The ManDate Podcast

Big John Small joins the Mandate Podcast to talk about his fun and exciting career and how he got started in Huron, South Dakota on a radio station. Big John Small career has brought him to many interesting places from owning a radio station, Sunny Radio, to stand up comedy. John is full of life and this episode was truly a blessing and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Origin Health - www.originhealthsf.com

Meadowland Financial - www.meadowlandfinancialgroup.com

JJ and Ashley Noel | Infertility Isn't A Lone Battle

JJ and Ashley join us this week to discuss their journey with infertility and how they have grown in their marriage through the process. They were featured on the I am Embrace series through Embrace Church.

JJ has a podcast called Behind the Bow Tie that he started in 2020. He had a desire to have positive content in the world.

Thank you to our sponsors.

Origin Health (https://originhealthsf.com)

Meadowland Finanacial (https://meadowlandfinancialgroup.com)

Ryan & Rachael Bak join ManDate to share their story of moving past the stigma of alcoholism. Ryan tells us of his battle with alcoholism and Rachael discusses her unique perspective of supporting him through the ups and downs of recovery. Together, Ryan and Rachael were able to overcome the stigma and change the narrative of their lives. Ryan and Rachael recently had the chance to share their story through Embrace Church as Ryan was featured as an “I am Embrace” story. This episode helps to add to their story by including Rachael’s unique perspective of their experiences. Ryan now leads a group for others who are searching for help with alcoholism and other addictions. We hope you enjoy this week’s episode! This episode is brought to you by our wonderful sponsors: Origin Health (www.originhealthsf.com) Meadowland Financial (www.meadowlandfinancialgroup.com)

Daniel Brunz joins the podcast to discuss his faith journey. From growing up as a pastor's kid to ending up as a pastor himself, his journey of faith has been turned upside down and around. When we get an opportunity to pick up a rock and see all the sides, sometimes we find a diamond. Imagine pastoring a church and examining all the truths you have believed? Daniel gives us a glimpse into the intimates of deconstruction.

Special Guest Host Rachel Lynass is a wonderful addition to this episode as she was a member of the church where Daniel was the pastor. She gets to ask the questions anyone her shoes would want to in that situation. If you remember, we attended an event hosted by the Brunz Family to support Ukraine where we auctioned off this guest host experience.

John T. Meyer built more than just a business to work for. John and the other co-founders of Lemonly built a teamwork culture that brought success to table.

John T. Meyer is a seasoned leader who is passionate about inspiring others to be their best selves. With more than 15 years of experience in leadership roles, John has learned on the job by taking risks, making mistakes, and challenging himself and his teams to improve every day.

Currently, John is the Executive Director of Leadership South Dakota, where he is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in South Dakota. In addition to his work with Leadership SD, John is also the founder of January, a coaching company where he helps founders grow and scale their businesses.

John is perhaps best known for co-founding Lemonly in 2011, a design firm that has worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Netflix, Marriott, Major League Baseball, and Google. As CEO of Lemonly, John fostered a strong company culture that gained regional and national attention, making it one of the best places to work in the Midwest.

When he’s not working, John enjoys spending time with his wife Paige Pearson Meyer and being a proud girl dad to Margot and Liv. He’s also an avid runner, traveler, and always on the lookout for the next big idea.

Highlights from Episode:

• 3 outgoing podcasters actually start the episode around 3:30
• Building Lemonly from a basement
• The transition from Business Owner to Entrepreneur
• The consequences of selling your business
• Finding or recreating identity
• Transition to Leadership South Dakota
• "Be someone's cheerleader."
• How to create culture
• NEW SEGMENT, Guest asks a question

This episode is sponsored by:

Origin Health (https://www.originhealthsf.com/)

Meadowland Financial (https://meadowlandfinancialgroup.com/)

**Listener Discretion Advised** Adult Topics are discussed

A cannot miss episode for those that have doubts of God's existense or physical love for us.

Joe wrote a book of the same title as the episode with local publishing company, Throne Publishing Group, and this episode will get you about 30 pages deep. AND You will want to read more. Joe's story is full with hills, valleys, and peaks but one thing remains, his relationship with the Creator is real.

Find Hunted and called on Amazon, at the Sioux Falls Bookstore Crossroads, or in either Sioux Falls Airport Bookstore.

