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Episode OO1: Suzanne Miller
Meet Uber-connector and mother of Fort Collins, Suzanne Miller, who has stepped into a role of creating a pay-it-forward movement, Do A Liz Thing, due to a tragic event in her own life and the friends who surrounded her. Listen as she speaks the truth and focuses on the importance of making the most of your life.
Episode OO2: Patti Smith, RN
Meet retired nurse and entrepreneur, Patti Smith, who took an idea and built it into an art exhibit to benefit the community of Fort Collins as well as the addition of history course curriculum from elementary to college-age levels. Her Legacy: Women of Fort Collins highlights the prominent and courageous female trailblazers who leave behind a legacy in our community.
Episode 003: Courtney Santana
Meet musician, vocalist, actress, new author of Off Kilter, and community volunteer and activist, Courtney Santana. As a survivor of domestic violence and abuse, Courtney takes her experience and gives back in order to ensure opportunities for other domestic violence victims and survivors are in place through the Survive2Thrive Foundation.
Episode 004: Jason McCullough
Every day, a child is lost to the streets.
In this episode, we meet college student Jason McCullough, talk about his journey in philanthropy dating back to when he began serving with his family in non-profit organizations at age 5. Jason created his own non-profit organization called Closed Eyes Open Heart to treat, educate, and empower transitional aged homeless youth in South Los Angeles.
“Develop a true passion and it will set you apart and help you develop true empathy.”
Episode 005: Christ Clinic Fort Collins
“There is a connection between physical and spiritual health and in addition to the physical care, we want to be able to provide the spiritual care to those who desire it.” ~ Dr. Rich Simmons, Medical Director, and Kathy Simmons, Clinic Director.
The Christ Clinic accomplishes its mission by providing free primary care in an appointment-only, outpatient setting to those who are uninsured and do not have access to providers. The Christ Clinic provides family medicine care for all members of the family with the goal to develop ongoing relationships between patients and the Christ Clinic.
Episode 006: Regeanie Corona
“THAT is transformation because you know you have changed a person’s life." Regeanie Corona is Founder & CEO of Advancing the Seed, a non-profit organization to help youth find their path to prosperity through entrepreneurial education aimed at financial literacy and stability.
Listen to her journey beginning in cybersecurity to becoming an entrepreneur, business development strategist and coach, speaker, author, and social change agent. Regeanie has truly learned to embrace her gifts that has led her to serve both youth and young adults, creating a track record of starting non-profit organizations in 30 days or less, and how she continues to move through fear and not let anything hold her back in walking in her purpose and what she was uniquely created to do.
Episode 007: FoCo Cafe
FoCo (Feeding Our Community Ourselves) Café is NOT only a restaurant where you can enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal with local, sustainable, and organic ingredients, but also provides food to anyone regardless of their ability to pay. The FoCo Café also has many resources to help serve our community such as a free refrigerator, non-perishable food cupboard, and a giving tree with basic need items to include toiletries and clothing.
In this episode, we chat with Mallory Garneau, Executive Director of the FoCo Café as she fills us in on this is incredible non-profit organization and business who has an incredible ASK of coming in to have lunch and paying it forward.
Episode 008: Cherie Mathews
“Open your mind to innovative thinking in everything you do.”
~ Cherie Mathews
From computer engineer to PE teacher, to becoming an entrepreneur and business owner, Cherie Mathews teaches you how to look at the world through a different lens through her curious and questioning mind along with her passion to solve a problem and serve a need. In this episode, we follow Cherie’s journey through pioneering the First Tee National School Program, which exposed ALL children to the game of golf as well as taught core life values, beginning with 48 kids and growing to reach 10 million young students throughout the United States.
She also shares her story and entrepreneurial journey which started as a breast cancer survivor looking for a solution to solve a problem with the Heal In Comfort shirt as she grew her goal of reaching 100 patients to now 20,000 souls.
Inventor. Innovator. Business woman. Mentor. Keynote speaker. Angel investor. Teacher. Inspiration. You DO NOT want to miss this episode!
Episode 009: Hearts Connected 4 Humanity
Do you know when your heart may be touched where you can no longer ignore the strong pull and drive to give back and help others?
It can be ANYWHERE. ANYTIME.
“It all started with a home visit.” ~ Regina Dickerson
Join us as we talk with Regina Dickerson, Executive Director of Hearts Connected 4 Humanity, as she shares her experience walking into a home visit to witness bare cupboards and true hunger happening right here in our own cities and communities. Regina opens her heart and fuels her passion by providing services for youth, men, women, and seniors to heal the family as a whole through Hearts Connected 4 Humanity.
Episode 010: Junior League of Fort Collins
The Junior League of Fort Collins is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and identifying needs within the community to create projects to impact those needs through collaborations and partnerships.
In this episode, Amanda Sammartino, President of The Junior League of Fort Collins chats about how the Junior League continues to support our community with an ongoing project called the Career Closet, which is a place where women can make an appointment to be “styled” with gently used (and sometimes new) clothes and accessories to help them be confident and prepared for the work force.
Episode 011: The Otter Cares Foundation
The OtterCares Foundation is an organization that was founded by Nancy Richardson to invest in the education and to empower youth to create lasting change through philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Since 2009, the foundation has equipped kids, classrooms and communities to recognize their true potential to make a difference.
In this episode, Linda Crum, Executive Director of The OtterCares Foundation, chats about the mission of the Otter Products company of “Grow to Give” and how working for and with the company starts from the interview process all the way to their end goal of inspiring people in business through their investment in their employees to truly CONNECT to their own passions and to go out and make a difference in our community.
Episode 012: Dr. Judy Huch
“I do not want to give a hand out, but want to give a HAND UP.”
– Dr. Judy Huch
How do you give back to the community while running a private practice called Oro Valley Audiology AND serve your own staff? Discover Dr. Judy Huch’s take on providing the gift of hearing as well as her way of encouraging recipients to pay it forward in a community-wide effort to spread awareness of hearing and hearing loss as she strives to make the world better through Grace Hearing Center ONE. RELATIONSHIP. AT. A. TIME.
