Music Minute - Allie Colleen Joins Craig Campbell And Dave Fenley On Heartland’s “Common Strings"

Independent country artist and songwriter Allie Colleen joins hitmaker Craig Campbell and acclaimed singer, songwriter, and vocalist Dave Fenley for the ‘Ten Year Town’ episode of Heartland’s original series Common Strings on The Heartland Network. Common Strings will air on The Heartland Network and simultaneously on Heartland’s live channel. Viewers are encouraged to download the free Heartland+ app on their preferred streaming platform to watch Heartland live and access episodes on demand. Viewers can stream Heartland live at watchheartlandplus.com. The episode will be available on demand through Heartland+ shortly following its broadcast premiere. Viewers can also watch through a local television affiliate; they can find their Heartland station at watchheartlandtv.com.

LR- Allie Colleen, Craig Campbell and Dave Fenley
Photo Credit: Heartland/Chase Thompson

The episode brings the three artists together to share stories from their individual journeys in the music industry and the perseverance, sacrifice, and determination required to build a lasting career in Nashville.

The conversation reflects a journey Allie continues to experience firsthand. Through years of writing, recording, touring, and independently developing a fan base, she has built a career that now includes more than 11 million lifetime streams, national and international touring opportunities, and performances. Her career has included being selected to support nationally recognized headlining artists on major tours across the country.  Her music and live performances continue to reflect the independence, resilience, and work ethic at the center of the ‘Ten Year Town’ conversation.

“Nashville has a way of teaching you that there really is no such thing as an overnight success,” Allie Colleen said. “Every yes comes after a lot of no’s, a lot of miles, a lot of lessons and a lot of days when you have to decide how badly you still want it. Sitting down with Craig and Dave for Common Strings was special because we all have different stories, but we understand what it means to keep showing up for the music and for the dream.”

Joel Wertman, President & CEO of The Heartland Network, shared, "We are so proud of Common Strings and the unique connection it offers artists and fans. I was in the room when we filmed the 'Ten Year Town' episode with Allie Colleen, Dave Fenley, and Craig Campbell, and their conversation was fascinating. It gave them a special platform to strip back the usual talking points, talk about the things that truly matter, and share the real, unfiltered stories fans rarely get to hear."

The ‘Ten Year Town’ conversation offers viewers a look beyond the performances, releases, and career milestones to the years of work that often precede those moments. Each artist brings a different perspective to the discussion, connected by their experiences as artists and songwriters pursuing careers in Nashville.

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, and unapologetically honest human, she has a way of making every room feel like a conversation with an old friend. Somewhere between the humor and the real talk, she also has one of country music’s most powerful voices.
With more than 11.9 million organic streams across Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, and a social audience exceeding 250,000, Allie has emerged as one of the compelling voices in independent country music. She has been named an Artist to Watch by People Country, Holler, Wide Open Country, and Country Evolution, featured on Apple Music Country’s Best New Songs, and selected as Artist of the Week on Bobby Bones’ Top 30 Countdown.
Her duet with Lee Brice, “While We’re Still Friends,” earned its worldwide radio premiere on WSM Radio’s Coffee, Country & Cody and surpassed 1.13 million combined video views. Her growing reputation as a live performer has led to invitations to support major headlining artists on national tours, along with more than 125 headline performances over the past two years, appearances at Live In The Vineyard Goes Country and the BMI Key West Songwriters Festival, and a special Armed Forces Entertainment tour performing for U.S. service members and their families at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Fearless, funny, and entirely her own, Allie continues to build a career rooted in unforgettable performances, authentic storytelling, and a genuine connection with audiences everywhere. 

ABOUT COMMON STRINGS: 
Common Strings is a Heartland original series that brings artists together to share the stories, experiences, and music that connect them. Through candid conversations and performances, the series gives viewers a closer look at the artists and experiences behind the songs.

ABOUT THE HEARTLAND NETWORK:
The Heartland Network is a national digital broadcast television network celebrating community, tradition, and the country lifestyle through original programming, music, and entertainment. Owned and operated by Get After It Media, The Heartland Network reaches audiences alongside sister networks Retro TV, The Family Channel, and Rev'n Action, with Get After It Media's networks collectively reaching more than 93 million households through 353 affiliates in over 100 U.S. markets. The network also streams via Heartland+, a free ad-supported streaming platform offering live television, on-demand content, and original programming, available on major streaming devices and platforms. Visit WatchHeartlandPlus.com (https://t.e2ma.net/click/km975n/ku7vlj/kyq1h8b) 

Shopping Savings - PhoneSoap

 PhoneSoap will be 20% for upcoming October Prime Days. They have a new product for disinfecting baby items: and two new colors of the PhoneSoap 3 for disinfecting phones: Periwinkle and Moss.