Topics you won't want to miss:

• Victim of Pastoral Molestation - Because of this Joe had a conflicted relationship with God
• Is God distant or personal?
• Joe’s Anger at the Full Size Wooden Cross
• The physial presence of God
• Being told “You will never have (biological) kids.”
• Being told “You will never be able to adopt kids.”
• Being told “You will never be able to foster children.”
• Because Joe was sexually molested as a child the system put him in the mathematical equation that victims are 75% more likely to continue that behavior
• “I don’t have the faith to trust you (God) with this anymore.”

• Satan’s whispers become very prevelant.
• The want versus the need to die.
• Run towards God with your questions rather then run away from Him with your doubts.
• Each chapter is a name of God highlighted in the Old Testament.
• Forgiveness of Joe’s molestation.
• Joe & Jennifer’s Tithe and what it led to.

Email Mandate: mandate.pod@gmail.com

Instagram: @mandatepod

KPP

Season 3 is finally here and Ben and Ryan cannot wait to start publishing the recordings we have been included in so far in 2023.

Summary of Conversation:

2022 was our breakout year!

Where we are with video.

New Sponsor - Meadowland Financial (https://meadowlandfinancialgroup.com/)

Shout-out to our Patreons and looking for more to support the pod.

Instagram: @mandatepod

Mandate.pod@gmail.com 

-Comment/like/subscribe so more people can hear about this show

-listener support so we can level up our podcasting game 

After reflecting on why this episode went #1 we have some thoughts. First, Matt's ability to vulnerably communicate is purely magic. Second, Matt was fresh into his sabbatical when we recorded however by the time we published there was word starting to circulate that he might resign from Vance Thompson and focus more on his family and business....which he did. Third, Vance Thompson Vision is a major brand in this region and to hear from one of it's leaders was a major promotion for this episode. Last, the episode hits all four of our main objectives on The Mandate Podcast: Encouraging, Meaningful, Vulnerable, Deep.

Find the show notes in the original episode. KPP

This episode is mission-centric for the Mandate Podcast. The topic is controversial, the vulnerability is raw, and the emotions are captured simply using audio. Nathan absolutely carries this episode with Ben & Ryan simply asking a few questions. The number of responses we have received from tenured and brand new Mandatees blew us away and we hope this episode carries for years to come. KPP.

Show notes are in the original episode.

One of the first episodes Ben & Ryan recorded together and we came out hot. Heather is incredibly vulnerable in her testimony about alcohol addiction and potential suicide. Due to a supporting husband and quick action from some close friends, Heather is alive and sharing this story. We were honored to be the first to record her story and she has gone on to start her own podcast, Fortitude, and has been asked to share her story publicly on-stage in the Sioux Empire. 

Find the show-notes in the original episode. KPP

Our Patreons know what's coming for Season 3 and if you are dying to know, sign up here (https://www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast)!

Highlights from the show:

Find out Ben & Ryan's favorite Episodes

Memorable moments

PTH running for governor?!?!?!

Where is Mandate going for Season 3?

Instagram @mandatepod

Email: mandate.pod@gmail.com

Website: https://anchor.fm/mandate

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

The concept for “Isn’t it Lovely?” was formulated ten years ago at the beginning of a sister-like friendship between Tracy and Rachel. Both transplants to South Dakota, they found comfort, safety, and laughter in a friendship with each other that became a steady lifeline as the years served up both unspeakable loss and indescribable joy. Through it all, they always hoped they would one day collaborate on a project that would uplift and encourage others. After promptings from friends and family, as well as inspiration from the book of Philippians and its admonishment to meditate and focus on all that is LOVELY, the “Isn’t it Lovely?” podcast was born.

Highlights from the Show:

Listen to Mandate (Season 7 | Episode 2) on the Isn’t It Lovely Podcast here: https://www.isitnotlovely.com/

The Isn’t It Lovely? Origin Story

“We are all storytellers and we just pull out different parts in people.”

The vulnerability of running a podcast.

***Christmas Transition***

Favorite Christmas Traditions

Favorite Christmas Movie

New Segment: “What are you loving?”

Tracy: Harold’s Photo

Rachel: Val Sampson with The Sampson House & Alana Snyder with 605 Magazine

Ben: Sarah Krush and her new adventures

Ryan: Konz Family in a good place

Merry Christmas, Do Something for Someone Else, and KPP!

Introduction:

Ryan’s sultry sick voice is a big plus for the podcast but bad for his weekend plans of shooting animals.

