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Real Talk with Tina and Ann

Tina and Ann met as journalists covering a capital murder trial 18 years ago. Tina is a broadcaster, mom of three boys, and caregiver to her mom. Ann has a master's in counseling and has worked in the jail system, was director of a battered woman's shelter/rape crisis center, worked as an assistant director at a school for children with autism, worked with abused kids and is currently raising her three children who have autism. The duo share their stories of overcoming and interview people who are making it, despite what has happened. This is more than just two moms sharing their lives. This is two women who have overcome some of life's hardest obstacles. Join us every Wednesday as we go through life's journey together. There is purpose in the pain and hope in the journey!

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Real Talk with Tina and Ann

Recent Episodes

Aug. 20, 2025

Blessed and highly favored: One lady’s story of growing programs for youth & transforming community

Send us a text Miss Betty Smith shares her incredible journey from childhood poverty to creating a state-of-the-art arts education center that transforms young lives in Canton, Ohio. At 84, she dances in parades, leads drumlines, and builds programs that give children alternatives to gang recruitme…
Aug. 13, 2025

Chiseling through Trauma: The Jon Hair story part 2

Send us a text Sculptor Jon Hair’s life is a masterclass in perseverance and purpose. Abandoned by his mother and raised in poverty and an orphanage called The Home for the Friendless, Jon’s journey from hardship to hope is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, he shares how he transform…
Aug. 8, 2025

The Power of Positive Thinking: Redirecting Your Thoughts for Success

Send us a text Ann explores the power of manifesting through intention and action rather than perfectionism, inspired by Halle Berry's insight about focusing on what we want instead of what we don't want. • Manifesting isn't about magic but about aligning thoughts, beliefs, and actions • You don't …
Aug. 6, 2025

From Orphanage to Olympic Sculptor: John Hair's Remarkable Journey

Send us a text John Hair's journey from a one-room schoolhouse basement to becoming the official Olympic sculptor exemplifies resilience and determination against overwhelming odds. His inspiring story shows how talent combined with extraordinary persistence can overcome childhood trauma, family ab…
July 30, 2025

The Weight of Silence: Family Secrets and Identity

Send us a text Ann and returning guest Denise Bard explore how family secrets shape our identity, relationships, and sense of self, inspired by the Mariska Hargitay documentary "My Mom, Jane." They share personal experiences with secrets kept from them that affected their core identities and discus…
July 23, 2025

Let's Talk Self-Worth with the Founder of the Self-Worth Initiative

Deborah Weed, creator of The Luckiest Penny musical and founder of the Self-Worth Initiative, went from being bedridden and broken to becoming a fierce advocate for self-worth. After learning that a rare 1943 copper penny was worth over a million dollars, she had a powerful realization: even things…

Recent Blog Posts

Aug. 13, 2025

When Pain and Passion Meet There is Purpose

“When pain and passion meet, you have purpose.”Let that settle for a second. Most of us spend a good portion of our lives trying to avoid pain and chasing passion as if it’s only reserved for the lucky or the chosen. But what if y…

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Aug. 6, 2025

Becoming Your Best Self, No Matter Where you Start

In today's episode, we’re getting real about something that’s not just inspirational, it’s transformational. Let’s talk about the journey from broken beginnings to becoming your best self. Now, maybe you weren’t techn…

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July 30, 2025

Family Secrets and Identity: Reclaiming the Narrative They Tried to W…

“When you grow up inside a secret, you learn how to survive in silence. But survival isn’t the same as living.” On this episode of Real Talk with Tina and Ann, I sat down with my dear friend and returning guest Denise Bard to unpa…

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About the Hosts

Ann Kagarise Profile Photo

Ann Kagarise

Writer/Podcaster

What do I say about myself? I love telling other people's stories, but hmmmm...Let me think.
When I think about my life, I have so many chapters. I am a very compartmentalized person.
I am first of all a mom of 5 kids. Yep...5!
I am a grandma to 5 beautiful children! All gingers lol.
I am a writer, author, podcaster, oh my gosh...I've been a journalist, columnist, hard news writer for print. I have actually won quite a few awards for my writing.
I am a photographer. I LOVE getting the money shot and capturing life! I do have a website called Spectrum Photography, but I have it offline more than on because I cannot figure out how to make the pictures work on Etsy lol. I'm not good at that kind of stuff.
I very much am an autistic individual, ADHD and dyslexic. Yep I got it all lol. I'm not that great a executive functioning, but I have many great ideas! I am trying to put things into fruition, but it just takes me longer and I probably make more mistakes, but I don' give up!!!
I have had many lives in the working world. I've worked in the jail system with helping women and talking with them, praying with them. I was the director of a battered woman's shelter/rape crisis center. I oversaw the crisis hotline at the center. I worked with abused boys. I was an Assistant Director at a school for kids with autism. I was a head swim coach for 12 years. Yep--former swimmer myself lol.
I was adopted. I've adopted 5 kids. And if you want to know the history of my crazy buffet of a family lol...I will tell you, but not here. You will have to join the podcast and hear it on there. I do share about my life. But you have to tune in.
That’s me in a nutshell… okay, maybe more like a cracked, slightly dented nutshell rolling down the yellow brick road chasing a dream. Lions and tigers and OH...Wi-Fi... oh Wait—where was I? Oh right. I was raised in the glorious pre-phone days of the '70s and '80s—back when we had to actually write letters, lick stamps, and pray our crush was home to answer the phone that was attached to the wall. No internet, no cell phones, and “lol” wasn’t a thing (though we laughed out loud just fine without it). But hey, us vintage folks? We adapt... lol.
Give me a call or message me. I'll answer.

Real Talk with Tina and Ann

Host--Tina!! Profile Photo

Host--Tina!!

Tina is an amazing Radio personality in the morning! She has been a journalist for decades and brings her own spice to the podcast!
She is a mom of three boys and brings her wit and wisdom to the podcast when Ann and Tina banter and bring real life to your listening ears!

Reviews

Informative and Timely

"This podcast is an excellent choice for staying informed while enjoying an entertaining conversation."

Marykelly25 | July 4, 2023

Excellent pod!

"Great topics and thoughts!"

Mxsandy12 | Aug. 31, 2023

I can't wait until the next episode

"Tina and Ann are so good that as soon as they are done, I can't wait until the next. It is engaging and always entertaining. I learn so much and I feel like I'm not on this journey of life, alone. Th…"

Annied1234 | Sept. 15, 2023

So Real

"Tina and Ann are as real as they say. Thank you for making a difference!"

Elizabeth | Sept. 26, 2023