December 2, 2025 • 29 mins
Before the holidays hit full speed, Scott Fitzgerald takes a look at the pressures your body feels to the pressures on your wallet, our guests help us make sense of what’s coming—and how to get ahead of all of it! Happy Holidays!!! ;)
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well, the holidays
are right around the corner, and your body, it already
knows its stress is rising, sleep is slipping, and of
course your metabolism.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Let's just say it's racing for impact.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
But it's not just the food of the parties that
can leave you exhausted and inflame.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
There's something deeper going on.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
And we'll have one expert join us to help us
with a plan to help build our resilience before the
season even begins.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
And speaking of the season, the.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Holidays aren't just hard on your body, they can be
tough on your wallet too. From trending gifts to clever
budget hacks, one financial expert is assuring fresh data on
how Americans.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Are really planning to spend this year.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
Two experts, two essential conversations for anyone trying to survive
and thrive this holiday season. We've got it coming up
for you right here on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth, and it's
set since we cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky focus on kNN.
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Speaker 1 (03:39):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This week
we're focusing on holidays that are right around the corner,
but your body might already be feeling the pressure. Stress
is rising, sleep is slipping, and your metabolism is bracing
for the holiday on slot. Here to help us get
ahead of the seasonal slump is doctor Vaughn Watts, functional
medicine doctor and author of Foundational Wellness.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
Dr Wats, thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 12 (04:04):
Well, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
I appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Then, many people doc assume that holiday fatigue and weight
gain are all about the food. You say, stress is
really the culprit. Can you explain how stress impacts our
bodies during the holidays.
Speaker 12 (04:16):
Yeah, Stress is like that hidden disruptor that weakens our digestion.
It burns through minerals, destabilizes blood sugar, and even weakens
the immune system like long before the food even enters
the picture. So when stress increases, our cortisol levels elevate,
which the entire body then shifts into kind of like
(04:37):
a survival mode, making weight gain, fatigue, and inflammation almost guaranteed.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Doctor Vaughan Watts joining us now.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
We're trying to get ahead of the seasonal slump and
stress and all that comes with it. And Doc, of course,
is the author of Foundational Wellness. You can look that
up on any of your favorite booksellers, of course, and
you can google doctor Vaughan Watts. So, Doc, how does
cortisol affect things like cravings, fat, storage, and sleep during
the holiday season.
Speaker 6 (05:03):
Yeah, cortisol.
Speaker 12 (05:04):
What it does is it destabilizes our glucose levels, and
when that happened, it creates intense cravings for like sugar
and quick energy, not only for more calories, but also
abdominal calories and abdominal fat. Really, it flattens your circadian
rhythm and it makes it harder to fall asleep. It
(05:24):
also makes it nearly impossible to wake up feeling restored again.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
Doctor Vaughan Watts joining us now, author of Foundational Wellness,
a functional medicine, medicine medicine doctor, and Doc, you mentioned
gut balance plays a big role in our resilience. What
are some simple steps people can take right now to
reset their gut before the holiday rush.
Speaker 12 (05:44):
Yeah, you can reintroduce a stomach acid and bioflow with
daily rich things like lemon water and by removing process
sugars things like this. Also, some people they just you know,
they'll take a really good probiotic that they've worked with.
You can also add in like mineralized morning Dream to
help calm the nervous system and get you kick started
(06:06):
with that digestion before stress ramps up.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Great advice. Doctor Vaughan Watch. You can read his book
Foundational Wellness. He is a functional medicine doctor. And we're
talking about stress and the holidays, Doc, what are some
recovery rituals and how can they help lower stress hormones naturally?
Speaker 12 (06:22):
Yeah, they're just simple things that you can do that
are you know, intentional practices like deep nasal breathing, walking
in the evening heat therapy that what that all that
does is pull the body back into a parasympathetic mode
by lowering cortisol and restoring digestiitone, they create the biochemical
(06:42):
environment where resilience returns.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
I take two walks a day, Doc, and I love
that you mentioned walking and getting outdoors. I walk in
the morning. It's a personal thing with me. I just
want to hit ten thousand. If I can get fourteen
thousand steps, I'm cool with that. But it does kind
of help a long especially like after I've eaten lunch
and I've changed I was telling you off there, I
had a massive weight loss. So after I eat my lunch,
I even get up and go walk because some days
(07:07):
I just feel like indulging a little bit more. And
when you walk, that kind of gets you away from
the food and really helps kind of reset the mind.
And so I appreciate you mentioning walking. Doctor Vaughan Watts
is our guest here, of course, is a medicine functional
medicine doctor and author of Foundational Wellness and for doc
For people worried about holiday indulgence, maybe indulgence in some
(07:29):
of the foods they are subject to. What are a
few easy food swaps that can prevent the post December crash.
Speaker 12 (07:34):
Yeah, one of the big ones is swap seed oils
out for real fat like butter olive oil, beef tallow
replace sugary snacks and with like mineral rich whole foods
like fruit and protein. Not only does that fruit kind
of help get that sugar craving, but it's in more
of a natural form, and your body is able to
(07:55):
utilize these things at charge and stabilize blood sugar and
reduce inflammation.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
And that's the thing I do, Doug. I love my
berries like I can't get enough berries. And when you
mentioned that, you're right on point. You're talking my language,
that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Uh, doctor Watts.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Many folks look to detox in January, but you say
the preparation should start now in November.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Why is that approach more effective?
Speaker 12 (08:21):
Yeah, whenever we go into detox, we need to the
one thing most people.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Miss in detox.
Speaker 12 (08:26):
When you ever talk to somebody who has detoxed, oftentimes
they'll talk about how they feel a little crummy, or
they feel like they've had the flu, And those are
all symptoms of somebody who's gone into detox before their
body's ready for detox. So the three simple things that
I always tell people that you should do the month
before you detox is number one. We need to address
(08:46):
any potential vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and so take a
really good multi vitamin mineral product so that way your
organs have all of the fuel it needs in order
to do its job of detox. Another one is increase
your mitochondria or your cellular energy. You can do that
also you can get mitochondria products, or you can just
(09:09):
use some sunlight, do some breath work. And the last
but most important thing to do the month before detox
is opening your detox pathways. Your two main detox pathways
are through urine feces, So you want to ensure that
as you are detoxing that those toxins can actually get
out of the body, because when they don't get out
(09:30):
of the body, that's when they recycle and you feel
kind of crummy. So ensuring that you have you know,
good digestion where you have at least two bowel movements
a day prior to going to detox, that you have
good kidney function. Those are those are the three big things.
