Music Minute - Colin Peterik: Swans

Colin Peterik is putting the finishing touches on a new album due out later this year, but in the meantime you can check out his latest single “Swans” on Bandcamp https://bravewordsrecords.bandcamp.com/track/swans Colin shares the backstory for the songs “Swans”, “My Dad (Jim Peterik) introduced me to Prefab Sprout about 5 years ago. He has showed me so much great music over the years, but this underrated British group must have slipped through the cracks! Quickly I devoured their entire discography. I was obsessed with the lead singer/songwriter, Paddy McAloon and how he weaved words with melodies like I’ve never heard before. “Swans” is a beautiful song from their 1997 album “Andromeda Heights”. The protagonist warns his lover that he’s bad news, and there’s still time for her to turn around. Paddy’s silky-smooth vocals express longing; using swans and foxes as metaphors. I found myself singing it while waiting in a never-ending line at Disney World with my kids, and began working on the track that very night. When we got home, I recorded and finished the track. It was a lot of fun to get into it- I could almost feel the psychic connection with Paddy, singing his lyrics on the mic. The original version’s production is very minimal, with no percussion, just ethereal keyboards. I decided to take it in a lo-fi hip-hop/jazz direction, which I think fits the mood well. We added some sax, flute, and horns as a finishing touch. I’m very happy with the result, and I hope Paddy has a chance to hear it someday. I’d love to meet him one day.” About COLIN PETERIK: Colin Peterik is a singer/songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Chicago, IL. His songs, including 2022’s “My Secrets” have racked up millions of plays and garnered him a loyal fanbase. His upcoming fourth solo album “That’s Cool (Or I’m Sorry)” expands on his already eclectic catalogue while focussing his sound and craft. Links: http://colinpeterik.com/ https://www.facebook.com/colinpeterikmusic https://www.instagram.com/colin_peterik_music https://youtube.com/@colinpeterik89 https://x.com/colinpeterik About BraveWords Records: BraveWords Records is part of the BraveWords Family and has released albums by Crimson Glory, Alcatrazz, Bangalore Choir, Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Rhett Forrester and Rob Robbins, Prophets of Addiction, Jack Starr, ASKA and future releases from Storm Force, Airforce, Lillian Axe, Phil Soussan and a new Alcatrazz studio album. Over two millions fan a month engage with the BraveWords Family across the internet. There is a serious void which desperately needs to be filled, hard-working and creative bands that have yet to find a partnership and a mutual vision with a professional team. The music-fuelled minds behind BraveWords Records, Giles Lavery, Tim Henderson and Michael Brandvold, have built the ultimate home for an artist that will take you where you want to be. Collectively, with nearly 100 years of music industry experience under our belts, the BraveWords Records team will take care of all the crucial aspects of your project from global distribution (digital and physical), publicity and media coverage (web, radio, visual), social media blanketing and streaming opportunities (such as Streaming For Vengeance). Where most labels have forgotten the concept of actually marketing a release sensibly, BraveWords Records will construct a viable and comprehensive marketing plan, including visibility at BraveWords.com, which attracts 2 million visitors monthly. BraveWords Records has all senses on high alert as the music industry continues its never-ending transitioning, so the artist will always be aware of new opportunities to build their brand and strive for world domination. BraveWords will also have a focus on licensing film and TV content, both contemporary and retrospective across many genres. As artists and labels transition to the many new mediums available today for their work, BraveWords intends to stay ahead of the curve in providing and actively seeking opportunities for our roster of clients. With the rapid spread of the world wide web, BraveWords.com was born in 2000 and quickly became the CNN of heavy metal. With its team of global writers and photographers, the site flourished with 24/7 updated news, features, reviews, audio and video steams. For nearly 30 years, BraveWords wears their metal heart loudly on their sleeve, as they celebrate the greatest genre of music with the most dedicated and passionate fans on the planet!   http://bravewordsrecords.com https://bravewordsrecords.bandcamp.com http://www.facebook.com/BravewordsRecords http://www.instagram.com/BravewordsRecords http://www.twitter.com/BravewordsRec https://youtube.com/@BravewordsRecords https://www.tiktok.com/@bravewordsrecs https://www.threads.net/@bravewordsrecords http://bravewords.com

