Conversations Around Good

With over 250 chapters across the US and globe, For The Children is a nonprofit comprised of a network of local churches dedicated to providing intervention programs and advocacy for child victims of family induced trauma. Their goal is to build a world free of family induced trauma. We spoke with Tiffany Everette, Vice President of Development, on how their program has grown over its 30+ years. She shares stories of sadness and healing. Of hope and joy and their vision for the future. Enjoy!

No one should leave a bike shop bummed. That's Sheridan Marquet's, owner of Celestial Cycles, mantra. He is the bike guru of the greater OKC area with a huge heart for his community. In this episode you will hear about his new location, how he and his team choose to give back, and just what "Bike Elves" are. Enjoy!!

You know him as the OSU Gameday Host, but Les Thomas is so much more. He served in the Air Force for nearly 20 years, and currently serves as the Area Director of OKC Youth for Christ. In this Snippet of Good Les shares how he sees young people giving back and choosing to invest in communities. Enjoy!

In this episode we hear from the creator of the Pine Pantry, Aley Cristelli. She shares her vision of the pantry and how its beautiful simplicity feeds hundreds. 

In this Snippet of Good Aley Cristelli, creator or the Pine Pantry, shares why she believes businesses should share their Stories of Good. Come back on Wednesday to hear her entire Conversations Around Good.

In this episode of Conversations Around Good we hear from the Director of The Bridge Impact Center, Marcus Jackson. His past experiences, giving a TedX Talk and creating music for rap artist LeCrae, have opened up opportunities for Marcus that he wants to recreate for kids. The center strives to be a bridge to help student find their "thing" through pathways of growth. So much goodness here, enjoy!

In this Snippet of Good we hear from Rosalind Bluestone, founder of Goods for Good UK. She shares how they specialize in distributing goods donated by industry donors to those in need around the world. Thus far they have helped 3 million people, and saved 500 tons of waste from going into landfills. She shares their Genesis moment and how it all began at her dinner table. Enjoy!

In this Snippet of Good we hear from John Bobb Simple on community and why we need each other. 

In this Snippet of Good we hear from the lovely ladies of Plenty Mercantile. They share how they worked with their team to define their core values. Enjoy!

In this Snippet of Good we hear from Hannah Schmitt, Co Founder of The Treasury, a co working space for women. She shares her "why" and the vision for starting The Treasury. This is a clip from 2019 and The Treasury is daily living the vision and helping entrepreneurial woman reach their goals. Come back on Friday to catch the full, throwback, episode. Enjoy!

There are many ways to describe Jill Castilla, President & CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond. Banker, soldier, C-suite, wife, and mother. We would add, overcomer, fierce fighter, no nonsense, brilliant, and determined. Her efforts during the pandemic helped tens of thousands businesses keep their doors open. Her life struggles, of which there have been many, have given her a heart to help and an empathy to understand their pain. You will discover surprising facts about her including her love for rap music, but you will also be blessed by her vulnerability.  Enjoy!

In this Snippet of Good we hear from the genius behind Heard on Hurd; experiential banking; creating space for entrepreneurs; and the one who birthed a ton of 'Covid Karma" by partnering with Marc Cuban to help thousands navigate the PPP process. Jill Castilla, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond shares how leaders can do similar Good in their communities. Come back on Friday to catch her entire episode. 

If you want to hear heart warming stories about an organization that is making a huge difference, not just on the human level with food and clothing, but also in eliminating global waste, we have you covered! Goods For Good sends goods donated by generous businesses and individuals in the UK to vulnerable communities living around the world.  Balancing between those who have and those who do not. Rosalind Bluestone began at her dining room table, and 7 years later they have shared 33 million dollars of goods and have saved 500 tons of landfill waste. Enjoy!

Oh my word, we had so much fun with this episode. We laughed and cried hearing from Derrick Sier of Paradigm Shift. He shares what being a mentor for decades looks like, and how he got there. Stories of his father, the dog across the street, students around the world, and much more.  You will thank us after you hear it. Enjoy!

In this Snippet of Good, Derrick Sier of Paradigm Shift asks, “Who is in the passenger seat?”. He shares how is father taught him to lead and to train others along the way. Don’t forget to come back on Friday and catch the entire episode. Enjoy!

WARNING, this episode is going to make you hungry, it will also feed your soul. We hear from Tony & Denoya Crawford, owners of Spunkie’s Soul Food. They share how they choose to invest in their communities, including regularly feeding the homeless. To quote Denoya, “Just because they are homeless doesn’t make them less.” You will leave inspired and wanting mac n cheese in a big way. Enjoy!!

Food makes people happy and Spunkie’ss will make more than your stomach happy, they will feed your soul. In this Snippet of Good we hear from Tony & Denoya Crawford, owners of Spunkie’s Soul Food. They share how they choose to invest in their communities. Catch their entire Conversations Around Good podcast on Friday.