Ben checks out the Lady Coo (USF Cougars Women’s Basketball Team) and then takes family to Kaladi’s.

Ben & Reese’s Annual Winter Tradition of baking after first snow

Check out Mandate on Isn’t It Lovely Podcast and Happy Belated Birthday to Co-Host Tracy

Sioux Falls Finest:

Sioux Falls Skyforce @sfskyforce

IV Club with Allure Health @helloivclub

Grandpa's Gift - Dan LaRock

Grandpa’s Gift is a story born from a grandson’s walk through the world in search of something more. Attaining the comforts of business success, a very happy marriage & family life and general enjoyment of the world, still left Dan with a yearning for something else to find.

Following the rediscovery of a book containing messages from his grandfather from more than 60 years ago, he began to realize that the elusive “something more” is the wisdom he found in its pages and stories. It’s a wisdom as old as time itself, yet often hard to find for all of us. That discovery became a gift for Dan, from his Grandfather, and it could very well be a gift for you. 

Find out more: www.grandpasgiftbook.com

A few hightlights from the show:

Dan’s Grandfather born in Beresford, SD | Drew Theological Seminary in New Jersey 

Original book came from a series of radio messages from C. Maxwell Brown (Grandpa) in Bay Area 1960-1965, Titled: Backpacking in a Cultural Wilderness

Grandpa’s messages are timeless

Prescription for what ails us: “Maybe a more intentional gospel led conversation and right relationship with one another….holding Jesus’ hand.”

Dan feeling he had no authority to write this book based on his faith transformation.

Losing the older generations wisdom.

Building a legacy through different mediums.

Holy Spirit Moments

Bible is a legit book, you should read it. Not because you have to but because you may want to.

Terry Liggins is the Founder and CEO of The Hurdle Life Coach, a coaching service that provides inspiration, motivation and education to students of all ages and people in all stages of their lives. Terry is an advocate for special populations, at-risk youth, adults in reentry, people in recovery and young professionals. He believes leadership begins with role modeling and recognizes the sphere of influence every person possesses to be force for good. His Faith in God and people fuels his desire to be a helping hand in a world full of individuals, families and communities in need.

Here are a few highlights from this episode:

Shoutout to Is it Not Lovely Podcast @isitnotlovelypodcast, ResGen Podcast w/ Tom Henderson @resgen_ministry, The Inspired Legacy Podcast w/ Mark Henderson @theinspiredlegacy

Part I

Racism (Can we start by stating the fact that colored people start with a disadvantage?)

Equity vs Equality

Ben gets called out for Institutional Racism already built in his world.

If you arent willing to do anything to recognize the racism that is present than you are no better than those that actively pass opportunities for those of a different color.

Terry’s lived experience in being discriminated against.

“The Trauma of Invisibility”

“Challenging Historical Accepted Notions for Greater Expectations on your life.”

Today Tactics: 1. See people of color for being people of color. 2. Invite people that dont look like you into your social world.

Part 2:

Terry’s story of being in a vulnerable circumstance at home and work. Because of that vulnerability Terry was talked into an unfortunate felony charge.

Terry being thankful for his incarceration because that was his only way into mental health support.

“He is the only Father I know.”

What the community can do right now?

Sioux Falls Finest: Businesses with Exemplary Service:

Sioux Falls Police Department (https://www.siouxfalls.org/police) - Ryan

Sioux Falls Sanitary Landfill (https://www.siouxfalls.org/public-works/landfill) - Ben

Originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Pete has been a songwriter in Nashville since 2009. When Pete was a child, his father wrote and sang country songs. Eventually, Pete started playing around with his father’s recording equipment, ultimately developing a love of music that brought him to Nashville. He has written for artists such as Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker, Walker Hayes, Rascal Flatts, Alana Springsteen, Trea Landon, Jerrod Niemann and more. Most recently, Pete produced Monument recording artist Brandon Ratcliff’s debut EP, due in 2019. He had the debut singles “Rockin’ All Night Long” from UMG Nashville’s Adam Hambrick and “Rules of Breaking Up” from Monument Records’ Brandon Ratcliff, the latter of whose debut album he produced. Some of Good’s recent cuts include “Truth Is” by Tim McGraw, “Quick, Fast, In A Hurry” by Rascal Flatts and Rachel Wammack, “Black Sheep” by Walker Hayes, “Last One To Leave” by Alex Hall featuring Brad Paisley, and “Girlfriend” by Alana Springsteen.

