March 13, 2022 • 30 mins
Bonus Episode!! As part of a new listener led series, Amy sat down with podcast listener, Brandon Penny, and answered a list of questions he came up with!! Hope you enjoy this little Q&A whether you listen to it on a ‘Sunday Stroll’ {shout out ‘The Walk Thing’ — iykyk!!} or not! :) P.S. Fun fact we learned about Brandon: he is alive today because of a kidney transplant and his donor was his mom!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome to the first ever Listener Q and A episode.
I am sitting across from Brandon Penny on Zoom right now.
So Brandon, I'll let you sort of give some fun
facts about yourself and how long you've been listening and
how you even started listening, and why you sent the
email and why you want to be a part of
this little Q and A thing. We've been toying around
(00:25):
with what we're going to call it. It started as
the walk thing, and then I talked to Bobby and
the rest of the show on the Bobby Bones Show
about you know what, being called the Sunday Stroll, and
they all thought that was lame, but I liked it.
A listener actually emailed me that idea, and I thought
it was cute. But then Bobby was like, why don't
you just call it what it is. It's a listener
Q and A, and so I'm testing that out. So
(00:47):
thank you Brandon for being the first ever listener that's
doing a Q and A. Welcome. Thank you, Amy. I
am honored to be your test subject and try out
this walk thing or Sunday stroll or stenerk Q and A.
So I got into your podcast by listening to the
Bobby Bones Show. I believe I started listening to that
show maybe late once the show came to Colorado Springs,
(01:10):
that's where I live, and I've been a dedicated listener
ever since. I no longer listening in the mornings. Don't
drive to work anymore, but I was listening when I
would drive to work, and then eventually got into listening
to the podcast, and so now I still listen to
the full episode of each day's podcast that night. Uh.
And then when I heard you were launching a podcast
of your own, I started listening to Four Things when
it launched, which I now have no idea when it launched,
(01:32):
but I've listened to every episode of your podcast since. Well,
that's amazing. I appreciate that so much. So you would
consider yourself a b teamer. Oh yeah, I've got some
pimp enjoy gear two. Well, so, what are some things
that we would be cool to know about you? I mean,
I know a few fun facts about you, but I'll
just let you go ahead and share them. So one
fun fact is that I am lucky enough to work
(01:53):
in the Olympic movement. So I worked at the US
Olympic and Paralympic Committee for ten years, and then in
few months into the pandemic, I left there and started
doing my own thing. Um So now I've been freelancing
and doing contract work. I'm a journalist by trade, so
at your digital media, social media, comms work, all sorts
of that fun stuff, which I love. I mean, it's
a lot of fun. It's something that I've been interested
(02:15):
in since I was a child and never really thought
one could actually get a job doing. So things sort
of worked out for me. And now I'm friends with
some of my childhood idols who are athletes and everything,
so that's been really cool. And then my other fun
fact is that I had a kidney transplant about four
and a half years ago. Basically, you found out my
kidneys were failing, and then six weeks later I got
my mom's kidney put in me. How old were you
(02:36):
when that happened. I was twenty seven, and so is
that common for kidney failure to happen at that age?
It is not. The doctors that I obtained at that
point and met and everything, UH said that it was
pretty uncommon. Most of their patients are older and that's
usually when it happens It also is usually a result
of diabetes more so than anything else, or high blood
(02:57):
pressure or just some other things that come with older age,
So they were pretty surprised when they saw it in me. Um.
They found that both of my kidneys were shriveled and scarred.
And yes, so I was twenty seven years old and
I was otherwise completely healthy. I didn't know anything wrong
with me well, and so amazing that your own mother
happened to be a match. What was the first sign
that you had, just because you said you were healthy?
(03:19):
So then what sent you to the doctor? Um? I
went to the dentist for a routine six months cleaning
type of thing, nothing under the ordinary, and they took
my blood pressure, which everyone I've told the story two
finds that very weird. I guess most dentist don't take
your blood pressure, but the top number of your blood
pressure should be one twenty. Mine that day was one eight.
(03:40):
So they sort of left me alone in the chair.
I thought maybe our stress because it was middle of
the work day. I had come from the office, and
they came back took again. It was still one eight.
The dentist told me that they couldn't treat me because
just by them moving a chair up and down there
was risk of me going into cardiac arrest. So they
basically said, get that figured out, rescheduled with us in
a few weeks. I drove myself back to the office,
(04:00):
resumed my life. You know, I was doing work. I
was telling someone at the office about what happened to the
the dentists. They started telling other people. People were convincing
me to go to the emergency room. So in order
to make them leave me alone, I drove myself to
the er, checked myself in. They took my blood pressure there,
and by the time I got to the er, the
top number was too forty double what it should be.
I remember the sheet the machine that I was hooked
(04:20):
up to flashing red and beeping. They were calling other
people over and I just sat there laughing. I felt fine,
I had no symptoms. I just felt awkward about the
whole thing. Wasn't sure what was happening. So they brought
me into my own room took blood work. Eventually, a
few hours later, someone came back and told me that
I'll never forget her exact words where I'm not sure
if you're aware of this, but your kidneys are failing.
(04:41):
So yeah, so they kept doing tests that day they
learned they were shriveled and scarred. They were functioning somewhere
between ten and eighteen percent, And to this day they
haven't been able to find the cause. They haven't been
able to figure out how long it had been happening for.
They said either months or years. So they admitted me
to the hospital right then, and I was there about
four nights. I think I just went through a whole
slew of tests, learned a lot more about kidneys, about
(05:02):
the human body, about transplants, about dialysis. They thought I
would go on dialysis right away, so they told me
my options for sort of at home, going in person.
All of that. It was a rude awakening, to say
the least. Yeah, I can't even imagine. And thank goodness
for your co workers and people talking and then urging
you to go, because otherwise you maybe wouldn't have gone.
(05:23):
And that's just another testament to like listen to those people,
or listen to maybe if you have an inner voice
being like should I go? Because I'm sure there was
a moment you're like, I don't really need to go,
but you went ahead and you went, So I think
that's a good thing for people to hear and keep
in mind. So thank you for sharing that fun fact
that you've got a kidney transplant and from your mom. Yeah. Okay,
(05:46):
well I'm gonna let you take it from here. This
is the listener, Q and A. So what do you
have for us? What do you got? I'll start with
I'm sort of curious why you wanted to start a podcast.
Obviously you had you had a platform in the Bobby
Bones Show, which still do on your Instagram of social media.
You have a voice. So what was going on in
your life in your mind that made you think I
would love to start my own show and create my
(06:08):
own content. I think that after years and years and
years on the Bobby Bones Show, and it just saw
as a natural progression happening with people on the show.
