The Good Around Us
By Stephanie Keally
The Good Around UsAug 16, 2021
6.6 Plant a Seed - Nikki Byrne-Hoffman
Growing up poor on a farmette homestead in Braxton County, West Virginia, Dr. Nikki Byrne-Hoffman, comes from a long line of Appalachian farmers. She spent most of her childhood in the family’s orchards, vegetable gardens, and rabbit hutches, and her family’s food security depended on their garden’s harvest. After moving to Morgantown to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and a doctorate in Pharmacology, Nikki began teaching Biology at West Virginia University.
In 2020, she and colleague, Katrina Steward, created and now Co-Direct the WVU Campus Food Garden, which serves multiple purposes: to educate the next generation of gardeners and small farmers, and to advocate for food security in the community.
The Campus Food Garden has donated over 7,000 pounds to local food pantries to date.
6.5 Called to Serve - Therese Wright (2021)
Therese Wright has an energy that is warm and a spirit larger than life. Originally from Belize, she lives in Lexington, Kentucky, where she has devoted her life to the service of those around her. She founded Sisters Road to Freedom, a non-profit organization designed to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals and families through workshops, personal connection and assistance, as well as a food and clothing bank, which serves over 100 families each year and is run completely by volunteers.
Episode 1.1 Called to Serve was originally published on May 7, 2021.
I caught up with Therese this winter to get an update on Sisters Road to Freedom, the volunteer-run non-profit she founded for meeting the needs of vulnerable families in Lexington, KY. You will be thrilled to know that the thing Therese waved her magic wand about, getting a storefront to distribute resources to those in need, well it happened! She gets pantry and fresh food donations from Whole Foods, Panera, Glean KY, Elkwood Farms, and she provides a distribution resource to government organizations serving the community.
To help Therese serve the community and pay rent on her storefront, go to her website sistersroadtofreedom.org.
6.4 Coming Together for a Cure - Blake Benton
Walking side by side with a loved one who has been given the diagnosis of an incurable disease. This is a journey many families have experienced before or face today. Amidst the darkness of this reality, our guest today shares about the light that always finds a way to come through the cracks.
Blake Benton founded Coming Together for a Cure, a non-profit organization that works relentlessly to raise awareness, fund research, and help families around the world access stem cell therapy and resources to support their fight against rare diseases.
This work is personal for Blake as his brother, Ryan, has Dechenne’s Muscular Dystrophy. Together, they are helping others experience cutting edge treatment and resources to maintain a hopeful quality of life.
Links:
- Website: https://ctfac.org
- CTFAC Facebook
- CTFAC Instagram
- Sign up for The Good Around Us newsletter!
6.3 Justice in the Fashion Industry - Ngozi Okaro
Ngozi Okaro is the Founder and Executive Director of Custom Collaborative. Ngozi founded Custom Collaborative to help women launch sustainable fashion businesses and careers, and to advocate for a fashion industry that honors the planet and serves fashion-industry workers (the majority of whom are immigrant and low-income women) and thoughtful consumers who want quality, sustainable clothes that fit the body well.
Over the course of a career in social-sector leadership, Ngozi has led education, social justice, and community-based organizations to identify and meet their missions.
Among many distinctions, Ngozi is a 2022 Goldman Sachs Black Woman Impact Leader and AARP Purpose Prize Fellow.
Links:
Finding Grace in Duality - Lauren Gilbert
Faith in a higher power plays a prominent role in individuals and communities around the world. And though science, particularly the social sciences, has begun acknowledging the intersection with faith, these are still two topics that can feel miles apart. Our guest today is sharing a message about how psychology and spirituality can work together for a kinder, gentler view of ourselves and the world.
Lauren Gilbert is a PhD in psychology. After serving as a full-time assistant professor at a liberal arts college, Lauren sought to expand the reach of her message to make it accessible outside of the walls of the college classroom. She is passionate about integrating science and faith in a way that is easily understandable and one that meets people right where they are. In her spare time, Lauren spends time outdoors, trying to keep up with 2 young kids, and little-by-little, she is learning to practice what she preaches in her own heart, home, and family.