Episode 013: Markiss Stone
“Lead with your heart and be genuine and unapologetically YOU.”
Markiss Stone delivers daily motivation and positivity on his daily show, The Daily Dose Show, on Facebook LIVE, Monday-Friday at 6:30amEST. In addition to being a military veteran and inspirational and motivational speaker and trainer, Markiss was a student in radio/TV communications and is dedicated to make the world smile and to change peoples’ lives.
Episode 014: Justin Osmond
“I remember my mom would always read me the book about the ‘Little Engine that Could’ climbing up that mountain...and I found out later why...she KNEW that like many other deaf children out there, we would have our own mountains to climb and our own challenges to face."
Join speaker, author, producer, and humanitarian, Justin Osmond, as he shares his passion behind developing the Olive Osmond Hearing Fund and reveals the REAL story behind how the Osmond Brothers, Donny and Marie, and how the Children’s Miracle Network came to be!
“I believe everybody has a gift. We may be broken, but I truly believe that we do not overcome hopelessness by removing the obstacle in our lives. I believe we conquer adversity by not letting it own us, control us, or even define us...my personal motto is: I may have a hearing loss, but my hearing loss does not have me!”
Fill in the blank with Justin:
“I may be/have __________, but my __________ doesn’t have me!”
Episode 015: Yee Campbell, Young Men's Service League
Listen to the story of how Yee brought the first chapter in Colorado to life from an incredible national non-profit organization and her vision to serve in the community, provide opportunities for other mother-son relationships, and to watch her own son thrive in leadership, education, and philanthropy.
Young Men’s Service League is a 4-year program for moms and their highschool sons to serve together and impact their local communities. YMSL believes that not every important lesson is learned in the classroom. Getting out into the community in order to serve and learn from others offers a wealth of knowledge and experience to last a lifetime. YMSL provides moms and sons opportunities to develop, practice, and enhance leadership skills.
Episode 016: Dr. Amit Gosalia
“You can do all these great things but at the end of the day, it may not mean anything if you have not done anything positive for the community.”
~ Dr. Amit Gosalia
Many people know Dr. Amit Gosalia for his passion and rallying behind his profession to encourage individuals to have healthy discussions, lead a healthy lifestyle, and to get involved in making a difference! Find out where Dr. Gosalia also spends his time and energy into giving back outside of the world of Audiology!
Episode 017: Discover Pathwaze
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50% of college students are not graduating
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Those that ARE graduating – 50% of those are underemployed or unemployed
“We need to start [the conversation] as early as freshmen and sophomores. This group of the next generation coming up…is struggling with what they want to do, what direction they want to take, what education or career path would work for them as well as moms [and transitioning careers.]”
“We know there is a lot more depression and anxiety and addictions, yet there is an affluence that we have not seen before. We want to empower people. If we can work with highschoolers while they are still going through the curriculum they are going through but before they have chosen a career or an education path, then we can actually hijack that, interrupt it, and understand what their gifts, talents, and strengths are and play off of that and map them into their careers.”
Discover Pathwaze applies self-knowledge, self-introspection, behaviors, interests, and values and works throughout the entire United States with high school students on the college or non-traditional path as well as college students with degree and career matching, individuals who are on the path to launch their careers, or transition into a new career, as well as offer a plethora of career services.
Episode 018: God's Garage
“I felt like God said...What’s in your hand to do? How can you help people?
Getting a car is a big deal - it’s independence and freedom...but the skill sets that we get to impart on these ladies buoys them beyond what a car can do. We have a “holistic” approach to get people to the next level in their lives...We teach budgeting, life skills, single parenting skills, help with job interviews...we partnered with a local food bank so with every car that we give away, we give away 25 lbs of groceries...we have a clothing ministry that provides business attire, we have a photographer taking professional headshots, an insurance company that gets them insurance with a bank that sets up free checking accounts.
When I help someone else, there is a hole inside me that gets fulfilled in a deep and meaningful way - nothing can compare to it. And we all have that hole because we weren’t made to be islands and just take care of ourselves - we were made to work together and help each other.”
~ Chris Williams, President at God’s Garage
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<Click Below> for OTHER MEDIA LINKS for God's Garage as seen in:
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Episode 019: Rich Cruse
“I’m just a guy…it doesn’t take much time or effort…it’s worth it for me to do this because I SEE how grateful people are and what a difference it makes.”
Join Dr. Natalie Phillips as she spends time with Rich Cruse, an award-winning photographer living near San Diego, California who’s work has been featured in Sports Illustrated, People Magazine and Runner’s World. They talk connection, meeting Oprah Winfrey, and connecting to people the RIGHT way using social media. Rich is deeply involved in fundraising for the Challenged Athletes Foundation and helping the homeless.
“Believe in the goodness of people – there are good people out there.”
~ Rich Cruse
Episode 020: Dr. Emily Letran
“I grew up seeing images of war. I grew up in an environment knowing how it feels to not have enough.” ~ Dr.Emily Letran
Refugee, wife, mother of three, dentist, business owner, high performance coach, author, and speaker, Dr. Emily Letran, who started her own non-profit organization, The Emily Letran Foundation, opens her doors once a month to provide free dentistry to the community. Dr. Letran talks about time, energy, and the importance of setting intentions and looking for opportunities.
“We are in business.…BUT, if you want to give...just give because that is what makes it fulfilling in your heart and it makes life more meaningful to you. You will never know the extent of your touch or your impact” – Dr. Letran
Episode 021: Clara Gonzales Santillan
As a business owner and massage therapist, Clara Gonzales Santillan volunteers her time as she continues to follow her heart and uses the passion and skills of her hands providing massages to help support many non-profit organizations and their fundraising efforts.