Music Minute - Jeremy Calloway: Chasin' Little Feet

 Versatile vocalist, artist and songwriter Jeremy Calloway has announced the release of his heartfelt new song, “Chasin’ Little Feet.” Co-written with his wife, Lena Calloway, the song was recorded at Hilltop Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, mixed and mastered by Voytek Kochanek, and produced by Mark Fain. It was engineered by Steve Chandler, with vocals recorded at ChazFain Studio.

Available for streaming on all digital platforms today here.

“Chasin’ Little Feet” is a heartfelt reflection on fatherhood, time and the moments that shape a family’s story. Blending country roots with a warm, timeless feel, the song captures the experience of watching children grow while holding on to the memories that never fade.

Calloway shared, “The idea came from a simple moment at home. My youngest daughter had just come up from the lake after feeding the fish, barefoot, with muddy feet, and walked across the concrete by the pool, leaving a trail of little footprints behind her. Standing there with Lena, I said something along the lines of, ‘No matter how big they get, I guess I’ll always be chasin’ little feet.’ That moment became the foundation of the song.” He added, “I began writing the song in the summer of 2025, reflecting on how quickly time moves and how those small, everyday moments end up meaning everything. It is now being released on Father’s Day 2026.”

Musicians featured on the project included Carl Miner on acoustic guitar, Tommy Harden on drums, Austin Crum on electric guitar, Eddie Dunlap on steel guitar, Johnny Brown on piano, Mark Fain on bass and Brent Rader and Kenzie Wetz providing BGV’s.

Stay up to date with all things Jeremy Calloway by visiting jeremycalloway.com and following him on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram. Subscribe to his official YouTube channel for the latest music videos, live performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Jeremy Calloway’s music is available now on all major digital platforms, including Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music and Amazon Music, here.

About Jeremy Calloway:
Jeremy Calloway is a modern-day crooner with a country soul, blending the smooth phrasing of the Great American Songbook with the heart and storytelling of classic country music. The moment you hear Jeremy sing, you’re drawn in by the honesty and sincerity in his voice. Born and raised in Ohio County, Kentucky, in a small community called Magan Station, Jeremy’s roots run deep, shaped by faith, family, and real-life experience. Influenced by artists like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Conway Twitty, and Kenny Rogers, his sound bridges polish and authenticity in a way that feels natural, not forced. Whether performing timeless standards or original songs rooted in faith and family, Jeremy delivers a live experience that is both polished and deeply personal. His ability to move seamlessly between styles allows him to connect with a wide range of audiences while maintaining a clear and unmistakable identity. Best described as where Sinatra meets Conway Twitty, Jeremy Calloway’s music is smooth, honest, and built to last.

House & Home - What's Hot with Homebuyers

A new nationwide survey from 2-10 Home Buyer’s Warranty reveals what's hot with homebuyers in 2026, from the types of homes they're prioritizing to the features that matter most when making a purchase.

 

Here’s a look at what today’s buyers are searching for:

• 74% of homebuyers are prioritizing new or recently built homes
• 71% say the neighborhood is a primary dealmaker when evaluating a home
• 42% of homebuyers prefer closed floor plans
• 41% say the kitchen is the most important room in the home

 

Modern (38%), Farmhouse (29%), and Colonial (26%) are ranking as the most popular home styles among Americans, and buyers say they would be willing to pay an average of $182,189 more for a home that matches their preferred architectural style.

 

Take a look at the full report linked above for additional insights, including state-by-state data on the most sought-after home styles and where buyers can actually find them.

Book Nook - Ready to Listen? A Spiritual Self-Help Memoir

For years, Leslie Lee Sanders noticed patterns she couldn’t explain. Recurring signs. Meaningful coincidences. Intuitive nudges that arrived at pivotal moments. The more she paid attention, the harder they were to dismiss.