In this Snippet of Good we hear from Carol Herrick, Executive Director for the OKC Dodgers Foundation. She shares how, over the last year, the Dodgers chose to be innovative in their community involvement. Brainstorming new ways to connect and to give back to their communities. Catch the full episode when it drops on Friday.

Removing barriers is not something you usually hear from a baseball organization but it’s just a normal day for the OKC Dodgers. Carol Herrick, Executive Director for the OKC Dodgers Foundation, shares the many ways they choose to invest in their communities. Anything from covering little league team costs; to hosting "Step Up to the Plate" events; to utilizing their staff's skills to add value to non profits. You will be inspired even if you are not a baseball fan. But, you will definitely leave a OKC Dodgers fan. Enjoy!

This episode with Becky Enidcott and Jonathan McCoy the geniuses behind We Are For Good , is so full of goodness it is hard to contain. Listen to catch tidbits like: “Staying decent in indecent times.”; “Take the risk your challenge deserves.”; and how to create an inclusive table. They are the SMEs on all things non profit. Enjoy!

In this Snippet of Good we hear from Becky Enidcott and Jonathan McCoy , the geniuses behind We Are For Good . They have created a place to celebrate the power of philanthropy, and equip this generation of nonprofit leaders and philanthropists with the mindsets, tools and innovative ideas to make a bigger impact than any of us could ever dream to accomplish on our own.  They share how corporate giving is changing and recommendations for businesses to connect with their customers and community. Come back Friday to catch their entire Conversations Around Good Episode.

In this episode we talk to Nicol Ragland of Regenerate Oklahoma (imagery craft specialist of 18+ years; environmental scientist; film maker and world traveler) as a guest. She shares how her interest in "regenerative farming" began, and how it is much more than just organic, it's about actually healing the land. She also talks about how she traveled the world to discover what makes us us. That community isn't based on language or location, it comes down to connection. This episode will inspire you to make changes in your shopping habits, and provides tips on healing soil in your own back yard. Enjoy!

We are honored to have Nicol Ragland of Regenerate Oklahoma (imagery craft specialist of 18+ years; environmental scientist; film maker and world traveler) as a guest. In this Snippet of Good we hear how Nicole's interest in "regenerative farming" began and how it is so much more than just organic. It's about actually healing the land. Come back Friday to catch her entire episode to hear about her travels, ideas on community and tips on soil healing. 

In this episode we hear from Canadian born Dr. Proud of Proud Dental. He is an entrepreneur who cares deeply about his community. He invests in his town in many ways including local events, free clinics, sports teams and more. His university, Loma Linda,'s motto is "Service is our calling". He puts it into action daily. Community to him means to be a part of something bigger than self. Enjoy!

Dr. Proud (husband; dad; tri-athlete; dentist) of Proud Dental shares what community means to him. Come back Friday to catch his entire Conversation Around Good podcast.

This episode highlights Canadian Female Elite Paddle Boarding Champion Madeline LeBlanc. She shares how she fell in love with the sport while on vacation with her family and how that moment grew into a career in the SUP industry. In 2017 she claimed the Ontario SUP Series overall Open Female Category winner, as well as the ‘MVP’ (most valued paddler) award for her On Board efforts. At the end of the season she signed on as a team rider with ‘Starboard’ one of the worlds leading SUP companies. In 2018 she made an even bigger statement winning the overall Elite Female Category with the Ontario SUP Series, as well as taking the overall win and the yellow jersey at the 2018 and 2019 Mammoth Race in Toronto. She is also university student currently working on her master degree while congruently training the the world champion event. Hear how tragically losing two friends to cancer inspired her to create On Board, cancer research fundraiser which is now in its 7th year. 

In this Snippet of Good we hear from Canadian Female Elite Paddle Boarding Champion Madeline LeBlanc.  She shares how she fell in love with the sport while on vacation with her family. Stay tuned for her entire Conversation Around Good podcast that drops on Friday to hear how she took her love for Stand Up Paddle Boarding and raised thousands for cancer research.

In this episode Terrance Craft, Executive Director of OKC Young Professionals, will make you feel so good about you. He shares how celebrating the little things in life helps him succeed and can help you as well. He is a small business owner, horror movie addict, and huge supporter of young professionals. He also shares how OKCYP has meant everything to him and how they choose to invest in its communities through volunteering with organizations like Food Bank, OK Children Rehab, OU Children Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Great OKC Bake Off.

In this Snippet of Good we hear from Terrance Craft, Executive Director of OKC Young Professionals. He shares how OKCYP invests in its community through volunteering with organizations like Food Bank, OK Children Rehab, OU Children Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Great OKC Bake Off. Don’t miss his full episode that drops on Friday.

May is National Foster Care Month, which is a time to acknowledge families and professionals who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections.  Dr. Deb Shropshire, the director of Child Welfare for OK Department of Child Services, shares about the incredible support Oklahoman foster families have not just from DHS but from a plethora of community organizations. She also shares how more homes are needed. This is an inspiring conversation and quite possibly the sign you have been looking for to take the next step.

