Birthright of Memphis has been helping women and families in the Memphis community for more than 50 years, offering support during unexpected or crisis pregnancies. In this episode, Amy sits down with Executive Director Kyleigh Glisson and Director of Development Wesley Wade to talk about what happens when someone walks through Birthright’s doors—and why sometimes the most important thing they can offer is simply a place where someone feels welcomed, heard, and not alone.

Kyleigh and Wesley share the many ways Birthright supports families, from pregnancy testing and counseling to parenting classes, maternity clothes, baby supplies, and connections to resources for food, housing, transportation, and other needs. They also talk about the importance of community and the volunteers who help create a network of support for moms and dads who may not have one.

Both women have deeply personal reasons for the work they do. Wesley shares how her own adoption and her mother's teenage pregnancy became part of her “why” for working at Birthright. Kyleigh talks about leaving a career in hair, returning to college, and discovering through her internships at Birthright that this was where she was meant to be. Together, they explain why the hardest days can also be the most rewarding—and why a smile, a hug, encouragement, and simply treating someone with dignity can make such a difference.

Quote of the Episode

“There is hope beyond struggle.” – Kyleigh Glisson

Guest Links

Birthright of Memphis: https://birthrightofmemphis.org/

Birthright relies on volunteers and donations to provide support and material needs for families. Items such as diapers, baby clothing, bottles, blankets, and books are among the things they can use. They also welcome volunteers, community service projects, school projects, and other ways the community can get involved.

Topics Covered

Birthright of Memphis | Pregnancy support | Parenting | Adoption | Community | Volunteering | Nonprofit organizations | Family support | Motherhood | Service | Faith | Finding your “why” | Memphis

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A little over four years ago, at just 11 years old, Margo Clothier sat down at the beach with a pen and paper and wrote her first song. Today, at 15, she's already a singer-songwriter with four released songs, a growing catalog of original music, a passion for theater, and big dreams that include Broadway and performing on major stages. In this episode, Amy sits down with Margo to talk about how a simple creative moment at the beach turned into a serious pursuit of music and songwriting.

Margo shares how she turns ideas, experiences, and conversations with friends and family into songs, the challenges of writing lyrics and melodies, and why her next album will take her in a country direction. She talks about her musical influences, learning guitar, performing live, overcoming stage nerves, and the excitement of seeing her music reach listeners around the world through social media and streaming platforms. She also reveals that she recently auditioned for American Idol and was selected from thousands of applicants for an American Songwriters Association opportunity.

Beyond music, Margo talks about growing up as one of five siblings, the importance of having friends who support and encourage one another, her love of theater, and her dreams of performing on Broadway and at major venues. The episode also features a special treat: Margo performs a portion of her unreleased song “My Best Friend,” which she wrote for her father.

At the heart of the conversation is a simple message from Margo for anyone who has a creative dream: don't overthink it—just start. Her story is an encouraging reminder that sometimes a small idea, pursued with curiosity and determination, can become the beginning of something much bigger.

Quote of the Episode

“Just do it. If there's nothing stopping you from doing it, then just go for it.” -Margo Clothier

Guest Links

Margo Marie Music

Instagram: @margomariemusic

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/margomariemusic

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4iZISaFoYXNHjH5DBF0QZt

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/margo-marie/1713277507

Topics Covered

Singer-songwriter | Songwriting | Music | Performing | Theater | Broadway dreams | American Idol | Creative inspiration | Overcoming stage nerves | Family | Sibling relationships | Friendship | Following your dreams | Music career

Connect

Visit our website: amykeyspodcast.com

Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/amykeyspodcast

Have a story to share? Email: amykeyspodcast@gmail.com

If you enjoy Just a Thought with Amy Keys, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves inspiring stories about family, history, travel, and personal growth.

What does it mean to truly welcome someone who has nowhere else to go? In this episode, Amy sits down with Rene Platten to talk about Room in the Inn, a Memphis ministry that provides people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to sleep, a warm meal, and something just as important—a sense of dignity, connection, and belonging. Rene shares how one encounter with a man waiting for a bed changed the course of her life and inspired her to help create more shelter for people in need.

Rene explains how Room in the Inn began, how the ministry has grown in Memphis, and why the need extends far beyond what many people realize. She and Amy discuss the growing number of families and children experiencing homelessness, the realities of the working poor, and the many circumstances—including job loss, rising rents, domestic violence, illness, and family crises—that can leave someone without a home. They also challenge common stereotypes about homelessness and emphasize the importance of seeing the person rather than simply seeing their circumstances.

The conversation also explores the powerful impact Room in the Inn has on its volunteers. From preparing meals and making beds to doing laundry or simply sitting down and sharing a meal with a guest, there are countless ways to help. Rene explains why the goal isn't to change people overnight, but simply to love them, while Amy reflects on the unexpected blessings, gratitude, and human connection she has experienced through the ministry. Most importantly, they offer a challenge to listeners: step outside your comfort zone, stop stereotyping, and consider how you can help provide someone with a safe place to land.

Quote of the Episode

"Our job is not to change them, it's to love them." -Rene Platten

Guest Links

Room in the Inn Memphis – https://ritimemphis.org

Topics Covered

Homelessness | Room in the Inn | Memphis | Families experiencing homelessness | Children and homelessness | Working poor | Affordable housing | Domestic violence | Volunteer opportunities | Faith | Community | Compassion | Breaking stereotypes | Helping others

Connect

Visit our website: amykeyspodcast.com

Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/amykeyspodcast

Have a story to share? Email: amykeyspodcast@gmail.com

If you enjoy Just a Thought with Amy Keys, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves inspiring stories about family, history, travel, and personal growth.