She specifically shares about her continuous involvement with the work of Saruni International, by participating in their annual volleyball tournament in Greeley, Colorado, as a massage therapist for athletes to raise funds and benefit the girls who have been rescued through the organization. The Olooloitikoshi Girl’s Rescue Center (GRC) is now in its 10th year of existence. The GRC home provides a safe haven where girls in Kenya who have been rescued from the tragic practice of marrying young girls to older men can now pursue their dreams of an education and an independent life without fear. As of November 2018, the center has rescued 87 girls who range in age from 8 to 16.
One of Clara’s favorite quotes she has read: “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey but we are spiritual beings on a human journey.”
Episode 022: Engineering Brightness
Engineering Brightness is a FREE, after-school program, started by Tracey Winey and John Howe. With volunteers, they continue to provide an environment for kids to build and work collaboratively to solve problems in order to eradicate a global problem of free access to clean light after dark, healthy indoor air quality, and access to education for youth and adults.
“Helping kids discover their power of changing the world today, using their unique talents to make a difference…Engineering Brightness was a great way to harness the power of our youth to solve global problems today. While in the Philippines, I saw that kids are the same everywhere – they have the same hopes, dreams, and desires. They just have different obstacles in front of them.” ~ Tracey Winey.
With an estimated 650 protoypes of their 3-D solar-powered lantern, John Howe talks about the importance of bringing STEM to Preston Middle School. “If kids know their work matters, you can’t stop them. We saw the application of STEM looked like ‘service’ in the community .” ~ John Howe
Episode 023: House of Neighborly Service
“It’s not just the homeless person on the corner...it’s sometimes your neighbor. It could be a job loss, sickness that causes them to have an interruption in their financial situation - Cherri Houle
The House of Neighborly Service is a faith based and non-profit organization which provides a variety of programs from basic and emergency intervention to preventative and educational programs in order to help strengthen vulnerable and at-risk families.
Today, we will be talking with Glorie Magrum, Executive Director who joined the House of Neighborly Service staff in 2001, and Cherri Houle with us who has worked with the House of Neighborly Service for 3 ½ years – 2 years in case working and 1 ½ years as donor relations. She is honored to be a part of the life-changing work of the HNS – where every individual is treated with kindness and dignity.
Episode 024: High Performance Dance Theatre
High Performance Dance Theatre is an innovative, alternative style, dance company that enhances Northern Colorado's cultural community. As a nonprofit educational organization, their mission is to combine dance and modern technology to provide high quality training and productions, while increasing the community’s knowledge of the arts.
On this episode, we talk with Founder and Owner, Artistic Director: Kim Lang. She shares her vision and passion to perform throughout Colorado and hopefully beyond!
Episode 025: CREW Childcare Rewards App and Alessandra Desiderio
Alessandra (Aley) Desiderio is a serial entrepreneur and mom who has fought to overcome homelessness, cancer, the loss of her daughter, domestic violence, and divorce. She has dedicated her life to making an impact in the areas of family issues and security, justice, equality, education, and creating economic opportunity.
As a result of her own insufficient and expensive childcare issues raising children as a single parent, Alessandra created CREW Childcare Rewards App, a technology solution to the high cost of childcare. The app pays parent users to share information about the care options in their area; draws a map of care check-ins for parents; and offers providers a marketplace where they can buy field trip vouchers, classroom supplies, and services for their center.
Episode 026: G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice
and Sosamma Samuel-Burnett
Sosamma Samuel-Burnett, J.D, is Founder and President of G.L.O.B.A.L Justice, an international non-profit organization founded in 2014 that informs, impacts, and inspires the generations to learn, lead, and do justice together.
With 30+ years of experience in human rights advocacy and 15+ years as a university professor, Sosamma has focused the work of G.L.O.B.A.L. on serving as a significant justice resource to the community. G.L.O.B.A.L. helps inform the community on international justice issues, equips students and professionals to pursue justice, promotes advocacy organizations addressing global injustices, and supports educational institutions preparing the next generation of advocates.
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On this episode, we spend time chatting with Sosamma as she shares with us her passion for advocacy through learning opportunities to pursue justice ethically, creatively, and collaboratively.
Episode 027: Colorado Lending Source
and Mike O'Donnell
“There are approximately 18,000 small business started every year in Colorado; 500 in Fort Collins. It is important to understand that it goes both ways…although there were about 270,000 jobs started in 2019, there were also 220,000 lost jobs – so, therefore, if there were no entrepreneurs, we would have lost more jobs than those that were gained. Entrepreneurs create ecosystems.” – Mike O’Donnell
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On this episode, we chat with Mike O’Donnell, Executive Director of Colorado Lending Source, an organization that has helped inspired people create thriving businesses with funding, education, and resources.
For over 25 years, they believe in fostering the economic growth of diverse small businesses within our communities. They strive to offer outstanding customer service and expertise as a resource for lenders and small businesses. Colorado Lending Source is an organization engaged with one another and in the success of their stakeholders. As a small nonprofit lender, they have created a culture where the pursuit of individual passions is supported and encouraged, emphasis is placed on living life, and the desire to have a positive impact in communities is a collaborative effort.
Episode 028: Santa Cops of Larimer County
On this episode, we talk with Executive Board Members, Lindsay Panyko (Secretary) and Paul Dirkes (Vice President) of the Santa Cops of Larimer County. Santa Cops is a non-profit organization consisting of representatives from Fort Collins Police Services, Loveland Police Department, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Timnath Police Department, Alternative Sentencing Department, the District Attorney’s Office and Colorado State University Police.
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Santa Cops of Larimer County works to provide toys and other gifts for children in need within Larimer County to enhance a relationship and allow children to experience law enforcement officers as caring people who are willing to provide positive support within our communities for Christmas and throughout the year. Each Christmas season, involved officers personally delivery presents to the children of the families in Larimer County that are eligible and apply for their program.
Episode 029: Arts Reach Center
and the Academy by Divabee
On this episode, we have A LOT of fun talking (and even singing!) as we spend time with Jill Van Orden, founder of Arts Reach Center and Jalyn Webb, owner and director of The Academy by Divabee.