We are also honored that Pete's good friend, Matt Stange, graces us with his co-host skills as Mr. Ryan Konz was busy being a husband and dad!

Barry Sackett is a partner with Goosman Law Firm in Sioux Falls. He cut his teeth in the legal profession in Okoboji, IA and works with business owners, investors, business leaders, executives, developers, and entrepreneurs among the construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, commercial & residential real estate development, commodity sales, technology, and government relations industries. 

Barry joins The Mandate Podcast to talk about his run in with alcohol and his run out into sobriety. Barry discusses his recent passing of his mother, passion for blockchain (cryptocurrency), discipline of running everyday, and his "Big Audacious Goal" of connecting the bike paths between Sioux Falls and Okoboji, IA. Barry is a thought leader in his profession and Mandatees will walk away having a better understanding of his life experiences.

Topics: Sobriety, Discipline, Ultra-Marathon, Bike Path Development, and Legacy

KPP (Keep Pressing Play) Please consider sharing if this episode created ripples in your thought process.

Instagram @mandatepod

Email: mandate.pod@gmail.com

Website: https://anchor.fm/mandate

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Sioux Falls Finest Retail

Ben: COSTCO Work Pants @costco & Sioux Falls Scheels @siouxfallsscheels

Ryan: Great Outdoor Store @greatoudoorstore

Luke Lindberg joins The Mandate Podcast to discuss the importance of mentorship, patriotism, marriage, and politics. Luke is genuinely charismatic about the politics and leadership of this country. We take a deep dive into the hyper-separatist state of modern journalism and Luke's journey into politics in the Trump Administration. Later in the episode Luke takes an aggressive approach to finding mentors, either personally or in your marriage. Communication is key to any relationship however in marriage it can slip/fade over time and that is the moment you need good counsel. 

"Faith, Family, Faculty, Finances, & Fitness"

KPP (Keep Pressing Play). Please consider sharing if this episode created ripples in your thought process.

Instagram @mandatepod

Email: mandate.pod@gmail.com

Website: https://anchor.fm/mandate

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Sioux Falls Finest Coffee:

Ryan: Coffea Roasterie @coffearoasterie  The Breaks Coffee Roasting Co. @thebreakscoffeeroasting

Ben: The Breaks Coffee Roasting Co. @thebreakscoffeeroasting

Both: Josiah's Coffeehouse @josiahscafe

Ben's Favorite Vermont-ian: Matthew Fraser @mathewfras

Ryan's Favorite Vermont-ian: Ben & Jerry @benandjerrys

Luke's: Calvin Coolidge 

Eric McDonald, who led urgent care software provider DocuTap to an investment by a global private equity firm and subsequent merger to become Experity, began leading CoinLion late last year.

Eric sits down with The Mandate Podcast to talk very vulnerably about his rise and fall in line with the entrepreneurial journey of DocuTap. We spend most of our time discussing building barriers and sticking to those, the importance of vulnerability with other people, and building culture through the investment in the people.

KPP (Keep Pressing Play). Please consider sharing if this episode created ripples in your thought process.

Instagram @mandatepod

Email: mandate.pod@gmail.com

Website: https://anchor.fm/mandate

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Sioux Falls' Finest: Fall Festivities

South Dakota FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Flag Football @southdakotafca 

Big Yellow Barn/Minnesota's Largest Candy Store/Jim's Apple Farm (https://visitshakopee.org/attractions/minnesotas-largest-candy-store/)

Matt Jensen, CEO at Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls, SD, and principal/founder of Matt Jensen Marketing, is a national columnist and international speaker on customer experience design in business and healthcare. His teams have helped create customer-centered cultures and are rated amongst the best places to work in America. IN addition to being one of only a handful of Certified Experience Economy Experts, he enjoys delighting customers, families, and friends by collecting experiences, not things.

Though he has many roles, he swears his most important is being a husband to his wife, Dr. Beth Jensen, and a father to three girls.

Matt Jensen joins The Mandate Podcast to explain his experience while being on sabbatical from both Vance Thompson Vision & MJM, the common denominator of valuable experiences is the currency of time, the importance of reading The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, and growing up to Love the Lord and Love Work. Matt is incredibly humble and vulnerable on this episode and listeners will leave with a full cup.

Special note: Tim Murray with the MJM team designed both Mandate Logos. Thanks Tim!

