Big Huntsville Podcast

Carl Thomas
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Get ready to experience Huntsville like never before with The Big Huntsville Podcast! This lively show highlights the city’s unsung heroes, quirky spots, and unforgettable stories. Hosted by Carl Thomas—Realtor, singer, and host of The American Dream—his big personality and love for Huntsville shine through every episode. From heartwarming tales to laugh-out-loud moments, Carl keeps it fresh, sprinkling in real estate magic to make buying, selling, and loving Huntsville more fun than ever!

  1. 10/16/2025

    Exploring Community Love Through Huntsville's Manna House - EP 22

    🚀 In this heartwarming episode of the Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas sits down with Fran Fluhler, the beloved Director of Manna House, a volunteer-led food distribution program serving thousands across Huntsville. Under her leadership, Manna House has become more than a food pantry. Fran shares her incredible journey of faith, community, and purpose — from leading hundreds of volunteers to running a hydroponic lettuce garden that feeds thousands. Hear her inspiring message about finding purpose through service, the beauty of diversity in volunteering, and how small acts of kindness can change an entire city. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Fran Fluhler – Director of Manna HouseFran Fluhler is the founder of Manna House, a Huntsville nonprofit dedicated to feeding and supporting those in need. What began as a small act of kindness grew into a vital community resource, serving thousands each week. Through Manna House, she has created a place of generosity, dignity, and hope for all. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The story and mission behind Manna House ✔️ How volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to serve ✔️ The impact of faith and compassion in leadership ✔️ How the hydroponic garden produces thousands of fresh heads of lettuce each month ✔️ The simple act of saying “yes” to service — and how it transforms lives 🎵 Whether you’re a Huntsville native or new to the community, this episode will inspire you to say “yes” to service and find purpose through giving. 💼 Connect with Fran Fluhler: 🌐 Website → https://www.mymannahouse.com/ 📸 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/mymannahouse 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    Exploring Community Love Through Huntsville's Manna House - EP 22

  2. 09/25/2025

    Exploring Community Impact: Refuge Church's Unique Outreach - EP 21

    🚀 In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas sits down with Pastor Meghan Watson, Lead Care Pastor at Refuge Church and Campus Pastor at the Refuge Hope Campus located at First Stop in Huntsville. Meghan shares her journey from licensed social worker to pastor, and how her work brings holistic care—spiritual, emotional, and physical—to Huntsville’s homeless community. Learn how hope, collaboration, and service are transforming lives across the city. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Meghan Watson – Lead Care Pastor at Refuge Church & Campus Pastor at Refuge Hope CampusMeghan Watson is the Connections & Care Pastor at Refuge Church, where she helps people connect with the church family and oversees care ministries. She holds a B.S. in Social Work from the University of Alabama and has over ten years of nonprofit experience in mental health, foster care, hospice care, and leadership. A Licensed Medical Social Worker, she has also served on several local and state boards. Meghan has been part of Refuge Church for five years and enjoys time with her family, friends, and church community. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How Refuge Church integrates social work and ministry to serve the community ✔️ Why Hope Campus was launched at First Stop to reach Huntsville’s homeless ✔️ The importance of holistic care: physical, emotional, and spiritual needs ✔️ Common misconceptions about homelessness—and how to help effectively ✔️ Opportunities for volunteering and partnering with Refuge & First Stop 🎵 Whether you’re a Huntsville local, a community leader, or simply passionate about service, this episode offers powerful insights into faith-driven outreach. 💼 Connect with Pastor Meghan Watson & Refuge Church: 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-watson-bsw-lbsw-88078891/ 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    Exploring Community Impact: Refuge Church's Unique Outreach - EP 21

  3. 08/21/2025

    Empowering Independence & Disability Advocacy - EP 20

    🚀 In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas welcomes Davina Patterson, Executive Director of the Disability Resource Network. Davina shares her journey from a 20-year career in healthcare to leading a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. From the history of the Independent Living Movement to modern challenges in disability rights, Davina highlights the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and access to resources. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Davina Patterson – Executive Director, Disability Resource Network Davina Patterson is a dedicated advocate and community leader with the Huntsville Disability Network, where she works to empower individuals with disabilities through access to resources, support services, and inclusive opportunities. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, Davina brings a strong commitment to accessibility and equity, helping bridge gaps between local agencies and the people they serve. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The mission and services of the Disability Resource Network ✔️ The history of Centers for Independent Living and the Independent Living Movement ✔️ Key disability rights milestones like the ADA and Rehab Act ✔️ The importance of accessibility, inclusion, and advocacy ✔️ How the upcoming State of Disability event with Maria Town will impact the community 🎵 Whether you’re a caregiver, advocate, or community leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights! 💼 Connect with Davina Patterson & DRN: 🌐 Website → https://www.drn256.org/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/davina.welborn/ 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    Empowering Independence & Disability Advocacy - EP 20