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After moving to Fort Collins in 1999, “Miss Jill” made quick connections into the Arts and soon became a much sought after and loved free-lance choreographer for local high schools and other local performing arts organizations. In 2012, Jill founded her non-profit organization, Arts Reach Center, Inc. offering year-round performing arts opportunities both in her studio and in many area public schools. Through Arts Reach Center, Jill has produced and directed over 40 productions at local performance venues and is best known for the inclusive, thoughtful, and supportive environment she creates with each and every cast while teaching performance skills, developing self-confidence, and life-skills to each and every child.
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A favorite performer and vocal coach throughout Colorado for the past 25 years, Jalyn Webb has an impressive list of performance and directing accolades on stage including performing as the National Anthem Singer for the Colorado Avalanche. As the owner and director of The Academy by Divabee as well as teaching Music Theatre at the University of Northern Colorado, Jalyn is an incredible vocal and stage coach and instructor for kids of all ages and adults.
Together, these two powerhouses of talent and instruction are joining forces to continue to give back and provide quality performing arts education for the Fort Collins community.
Episode 030: DAWGS
Dad Ambassadors for Well-Being and Good Service
On this episode, we chat with Jason Phillips, husband of Dr. Natalie Phillips, father of two, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Colorado State University, and Founder of DAWGS, a non-profit organization that provides dads, and other father figures, with opportunities to support, encourage, fellowship, and serve one another, their children, their families, and their communities while demonstrating the willingness to be involved in their own and their children's mental, physical, and spiritual health & well being.
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Going into its 4th year, DAWGS has provided many environments and activities for Dads to have fun with their children including an annual chili cook-off competition, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, internet safety workshops, family game nights, “Chopped” cooking events, and even a hairstyle night where Dad’s learned how to make different braids and ended in a little friendly competition.
Listen as Jason shares how DAWGS began and his commitment to continue to work with relationships within the family and with his athletes as a male leader, coach, and inspiration.
Episode 031: Rescue 1 Global
“The world of human trafficking, both labor and sex trafficking, is not a new thing but the world of anti-trafficking is.” ~ Lacy Tolar.
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Human trafficking is the second fastest growing criminal industry in the world, trailing the drug industry. It has estimated an annual revenue of $42.5 billion and America is the #1 consumer of human trafficking due to the national and international consumption of commercialized sex and pornography.
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The average age a person enters into the sex industry is 13 years of age, with 70% women and 30% men. According to the International Labor Organization, over 45 million people are enslaved in human trafficking with another child entering this world of trafficking every 2 minutes. In Lacy’s state of Tennessee – 700-900 children run away in a month, and according to national statistics, 1 out of every 6 children end up in human trafficking within 72 hours.
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On this episode, Dr. Natalie Phillips chats with Lacy Tolar, Founder of Rescue 1 Global. She shares her story about how her OWN child was almost taken right beneath her grasp and how she and her husband, Daniel changed the path of their lives with Rescue 1 Global, a standalone full-fledged prevention, rescue & restoration mission and force in the anti-trafficking world.
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“It’s about rescuing ONE. There is a need around every corner. You never know who that ONE will be. Step in and step out of your comfort zone. ONE is worth it.” ~ Lacy Tolar
Episode 032: Ordinary Nurses
Jeff and Karlie Ruiter
On this episode, we chat with Jeff and Karlie Ruiter, Founders of Ordinary Nurses.
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Jeff and Karlie founded the non-profit organization to bring health and hope to the starving babies of rural Guatemala. With infant mortality high and accounting for 25% of all registered deaths as well as knowing that within the villages of Guatemala, over 80% of children under five years of age are malnourished, Ordinary Nurses is on a mission to change these statistics through disease prevention, community health education, high-quality medical care, and nutrition services.
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Listen as they share their emotions and experience in taking the HUGE step of faith along with their dedication to be obedient to the call that shaped the last few years of their lives together.
Episode 033: Grace Upon Grace Project
“1 in 8 women struggle to buy period products in the United States alone; this is called period poverty.”
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On this episode, we chat with Emily Jorgensen, as she shares her own, vulnerable story paired with her giving heart that led her to create the Grace Upon Grace Project in October 2019.
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The Grace Upon Grace Project is committed to provide under-served families and infants in northern Colorado the basic necessities to live and grow with grace and dignity while addressing the roots of social inequities. The Grace Upon Grace Project provides basic necessities to families in the northern Colorado area in order to help women and children live and grow with grace and dignity by currently providing diapers, wipes, and disposable feminine products.
Episode 034: Two Blind Brothers
Bradford and Bryan Manning
“Your disability does not preclude you from anything. In fact, your biggest challenge is your BEST empowerment!” – Bryan Manning
On this episode, we spend time talking with Bradford and Bryan Manning, 2 brothers on a mission to cure blindness with Two Blind Brothers.
At a young age, Bradford and Bryan were both diagnosed with a rare eye disease, called Stargardt disease, that destroys central vision over time. They decided to fight back and left their careers in finance to start a charitable clothing company and is now the fastest growing charitable clothing brand in the country with endorsements from Ellen Degeneres, Ashton Kutcher, Richard Branson, NBC Nightly News, and many more.
Not only is their company a success through their products and endorsements, but the brothers took it a step further and hired 70% blind and visually-impaired workers to produce the clothing AND they donate 100% of their profits to researchers and the Foundation Fighting Blindness to find cures for blindness.
“We want to provide hope.”
“If you can identify what unique aspect you have in your life and are motivated, we want to be your cheerleader.” – Bradford Manning
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Episode 035: MusEffect
Jessica Starr
“Take a step back to look in and then take that ONE step forward.” – Jessica Starr
On this episode, we chat with Jessica Starr, founder of MusEffect, a non-profit organization dedicated to raise social awareness through performance art.
Jessica shares her story as a young dancer in competitions and conventions to attending college, and finally starting her own business and dance company in 2005. Through her own journey, Jessica finds meaning and an understanding of her calling…to dance and create for a purpose.