 

What began as curiosity eventually evolved into a profound spiritual awakening. By learning to trust her intuition and recognize the synchronicities guiding her path, Sanders transformed her life from one defined by self-doubt and external expectations into one rooted in authenticity, purpose and creative expression.

 

In her new book, Ready to Listen? A Spiritual Self-Help Memoir, Sanders shares the deeply personal story behind that transformation, exploring how spiritual guidance, self-reflection and the courage to trust her inner knowing helped her reclaim her voice and create a life aligned with her deepest aspirations.

 

Her turning point didn’t happen at once. It unfolded through moments of increasing awareness of patterns, synchronicities and signs that gradually became a guiding force that reshaped her life.

 

“This is not glossy manifestation,” Sanders said. “It’s not spiritual cliché. It’s the hard, honest work of waking up after years of shrinking.”

 

Blending memoir, psychology and spiritual insight, Sanders explores:

 

• How burnout can be a message, not a failure

• How confronting hidden fears and limiting beliefs can accelerate spiritual growth

• Why shadow work is often the first step toward authentic self-expression

• The difference between fear’s noise and intuition’s quiet persistence

• What it means to reclaim your voice in a world that rewards your silence

 

Through her story, Sanders invites readers, especially women who’ve spent years performing strength, to stop overriding their own inner truth, dust off their dreams and reconnect with their power.

 

A Midwest Book Review calls Ready to Listen? “candid, insightful, exceptionally well written” with “a universal resonance.”

 

“I hope readers feel less alone in questioning their power to create change and more confident in themselves, their abilities and their intuition,” she added. “If someone finishes the book feeling empowered, braver, inspired and excited about their future, then it has done its work.”

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leslie Lee Sanders resides in Arizona with her husband, three daughters and a wild beast she calls her imagination. She launched her writing career in 2005, publishing more than 30 books across multiple genres. Writing as L.L. Sanders, she crafts psychological thrillers and horror, while her works under Leslie Lee Sanders explore diverse romance and dystopian fiction, often blending genres in unexpected ways. With Ready to Listen?, Sanders makes her nonfiction debut.

 

She provides intuitive advice to empower others through her YouTube channel, Simplee Tarot (https://www.youtube.com/@SimpleeTarot).

 

For more information, please visit http://www.llsanders.com.

Book Nook - You Have a Talent

In the village of the Zumbalas, everyone is busy using their talents, but Penelo struggles to discover his own special gifts. In school, he is mocked by his teacher and classmates. He even begins to wonder if his maker, Jethro, made him talentless! On a mission to discover himself and search for his true talents, Penelo sets out on a grand adventure that helps him learn that sometimes, our talents look different than what we expected!

Learn more about You Have a Talent.

Before moving to the United States in July 2012, Claire Dupuis graduated from the French University of Sorbonne Nouvelle with a Bachelor’s in French Modern Literature and languages. While at the university, she studied under Cecile Ladjali, a well-known French author of more than thirty books published by Actes Sud. Cecile then inspired Claire to begin her writing journey and work in the publishing industry. As a mother of four children, she now lives in the small town of West Point, Virginia, where she enjoys spending time along the riverbanks and looking at the Victorian-style houses. If she is not reading or writing, Claire loves traveling and photography. She has been part of the Brandylane Publishers’ team since June 2023, when she joined as an editor and project manager; she recently took on the position of book publicist. You Have a Talent is her first children’s book.

Consumer Critique - Playful Chef

I reently had a chance to see the Playful Chef: Deluxe Charcuterie Kit. I love the idea of encouraging kids to have positive early experiences in the kitchen - we did it with our own kids, and my brother does it with his as well. It helps make kids more willing to try new things and also gives them valuable lifelong skills.