Fun Freetime - NBC100 at the Paley (NY)

 The Paley Center is hosting a special NBC100 exhibit to celebrate 100 years of NBC. 

Admission: Paley Members free; nonmembers $20; students, teachers, seniors, veterans, first responders $16; children 12 & under free.

Healthy Habits - Bioron Camilla Bedtime

With fall comes the return to busy routines, earlier bedtimes, and packed family schedules, but for parents of teething babies, nighttime can still be a challenge. Boiron Camilia Bedtime (now available at Walmart) is designed to help ease nighttime teething symptoms, including restlessness, irritability, and painful gums, with convenient, pre-measured liquid doses.

 

Camilia Bedtime is a practical baby-care essential to have on hand for those especially tough nights.

TV Time - Line of Fire

A family of law enforcement agents bridges personal differences and crosses professional boundaries as they tackle cases for the FBI, US Marshals, Secret Service and Department of Justice. After a seemingly cut-and-dry case turns into a deadly conspiracy, they must use the expertise from a lifetime of protecting civilians and politicians to protect one another and bring the killer to justice … even if it means betraying their sworn code.

The cast includes Peter Krause, Hope Davis, Kat Cunning, Tommy O’Brien, Taylor Bloom, and Charlie Barnett.

Creator and writer Joshua Safran executive produces with Jenna Bush Hager and Ben Spector. The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. 

On NBC and Peacock.

Music Minute - Karen Waldrup: Just in Case

Known for her powerful voice, viral videos, and genuine connection with her fans, Karen Waldrup is releasing her latest single, “Just In Case,” today. Written by Ava Paige and Becca Rae Greene, the track puts a unique spin on the everyday lessons we learn about being prepared for whatever life may bring. From keeping extra cash on hand to carrying jumper cables in the trunk, “Just In Case” reminds listeners that sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry. With relatable lyrics and a heartfelt approach that can be advice from the closest of friends or family members, Waldrup turns the little things we do to prepare for life into a familiar country song with an instant connection. 

To purchase/stream, visit HERE.
To read Waldrup’s feature with Fox News Digital, visit HERE.

"'Just In Case’ is one of those songs that feels like it could be about all of us,” shares Waldrup. “We all have those little things we do because life has taught us to be prepared, whether it’s keeping extra money in your wallet or jumper cables in the car. I love that this song takes those everyday lessons and turns them into something relatable and real. I hope everyone hears a little bit of themselves in ‘Just In Case.’” 

Never one to sit still, Waldrup continues to release new music regularly while putting the finishing touches on her upcoming album. Drawing from real-life experiences, faith, and the emotions that come with navigating life’s ups and downs, she has built a strong collection of songs that connect with listeners on a personal level. Among them is the heartfelt “Keeping The Faith,” accompanied by a powerful music video inspired by Waldrup’s own journey of leaning on her faith through major life changes, including a difficult divorce.  

For additional concert information and all things Karen Waldrup, visit HERE.

More About Karen Waldrup:
Karen Waldrup is an internationally recognized Country Soul artist with over 1 million fans online and more than 400 million video views. A Top 5 finalist on Season 25 of NBC’s The Voice, she’s been featured in major outlets like Billboard, Rolling Stone, PEOPLE, Netflix, The Hallmark Channel, and more. She’s a BMI songwriter, a member of the Recording Academy (NARAS), CMA, and a proud partner with Mission of Hope: Haiti. Waldrup has won twelve Nashville Industry Music Awards, received the 2019 Torch Award from the Keith Whitley Fingerprint on Country Music Awards, and was named a 2023 Top 5 Artist to Watch by Country Evolution. With seven studio albums and over 50 songs released worldwide, she continues to make her mark on the country music scene.

