99 for 1

In this final episode of season 1, Steve Bowman and I took time to consider lessons learned throughout the 6 trips searching for my childhood friend Ed Pelzner.  The trail to find Ed had run cold and we were feeling discouraged having made 6 cross-country trips without running into Ed. While we learned a great deal on this journey, we had no idea that we were close to getting a crucial tip that would finally lead us to finding Ed.  We will open season 2, episode 1, with the story of running into Ed on day two of trip 7, so don't miss it!  For more information about "99 for 1" you can check out our website or purchase your own copy of the book on Amazon.com. 

On this episode, I once again discussed trip 6 back to San Diego.  However, my interview in this episode was with my daughter Courtney, who joined me on the streets when she was 26 years of age. It was a remarkable trip and such a blessing to share the experience with one of my own kids.  For more information concerning "99 for 1" check out our website at 99for1story.com.  You can also pick up your own copy of the book "99 for 1" on Amazon.com. 

On today's episode, I interviewed Jason Bruce. Jason joined us on our 6th trip to San Diego to enlist in the search to help find my missing friend Ed. Jason learned several valuable lessons on the journey, which he gladly shared on this podcast, so we hope you are inspired to make a difference as he did! To find out more about "99 for 1", feel free to check out our website, or pick up your own copy of the book on Amazon.com. 

On this episode, we interviewed Sharon Christner, who was featured on an NBC News World Report story, on January 31, 2020.  Sharon served for an entire month at the Palazzo Migliori, a shelter which Pope Francis decided to open up for the homeless, very close to Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.  Rather than use the beautiful space to establish a hotel for tourists for profit, Palazzo Migliori was set aside to care for the oppressed.  The shelter has 16 rooms and houses approximately 50 men and women, who were previously living without a place to call home.  Sharon was kind enough to pass along some of the lessons she learned while serving the homeless in Rome.  For more information about "99 for 1" check out the website or pick up a copy of the book today on Amazon.  (Available in English, Spanish, German & Italian).

In episode 16, I had a conversation with my friend Dave (Gumby), about Whitey, who we met on trip 5.  Whitey was a homeless man that many of our street friends seemed to fear and avoid. He spoke harshly to them and seemed to be the alpha of the Pacific Beach street pack, during our visit.  To learn more about "99 for 1" check out our website or pick up your own copy of the book on Amazon.com. 

In Episode 15, I interviewed John Costello, a 60 year-old PE teacher and basketball coach who joined us on trip 5.  John has an inspiring tale to tell of what made the trip possible for him and what happened along the way.   For more information about "99 for 1" checkout our website or pick up your own copy of the book on Amazon.com.

Episode 14 is the first podcast detailing just one of the intense encounters that our group experienced on trip 5, back to San Diego. We made the journey in October 2016 and it was packed with some very close calls and memorable interactions. For more information about "99 for 1" visit our website or pick up your copy of the book, available on Amazon.com in English, Spanish, Italian & German.

In this episode, we discuss trip 4 to San Diego, California, looking for my friend Ed. I was accompanied by my wife Sandra, who happened to be 5 months pregnant at the time. We managed to walk 9 miles one day looking for Ed and learned some valuable lessons from Cathy & Bill (2 amazing volunteers from La Jolla Community Church. To learn more about "99 for 1" check out the website or purchase your own copy of the book on Amazon.com. 

Episode 12 is a continuation of an interview I was privileged to have with Hector Verdugo in our previous podcast.  Hector is a prior gang member from east LA, and serves now as the Associate Director of Homeboy Industries.  Homeboy Industries is a model ministry founded by a Jesuit Roman Catholic Priest by the name of Father Gregory Boyle, known by the homies as "Father G". He has been living in and caring for the gang community in east LA since 1986 and wrote the inspirational book, "Tattoos on the Heart" available on Amazon.com.  I am sure you will be encouraged by Hector's story and the work of Father G, in today's podcast. To find out more about the work of "99 for 1", simply visit the website: 99for1story.com, or pick up a copy of the book on Amazon.com. 