Mitochondrial support, vitamin mineral support, and opening up those drainage pathways.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Right on, great conversation again we're talking with functional medicine
doctor doctor Vaughn Wants, of course is the on through
a foundational wellness our guest on Kentucky Focus this week,
and Doc, I just love your advice and for folks
that want a fresh start coming up in the new year.
Whenever you want that fresh start, check in with doctor Wats.
He's got some great advice. Again from someone who's lost
(10:14):
well over one hundred pounds. Some of the things Doc's
mentioned in all right on point that I still practice
to this day. So Doc along those lines. For someone
who's juggling work, family, and of course holiday commitments, what's
one actionable tip that can implement today to boost their
energy and immunity.
Speaker 12 (10:31):
You know, if you're gonna narrow it down to one
simple thing that you can do to boost your boost
that energy and your immunity, it's getting seven hours of
sleep a night. When you get seventy eight hours sleep
a night, you feel refreshed in the morning, gives your
body time to because you do a lot of not
only do help your metabolism, but your brain actually detox
(10:54):
is while you sleep. It boosts your immune system. And
seven hours is not a across the boards the same,
So not seven hours going to bed at one in
the morning, it's like trying to get to bed before
eleven o'clock at night. Ten o'clock's ideal and trying to
get seven hours of sleep. If you can do that,
you'll notice a big difference in your energy levels and
(11:15):
your your immune system for sure.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
Well, doctor Wats, thank you so much for sharing such
practical strategies. Of course they're going to help us stay
resilient and calm, and we all need that during the
holidays for sure. And of course, as you mentioned, and
to the benefit of our listeners who may have missed it,
it's not about a January detox.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
It's about preparing your.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
Body today so you can enjoy the season tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Doctor Wats.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
If people want more information on you everything you've talked about,
where can they go?
Speaker 12 (11:41):
Yeah, the two different places. One, if you want to
go check out my book, it's at Foundational Wellness dot com.
You get a free gift there, free help guide, and
also you can find me at ijasformulas dot com. That's
Aegis Formulas. I'm a founder, owner and chief science officer
(12:02):
of a something company that I founded a couple of
years ago that addressed some of these things that we
talked about today as.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
Well, Doctor Vaughan Watts. Doctor Watts, have a very happy
holiday season. We appreciate you taking time for us.
Speaker 6 (12:15):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Appreciate Doctor Vaughn Watts.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Thank you so much for giving us the tools to
help our bodies and minds, so we'll stay strong as
the holiday rush begins. And coming up next, we'll shift
from health to wealth, exploring how Americans are really thinking
about holiday spending and gifting this year. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
This is Kentucky Focus.
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Kentucky FOLKUS. Today we're diving into the holiday season.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
Yes, the most wonderful time of the year, but also
one of the most expensive. Joining us is best selling author, podcaster,
and finance finance expert Patre's Washington, here to help US
banks smarter this holiday season. Patrise, thanks so much for
taking time to join us today.
Speaker 9 (15:49):
Oh, I'm so excited to be with you today, Scott.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Wonderful now, Patrese, The holidays are time for joy, but
also for budgeting challenges.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
I know this all too well.
Speaker 1 (15:58):
Your recent survey with Jime gives this fresh insight into
how Americans are approaching gifting this year. What trends are
you saying that might surprise some of our listeners here
in Kentucky.
Speaker 16 (16:07):
Well, Scott, my surprise people to hear that the average
American is planning to spend about eleven hundred and twenty
dollars on their gifts. And they're still I know, right,
they're still prioritizing their partners and their kids. I don't
think that's a surprise. But here's what might get you.
So do you remember, Scott, back in the day when
people would tell you that it was not thoughtful to
(16:29):
give cash as a gift, right right, They're like, Oh,
you're not putting enough thought into it, you're not being nice,
all these things. But actually, Scott, what the survey revealed
is that the definition of giving a gift a good gift.
Speaker 9 (16:42):
Has really evolved.
Speaker 16 (16:44):
People want cash, they need cash. Listen, fifty eight percent
of people say that they need help with their utilities
this season, fifty one percent say they want some help
with rent, and forty four percent are saying I need
help paying down my credit card debt. Yes, show me
the money, give me the cash. That's what we're seeing
across the country.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
We're talking with Patrese Washington, she of course, is best
selling author, podcaster, and finance expert, and we're talking about
the cost of giving this holiday season. And Patrese, I'm
glad you brought that up because I did something special.
I have two older children now who one is off
to college, one is now a teacher. They're in their
once in their early twenties, ones in their late twenties.
And you know what, I did a total surprise that
(17:26):
Whenham got him a card, I wrote him a heartfelt
note with a lot of tailor to each one, mind you,
with some heartfelt thoughts of my own, and also put
cash in that envelope. And both of my kids said
thank you, thank you, thank you, not just with the
heartfelt message, but because they needed that cash.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
And I think you're right on there.
Speaker 16 (17:45):
God, absolutely, listen. I'm also the mother of a college student.
And when I checked out the survey and it says
sixty five percent of gen zers are saying, yes, give
me cash. But listen, Scott, it's not even just gen zers.
Look at millennials, boomers, across the generations. The average American
(18:05):
expects to receive six hundred dollars in cash.
Speaker 9 (18:09):
Who that's what they want? Oh yeah, oh yeah. Listen.
Speaker 16 (18:12):
The survey is really great about breaking down what's happening
by the region. Right, So in West Virginia and in Georgia,
seventy percent of people saying they want cash gifts, but
I love what you did, Scott when you sat down
and wrote out the thoughtful card to your daughters. People
want something with more meaning this season. And we're even
seeing people say, well, you can hold the cash, but
(18:33):
create a memory for me.
Speaker 9 (18:35):
You know.
Speaker 16 (18:35):
The survey reveals that people are looking for concert tickets
in Indiana. Get this, eighty four percent of people are saying,
pay for a trip right, write an experience for me,
give me a memory.
Speaker 9 (18:48):
Isn't that cool?
Speaker 1 (18:49):
It is very cool and you're onto something there. Again,
we're talking with best selling author, podcaster and finance expert
Patrese Washington, and new survey by Chime indicates how we'd
like to give this year. And to your point, there
are a couple friend of ours that they stopped giving
traditional gifts years ago and now give experiences to the
kids as opposed to Oh.