Links:
- Lauren's Instagram
6.1 The Kindness of a Stranger - Kindee Dixon
Kindee Dixon has been devoted to improving the quality of life and education for communities in Kenya and Malawi for the last 25 years. This was not a mission she was born with or instructed to carry out - rather, a chance encounter with a loving stranger and the unconditional kindness she experienced, is what changed the trajectory of her life.
At age 23, she led her first expedition to build a school and for the past 25 years has managed various nonprofits dedicated to helping those that need it most. She has helped to build 14 schools and currently volunteers with Warm Hearts Foundation, focusing on education, clean water, sustainable farming, and projects that serve communities in Kenya and Malawi. Kindee lives in Salt Lake City, has 3 children of her own and 5 kids (plus 3 grand babies) that she sponsors in Kenya. She is also pursuing her Masters Degree in mental health counseling when she’s not busy trying to save the world.
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” -Nelson Henderson
Links:
5.7 Show Up Positive - Rita Ernst
We’ve all been there…in a team where it feels like frustration and complaints are just part of the corporate DNA. But how do we stop the cycle and bring about positive change? This is a question our guest today has been working with, and offering solutions to, for decades.
Rita Ernst owns Ignite Your Extraordinary, an organizational consulting practice emphasizing the convergence of happiness and productivity to create positive, committed, high-performing organizations. She holds an advanced degree in Organizational Psychology from Clemson University. Her first book, Show Up Positive, was released in June 2022.
Make sure you listen through to the end for some helpful tips on how to navigate those family gathering triggers this holiday season.
Links:
5.6 Living With Purpose - Anh LyJordan (2021)
5.5 Going Far Together - Phil Squatrito
Ted Lasso brought coaching onto the pop-culture scene in such a good way. He made us smile, our hearts warm, and energized our spirits to ‘do better’. He showed us that WHO WE ARE matters just as much as the wins and losses on the field.
A good coach like that is someone I am always eager to talk to!
Our guest today, Coach Phil Squatrito, is one of those inspiring coaches!
Most commonly known as Coach Squats, he is the Head Coach and owner of Training For Warriors, Ponte Vedra Beach. With over 20 years experience in physical fitness, he has coached tens of thousands of people to lose fat, build muscle and feel great about themselves again. He knows that through positive encouragement, enthusiasm, and passion for helping others, there are few obstacles too great to overcome.
Links:
5.4 Changemaker for Youth - Morgan Guess and Susan Guess
The experience of being a child in this connected and technological age is unlike that of any other era. But in some ways, schoolyard dynamics and bullying is a tale as old as time. Our guests today are on a mission to stop bullying, shine a light on youth mental health, and spread kindness.
Morgan Guess of Kentucky experienced repeated bullying at 8 years old, causing mental and physical health concerns. Since that time, her family has created the Guess Anti-Bullying Foundation. With Morgan and her mom, Susan Guess, at the helm, they have created programs, advocated legislation, and implemented awareness campaigns. Morgan has been recognized as an Ashoka changemaker and received awards for her work on this cause.
As a warning, there is discussion of self-harming and suicide, which may be triggering to some listeners.
In a world where so many are throwing bricks on others, be the one who builds bridges with them. – Emma Xu.
Links:
- Guess Anti-Bullying Foundation
- Subscribe to The Good At Work Newsletter
- Refer a guest to be featured on the show
5.3 Giving Every Opportunity - Gerald “GEO” Gibson
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...
Isaiah 54:17
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Some people have just the right combination of perseverance, faith, luck and support to make something beautiful out of what is seemingly broken. Gerald “Geo” Gibson is one of those people.
Today, he is a Community Program Coordinator with the Lexington, KY Police Department, Motivational Speaker, and founder of Operation Making A Change, an organization supporting the community through the school system and correctional facilities.