Bobby started the Bobby Cast then, and he did that
under the Nashville Podcast Network, and then he was trying
to build shows under there. The sore Losers were going
to be starting one more. Number two has been doing
(06:28):
the Bobby Bones Show one. I mean, these all kind
of popped up at different times. I think I was
maybe one of the first from the show that that started,
but there was plans for all of us to do something,
and of course my Heart wanted to see their talent
really engage in that way. And for me, it was
just an opportunity to start to build something of my own.
(06:49):
You never know where things are going to go, and
of course it was just fun in the beginning. And
now it's crazy because it feels like everybody in the
world has a podcast, which I think is great because
that's all kinds of people being able to connect and
listen to what they want to listen to. But it
definitely feels saturated now. I'm thankful I started when I did.
(07:12):
It took him pushing me to finally get there, and
then once you get in the groove, I'm like, okay,
I can do this. And then from that my podcast
is still under his network, but in the last year
and a half so I signed a deal with my
Heart to start my own podcast network. And it's been
cool to bring other people under that umbrella now and
push them along and kind of urge them because I
(07:33):
know the kind of content they have is is valuable
and people really benefit from it, and I'm very thankful
for them. So I'm just pumped that I heart wanted
a partner with me to give others the same platform
that I've been given, And I've loved your your network.
I listened to UNI Therapy obviously a HERECT on the
fifth Thing as well, So that's been really cool to see.
(07:54):
Thank you. Do you think that yours would ever move
under the Amy Brown network or not at this time?
I don't think, so we'll see what happens. I mean,
I don't mind having a network to build up some
of these other girls and maybe even men if they
happen to fall under my umbrella at some point. There's
been some talks with different people that I feel have
(08:15):
a voice that I would love to have their podcast
under my network, But I don't know what's going to
happen with that. But for now, I'm staying with my
O G Nashville Podcast Network family, and that's what makes
sense for now. So I would say that in the well,
since I've listened to your podcast since day one, I
personally I feel that over time it's it's evolved to
be a little more open sort of as you've gone
(08:37):
through your own experiences in life and changed your views
on certain things, and a little more inclusive as well,
I know that on a few episodes lately you mentioned
that it's a good reminder for you to know that
men like myself are listening. I mean, I've continued listening
because it no longer feels geared towards strictly women. I
think in the beginning there were some more women focused
topics or just when you would have the fifth thing
(08:59):
and answer to em Els, it would be about your
skincare routine or certain female products that you were using, etcetera.
So I'm curious to know how you feel that the
four Things of podcast has evolved over time. I take
listener feedback very seriously, sometimes too seriously, because I'm like,
I don't even know these people, and I'm taking what
they're sending in as fact or something. But I think
(09:20):
I've grown a lot over the last few years. I
think that three or four years from now, who knows
what platforms will be on, but I hope that I've
grown again as we enter different seasons. I think when
I started the podcast, you know, becoming a mom and
going through other life experiences that have stretched me and
grown me, and then even realizing that I was back
(09:42):
in in eating disorder and very disordered patterns and behavior
that when I started the podcast, I didn't realize I
was brilliant or I wasn't willing to face them. Actually,
I think I knew it. Some stuff I was blind to,
but other stuff I just I knew about, but I
didn't want to admit to. So I think facing some
of that stuff and then and growing and then realizing, Okay,
(10:03):
I am responsible for the content I'm putting out. And
there are some episodes I have out that are still
up that I cringe at and I'm like, why did
I agree to do that interview or what was that
even about? Or why did I even say that? But
I've been living with that quite honestly since I started
the Bobby Bones Show in two thousand and six. I
used to get in my car after the show sometimes
(10:25):
and I would spend hours agonizing over something I said.
And then now I Kennie, all these years have past
and I can't even remember. So I do know that
time helps and people forget. Thank goodness, It's a part
of life. We all grow. We we learned, Yes, we learn,
we grow. So thankful for time and people forgetting and
(10:47):
even just having some grace. But I do feel a
responsibility to the content that I put out, and I
don't want to just be like, oh, well, people might
forget about this. Who cares. I'm gonna say whatever I want.
So that's me. I feel like I've evolved, and I'll
continue evolving and I'll try to learn and grow and
put out something that my listeners are gonna enjoy. And
(11:07):
not every week is going to be for every single listener,
and I know that, and some listeners are going to
take breaks and then hopefully they'll make their way back.
If not, I hope they've found something that is entertaining
to them. And maybe first season it might not be
me and I have to be okay with that. You
(11:34):
mentioned sort of three or four years from now, so
I'm curious how much you've thought about the future of
the podcast. Do you see an end point, do you
see it changing dramatically at some point? Do you just
not think about the future and keep it going week
to week day today? As of right now, I think
I can look through this year until next year and
know that we'll probably continue on the same groove, like
(11:55):
we've discussed for this year possibly doing a live podcast tour.
So some of that I've pumped the brakes on. I
was diving into it, and then we're sort of pumping
the brakes because certain things are another commitment for me,
and I have to make sure that I'm able to
give it what I want to give it. If people
are buying a ticket and coming out and having a
(12:17):
live experience, like I want it to be a value
to them. I want it to be worth it, and
I want me to be able to bring myself to
the table and help create that. And I had to
pull back, like I realized, and that's okay. I think
that's one thing that I've learned too, is that that
maybe has been letting some people down. But it's okay
(12:40):
because that's the best decision for me in the moment,
and I'll show up as a better version of myself
later or right where I need to be. I'm able
to show up as a as a better mom, I'm
able to show up better on the show or whatever
that looks like. Not having that added I don't want
to call it stress. It's us more of like the
(13:00):
time I want to do it, and I'm eager to
do something like that. So I see that being a
part of the podcast in the future. Is having human
interaction and connection. But I don't know how things are
going to evolve. Isn't it crazy how social media has
changed so much in the last few years and we
now see it as like, what what will be the
(13:22):
next thing? We don't know? I could have never imagined
how much we rely on Instagram for certain things, or
even now TikTok and that's TikTok is not really my lane,
but I know it is for a lot of people.
And there was a season where everybody had a blog,
and now everybody has a podcast. I don't know what
the next thing is going to be, but I know
that I've put a lot of work into this, so
(13:43):
I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon, but it
may evolve into different platforms or however, like YouTube. We've
toyed around with, like filming the podcast and putting it
up on YouTube. I know a lot of people already
do that. I would actually be behind the times on
that one. Yeah, but I still see it being around.
Very long answer to your question, Sorry, no, don't be sorry. Well,
(14:07):
thank you for like Cat would say, thank you for
being patient with me. I love that. I loved hearing
that I could relate to that so much when you
guys talked about that, because I had a couple of
years ago I had started doing that because I saw it.
I think I saw a tweet or meme or something
and it said that instead of saying sorry for the
delay when you start your emails, say thanks for your patients.
And so I've been doing that and I'm thanking a
(14:27):
lot of people for their patients. Yeah. I did want
to add though, when and if you do do the tour,
Colorado would love to see you, so feel free to come.
