As we head into the holidays, it’s easy to feel weighed down by headlines, higher costs of living, and the sense that our communities are more disconnected than ever. In this episode, Gavin sits down with Michael Smith, CEO of the Greater Valdosta United Way and newly elected Lowndes County Commissioner, to talk about why our neighbors need us now more than ever—and how even small acts of generosity can change a life.

Michael shares his journey from private business to leading a regional United Way, the reality behind working families living with little margin, and how tools like the ALICE report and the 988 mental health line reveal what people are really facing. They dig into the decline in volunteering after COVID, the unique pressures on South Georgia families, and why loving where you live means getting involved, not waiting on “someone else” to fix it.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does my $10 a month, a few hours of volunteering, or serving on a local board really matter?”—this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with practical ways to give, serve with your family, support your local church and nonprofits, and bring real hope to your community this holiday season and beyond.

In this powerful and timely conversation, Gavin sits down with Pastor Michael Dow of Habitation Church to explore what it truly means to live as a Christian in today’s political climate. With local elections on the horizon, they unpack how believers can engage in civic life without losing sight of their ultimate allegiance—to Christ and His Kingdom.

Together, they discuss the tension between faith and politics, the difference between being in the world but not of it, and how to navigate complex cultural conversations with truth, love, and integrity. From the importance of raising image-bearers (our children) to the biblical call to be ambassadors and bridge builders, this episode challenges listeners to think deeply about identity, representation, and the eternal hope found in Jesus—not in any political party or policy.

If you’ve ever wrestled with how to balance your faith with civic responsibility, or how to stand for truth without adding to division, this episode will equip and encourage you to build bridges, not walls.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to approach politics through a Kingdom lens and live as a faithful witness in a polarized world.

In this special joint episode, the Do Life Well Podcast teams up with Southwell Medical’s Live Well With Southwell podcast to tackle an issue that impacts us all—mental health.

Host Gavin Merwin sits down with Liza Tillman, Public Relations Director at Southwell and host of Live Well With Southwell, along with Amanda Ramshead, Behavioral Health Service Line Director at Southwell. Together, they dive into what it means to care for your mental health in today’s noisy, always-on world.

From breaking down stigmas and sharing personal experiences, to exploring therapy, medication, and practical lifestyle tips like exercise, sleep, and gratitude—this conversation is packed with honest insights and encouragement. Whether you’ve been considering therapy, want strategies for daily wellness, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode offers wisdom and hope.

🎙️ Tune in for a thoughtful dialogue on how we can all navigate life’s challenges, quiet the noise, and embrace mental wellness as part of doing life well.