Speaker 9 (19:08):
That's always been my thing with my daughter.
Speaker 16 (19:11):
It has never been about, you know, just piling up
the gifts. It's always been about giving her memories that
will last long after I'm gone. And I think that
that's what we're seeing more and more. Listen, this economy
is still tough and people are saying, you know, I'm
going to spend in the Northeast twelve hundred dollars or
in the Midwest a thousand dollars.
Speaker 9 (19:32):
But ultimately it's what is the.
Speaker 16 (19:34):
Meaning behind how you're spending and does it have to
come down to just trinkets or are we going to
give people what would bring them relief? And like your
girls were excited about the cash, I think this year's
got many people are excited about receiving that cash.
Speaker 1 (19:50):
That's a great point. Patrice Washington having a great conversation.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
She's with us. She's best selling author, podcaster, and finance expert.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
And of course a new survey by Chime is talking
to us about how we gift this year, And Patrice,
generational differences always play a role in how we give
and receive gifts. Who's more likely to focus on, say
what we just mentioned, experiences or homemade gifts instead of
store bought items.
Speaker 16 (20:13):
Well, we're still seeing that gen Zer's millennials. They're moving
towards like giving you know, the gifts. And then we
see the silent generation, like our boomers are leaning towards
actually giving the more thoughtful, homemade types of gifts. But
I think It just comes down to again really being
(20:34):
aware of managing your finances. You know, just because you
want to be generous, you don't want to jeopardize your
finances in the process. So I think that we have
to look at what is best for us, of course,
and then also what does the person on the receiving
end actually need. I've been at this for a while, Scott,
(20:55):
and I've been saying for a decade.
Speaker 9 (20:57):
You don't want.
Speaker 16 (20:58):
To jeopardize your financial well being because you desire to
be generous in this season, right, and too many people
forty one percent of Americans say I'll deal with the holidays,
but then in January post holidays, then I'll cut back.
Speaker 9 (21:11):
Forty one percent of Americans.
Speaker 16 (21:12):
Say I'll cut back after January. I really don't think
that you have to cut back after January. I think
that you can be more intentional now and we can
do it now. We can start to automate savings and
really look at our spending habits and Nevada. The survey
reveals that thirty percent of people during the holidays, they
(21:33):
start to check their bank accounts more and more, Scott,
So you know, this season people really get into will
let me let me check it more. But I want
that to be more of a practice that we have
throughout the year, because the holidays can't keep catching us
by surprise, right, you know this is coming every year.
Let's be more intentional. Let's use tools like chryme right
(21:55):
to help us be more intentional all throughout the year.
Speaker 1 (21:58):
You know, as someone who's overspent in the holidays and
had that regret at the end, I pick up what
you're throwing down there, Fortrese, that's for sure again. Patrise
Washington is our guest. She is the best selling author, podcaster,
and finance expert, and she comes to his courtesy of
chime as we're talking about ways to kind of better
control our spending over the holidays, and patres from Secret
Sanate to White Elephant, people get creative to make the
(22:19):
holiday special without over spending. Do you have any top
maybe rituals, hacks or traditions that can help people kind
of stretch their budgets while keeping the holiday season festive.
Speaker 9 (22:28):
You know, I do.
Speaker 16 (22:29):
And this has not been just because of the time
that we're in scott or the economy. Like I said,
I've always been a fan of just being more thoughtful
and more sentimental right, And so I love secret santas.
I love keeping gifts under ten dollars fifteen dollars. I
love when people get creative and actually make something from
(22:50):
the heart, or like you did, you wrote out that
really beautiful card to your kids. I think that that's
what we all need to do because we're all in
this together. Across the generations. People are just feeling that
pinch a bit more this season. So anything that allows
you to come together with friends. I know in my
family we're spread out across the country and we don't
(23:10):
necessarily give gifts, but this is the time that we
all get on that zoom and we go around and
catch up about the year and set our intentions for
the new year. It costs nothing to tell the people
that you love that you love them, and also to
share what you're looking forward to, you know, for the
year ahead. So just doing things where your family can
(23:31):
really come together or your chosen family, your friends, even coworkers.
Speaker 9 (23:35):
Let's not make it about just you know, buying gifts.
Speaker 16 (23:39):
But if you do, like we said, of eleven hundred
people plan on doing some type of giving right, do
what matters to them, help them create experiences and for
many young people in particular, help them pay the utilities,
the rent, pay down the credit card debt, because that's
what's gonna get them on the good foot for January.
Speaker 17 (23:59):
Right.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
And then question for you, Patrice, because I know you're
busy and you got to get any last strategies to
help folks who are listening avoid that holiday spending regret
or even guilt on the backside of this.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
As someone who's had that happen to them, you know,
it's like.
Speaker 16 (24:13):
I said, really using tools that help you bank smarter
is going to be it. So I love automating your savings.
Speaker 9 (24:20):
I love.
Speaker 16 (24:21):
I don't care how small it is, Scott. It's about
building the muscle. So when you can use a tool
that will help you start automating, just because you're spending
on you others, don't forget to prioritize yourself and your
financial wellbeing. Start to automate, Start to pay attention to
your transactions. Look for those real time transaction alerts, you know,
to make sure that no funny business is going on.
(24:43):
You don't want to avoid checking your accounts then learning
thirty days later that something happened. Let's just be more proactive.
This season requires us to be more proactive with our
finances well.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
She is best selling author, podcaster, and finance expert Patrese Washington.
She comes to his courtesy chim They have a new
survey out to suggest you google it take a look
at what people are sending in. Patrise, you have been
outstanding today. If we want to learn more about you
and what you do, where can folks go?
Speaker 16 (25:10):
You can definitely find out more about me at Patrisewashington
dot com and to check the you know, the data
and the insights from that unwrapped survey, you can go
to chime dash holiday dot com.
Speaker 2 (25:22):
Patrise, thank you so much, appreciate your time.
Speaker 9 (25:24):
Thanks so much, Scott, Patrice Washington.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
Thank you for un wrapping those insights and giving us
a fresh perspective on holiday spending.
Speaker 2 (25:32):
Speaking of holidays, don't go anywhere. We're about to wrap
things up with some.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
Final thoughts from today's conversations. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and this
is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 11 (25:44):
Only one in five people with disabilities, including those with autism,
are employed, despite many having the skill set and desire
to work.
