First Lady & Friends

Latest Episodes:

Emily Cloke talks about “The Big Help Out” and the coronation of Charles III and Camilla May 11, 2023

Show notes

Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Emily Cloke (British Consul General in Los Angeles) to talk about “The Big Help Out” service project, how we're celebrating teachers in the state, and why championing the youth is such a fundamental topic in the UK.

We also talk about the long-lasting impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, why service and community flourished during the various lockdowns, and how education helped inspire Emily's passion for pursuing law and politics.

Lastly, we talk about some of the places that Emily has been to in Utah and some of the "must-see" places that she needs to visit.

Related Links:

Emily Cloke Biography: https://www.gov.uk/government/people/emily-cloke

Emily Cloke Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmilyClokeUK

The Big Help Out: https://thebighelpout.org.uk/

Show Up Utah: https://www.showuputah.org/

Educator Wellness: https://www.showuputah.org/wellness

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Caring for our autistic friends after 21 with Sumiko Martinez and Nathan Anderson May 04, 2023

Show notes

Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined bySumiko Martinez (Director of Autism After 21 Utah Project, Madison House Autism Foundation) and Nathan Anderson (Sr. Director of Public Affairs at Union Pacific and father of two sons on the Autism Spectrum) to talk about their shared passions for promoting awareness for those who are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, programs that Autism After 21 is developing to be more neuroinclusive for those who are on the Autism spectrum, and how communities can come together to help build better toolkits

We also talk about innovative housing features that can provide a better living experience for families with a member who may be on the Autism spectrum and why it's so important to listen to our nuerodivergent friends in order to create better experiences in all aspects of life.

Madison House Autism Foundation: https://madisonhouseautism.org/

Neuro-Inclusive Housing Utah: https://www.neuroinclusiveutah.org/

Love That Boy: What Two Presidents, Eight Road Trips, and My Son Taught Me About a Parent's Expectations: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25937665-love-that-boy

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Shawn and Carrie Bradley at the One Utah Summit Apr 28, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox and Utah Governor, Spencer Cox, have an amazing conversation with Shawn (former NBA star) and Carrie Bradley that took place at the One Utah Summit in October of last year.

We dive into what it means to perservere through hardship, overcoming some of the mental health struggles that the two have experienced, and the joys of blending a family together.

You can get involved in the One Utah Summit by visiting https://oneutahsummit.com/.

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Building cultural bridges with friends from the Emerald Hills Institute Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by friends from the Emerald Hills Institute to talk about what Ramadan means to them, their experiences with honoring Ramadan during school, and various ways that Utah has been a welcoming place for Muslim traditions and a few ways that the state can be more inclusive.

We also talk about why it's so important to share our cultural and religous experiences to better understand all of Utah's amazing communities, as well as how some of the biggest struggles as a parent are universal.

Lastly, we dive into some of our favorite service projects that we've done throughout the state.

Featured Guests:

Zeynep Oguz
Nur Azametli
Zena Altawallbeh
Neset Kablan
Hulya Kaplan

Related links:

Emerald Hills Institute: https://emeraldhillsinstitute.org/

Fill The Pot: https://www.fillthepot.org/

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Emily Auman opens up about her son, Everett, being diagnosed with Kleefstra syndrome Apr 13, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Emily Auman, who talks about the moment she found out that her son, Everett, had been diagnosed with Kleefstra syndrome. She also shares how she found solace in knowing that there would always be a place for Everett, and how we should constantly be re-evaluating our expectations for our children.

Emily also opens up about Everett's experience with growing up with friends through Special Olympics, why the sense of belonging is so crucial to building strong friendships, and how Special Olympics is creating such an amazing community for so many families.

Related links:

What is Kleefstra Syndrome?: https://www.kleefstrasyndrome.org/what-is-kleefstra-syndrome/

Special Olympics of Utah: https://sout.org/

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Vinay Kalva & Anagha Rao share how teens can live healthier lifestyles with Live Well Teens Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Vinay Kalva & Anagha Rao to talk about the inspiration behind their committment to service, their decision to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and who have been their biggest influences in their education and dedication to service.