  4. 07/31/2025

    Healthcare Expansion and Opportunities in Huntsville - EP 19

    🚀 In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, Carl Thomas sits down with Dr. Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, a leading force behind Huntsville's medical education and clinical research advancement. As a faculty member at UAB’s Huntsville Regional Medical Campus, she shares how her team is training future doctors, expanding access to healthcare, and launching community-driven clinical trials—particularly in mental health. This is a must-watch for anyone curious about Huntsville’s growing healthcare landscape. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Dr. Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt – UAB Faculty, Physician & Clinical Research Leader Dr. Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, MD, PhD, FACP is a key figure in North Alabama’s healthcare evolution. As a faculty member at UAB Heersink School of Medicine’s Huntsville Regional Medical Campus, she mentors medical students and residents, expanding access to internal medicine training. Her work ensures Huntsville’s healthcare system keeps up with the city’s growth—by training the very doctors who will serve it. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How UAB trains future doctors to serve Huntsville’s growing population ✔️ The value of local clinical trials and how the public can participate ✔️ Addressing mental health gaps through research and care ✔️ Why community engagement is vital to medical education ✔️ The impact of clinical trials on individuals and future generations 🎵 Whether you're a local resident, aspiring doctor, or just curious about Huntsville’s growth—this episode is for you! 💼 Connect with Dr. Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt: 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-schwasinger-00ba002a9/ 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    Healthcare Expansion and Opportunities in Huntsville - EP 19

  5. 07/17/2025

    Advocacy Starts at Home: Building Support for Rare Disease Families - EP 18

    🚀 In this heartfelt episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas sits down with Sarita Edwards, founder and CEO of The E.WE Foundation. What began as a personal journey through grief and advocacy for her son Elijah, who was born with Trisomy 18, has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit supporting families navigating rare diseases. Sarita shares how her family’s experience shaped a mission that now reaches into education, healthcare policy, and grassroots support for families across the country. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Sarita Edwards  Sarita Edwards, MHA is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The E.WE Foundation, a nonprofit based in Huntsville, Alabama, dedicated to supporting families impacted by Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) and other rare diseases. With over twenty years of experience in health systems leadership, she holds a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, and national certification as a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor. A licensed minister and award-winning advocate, Sarita is recognized globally as a patient expert, serves on multiple executive advisory boards and coalitions related to healthcare and rare disease policy, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Health Sciences. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ What Trisomy 18 is—and how Sarita’s family faced the diagnosis ✔️ Why advocacy in the healthcare system starts with asking questions ✔️ How families can become empowered, not overwhelmed ✔️ The power of grassroots organizing in changing policy and care ✔️ How grief became a platform for creating systemic impact 🎵 Whether you're a parent, professional, or policy advocate—this episode delivers compassion, clarity, and a call to action. 💼 Connect with Sarita Edwards & The E.WE Foundation: 🌐 Website → https://theewefoundation.org/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/saritakedwards 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    Advocacy Starts at Home: Building Support for Rare Disease Families - EP 18

  6. 07/03/2025

    Hope and Restoration at the Downtown Rescue Mission - EP 17

    In this Big Huntsville podcast episode, Kemsley Wilton, Middle Gifts Officer at the Downtown Rescue Mission, shares how donations between $1,000–$5,000 support shelter, food, and recovery programs for the homeless. He emphasizes community involvement, the mission’s values of hope and dignity, and stories of transformation. Kemsley Wilton also reflects on gratitude and the mission’s impact. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Kemsley Wilton – Realtor, Creative Marketer, and Industry Trailblazer Kemsley Wilton serves as the Middle Gifts Officer at the Huntsville Downtown Rescue Mission, where her passion for community impact and heart for service shine through in everything she does. Known for her compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the Mission’s values, Kemsley plays a vital role in building meaningful relationships with donors and supporters — helping connect generosity with life-changing impact. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Kemsley was personally chosen by the board to represent the spirit of the organization, a testament to the deep respect she has earned from both leadership and the community. She embodies the Mission’s core values of hope, dignity, and restoration, serving not only as a team member but as a heartfelt ambassador for those the organization supports. She continues to inspire others through her work, carrying forward the Mission’s legacy of compassion and service in Huntsville and beyond. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How to build trust through authentic storytelling ✔️ The power of niche branding and media exposure ✔️ Kemsley’s approach to personal and professional growth ✔️ Mindset lessons from early challenges ✔️ Tips for agents starting in competitive markets 📇 Connect with Kemsley Wilton: 🌐 Website → https://www.downtownrescuemission.org/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemsley-wilton-67ba0b305/ 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    Hope and Restoration at the Downtown Rescue Mission - EP 17

