Thomas Rhett, Duck Dynasty Stars & Car Seat Safety | Rise & Unwind Raleigh S2E40

Country music, compelling stories, family adventures, and practical fall tips come together on Rise & Unwind Raleigh! Kayla G hosts and chats with Michelle Pratt about common car seat mistakes. Dan G catches up with Thomas Rhett, Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds, Jep and Jessica Robertson, the filmmakers behind National Geographic’s Lion, the creative team behind Donkey Hodie, and Oak Street Health’s Jean Reidy. 📺 EPISODE BREAKDOWN 00:00 – Welcome to Rise & Unwind Raleigh Get a preview of this week’s entertainment, music, parenting, and wellness conversations. 00:35 – Brenda Blethyn & Jessica Reynolds | A Woman of Substance Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds discuss playing Emma Harte at different stages of her life in A Woman of Substance. They explore the character’s journey from poverty to power, the ambition that drives her, and why this story of determination still resonates. Plus, Brenda shares the fun of swapping Vera’s familiar wardrobe for a very different role! 04:17 – Jep & Jessica Robertson | Beyond the Bayou The Duck Dynasty favorites share their next chapter in Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou. Hear about their move from Louisiana to Texas, life at Comanche Moon Ranch, and building a community rooted in faith, family, and meaningful relationships. They also discuss welcoming guests, unplugging from busy lives, and documenting their real adventures. 08:52 – Simon Blakeney & Sophie Darlington | National Geographic’s Lion Co-executive producer Simon Blakeney and director of photography Sophie Darlington reveal what it took to follow a lion pride for nearly four years. From more than 1,400 filming days to unpredictable moments in the field, they explain how young cubs’ struggles, survival, and family dynamics become a powerful wildlife story—and why patience is essential behind the camera. 11:16 – Kristin DiQuollo & Jay Thomas Manuel | Donkey Hodie Donkey Hodie co-executive producer Kristin DiQuollo and actor and advocate Jay Thomas Manuel discuss resilience, perseverance, and celebrating small wins. Jay shares what voicing Jeff Mouse means to him as a power wheelchair user, while Kristin explains the care behind authentic disability representation. Discover how the PBS KIDS series carries Fred Rogers’ spirit into a new generation. 15:33 – Thomas Rhett | The Soundtrack to Life Tour Thomas Rhett reflects on 15 years on the road and the music that connects fans to life’s biggest moments. He shares how “Die a Happy Man” became a wedding favorite, the challenge of balancing classic hits with newer songs, and why his concert setlists keep evolving. Hear about touring with rising artists and his goal of sending fans home feeling a little lighter. 19:34 – Jean Reidy | Fall Wellness for Older Adults Jean Reidy, adult nurse practitioner with Oak Street Health, discusses preparing for an annual wellness visit and making a personalized preventive care plan. Topics include screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health, and the connection between physical and mental well-being. She also addresses social isolation during colder months and questions older adults can bring to their care team. 23:12 – Michelle Pratt | Car Seat & Booster Safety Safe in the Seat founder Michelle Pratt joins Kayla G to explain common car seat mistakes and demonstrate installation, harness, and top tether checks. They discuss rear-facing and forward-facing transitions, why children may need boosters longer than parents expect, and how a certified child passenger safety technician can help families check their setup. 27:59 – Until Next Time, Raleigh! Kayla wraps up this week’s show with more entertainment and helpful conversations ahead. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS A Woman of Substance / BritBox: https://www.britbox.com/ Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou: https://www.pureflix.com/beyond-the-b... National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/ Donkey Hodie / PBS KIDS: https://www.pbs.org/parents/shows/don... Thomas Rhett – Tour Dates & Tickets: https://www.thomasrhett.com/ Oak Street Health: https://www.oakstreethealth.com/ Ford From the Road: https://www.fordfromtheroad.com/ NHTSA – Car Seat Safety & Inspection Resources: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/... 👍 Enjoyed the episode? Like, subscribe, and share! Tell us in the comments: Which Thomas Rhett song takes you back to a special moment? Follow Rise & Unwind on social media for more guest conversations and helpful tips between episodes. #RiseAndUnwind #RaleighNC #ThomasRhett #DuckDynasty #AWomanOfSubstance #DonkeyHodie #CarSeatSafety #NationalGeographic