You can visit your sister's family. No, I love Colorado,
so that would be amazing. I'll add it to the
list for sure. Colorado is one of my favorite places
in the world. Like, if I had to move anywhere
and couldn't live here, I don't. I love Austin and
(14:49):
Texas will always be home. But with my sister being
in Colorado, and I love the hiking in the mountains,
I like being there when it's snowy, I love being
there in the summertime. So hey, I'm down. Awesome. So
you mentioned that when you are able to dedicate time
to the podcast tour that it would obviously it wouldn't
(15:09):
be additional stress, but it would be additional time and
resources to dedicate towards that. So do you in general
view the podcast as a source of stress a source
of enjoyment? You already had so many things going on
in your personal professional life. How were you able to
add four things? The fifth thing? Now this with having
such finite time, and is it every stressful to you? Know,
(15:31):
it's an enjoyment. To me in front of a microphone
or talking with people, I feel fine. I think I've
had different moments depending on what I've had going on
in life. Of like, ah, because I didn't have a
good handle on my day. But as I have built
some structure and a calendar and lots of planning and
leaning into that and knowing that that's okay to have
(15:52):
your day completely scheduled out. I used to not understand
people that were that way, but it's because I wasn't
that way. Like I remember I was being booked to
go on someone's podcast and she sent me some options
and they were really far out, and I was so
perplexed by that. I'm like, what, Like, I was just
booking people, you know, the two days before. But now
(16:14):
I understand those are people that they abide by a
work calendar, and they didn't let work bleed into their
personal like they had designated times that they allowed for X,
Y Z, and so they had podcast stuff filled up
for certain dates and they were giving me the next
available option. And now I get that, and now I
(16:35):
and that person. It doesn't mean I'm not looking forward
to those interviews. I absolutely am. But it's okay for
me to have it on the calendar a month or
two from now and know that I'll be looking forward
to that. I mean, but also some people, if they
were to be like, hey, I can do it tomorrow,
I'd be like, sweet, let's do it tomorrow. That's amazing.
I'm super excited for this. But planning has been a
(16:56):
huge part in eliminating any stress that I felt around it.
But when it comes to again, like I said, being
in front of a microphone or hosting something or doing
an event and being with people are connecting in that way,
I'm extremely comfortable and have been since the first time
I got on the mic when I joined the Bobby
Bones Show. I had no prior experience to that, but
(17:18):
something about it just it fills me up. It doesn't
drain me, So I'm trying to lean into that, where as,
like on Instagram, something about that is just different to me.
Some days I'm on there and I feel super comfortable,
but like having to talk into like a camera, I
struggle with that, and I don't know why. It's so bizarre,
(17:40):
Like I can get in front of a microphone and
do all sorts of content, but then there's something about
social media that feels different for me. But I do
like social media and I think it's an awesome tool.
I think there can be a healthy balance, But I
don't know. That's just something that's been on my mind lately,
is like how come I can't show up on social
media like I do in front of a microphone, Like
it just very different because I guess I see certain
(18:01):
people online doing that and they're showing up and it's
like it's almost like they're doing their own little mini
podcast every day in their Instagram stories or their own
little mini radio show every day in their Instagram stories,
and I'm entertained by it, and I'm like, wow, that's
really cool. To answer your question, a little bit, like
showing up in that way would stress me out and
I can't explain what the differences. And that's what I've
(18:22):
had to realize, is like, oh well, thank goodness, I
can currently at this moment have a career without Instagram,
but who knows the way the world is changing, I
might have to figure that one out and evolve. Right,
you still have a great Instagram presence, But no, I
still love hearing how comfortable you are in front of
a mic, and that this comes easy to you. And
(18:43):
and I can tell just sitting here or interacting with
you now for the first time you are in front
of a mic. Um, you're putting me at ease, making
me feel comfortable. I mean, I've known this for a
while through listening to you, but seeing you now and
and speaking to you virtually this way, I feel like
you are a source of joy for others. So I'm
glad that you enjoy it so much and that you
keep doing it. Oh well, thank you. I appreciate that
(19:03):
encouragement and hearing that I'm not always a source of joy,
by the way, sometimes I can be the exact opposite.
But when it comes to the podcast and what I'm
trying to provide for even just one person, then that's
my goal, is that they can you know, walk away
with something that impacted them um, or I can share
a certain life experience or have a guest on that
(19:24):
might share a life experience. Mean, Brandon, you opening up
on here today and talking about your kidney transplant, it
might remind someone about their doctor's appointment, or it might,
you know, be that little nudge to hey, I've been
feeling a little weird. Maybe I should go to the doctor.
Or maybe they just need to ask their dentists. Are
you going to take my blood pressure? Or I don't?
Or everyone should. I'm sure your story or your mom
(19:47):
story too, of her donating might inspire others to see
if they could be a donor. So even just having
a conversation with you, I know, is going to make
a difference in someone's life that's listening right now. That's awesome.
I can only hope. So, Okay, if one more question
about your podcast. Towards the beginning, we heard from your
husband Ben a few times. He was reluctant, but you
(20:08):
did get him to join. We haven't heard from in
a while, Curious if you would ever do it again
or how he's currently feeling about that. I'm not sure. Um,
I think We've gone through seasons with my family as
to whether or not they want to be a part
of things or not. And you know, my children have
kind of some days they're in, some days they're not in.
Sometimes my son's like video this posted and then he's like,
(20:30):
did you take a video deleted? So I try to
just respect where everyone is in each season. And none
of them signed up for a radio show or a podcast,
so currently we're not in that season. Again, who knows.
I don't know what the future will hold, but yes,
I know that he was a favorite when he would
(20:52):
come on, So if he's ever in a different season,
we would all be happy to hear from him again. Well,
being that you've listened for so long, can you tell
me this is something Bobby does on the show sometimes,
like is there something that you enjoy about it? But
also something that you might change or that I could
do differently. And I'm open to your constructive criticism. Thank you.
(21:13):
I do enjoy the fifth thing. I enjoy that it
has more structure now. I like that it's you and Cat,
now that it consistently needs to be Cat. I am
a fan of hearing from Mary or or other people
in your life. Who you might bring on. I appreciate
that you have worked on editing yourself and being more
concise in some of the things that you say. I'm
not sure I have a helpful answer as to what
(21:34):
you could work on. Well. I guess maybe keeping it
more concise and not rambling as much fair, But I
don't want to take that away from you. It's part
of your charm and that's why I've kept listening. Thank you.
That means a lot. And Kat is officially like a staple,
like she's locked in now. I guess there might be
some episodes where, for whatever reason, if we can't get
together and record, but I've hired her as a co host,
(21:59):
so is on payroll and good to go, And I
mean she would show up no matter what, because she
enjoys the conversation too. But I just wanted her to
know that I appreciate it, and I think having that
consistency does help. And of course I think in the
four Things episodes, people like my sister or Mary or
other people that Chase have come on before. They might
(22:21):
pop up in in random episodes from time to time.