One of the challenges of having kids in the kitchen, though, is that adult tools aren't always safe. They're not the right size, and sharp blades can be tricky for small children to use carefully. This kid has a bunch of tools that are sized right for little hands - but still not too small for adults. It also has several innovative knives that are designed to cut through foods well (and they worked on the foods we tested) without being an actual sharp blade. 

Charcuterie boards are fun appetizers for kids to make, and it's a great way for them to contribute for summer BBQs or holiday entertaining! This is an excellent option to help get kids in the kitchen.

Also available to help introduce your kids to new flavors - Playful Chef: Foods of the World Cooking Kit

Healthy Habits - What Patients Should Know About Remote Monitoring, Braces and Appointment Timing

 Cooper Orthodontics helps patients better understand how remote monitoring can make orthodontic treatment more convenient while still keeping care under the supervision of an orthodontist.

Dr. Bryn Cooper, owner of Cooper Orthodontics, offers remote monitoring for patients in both clear aligners and braces. The technology allows patients to send regular scans or photos of their teeth from home. This gives Dr. Cooper the ability to evaluate progress between in-office visits. But Dr. Cooper says remote monitoring should not be confused with fully remote orthodontic treatment.

“Moving teeth is a complex science,” Dr. Cooper said. “Remote monitoring is a useful tool, but it is not a replacement for diagnosis, treatment planning and the judgment of an orthodontist.”

One of the most important factors to determine how often a braces patient should be seen is the type of orthodontic wire used. Some orthodontic wires used early in treatment can remain active for 16 to 20 weeks. During that stage, patients may not need traditional four- to six-week appointments, if their progress can be monitored remotely and the doctor sees no complications.

“This is a place where remote monitoring of braces is very useful,” Dr. Cooper said. “With photos of the mouth every one to two weeks, I can see whether a patient needs to be seen sooner to keep their treatment on track. If they do not need an in-office visit yet, we can save them the drive and the appointment time.”

Cooper Orthodontics serves patients from across Southeast Texas through its offices in Lake Jackson and Houston, Texas. For patients who live far from either office, remote monitoring can reduce unnecessary travel while Dr. Cooper watches treatment progress closely.

Dr. Cooper says the larger lesson from direct-to-consumer orthodontic models is that convenience matters, but it must be paired with individualized care. “One size does not fit all,” Dr. Cooper said. “That is true for socks, shirts and orthodontics. The timing between appointments should change depending on the patient, the stage of treatment and the type of orthodontic wire used.”

As treatment progresses, patients often move into more flexible, ‘finishing wires.’ At that point, Dr. Cooper says appointments may need to be scheduled closer together to insure proper patient progress.

“At Cooper Orthodontics, the schedule is not automatic,” Dr. Cooper said. “It depends on what is happening in that patient’s mouth at that moment. Remote monitoring helps us make better decisions about who needs to be seen now and who can safely wait.”

Cooper Orthodontics encourages patients and families to ask questions about how their treatment is monitored, why appointments are scheduled at certain intervals and whether remote monitoring may be appropriate for their care.

About Cooper Orthodontics
Cooper Orthodontics provides orthodontic care for children, teens and adults in Lake Jackson and Houston, Texas. Led by Dr. Bryn Cooper, the practice offers braces, clear aligners and remote monitoring designed to provide convenient, personalized treatment for patients across Southeast Texas.

Music Minute - Allie Colleen: All I Want

With “All I Want,” independent country artist Allie Colleen delivers a nostalgic summer anthem rooted in late nights, young love and the beauty of living fully in a moment, even if it cannot last.  Inspired by the feeling of “something new on the horizon,” the song blends carefree energy with emotional depth, channeling moonlit memories, slow-burn romance and the unforgettable rush of staying up until sunrise sharing stories with someone you just decided you might love. 

“I don’t relate to romantic love in my life, and we needed a love song, so I sat down with Eric Dodd, Stephen Hunley and we started with a melody and something about it made me feel like a day drive with something new on the horizon. So, here is my summer love song. I hope it brings back the thrill of summer love and staying up sunrise sharing personal stories with someone you just decided you were in love with, like staying on the phone for hours when you were fifteen.”

