Broadminded, a show on Sirius/XM Radio, is hosted by real-life friends, Christine Eads and Molly Dedham who met in college, lived together in LA and even dated the same guy. The "Broads" discuss a wide range of topics from sex, men, entertainment, to life in general. The show debuted on XM Radio in October 2005 and is currently heard in the 8AM-10AM time slot.

Local Athletes Run Marathon for Children

“…and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

Those words were never truer than for the runners of the Inaugural Jerusalem Marathon held on March 25, 2011. Finishers in every marathon realize the perseverance it takes to not only train and complete the race but also to break through both the physical and mental “wall” of a marathon before the finish line is even in sight. The combination of this racecourse with its hills of biblical proportions and recent terror activity made for an even greater challenge to its participants.

Two days prior to the marathon, Jerusalem had its first deadly terror attack in many years. Runners were concerned this might cause the race to be canceled but Mayor Nir Barkat, a five-time veteran marathoner, had different ideas. He said “We will not be terrorized. We will continue living our lives and opening up Jerusalem for the benefit of the world to enjoy. There are no cancelations and our plans are on track.” “The real Jerusalem will be showcased in the marathon- a peaceful, happy and healthy city which is more beautiful than ever.”

It was only last October when Reverend (Dr.) Helen Fleming realized that many women veterans were homeless. The pastor of the Douglas Memorial United Methodist Church since 2005, Rev Fleming was busy restoring her church and developing spiritual leadership among its congregation. But when she heard about the plight of homeless female veterans, she knew she had received another calling.

Rev Fleming felt an immediate connection with these women. “I was in shock,” she recalled. “I said, ‘What are we doing as a church? We’ve got to do something. That’s part of our responsibility.’” Within weeks Rev Fleming developed a plan and contacted the pastors of the Urban Connection of Greater Washington, a cluster of 13 urban Methodist churches. Most signed on, and less than two months later, the Women Veteran Resource Center held their first open house at her church. By then Rev Fleming had garnered the support of the Washington, DC’s Executive Office of The Mayor/Office of Veteran Affairs and the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“Goin’ to the Chapple” is a phrase Holly Chapple has heard a time or two, being one of the most sought after floral designers in the DC area. Her creative and artistic arrangements have graced numerous venues for over 19 years.

Holly Chapple grew up in Loudoun County with a family that had a love for gardening. Her father built his own greenhouse in Leesburg (currently the Meadow’s Farms on Route 7). It was when Holly married and moved to Lucketts that her flower arranging began. “The property was blooming with peony, lilac, and hydrangea. At the same time, the Leesburg Garden Show started and I would go bringing bouquets from my garden. People started asking if I did weddings and events.” The rest is history. Holly is driven and passionate about her business while striving to create the best products. “As long as my business is not rolling over other people but has a basic principal of providing an excellent product with integrity, then I am doing great. My work is my heart and my art. In my studio, each design is customized for the client. I give serious attention to detail and we put a lot of love into each piece. Fine is not good enough. The pieces have to be sexy, unique, and yes, perfect.” However, perfect does not come without a price. Holly works day and night to make her business what it is and is blessed to be able to operate from her home in order to oversee the lives of her seven children, ranging in ages from 2-23. “I always knew that I wanted a large family but I never dreamed it would be this big. When my husband and I went on our 15th wedding anniversary to St. Lucia, we had 2 boys and 2 girls and we thought we were done. It’s hard to believe all the beautiful and amazing gifts marriage can bring if you just hang in there.”

Vena Maharaj is a study in duality: old world and new, sweet and firm, down home and ultra modern, loving mother and firm boss. And what is so enchanting about this soft-spoken woman is that she moves seamlessly through these qualities with grace and ease.

It’s partially rooted in the struggles she and husband Dave faced when they first arrived in the US in the 70s from Trinidad and Tobago. Theirs is a story of triumph and building the American dream, while still retaining the culture and heritage of their land of birth. And it is a story about determination, hard work and faith.

It's obvious that they are related. There is something there that is similar, a connection. But they are not the same. Brigitta Toruño and Brigitta White are mother and daughter. Both were born in Northern Virginia yet maintain their diverse cultural backgrounds. And both are business owners. But if your idea of an entrepreneur is a frazzled, multi-tasking and stressed-out individual, you are wrong in both cases. They are successful, no doubt, but both have that envious calm that comes from being in control while doing what you love.

Mothers and daughters often have special bonds and they are no different. But watching these two in action, you can't help but be awed by the amount of respect and admiration held for one another. “I am constantly amazed by my daughter,” remarks mom Brigitta. “She has a unique combination of being incredibly strong-willed at the same time she is compassionate.” Daughter Brigitta attributes a similar seemingly contradictory pair of adjectives for her mother, saying "I've always seen my mom as a powerful businesswoman who is so very humble."

Any of us who are parents can agree that our goal is to keep our children safe. We want them to be protected from the ridicule that they can face, the bullying that can happen and the predators that lurk online in their now technology-centered world. But is this even achievable?

Jill Stelfox, CEO of Code 9 Mobile has created a program to keep parents informed. “It came from the simple idea that we, as parents, are not always aware who may be reaching out to our kids or what our kids may be doing with their cell phone. We do not know whether our kids are bullying others or if they are being bullied themselves. The worst part is that we are paying the bill each month.” Jill is certain that if parents know what is happening they will take an active role to fix it. She should know. She uses it with her own son. Her program offers parents the opportunity to purchase software that can be downloaded into their phone so they can see everything – from the occasional “lol,” to the cuss words, suicidal threats and drug innuendos. Filters have been added so parents can choose what they want to see while still being able to give kids their privacy. “I wanted to give parents the option to choose what they want to watch.” Parents have the ability to block people that are bullying or stalking their children or even determine whether they want their children to get text messages during the school day.

I AM Modern recently sat down with business entrepreneur, Honi Borden to discuss her successful career. She will be publishing her first children's inspirational book: An Angel In An Accident, later in the year.