An Army of Normal Folks

For "Shop Talk", Coach Bill reflects on a listener's question with some inspiration from Rudyard Kipling's powerful poem "If". Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charmaine is the founder of My Possibilities, which serves who they call HIPsters (hugely important people), otherwise known as adults with disabilities, with a real college experience that they wouldn’t otherwise get. They started with 10 students and now have 675 students!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charmaine is the founder of My Possibilities, which serves who they call HIPsters (hugely important people), otherwise known as adults with disabilities, with a real college experience that they wouldn’t otherwise get. They started with 10 students and now have 675 students!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Real Heroes author Larry Reed tells us the epic story of Warsaw's underground radio station during the Soviet occupation of Poland. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzy is the founder of All 4's Rescue League, which has distributed 1,680 doghouses to outside dogs without them in Memphis, have gotten 1,500 dogs spayed and neutered, and 2,460 dogs unchained. And she dives into the local and national crisis of homeless animals that endangers all of us.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzy is the founder of All 4's Rescue League, which has distributed 1,680 doghouses to outside dogs without them in Memphis, have gotten 1,500 dogs spayed and neutered, and 2,460 dogs unchained. And she dives into the local and national crisis of homeless animals that endangers all of us.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Father Jerzy Popieluszko was the chaplain for Poland's resistance movement called Solidarity. And the Soviet communists couldn't bear his powerful voice for faith and freedom. Larry Reed celebrates this courageous martyr for An Army of Normal Dead Folks.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, we bring you former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's powerful letter upon his post, "My Parting Prescription for America".Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khali started Downtown Boxing Gym to use boxing as the hook to teach vulnerable Detroit kids about life. Ironically, none of the kids are now using their boxing ring, but their STEAM Lab and other awesome stuff have helped 1,500 kids graduate high school and 98% go on to post-secondary education! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khali started Downtown Boxing Gym to use boxing as the hook to teach vulnerable Detroit kids about life. Ironically, none of the kids are now using their boxing ring, but their STEAM Lab and other awesome stuff have helped 1,500 kids graduate high school and 98% go on to post-secondary education! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For An Army of Normal Dead Folks, Larry Reed brings us the story of the pilot who dropped sweets & hope to the children of Berlin.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For "Shop Talk", Coach Bill shares the story of the motel where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr was shot and killed. And Jackie Smith's 34 year protest of it being converted into the National Civil Rights Museum. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While 94.6% of kidney donors give them to someone they know, Sam Fledderjohann felt called to give a kidney to anyone who needed it. Her being what is called an “altruistic donor” enabled a whole chain of kidney donations to be unlocked, resulting in 20 transplant surgeries over 2 days that saved the lives of 10 recipients!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While 94.6% of kidney donors give them to someone they know, Sam Fledderjohann felt called to give a kidney to anyone who needed it. Her being what is called an “altruistic donor” enabled a whole chain of kidney donations to be unlocked, resulting in 20 transplant surgeries over 2 days that saved the lives of 10 recipients!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill and Alex dive into one of their favorite speeches, President Teddy Roosevelt's "The Man In The Arena", and what the Army can learn from it.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the state of Tennessee, payday lenders can charge interest rates upwards of 459%. Travis Moody and his nonprofit Forward Memphis are on a mission to outcompete them, charging only 10%. In only 20 months, they’ve helped 600 families save a total of $800k!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the state of Tennessee, payday lenders can charge interest rates upwards of 459%. Travis Moody and his nonprofit Forward Memphis are on a mission to outcompete them, charging only 10%. In only 20 months, they’ve helped 600 families save a total of $800k!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For "Shop Talk", we share Army member John Norman's powerful note about donating blood. And a lot more of us need to be doing it. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After having been abandoned as a baby, Monica Kelsey has gone on to help save the lives of 227 babies! Her nonprofit Safe Haven Baby Boxes offers a compassionate and secure option for mothers in crisis who are unable to care for their newborns.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After having been abandoned as a baby, Monica Kelsey has gone on to help save the lives of 227 babies! Her nonprofit Safe Haven Baby Boxes offers a compassionate and secure option for mothers in crisis who are unable to care for their newborns.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And they might just impact your life too. Our latest Shop Talk on visiting the elderly. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a 6 year old, Nate saw his parents die right before his eyes. He was living out of his car and then in prison, until his English teacher Stan Deen decided to try to save his life. This extraordinary story is the subject of Angel Studios’ latest film Brave the Dark, which is in theaters now.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a 6 year old, Nate saw his parents die right before his eyes. He was living out of his car and then in prison, until his English teacher Stan Deen decided to try to save his life. This extraordinary story is the subject of Angel Studios’ latest film Brave the Dark, which is in theaters now.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For An Army of Normal Dead Folks, Larry Reed tells the story of the Polish hero who spied on the Nazis and the Soviets. And paid the ultimate price for it.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merriam-Webster’s 2024 Word of the Year was "polarization." For Shop Talk, we explore what we can do to ensure that this never happens again.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd is the founding director of Calvin Prison Initiative, an accredited bachelor degree program that’s inside of a prison. And one that’s not only transformed their students’ lives, but most fascinating is how it’s cultivated An Army of Normal Prisoners who've completely transformed the culture inside of Michigan’s prisons! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd is the founding director of Calvin Prison Initiative, an accredited bachelor degree program that’s inside of a prison. And one that’s not only transformed their students’ lives, but most fascinating is how it’s cultivated An Army of Normal Prisoners who've completely transformed the culture inside of Michigan’s prisons! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our series "An Army of Normal Dead Folks", Larry Reed tells the story of his friend Nicholas Winton, who rescued 669 mostly Jewish children who were at risk of being killed by Nazi Germany. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Army member asked for producer Alex to share the origin story of An Army of Normal Folks. And so he did. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inga Arvin felt called to move to the challenging Louisville neighborhood of Portland, but her husband Shawn didn’t want to because he used to buy drugs there. Their obedience strangely led them to get a house for free if they bought a community center, which of course led them reinvigorating it with over 200 kids playing basketball, a 400 person fish fry, a school, and a thrift store. Welcome to Love City, who’s beating heart is neighbors loving neighbors.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inga Arvin felt called to move to the challenging Louisville neighborhood of Portland, but her husband Shawn didn’t want to because he used to buy drugs there. Their obedience strangely led them to get a house for free if they bought a community center, which of course led them reinvigorating it with over 200 kids playing basketball, a 400 person fish fry, a school, and a thrift store. Welcome to Love City, who’s beating heart is neighbors loving neighbors.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For "Shop Talk", Coach Bill dives into the paradox of An Army of Normal Folks doing abnormal things.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 friends paid off their college debt, 7 families helped them buy a house, and they joined in on buying cars for 4-5 people. Branden and Ashley are members of an extraordinary Army of Generous Folks and show us what living in community can look like!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 friends paid off their college debt, 7 families helped them buy a house, and they joined in on buying cars for 4-5 people. Branden and Ashley are members of an extraordinary Army of Generous Folks and show us what living in community can look like!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For "Shop Talk", Coach Bill reflects on an Army member's email about cell phones and young kids. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America is one of the most generous countries in the world and yet many of our worst problems aren't getting any better. One of the greatest reasons why is the lack of return on investment analysis that is expected in the business world, but is pervasively absent in philanthropy. Slingshot has conducted this analysis for 55 Memphis nonprofits, which empowers givers to fuel the most effective nonprofits, and this innovative model could be adopted by any community across the country! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America is one of the most generous countries in the world and yet many of our worst problems aren't getting any better. One of the greatest reasons why is the lack of return on investment analysis that is expected in the business world, but is pervasively absent in philanthropy. Slingshot has conducted this analysis for 55 Memphis nonprofits, which empowers givers to fuel the most effective nonprofits, and this innovative model could be adopted by any community across the country! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our series "An Army of Normal Dead Folks", Larry Reed tells the story of Fanny Crosby, who became blind and yet still holds the records for the most number of songs written & most number of Presidents met. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For "Shop Talk", we share Army member Ken Morris' reflection that he is in fact a Turkey Person. And what he's going to do about it. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buddy was a Golden Gloves boxer who bit his opponent's ear, a union organizer who landed in prison, and ultimately the founder of The Rock Ministries. In the Philadelphia neighborhood of Kensington, The Rock started by serving inner-city boys with boxing and the Gospel, and it’s grown to serving over 11,000 kids through sports, arts, music, and mentoring. And all of this is taking place amidst some of the most dangerous blocks in America.   Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buddy was a Golden Gloves boxer who bit his opponent's ear, a union organizer who landed in prison, and ultimately the founder of The Rock Ministries. In the Philadelphia neighborhood of Kensington, The Rock started by serving inner-city boys with boxing and the Gospel, and it’s grown to serving over 11,000 kids through sports, arts, music, and mentoring. And all of this is taking place amidst some of the most dangerous blocks in America. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For “An Army of Normal Dead Folks”, we celebrate Harriet Tubman, the runaway slave who rescued over 100 slaves on the Underground Railroad. And Real Heroes Larry Reed reveals fascinating stories about her that we had never heard before! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For "Shop Talk", Coach Bill's hot take on fake vs. real Christmas trees and somehow he relates this to our legacies.  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This title doesn't make much sense, unless you listen to the episode. JT is the founder of Both Hands, whose own Army of nearly 145k normal folks in 45 states has raised $21 million to adopt 1,648 kids by serving 1,632 widows! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This title doesn't make much sense, unless you listen to the episode. JT is the founder of Both Hands, whose own Army of nearly 145k normal folks in 45 states has raised $21 million to adopt 1,648 kids by serving 1,632 widows! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Prudence Crandall admitted a black student into her school in 1832, townspeople from Canterbury, CT twice set their building on fire, poisoned their well, and 3 lawsuits were filed to stop her. But Prudence persevered, which is why we're celebrating her on our special series "An Army of Normal Dead Folks". Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For "Shop Talk", Coach Bill gives a fascinating (and devastating) look at the trade war's unintended effects on the hardwood lumber industry and what it can teach us about our work serving others. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dakota celebrates his own Army of Normal Folks who’ve supported his greatness: Big Mike, Sergeant Major Hector Soto-Rodriguez, Tana Rattliff, Tim Kennedy, his daughter Sailor, and so many more.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dakota celebrates his own Army of Normal Folks who’ve supported his greatness: Big Mike, Sergeant Major Hector Soto-Rodriguez, Tana Rattliff, Tim Kennedy, his daughter Sailor, and so many more.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re kicking off a new special series called “An Army of Normal Dead Folks”, where we celebrate normal folks from history who did what they could to serve their fellow man. With our friend Larry Reed, our first episode features abolitionist Thomas Clarkson! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.