“All I Want” is available today on all streaming platforms HERE. 

Stay current with everything Allie Colleen here.

About Allie Colleen:
Allie Colleen is the kind of artist who can make you laugh, cry and question your life choices, sometimes all in the same song. Equal parts witty storyteller, deep-feeler, dog lover, tattoo enthusiast and unapologetically honest human, Allie has a way of making every room feel like a conversation with an old friend. Whether she is singing about heartbreak, laughing at herself or unpacking life’s beautifully messy moments, her authenticity is impossible to fake and even harder to forget. Somewhere between the jokes and real talk, she just happens to have one of country music’s most powerful voices.
Rooted in timeless country tradition yet infused with modern influence, Allie has quietly become one of independent country music’s most compelling rising voices, known for silencing a room with heartfelt storytelling, emotional clarity and undeniable vocal power. Her music resonates because it feels lived in, honest and deeply human, connecting with audiences through both vulnerability and wit.
With more than 11.9 million streams across Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music, and a social audience exceeding 250,000, Allie’s momentum continues to build. Named an Artist to Watch by outlets including People Country, Holler, Wide Open Country and Country Evolution, she has also been featured on Apple Music Country’s Best New Songs, selected as Artist of the Week on Bobby Bones’ Top 30 Countdown and highlighted by platforms including Nash News, Music Mayhem and Country Thang Daily.
A defining career moment came with her duet alongside Lee Brice, “While We’re Still Friends,” which generated strong organic streaming, earned its worldwide radio premiere on WSM Radio’s Cody, Coffee & Country and surpassed 1.13 million combined video views across platforms. Her touring resume is equally impressive, including dates with Lee Brice, Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken Tour, Live In The Vineyard Goes Country, BMI Key West Songwriter Festival and more than 125 national headline performances over the last two years.
Fearless, funny, deeply relatable and entirely her own, Allie Colleen is building a lasting career one honest song at a time.

Parenting Pointers - Disability-Friendly Summer Programming

As families across the country plan their summer activities, parents of children with disabilities often face an extra challenge: finding events, attractions, and programs that are truly accessible and inclusive. Nicole Puzzo knows this reality firsthand. Her daughter, Stella, lives with cerebral palsy, and finding activities that allowed her to fully participate often required extensive research, planning, and creativity. Through that experience, Nicole discovered a growing number of disability-friendly programs, recreational opportunities, and community events that many families may not know exist.

I had a chance to interview Nicole to learn more.

Why is it important for communities to have disability-friendly programs and programs that are inclusive of children with medical conditions?
It is important for communities to have disability-friendly and medically inclusive programs because they help ensure that all children have the opportunity to participate, learn, and build relationships regardless of their physical, cognitive, developmental, or medical challenges.
Some key reasons include:

• Equal access and opportunity: Children with disabilities or medical conditions deserve the same opportunities to participate in sports, recreation, education, and community activities as their peers.
• Social inclusion: Inclusive programs help children develop friendships, reduce isolation, and create a sense of belonging within their community.
• Improved physical and emotional well-being: Participation in community programs can improve fitness, confidence, self-esteem, and mental health.
• Education and understanding: Inclusive environments help all children learn empathy, respect, and appreciation for differences, reducing stigma and misconceptions.
• Skill development: Children with disabilities or medical conditions can develop important social, communication, and life skills through participation in community activities.
• Support for families: Inclusive programs provide families with resources, social connections, and opportunities for their children to engage in meaningful activities.
• Stronger communities: Communities that embrace inclusion are more welcoming, diverse, and equitable, benefiting everyone who lives there.

In short, disability-friendly and medically inclusive programs help ensure that every child is valued, supported, and given the chance to reach their full potential while strengthening the entire community.

