Each week Ryan Gorman discusses important national topics with experts, newsmakers, and organizations working to make a positive difference in communities across the country.

Veterans Day Special

What To Know About The PACT Act

Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special featuring Terrence Hayes, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the VA’s Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, who discusses the PACT Act, the largest expansion of Veteran health care and benefits in generations, addressing medical issues related to burn pits, chemicals like Agent Orange, and lots more.

The Impact of Hurricane Helene

Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special featuring Katie Wadington, Deputy Managing Editor at The Hill, who joins the show to discuss her recent piece titled “What It’s Like In Asheville After Helene,” which describes the situation in one of the area's hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. Evan Peterson, National Spokesperson for the American Red Cross, also checks in to explain how the Red Cross assists those in need in communities impacted by the storm and ways for all Americans to help with that effort.

National Suicide Prevention Month Special

Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special featuring Jose Martinez, an Army Veteran and triple amputee, joins the show for National Suicide Prevention Month to discuss how, with the help of Semper Fi & America’s Fund, he overcame his extensive injuries, depression, and suicidal thoughts to become an adaptive athlete.

The Battle Against ALS, Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Youth Mental Health

Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special featuring John Drikell Hopkins, founding member of the Zac Brown Band, who joins the show to discuss his fight to find a cure for ALS through his Hop on a Cure foundation. Also, Dr. Courtney Fitzhugh, Sickle Cell Disease Expert with the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, checks in for Sickle Cell Awareness Month to explain the disease, its impact on life, and the latest treatments. Finally, Dr. Christine M. Crawford, Child Psychiatrist & NAMI Associate Medical Director, discusses rising concerns of parents and caregivers who are struggling to navigate children’s mental health.

MusiCares, Center for Medicaid & CHIP Services, CDC Division for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention

Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special featuring Theresa Wolters, Vice President of Health & Human Services at MusiCares, who joins the show to discuss how MusiCares provides various services for musicians and those in the music industry facing financial hardship. Also, Dr. Jessica Lee, acting chief medical officer at the Center for Medicaid & CHIP Services at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, checks in to explain healthcare options and coverage for children in low-income households. Finally, Dr. Janet S. Wright, Director of the CDC’s Division for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, offers vital information about heart valve disease, from an overview of the condition to signs, symptoms, and a breakdown of those most at risk.

9/11 Day of Service

Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special featuring David Paine, President & Co-Founder of 9/11 Day, who discusses the importance of remembering the September 11th attacks, including how the country came together in the aftermath of that tragic event and how that inspired the federally recognized 9/11 Day of Service.

Humanitarian Aid Organization 'Direct Relief'

Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special featuring Thomas Tighe, President & CEO of Direct Relief, who discusses his humanitarian aid organization’s work nationwide and worldwide, focusing on improving the health and lives of those affected by poverty or emergencies.

Understanding Extreme Weather Events & Climate Change

Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special featuring Marine Scientist Dr. Ellen Prager & Meteorologist Dave Jones, authors of Megalodons, Mermaids & Climate Change: Answers To Your Ocean & Atmosphere Questions. Dr. Prager and Dave Jones discuss the extreme weather events we’ve been experiencing, global conservation efforts for marine life, and separate fact from fiction on the issue of climate change.

American Psychiatric Association Foundation

Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special featuring Rawle Andrews Jr., Executive Director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, who joins the show to discuss the foundation’s efforts to provide school staff with mental health resources as a new school year begins, along with the promotion of mental health literacy, connecting underserved communities to needed care, and shifting attitudes about mental health.