Her debut album JUSTIFIED, produced by Garth Fundis (Trisha Yearwood, Don Williams, Alabama), appeared on four Billboard charts and featured “Sometimes He Does,” which was praised in Rolling Stone and named “Disc of the Day” by Robert Oermann. Waldrup has performed in over 15 countries, blending classic country with Louisiana soul. Her 2022 album Kendall County Road, produced by Grammy winners Paul Worley and Biff Watson, includes songs written with WWII veteran Jim Martin and a duet with Wendy Moten. She recently released singles including “Louisiana Hurricane,” “Fix It,” “Blue Cowboy Boots,” “Good Guy,” “Keeping The Faith,” “Best Friends & Lemon Drops,” and her current single, “Just In Case,” which is out now.

Parenting Pointers - Kindergarten Readiness

As we enter the back-to-school season, parents are busy checking off everything their children need to know before kindergarten but knowing their ABCs and 123s may not be the best measure of whether a child is actually ready for the classroom.

Elizabeth Fraley, founder of Kinder Ready, a personalized kindergarten-readiness and private-school preparation program that assesses children's academic, social and emotional development and uses those insights to guide individualized learning, and a former kindergarten teacher, says social and emotional readiness can be just as important as academic skills and there are several signs parents can look for before the first day. Her expertise has been featured by outlets including the LA Times, The Hollywood Reporter, CBS, and SFGATE, as well as Hallmark’s Home & Family.

I had a chance to interview her to learn more.

Besides academic readiness, what are some of the social and emotional skills a child should have before kindergarten?

There are many readiness skills that children entering kindergarten should know such as how to transition into starting or ending the school day. Oftentimes, entering a new school or environment requires some adjustment. Parents can talk to their children about the transition into kindergarten. Reading books that discuss bravery, independence, and growing up is key for children to understand the changes and cope with them accordingly. For example, the book, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a great example of a raccoon that will begin school and how the baby and mother raccoon navigate that change. 

Using literacy to create moments of understanding and learning social skills is advantageous for both teachers and families. Second, prepare your child for problem solving. They may be trying something new like learning to read or solving a problem on the playground when something doesn't go their way. Children need opportunities to problem solve independently. At school, particularly in kindergarten they will face scenarios requiring flexible thinking and problem-solving skills. 

How can emotional readiness impact academic readiness?

Emotional readiness and academic readiness are deeply intertwined. Teachers and parents should strive to develop social skills in the early years so children can regulate, solve problems, and take on new learning seamlessly. It is more important to have a child that is emotionally well-adjusted and has developed social skills than a child that knows all the content but can't regulate or follow directions. Learning is much more challenging for the child, family, teacher, and classroom when social skills have not been developed and addressed. Early intervention in social skills is paramount for a successful transition into an academic based learning environment, which we find in kindergarten today. 

What are some signs a child isn't ready for the transition?

Children who have difficulty sitting for 15-20 minute increments.

Children who are reserved or unable to make social connections.

Children who cannot consistently follow simple one step directions consistently. 

What can families practice at home before school starts to help them prepare for kindergarten routines?

Families can work on sleep schedules ahead of going back to school. 

Families can get the school schedule ahead of time and discuss the layout of the academic day with your child. Families can take advantage of summer mixers, socials, and Back To School nights ahead of time to meet teachers, visit the schools, and engage with families that will be attending the school for a smooth transition. As summer vacations wind down and the return to school approaches, children can work on simple writing or drawing tasks, review letters and numbers, and practice following simple directions. Enlist a rising first grader buddy to help your child learn about the year ahead. Kids love to connect with and learn from others.   

How can families specifically address helping children become more comfortable with separation?

Children and families can take advantage of summer programs ahead of school, allowing the child to experience a new learning setting. Continue reading books about separation both for parents and children. An excellent read about separation for parents is The Connected Goodbye by Sarah Gordon. Parents can discuss the drop off on the first day of school, describing what it will look like and feel like. Children may benefit from a stuffed animal or a picture book of  family pictures to bring some familiarity to a new situation of separation.  Children may also benefit from a social story that describes the drop-off, mentioning that Mom and Dad will "be back to bring me home" at the end." Pictures in the story showing the child going though the steps in their day, will also help them realize that there will be time at school with teachers and friend and evening time with family at home. 

Movie MInute - Beware Boiúnaa

Deep in the Amazon, a medical mission spirals into a fight for survival when Boiúna, a colossal ancient predator, awakens to reclaim her domain. In the jungle where nature holds absolute power, she decides who lives and who dies.

Lionsgate presents, a Constantin Film/JB Pictures production, in association with North.Five.Six.