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Receiving an award as a top-rated Great Non-Profits of 2019, MusEffect is committed to fostering a constructive dialogue on social issues through performance art, while enriching and empowering audiences of all socioeconomic backgrounds. MusEffect explores topics relevant to today’s society with a purpose to ignite personal initiative and encourage healing. To experience “the MusEffect” is to feel the synergy between art, intellect and intention. These 3 principles, woven together, cultivate positive and permanent changes that elevate the quality of life among their participants.
Episode 036: Top of The Lake Coffee
Brent Bromstrup
Great Coffee. Greater Good.
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On this episode, we chat with Brent Bromstrup and follow his journey that began in 2013 to bring awareness of the social injustice and pay of coffee growers in Guatemala. Through his friendship, service in the community, and his passion to help with the inequities by providing a way to sell coffee directly from Guatemala, he found other partnerships along the way to help propel the work of artisans in the Guatemalan village that became a family to him.
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Top of the Lake Coffee Roasters gives back to coffee producing communities through a Greater Good initiative. For each pound of coffee sold, they donate funding and resources to be used in community development in San Juan la Laguna, Guatemala and surrounding areas.
Episode 037: Arula, Inc.
Alex Koenigsberg
"Start with a connection first. My contacts in my phone are both my friends and those I do business with." ~ Alex Koenigsberg
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On this episode, Dr. Natalie Phillips chats with Alex Koenigsberg, President and Founder of Arula, Inc, providing consulting services for non-profit organizations. Alex truly believes in changing the model of nonprofit consulting by offering dedicated consulting services from the identification stage to implementation, all while sharing in the financial risk with the client.
Episode 038: Realities for Children
Craig Secher, Founder
“What are the most important words a kid can say? There are no words, but there are ACTIONS.” ~ Craig Secher
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No Child Should Be Forgotten.
On this episode, Dr. Natalie Phillips chats with Craig Secher, Founder and Executive Director of Realities For Children. Realities For Children was incorporated in 1995 and has been funding the unmet needs of Larimer County children who have been abused, neglected, or at-risk through supporting the services of 39 Partner Youth Agencies and are represented by nearly 250 Business Members invested in making it their business to make a difference. Realities for Children provides emergency funding, youth activities, and critical distributions through their collaborative resources.
Episode 039: Alternatives to Violence
Kari Clark, Executive Director
Home is not safe for everyone.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience domestic violence.
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In this episode, Dr. Natalie Phillips spends time with Kari Clark, Executive Director with Alternatives to Violence as she talks about the alarming statistics of domestic violence and the increased need for our community to step up and be aware of patterns of behavior and how to start a conversation to save someone.
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Alternatives to Violence serves Loveland, Colorado and southern Larimer County by providing free shelter, advocacy, education and resources for people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Since 1982, Alternatives to Violence has offered victims the opportunity to heal both emotionally and physically in a supportive environment. Each year, they provide emergency shelter, safety planning, advocacy, information and referrals to local resources, crisis intervention, and in some cases longer-term housing to over 800 people.
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Even in social distancing, a pandemic does not cause abuse. It was already there. It is up to us to step up.
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“Be the light for someone.” ~ Kari Clark
Episode 040: Derrick Coleman, Jr.
Derrick L. Coleman No Excuse Foundation
In this episode, our host, Dr. Natalie Phillips, spends time with her friend and mission buddy, Derrick Coleman, Jr, Super Bowl Champion and the first legally deaf offensive player in the NFL. When they first met serving with the Starkey Hearing Foundation in India, they were able to bond over the service of others.
Derrick shares his incredible story with his hearing loss and attributes his character to both of his parents, who spent time pushing him to be the best he can be as well as did not treat him differently from either of his siblings who had hearing.
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Derrick lives by many mantras thanks to his father constantly teaching him through quotes and making him think. Derrick is an inspiration to many people from football fans to people with hearing loss. “Be better today than you were yesterday, be better tomorrow than you were today.” ~ Derrick Coleman, Jr.
Learning from his father and recalling some of the quotes he lived by include:
“Don’t get ready, BE. READY”
“No whining, No complaining, No excuses” ~ Derrick Coleman, Sr.
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Through his success, Derrick has been able to use his platform to give back to others and has created the Derrick L Coleman Jr No Excuse Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to empower, unite, and advocate for people of all ages who are deaf or hard of hearing.
NEW VIDEO podcast
Available!!!
Episode 041: Lance Allred
Courage & Grit
In this episode, we spend time talking with Lance Allred, the first deaf player in NBA history, international and online keynote speaker, TedX speaker, leadership consultant, visionary, motivator, and best-selling author.
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Lance was born legally deaf, with 80% hearing loss, into a fringe polygamist commune in rural Montana, where he and his family lived until managing to escape when Lance was 13. With his characteristic courage and grit, he eventually overcame tremendous odds and obstacles to join the Cleveland Cavaliers, making the NBA at the age of 27.
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"Perseverance is the ability to adapt." ~ Lance Allred
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Lance founded Courage & Grit, a non-profit organization using sports, the arts, and motivational speaking to inspire overlooked and underserved youth, including: deaf/hearing impaired, First Nations, refugee, immigrant, inner-city, rural, low income and/or special needs, by giving them opportunities to attend sessions and camps facilitated and organized by world class athletes and artists at no charge. The goal is for these students to take what they’ve learned and in turn, help coach special or other-needs kids, engaging in environmental stewardship as a form of giving back and learning the power of service and gratitude, which are foundations for their future success as leaders in their own communities.
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"Abundance is limitless. It is service to others. We must all continue to walk in a heart-centered way". ~ Lance Allred
VIDEO Podcast
Available
Episode 042: Charmi Gosalia
Face Forward International
“Take the first step. Even if it is a baby step. Find something that you connect with and just give what you can.” ~ Charmi Gosalia
In this episode, we chat with Charmi Gosalia, who is on the Board of Directors with Face Forward International, a non-profit organization founded by Deborah Alessi and Dr. David Alessi, on the principle that survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and cruel acts should have access to surgical care and emotional counseling regardless of their level of income. They exist to bridge this gap and provide these services, free of charge to survivors.