But I just wanted, like you said, find some structure
for the fifth thing, and then who knows this particular
thing that we're recording right now. I don't know how
it might evolve, Like right now it's going to be
listener Q and A, but there may be some ways
I use it as a bonus episode for something else.
(22:43):
I'm not sure, but hey, it's kind of fun to
just be able to throw something up and see what
sticks and see if it works and see people are
liking it. And what I think is cool is listeners
are going to hear from other listeners and like, now
that I see your face, Brandon, like when I'm doing
the podcast, like I can picture you and know that, hey,
(23:05):
I'm talking. And that's how I feel when I get
emails from people which the email addresses for things with
Amy Brown at gmail dot com and I read through
those and sometimes they have the little tiny picture of
themselves with their email and I'm like, oh, or people
will attach pictures if they have on a Pimp and
Joy shirt or four things, like two sisters sent something
(23:26):
the other day, an email where they gifted each other
that I'm fine, It's fine, everything is fine shirts and
how they don't live in the same place, but any
time either one of them has it on. They take
a selfie and send it to each other because it's like, hey,
I'm thinking of you, And that's just cool because now
I picture that when I'm I'm talking, and then if
people hear this episode and they hear you, they'll picture
(23:48):
other people that are listening with them. And it's just
for me about our community that we've created. And I
say we, because there would be without y'all, I would
just be talking into a microphone to myself, right. Yeah, No,
I'm sure it helps the sort of picture who you're
talking to and have an idea of that. I will
to go back to your last question to me, I
(24:10):
will add a thought. I just had so one of
um cats unique therapy episodes. I'm not just I can't
remember the name of the guests, but the episode was
called Undefining Masculinity or Redefining Masculinity. I just found the
episode really eye opening and interesting, and I guess that
would be one gives me sort of a suggestion for
you is not necessarily to pander towards your male listeners,
(24:30):
but I think there are some male specific topics that
women would enjoy the thing too as well, or women
would get to hear from the male perspective or just
things that maybe they don't think about or aren't going
through themselves. But I think there are certain male topics
that you could find some guests to have on and
and from time to time just explore something a little
bit different. Awesome, Okay, I can definitely do that. And
(24:54):
before you go, Brandon, I would love to hear from
you four things. Let's do some four things for attitude,
for things that you are thankful for. They can be
big things, small things, as you know, just any four
things that pop into your head. Oh, I should mention
that I do have a four things journal, so thank
you for bringing that into my life. Let's see today.
(25:16):
I'm thankful for this interview with you and getting to
meet you face to face via the screen and speak
to you. This has been a lot of fun for me. Uh,
not something I ever expected to happen, so thank you
for having me. I am thankful to be employed and
to have different organizations who want to work with me.
And I enjoyed the trip I just returned from in Columbus, Ohio,
(25:39):
random place that I didn't see any reason to go
to in life, but have lately really become involved in
the weightlifting world and enjoyed that. So anyway, thankful for work.
I am thankful for brisk iced tea. Love me a
can of iced tea that brings some sort of happiness
to my life, I guess. And I'm always thankful for
my family. Obviously, my mom sort of gave me life
(26:01):
twice in different ways. But I have a a very great
support system with my family who are all back in
New York, New Jersey where originally from, and just they're
very supportive in all ways and glad to have them awesome. Well,
thank you for sharing that with us. And if people
are curious about the journal you're talking about, it's our
four Things Gratitude journal four things dot Com which gives
(26:23):
back to Haiti. And this coming week we're gonna be
focusing on some efforts to help the orphanage where my
kids came from, so that it's an orphanage import of
prints and they've just they've had some needs that have
come up recently, the orphanage itself and their monthly bills.
It's been okay lately, and the bakery there is doing
(26:44):
well to where it's providing jobs and it's making a
little bit of profit. But that that goes quickly, for sure,
but a wall has been broken which needs to be
completely rebuilt in security is super important, especially in port
of prints right now, and the well is broken, and
the truck needs new tires. The roads in Haiti are terrible,
(27:06):
so good tires are a must. And the school that
is currently at the orphanage, which is imperative because kids
can't even leave because it's not safe to go to
school elsewhere in the current state of the country. So
we're very thankful for that. But like teachers really deserve
to get paid more, and it would be awesome to
(27:28):
be able to provide for the teachers and then some
of the needs of the students if we can. So
we're we're launching a campaign, so if you want to
support Haiti, you can hit up shop spua dot com,
which it's e S p w A and a. Spua
means hope in Haitian creole. And my birthday is next
week March eighteen. So sometimes listeners reach out and they're like, hey,
(27:52):
we'd love to send you this for your birthday. I'm like, please, don't.
That's so nice of you. Well, like I would much
rather you maybe buy something that's to support Haiti, or
make a donation directly to an organization that you care about,
just spreading joy in that way, or even at the
Shop Forward when you're checking out, or there's just an
option where you can donate, you know, five ten dollars
(28:15):
and all of that will go there. But all proceeds
are going to be going to support these current needs
at the orphanage where my kids lived for basically their
whole lives before they came to be with me, minus
my daughter. She was with her birth mom for a
little bit. But I'm very thankful for that place and
it will always have a special place in my heart.
And I throw out a lot of different websites, but
(28:37):
really it's all under the Shop Forward umbrella, and the
Spua items are the ones that particularly go to Haiti,
and anything for things is under the Squaw brand. So
could I make this any more confusing, Brandon? No, I
have always found it to be clear, and at the
very least, Radio Amy dot Com, Oh shout out, Brandon. Yes,
(28:58):
radio dot com can get you play races. But did
you see the toaster that a listener Callie gave me
k a l I. I think that's how she says
her name. Have you seen this? Yes, she gifted me.
Like that's how I'm saying, Like, our listeners are so amazing. Yeah,
it's it's a toaster or something and I love it
(29:20):
because I have toast every day and it's amazing. And again,
I'm so thankful for it. But we do have listeners
that want to order stuff for us and send it
to us or they're super thoughtful. So that's why I'm
just bringing this up as an option for my birthday
that maybe you get something from a squaw and gifted
to somebody else and know that you're giving back to
(29:41):
an amazing need, a big, amazing cause, but like a
big need that has come up in the last few
weeks at the Orphanage, and we're just going to try
to come alongside and help them as best as we can.
So shout out Kaylee and Brandon. Thankful for you and
you're taking the time to test the waters here again,
(30:02):
we'll take feedback on how these should best go. If
you're on your walk right now listening to us, or
maybe you're just running some errands or you're doing stuff
around the house. However it is you're listening, give us feedback.
We're open to it, right, Brandon. Absolutely. I'll send all
the constructive criticism your way. Brandon, since you were the
first one to take it, Please I embrace it. I
will take it. I might take it too personally, but
(30:25):
bring it on Amy. Okay, well, I can offer you
support in that area. I can. I can walk you
through how to not let it ruin your day. Okay. Well,
thank you Brandon, and thank you everybody for joining us
for this first ever listener Q and a bye bye
Welcome to the first ever Listener Q and A episode.