Fun Freetime - Tricks, Treats and Magic: WonderWorks Orlando Brings a Spooktacular Twist to Halloween

Spooky season is upon us, and families will want to add a visit to The Outta Control Spooktacular Magic Dinner Show to their fall line up to add some magic and fun to the month of October. Located inside WonderWorks Orlando on International Drive, this special version of Orlando’s longest-running dinner show is returning for the 2026 Halloween season! Gather your coven and plan an evening at the show that’s sure to be one of Orlando’s fall favorites. Catch nightly performances from October 5-31, 2026 at 6 pm, with additional shows every Friday and Saturday at 8 pm.

“Nobody does Halloween like Orlando, so we’re thrilled to add a unique, family-friendly entertainment experience into the mix of things to do! Be sure to carve out some time to see this festive overlay of our popular magic show,” said Brian Wayne, general manager at WonderWorks Orlando.

The Outta Control Spooktacular Magic Dinner Show gives families an opportunity to fall into a magical evening at a top-tier Orlando attraction. The Spooktacular is a new, special version of the upside-down house’s popular magic show, taking on a fall harvest feel that will be sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. It will feature candy-based magic, mystical mind reading, costumed characters, and more. There will be plenty of fun for all ages, and a friendly spirit may even appear to the audience.

The show stars resident magician Phillip Kaiser performing five nights per week, with ghoulish guest magicians being showcased throughout the rest of the week. Each magician will perform their own mystical magic tricks, making each show a unique experience. Audiences will be able to dine on unlimited cheese and pepperoni pizza, house salad, and soda, plus a special, delicious dessert created for monsters of all ages.

Those ages 21 and above can add some fall flavor to their meal, with several specialty cocktails available for purchase. The special seasonal drinks include the Cinnamon Harvest, made with cranberry juice, orange juice, ginger beer, and a splash of cinnamon Jose Cuervo, or the Apple Orchard Mule, which consists of refreshing apple cider, ginger beer, and Tennessee Apple Whiskey.

The frightfully fun evening gives guests a spooktacular place to go all dressed up, because audiences are encouraged to attend in costume or themed attire to add to the magic of the season. Everyone who attends dressed in costume will be entered into a special prize raffle, with a winner being selected at the end of the Halloween season. Tickets for The Outta Control Spooktacular Magic Dinner Show start at $27.99, plus tax, and often sell out. Tickets can be easily reserved online now.

“We’ve got plenty of tricks and treats up our sleeves this Halloween season!” said Phillip Kaiser, resident magician at The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show. “This spooktacular show will be a blend of my best themed tricks to thrill guests of all ages.”

The show is sure to inspire young audience members to become future magicians, so stop in the Shop of Wonders to take home a piece of the magic. There is a full section of individual magic tricks and full magic kits to wow friends and family. The gift shop will also include special “Think Pink” t-shirts to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, and limited-time-offered Route 66 t-shirts to commemorate the iconic highway’s 100^th anniversary in November.

To keep up on the latest from the show, ticket discounts, events, and more, follow the Facebook pages of The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show and WonderWorks. WonderWorks Orlando is located at 9067 International Drive and is open 365 days a year. It offers a variety of educational and student group opportunities, including visits for schools, scouts, team builders, holiday parties, and more. With over 100 hands-on, interactive exhibits to explore, there is something for everyone inside. There are six STEAM Wonder Zones to explore, a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, laser tag, a 4D XD Motion Theater, and the nightly family-friendly magic dinner show. To learn more about the possibilities or get ticket information, visit the site: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/orlando.

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, the upside-down adventure, is a science-focused indoor amusement park for the mind that holds something unique and exciting for visitors of all ages. Guests enter through an upside-down lobby, where the ceiling is at their feet, and the ground is above their heads. They must pass through an Inversion Tunnel to turn themselves right side up. There are three floors of nonstop "edu-tainment," featuring over 100 hands-on and interactive exhibits that serve a STEM educational purpose, challenging the mind and sparking the imagination. WonderWorks Orlando is also home to The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. WonderWorks is in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, Syracuse, and Branson. For more information, visit WonderWorksonline.com, and follow @WonderWorksORL on Facebook and X (Twitter), @WonderWorks_ORL on Instagram, and @WonderWorksOfficial on TikTok.