Sioux Falls Finest:

B-Squad Dog Rescue - Facebook or Instagram: @bsquaddogrescue

Paws Pet Resort - Facebook or Instagram: @pawspetresortsd

Dieting is really, really hard—and this simple fact is why so many diets fail.

But it makes sense: Who likes being told what you can and can't eat, especially when so many diets restrict you to eating too many foods you don't like and not enough of them?

Luke Smidt with Macroliving Wellness offers a conversation about retooling yourself for success using the counting macronutrients model. We talk about some really simple activities you can implement today to jumpstart your wellness journey. However, you will need a coach to keep you accountable so find Luke on Instagram or Facebook @macroliving.wellness or email macroliving.wellness@gmail.com.

Support the Mandate Podcast:

www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Sioux Falls Finest Restaurants according to Ben & Ryan:

1. Ryan - Grille 26 (www.grille26.com)
2. Ben - The Diner (www.phillipsavenuediner.com) 

We typically stay away from weather, sports, and jobs. However, with most fantasy football drafts happening this week we thought it necessary to bring in fantasy guru, Kristi Metzger. Kristi has participated and achieved some spectacular results with daily fantasy sports. Kristi lost by only a tenth of a point in a $1,000,000 daily fantasy championship, however $400k isnt a bad consolation prize. We talk about the wrap up of fantasy baseball, draft techniques, sleepers, and strategy during the fantasy football season.

Make sure you listen until the end where Kristi, Ryan, and Ben pick their all-time fantasy football team at the skill positions. You won't want to miss who each one chooses!

Check out more on Kristi: www.rotogrinders.com

Support the Mandate Podcast: www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Jamie serves as Minority Leader in the South Dakota House of Representatives, where he has delivered bipartisan solutions for the people of South Dakota. Jamie believes we are strongest when we work together to get things done.

Jamie is a lifelong South Dakotan. A realtor and former educator, Jamie isn’t a career politician, and he understands the needs of all South Dakotans. Every day, Jamie rolls up his sleeves to bring people together on the big issues South Dakotans face: affordable housing, high-quality education and healthcare, and an economy that works for everyone.

Jamie is a devoted father and husband. His wife of 23 years, Kjerstin, is a middle school librarian. He’s the proud father of two sons: Johnathan and Isaac. 

Jamie joins The Mandate Podcast to discuss why he is running against an incumbent, Republican Governor and how a Democratic nominee can win in South Dakota. Jamie speaks eloquently about how "purple" the state of South Dakota really is, the pockets of democrats, his ability to work across the aisle, and his passion for the people in our great state. 

According to Jamie here is SD's biggest issues he is prepared to tackle: education, healthcare, criminal justice, and childcare.

Check out more on Jamie: www.smithforgov.org

Support The Mandate Podcast: www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Reid Vander Veen is one of those jack-of-many, ace-of-few types. He's a university professor, an author, a farmer, and a business owner. As if that isn't a full enough plate, his full time gig has him serving as a Partner and the Chief Marketing Officer for HenkinSchultz, a marketing agency in Sioux Falls. He lives on the family homestead with his wife and four kids south of Sioux Falls where they raise aronia berries and traditional crops. He's also an avid outdoorsman and has published over 300 articles in various formats about hunting, fishing, shooting, and the outdoors in general. One of his most recent projects was a book with his late Father-In-Law called Parenting Through the Stages which looks at the stages parents go through in their relationships with their children.

Reid joins the Mandate Podcast to discuss the process of writing a book with his Father-in-Law and publishing after his tragic death. We spend a significant amount of time talking about disciplining our children which is an entire chapter in the Parenting Through the Stages text. We bring up some strategies about how we love our kids and the rituals we set up. Reid, Ryan, and Ben talk about their favorite leadership books.

Find out more about Reid at www.theparentingmodel.com or @reidoutside on Instagram.

Trevor Holleman grew up in New Holland, South Dakota and attended Dakota Christian High School. He went on to play football and major in biology at the University of Sioux Falls. While at USF, he was part of 3 national championship teams. After graduating, he attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Dentistry and graduated summa cum laude. He was then accepted into the Oral and Maxillofacial Residency Program at Virginia Commonwealth University, which he completed in Spring of 2018.

Dr. Holleman is married to his wife Beth who grew up in Sioux Falls and attended Roosevelt High School. Together they have 4 amazing children and when not in clinic, Trevor, enjoys hunting, fishing, watching and playing sports, and spending time with his family.