  7. 06/26/2025

    Supporting Education and Community through Service - EP 16

    In this episode of The Big Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas talks to Susan McDougal about her incredible work in the community, from running the Alabama State and Madison County Spelling Bees to owning a travel advisory business. Susan shares her passion for supporting students, helping children excel through educational programs, and giving back to the community through her involvement with the Kiwanis Club of Huntsville. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Susan McDougal – Nonprofit Leader, Community Advocate, Travel Consultant Susan McDougal is a dedicated nonprofit leader and community advocate based in Huntsville, Alabama. She serves as the Executive Director of both the Alabama State Spelling Bee and the Madison County Spelling Bee, programs affiliated with the Scripps National Spelling Bee and sponsored by the Alabama Kiwanis Foundation.  A past president and current board member of the Kiwanis Club of Huntsville, McDougal has been instrumental in expanding the reach of the Alabama Spelling Bee program. Under her leadership, more than 750 schools across the state have registered for participation, with many local Kiwanis clubs providing support through funding, volunteerism, and event coordination. Beyond her work with spelling bees, McDougal owns and operates Suzqz Travels, a travel advisory business that also supports community initiatives. Her commitment to education and community service continues to inspire and impact countless young individuals across the state. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How the Alabama Spelling Bee program impacts students' futures ✔️ The role of the Kiwanis Club in supporting youth programs ✔️ How to get involved in the community and support local initiatives ✔️ Insights into the travel advisory business and providing unique experiences ✔️ The importance of giving back to create long-lasting change 📇 Connect with Susan McDougal: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/SuzqzTravels 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-thomas-mcdougal 🌐 Website → https://www.suzqztravels.com/ 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Big Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    Supporting Education and Community through Service - EP 16

  8. 06/19/2025

    Unlocking Israel’s History and Future - EP 15

    In this episode of The Huntsville Podcast, host Carl Thomas interviews Dr. Kevin Dieckilman about the rich history and future significance of Israel. Dr. Kevin shares his personal journey, from leading tours in Israel to uncovering archaeological artifacts that validate biblical history. They discuss Israel's cultural, spiritual, and political impact on the world and explore ways to support and understand the nation. 🎧 Hosted by: Carl Thomas 👤 Guest: 🏡 Dr. Kevin Dieckilman – Archaeologist, Tour Guide, Ministry Leader Dr. Kevin Dieckilman is a pastor, archaeologist, and educator dedicated to exploring biblical history. He is the founder of Imagine Ministries and CEO of One Heart for Israel, where he leads immersive tours and educational experiences that connect people to the Scriptures through archaeology and firsthand exploration of the Holy Land. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The importance of Israel in biblical and modern history ✔️ Archaeological discoveries that support scripture ✔️ Israel’s role in global politics and technology ✔️ How to experience Israel through virtual tours ✔️ Why supporting Israel matters 📇 Connect with Dr. Kevin Dieckilman: 🌐 Website → http://oneheartforisrael.com 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/kevin.dieckilman.5/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/dieckilman/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-dieckilman-ph-d-90172412/ 🎙 Follow Carl Thomas – The Huntsville Podcast: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Carl-Thomas/100078056746511/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carl_thomas_huntsville/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-thomas-sells 📺 YouTube → The Huntsville Podcast ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    Unlocking Israel’s History and Future - EP 15
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About

Get ready to experience Huntsville like never before with The Big Huntsville Podcast! This lively show highlights the city’s unsung heroes, quirky spots, and unforgettable stories. Hosted by Carl Thomas—Realtor, singer, and host of The American Dream—his big personality and love for Huntsville shine through every episode. From heartwarming tales to laugh-out-loud moments, Carl keeps it fresh, sprinkling in real estate magic to make buying, selling, and loving Huntsville more fun than ever!

Information

  • Creator
    Carl Thomas
  • Years Active
    2025
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Carl Thomas
  • Show Website
    Big Huntsville Podcast