Part of our vision at Made Possible By is to equip, align and inspire companies, causes and people to do make a bigger difference together. Focus Federal Credit Union fits right in. Their heart to help their community succeed financially is inspiring. Their programs, their mission, their community involvement are all centered around serving their community. As Abigail Cabello, their Community Development Officer, shares “Can’t isn’t a word.”. If you are in need of a second chance bank account or simply want to work with an organization that cares about others, Focus is at the top of the list. Thank you to Focus for supporting the YMCA, YWCA, Litter Blitz, Feed the Children and more. We see you working!

In this Snippet of Good we hear from Abigail Cabello, Community Development Officer of Focus Federal Credit Union. She shares what community means to Focus and about their CDFI accommodation programs including: Fresh Start Program; second chance checking accounts; financial literacy classes and more. Stay tuned to catch the entire Conversations Around Good episode that drops on Friday.

In this episode we hear from attorney; accountant; public speaker; author and more, Shiny Rachel Mathew of Polston Tax.  She shares how Polston fervently fights for the “little guy”,  and how giving is a part of the Polston culture. All employees receive a quarterly paid day off to volunteer with an organization of their choice. They have also volunteered together with the Regional Food Bank, painting an elementary school, to helping a cancer patients family move. So much goodness here. Enjoy!

In this Snippet of Good Rachel Mathew of Polston Tax shares a few tax tips for businesses. She didn’t become a nun, as she planned as a teen, but that hasn’t stopped her from living her life for others. Catch her full episode of Conversations Around Good on Friday.

In this Snippet of Good we hear from Rachel (Shiny) Mathew Co Owner of Polston Tax. She shares how her firm chooses to invest in their community. To Rachel, who wanted to be a nun as a teen, it doesn't matter how many zeros come after that number in your bank account. It's empty unless you live your life in the service of others. Her full episode of Conversations Around Good drops on Friday. 

“Youth Principle”  Sebastian Sanders began the community minded, non profit  Sander’s Hand  in his teens as a way to help young people better prepare themselves for life and success. His book  The Art of Giving came to him at the age of 13 when his dad taught him the joys of giving to others. Now at the ripe old age of 24, he compares community to a good gumbo. It is so much better when there are a lot of different ingredients in the mix. Sebastian also defines success by how many lives he has impacted. From teaching an ESL class in college, to being a community leader and youth advocate, Sebastian has a TON of Stories of Good and you know how that makes us feel. Enjoy!

There are few people in the world who are as dedicated, motivated and talented as Sebastian Sanders. He began the community minded, non profit Sanders Hand in his teens as a way to help young people better prepare themselves for life and success. In this Snippet of Good hear what challenges Sebastian sees our kids facing and what he believes in the solution. Catch his full Conversations Around Good on Friday.

All of our guests are passionate about their Good, but Jeff Moody of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Norman takes the cake! He LOVES his job, says it’s his dream role. From dressing up like Elf to Miley Cyrus there isn't much he wont do to help the cause. Hear tidbits like how you don’t have to be perfect to make a BIG difference in the life of a child (See what we did there?); how little moments make Big magic; and that it just comes down to being present consistently. Trust me, you will want to sign up as a volunteer after hearing Jeff's call to action. Enjoy!

In this Snippet of Good hear how small moments make a BIG difference. Learn from the Norman Area Director, Jeff Moody of Big Brothers Big Sisters , says community volunteers are transforming the lives of children by just being available and consistent.

In this episode we hear from a female entrepreneur with two full time roles. Bri Ramos is the Founder and Creative Director of Buzz Brand AND Senior Creative Director and Community Engagement of Oklahoma City Community College . She LOVES helping people discover who they are. Bri believes that each person has abilities that no one else has, and all need to do their Good so they can inspire others. 

In this short Snippet of Good we hear from a female entrepreneur with two full time roles. Bri Ramos is the Founder and Creative Director of Buzz Brand AND Senior Creative Director and Community Engagement of Oklahoma City Community College . She chooses to invest in her community through financial investments, volunteer hours, and speaking engagements. Proving she is creative with her giving as well as her careers. Catch the full episode of Conversations Around Good on Friday. 

Becoming a dentist wasn't what Dr. Nathan Brown of Custom Dental thought he would be doing with his life, but after one day of following his father around his practice, he was hooked. What Nathan did know is that he wanted to live his life in the service of others. Listen in to hear how an all state golfer; Young Dentist of the Year award winner; Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame inductee; chose to build his practice in his home town to make a difference locally. 

World Changer, that's how we would describe Cody Merrill. He is realizing his dream to change how the US sees poverty; underemployment; homelessness; food insecurity and more. Socialwyze helps governments and donors pay underemployed people to perform public benefit work to help them maintain housing and transition back into employment. Listen to hear how the idea of Socialwyze (backed by Mark Cuban, Quattro Ventures) came to Cody, how it works, and dreams for the future.