Annie Potts spoke to me about her newly formed charity, The Heart Channels.

The story of how it came to be is beautiful podcast kismet. It’s often said, usually weighing whether or not to do something, that “you can’t get a hit if you don’t swing.” A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a social media post about Annie Potts and the non-profit organization she and others have started. Having followed Annie’s accounts over the years, I sensed that this was a big step for her – a public and visible permanence for her efforts.

At The Heart Channels “contact us” page I introduced myself and pitched Advanced TV Herstory. Within a fed days, we had arrived at a date and time. I sent off my interview outline.

Listen to the episode and learn more about The Heart Channels and how it came to be.

Here’s a side note from someone who spent a career in public relations, communication and marketing. If it’s your duty to monitor inquiries from contact pages or a general email, please reply. If it’s a sincere and legit message or request, at least acknowledge receipt. This goes for HR departments too. When people wonder why the world has grown cold, my answer is the lost of common courtesy. Silence isn’t golden, it’s rude and disrespectful.

The cure to the loneliness epidemic is to make a connection. In my case, this interview represented a wicked smattering of many past roles I’ve filled: public policy, non-profit governance, fundraising, lifelong TV fan, philanthropist and caregiver. 

Annie’s message was inspiring and encouraging. We simply can’t wait for others to rise to the occasion of compassion and care.