Then we talk about the the inspiration behind Live Well Teens, what their researching process looks like, and why they decided to target the physical, mental, and emotional needs of teenagers.

We also dive into the coorelation between social media and various mental illness in our youth, how the fear of missing out is leading to many teens to feel like they need to rely on social media to stay social, and alternative ways that teens can stay engaged with their friend groups outside of social media.

Related links:

Live Well Teens Non-Profit: https://www.livewellteens.org/

International Baccalaureate (IB) program: https://www.ibo.org/

To get involved, you can visit: https://www.livewellteens.org/contact/

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Show Up for Teachers 2023 with Sally Steed, Lynette Cloward, and Sarah Allred Mar 30, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Sally Steed (Vice President of Sales at Deseret News), Lynnette Cloward (Director of Events at Utah Business), and Sarah Allred (Deputy Director of First Lady's Initiatives) to talk about our upcoming second annual Show Up for Teachers educator wellness conference on July 19th, 2023!! We also talk about the complimenting gala at the Grand America sponsored by Deseret News and Utah Business and why it's so important to show our gratitude for all of the teachers in the state.

We also talk about why it's important that our teachers continue to share their stories of finding success in the classroom, how we can further support them by raising awareness of their work, and why we can never underestimate the influence that a great teacher can have on our youth.

Lastly, we share some of our favorite teachers who had the biggest influences on us growing up.

Related links:

Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/

Show Up for Teachers (Nominations): https://www.showupforteachers.org/event/742b0a6b-f9cc-4a75-ad86-135e3f15ed85/websitePage:709b72db-1b84-4be4-80fb-c47ca4c31699

Show Up for Teachers Gala: https://www.showupforteachers.org/event/742b0a6b-f9cc-4a75-ad86-135e3f15ed85/websitePage:709b72db-1b84-4be4-80fb-c47ca4c31699

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The latest Show Up recap with Kirsten Rappleye and Sarah Allred Mar 24, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode, Utah's First Lady Abby Cox is joined by Kirsten Rappleye (Director of First Lady’s Initiatives) and Sarah Allred (Deputy Director of First Lady's Initiatives) to recap the past couple of major events from our Show Up initiatives including some of the amazing moments from unified sports with Weber State University and the Utah Jazz and the need to continuously raise awareness surrounding our foster families throughout the state.

We also dive into the latest updates on our upcoming second annual Show Up for Teachers educator wellness conference on July 19th, 2023 with Arthur Brooks joining us as the keynote speaker.

Lastly, we dive into the upcoming service initiatives on the horizon including this year's family service fair at Thanksgiving Point's Electric Park on June 5th.

Related links:

Show Up: https://www.showuputah.org/

Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/

Utah Foster Care: https://utahfostercare.org/

Arthur Brooks: https://arthurbrooks.com/

Show Up for Teachers: https://www.showuputah.org/wellness

Show Up for Serving: https://www.showuputah.org/service

Big Time Adulting: https://bigtimeadulting.blog/

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Megan Johnson on the origination of The Emily Effect and remembering her sister Emily Mar 16, 2023

Show notes

Megan Johnson (Co-founder of The Emily Effect) joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about her sister, Emily, the origination of The Emily Effect, and what life was like for them growing up in Sanpete County.

We also talk about the early signs of Postpartum Depression (PPD) that Emily experienced, why sharing Emily's story is so important to spread awareness surrounding PPD, and some of the best resources available for those who may be experiencing symptoms of PDD.

Lastly, we dive into the reality that mental illnesses associated with PDD will appear differently among others, as well as how Emily's family is thriving and doing well through the support of their friends and family.

Related Links:

The Emily Effect

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Utah Maternal Mental Health Collaborative – PSI Utah

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Sherry Cutler on the unique experience of being the spouse of an elected official Mar 09, 2023

Show notes

Sherry Cutler joins Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, to talk about meeting her husband, Rep. Paul Cutler (Utah State Legislature House District 18), her passion for teaching, and their family's journey to becoming a representative in the legislature.

We also talk about Sherry's experience being a spouse of a new representative during the legislative session and working together to create foster family connection kits and Valentine's Day gifts for foster children.

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