But his story of life on the streets illustrates the great gift it is that he is even alive, much less making life-saving impact on others today. Listen in for Geo's story - it's a powerful one.
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Links:
- Operation Making a Change Website
- Louis Reyes Reach a Generation Book
5.2 Impact from Her Seat at the Table - Elisa Torres
"It is not the critic who counts; not the [man/woman] who points out how the strong [man/woman] stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the [man/woman] who is actually in the arena...who spends [himself/herself] in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if [he/she] fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that [his/her] place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
— Theodore Roosevelt (U.S. President 1901-1909)
Do you have a moment in your life that changed everything for you? For our guest today, it was a significant financial and emotional loss in her childhood that inspires her each day to pursue greatness and cultivate it in others.
Elisa Torres is a marketing professional and a leader in the healthcare industry. As a Director for Global Strategic Marketing at Johnson & Johnson, she has exceled in her career, while also making an impact as a philanthropist and speaker. Elisa has an unwavering desire for us to realize our power as change agents so we can make organizations and the world a better place.
To understand more about her message, we started our conversation at the beginning of her story.
Links:
- Elisa's website where you can sign up for her newsletter!
5.1 Meeting Students Where They Are - Jamie Albritton
“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Think of a really good teacher or mentor who built you up to believe that more is possible for you than you ever could have imagined. That’s our guest today - one of those teachers you won’t forget.
Jamie Albritton is a National Board Certified music educator who works for the Jefferson County Public Schools system in Louisville, Kentucky. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education, a Masters in the Art of Teaching, Level III Orff-Schulwerk (Erf Shulverk) certification, as well as his Rank 1. He is currently in his 16th year of teaching and working with students from Kindergarten through 5th grade. His story shows us all that music and teaching extends far beyond the classroom.
Links:
- You can follow Mr. Albritton’s school music account on Twitter @NortonElemMusic
- Lila Andrews Kraft Mac and Cheese Recording Artist
4.10 One Year of The Good Around Us Podcast
It’s the 1 year anniversary of The Good Around Us podcast! One whole year of pushing publish on some beautiful stories of love, creativity, compassion, leadership, and courage. In this episode I will share the story of how and why this podcast was created along with my top 8 lessons learned from the journey. Here we go!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
― Margaret Meade
Stay in touch with me! Send feedback! Questions, guest ideas, comments - message me through the website or Instagram:
4.9 Coaching Leaders - Marian Guinn
Marian Guinn is a Professional Certified Coach with a passion for leadership. She believes that improving the capacity of leaders and trust among teams is critical to the success of our nation.
Prior to becoming an Executive Coach, Marian created a successful career in fund development for the UK Children's Hospital, and went on to lead God’s Pantry Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, as CEO for 19 years. She successfully led the God's Pantry through multi-million dollar capital campaigns, building projects and significant program growth.
Marian is an influential leader in Central Kentucky and has won numerous awards in her tenure. And now, Marian is dedicating her time to helping others find meaningful work.
In this episode you will hear:
- Marian's non-profit and coaching story
- What exactly is professional coaching
- How to best identify and engage with a coach
- How to find meaningful work that has purpose for you
Links:
4.8 Surgery on Sunday - Dr. Andy Moore
Dr. Andrew Moore, II, is a plastic surgeon in Lexington, Kentucky. In his nearly 40 years of practice, Dr. Moore had helped numerous individuals with financial constraints by providing free care through his office. But by 2005, due to changes in the healthcare system including hospital ownership and insurance complexities, it became untenable to do so.
Dr. Moore made it his mission to see the working poor receive outpatient services, creating Surgery on Sunday, a nonprofit organization.
The organization provides essential outpatient procedures at no cost to income-eligible individuals who are either uninsured or under-insured and do not qualify for federal or state assistance. It was the first program of its kind in the United States. Dr. Moore and Surgery on Sunday have received recognition for this important work (i.e. 2010 CNN Hero of the Year Nominee, 2009 Red Cross Hero of the Year, 2015 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award).
