Education to Governor Cox) to talk about Brittney's childhood growing up in England, what inspired her to pursue education, as well as some of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being an educator.

We also dive into the need to come together as teachers and parents to help create the best learning environment for the student, some of the best ways to get involved with your local education community, and how teacher salaries are calculated in the state.

Then we talk about the state's work in equalization efforts that bring more equality to generating local tax revenue throughout the districts, how to address some of the trauma that has been introduced to our students and teachers due to the pandemic, and some of the qualities that districts are trying to engrain into students to help set them up for success in the real world.

The books talked about this week are:

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Karin Brown (@The.AwesomeProject on Instagram) to talk about Karin's work with raising awareness of weekly volunteer/service opportunities within the state, how communities are hungry to help others following the peak of the pandemic, and why service projects to provide students with school supplies and backpacks is essential for preparing them for the upcoming school year.

We also talk about the potential pitfalls associated with social media, particularly in relation to our youth, getting proximate with other users on the platform, and the real power of just reaching out to people and helping them with whatever they may be struggling with.

You can visit Karin's Instagram to learn about upcoming service projects at @The.AwesomeProject.

You can also stay up-to-date on service-related projects for our refugee communities within the state through the Utah Refugee Connection at https://serverefugees.org/serve/.

The books we talked about today were The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and Salt To The Sea by Ruta Sepetys.

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Marianna “Marni” Allred (Media Specialist for Robert Frost Elementary) to talk about Marni's passion for reading while living on a 50-acre farm, some of Marni's favorite childhood books and authors growing up that helped her imagination flourish, and some of the trends that Marni is seeing when it comes to children adapting to an ever-evolving way to consume literature.

We also dive into the support staff shortage that many schools are currently experiencing throughout the state, the influence that a library can have on a student, and the incredibly difficult challenges that teachers are currently facing.

Marni also explains the impact that having a parent being a teacher for a day could have on the parent-teacher relationship and why teachers need more commitment from parents to provide a better learning experience for the student.

The books mentioned during the show can be found below:

The Golden Name Day (Jennie D Lindquist, Garth Williams)
What About Worms?! (Ryan T. Higgins)
I Can Only Draw Worms (Will Mabbit)
The Ruth Galloway Novels (Elly Griffiths)
She's Up to No Good (Sara Goodman Confino)

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Neil Abercrombie (Senior Advisor for Legislative Affairs & Policy) who talks about how growing up in Aberdeen, Idaho helped introduced him to the idea of community, why he's so passionate about Utah State University and his time there, as well as his decision to pursue working with Governor Cox's administration.

We also talk about some of the issues that many students graduating today are experiencing, how technology has made an impact on the student's collegiate experience following the recent pandemic, and various ways that universities can help address the mental health crisis on campuses across the state.

Lastly, we dive into what it's going to take to address the struggles that many potential new home buyers are experiencing in the current housing market and Neil's work with preventing domestic violence within Utah.

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Milton Collins (Principal - Lincoln Elementary School) to talk about Milton's upbringing in Charleston, Mississippi, getting recruited to play college basketball at Rust College, and some life-changing lessons that he learned from his late mother throughout the years.

Milton also shares the story of earning his first job in education as a third-grade teacher in Illinois, finding his passion for teaching, and the meeting that got him recruited to become a principal in Utah.

Then we talk about various ways that we can help support our teachers in Utah, how Milton is developing powerful relationships with the students at Lincoln Elementary, and why it's imperative that we create an environment where all of our students can feel represented and connected to each other.

To learn more about Lincoln Elementary, you can visit their website here: https://schools.graniteschools.org/lincoln/

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Alexa Lou Olson (Teacher at Bountiful High School) to talk about Alexa's passion for education, how feeling excluded in PE growing up led her to pursue an education in kinesiology, and the people in her life who helped her find success during her collegiate years.

We also dive into Alexa being honored as a Utah Jazz "Most Valuable Educator" through Instructure, the impact that an educator can have on a student's ability and passion for learning, and the hardships that educators and students are both experiencing right now during such a tumultuous time.

Then we talk about the support that Bountiful High has received for its Unified Sports team, how the team has made an impact on the culture of the school, and some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the job of an educator.

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Dr. Anthony Godfrey (12th superintendent of Jordan School District) to talk about Dr. Godfrey's passion for education, the benefits of the dual immersion program within the state, and why recent emergencies have led to the rise of virtual learning.

We also talk about how the past year has been such a difficult year for our educators, what we can do in the state to help ease the stress and support teacher wellness, and our upcoming Show Up for Teachers Conference on July 12th.