I am sitting across from Brandon Penny on Zoom right now.
So Brandon, I'll let you sort of give some fun
facts about yourself and how long you've been listening and
how you even started listening, and why you sent the
email and why you want to be a part of
this little Q and A thing. We've been toying around
(00:25):
with what we're going to call it. It started as
the walk thing, and then I talked to Bobby and
the rest of the show on the Bobby Bones Show
about you know what, being called the Sunday Stroll, and
they all thought that was lame, but I liked it.
A listener actually emailed me that idea, and I thought
it was cute. But then Bobby was like, why don't
you just call it what it is. It's a listener
Q and A, and so I'm testing that out. So
(00:47):
thank you Brandon for being the first ever listener that's
doing a Q and A. Welcome. Thank you, Amy. I
am honored to be your test subject and try out
this walk thing or Sunday stroll or stenerk Q and A.
So I got into your podcast by listening to the
Bobby Bones Show. I believe I started listening to that
show maybe late once the show came to Colorado Springs,
(01:10):
that's where I live, and I've been a dedicated listener
ever since. I no longer listening in the mornings. Don't
drive to work anymore, but I was listening when I
would drive to work, and then eventually got into listening
to the podcast, and so now I still listen to
the full episode of each day's podcast that night. Uh.
And then when I heard you were launching a podcast
of your own, I started listening to Four Things when
it launched, which I now have no idea when it launched,
(01:32):
but I've listened to every episode of your podcast since. Well,
that's amazing. I appreciate that so much. So you would
consider yourself a b teamer. Oh yeah, I've got some
pimp enjoy gear two. Well, so, what are some things
that we would be cool to know about you? I mean,
I know a few fun facts about you, but I'll
just let you go ahead and share them. So one
fun fact is that I am lucky enough to work
(01:53):
in the Olympic movement. So I worked at the US
Olympic and Paralympic Committee for ten years, and then in
few months into the pandemic, I left there and started
doing my own thing. Um So now I've been freelancing
and doing contract work. I'm a journalist by trade, so
at your digital media, social media, comms work, all sorts
of that fun stuff, which I love. I mean, it's
a lot of fun. It's something that I've been interested
(02:15):
in since I was a child and never really thought
one could actually get a job doing. So things sort
of worked out for me. And now I'm friends with
some of my childhood idols who are athletes and everything,
so that's been really cool. And then my other fun
fact is that I had a kidney transplant about four
and a half years ago. Basically, you found out my
kidneys were failing, and then six weeks later I got
my mom's kidney put in me. How old were you
(02:36):
when that happened. I was twenty seven, and so is
that common for kidney failure to happen at that age?
It is not. The doctors that I obtained at that
point and met and everything, UH said that it was
pretty uncommon. Most of their patients are older and that's
usually when it happens It also is usually a result
of diabetes more so than anything else, or high blood
(02:57):
pressure or just some other things that come with older age,
So they were pretty surprised when they saw it in me. Um.
They found that both of my kidneys were shriveled and scarred.
And yes, so I was twenty seven years old and
I was otherwise completely healthy. I didn't know anything wrong
with me well, and so amazing that your own mother
happened to be a match. What was the first sign
that you had, just because you said you were healthy?
(03:19):
So then what sent you to the doctor? Um? I
went to the dentist for a routine six months cleaning
type of thing, nothing under the ordinary, and they took
my blood pressure, which everyone I've told the story two
finds that very weird. I guess most dentist don't take
your blood pressure, but the top number of your blood
pressure should be one twenty. Mine that day was one eight.
(03:40):
So they sort of left me alone in the chair.
I thought maybe our stress because it was middle of
the work day. I had come from the office, and
they came back took again. It was still one eight.
The dentist told me that they couldn't treat me because
just by them moving a chair up and down there
was risk of me going into cardiac arrest. So they
basically said, get that figured out, rescheduled with us in
a few weeks. I drove myself back to the office,
(04:00):
resumed my life. You know, I was doing work. I
was telling someone at the office about what happened to the
the dentists. They started telling other people. People were convincing
me to go to the emergency room. So in order
to make them leave me alone, I drove myself to
the er, checked myself in. They took my blood pressure there,
and by the time I got to the er, the
top number was too forty double what it should be.
I remember the sheet the machine that I was hooked
(04:20):
up to flashing red and beeping. They were calling other
people over and I just sat there laughing. I felt fine,
I had no symptoms. I just felt awkward about the
whole thing. Wasn't sure what was happening. So they brought
me into my own room took blood work. Eventually, a
few hours later, someone came back and told me that
I'll never forget her exact words where I'm not sure
if you're aware of this, but your kidneys are failing.
(04:41):
So yeah, so they kept doing tests that day they
learned they were shriveled and scarred. They were functioning somewhere
between ten and eighteen percent, And to this day they
haven't been able to find the cause. They haven't been
able to figure out how long it had been happening for.
They said either months or years. So they admitted me
to the hospital right then, and I was there about
four nights. I think I just went through a whole
slew of tests, learned a lot more about kidneys, about
(05:02):
the human body, about transplants, about dialysis. They thought I
would go on dialysis right away, so they told me
my options for sort of at home, going in person.
All of that. It was a rude awakening, to say
the least. Yeah, I can't even imagine. And thank goodness
for your co workers and people talking and then urging
you to go, because otherwise you maybe wouldn't have gone.
(05:23):
And that's just another testament to like listen to those people,
or listen to maybe if you have an inner voice
being like should I go? Because I'm sure there was
a moment you're like, I don't really need to go,
but you went ahead and you went, So I think
that's a good thing for people to hear and keep
in mind. So thank you for sharing that fun fact
that you've got a kidney transplant and from your mom. Yeah. Okay,
(05:46):
well I'm gonna let you take it from here. This
is the listener, Q and A. So what do you
have for us? What do you got? I'll start with
I'm sort of curious why you wanted to start a podcast.
Obviously you had you had a platform in the Bobby
Bones Show, which still do on your Instagram of social media.
You have a voice. So what was going on in
your life in your mind that made you think I
would love to start my own show and create my
(06:08):
own content. I think that after years and years and
years on the Bobby Bones Show, and it just saw
as a natural progression happening with people on the show.
Bobby started the Bobby Cast then, and he did that
under the Nashville Podcast Network, and then he was trying
to build shows under there. The sore Losers were going
to be starting one more. Number two has been doing
(06:28):
the Bobby Bones Show one. I mean, these all kind
of popped up at different times. I think I was
maybe one of the first from the show that that started,
but there was plans for all of us to do something,
and of course my Heart wanted to see their talent
really engage in that way. And for me, it was
just an opportunity to start to build something of my own.