4.7 Daddy Dressed Me - Michael Gardner
Michael Gardner is a Philadelphia native seeking to be the very best father for his daughter, Ava. Growing up without a present father in his own life, he knew he wanted to create a different experience and would need to do it in his own, unique way. He took his natural creativity, combined it with his great love for Ava, and out came Daddy Dressed Me by MG.
This name may sound familiar, as it was featured on the Today Show and other outlets in late 2020. Listen in for a personal view of what this movement, brand, and project is all about.
Daddy Dressed Me by MG Instagram Page
Daddy Dressed Me by MG - Website (About)
Connect with The Good Around Us Podcast on Instagram!
4.6 Lessons from a Former Bully-Boss - Jay Guilford
Jay Guilford is a leadership strategist in Las Vegas. He develops leadership programs and has trained teams from top-performing companies such as MGM, Microsoft, Mastercard, Google, Uber, P&G, and more. But interestingly, his leadership journey began as a self-proclaimed “Bully Boss”.
Listen to Jay’s story. He has wisdom to share for all of us leaders, and of course, I have thoughts on the topic as well.
Links:
- Website: http://www.coworkslead.com
- Contact Jay for free advice for executive leaders: contact@coworkslead.com
The Good Around Us Podcast - Connect and engage on Instagram!
4.5 Pantsuit Politics - Sarah Stewart Holland & Beth Silvers
Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers host the popular podcast Pantsuit Politics, which was named one of 2021’s best shows by Apple Podcasts and has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Guardian, Elle Magazine, and Parents Magazine. They are also the authors of I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversation, which was featured on MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
Sarah and Beth met in college before going their separate ways for law school. Sarah pursued a career in politics as a congressional staffer and campaign aide and Beth practiced law before serving as a human resources executive. Sarah lives in Paducah, KY, with her spouse, Nicholas, and children Griffin, Amos, and Felix. Beth lives in Union, KY, with her spouse, Chad, and children Jane and Ellen. Sarah’s dog, Cookie, and Beth’s dog, Lucy, are beloved (and involuntary) contributors to their work.
Connect with Pantsuit Politics:
The Good Around Us Podcast - Connect and engage on Instagram!
4.4 Finding Purpose in Pajamas - Genevieve Piturro
Genevieve Piturro was a veteran, successful tv marketing executive in New York City when one night she asked herself, “Is this enough?”. Before long, she was honoring a calling to support children through a simple act of providing pajamas to those in emergency shelters. By 2001, that grew into the Pajama Program, a nationwide organization ensuring children are supported at bedtime. To date, the organization has provided over 7 million pajamas and storybooks to children who are experiencing challenges beyond their control. Genevieve’s path continues as she supports others in finding their purpose and passion.
Genevieve has been interviewed by OPRAH, TODAY, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and more!
Links:
Website:
https://www.genevievepiturro.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GenPiturro
TW: https://twitter.com/genpiturro
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/genevievepiturro/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevievepiturro/
Oprah interview: https://www.genevievepiturro.com/Press?wix-vod-video-id=2b2b3532b832427facc38b735beaa940&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-ka42ownn
Her book: Purpose Passion and Pajamas https://www.genevievepiturro.com/book
“The Commitment” by Wolfgang von Goethe:
https://medium.com/market-force/goethe-on-commitment-d94eb8be4651
The Good Around Us Podcast - Connect and engage on Instagram!
4.3 Taking the Challenge - Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane is a young chef in the Lexington, KY, area who constantly pushes himself to do better and be better. He’s a goal-setter, community-builder, visionary, and hard worker…with the respect and good humor that makes him fun to be around!
Joseph created the Southern Deli Chef Cookoff Challenge in 2021 as a competition to bring attention to local businesses and nonprofits. He’s also a runner and working toward major distance achievements.
Links:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joseph.lane.90
- Instagram: joestoes15
The Good Around Us Podcast - Connect and engage on Instagram!
