Join Susan and a variety of special guests as they have conversations about faith, life, and how to be a follower of Christ in the world today.
WHITNEY SIMPSON - Between her 20's and early 30's, Whitney experienced multiple health crises including melanoma skin cancer, stroke, and brain surgery. During this time of healing and recovery, she began to seek God's peace and deepen her relationship with God while exploring contemplative prayer tools. Out of this experience, Whitney founded Exploring Peace Ministries which is a ministry of embodied spirituality offering soul care through retreats, spiritual direction, yoga, meditation, and more. Whitney invites others to use their whole self (breath, body, and spirit) to explore the gift of God's peace. Discover more about Whitney at exploringpeace.com
TAMMY KOLBO - With a background as a Registered Nurse and experience working in the fitness industry for most of her adult life, Tammy opened her own yoga studio in Hattiesburg, MS in 2002. In 2005, she began work at Pine Grove Behavioral Health Women’s Center teaching yoga and wellness principles to women in recovery from eating disorders and chemical dependency. She eventually developed the Yoga Therapy Program at Pine Grove Gentle Path, now called Gratitude, where she currently works with men and women in recovery from multiple addictions, including relationship and sexual addiction. Tammy is a Certified Yoga Therapist with The International Association of Yoga Therapists. Discover more about Tammy at theyogaroom-ms.com
REV. ANDY STODDARD is the Lead Pastor at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church in Madison, MS. Andy's mother was murdered by his father when he was two and he has spent much of life learning to forgive and helping others live that same journey.
ADAM DOLEAC learned the value of building something with his own two hands, from the ground up, before he ever strummed his first chord or wrote his first lyric. His baseball talent led him to be recruited by the University of Southern Mississippi. While at Southern Miss, Adam won three rings in four years and played in the 2009 College World Series. Adam was also a skilled drummer, though music wasn’t ever his top priority. Fate intervened during college when shin stress fractures rendered him unable to pursue a post-college baseball career. By that time, Adam had taught himself guitar and developed his vocal ability.
Doleac released a self-titled debut EP in June 2017. Sirius XM continues to be one of Adam’s most significant supporters. They have played multiple tracks from his EP on The Highway, and Adam was a featured artist on the fall 2017 Highway Finds Tour. Adam has also caught the attention of the streaming world, and several of his songs have earned spots on Spotify-curated country playlists.
Find out more about Adam at adamdoleac.com.
ALEX DOLEAC is a true creative. From the beautiful photography he shoots for engagements, weddings, and senior pictures, to the careful and artistically crafted words he writes on his blog, Alex’s gift of creativity shines through in everything he does. Alex has volunteered his creative talents for many church projects and events at Parkway Heights UMC and has also recently revived a community project called Creative Connect: a dynamic group of creatives interested in volunteering their time and talents to local ministries and non-profits in the Greater Hattiesburg area. Because these non-profits use all the financial resources they receive to further the work of their missions (feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, etc.), they rarely have money left for things like compelling videos, websites, photography, etc. Creative Connect focuses on connecting creatives with these non-profits to provide the necessary promotional elements they need for free.
NEVIL BARR became the head football coach at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, MS in 2001. He spent 15 years (14 seasons) at OGHS where he coached his team into 113 wins, three South State Championship titles, and one State Championship. He was inducted into the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame in 2018. Even more significant than his successes in winning games is the impact he made in the lives of countless students over the years. Nevil is a true leader and mentor.
TONY LYMON is the former Assistant Director of Bands at Petal High School in Petal, MS. He is currently the co-music arranger/show designer for the Petal High School Marching Band. Tony is also the director and show designer for the Petal Indoor Percussion Theater and has twice been awarded the Outstanding Junior High Director of the Southeast MS Band Directors Association. Tony is well-loved by his students teaching them not only musicianship, but how to be outstanding people as well.
WES INGRAM serves as pastor of youth & families at Parkway Heights UMC in Hattiesburg, MS. He has a Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, MS, and a Doctorate of Ministry in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. Wes was the influence and leadership behind the Hattiesburg High School/Parkway Heights partnership that has helped build relationships with students, raised money for the HHS band program, and served and supported the teachers at Hattiesburg High. Wes is a well-loved and well-known leader and mentor in our community.
NIKISHA WILLIAMS is a singer/actress originally from Mobile, Alabama. She holds a Master's degree in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from The University of Southern Mississippi. Nikisha also spent three years as Director of Choirs at White Station High School in Memphis, TN where she received the Outstanding Young Music Educators award. Her Regional Theater credits include, The Color Purple, Memphis, and Hairspray. Broadway touring credits include, The Color Purple, and currently Hamilton. (Follow Nikisha Williams on Instagram @williamsnikisha.)
LAUREN GARRIOTT grew up in Northern Kentucky where she started her journey with Christ at a young age going to church with her family. She officially accepted Christ in youth group. She has been dancing and singing her whole life. Lauren studied Musical Theatre in college and eventually moved to NYC to pursue theatre. Her most recent role was Judy Turner in the National/International tour of A Chorus Line. When she is not performing, Lauren teaches children in many enrichment subjects in the city. (Follow Lauren Garriott on Instagram @lmgarriott.)