Speaker 7 (25:51):
Maybe it's because employers don't know what kind of jobs
they can do.
Speaker 11 (25:55):
Okay, try me.
Speaker 7 (25:56):
What about a programmer?
Speaker 11 (25:58):
That is a job for someone to thought to?
Speaker 7 (26:00):
What about a teacher?
Speaker 11 (26:02):
That is a job for someone with autism?
Speaker 2 (26:04):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (26:04):
How about a healthcare worker?
Speaker 9 (26:07):
Yes?
Speaker 11 (26:07):
Those are all jobs for someone with autism. The truth
is qualified people with autism can do a lot of
different jobs, but often get overlooked due to outdated stigmas
and beliefs. Business is value diversity, but sometimes don't recognize
the unique strengths and abilities of the autism community. Introducing
WIN the Workplace Inclusion Now Program by Autism Speaks, we
(26:28):
help businesses lead the way in inclusive hiring.
Speaker 7 (26:31):
Ooh what about a ranch hand.
Speaker 11 (26:34):
Yeah, sure, that's a job for someone with autism too.
To learn more, go to Autism Speaks dot org slash win.
That's Autism Speaks dot org slash win.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
You're not gonna want to miss tonight's County Fair.
Speaker 3 (26:46):
I'm gonna be.
Speaker 18 (26:47):
Are your window to your community?
Speaker 5 (26:48):
Did you see the last five minutes of that football
game last night?
Speaker 17 (26:51):
Oh?
Speaker 10 (26:51):
Man, I saw the whole thing.
Speaker 18 (26:52):
A lifeline to keep you safe when danger is near,
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This is one of the biggest stories.
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Speaker 1 (27:16):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald as we
wrap things up on another great show, and a huge
thank you doctor Vaughn Watt, Sam Terse Washington for sharing
their wisdom and helping us navigate both the personal and
financial signs of the holiday season. And of course thank
you to our listeners for tuning in. For all of
us here at Kentucky Focus and the Kentucky News Network,
(27:37):
I speak for all of us when I say I
hope your holidays are healthy, happier, and maybe just a
little bit smarter. As it's go time and we ramp
up for the holidays, I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This is the
Kentucky News Network. We'll talk to you next week.
Speaker 2 (27:51):
On Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the commonwealth and it's citizens vers state, politics,
in history, human interest stories, sports, and even entertainment. It's
Kentucky focus on kNN.
Speaker 17 (28:11):
Snakes, zombies, public speaking. The list of fears is endless,
but the real danger is in your hand when you're
behind the wheel. Distracted driving is what's really scary and
even deadly. Eyes forward, don't drive distracted. Brought to you
by Nitze and the AD Council.
Speaker 19 (28:30):
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by a local tire retailer for an air chain.
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A message from the US Tire Manufacturers Association.
Speaker 7 (28:56):
My husband is a veteran and he was injured in
the line of duty.
Speaker 20 (29:00):
It happened while I was deployed to Iraq. We were
stopped at a checkpoint and then all of a sudden
there was a loud explosion and ID detonated three feet
from my face.
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It was bad.
Speaker 20 (29:12):
I remember thinking, Who's going to take care of my
wife and daughter.
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We took care of each other with a lot of
help from DAV.
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When America's veterans face challenges, DAV is there.
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I don't know what we would have done without them.
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DAV was the voice that we didn't have.
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Every year, DAV helps more than a million veterans like
Jason get the life changing support and benefits they earned
so they can achieve more victories.
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It wasn't easy, but he never gave up.
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My victory is knowing my disability doesn't define me.
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He's an inspiration.
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Support more victories for veterans. Go to DAV dot org.
Welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well, the holidays
are right around the corner, and your body, it already
knows its stress is rising, sleep is slipping, and of
course your metabolism.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Let's just say it's racing for impact.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
But it's not just the food of the parties that
can leave you exhausted and inflame.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
There's something deeper going on.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
And we'll have one expert join us to help us
with a plan to help build our resilience before the
season even begins.
Speaker 2 (00:28):
And speaking of the season, the.
Speaker 1 (00:30):
Holidays aren't just hard on your body, they can be
tough on your wallet too. From trending gifts to clever
budget hacks, one financial expert is assuring fresh data on
how Americans.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Are really planning to spend this year.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
Two experts, two essential conversations for anyone trying to survive
and thrive this holiday season. We've got it coming up
for you right here on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth, and it's
set since we cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (01:09):
What's the biggest myth about interscholastic performing arts that you
have to be the most talented or experienced to participate.
The truth is anyone can be a part of their
schools performing arts. There are countless opportunities for students to participate,
from theater, choir and band, to speech and debate. The
bottom line, if you want to perform, there's a place
(01:30):
for you.
Speaker 5 (01:31):
Brought to you by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association,
the Kentucky Athletic Administrators Association, and the Kentucky Music Educators Association.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
We didn't know what takes back.
Speaker 6 (01:40):
We were just just left in a hotel.
Speaker 7 (01:43):
My mom was doing drugs in the house.
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Tay and Brianna spent years of their childhood in homes
that weren't safe. They were placed in foster care and
longed for a permanent, loving home.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
I didn't know what my future was.
Speaker 7 (02:00):
I wouldn't speak to anyone.
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I was afraid of everything.
Speaker 8 (02:03):
With help from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Brianna
and Tay were adopted and now feel excited about their futures.
Speaker 10 (02:13):
I'm studying to be a chef and I really want
to travel the world.
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I'm going to be a mechanic and I could focus
on my career right now.
Speaker 8 (02:21):
In the United States, there are more than one hundred
thousand children in foster care, just like Brianna and Tay,
who need a family. Now learn how you can help
at Dave Thomasfoundation dot org.
Speaker 11 (02:38):
Only one in five people with disabilities, including those with autism,
are employed, despite many having the skill set and desire
to work.
Speaker 7 (02:45):
Maybe it's because employers don't know what kind of jobs
they can do.
Speaker 11 (02:48):
Okay, try me.
Speaker 7 (02:50):
What about a programmer.
Speaker 11 (02:52):
That is a job for someone with autism? What about
a teacher that is a job for someone with autism?
Speaker 6 (02:58):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (02:58):
How about a healthcare worker?