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Face Forward Inernational has provided OVER 500 life-changing surgeries to over 200+ survivors. An average patient’s treatment and visit costs approximately $10,000, and in 2018 alone, they provided over $1,000,000 in free treatment services to their patients.
Episode 043: Logan Wells
CareZare App
Logan Wells is the Co-Founder and CareChief of CareZare. Watching his parents and aunt take on the monumental task of caring for his grandmother after she was diagnosed with dementia triggered an entrepreneurial spark in Logan, who is the brains behind CareZare, and who created the CareZare App as a high school sophomore.
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Family caregivers are a mainstay of healthcare in the United States, with 40 million unpaid caregivers contributing an average of 20 hours per week in care.
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Logan realized he could make a difference in the world of caregiving and developed a business around it. The CareZare app is a free downloadable app that empowers caregivers to stay on top of caring for their loved ones and shift caregiving from a solo burden to a team-driven approach involving other family and friends, professional caregivers, and outside services.
Episode 044: Jackie Bailey
The Speak Feed Lead Project
Warning: The following contains discussions of sexual abuse.
Listener discretion is advised.
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Jackie Bailey, founder and director of the Speak Feed Lead Project, shares her story as an abused child who lost her self-worth, self-confidence, and the ability to empower her voice. When Jackie discovered the lessons in her experience along with the meaning of her message to others, she was able to fully heal.
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She created the Speak Feed Lead Project to be an advocate and provide a curriculum to mentor children in lifelong skills of confidence and communication and provide a piece of a larger societal safety net for youth without family. The Speak Feed Lead Project transforms all individuals to SPEAK with power, FEED others in word and deed, and LEAD with positive influence.
VIDEO Podcast
Available
Episode 045: Dantiel Daniels
Opportunity Ahead and Real Talk with Tiel
“We were homeless, but not hopeless.”
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Dantiel Daniels, former Colorado State men’s basketball player and professional player in Finland, Uruguay, and China is now an inspirational athletic coach. He takes time to share with me about his story growing up and the continued motivation to take opportunities that were foreign to him growing up in his environments. He shares his mother’s encouragement and support and his current drive with his new platform, TielTalk, a program dedicated to highlight and have an open conversation about current events surrounding African American culture. Bootstrapping and funding on his own,
Tiel is also forming Opportunity Ahead, a non-profit organization providing opportunities while highlighting and supporting disadvantaged youth, teens, and adults through fundraising, wellness programs, and partnerships.
Tiel is currently writing a book titled “Man on a Mission” which is a motivational book about adversity that he has had to overcome in his life and the importance of giving back.
VIDEO Podcast
Available
Episode 046: Dan Pelino
Everyone Matters
Aspiration. Inspiration. Discipline.
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Dan Pelino is the co-founder of Everyone Matters, Inc, a social impact enterprise dedicated to ensuring that everyone has equal access to citizen-based services, healthcare, and education. He is a regular contributor to the discussion on healthcare citizen based services on CNN, Bloomberg, the BBC, and other media outlets.
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Dan worked for IBM for 36 years, leading its global Healthcare and Life Sciences Business for 10 years. He is also co-author of Trusted Healers, a book that takes the reader on a journey to the future of healthcare.
Episode 047: Colleen Meyer
National Charity League (NCL) - Fort Collins
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Mothers and Daughters Serving Communities Together.
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The National Charity League is for mothers and their daughters, grades 7–12, to participate in a program that fosters the mother-daughter relationship through community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences.
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Established in 1925, NCL is a multi-generational philanthropic organization of mother and daughters who volunteer nearly 3 million hours to over 4000 charities creating a national annual $68 million dollar philanthropic impact.
On this episode, we chat with Colleen Meyer, current President of the Fort Collins chapter of National Charity League. Colleen and her daughter Karlie, are now in their 5th year with NCL and have served in a variety of leadership roles together. They’ve loved connecting with new people, and most of all spending cherished time together.
Episode 048: Miley Ernst
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives…one heart at a time. Since 1954, FCA has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful platform of sport to reach every coach and every athlete with the transforming power of Jesus Christ. FCA focuses on serving local communities around the globe by engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to unite, inspire and change the world through the gospel.
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We spend time with Miley Ernst, a native of Minnesota, who played NCAA Division II Lacrosse for 3 years at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado where she received both her Bachelors and Masters degree in Sport Management. Miley is an area representative with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes here in Fort Collins, Colorado. Miley has served with the ministry of FCA as a student leader, intern, character coach, and now as full-time staff.
Episode 049: Matine Khalighi
EEqual
Students in need should never be afraid to ask for help and success in school should not be dependent on your income bracket.
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We spend time with Matine Khalighi, an incoming freshman student at Harvard University and Executive Director of the youth-led nonprofit, EEqual, a 501c3 organization and movement dedicated to level the playing field for students experiencing poverty and homelessness across the United States. Matine’s journey in social entrepreneurship started in middle school, where he started a nonprofit project after feeling a calling to try and make a difference for people experiencing homelessness.
Episode 050: Sarah Symons
Her Future Coalition
On this episode, we spend time with Sarah Symons, Founder and Director of Her Future Coalition, an international charity who’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation by providing education and services to survivors and the most vulnerable girls. Sarah is an author, former composer of music for TV and film as well as a former art teacher in New York City.
Her Future Coalition was founded by Sarah Symons and John Berger in 2005, a married couple who built the organization from the ground up using their personal savings and dedicated community of friends. As a women-led organization, Her Future Coalition provides compassion-led solutions which break the cycle of trauma and establish a new cycle of trust, well-being, choice and independence.
Over the years, they have saved thousands of survivors in India, Nepal, Cambodia and Thailand…some of who joined their programs and are now managing the programs, working as trainers and mentors to newly rescued girls.
Episode 051: Little Willows
On this episode, we spend time with Kimberly Giles, Co-Founder of Little Willows, which she founded with her sister. Little Willows provides coordinated clothing boxes for young children in underserved families throughout Northern Colorado.