(06:49):
You never know where things are going to go, and
of course it was just fun in the beginning. And
now it's crazy because it feels like everybody in the
world has a podcast, which I think is great because
that's all kinds of people being able to connect and
listen to what they want to listen to. But it
definitely feels saturated now. I'm thankful I started when I did.
(07:12):
It took him pushing me to finally get there, and
then once you get in the groove, I'm like, okay,
I can do this. And then from that my podcast
is still under his network, but in the last year
and a half so I signed a deal with my
Heart to start my own podcast network. And it's been
cool to bring other people under that umbrella now and
push them along and kind of urge them because I
(07:33):
know the kind of content they have is is valuable
and people really benefit from it, and I'm very thankful
for them. So I'm just pumped that I heart wanted
a partner with me to give others the same platform
that I've been given, And I've loved your your network.
I listened to UNI Therapy obviously a HERECT on the
fifth Thing as well, So that's been really cool to see.
(07:54):
Thank you. Do you think that yours would ever move
under the Amy Brown network or not at this time?
I don't think, so we'll see what happens. I mean,
I don't mind having a network to build up some
of these other girls and maybe even men if they
happen to fall under my umbrella at some point. There's
been some talks with different people that I feel have
(08:15):
a voice that I would love to have their podcast
under my network, But I don't know what's going to
happen with that. But for now, I'm staying with my
O G Nashville Podcast Network family, and that's what makes
sense for now. So I would say that in the well,
since I've listened to your podcast since day one, I
personally I feel that over time it's it's evolved to
be a little more open sort of as you've gone
(08:37):
through your own experiences in life and changed your views
on certain things, and a little more inclusive as well,
I know that on a few episodes lately you mentioned
that it's a good reminder for you to know that
men like myself are listening. I mean, I've continued listening
because it no longer feels geared towards strictly women. I
think in the beginning there were some more women focused
topics or just when you would have the fifth thing
(08:59):
and answer to em Els, it would be about your
skincare routine or certain female products that you were using, etcetera.
So I'm curious to know how you feel that the
four Things of podcast has evolved over time. I take
listener feedback very seriously, sometimes too seriously, because I'm like,
I don't even know these people, and I'm taking what
they're sending in as fact or something. But I think
(09:20):
I've grown a lot over the last few years. I
think that three or four years from now, who knows
what platforms will be on, but I hope that I've
grown again as we enter different seasons. I think when
I started the podcast, you know, becoming a mom and
going through other life experiences that have stretched me and
grown me, and then even realizing that I was back
(09:42):
in in eating disorder and very disordered patterns and behavior
that when I started the podcast, I didn't realize I
was brilliant or I wasn't willing to face them. Actually,
I think I knew it. Some stuff I was blind to,
but other stuff I just I knew about, but I
didn't want to admit to. So I think facing some
of that stuff and then and growing and then realizing, Okay,
(10:03):
I am responsible for the content I'm putting out. And
there are some episodes I have out that are still
up that I cringe at and I'm like, why did
I agree to do that interview or what was that
even about? Or why did I even say that? But
I've been living with that quite honestly since I started
the Bobby Bones Show in two thousand and six. I
used to get in my car after the show sometimes
(10:25):
and I would spend hours agonizing over something I said.
And then now I Kennie, all these years have past
and I can't even remember. So I do know that
time helps and people forget. Thank goodness, It's a part
of life. We all grow. We we learned, Yes, we learn,
we grow. So thankful for time and people forgetting and
(10:47):
even just having some grace. But I do feel a
responsibility to the content that I put out, and I
don't want to just be like, oh, well, people might
forget about this. Who cares. I'm gonna say whatever I want.
So that's me. I feel like I've evolved, and I'll
continue evolving and I'll try to learn and grow and
put out something that my listeners are gonna enjoy. And
(11:07):
not every week is going to be for every single listener,
and I know that, and some listeners are going to
take breaks and then hopefully they'll make their way back.
If not, I hope they've found something that is entertaining
to them. And maybe first season it might not be
me and I have to be okay with that. You
(11:34):
mentioned sort of three or four years from now, so
I'm curious how much you've thought about the future of
the podcast. Do you see an end point, do you
see it changing dramatically at some point? Do you just
not think about the future and keep it going week
to week day today? As of right now, I think
I can look through this year until next year and
know that we'll probably continue on the same groove, like
(11:55):
we've discussed for this year possibly doing a live podcast tour.
So some of that I've pumped the brakes on. I
was diving into it, and then we're sort of pumping
the brakes because certain things are another commitment for me,
and I have to make sure that I'm able to
give it what I want to give it. If people
are buying a ticket and coming out and having a
(12:17):
live experience, like I want it to be a value
to them. I want it to be worth it, and
I want me to be able to bring myself to
the table and help create that. And I had to
pull back, like I realized, and that's okay. I think
that's one thing that I've learned too, is that that
maybe has been letting some people down. But it's okay
(12:40):
because that's the best decision for me in the moment,
and I'll show up as a better version of myself
later or right where I need to be. I'm able
to show up as a as a better mom, I'm
able to show up better on the show or whatever
that looks like. Not having that added I don't want
to call it stress. It's us more of like the
(13:00):
time I want to do it, and I'm eager to
do something like that. So I see that being a
part of the podcast in the future. Is having human
interaction and connection. But I don't know how things are
going to evolve. Isn't it crazy how social media has
changed so much in the last few years and we
now see it as like, what what will be the
(13:22):
next thing? We don't know? I could have never imagined
how much we rely on Instagram for certain things, or
even now TikTok and that's TikTok is not really my lane,
but I know it is for a lot of people.
And there was a season where everybody had a blog,
and now everybody has a podcast. I don't know what
the next thing is going to be, but I know
that I've put a lot of work into this, so
(13:43):
I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon, but it
may evolve into different platforms or however, like YouTube. We've
toyed around with, like filming the podcast and putting it
up on YouTube. I know a lot of people already
do that. I would actually be behind the times on
that one. Yeah, but I still see it being around.
Very long answer to your question, Sorry, no, don't be sorry. Well,
(14:07):
thank you for like Cat would say, thank you for
being patient with me. I love that. I loved hearing
that I could relate to that so much when you
guys talked about that, because I had a couple of
years ago I had started doing that because I saw it.
I think I saw a tweet or meme or something
and it said that instead of saying sorry for the
delay when you start your emails, say thanks for your patients.
And so I've been doing that and I'm thanking a
(14:27):
lot of people for their patients. Yeah. I did want
to add though, when and if you do do the tour,
Colorado would love to see you, so feel free to come.