 

Book Nook - Chronic Chaos: A Son’s Addiction, a Mother’s Love, and Her Quest to Find Joy

 Over 48 million Americans (roughly 1 in 6) battle a substance use disorder. Over 21 million adults struggle with co-occurring mental illness alongside substance abuse. Despite these figures, less than 25% of individuals who need treatment receive it. It’s clear that reducing the stigma around mental health and addiction is paramount. [Source]

Ann Marie Farino is a speaker for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention and a philanthropist whose son Richard struggled with a substance abuse disorder and died by suicide.

 

“My compassion for my son grew as I understood drug addiction from different angles,” Farino says. “The disease affects the brain’s reward system, decision-making, behavior, and self-control. As users build a tolerance, they need more of the drug to feel normal. Normal was how Richard described feeling when he was on drugs.”

Farino details the journey of losing her Richard in Chronic Chaos: A Son’s Addiction, a Mother’s Love, and Her Quest to Find Joy. Farino fostered wholeness and devotion to her family: she was the ideal mother and wife. Until the unspeakable occurred, turning her life upside down. She sought to understand the complexities of addiction and mental illness and to heal her heart.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

What were some of the initial signs that pointed to your son's struggles with depression and substance abuse?

“The initial sign occurred when he was six. My husband and I were headed out for a date night and had a sitter. Richard decided he didn’t like the sitter, grabbed his Hobby Horse and plunged its stick through a bay window in our living room. For some reason, the sitter didn’t bother to call to tell us but as it happened we returned home early. I was on the walkway when I saw Richard’s arm through the hole in the window, waving and calling ‘Hi Mommy!’ I mean can you imagine? Somehow, I managed not to panic, hurried inside and carefully extracted his arm from the shattered glass of the window. It was only after my husband and I hugged Richard and began to gently ask him questions, that he showed any fear about what he had done.

Richard’s behavior escalated through elementary school. I mean, sometimes he and his friends were involved in pranks, sometimes it was much more concerning behavior. At one point, he and a friend were goofing off and saying they were going to make crank calls and prank authorities, call hotlines, 911, that sort of thing. His teacher overheard and called the dean who called my husband and I in for a meeting about the various ways Richard was acting out. After a few more pranks, Richard was sent to military school from seventh through eighth grade. Unfortunately, the older cadets taught him how to smoke pot, gave him cigarettes, and taught him how to drive a car. He was 12 years old! 

The education system was always a trigger for him. He said he felt like he was in a black hole while he was there, that he was falling and failing and couldn’t catch up. We got him tutors but that wasn’t the issue, not really. He got him a therapist, which helped but not enough. The school system just wasn’t a good fit for my boy.

What is the current landscape of addiction treatment options in the US?

It’s been sixteen years since I’ve had to navigate the addiction treatment system. I can recommend hiring a good educational consultant. They assist families in locating resources, schools, and therapeutic programs.

How can families find support after the loss of a child — and why doesn't that grief have to be the only thing that defines a family moving forward?

There are a number of really good options for support. I think the bigger issue is allowing oneself to recognize one’s own limitations and accept help. To be willing to move beyond the pain and into what might come next. The pain of losing a child—that’s a wound that stays with you for life. But it doesn’t mean you can be joyful again. You are alive and must keep living. I believe that. When we live, we honor those whose lives were cut short.

People often don't know what to say when loss comes up in conversation. What are some ways that people can respond thoughtfully, and how does it change depending on whether the grief is fresh or has been carried for longer?

Stop talking after you say “I’m sorry.” That’s my advice. Most people fumble and end up saying something that is inadvertently hurtful. So just say that you’re sorry and then take action. Don’t worry about bothering them and don’t ask if there’s anything you can do. Just send a card, drop off a meal, sit quietly with them. Hold space and let them have their emotions. These are the most meaningful acts of love you can engage in when someone is grieving.

Ann Marie Farino has three children—two on earth and one in heaven. In June of 2016, her son, Richard, died by suicide. Ann Marie speaks to audiences of all ages about addiction, suicide, grief, and the millions of moments that remind us we are not alone.

 A noted philanthropist, she committed to service when she was fifteen, and her passion continues. Ann Marie is a volunteer speaker for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention speaker series, has served Illinois Club for Catholic Women; The Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide Project of Chicago; and Loyola University, among others.

 A former professional interior designer, she is also a real estate broker with the Trace Team, who have exponentially grown their business each year to become one of the top-producing teams in Illinois. Ann Marie divides her time between a home in Chicago and one near Miami.

Connect with Ann Marie Farino: 

Website: annmariefarino.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-farino-8939451b6/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amfarino/