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With the conviction that every child deserves to look and feel their best in every season, Little Willows exists to supply children and families in need with new or gently used clothing donated by generous community members. These boxes are not just practical gifts to meet practical needs. They are filled with hope - bestowing confidence and courage to those marked by scarcity or insecurity.
Episode 052: Enrique Gutierrez
Find My Parent
It should not cost anyone to be a parent.
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Find My Parent was born out of the need for a child-centered mechanism to reunite children around the world with their families, including those abducted by one of their parents. Find My Parent exists to give the power back to the victims of child abduction using secure and confidential technology that empowers and reunites families.
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Children and families are supported through the entire process by Find My Parent’s partners specializing in providing reunification assistance, emotional support and other services to victims and is also actively involved in raising awareness of the issues of abduction, exploitation as well as national and international parental abduction.
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On this episode, we spend time talking with Enrique Gutierrez, a father and victim of his own daughter being taken away from him. He is the Founder of Find My Parent, a technology platform created to help children find their parents and families during parental abduction, separation caused by refugee situations, natural disasters, foster care services, and human trafficking.
Episode 053: #ICANHELP
Cyberbulling has increased 81% since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
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Negative online material and behavior are linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and suicide in kids and teens. Just because students understand the mechanics of social media and digital technology doesn’t mean they know how to deal with issues like cyberbullying, harassment, inappropriate content, privacy, and safety.
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Join a conversation with Kim Karr, Executive Director and Co-Founder of #ICANHELP and Malorie Bournazian, #ICANHELP’s Lead Intern.
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#ICANHELP’s mission is to empower students with the tools and training they need to protect themselves, develop their digital media toolkit, and use social media and other digital technologies positively and celebrates youth innovation, empowers digital changemakers and promotes digital safety.
Episode 054: Sarah Monares
On a very special episode of Connecting A Better World, Natalie chats with her friend and fellow podcaster Sarah Monares. Sarah is the founder and CEO of Monares Collective LLC and The We Spot, an online community designed to be “your go-to spot for learning, growth, encouragement, inspiration, authenticity, and connection”.
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Sarah is also the host of The We Podcast, a new program that just recently joined the Loudspeaker family. Sarah and Natalie discuss the podcast, their friendship, and Sarah's desire to tell stories about "the things that people are afraid to talk about."
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The We Podcast premieres on the Loudspeaker One live radio stream on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 9pm ET/6pm PT, with podcasts drops on Tuesday mornings. The We Podcast is a production of Sarah Monares and Loudspeaker Networks.
Episode 055: Roman Prokopchuk
“You never know how much you can do until you have an opportunity to do so.”
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Roman Prokopchuk is a 1st generation immigrant from the Ukraine who arrived in the US with 6 other family members and lived in a 2 bedroom apartment. He interned with the secret service and held a top secret government clearance. Due to the recession in 2008, he became a self-taught digital marketer and is host of the Digital Savage Experience Podcast.
He is married and went through 5 miscarriages with his wife in a span of 3 years which led him to become a foster parent for 25 kids in his home since June 2018.
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Join us on this episode as we chat with Roman and hear how he is dedicated to lead and make impact in this world by providing a loving and caring environment each day.
Episode 056: Yuvi Dhindsa
"Just put yourself out there and push yourself."
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Yuvi Dhindsa is a 14 year old entrepreneur, former TedX Youth speaker, and intern at an MIT start-up. A “typical kid”, he is inspired and has learned from YouTube, his friends, and his father and is passionate about making this word better by using technology and focusing on mental health.
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Yuvi shares his story of taking chances, showing up, and putting himself out there in order to get further and make the most of his life. He inspires us all to keep learning and keep pushing ourselves to be better.
Episode 057: GiveList
Kelly Keurzoneff
Have you wanted or needed to give a gift and wished you just knew what the person wanted? Or wanted to share what you actually need or want? What about gifting supplies and needs to a non-profit organization?
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On this episode, Dr. Natalie Phillips chats with Kelly Keurzoneff, Founder and President of Givelist for Good, a nonprofit organization, and Founder and CEO of Givelist, a universal wish list and all-purpose online gift registry allowing users to connect and contribute to one another’s lives simply and easily. Givelist also provides a vehicle for more direct and transparent giving of items to those in need or non-profit organizations.
Episode 058: Natalie Jark
Can having an empathetic mindset be taught and lead to your business success?
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On this episode, Dr. Natalie Phillips spends time talking with Natalie Jark, a web design coach, consultant, and speaker who is dedicated to help people do good in this world by empowering businesses to do good through their work.
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She talks about using an empathetic mindset and challenges you to dive deeper into identifying a persona in order to make a connection and deliver an experience for your customers. She has a facebook group called DOING GOOD ONLINE, which is a community for small business owners who want to DO GOOD.
Episode 059: Colorado Kids Belong
Thousands of kids in the Colorado foster care system are unseen and suffering, left to feel like they don’t belong. On an average day in Colorado, 11 children or teens enter foster care because their parents need time to learn new skills to become the parents their children need them to be.
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When children age-out of the system at 18 without a family, they are significantly more likely to experience homelessness, unplanned pregnancy, incarceration, sex trafficking, mental health issues, poverty, addiction, dropping out of school, suicide, and losing their own kids to foster care.
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Dr. Natalie Phillips talks with Tracee Rudd, Director of Colorado Kids Belong. Colorado Kids Belong first started here IN Colorado and grew nationwide to America Kids Belong, an organization focused on changing the outcome and experience in foster care so kids can thrive with safe, loving families and supportive communities.
Episode 060: Mission Fulfilled 2030
Imagine a world
where Black boys become Black men who are Community Builders.
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"If you are not serving, then what are you doing?" – Gerald A. Moore, Sr
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On this episode, Dr. Natalie Phillips chats with Gerald Moore, speaker, best-selling author, and nonprofit founder whose vision is to create opportunities for Black boys to participate in the high-tech workforce to bridge the digital divide and make a dent in the income/wealth gap and rebuild black communities and families. He is creator and founder of Mission Fulfilled 2030, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to inspire, educate, and activate 100,000 Black boys in technology.