You can visit your sister's family. No, I love Colorado,
so that would be amazing. I'll add it to the
list for sure. Colorado is one of my favorite places
in the world. Like, if I had to move anywhere
and couldn't live here, I don't. I love Austin and
(14:49):
Texas will always be home. But with my sister being
in Colorado, and I love the hiking in the mountains,
I like being there when it's snowy, I love being
there in the summertime. So hey, I'm down. Awesome. So
you mentioned that when you are able to dedicate time
to the podcast tour that it would obviously it wouldn't
(15:09):
be additional stress, but it would be additional time and
resources to dedicate towards that. So do you in general
view the podcast as a source of stress a source
of enjoyment? You already had so many things going on
in your personal professional life. How were you able to
add four things? The fifth thing? Now this with having
such finite time, and is it every stressful to you? Know,
(15:31):
it's an enjoyment. To me in front of a microphone
or talking with people, I feel fine. I think I've
had different moments depending on what I've had going on
in life. Of like, ah, because I didn't have a
good handle on my day. But as I have built
some structure and a calendar and lots of planning and
leaning into that and knowing that that's okay to have
(15:52):
your day completely scheduled out. I used to not understand
people that were that way, but it's because I wasn't
that way. Like I remember I was being booked to
go on someone's podcast and she sent me some options
and they were really far out, and I was so
perplexed by that. I'm like, what, Like, I was just
booking people, you know, the two days before. But now
(16:14):
I understand those are people that they abide by a
work calendar, and they didn't let work bleed into their
personal like they had designated times that they allowed for X,
Y Z, and so they had podcast stuff filled up
for certain dates and they were giving me the next
available option. And now I get that, and now I
(16:35):
and that person. It doesn't mean I'm not looking forward
to those interviews. I absolutely am. But it's okay for
me to have it on the calendar a month or
two from now and know that I'll be looking forward
to that. I mean, but also some people, if they
were to be like, hey, I can do it tomorrow,
I'd be like, sweet, let's do it tomorrow. That's amazing.
I'm super excited for this. But planning has been a
(16:56):
huge part in eliminating any stress that I felt around it.
But when it comes to again, like I said, being
in front of a microphone or hosting something or doing
an event and being with people are connecting in that way,
I'm extremely comfortable and have been since the first time
I got on the mic when I joined the Bobby
Bones Show. I had no prior experience to that, but
(17:18):
something about it just it fills me up. It doesn't
drain me, So I'm trying to lean into that, where as,
like on Instagram, something about that is just different to me.
Some days I'm on there and I feel super comfortable,
but like having to talk into like a camera, I
struggle with that, and I don't know why. It's so bizarre,
(17:40):
Like I can get in front of a microphone and
do all sorts of content, but then there's something about
social media that feels different for me. But I do
like social media and I think it's an awesome tool.
I think there can be a healthy balance, But I
don't know. That's just something that's been on my mind lately,
is like how come I can't show up on social
media like I do in front of a microphone, Like
it just very different because I guess I see certain
(18:01):
people online doing that and they're showing up and it's
like it's almost like they're doing their own little mini
podcast every day in their Instagram stories or their own
little mini radio show every day in their Instagram stories,
and I'm entertained by it, and I'm like, wow, that's
really cool. To answer your question, a little bit, like
showing up in that way would stress me out and
I can't explain what the differences. And that's what I've
(18:22):
had to realize, is like, oh well, thank goodness, I
can currently at this moment have a career without Instagram,
but who knows the way the world is changing, I
might have to figure that one out and evolve. Right,
you still have a great Instagram presence, But no, I
still love hearing how comfortable you are in front of
a mic, and that this comes easy to you. And
(18:43):
and I can tell just sitting here or interacting with
you now for the first time you are in front
of a mic. Um, you're putting me at ease, making
me feel comfortable. I mean, I've known this for a
while through listening to you, but seeing you now and
and speaking to you virtually this way, I feel like
you are a source of joy for others. So I'm
glad that you enjoy it so much and that you
keep doing it. Oh well, thank you. I appreciate that
(19:03):
encouragement and hearing that I'm not always a source of joy,
by the way, sometimes I can be the exact opposite.
But when it comes to the podcast and what I'm
trying to provide for even just one person, then that's
my goal, is that they can you know, walk away
with something that impacted them um, or I can share
a certain life experience or have a guest on that
(19:24):
might share a life experience. Mean, Brandon, you opening up
on here today and talking about your kidney transplant, it
might remind someone about their doctor's appointment, or it might,
you know, be that little nudge to hey, I've been
feeling a little weird. Maybe I should go to the doctor.
Or maybe they just need to ask their dentists. Are
you going to take my blood pressure? Or I don't?
Or everyone should. I'm sure your story or your mom
(19:47):
story too, of her donating might inspire others to see
if they could be a donor. So even just having
a conversation with you, I know, is going to make
a difference in someone's life that's listening right now. That's awesome.
I can only hope. So, Okay, if one more question
about your podcast. Towards the beginning, we heard from your
husband Ben a few times. He was reluctant, but you
(20:08):
did get him to join. We haven't heard from in
a while, Curious if you would ever do it again
or how he's currently feeling about that. I'm not sure. Um,
I think We've gone through seasons with my family as
to whether or not they want to be a part
of things or not. And you know, my children have
kind of some days they're in, some days they're not in.
Sometimes my son's like video this posted and then he's like,
(20:30):
did you take a video deleted? So I try to
just respect where everyone is in each season. And none
of them signed up for a radio show or a podcast,
so currently we're not in that season. Again, who knows.
I don't know what the future will hold, but yes,
I know that he was a favorite when he would
(20:52):
come on, So if he's ever in a different season,
we would all be happy to hear from him again. Well,
being that you've listened for so long, can you tell
me this is something Bobby does on the show sometimes,
like is there something that you enjoy about it? But
also something that you might change or that I could
do differently. And I'm open to your constructive criticism. Thank you.
(21:13):
I do enjoy the fifth thing. I enjoy that it
has more structure now. I like that it's you and Cat,
now that it consistently needs to be Cat. I am
a fan of hearing from Mary or or other people
in your life. Who you might bring on. I appreciate
that you have worked on editing yourself and being more
concise in some of the things that you say. I'm
not sure I have a helpful answer as to what
(21:34):
you could work on. Well. I guess maybe keeping it
more concise and not rambling as much fair, But I
don't want to take that away from you. It's part
of your charm and that's why I've kept listening. Thank you.
That means a lot. And Kat is officially like a staple,
like she's locked in now. I guess there might be
some episodes where, for whatever reason, if we can't get
together and record, but I've hired her as a co host,
(21:59):
so is on payroll and good to go, And I
mean she would show up no matter what, because she
enjoys the conversation too. But I just wanted her to
know that I appreciate it, and I think having that
consistency does help. And of course I think in the
four Things episodes, people like my sister or Mary or
other people that Chase have come on before. They might
(22:21):
pop up in in random episodes from time to time.
But I just wanted, like you said, find some structure
for the fifth thing, and then who knows this particular
thing that we're recording right now. I don't know how
it might evolve, Like right now it's going to be
listener Q and A, but there may be some ways
I use it as a bonus episode for something else.