We have a special guest host this week, Mr. Matt Bertsch of Select Paint and Mandate guest alumni fame, who invited Trevor onto the podcast. Trevor's story is not that different from most hard-working, competitive, family-men in the Midwest. We don't do the best job talking about all the struggles that some with fostering a great marriage, raising kids, and trying to balance work. This conversation gives a real look at a young man working hard to build his practice and build relationships for the Kingdom.

Find out more about Trevor: www.riverridgeoralsurgery.com/meet-us

All the links: linktr.ee/mandatepod

Listener discretion is advised as our topic is suicide. Listen to Wendy's family story on the Mandate Podcast.

Wendy's TedTalk: https://youtu.be/liCZp6gknJ0 

Instagram - @mandatepod

Patreon - www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Email - mandate.pod@gmail.com

Website - www.anchor.fm/mandate

Tom Patterson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Tommy John. As a medical device salesman confined to a suit as he traveled from meeting to meeting, he couldn't get through the day without his undershirts, underwear, and socks bunching, pinching and sagging. Instead of getting his base layers in a bunch, he made it his mission to reinvent underwear. With the support of his wife, Erin, a local tailor and a small team of designers, Tom re-imagined the fit, feel and function of our most fundamental layers. Tom and Erin built and patented new features from scratch. The result? Shirts that stay tucked, socks that stay up, and underwear that keeps everything in place.

Tom was born and raised in South Dakota and studied at Arizona State University. In 2008 he founded Tommy John, which has become a leading manufacturer in the United States, with its collection of loungewear and outerwear. 

Key Take Away: Tom is very proud of where he is from and gloats on the coasts about South Dakota's work ethic and demeanor. 

Episode Highlights:

• The Greatness of South Dakota
• Tom Patterson has a Wikipedia
• The early stages of and entrepreneur
• Creation of Tommy John Name
• Inventing a new clothing technology - The Undershirt
• The First Tommy John shirt has Donald Duck Ribbon
• Marriage in the midst of a start-up
• “Burn the Boats”
• My Plan B becomes MY PLAN B.
• Values of Tommy John:

1. Humble - It’s not Me it’s We
2. GSD - Get Shizz Done
3. Mindful
4. Curious
5. Adaptable

• Tom shares about his Faith
• Tommy John Adapts to Covid
• How to juggle all the activity?
• Everyone has 1 good idea, just get started
• BREAKING NEWS BROKE ON MANDATE: Tommy John partners with Target Stores

Find out more about Tom @ www.tommyjohn.com

Instagram @mandatepod

Patreon - www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Email - mandate.pod@gmail.com

Website - www.anchor.fm/mandate

On Sunday, April 24th, Ben & Ryan were invited by the event organizers of a local opportunity to support two distinct family members of people in Sioux Falls. This idea was completely on-brand for Mandate and was our first foray into live recording. The live recording can be found on our Instagram @mandatepod, however listener beware the audio isnt great. You can certainly tell this recording is live and we are making it up but we hope you hear our earnest care for people in our community.

Episode Highlights:

• Support for Ukraine
• Regina Brunz Family in Warsaw
• Regina Brunz Uncle is hosting refugees in his church
• $3.50 supports a person each day
• Find people connected to Ukraine and give them soup and tea
• Regina shares her personal story and attachment to Ukraine
• Dan Sinkgraven explains why Coffea East is partnering on this social event

If you feel moved, please consider donating to Regina Brunz's family in Ukraine at www.lifechurchsiouxfalls.com 

Instagram @mandatepod

Patreon - www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Email - mandate.pod@gmail.com

Website - www.anchor.fm/mandate

Paul Perissien joins Ben & Ryan this week on the Mandate Podcast. Paul is a God-fearing man, husband, father, and the Executive Director of Mission-Haiti. Paul was born in Haiti and moved to the USA with his family at the age of ten. He grew up in Florida and graduated from Florida State University with a degree in education. Paul's story of immigration, changing cultures, finding his wife, and why he returned to Haiti are just a few topics we discuss this week.

Main Takeaway: (34:00) Paul discusses why he HAS to forgive the men who tormented his family without reconciliation.