4.2 The Gift of Teachers - Jena Nelson
Jena Nelson has devoted her career to teaching the arts in public schools. After overcoming abuse and poverty as a child, she decided to pay it forward through her work with children in the school system. As the 2020 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Jena has found her voice in advocating for the power of teachers and public education.
Links:
Jena's Twitter and Instagram handles: @OKTOY2020
The Good Around Us Podcast - Connect and engage on Instagram!
4.1 Living Where You Serve - Lisa Schmitz
Lisa Schmitz brought new life to her passions and career as she stepped away from her corporate HR career and founded the nonprofit, Mars Hill Art Center which provides community art classes, a blessing pantry, a Little Free Library and tons of other benefits to an underserved neighborhood in Indianapolis. Beyond that, Lisa and her husband have a video series called Do Something Indy where they profile people doing amazing things in the community.
Links:
Mars Hill Arts Center: https://www.marshillarts.com
Do Something Indy: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Id8d-YPhOkfS-t9Dhmh2Q
Where Pigs Fly: https://wherepigsflyandsuch.com
Instagram (Mars Hill): https://www.instagram.com/marshillarts/
Facebook (Do Something Indy): https://www.facebook.com/dosomethingindy
Matthew West Song - Do Something: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_RjndG0IX8
The Good Around Us Podcast - Connect and engage on Instagram!
3.5 Start with Yes - Andy Shea
Andy Shea is the President & CEO of the Lexington Legends and Charleston Dirty Birds, clubs in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. But his work in the community doesn’t stop at the ballpark. He is very active volunteering for organizations and serving on nonprofit boards. In all that he does, Andy is a mentor and teacher, always saying yes to an opportunity that helps another person grow.
LINKS:
3.4 Giving Thanks - Father Norman Fischer
Father Norman Fischer is the priest of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church and the chaplain for Lexington Catholic High School. He is the first black priest of African American descent, as well as the first of Philipino descent, of the Diocese of Lexington. Father Norman is an artist, and as you will hear, he is well known, respected, and involved in the community.
This one is a church-sized episode where you will not only learn about all the amazing work Father Norman is doing, but also lean into his messages of gratitude and giving from a faith perspective.
Links:
3.3 Anything is Possible - Nicole Griffin
Nicole Griffin is a mom, wife, entrepreneur, coach, mentor and NINJA. That’s right, Nicole is a veteran American Ninja Warrior competitor, competing on seasons 7, 9, 10 & 11. If she’s not at the gym, you’ll catch her somewhere outside, probably mountain biking, rock climbing, or spending time with her husband, Chris, her baby boy, Emmett, and her dogs, Archer and Jack.
Links:
Watch Nicole's highlight from American Ninja Warrior here!
3.2 Simple Gifts - Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens is giving gifts while honoring his brother’s memory. During the holiday season, he collects donations and then gives money and gift cards to transplant patients and their families spending Christmas in the hospital. He personally knows how much this means to those in this position, and he shares with us what it feels like to give to others, even if it’s something small.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ridintheorgantrail
3.1 Delivering Joy - Ron Gray
It’s season 3 of The Good Around Us podcast. This will be a short one as we finish up the year, but it is packed with great guests doing beautiful work for others. We are calling it Gifts of the Season, a time of giving and gratitude.
Ron is a professional in Central Kentucky who founded a non-profit organization that fills a gift gap in the communities it serves. Completely volunteer-run,The Toy Chest is a children's charity that provides toys, books, clothing and other items vital to the healthy development of children in underserved areas around Kentucky. Its largest program collects gifts for Christmas-time, and this is their tenth year running.
Links: https://www.thetoychest.org
2.10 Thoughts on Listening
In wrapping up Season 2 of The Good Around Us podcast, I reflect on the care exhibited from our guests and the lessons learned. We learn a lot from listening to another's story. We give a lot by listening, too! As Fred Rogers stated, "More and more I’ve come to understand that listening is one of the most important things we can do for one another..."