Speaker 11 (03:00):
Yes, those are all jobs for someone with autism. The
truth is qualified people with autism can do a lot
of different jobs, but often get overlooked due to outdated
stigmas and beliefs. Business is value diversity, but sometimes don't
recognize the unique strengths and abilities of the autism community.
Introducing WIN the Workplace Inclusion Now Program by Autism Speaks,
(03:22):
we help businesses lead the way in inclusive hiring.
Speaker 7 (03:24):
Ooh, what about a ranch hand.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 11 (03:29):
Sure, that's a job for someone with autism too. To
learn more, go to Autism Speaks dot org slash win.
That's autism speaks dot org slash win.
Speaker 1 (03:39):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This week
we're focusing on holidays that are right around the corner,
but your body might already be feeling the pressure. Stress
is rising, sleep is slipping, and your metabolism is bracing
for the holiday on slot. Here to help us get
ahead of the seasonal slump is doctor Vaughn Watts, functional
medicine doctor and author of Foundational Wellness.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
Dr Wats, thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 12 (04:04):
Well, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
I appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Then, many people doc assume that holiday fatigue and weight
gain are all about the food. You say, stress is
really the culprit. Can you explain how stress impacts our
bodies during the holidays.
Speaker 12 (04:16):
Yeah, Stress is like that hidden disruptor that weakens our digestion.
It burns through minerals, destabilizes blood sugar, and even weakens
the immune system like long before the food even enters
the picture. So when stress increases, our cortisol levels elevate,
which the entire body then shifts into kind of like
(04:37):
a survival mode, making weight gain, fatigue, and inflammation almost guaranteed.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Doctor Vaughan Watts joining us now.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
We're trying to get ahead of the seasonal slump and
stress and all that comes with it. And Doc, of course,
is the author of Foundational Wellness. You can look that
up on any of your favorite booksellers, of course, and
you can google doctor Vaughan Watts. So, Doc, how does
cortisol affect things like cravings, fat, storage, and sleep during
the holiday season.
Speaker 6 (05:03):
Yeah, cortisol.
Speaker 12 (05:04):
What it does is it destabilizes our glucose levels, and
when that happened, it creates intense cravings for like sugar
and quick energy, not only for more calories, but also
abdominal calories and abdominal fat. Really, it flattens your circadian
rhythm and it makes it harder to fall asleep. It
(05:24):
also makes it nearly impossible to wake up feeling restored again.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
Doctor Vaughan Watts joining us now, author of Foundational Wellness,
a functional medicine, medicine medicine doctor, and Doc, you mentioned
gut balance plays a big role in our resilience. What
are some simple steps people can take right now to
reset their gut before the holiday rush.
Speaker 12 (05:44):
Yeah, you can reintroduce a stomach acid and bioflow with
daily rich things like lemon water and by removing process
sugars things like this. Also, some people they just you know,
they'll take a really good probiotic that they've worked with.
You can also add in like mineralized morning Dream to
help calm the nervous system and get you kick started
(06:06):
with that digestion before stress ramps up.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Great advice. Doctor Vaughan Watch. You can read his book
Foundational Wellness. He is a functional medicine doctor. And we're
talking about stress and the holidays, Doc, what are some
recovery rituals and how can they help lower stress hormones naturally?
Speaker 12 (06:22):
Yeah, they're just simple things that you can do that
are you know, intentional practices like deep nasal breathing, walking
in the evening heat therapy that what that all that
does is pull the body back into a parasympathetic mode
by lowering cortisol and restoring digestiitone, they create the biochemical
(06:42):
environment where resilience returns.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
I take two walks a day, Doc, and I love
that you mentioned walking and getting outdoors. I walk in
the morning. It's a personal thing with me. I just
want to hit ten thousand. If I can get fourteen
thousand steps, I'm cool with that. But it does kind
of help a long especially like after I've eaten lunch
and I've changed I was telling you off there, I
had a massive weight loss. So after I eat my lunch,
I even get up and go walk because some days
(07:07):
I just feel like indulging a little bit more. And
when you walk, that kind of gets you away from
the food and really helps kind of reset the mind.
And so I appreciate you mentioning walking. Doctor Vaughan Watts
is our guest here, of course, is a medicine functional
medicine doctor and author of Foundational Wellness and for doc
For people worried about holiday indulgence, maybe indulgence in some
(07:29):
of the foods they are subject to. What are a
few easy food swaps that can prevent the post December crash.
Speaker 12 (07:34):
Yeah, one of the big ones is swap seed oils
out for real fat like butter olive oil, beef tallow
replace sugary snacks and with like mineral rich whole foods
like fruit and protein. Not only does that fruit kind
of help get that sugar craving, but it's in more
of a natural form, and your body is able to
(07:55):
utilize these things at charge and stabilize blood sugar and
reduce inflammation.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
And that's the thing I do, Doug. I love my
berries like I can't get enough berries. And when you
mentioned that, you're right on point. You're talking my language,
that's for sure.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Uh, doctor Watts.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Many folks look to detox in January, but you say
the preparation should start now in November.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Why is that approach more effective?
Speaker 12 (08:21):
Yeah, whenever we go into detox, we need to the
one thing most people.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Miss in detox.
Speaker 12 (08:26):
When you ever talk to somebody who has detoxed, oftentimes
they'll talk about how they feel a little crummy, or
they feel like they've had the flu, And those are
all symptoms of somebody who's gone into detox before their
body's ready for detox. So the three simple things that
I always tell people that you should do the month
before you detox is number one. We need to address
(08:46):
any potential vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and so take a
really good multi vitamin mineral product so that way your
organs have all of the fuel it needs in order
to do its job of detox. Another one is increase
your mitochondria or your cellular energy. You can do that
also you can get mitochondria products, or you can just
(09:09):
use some sunlight, do some breath work. And the last
but most important thing to do the month before detox
is opening your detox pathways. Your two main detox pathways
are through urine feces, So you want to ensure that
as you are detoxing that those toxins can actually get
out of the body, because when they don't get out
(09:30):
of the body, that's when they recycle and you feel
kind of crummy. So ensuring that you have you know,
good digestion where you have at least two bowel movements
a day prior to going to detox, that you have
good kidney function. Those are those are the three big things.
Mitochondrial support, vitamin mineral support, and opening up those drainage pathways.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Right on, great conversation again we're talking with functional medicine
doctor doctor Vaughn Wants, of course is the on through
a foundational wellness our guest on Kentucky Focus this week,
and Doc, I just love your advice and for folks
that want a fresh start coming up in the new year.