Then we dive into Jordan District's work with unified sports, the enthusiastic support that the program has had throughout the district, and the special bonds that have been created through Unified Sports. 

You can learn more about Unified Sports in Utah by visiting https://www.showuputah.org/

You can also learn more about Jordan School District by visiting their website here: https://jordandistrict.org/

To donate to the Jordan Education Foundation, you can visit their website here: https://www.jordaneducationfoundation.org/

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Elizabeth Smart (Advocate & Founder of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation) to talk about Elizabeth's foundation, her work in prevention, recovery, and advocacy for the end of victimization of sexual assault and abuse, and joining the Malouf Foundation to make a bigger impact in the world of prevention and advocacy.

Elizabeth also opens up about how the support she received throughout the years following her abduction has helped her grow as a person, how we can support others who have experienced similar life-altering trauma, and her work with legislation to prevent such disasters from happening again.

We also talk about the importance of educating ourselves about potential red flags that could lead to dangerous situations, how we can use that information to educate and protect our children from such situations, and why having a strong relationship with our children is important in order to have tough conversations that can help protect them in the future.

To learn more about Elizabeth and the work her foundation is doing in the world of advocacy, you can visit their website here: https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/

You can also learn more about the Malouf Foundation here: https://malouffoundation.org/

Elizabeth's podcast can also be found at: https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/smart-talks

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In this week's episode of First Lady and Friends, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Nicole Tanner (Founder of Swig) to talk about how growing up on a farm in Teton Valley, Idaho, helped her develop the skills to be effective in the restaurant business, how Nicole and her husband found the inspiration for Swig, and why you need to trust your heart if you feel that you have a great idea for a business.

We also dive into the reality of starting your own business without financial support, how Swig has been able to expand to over 40 different locations, and the growing trend of "Dirty Soda".

Nicole also opens up about her battle with breast cancer and raising over $300,000 in the past two years through Swig's "Save the Cups" program that helps pay for life-saving procedures for women battling breast cancer.

To learn more about Swig and Save the Cups, you can visit their website here: https://www.swignsweets.com/savethecups/

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In this week's episode of First Lady and Friends, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Tyler Bastian (Principal/Director and Founder of Roots Charter High School) and Dan Caffee (Governing Board Chair of Roots Charter High School) to talk about the inspiration behind Roots Charter High School, Utah's first farm-based charter high school, the moment they realized that the farm could become a transformational pillar in the community, and why Roots is introducing a new culture to our youth.

Then Tyler and Dan talk about the importance of creating an atmosphere of love and community for the students, who are deemed "at-risk", developing an environment that can bolster personal growth, and how their "243" approach has become a framework for Roots.

We also dive into how Roots graduates transition into the real world, some of the hurdles that they might face due to different educational and workplace settings, and how the idea of radical kindness can change the world.

To learn more about Roots Charter High School, you can visit their website here: https://www.rootshigh.org/

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In this week's episode of First Lady and Friends, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, speaks with Kirsten Rappleye (Director of the First Lady’s Initiatives) to recap the past year of the First Lady's “Show Up” Initiatives, building deep connections with communities in need throughout Utah, and how "Care Communities" can make a significant impact in the foster care community.

We also dive into the fantastic unified sports events that we've participated in the past year, the upcoming Special Olympics Utah Summer Games hosted by Granger High School in West Valley City on May 21st, and how excited we are for Tooele High & Wasatch High Unified Teams to represent Utah in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games at Disneyland this year.

Then we talk about the recent Month of the Military Child event at Air Hill Force Base, the excellent service projects started through the One Utah Summit, and our Kick Off the Summer event on June 24th at Thanksgiving Point that will give Utahns a great opportunity to easily sign up for service projects.

To learn more about the First Lady's "Show Up" Initiatives, you can visit our website here: https://www.showuputah.org/

You can also find more information and events going on with Special Olympics Utah at their website here: https://www.sout.org/

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May is National Foster Care Awareness Month and in this week's episode, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Nikki MacKay (Director of Retention Services) & Amanda Walker (Brand & Marketing Manager) with Utah Foster Care to talk about what influenced them to work in foster care, some of the challenges that they face on any given day, and the various considerations that determine whether a child should be removed from a home.

Then we talk about the need to identify and understand signs of trauma, some of the most significant needs within the foster care community, and why it's imperative to support underrepresented groups during such difficult moments in their lives.