Key Takeaways:

• Paul’s story immigrating to the US
• Finding God & finding his wife
• Haitian Voodoo Culture (9:00)
• The circumstances around Paul’s return to Sioux Falls (13:00) The instability in Haiti.
• The pressure of being a leader in Haiti (20:30)
• Paul makes the toughest decision in his life.
• A vulnerable conversation with Paul’s wife Bethany (27:00)
• Grief vs. relief (31:00)
• How do you forgive men who were willing to hurt your wife and children? (34:00)
• Forgiveness without reconciliation
• A Christian walks through earthquake, political unrest, and trying to educate a population (36:30)
• Why & How to support Mission Haiti (42:00)

www.mission-haiti.org

paul@mission-haiti.org

MIssion-Haiti's mission is to share the Good News and unconditional love of Jesus Christ in the communities they serve. They do this through a variety of programs and activities, all with the goal of empowering and equipping Haitian brothers and sisters to be the change they want to see in their own country. Programs and Activities: Schools, orphanages, elderly homes, evangelism, medical care, & mission trips.

This week on the Mandate Podcast we invited Lon Stroschein of the Normal 40. What is the Normal 40? Normal 40 isn’t an age, it’s a feeling. It’s is a time when you start to care less about your resume and more about your legacy, when you give up your title and take back your freedom, when you get back to where you used to be going and begin to write your second half story. It’s a simple method that will move you from where you are, to where you want to be. Your second half story is in you, and Normal 40 will help you get it out.

Who is Lon Stroschein? Throughout his career, Lon has had the privilege of working alongside and for wonderful leaders, building the careers of people all around him. He's built international expansion, led a $100M division, and brokered 4 M&A deals in a single year. Lon's lead a $2.1BN public-to-public transaction, built a private wealth group from scratch, and spent 5 years employed by the United States Senate.

While my Lon's life has been spent taking risks and launching careers, Normal 40 is a deep desire to own his own business and to help executives, leaders, and business owners operate in a way that enables fulfilling growth in their second half.

Here are the episode highlights:

• Who is Lon Stroschein? (3:00)
• Lon telling his father that he won't be picking up the 4th generation full time farmer position.
• Tom Daschle (Longtime South Dakota Senator) Story Time. (12:30)
• How Lon processed his new venture, Normal 40. (22:00)
• What you have to give up to do something else, perhaps your mission. (26:00)
• What is "Normal 40"?
• Leaving a DNA, a trail, on the Social Medias
• Is Lon's Father proud of him? (40:00)

Find out more about Normal 40: normal40.com OR email Lon at lon@normal40.com

Instagram @mandatepod

Patreon - www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Email - mandate.pod@gmail.com

Website - www.anchor.fm/mandate

Apple Podcast - www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcasts/the-mandate-podcast

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/51tJeha51F5nPk0rcZhDaD

Rich Merkouris is a longtime Sioux Falls resident. He spent his childhood years in Sioux Falls and attended Horace Mann Elementary. He later graduated from the University of Sioux Falls and has since served in numerous capacities as a community and faith leader. Rich is the President of Kingdom Capital Fund and is on the board of directors for Empower Sioux Falls, Compassion Child Care, and the Sioux Falls Hope Coalition.

He has provided leadership for several collaborative efforts in Sioux Falls, including the development of the Empower Campus, the formation of the Sioux Falls Hope Coalition, and housing redevelopment in Pettigrew Heights. For the past eleven years, he has served as a Volunteer Chaplain for the Sioux Falls Police Department and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office.

Rich’s wife, Shannon, is a special education teacher at John Harris Elementary. They have three children—Hannah, Henry, and Hazel.

Show Highlights:

• Who is pouring into Rich? (7:00)
• When Rich found a Mom and Child under a tree. What did he do? (11:00)
• That time Rich found a new club in Sioux Falls (13:00)
• Sports as a ministry
• "If you have enough drive, you can outpace your peers."
• Why run for City Council? (23:00)
• A Kermit Staggers story (25:00)
• "Not on my watch." A pivot point in Rich's life. (28:00)
• Work-life Balance (32:30)
• The admiration Rich has for Sioux Falls Police Department
• Charity with Clarity (40:00)

The Rich Merkouris website https://www.merkourisforcouncil.com/about 

You can find Rich on Instagram and Facebook.

King of Glory Church Website: www.kingofglorysf.org

Instagram @mandatepod

Patreon - www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Email - mandate.pod@gmail.com

Website - www.anchor.fm/mandate

Apple Podcast - www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcasts/the-mandate-podcast

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/51tJeha51F5nPk0rcZhDaD

***Episode Disclaimer*** In this episode Kate's close friend and running companion, Rachel Ortman, was battling cancer at a local hospital surrounded by her family. Shortly after completing this episode Rachel completed her race and passed away. We have a brief introduction to this episode so please listen in and consider supporting the Ortman Family at (www.gofundme.com/rachels-race).

