An Army of Normal Folks

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.

For "Shop Talk", Coach Bill weighs in on an Army member's suggestion.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Ole Miss football player Chucky Mullins’ devastating injury left him as a quadriplegic, Sigma Nu approached him about starting a football game called The Charity Bowl that would raise money for those living with paralysis. Chucky enthusiastically endorsed it and since 1990 these fraternity brothers have raised over $3.5 million! We talk to current students Jagger Mooneyham and Julian Knott.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Ole Miss football player Chucky Mullins’ devastating injury left him as a quadriplegic, Sigma Nu approached him about starting a football game called The Charity Bowl that would raise money for those living with paralysis. Chucky enthusiastically endorsed it and since 1990 these fraternity brothers have raised over $3.5 million! We talk to current students Jagger Mooneyham and Julian Knott.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our "Shop Talk" series, Coach Bill tells the story of a prison football team and their surprising fans.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach Bill Courtney shares one of the most important life lessons he's ever learned and it was from one of his 17-year-old football players. It's a powerful Thanksgiving reflection.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gilbert lost his 8-year-old daughter Samantha to cancer and then lost his 49-year-old wife Nicole. But instead of having a victim mindset about it, he’s honoring them with his dirt track racing car that he named “Nicole’s Dream”, which was to have a car that raises awareness for childhood cancer and funding to cure it. In less than 2 years, he’s raised $46k for St. Jude and other causes. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gilbert lost his 8-year-old daughter Samantha to cancer and then lost his 49-year-old wife Nicole. But instead of having a victim mindset about it, he’s honoring them with his dirt track racing car that he named “Nicole’s Dream”, which was to have a car that raises awareness for childhood cancer and funding to cure it. In less than 2 years, he’s raised $46k for St. Jude and other causes. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Shop Talk, Coach Bill responds to an Army member's question about how to heal and hopefully reconcile with his brother. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After accidentally moving next to the worst housing project in America, Bob Muzikowski dug in. He started a little league for its kids, then intentionally moved into the hood on Chicago’s West Side, and started the largest inner-city little league in the country there. Finally, when Bob sold part of his company, he donated 50% of his earnings to build a world-class school there called Chicago Hope Academy. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After accidentally moving next to the worst housing project in America, Bob Muzikowski dug in. He started a little league for its kids, then intentionally moved into the hood on Chicago’s West Side, and started the largest inner-city little league in the country there. Finally, when Bob sold part of his company, he donated 50% of his earnings to build a world-class school there called Chicago Hope Academy. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For "Shop Talk", Coach Bill responds to a listener's question about two challenges that nonprofits face: 1) A declining number of volunteers 2) When to transfer leadership to the next generation. And Bill somehow relates this to football. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd was the producer of Elf, writer of Sully, and is the producer, writer, and director of the upcoming film Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a normal pastor who had the courage to stand up to Hitler, rescued Jews, joined a conspiracy to assassinate Hitler, and was ultimately hanged for his defiance. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd was the producer of Elf, writer of Sully, and is the producer, writer, and director of the upcoming film Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a normal pastor who had the courage to stand up to Hitler, rescued Jews, joined a conspiracy to assassinate Hitler, and was ultimately hanged for his defiance. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Carsons had “The American Christian Dream” of a nice house and golfing at the country club. But then their son spent a weekend as a homeless person and everything changed. They have since sold their dental practice, founded the Memphis Dream Center, and have lived life with people who didn’t look just like them. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Carsons had “The American Christian Dream” of a nice house and golfing at the country club. But then their son spent a weekend as a homeless person and everything changed. They have since sold their dental practice, founded the Memphis Dream Center, and have lived life with people who didn’t look just like them. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our "Shop Talk" series, Coach Bill pontificates on labels, semantics, talking past each other, The Code of the West, and The Code of the Hood. It's more eclectic than ever. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For every single therapist, there are 350 people looking for that type of support. Dr. Trina and her team at Give An Hour realized that there will never be enough therapists to meet this need. And that the answer is us, their own Army of Normal Folks serving one another in peer support groups and as wellness ambassadors. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For every single therapist, there are 350 people looking for that type of support. Dr. Trina and her team at Give An Hour realized that there will never be enough therapists to meet this need. And that the answer is us, their own Army of Normal Folks serving one another in peer support groups and as wellness ambassadors. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our “Shop Talk” series, Coach Bill on the difference between opponents and enemies. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.