As we look ahead to Season 3, we will focus on the gifts of the season. I hope you enjoy!
Thanks for listening...
2.9 Getting Grounded - Erin Smith
Erin Skinner Smith wants everyone to make friends with mindfulness, eat real food, move their bodies, and hit the pillow a little earlier for a more purposeful existence. She is a published writer, newspaper columnist, yoga teacher, and mindfulness coach. When she’s not standing on her head or typing on her trusty laptop, you’ll find her reading, playing guitar, enjoying a glass of bourbon or snuggling on the couch with her people.
Send her a digital high five at erin@theOMplace.net
2.8 Made with Love and Dignity - Greg Pavett
Greg Pavett is a man of great faith. In the midst of a successful career, Greg answered a calling and founded The Humanity Alliance.
The Humanity Alliance is a Minnesota-based non-profit that aspires to create long-lasting community value, health and wealth by launching and scaling disruptive innovations. Its initial focus is to unravel the catastrophic health outcomes that are tied to food insecurity.
This organization is clearly a product of Greg’s innovative spirit, vast knowledge-base, and heart for addressing systemic inequities with love and dignity.
Bear with us as we recorded this episode amidst a bit of construction. You may hear some banging around, but stick with it because Greg has a lot of wisdom to share.
The Humanity Alliance Website: https://www.humanityalliance.org
2.7 Rethinking Waste - Jessica Schreiber
Jessica Schreiber uncovered a problem with commercial textile waste and sought out to rethink how we address it.
She founded FABSCRAP, a non-profit organization providing convenient pickup of unwanted textiles from New York City designer brands and businesses. FABSCRAP recycles and reuses fabric - keeping large volumes from the landfill and saving CO2 emissions.
To find out more about the organization, donate, or connect on social...go to FABSCRAP.ORG
2.6 Serve with Purpose - Jody Greenlee
Jody Greenlee began her career as a nurse in pediatric hematology and neonatal intensive care. In 2000, Jody retired from nursing to foster two medically fragile Guatemalan children. She served as Board President of Children of the Americas (an international medical relief nonprofit) from 2001 - 2009. For the past 20 years, Jody travels twice a year to provide medical and humanitarian services in the rural mountains of Guatemala. In 2009, she founded Finding Freedom through Friendship to provide services to impoverished women and children in emerging countries. Jody is a true servant leader, both in her local community and abroad.
Links from the episode:
- FFF Website
- Stories of participants
- FFF Shop
- FFF Instagram
2.5 Embracing Differences - Kevin Hofmann
Kevin Hoffman had a childhood defined by race. He grew up in Detroit just after the 1967 riots, as a black man in a white adoptive family. And despite the struggles, he describes his childhood as a good one. Now he shares messages of compassion and cultural intelligence with others.
Along with his captivating personal stories, Kevin and I have conversations on race, embracing differences, and being gracious with ourselves and others when we get it wrong.
Website: growingupblackinwhite.com
Instagram: @kevinclusion
2.4 More Than Ice Cream - Joel Wegener
Joel Wegener bought an ice cream truck in 2021 and runs it with his two special needs children, Mary Kate and Josh. Named Special Neat Treats, the ice cream truck business has become something much bigger than just selling ice cream. It is a bright light for the community and has gone viral for all the good they are spreading. Listen in for Joel's beautiful stories of hope and love.
To connect with Special Neat Treats on Facebook, click here.
2.3 Be a Unicorn - Lisa Caprelli
Lisa Caprelli is an author of 16 books, speaker and innovator with a passion for studying, expressing and writing about human behavior, communication and happiness.
In this episode she shares how she took her book UNICORN JAZZ into a video format throughout the pandemic, engaging more children with her creative and colorful stories about being uniquely YOU.
Listen to the end to hear a little clip of Lisa's song Unicorn Jazz.
https://lisacaprelli.com
2.2 Empowering with Nutrition - Deborah Morgan
In this episode, Deborah gives parents hope and empowerment to control elements of their children's health. She also shares some nutritional tips if you are just getting started on a better-health journey.