Whenever you want that fresh start, check in with doctor Wats.
He's got some great advice. Again from someone who's lost
(10:14):
well over one hundred pounds. Some of the things Doc's
mentioned in all right on point that I still practice
to this day. So Doc along those lines. For someone
who's juggling work, family, and of course holiday commitments, what's
one actionable tip that can implement today to boost their
energy and immunity.
Speaker 12 (10:31):
You know, if you're gonna narrow it down to one
simple thing that you can do to boost your boost
that energy and your immunity, it's getting seven hours of
sleep a night. When you get seventy eight hours sleep
a night, you feel refreshed in the morning, gives your
body time to because you do a lot of not
only do help your metabolism, but your brain actually detox
(10:54):
is while you sleep. It boosts your immune system. And
seven hours is not a across the boards the same,
So not seven hours going to bed at one in
the morning, it's like trying to get to bed before
eleven o'clock at night. Ten o'clock's ideal and trying to
get seven hours of sleep. If you can do that,
you'll notice a big difference in your energy levels and
(11:15):
your your immune system for sure.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
Well, doctor Wats, thank you so much for sharing such
practical strategies. Of course they're going to help us stay
resilient and calm, and we all need that during the
holidays for sure. And of course, as you mentioned, and
to the benefit of our listeners who may have missed it,
it's not about a January detox.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
It's about preparing your.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
Body today so you can enjoy the season tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (11:36):
Doctor Wats.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
If people want more information on you everything you've talked about,
where can they go?
Speaker 12 (11:41):
Yeah, the two different places. One, if you want to
go check out my book, it's at Foundational Wellness dot com.
You get a free gift there, free help guide, and
also you can find me at ijasformulas dot com. That's
Aegis Formulas. I'm a founder, owner and chief science officer
(12:02):
of a something company that I founded a couple of
years ago that addressed some of these things that we
talked about today as.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
Well, Doctor Vaughan Watts. Doctor Watts, have a very happy
holiday season. We appreciate you taking time for us.
Speaker 6 (12:15):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Appreciate Doctor Vaughn Watts.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Thank you so much for giving us the tools to
help our bodies and minds, so we'll stay strong as
the holiday rush begins. And coming up next, we'll shift
from health to wealth, exploring how Americans are really thinking
about holiday spending and gifting this year. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
This is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 13 (12:40):
How can you measure the value of education based athletics. Well,
the value is in what makes it invaluable. That's because
school sports aren't just about winning. They're about learning and growing.
School sports aren't just about gaining trophies and accolades. They're
about learning life lessons, bringing the whole community together, developing
(13:01):
character and integrity, having coaches who mentor you, and teammates
who become lifelong friends. And you can't put a price
on any of that. That's what makes education based athletics invaluable.
Of course, when you participate in school sports, you want
to win and become a better athlete, but the purpose
is so much greater becoming a better person. Support your
(13:25):
local school sports programs and if you have a student,
encourage them to get involved.
Speaker 5 (13:30):
Brought to you by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
and the Kentucky Athletic Administrators Association.
Speaker 10 (13:38):
A new study from the journal Plus one suggests that
screen scrolling while you're doing your business is a big
no no. Researchers found that smartphone use on the toilet
was linked to a forty six percent increased risk of hemorrhoids.
Turns out, the longer you sit, especially without moving, the
more pressure builds in the lower body, which can contribute
to those painful, puffy, itchy veins. Phone or no phone,
(14:02):
doctors recommend spending no more than five minutes on the
toilet at a time. If you've got hemorrhoids, try eating
a high fiber diet, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding
any pushing or straining. Use a timer to limit bathroom
time if you need, and definitely leave your digital devices
in another room. For any pain or bleeding, or if
you're just not sure what's going on down there. Don't
(14:25):
be shy have a discussion with your doctor with this
medical minute. I'm Melissa don.
Speaker 14 (14:31):
Some journeys start small with small pause and big purpose.
Speaker 9 (14:39):
Speaker.
Speaker 14 (14:39):
Every great partnership begins with the first step. Let's go
guiding them through the world. So one day they can
guide someone through life. With shared experience, confidence grows and
the path becomes clear.
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It takes time, patience, and love, but the reward last
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dog a purpose, give some money.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
Oh learn more at dogsink dot org. Welcome back to
Kentucky FOLKUS. Today we're diving into the holiday season.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
Yes, the most wonderful time of the year, but also
one of the most expensive. Joining us is best selling author, podcaster,
and finance finance expert Patre's Washington, here to help US
banks smarter this holiday season. Patrise, thanks so much for
taking time to join us today.
Speaker 9 (15:49):
Oh, I'm so excited to be with you today, Scott.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Wonderful now, Patrese, The holidays are time for joy, but
also for budgeting challenges.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
I know this all too well.
Speaker 1 (15:58):
Your recent survey with Jime gives this fresh insight into
how Americans are approaching gifting this year. What trends are
you saying that might surprise some of our listeners here
in Kentucky.
Speaker 16 (16:07):
Well, Scott, my surprise people to hear that the average
American is planning to spend about eleven hundred and twenty
dollars on their gifts. And they're still I know, right,
they're still prioritizing their partners and their kids. I don't
think that's a surprise. But here's what might get you.
So do you remember, Scott, back in the day when
people would tell you that it was not thoughtful to
(16:29):
give cash as a gift, right right, They're like, Oh,
you're not putting enough thought into it, you're not being nice,
all these things. But actually, Scott, what the survey revealed
is that the definition of giving a gift a good gift.
Speaker 9 (16:42):
Has really evolved.
Speaker 16 (16:44):
People want cash, they need cash. Listen, fifty eight percent
of people say that they need help with their utilities
this season, fifty one percent say they want some help
with rent, and forty four percent are saying I need
help paying down my credit card debt. Yes, show me
the money, give me the cash. That's what we're seeing
across the country.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
We're talking with Patrese Washington, she of course, is best
selling author, podcaster, and finance expert, and we're talking about
the cost of giving this holiday season. And Patrese, I'm
glad you brought that up because I did something special.
I have two older children now who one is off
to college, one is now a teacher. They're in their
once in their early twenties, ones in their late twenties.