We also dive into the differences between Utah Foster Care and the Division of Child and Family Services and how a healthy and loving family can have on a foster child.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent or get more information from Utah Foster Care, you can visit their website (https://utahfostercare.org/) or call 1(877) 505-5437.

You can also learn more about the Division of Child and Family Services you can visit their website here https://dcfs.utah.gov/ and if you suspect child abuse or neglect is occurring please call the DCFS 24/7 hotline at 1-855-323-3237.

For more information on National Foster Care Month, you can also visit: https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Chris Yadon (Executive Director) and Lisa Clark (The Lisa Show podcast, writer, actor, producer) to talk about what inspired her to pursue improv comedy, the origins of Studio C and Divine Comedy at BYU, and how she met her late husband, Chris, at BYU.

Then Lisa opens up about how becoming a parent helped bring structure to following her passions for long-form improvisation, the success of Once I Was a Beehive, and empowering parents through The Lisa Show.

We also dive into the complications that come with parenting adult children, her late husband's battle with ALS, and how the family was able to navigate such a life-altering diagnosis through laughter and banding together. 

To learn more about Lisa, you can find her podcast by following the link: https://www.byuradio.org/lisa. You can also follow Lisa on Twitter @TheLisaShow_BYU

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April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention month and in today's episode, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Chris Yadon (Executive Director) and Betsy Kanorawski (Chief Program Officer) from Saprea to talk about their Utah roots, the origins of Saprea, and different ways that we can all fight against child sexual abuse.

We also dive into the importance of empowering parents to learn and proactively apply research-based best practices that can reduce the risk of sexual abuse happening and why defending innocence is not defending ignorance.

Then we talk about how the awareness surrounding child sexual abuse has evolved over the years, how teachers can play a role in detecting signs of abuse, and the different ways that members of the community can help survivors of abuse.

To learn more about Chris and Betsy and the work they're doing at Saprea, you can visit the Saprea website: https://saprea.org/

You can also find more information about protecting the welfare of our children at: https://www.childwelfare.gov/

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In this week's episode of First Lady and Friends, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Mike Mower (Senior Advisor of Community Outreach and Intergovernmental Relations) and Liz Mower (Community Activist) to talk about the beginnings of their relationship, what life was like raising a blended family, and some great tips when it comes to blending families together.

Then we dive into their work with the local refugee communities in the state, some of the amazing opportunities that are available for all Utahns to help with refugees coming into the state, and why connecting to others is such an integral part of our state.

We also talk about their passion for bringing people of different faiths together within the state, how former guest, Pamela Atkinson, has helped paved the way to bridge all of Utah's religious communities, and some of the amazing stories that have come from the 123 Challenge and #ShowUpForService.

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Mindy Benson (Interim President of Southern Utah University) to talk about growing up in Cedar City, the ways her family's legacy is intertwined with SUU, and how planning high-profile events helped her prepare for her current position at SUU.

We also dive into the various ways that SUU is addressing students' mental health, how digital personas and relationships are impacting real-life social engagement between students, and different ways that we can help prepare young women to become leaders.

Then we talk about SUU's Founders Week events as the university celebrates its 125th anniversary, having Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the 66th United States Secretary of State, serving as the university’s 2022 commencement speaker, and why it's so important to invest in our children to make a better tomorrow.

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Liz Owens (CEO of YWCA Utah) to talk about her childhood growing up in Provo, UT as a young girl of color, how she's used many of the lessons she learned in her childhood to help guide the work she's doing today, and the events that led her to pursue an education and career that emphasized human rights.

Liz also opens up about promoting awareness surrounding women's issues and equality in Essex, England, the differences within the criminal justice systems between the UK and the US, and what brought her back to Utah.

Then we dive into her work with the YWCA Utah, the importance of taking a trauma-informed approach to many of the day-to-day situations we engage in everyday situations, and how compassion fatigue can begin to affect our own lives if we don't have our own methods of support.

You can learn more about Liz and YWCA Utah at their website here: https://www.ywcautah.org/

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Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Irina Pierpont to talk about what her childhood looked like growing up in Ukraine, the events that led her family to migrate out of Donbas, Ukraine, and the devastating reality of the Ukrainian people fighting the Russian army.

Then we are joined by Owen Fuller (CEO - Lucidpress) to talk about his history with the Czech Republic region, various ways that Utahns are showing up to help raise awareness and support for the Ukrainian people, and the need to continue showing support for Ukrainian refugees.

Irina also opens up about her experience working with refugees, all of the ways that Utahns can come together to help ease the trauma that many refugees experience, and the need for empathy towards both the Ukrainian and Russian people.