Episode 061: Chrissanne Long
Bridge Local
After meeting and connecting on Clubhouse, Dr. Phillips chats with Chrissanne Long, founder of a network called BRIDGE Local, created to help locals in her community connect. Started 10 years ago and out of the passion to help others, her Facebook community has grown to over 10,000 people.
Chrissanne has connected to so many people doing meaningful work and has become an advocate for the voices of many entrepreneurs surrounding economic development, access to capital, procurement, and committed to developing a better community and world.
Episode 062: Sloan Reid
Glow Getter Foundation
“We believe the most impactful leaders empower and inspire other leaders.” – Sloan Reid
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Dr. Natalie Phillips spends time with Sloan Reid, Founder and President of The GLOW Movement and Co-Founder of The GLOW Getter Foundation. She and her husband Drew, founded The GLOW Getter Foundation, to lead by example, serve their community, and to invest in and empower other leaders.
Episode 063: Ira Davis
The Chief DreamDiver
“If you wouldn’t die for it, you wouldn’t live for it either.”
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Meet Ira Davis, a former Marine Corps Drill Instructor, is a skydiver, a dream development coach, and is the founder of The DreamDiver Company, an Elite transformational coaching company that helps business professionals & entrepreneurs who are searching for something greater, discover their purpose, destroy their biggest fears, and dive for their most audacious dreams to impact the world. Ira has worked with 6-8 figure entrepreneurs & executives, NFL Hall of Famers, Grammy Award winning singers, Olympic athletes, churches, and colleges to help them discover their purpose and dive for their dreams to impact the world through his speaking, coaching, filmmaking, and skydiving.
Episode 064: Carey Davidson
The Five Archetypes
Meet Carey Davidson, Founder, Author, and Human Capital Expert who believes in maximizing every interaction to make life and work feel more like adventure and play.
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As author of The Five Archetypes: Discover Your True Nature and Transform Your Life and Relationships, she shares her wisdom surrounding a new system for building self awareness, self regulation and empathy and a new deeper understanding of wellness becoming a choice and a lifestyle. Through her non-profit work, she teaches this method to kids around the world for free to help create empathetic environments as well as to companies to improve productivity and reduce interpersonal conflict.
Episode 065: Rocky Garza
"People want to be SEEN. People want to be KNOWN. People want to be UNDERSTOOD." - Rocky Garza
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Meet Rocky Garza, Truth-Teller, Change-Maker, and Belief-Creator…challenging the stories we tell ourselves so that we can experience the freedom to live. He is author of a new book: Kill Doubt, Build Conviction and host of the Be Known podcast.
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Rocky spends time sharing his journey and his passion in inspiring others to walk in freedom and clarity and become the BEST version of themselves.
Episode 066: Empowered Leader
with Betzy Valdez
“As a leader…people need to see who you are.
Embrace who you are and step out.” – Betzy Valdez
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Meet Betzy Valdez, proud Dreamer, speaker, servant leader, and creator of Empowered Leader, a community organization dedicated to serve and transform individuals to become empowered leaders.
Episode 067: The Happier Dentist
with Dr. Jason Koh
Meet Dr. Jason Koh, endodontist, and creator of The Happier Dentist, a podcast dedicated to unlock hidden wisdom and insights on what it takes to become a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled dentist in areas of work, play, and in life.
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Come learn about Jason’s vision to bring it all together by providing environments to give back to the community and dive deep into personal growth to learn ways to prevent burnout, protect your energy, and live a more rewarding and happier life.
Episode 068: Guys in Ties
with Lieutenant Anthony Waite
"Lead with character over credentials." - Anthony Waite
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Meet Naval Officer Anthony Waite, a husband, father, nurse, educator, and most of all a leader and coach who is dedicated to being intentional with how he influences those he leads and loves.
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Anthony shares his vision with us about a youth organization he developed dedicated to raise up the leaders of tomorrow, called Guys in Ties. Focused on 4th-6th grade boys, Guys in Ties provides educational and inspirational environments for positive influence and personal growth.
Episode 069: Because of Sam
with Dr. Sandi Eveleth
"Don't be afraid to ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness, but rather of strength." - Dr. Sandi Eveleth
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Dr. Sandi Eveleth is an Optometrist, Certified Master Marketer, and a Certified Digital Business Consultant who had the opportunity to work on a "passion project" movie as the film's editor and associate producer called Because of Sam. It's about an amazing young man who was born with Down syndrome and is now being shared as an educational program to teach healthcare providers, corporate workforces, and non-profit organizations about empathy and the importance of inclusion in their locations for those with intellectual developmental disabilities.
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The film won the People's Choice Award for Tampa's Downtown Urban Excellence Awards for the sold-out, standing ovation screening event at the historic Tampa Theatre.
Episode 070: Free To Be Movement
Jaime Carden-O’Brien is a licensed professional counselor who saw the need for strength and confidence to be learned at a young age. She is the founder of the Free To Be Movement, a wellness studio for girls whose mission is to create experiences that invite self-acceptance, self-love, and empowerment in young women.
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Low self-esteem and lack of confidence start at a young age and 1 in 4 girls suffer from depression, eating disorders, cutting, and other emotional disorders. The Free To Be Movement provides programs to equip young women in elementary, middle, and high school with tools to address obstacles they face every day including how to make and keep positive friendships, learning to accept and love your body, how to deal with and overcome bullying, stress management, and self-care.
Episode 071: Loving Yourself
Through Solo-Dating
Holly Hartman is a motivational keynote speaker, best selling author, life and recovery coach, domestic violence advocate, and event and podcast host.
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In this episode, Holly shares her deep passion for connection to help guide and connect others to their authentic selves to enjoy the sweetness of life and create the life of their dreams and the life that they deserve. She empowers both women and men to learn to love themselves through intentional and unapologetic solo-dating.