An Army of Normal Folks

Sparky Reardon worked in student services for 36 years at Ole Miss, including his final 14 years as the Dean of Students. His stories span the hilarious to the tragic and he is a one-of-a-kind leader who thousands call a mentor and a friend, including Coach Bill Courtney.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, we dive into yet another column from Andrew Peters. On the magic that happens when we ask for help. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Flynt got kicked off his college football team for one too many fist fights and lived with the regret of letting down his team for decades. Until, he forged one of the greatest redemption stories you will ever hear, becoming the oldest linebacker in NCAA history at 59 years old! And he's now the subject of Angel Studios’ latest film The Senior. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Flynt got kicked off his college football team for one too many fist fights and lived with the regret of letting down his team for decades. Until, he forged one of the greatest redemption stories you will ever hear, becoming the oldest linebacker in NCAA history at 59 years old! And he's now the subject of Angel Studios’ latest film The Senior. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill is joined by his son Max to talk about the day that he flatlined, their full-circle moment that's about to take place, and their friend who asked Max, "Is it well with your soul?"Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz Scott's 4 year-old daughter Alex was fighting neuroblastoma cancer and yet Alex decided to host a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research. From her first stand that raised $2,000 to raising $1 million by the time she died at age 8, Alex inspired a movement that has raised $350 million, with a literal Army of Normal Folks hosting lemonade stands for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.   Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz Scott's 4 year-old daughter Alex was fighting neuroblastoma cancer and yet Alex decided to host a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research. From her first stand that raised $2,000 to raising $1 million by the time she died at age 8, Alex inspired a movement that has raised $350 million, with a literal Army of Normal Folks hosting lemonade stands for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.   Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill dives into a powerful column from Andrew Peters that's titled "The Standard, Or How You Do One Thing". It'll move you to reflect on how you do everything in your life! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Mutabazi is a Ugandan immigrant didn’t accept the cultural narrative that only white married people can foster and adopt kids. So far, this single dude has fostered 47 kids, adopted 3 of them, and he’s in the process of adopting 2 more of them! His radical love also happened to go viral, making him the most famous foster dad in America, with 2.5 million followers across social media.   Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Mutabazi is a Ugandan immigrant didn’t accept the cultural narrative that only white married people can foster and adopt kids. So far, this single dude has fostered 47 kids, adopted 3 of them, and he’s in the process of adopting 2 more of them! His radical love also happened to go viral, making him the most famous foster dad in America, with 2.5 million followers across social media.   Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill reflects on US News and World Report's recent article titled “New Poll: Americans Say the U.S. Is in a Leadership Crisis”. And offers a solution to this crisis. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After large events like weddings, the flowers are too often thrown away. But Stephanie Simpson had an idea, couldn't we repurpose these flowers and bring joy to folks at nursing homes, cancer centers, and schools? 901 POP (Petals of Purpose) has their own Army of 580 volunteers who've donated 25,000 arrangements!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For "Shop Talk", Coach Bill tells the story of his hilariously unconventional experience watching Undefeated for the very first time.  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pam was a member of National Service League, where moms and daughters do service projects. But she's got 3 sons, so she thought why not start something for moms and sons to do this too?! 24 years later, Young Men’s Service League has 199 chapters with 33,000 moms and sons serving together!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pam was a member of National Service League, where moms and daughters do service projects. But she's got 3 sons, so she thought why not start something for moms and sons to do this too?! 24 years later, Young Men’s Service League has 199 chapters with 33,000 moms and sons serving together!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill dives into "The Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life." Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peggy Halvorsen was "only" trying to adopt a kid from Liberia. Shortly after they agreed to adopt his brother too, he died from cholera and Peggy insisted that this could not be the end of the story. 14 years later, their accidental ministry Teamwork Africa has built 216 wells, repaired over 500 existing ones, sponsor the education of 180 kids, and they're about to open their second school. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peggy Halvorsen was "only" trying to adopt a kid from Liberia. Shortly after they agreed to adopt his brother too, he died from cholera and Peggy insisted that this could not be the end of the story. 14 years later, their accidental ministry Teamwork Africa has built 216 wells, repaired over 500 existing ones, sponsor the education of 180 kids, and they're about to open their second school. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill talks about coaching football again this season after a several year hiatus! And the amazing kids he's coaching. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After black snow rained down on her on 9/11, Nancy knocked on the door of local firehouses to see how she could help. When several firefighters told her that they’d need counseling, this non-therapist and normal mom got to work. 24 years later, Friends of Firefighters has provided over 1,000 firefighters and their families with mental health and wellness services at no cost to them!   Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After black snow rained down on her on 9/11, Nancy knocked on the door of local firehouses to see how she could help. When several firefighters told her that they’d need counseling, this non-therapist and normal mom got to work. 24 years later, Friends of Firefighters has provided over 1,000 firefighters and their families with mental health and wellness services at no cost to them!   Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill tells the story of An Army of Normal Refugees who changed America... at least in one aspect. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Military spouse unemployment is 21%, which is 5 times the national average, often because employers don't want to hire people like Michelle Penczak who move every 3-4 years. So Michelle started a virtual assistant company called Squared Away where location wouldn't be an issue. And it's skyrocketed to employing 400 military spouses who serve 1,000 clients! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Military spouse unemployment is 21%, which is 5 times the national average, often because employers don't want to hire people like Michelle Penczak who move every 3-4 years. So Michelle started a virtual assistant company called Squared Away where location wouldn't be an issue. And it's skyrocketed to employing 400 military spouses who serve 1,000 clients! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Bill and Alex reflect on 4 of their favorite nonfiction books. What's yours?! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Rhonda Smith has assigned the podcast to over 400 of her social work students at the University of Southern Mississippi. In this episode we meet 7 of them, who are sure to inspire you about this rising generation! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Rhonda Smith has assigned the podcast to over 400 of her social work students at the University of Southern Mississippi. In this episode we meet 7 of them, who are sure to inspire you about this rising generation! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill and Alex reflect on some of their favorite books. And want to hear about yours! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenn had to amputate her right leg due to sarcoma cancer. She committed to helping patients like herself and she soon found her cause in the tragedy of insurance companies not paying for prosthetics for running, swimming, or any other athletic activity. The Move for Jenn Foundation has since paid for 63 activewear prosthetics!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenn had to amputate her right leg due to sarcoma cancer. She committed to helping patients like herself and she soon found her cause in the tragedy of insurance companies not paying for prosthetics for running, swimming, or any other athletic activity. The Move for Jenn Foundation has since paid for 63 activewear prosthetics!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill reflects on the extraordinary life of Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx who recently passed away. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Egyptian engineer, a Hispanic Navy Seal, and an Italian construction manager walk into a building. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it’s the beginning of real-life heroism. The building was the World Trade Center’s North Tower and Father Mark Hanna is the only one of the 3 amigos to survive 9/11.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Egyptian engineer, a Hispanic Navy Seal, and an Italian construction manager walk into a building. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it’s the beginning of real-life heroism. The building was the World Trade Center’s North Tower and Father Mark Hanna is the only one of the 3 amigos to survive 9/11.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, we feature Army member Erik Lokkesmoe's reflections on what he wishes someone had told him when he was 30 or 40 years old. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Father Dennis Lewis was assigned to St. Michael’s parish in Milwaukee, he discovered a growing number of Hmong and Laotians seeking refuge from the Vietnam War. Many were subjected to a terrible slumlord and so Father decided to start a homebuying ministry that helped coach them through the process. 33 years later, Acts Housing has helped 4,000 low-income families purchase homes!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Father Dennis Lewis was assigned to St. Michael’s parish in Milwaukee, he discovered a growing number of Hmong and Laotians seeking refuge from the Vietnam War. Many were subjected to a terrible slumlord and so Father decided to start a homebuying ministry that helped coach them through the process. 33 years later, Acts Housing has helped 4,000 low-income families purchase homes!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill reflects on Army member Erik Lokkesmoe's powerful article, "For All The 50-Year Old Men Who..." Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin was tired of walking by people experiencing homelessness, not doing anything, and undermining his own humanity and theirs each time. So he finally did something and his accidental nonprofit Miracle Messages has since reunited over 1,100 people with their families!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin was tired of walking by people experiencing homelessness, not doing anything, and undermining his own humanity and theirs each time. So he finally did something and his accidental nonprofit Miracle Messages has since reunited over 1,100 people with their families!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, we explore the idea of potentially experimenting with a few local chapters of the Army this year. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ginny Manguno, a teacher at Briarcrest Christian School, assigned listening to the podcast in her high school class. And so we decided to interview Ginny and her 15 students! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ginny Manguno, a teacher at Briarcrest Christian School, assigned listening to the podcast in her high school class. And so we decided to interview Ginny and her 15 students! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill shares his deeply personal experience with Father's Day. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9/11 firefighter Tim Brown helped save lives that fateful day, but he also lost 100 friends who chose to save others knowing it would likely be the last act of their lives. His mission is to honor this Army of Normal Folks and make sure that America never forgets them.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9/11 firefighter Tim Brown helped save lives that fateful day, but he also lost 100 friends who chose to save others knowing it would likely be the last act of their lives. His mission is to honor this Army of Normal Folks and make sure that America never forgets them.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill reflects on Army member Andrew Maue's email. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Kim found out that thousands of kids in her suburban community were going hungry in the summer, she couldn’t look away from the problem. Her nonprofit Festa now feeds over 800 children in the summer, but as Kim puts it, they don’t just want to help people live in poverty a little bit better. So they serve 1,166 people with America's only 3-generation family English as a Second Language program, to help their families escape poverty.   Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Kim found out that thousands of kids in her suburban community were going hungry in the summer, she couldn’t look away from the problem. Her nonprofit Festa now feeds over 800 children in the summer, but as Kim puts it, they don’t just want to help people live in poverty a little bit better. So they serve 1,166 people with America's only 3-generation family English as a Second Language program, to help their families escape poverty . Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill reflects on some fascinating studies that show people are far more willing to help us than we might expect. And what this means for the Army. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Norman is a normal dude who made a blood platelet donation one day. When his colleague told him that donated platelets helped save her life, John decided to keep rolling with the donations. He donates every other week, which is now over 160 times! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.