To learn more about donating to Ukrainian refugees, you can visit: https://www.lhm.com/driven-to-assist/ or https://www.showuputah.org/

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In this week's episode of First Lady and Friends, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Rebecca Ford (Severe Special Education Teacher & Department Head at Tooele High School) to talk about her passion for teaching and her inspiration to become a special education teacher.

Then we dive into where the idea for the Mr. and Miss Super Amazing Pageant originated, the impact that it has had on the Tooele community, and how we can learn from the pageant to bring Utah closer together.

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In this week's episode of First Lady and Friends, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Bettina Smith Edmondson (Layton City Councilwoman) to talk about growing up in Layton, UT, how faith and education helped her create a bond with other children in the area, and her parents' experience moving to Layton from Mississippi during the 1960s.

Then we dive into the need to recognize and celebrate black history outside of Black History Month, how Bettina's experience going to school in the Davis school district is different compared to students' experiences today, and what ultimately inspired her to run for office.

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In this week's episode of First Lady and Friends, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Michelle Suzuki (SVP Marketing of Instructure) to talk about some of the hardships that many teachers in Utah have had to overcome during the pandemic, how we can help ease some of the stress for our teachers, and some of the ways that Instructure is honoring teachers throughout the state. 

We are also joined by Melinda Lewis (6th-grade Teacher with Sand Springs Elementary) who shares her path to becoming a teacher, what her first year of teaching was like, and why it's so important to empower our students to help them achieve success.

Then we talk about what an average day looks like for a teacher, how chemo treatments have impacted Melinda's day-to-day activities, and why teacher compensation and funding need to be addressed.

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In this week's episode of First Lady and Friends, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Amanda Millerberg and Sarah Allred to talk about the launch of the Show Up service committee, how it has highlighted and pushed forward various acts of service within the state, and Utah's passion for charitable giving and volunteerism.

Then we dive into the goal of accomplishing one million acts of service in 2022, the importance of communities banding together through hardship, and how the 123 Challenge can help bring us together as Utahns.

We also share simple steps you can take to start getting involved in service, ways to bridge neighborhood and family, and focusing on finding ways to connect to one another through empathy and service.

You can find more information at ShowUpUtah.org or on Instagram @ShowUpUtah. Tag us in all of your service posts with #ShowUpForService and make sure to spread the word! 

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In this week's episode of First Lady and Friends, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Rich Christiansen (Owner & Founder of Hoodoo Holdings, Author of The Zig Zag Principle, and Founder of Legado Family) to talk about his childhood growing up in Beaver, UT, his amazing father John Christiansen, and how his father's approval guided many decisions in his life.

Rich also dives into the moment he and his brothers uncovered a family secret, his parent's journey with artificial insemination during its early stages of development, and his journey of navigating the truth that he was a donor-conceived child.

Then we talk about Rich's work as an entrepreneur, the importance of building family legacies, and the need to cement traditions that can help bring unity into the family dynamic.

To learn more about Rich and the Legado Family, you can visit their website here: Legadofamily.com/communicate-connect.

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In this week's episode of First Lady and Friends, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Utah Governor, Spencer Cox, to celebrate the First Lady's birthday! We dive into some of Abby's favorite things to do for her birthday, what birthdays used to look like when she was growing up, and what her ideal birthday present is.

Then Abby and Spencer talk about their first date, falling in love, and where Abby would like to live if they didn't live in Utah.

They also dive into what they love about the city and what they miss about living in Fairview full-time.

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In this week's episode of First Lady and Friends, Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is joined by Pat Jones (CEO of Women's Leadership Institute, Co-founder and owner of Dan Jones & Associates, and former Utah senator) to talk about understanding the need for equality at a very young age, the impact that sports can have on business, and how her entrepreneurship helped her succeed during college.

Pat also opens up about her experience with market research, how it led her to run for office, and why it's so necessary to have more women at the table in politics.

Lastly, we talk about some of the initiatives that Pat is currently working on with WLI including the ElevateHER Challenge and a political development series, as well as some of the barriers that still exist that limit growth for women in the state.

To learn more about WLI and some of the amazing initiatives that the institute is working on, you can visit their website here: https://wliut.com/

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In this week's episode, we've got a reunion episode with all of the old "Cox and Friends" friends! Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox is joined by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Jon Cox, Owen Fuller, Kirsten Rappleye, and Spencer Ryan Hall to talk about what everyone has been up to since the pandemic started, NFTs and crypto, our latest favorite restaurant spots, and former Boston Celtics' president of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, joining the Utah Jazz as alternate governor and CEO.

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