In this heartwarming episode of Mystery Talk, Jean Ginner speaks with Bruce Erickson, the founder of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Volunteer Therapy Dog Program. Established over a decade ago, this 501(C)3 non-profit organization provides much-needed comfort and support through therapy dogs in various challenging environments.

Join us as we explore:

• The origins and growth of the therapy dog program in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court.
• How the program began with visits to juvenile courtrooms and expanded to other courtrooms, classrooms, and domestic violence centers.
• The calming and comforting effects these therapy dogs have on individuals, especially in the aftermath of traumatic events such as school shootings and crime.
• Bruce’s efforts in advocating for and spreading the therapy dog program across other counties in Illinois.
• Notable recognition and support from Governor Pritzger, who has engaged with Bruce to learn more about the program.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Founding and mission of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Volunteer Therapy Dog Program.
• The impact of therapy dogs in courtrooms and other stressful environments.
• Expansion of the program and its presence in various facilities.
• Bruce Erickson’s advocacy and outreach efforts.
• The importance of therapy dogs in providing emotional support and comfort.

Contact Information:

For more details about the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Volunteer Therapy Dog Program, contact Mary Ellen Commare at 815-289-1568 or visit its official website.

Location:

17th Judicial Winnebago County Courthouse

400 W. State St. Suite 215

Rockford, IL 61101

Connect with Us:

• Website: mysterytalk.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/mysterytalk
• Instagram: @jeanginner911

How to Support the Show:

• Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
• Share this episode with friends and family who might benefit from or be interested in therapy dog programs.
• Follow us on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Thank you for tuning in to Mystery Talk with Jean Ginner. Stay tuned for more fascinating discussions and explorations into the mysteries that touch our lives!

Episode: #2

Host: Jean Ginner

Guest: Mary Oldham, Award-Winning Writer

Episode Summary:

In the second episode of Mystery Talk, Jean Ginner chats with the illustrious Mary Oldham, an award-winning writer known for her captivating romance and fiction novels. With over 20 books, Mary shares her journey from aspiring author to celebrated novelist and screenwriter.

Join us as we explore:

• Mary's path to success as a romance and fiction writer.
• The transition from writing novels to crafting her first screenplay.
• Adventures and experiences throughout her writing career.
• Valuable advice for budding writers and screenwriters embarking on their creative journeys.

Mary provides insights into the challenges and rewards of being a writer, offering practical tips and inspiration for those looking to follow in her footsteps.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Early inspirations and beginnings of Mary's writing career.
• Success stories and achievements in romance and fiction writing.
• Insights into the process of writing a screenplay.
• Adventures and notable experiences as a writer.
• Advice for new writers and screenwriters, including pitfalls to avoid and strategies for success.

Books by Mary Oldham:

• The Silver Linings Wedding Dress Auction
• A Paris Affair (Book 1 of The Hotel Baron Series)
• A Summer Affair (Book 2 of The Hotel Baron Series)
• A Roman Affair (Book 3 of The Hotel Baron Series)
• A London Affair (Book 4 of The Hotel Baron Series)
• Sisters Before Misters (The Silver Linings Series)
• CRUSH
• The Poison Garden
• Sage's Redemption
• Toni's Secret
• Roxie's Circus
• Kimberly's Reckoning
• How to Self-Publish

For a full list of her works and to learn more about Mary, visit her Amazon Author Page and her official website.

Connect with Us:

• Website: mysterytalk.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/mysterytalk
• Instagram: @jeanginner911

How to Support the Show:

• Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
• Share this episode with friends and family passionate about writing and storytelling.
• Follow us on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Thank you for tuning in to Mystery Talk with Jean Ginner. Stay tuned for more intriguing conversations and explorations of life's mysteries!

Episode #1: Non-Direct Living Kidney Donation

Host: Jean Ginner

Guest: Jan Henrikson, Living Kidney Donor and Writer

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Mystery Talk, Jean Ginner dives into the mysterious and awe-inspiring world of non-direct living kidney donation with Jan Henrikson. Jan, a writer who stumbled upon the concept while researching for an article, fell in love with the idea and chose to become a living kidney donor herself.

Join us as we explore:

• The journey of discovering and deciding to become a living kidney donor.
• The detailed process and timelines involved in kidney donation.
• The medical procedures and emotional aspects of donating a kidney.
• Insights into how this selfless act can transform lives and the donor's personal experiences post-donation.

Jan shares her personal story, shedding light on the mysteries behind this life-saving act and inspiring others to consider this extraordinary gift of life.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The concept of non-directional living kidney donation.
• Jan's motivation and journey towards becoming a donor.
• The step-by-step process from decision to donation.
• Medical procedures involved in kidney donation.
• Emotional and physical aspects of being a living donor.
• Post-donation experiences and life after donating a kidney.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• National Kidney Foundation
• National Kidney Registry

Connect with Us:

• Website: mysterytalk.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/mysterytalk
• Instagram: @jeanginner911

How to Support the Show:

• Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
• Share this episode with friends and family interested in learning about living kidney donation.
• Follow us on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Thank you for tuning in to Mystery Talk with Jean Ginner. Join us next time as we unravel more intriguing mysteries and explore the unknown!