2.1 Being Inclusive - Kristen Donnelly
Kristen Donnelly (MSW, M.Div, PhD) is a TEDx speaker, international empathy educator, and researcher with two decades of experience in helping people understand the beauty in difference and the power in inclusivity. She is one of The Good Doctors of Abbey Research and COO of their parent company.
In this episode, she shares
*how creativity and understanding lead to empathy and inclusivity.
*what it really means to be inclusive
*what we can learn from Captain America
*and how to address messy, tough topics with grace
Reflections on Season 1
Season 1 has come to a close, and I for one, am humbled by the stories shared, the people I’ve met, and the energy building from this project. I truly hope this becomes a movement of noticing, acknowledging, and sharing the GOOD that truly is ALL AROUND US.
In this short episode, I reflect on the common attributes that guests have exhibited, the PAY IT FORWARD concept that created and continues to propel this podcast, and my wish for listeners.
1.10 Advocating for Reform - Tahmina Watson
Tahmina Watson is a Seattle-based immigration attorney, podcaster and activist. She is the founder of Watson Immigration Law and the Washington Immigrant Defense Network and she is committed to serving the community.
In this episode, Tahmina discusses the most impactful experiences from her immigration law experience, insights from her new book (The Startup Visa), and even the power of meditation.
1.9 Organize for Impact - Maria Baer
Maria Baer brings her big smile and bright energy to create spaces for clients that are organized and stylized. Through her company, The Baer Minimalist, she helps clients minimize the stress that comes from having too much clutter and creates a customized system that is easy to maintain. She believes that when we are more intentional about what we bring into the home, we have more time to do the things we love most. And, she has done the work of figuring out who in the community needs exactly what her clients are getting rid of, so that items get directly into the hands of those who need it most.
In this episode, we talk about minimalism, creating spaces in the home to function for a multitude of things, engaging in the community, and tips for lifting that ‘too much clutter’ weight off your shoulders.
1.8 Transforming Student Lives - Anthony Swann
Anthony Swann is the 2021 Virginia State Teacher of the Year, but his path to this success has been anything but smooth and easy. Anthony overcame the odds, and he is passing along a message of hope to his students today.
1.7 Leading the Way - Ty Schmidt
Ty Schmidt is a physical therapist and elite mountain bike racer who saw a need to build stronger, better connected and more walk and bike friendly communities. So in 2013 he founded Norte, and now works full time on this mission with a big vision for what’s possible.
1.6 Design for Change - Ibrahim Ayub
1.5 Living with Purpose - Anh LyJordan
Anh LyJordan stepped away from her career as a successful trial attorney to do work that is meaningful to her. From bridging the gap for first generation college graduates to employee rights to social justice, Anh leads with her heart and never forgets her family's journey.
1.4 Dedicated to a Cure - Ron Borkowski
Ron Borkowski describes his life as one of many changes - blessed by marrying the right person right off the bat. Ron is dedicated to finding a cure for Alzheimers, honoring the legacy and caring spirit of his wife, Carol.
1.3 Innovating Learning - Monica Bilak
Monica Bilak is a mastermind for community change; a service designer and strategist; and founder of Sprocket Innovation Lab, a nonprofit that partners with government, education, and business to create talent for tech-based companies by creating access and interest in skills required for the new world of work.
1.2 Women at Work - Sally Schott
1.1 Called to Serve - Therese Wright
Therese Wright has an energy that is warm and a spirit larger than life. Originally from Belize, she lives in Lexington, Kentucky, where she has devoted her life to the service of those around her. She founded Sisters Road to Freedom, a non-profit organization designed to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals and families through workshops, personal connection and assistance, as well as a food and clothing bank, which serves over 100 families each year and is run completely by volunteers.
The Good Around Us Trailer
Welcome to The Good Around Us podcast. Here we will explore how people are changing the world through large and small acts in their communities. We give a platform to unique stories from individuals making an impact all around us.