How can parents find programming that is suitable for children with a variety of medical needs?
Parents can find suitable programs for children with a variety of medical needs by taking a proactive approach and gathering information from trusted sources.
Some helpful strategies include:

• Talk with healthcare providers. Pediatricians, specialists, therapists, nurses, and social workers often know about local programs that can accommodate specific medical conditions and can recommend appropriate activities.
• Contact schools and special education staff. School counselors, special education coordinators, and school nurses may have information about community resources, recreational programs, camps, and support groups.
• Ask program staff about accommodations. Before enrolling, parents should discuss their child's medical needs with program directors and ask about staff training, medication administration policies, emergency procedures, accessibility, and available supports.
• Connect with disability and advocacy organizations. Organizations focused on specific conditions or disabilities often maintain directories of inclusive programs, camps, sports leagues, and recreational opportunities.
• Use community resources. Local parks and recreation departments, YMCAs, community centers, libraries, and faith-based organizations frequently offer inclusive programming or can provide referrals.
• Network with other families. Parent support groups, online communities, and local advocacy groups can be valuable sources of firsthand recommendations and experiences.
• Review program materials carefully. Parents should look for information about accessibility, inclusion policies, staff qualifications, participant-to-staff ratios, and medical support services.
• Visit programs before enrolling. Touring facilities and meeting staff can help parents assess whether a program is safe, welcoming, and capable of meeting their child's needs.Advocate for Inclusion – Work with local recreation departments, schools, camps, and community organizations to encourage the development of inclusive programs.

When evaluating a program, parents should consider whether the environment is safe, whether staff understand their child's medical condition, and whether reasonable accommodations are available to support full participation. The best programs focus on what children can do while providing the support needed for them to participate successfully and safely.


If a family lives in an area without a variety of inclusive summer activities, what are some options they may have?
If a family lives in an area without a variety of inclusive summer activities, they still have several options:
The best approach is often a combination of finding available opportunities nearby while working with local organizations to expand inclusive options for the future.

• Seek Nearby Programs – Look for inclusive camps, sports leagues, or recreation programs in neighboring towns or cities. Some organizations provide transportation assistance.
• Create Informal Opportunities – Organize playgroups, social gatherings, or activity clubs with other families to create inclusive experiences locally.
• Use Virtual Programs – Many organizations offer online summer camps, classes, social groups, and recreational activities that can be accessed from home.
• Partner with Community Organizations – Local libraries, faith communities, youth organizations, and nonprofits may be willing to adapt existing programs to be more inclusive.
• Explore Individualized Activities – Nature walks, swimming, arts and crafts, gardening, music lessons, and adaptive sports can provide meaningful summer engagement even when formal programs are limited.
• Connect with Disability Support Organizations – Organizations such as Special Olympics, The Arc, and local disability advocacy groups often maintain directories of inclusive activities and resources.

Movie Minute - Panda Plan: The Magical Tribe

Martial arts’ legendary icon Jackie Chan (Rush Hour & Police Story franchises) is reunited with everybody’s favorite giant panda Hu Hu for the martial arts action-comedy PANDA PLAN: THE MAGICAL TRIBE, debuting on Digital, Blu-ray^™ and DVD August 11 from Well Go USA Entertainment. In this hilarious installment, Chan and Hu Hu stumble upon a hidden jungle society that hails Hu Hu as a mythical creature. Jackie must face down a group of tribal warriors to protect his best friend and uncover the ancient secrets of the mysterious land. Directed by Derek Hui (This is Not What I Expected), the family-friendly adventure also stars Ma Li (The Dumpling Queen, Too Cool to Kill), Shan Qiao (All the Good Eyes), and Yang Yu (Once Upon a Time in the Northeast).

Action legend Jackie Chan and his panda, Hu Hu, embark on an epic journey after discovering a hidden tribe in the jungle. Mistaken for a “mythical creature,”  Hu Hu becomes the target of warriors and tribesmen who believe the panda is the key to averting a disastrous prophecy. Jackie must use his wits and skills to protect his vulnerable companion and uncover the ancient secrets of this mysterious land.