Don't miss today's remarkable episode of one man's tragic, real-life account, featuring his path to street life in well known gang from east Los Angeles. You won't want to miss it! Keep in mind, this is a two part story, so you will need to tune in next week to hear episode 12 for the inspiring conclusion. To find out more about HomeBoy Industries and their remarkable work transforming the lives of gang members with the grace of God, check out their website HERE.  You may also be interested to learn more about the founder of Homeboy Industries, Father Gregory Boyle, a Jesuit Priest, who has been serving the needs of east Los Angeles since 1986. You can find his first book HERE.  To learn more about "99 for 1" and their journey with the homeless, check out the website: 99for1story.com.  The book "99 for 1" is available in English, Spanish, Italian & now in German as well! 

Episode 10 is a brief summary of the highlights of our 3rd trip to San Diego looking for Ed. It begins with the actual recorded segment from ABC News San Diego about our mission during trip 2, then explains what led to trip 3.  If you have questions concerning 99 for 1, go to the "99 for 1" Facebook page and write questions there, which we can address on future podcasts. You can also check out photos from each trip, watch the ABC News Segment and more on the Trip Website of "99 for 1."  Alternatively you can purchase the book on Amazon.com, where it is available in English (99 for 1), Spanish (99 por 1), Italian (99 per 1) and soon to be published in German. 

In this podcast I answered the question, "Why Ed?" Many people have asked me, "Why would you pursue a childhood friend on the other side of the country and put yourself in harm's way?" "What makes Ed special?" I hope the answer in today's podcast inspires you to look up some old friends and reconnect, or better yet, reach out to a few who may be struggling. For more information about this journey, you can check out our website: 99 for 1, or pick up your own copy of the book at Amazon.com. 

In this episode, I talked with my friend Paul, who has been living homeless in his '98 Ford Ranger for 7 years. We discussed how depression impacts many on the streets and what may help if someone finds themselves in that place. For more information, check our the "99 for 1" website or pick up your own copy of the book on amazon.com.

I met Tom on my third homeless trip to San Diego, when he was in his early 80's, blind and trying to make a life without the luxury of a home. He is originally from Bluffton, South Carolina and is one of the most positive me I have met in my lifetime, given his circumstances. Check out photos of Tom on our trip gallery on trip website at: 99 for 1, or order your copy of the book on Amazon.com.   

On this episode we talk with Paul, a 63 year-old man who has been living homeless for 7 years by choice.  Paul has joined our service teams for 2 service trips offered by Leadership Excursions. One was in Puerto Rico after hurricane Maria and the second was in Uruguay serving a large group of Italian students in addition to ministry leaders. To read more about Paul's life and how we met, pick up your own copy of "99 for 1" on Amazon.com! 

My guest on this podcast is Nick Burgart who has served with me in Uruguay.  We discussed a 21 year-old by the name of Kyle, who I met in San Diego during my first trip with Steve and Brian, while living homeless. A difficult but moving story, hope you enjoy it! For more about the details of our homeless trips check out 99for1story.com or the book: "99 for 1"!  

In this episode I spoke with my friend Steve Bowman of Bowman's Plumbing, Heating & AC, since he lived on the streets with me. We discussed the nitty gritty of begging for money and food on our first homeless excursion. For more information check out "99 for 1" or purchase the book on Amazon.com.

This episode, with special guest Brian Silvestri, considers factors related to living homeless on the streets and the fears that can accompany all that street living entails.  For more information about "99 for 1" visit the website or consider a trip with Endurance Leadership.  You can also purchase the book on Amazon.com. 

In this episode, Will Cravens spoke again with Tom Pounder about the man who inspired him to live homeless on the streets of San Diego, California. For more detail on this story and others check out our "99 for 1" website or purchase your own copy of the book on Amazon.com.

In this first episode, Will Cravens, founder of Endurance Leadership and author of the book "99 for 1",  talks with Tom Pounder.  The two discuss what the concept of 99 for 1 came from and what this journey is all about.