And you know what, I did a total surprise that
(17:26):
Whenham got him a card, I wrote him a heartfelt
note with a lot of tailor to each one, mind you,
with some heartfelt thoughts of my own, and also put
cash in that envelope. And both of my kids said
thank you, thank you, thank you, not just with the
heartfelt message, but because they needed that cash.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
And I think you're right on there.
Speaker 16 (17:45):
God, absolutely, listen. I'm also the mother of a college student.
And when I checked out the survey and it says
sixty five percent of gen zers are saying, yes, give
me cash. But listen, Scott, it's not even just gen zers.
Look at millennials, boomers, across the generations. The average American
(18:05):
expects to receive six hundred dollars in cash.
Speaker 9 (18:09):
Who that's what they want? Oh yeah, oh yeah. Listen.
Speaker 16 (18:12):
The survey is really great about breaking down what's happening
by the region. Right, So in West Virginia and in Georgia,
seventy percent of people saying they want cash gifts, but
I love what you did, Scott when you sat down
and wrote out the thoughtful card to your daughters. People
want something with more meaning this season. And we're even
seeing people say, well, you can hold the cash, but
(18:33):
create a memory for me.
Speaker 9 (18:35):
You know.
Speaker 16 (18:35):
The survey reveals that people are looking for concert tickets
in Indiana. Get this, eighty four percent of people are saying,
pay for a trip right, write an experience for me,
give me a memory.
Speaker 9 (18:48):
Isn't that cool?
Speaker 1 (18:49):
It is very cool and you're onto something there. Again,
we're talking with best selling author, podcaster and finance expert
Patrese Washington, and new survey by Chime indicates how we'd
like to give this year. And to your point, there
are a couple friend of ours that they stopped giving
traditional gifts years ago and now give experiences to the
kids as opposed to Oh.
Speaker 9 (19:08):
That's always been my thing with my daughter.
Speaker 16 (19:11):
It has never been about, you know, just piling up
the gifts. It's always been about giving her memories that
will last long after I'm gone. And I think that
that's what we're seeing more and more. Listen, this economy
is still tough and people are saying, you know, I'm
going to spend in the Northeast twelve hundred dollars or
in the Midwest a thousand dollars.
Speaker 9 (19:32):
But ultimately it's what is the.
Speaker 16 (19:34):
Meaning behind how you're spending and does it have to
come down to just trinkets or are we going to
give people what would bring them relief? And like your
girls were excited about the cash, I think this year's
got many people are excited about receiving that cash.
Speaker 1 (19:50):
That's a great point. Patrice Washington having a great conversation.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
She's with us. She's best selling author, podcaster, and finance expert.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
And of course a new survey by Chime is talking
to us about how we gift this year, And Patrice,
generational differences always play a role in how we give
and receive gifts. Who's more likely to focus on, say
what we just mentioned, experiences or homemade gifts instead of
store bought items.
Speaker 16 (20:13):
Well, we're still seeing that gen Zer's millennials. They're moving
towards like giving you know, the gifts. And then we
see the silent generation, like our boomers are leaning towards
actually giving the more thoughtful, homemade types of gifts. But
I think It just comes down to again really being
(20:34):
aware of managing your finances. You know, just because you
want to be generous, you don't want to jeopardize your
finances in the process. So I think that we have
to look at what is best for us, of course,
and then also what does the person on the receiving
end actually need. I've been at this for a while, Scott,
(20:55):
and I've been saying for a decade.
Speaker 9 (20:57):
You don't want.
Speaker 16 (20:58):
To jeopardize your financial well being because you desire to
be generous in this season, right, and too many people
forty one percent of Americans say I'll deal with the holidays,
but then in January post holidays, then I'll cut back.
Speaker 9 (21:11):
Forty one percent of Americans.
Speaker 16 (21:12):
Say I'll cut back after January. I really don't think
that you have to cut back after January. I think
that you can be more intentional now and we can
do it now. We can start to automate savings and
really look at our spending habits and Nevada. The survey
reveals that thirty percent of people during the holidays, they
(21:33):
start to check their bank accounts more and more, Scott,
So you know, this season people really get into will
let me let me check it more. But I want
that to be more of a practice that we have
throughout the year, because the holidays can't keep catching us
by surprise, right, you know this is coming every year.
Let's be more intentional. Let's use tools like chryme right
(21:55):
to help us be more intentional all throughout the year.
Speaker 1 (21:58):
You know, as someone who's overspent in the holidays and
had that regret at the end, I pick up what
you're throwing down there, Fortrese, that's for sure again. Patrise
Washington is our guest. She is the best selling author, podcaster,
and finance expert, and she comes to his courtesy of
chime as we're talking about ways to kind of better
control our spending over the holidays, and patres from Secret
Sanate to White Elephant, people get creative to make the
(22:19):
holiday special without over spending. Do you have any top
maybe rituals, hacks or traditions that can help people kind
of stretch their budgets while keeping the holiday season festive.
Speaker 9 (22:28):
You know, I do.
Speaker 16 (22:29):
And this has not been just because of the time
that we're in scott or the economy. Like I said,
I've always been a fan of just being more thoughtful
and more sentimental right, And so I love secret santas.
I love keeping gifts under ten dollars fifteen dollars. I
love when people get creative and actually make something from
(22:50):
the heart, or like you did, you wrote out that
really beautiful card to your kids. I think that that's
what we all need to do because we're all in
this together. Across the generations. People are just feeling that
pinch a bit more this season. So anything that allows
you to come together with friends. I know in my
family we're spread out across the country and we don't
(23:10):
necessarily give gifts, but this is the time that we
all get on that zoom and we go around and
catch up about the year and set our intentions for
the new year. It costs nothing to tell the people
that you love that you love them, and also to
share what you're looking forward to, you know, for the
year ahead. So just doing things where your family can
(23:31):
really come together or your chosen family, your friends, even coworkers.
Speaker 9 (23:35):
Let's not make it about just you know, buying gifts.
Speaker 16 (23:39):
But if you do, like we said, of eleven hundred
people plan on doing some type of giving right, do
what matters to them, help them create experiences and for
many young people in particular, help them pay the utilities,
the rent, pay down the credit card debt, because that's
what's gonna get them on the good foot for January.
Speaker 17 (23:59):
Right.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
And then question for you, Patrice, because I know you're
busy and you got to get any last strategies to
help folks who are listening avoid that holiday spending regret
or even guilt on the backside of this.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
As someone who's had that happen to them, you know,
it's like.