Derrick, Jack, Jovie, and Maverick this episode is dedicated to you.

Kate Patrick is a wife of 10 years to Mr. Jesse Patrick, a loving mother to 2 boys, an avid runner with Sioux Falls Women Run, a giving friend, and a Realtor at 605 Real Estate (www.realestate605.com). We discuss marriage, motherhood, juggling those 2 titles with work, and what drives Kate to provide exceptional experiences. However, the majority of this episode is about Kate's friend, Rachel Ortman, who passed away February 28, 2022 after a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer. Below are the episode highlights:

• Disclaimer and Informational Introduction (0:00 - 4:00)
• Who is Kate Patrick (8:00)
• How to Manage Our Titles - Wife/Mom/Realtor (12:00)
• Invest in Your Marriage (20:00)
• Sioux Falls Women Run Non-Profit (25:00)
• Kate and Rachel's Story (30:15)
• Kate's Raw Emotion for Rachel's Family (38:00)
• Importance of Outside Council - Individually & Relationally (42:00)
• Some Konz Advice (45:00)

You can find Kate on Instagram and Facebook or the 605 Real estate website (www.realestate605.com).

You can find Sioux Falls Women Run on Facebook.

Rachel's Race (www.gofundme.com/rachels-race)

Instagram @mandatepod

Patreon - www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Email - mandate.pod@gmail.com 

Website - www.anchor.fm/mandate

Apple Podcast - www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcasts/the-mandate-podcast

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/51tJeha51F5nPk0rcZhDaD

Nathan Rueckert - Founder of Baseball Seams Co. - Restoration into the Game-ball He Intended Us to Be

Mission: “We strive to honor God and reflect His Love by creating unique, meaningful products that connect people and transform relationships through the platform of baseball.”

What Nate has come to appreciate about the Baseball Seams Company is that they aren’t just an entity that exists to make cool things. It goes much deeper than that. They take old, worthless baseballs and give them new life because that’s what God does with us through Jesus. He takes our brokenness, our failures, our resentment, our addictions, our imperfections and decides to love us anyways.

Unconditionally. Recklessly.

Baseball Seams Co. has grown from just Nate in his basement to over 10 part-time production analysts and artwork apprentices, a social media team, and an operations manager that oversees it all. They’ve outsourced shop space in downtown Sioux Falls for order fulfillment, shipping and receiving and just completed their first published book titled America At The Seams: 50 Stories in 50 States of How Baseball Unites Our Country.

Episode Highlights:

• Baseball Seams Co. Origination Story (2:20)
• The Art that Means the Most (9:20)
• The Creation of a Mission Statement & Why (11:00)
• The Epic Customer Stories Using Artwork to Storytell (13:00)
• Turning a Side Hustle to Full-time Employment (18:00)
• The Book “America at the Seams” Amazing Story (27:30)
  • Road trip with Nate’s Dad
• Is Nate’s Dad Proud of Him (33:00)
• A Mandate Exclusive (35:00)
• Connection to a US President (40:00)
• Ben Geeks Out on Baseball (42:00)

To find out more about Nate & Baseball Seams Co. (baseballseamsco.com)

Heather Kittelson is energetic and everywhere! As the Foundation Director for Volunteers of America you have either heard from her or of her if you volunteer in any capacity in the Sioux Falls Region. Heather is a Follower of Jesus, a doting wife, proud mom, and she shares her impactful testimony with us on this weeks' show. 

Episode Highlights:

• Heather's Testimony (Alcohol/Postpartum Depression/Attempted Suicide) 10:30
• "The Holy Spirit told him to turn his vehicle around."
• Postpartum Depression Explanation (16:00)
• In-patient Recovery=Leaving Heather's family, telling her employer, and sharing this testimony publicly for the first time. (21:50)
• "I am so proud of you." -CEO and HR with VOA
• The neuroscience behind the brains addiction (29:30)
• Redemption Artistry (35:45)
• What can you do if you are struggling with Alcohol Addiction, postpartum depression, or suicide? (42:00)

Listen in as we share what Mandate will look like in the post-Joebermueller space. 

Still offer great guest testimonies, intuitive conversations, and hope for a greater community awareness.