(22:43):
I'm not sure, but hey, it's kind of fun to
just be able to throw something up and see what
sticks and see if it works and see people are
liking it. And what I think is cool is listeners
are going to hear from other listeners and like, now
that I see your face, Brandon, like when I'm doing
the podcast, like I can picture you and know that, hey,
(23:05):
I'm talking. And that's how I feel when I get
emails from people which the email addresses for things with
Amy Brown at gmail dot com and I read through
those and sometimes they have the little tiny picture of
themselves with their email and I'm like, oh, or people
will attach pictures if they have on a Pimp and
Joy shirt or four things, like two sisters sent something
(23:26):
the other day, an email where they gifted each other
that I'm fine, It's fine, everything is fine shirts and
how they don't live in the same place, but any
time either one of them has it on. They take
a selfie and send it to each other because it's like, hey,
I'm thinking of you, And that's just cool because now
I picture that when I'm I'm talking, and then if
people hear this episode and they hear you, they'll picture
(23:48):
other people that are listening with them. And it's just
for me about our community that we've created. And I
say we, because there would be without y'all, I would
just be talking into a microphone to myself, right. Yeah, No,
I'm sure it helps the sort of picture who you're
talking to and have an idea of that. I will
to go back to your last question to me, I
(24:10):
will add a thought. I just had so one of
um cats unique therapy episodes. I'm not just I can't
remember the name of the guests, but the episode was
called Undefining Masculinity or Redefining Masculinity. I just found the
episode really eye opening and interesting, and I guess that
would be one gives me sort of a suggestion for
you is not necessarily to pander towards your male listeners,
(24:30):
but I think there are some male specific topics that
women would enjoy the thing too as well, or women
would get to hear from the male perspective or just
things that maybe they don't think about or aren't going
through themselves. But I think there are certain male topics
that you could find some guests to have on and
and from time to time just explore something a little
bit different. Awesome, Okay, I can definitely do that. And
(24:54):
before you go, Brandon, I would love to hear from
you four things. Let's do some four things for attitude,
for things that you are thankful for. They can be
big things, small things, as you know, just any four
things that pop into your head. Oh, I should mention
that I do have a four things journal, so thank
you for bringing that into my life. Let's see today.
(25:16):
I'm thankful for this interview with you and getting to
meet you face to face via the screen and speak
to you. This has been a lot of fun for me. Uh,
not something I ever expected to happen, so thank you
for having me. I am thankful to be employed and
to have different organizations who want to work with me.
And I enjoyed the trip I just returned from in Columbus, Ohio,
(25:39):
random place that I didn't see any reason to go
to in life, but have lately really become involved in
the weightlifting world and enjoyed that. So anyway, thankful for work.
I am thankful for brisk iced tea. Love me a
can of iced tea that brings some sort of happiness
to my life, I guess. And I'm always thankful for
my family. Obviously, my mom sort of gave me life
(26:01):
twice in different ways. But I have a a very great
support system with my family who are all back in
New York, New Jersey where originally from, and just they're
very supportive in all ways and glad to have them awesome. Well,
thank you for sharing that with us. And if people
are curious about the journal you're talking about, it's our
four Things Gratitude journal four things dot Com which gives
(26:23):
back to Haiti. And this coming week we're gonna be
focusing on some efforts to help the orphanage where my
kids came from, so that it's an orphanage import of
prints and they've just they've had some needs that have
come up recently, the orphanage itself and their monthly bills.
It's been okay lately, and the bakery there is doing
(26:44):
well to where it's providing jobs and it's making a
little bit of profit. But that that goes quickly, for sure,
but a wall has been broken which needs to be
completely rebuilt in security is super important, especially in port
of prints right now, and the well is broken, and
the truck needs new tires. The roads in Haiti are terrible,
(27:06):
so good tires are a must. And the school that
is currently at the orphanage, which is imperative because kids
can't even leave because it's not safe to go to
school elsewhere in the current state of the country. So
we're very thankful for that. But like teachers really deserve
to get paid more, and it would be awesome to
(27:28):
be able to provide for the teachers and then some
of the needs of the students if we can. So
we're we're launching a campaign, so if you want to
support Haiti, you can hit up shop spua dot com,
which it's e S p w A and a. Spua
means hope in Haitian creole. And my birthday is next
week March eighteen. So sometimes listeners reach out and they're like, hey,
(27:52):
we'd love to send you this for your birthday. I'm like, please, don't.
That's so nice of you. Well, like I would much
rather you maybe buy something that's to support Haiti, or
make a donation directly to an organization that you care about,
just spreading joy in that way, or even at the
Shop Forward when you're checking out, or there's just an
option where you can donate, you know, five ten dollars
(28:15):
and all of that will go there. But all proceeds
are going to be going to support these current needs
at the orphanage where my kids lived for basically their
whole lives before they came to be with me, minus
my daughter. She was with her birth mom for a
little bit. But I'm very thankful for that place and
it will always have a special place in my heart.
And I throw out a lot of different websites, but
(28:37):
really it's all under the Shop Forward umbrella, and the
Spua items are the ones that particularly go to Haiti,
and anything for things is under the Squaw brand. So
could I make this any more confusing, Brandon? No, I
have always found it to be clear, and at the
very least, Radio Amy dot Com, Oh shout out, Brandon. Yes,
(28:58):
radio dot com can get you play races. But did
you see the toaster that a listener Callie gave me
k a l I. I think that's how she says
her name. Have you seen this? Yes, she gifted me.
Like that's how I'm saying, Like, our listeners are so amazing. Yeah,
it's it's a toaster or something and I love it
(29:20):
because I have toast every day and it's amazing. And again,
I'm so thankful for it. But we do have listeners
that want to order stuff for us and send it
to us or they're super thoughtful. So that's why I'm
just bringing this up as an option for my birthday
that maybe you get something from a squaw and gifted
to somebody else and know that you're giving back to
(29:41):
an amazing need, a big, amazing cause, but like a
big need that has come up in the last few
weeks at the Orphanage, and we're just going to try
to come alongside and help them as best as we can.
So shout out Kaylee and Brandon. Thankful for you and
you're taking the time to test the waters here again,
(30:02):
we'll take feedback on how these should best go. If
you're on your walk right now listening to us, or
maybe you're just running some errands or you're doing stuff
around the house. However it is you're listening, give us feedback.
We're open to it, right, Brandon. Absolutely. I'll send all
the constructive criticism your way. Brandon, since you were the
first one to take it, Please I embrace it. I
will take it. I might take it too personally, but
(30:25):
bring it on Amy. Okay, well, I can offer you
support in that area. I can. I can walk you
through how to not let it ruin your day. Okay. Well,
thank you Brandon, and thank you everybody for joining us
for this first ever listener Q and a bye bye
Feeling Things with Amy & Kat News
Host
Amy Brown
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