Speaker 16 (24:13):
I said, really using tools that help you bank smarter
is going to be it. So I love automating your savings.
Speaker 9 (24:20):
I love.
Speaker 16 (24:21):
I don't care how small it is, Scott. It's about
building the muscle. So when you can use a tool
that will help you start automating, just because you're spending
on you others, don't forget to prioritize yourself and your
financial wellbeing. Start to automate, Start to pay attention to
your transactions. Look for those real time transaction alerts, you know,
to make sure that no funny business is going on.
(24:43):
You don't want to avoid checking your accounts then learning
thirty days later that something happened. Let's just be more proactive.
This season requires us to be more proactive with our
finances well.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
She is best selling author, podcaster, and finance expert Patrese Washington.
She comes to his courtesy chim They have a new
survey out to suggest you google it take a look
at what people are sending in. Patrise, you have been
outstanding today. If we want to learn more about you
and what you do, where can folks go?
Speaker 16 (25:10):
You can definitely find out more about me at Patrisewashington
dot com and to check the you know, the data
and the insights from that unwrapped survey, you can go
to chime dash holiday dot com.
Speaker 2 (25:22):
Patrise, thank you so much, appreciate your time.
Speaker 9 (25:24):
Thanks so much, Scott, Patrice Washington.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
Thank you for un wrapping those insights and giving us
a fresh perspective on holiday spending.
Speaker 2 (25:32):
Speaking of holidays, don't go anywhere. We're about to wrap
things up with some.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
Final thoughts from today's conversations. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and this
is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 11 (25:44):
Only one in five people with disabilities, including those with autism,
are employed, despite many having the skill set and desire
to work.
Speaker 7 (25:51):
Maybe it's because employers don't know what kind of jobs
they can do.
Speaker 11 (25:55):
Okay, try me.
Speaker 7 (25:56):
What about a programmer?
Speaker 11 (25:58):
That is a job for someone to thought to?
Speaker 7 (26:00):
What about a teacher?
Speaker 11 (26:02):
That is a job for someone with autism?
Speaker 2 (26:04):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (26:04):
How about a healthcare worker?
Speaker 9 (26:07):
Yes?
Speaker 11 (26:07):
Those are all jobs for someone with autism. The truth
is qualified people with autism can do a lot of
different jobs, but often get overlooked due to outdated stigmas
and beliefs. Business is value diversity, but sometimes don't recognize
the unique strengths and abilities of the autism community. Introducing
WIN the Workplace Inclusion Now Program by Autism Speaks, we
(26:28):
help businesses lead the way in inclusive hiring.
Speaker 7 (26:31):
Ooh what about a ranch hand.
Speaker 11 (26:34):
Yeah, sure, that's a job for someone with autism too.
To learn more, go to Autism Speaks dot org slash win.
That's Autism Speaks dot org slash win.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
You're not gonna want to miss tonight's County Fair.
Speaker 3 (26:46):
I'm gonna be.
Speaker 18 (26:47):
Are your window to your community?
Speaker 5 (26:48):
Did you see the last five minutes of that football
game last night?
Speaker 17 (26:51):
Oh?
Speaker 10 (26:51):
Man, I saw the whole thing.
Speaker 18 (26:52):
A lifeline to keep you safe when danger is near,
everybody who is listening needs to take cover as soon
as they can.
Speaker 3 (26:57):
This is one of the biggest stories.
Speaker 18 (26:58):
We are live at local. We are America's broadcasters. Text
radio to five to eight eighty six and tell Congress
you depend on your local radio stations.
Speaker 2 (27:07):
Message and data rates may apply.
Speaker 13 (27:08):
You may receive up to four messages a month, and
you may text stop to stop.
Speaker 18 (27:11):
This message furnished by the National Association of Broadcasters and.
Speaker 1 (27:16):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald as we
wrap things up on another great show, and a huge
thank you doctor Vaughn Watt, Sam Terse Washington for sharing
their wisdom and helping us navigate both the personal and
financial signs of the holiday season. And of course thank
you to our listeners for tuning in. For all of
us here at Kentucky Focus and the Kentucky News Network,
(27:37):
I speak for all of us when I say I
hope your holidays are healthy, happier, and maybe just a
little bit smarter. As it's go time and we ramp
up for the holidays, I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This is the
Kentucky News Network. We'll talk to you next week.
Speaker 2 (27:51):
On Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the commonwealth and it's citizens vers state, politics,
in history, human interest stories, sports, and even entertainment. It's
Kentucky focus on kNN.
Speaker 17 (28:11):
Snakes, zombies, public speaking. The list of fears is endless,
but the real danger is in your hand when you're
behind the wheel. Distracted driving is what's really scary and
even deadly. Eyes forward, don't drive distracted. Brought to you
by Nitze and the AD Council.
Speaker 19 (28:30):
Drivers Austin centered here as a NASCAR Cup Seriers driver
of the number two discount tire Ford Mustang. There's a
few rules of the road. I like to tell my
family and friends. Tire pressure is critical to safty because
underinflated tires are more likely to fail. Plus, properly inflated
tires will give you better gas mileage. Make sure to
check your tire pressure at least once a month. Stop
by a local tire retailer for an air chain.
Speaker 5 (28:52):
A message from the US Tire Manufacturers Association.
Speaker 7 (28:56):
My husband is a veteran and he was injured in
the line of duty.
Speaker 20 (29:00):
It happened while I was deployed to Iraq. We were
stopped at a checkpoint and then all of a sudden
there was a loud explosion and ID detonated three feet
from my face.
Speaker 2 (29:10):
It was bad.
Speaker 20 (29:12):
I remember thinking, Who's going to take care of my
wife and daughter.
Speaker 7 (29:15):
We took care of each other with a lot of
help from DAV.
Speaker 6 (29:20):
When America's veterans face challenges, DAV is there.
Speaker 7 (29:25):
I don't know what we would have done without them.
Speaker 20 (29:27):
DAV was the voice that we didn't have.
Speaker 6 (29:31):
Every year, DAV helps more than a million veterans like
Jason get the life changing support and benefits they earned
so they can achieve more victories.
Speaker 7 (29:41):
It wasn't easy, but he never gave up.
Speaker 20 (29:44):
My victory is knowing my disability doesn't define me.
Speaker 9 (29:48):
He's an inspiration.
Speaker 6 (29:51):
Support more victories for veterans. Go to DAV dot org.
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