An Army of Normal Folks

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.

Pedro Velasquez Jr was diagnosed with leukemia when was 5 years old. His dad Dr. Pedro Sr. pleaded to God that if St. Jude saved his life, he would dedicate his life to the Memphis community that was there for them. He founded Lifedoc Heath, which has helped 1,100 patients a week improve their health outcomes so much that their cost of care has plummeted by 27%! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pedro Velasquez Jr was diagnosed with leukemia when was 5 years old. His dad Dr. Pedro Sr. pleaded to God that if St. Jude saved his life, he would dedicate his life to the Memphis community that was there for them. He founded Lifedoc Heath, which has helped 1,100 patients a week improve their health outcomes so much that their cost of care has plummeted by 27%! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest "Shop Talk", Coach Bill reacts to an Army member seeking his advice about whether to lean into a difficult situation or to walk away entirely. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve’s 70 year-old dad told him that they should grab a couple buddies and respond to Hurricane Katrina. The next thing you know 6 guys turned into 684 volunteers, and 20 disasters later their 60,000 volunteers have rebuilt 7,000 homes! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve’s 70 year-old dad told him that they should grab a couple buddies and respond to Hurricane Katrina. The next thing you know 6 guys turned into 684 volunteers, and 20 disasters later their 60,000 volunteers have rebuilt 7,000 homes! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael has been inspired to volunteer with, donate to, and reach out to 9 different Army members featured on the podcast! Frankly, this normal dude inspires us and we cannot wait for you to meet him.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael has been inspired to volunteer with, donate to, and reach out to 9 different Army members featured on the podcast! Frankly, this normal dude inspires us and we cannot wait for you to meet him.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott is the ultimate patriot and renaissance man. He served in Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, co-founded Operation Pineapple Express (which rescued over 750 Afghan allies), wrote the play “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” and is the author of the new book “Nobody is Coming to Save You: A Green Beret’s Guide to Getting Big Sh*t Done”. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott is the ultimate patriot and renaissance man. He served in Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, co-founded Operation Pineapple Express (which rescued over 750 Afghan allies), wrote the play “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” and is the author of the new book “Nobody is Coming to Save You: A Green Beret’s Guide to Getting Big Sh*t Done”. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest "Shop Talk", Coach Bill on having to lay off 45% of his employees and the company's character that was their saving grace.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right after surviving a life and death battle with cancer, while pregnant, Gaby and her husband decided to adopt a baby that was experiencing withdrawal from opioids in their mother’s womb. Her story that’s chronicled in her new book “Wrinkles Welcome” is an extraordinary one of perseverance, love, and forgiveness. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right after surviving a life and death battle with cancer, while pregnant, Gaby and her husband decided to adopt a baby that was experiencing withdrawal from opioids in their mother’s womb. Her story that’s chronicled in her new book “Wrinkles Welcome” is an extraordinary one of perseverance, love, and forgiveness. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest "Shop Talk", Coach Bill talks about losing some of his players to the streets. And the necessity of accepting failure like this. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a teenager, Antong founded the Dallas Blood gang and ran the city’s roughest streets. This inevitably landed Antong in prison, where a man told him that if he could lead for evil, imagine what he could do for good. He now leads Urban Specialists, which has transformed the lives of 819 OGs like himself. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a teenager, Antong founded the Dallas Blood gang and ran the city’s roughest streets. This inevitably landed Antong in prison, where a man told him that if he could lead for evil, imagine what he could do for good. He now leads Urban Specialists, which has transformed the lives of 819 OGs like himself. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest "Shop Talk", Coach Bill pays tribute to Sunde Smith, a single woman who left Manhattan and did something really crazy. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, we re-run our episode with Sonia Agron. When the World Trade Center was struck, Sonia promised her husband, an NYPD officer who responded to the attack, that she wouldn’t go to the site to help. But she couldn’t keep that promise and volunteered as a recovery worker at Ground Zero on overnight shifts. In addition to grieving their losses, the Agrons soon began to deal with various illnesses brought on by exposure to Ground Zero’s toxic environment. In spite of this, Sonia has continued volunteering by leading tours at the 9/11 Tribute Museum and 9/11 Memorial. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, we re-run our episode with Sonia Agron. When the World Trade Center was struck, Sonia promised her husband, an NYPD officer who responded to the attack, that she wouldn’t go to the site to help. But she couldn’t keep that promise and volunteered as a recovery worker at Ground Zero on overnight shifts. In addition to grieving their losses, the Agrons soon began to deal with various illnesses brought on by exposure to Ground Zero’s toxic environment. In spite of this, Sonia has continued volunteering by leading tours at the 9/11 Tribute Museum and 9/11 Memorial. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bishop is the inspiration for Angel Studio’s latest film, Sound of Hope. And we hope his story will inspire an adoption revolution in America.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bishop is the inspiration for Angel Studio’s latest film, Sound of Hope. And we hope his story will inspire an adoption revolution in America.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest Shop Talk, what the founder of FedEx can teach all of us.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seth is a leading expert on fragile states across the world. And after a lot of people have asked him if America has become a fragile state, Seth dove into it. The result is his powerful book Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code At A Time. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seth is a leading expert on fragile states across the world. And after a lot of people have asked him if America has become a fragile state, Seth dove into it. The result is his powerful book Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code At A Time. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And the story of how it was revealed in the most beautiful way possible, while serving with Sleep in Heavenly Peace! This couple has led their Gadsden, Alabama chapter to delivering 1,656 beds to kids without them. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And the story of how it was revealed in the most beautiful way possible, while serving with Sleep in Heavenly Peace! This couple has led their Gadsden, Alabama chapter to delivering 1,656 beds to kids without them. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For "Shop Talk", Coach Bill pays tribute to his late friend Bill Prest, and it's 12 years after his death. Now that's a legacy which outlasts how much money he made. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Florence “Flo” Brooks and Renardo Baker used to live the street life. Today with Memphis Allies, they’re on the frontlines of helping folks just like themselves to find a better way. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Florence “Flo” Brooks and Renardo Baker used to live the street life. Today with Memphis Allies, they’re on the frontlines of helping folks just like themselves to find a better way. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the latest "Shop Talk", Coach Bill's tribute to his late friend Steve Davis, an Oklahoma quarterback and true servant leader.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belinda never dreamed of starting a birthday charity, until she was asked to provide a birthday party for a boy who wouldn’t otherwise have one. And only 5 years later, Celebrate Birthdays and their own Army of Normal Folks, have provided birthday celebrations to over 6,000 kids.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belinda never dreamed of starting a birthday charity, until she was asked to provide a birthday party for a boy who wouldn’t otherwise have one. And only 5 years later, Celebrate Birthdays and their own Army of Normal Folks, have provided birthday celebrations to over 6,000 kids.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tara is a NICU nurse who experienced the epidemic of newborns withdrawing from their moms’ drugs that they got in the womb. And she also experienced that they weren’t given great treatment. Tara stumbled into a solution that’s better for everyone (babies, parents, taxpayers), and her Hushabye Nursery has helped 695 infants & their families!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tara is a NICU nurse who experienced the epidemic of newborns withdrawing from their moms’ drugs that they got in the womb. And she also experienced that they weren’t given great treatment. Tara stumbled into a solution that’s better for everyone (babies, parents, taxpayers), and her Hushabye Nursery has helped 695 infants & their families!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest "Shop Talk", Coach Bill answers a premium member's question about the impact of the Army in our first year. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of the UPS driver who almost committed suicide, found healing, and accidentally started a viral ministry of delivering good vibes through dance. Today Russell is better known as “The Dancing UPS Man”, with 1.6 million followers on TikTok and 1.2 million on Instagram.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of the UPS driver who almost committed suicide, found healing, and accidentally started a viral ministry of delivering good vibes through dance. Today Russell is better known as “The Dancing UPS Man”, with 1.6 million followers on TikTok and 1.2 million on Instagram.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

75% of the world's carpets and rugs are produced in Dalton, Georgia. For our latest "Shop Talk", Coach Bill tells the community's powerful assimilation story that's made it possible. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After losing his mom to cancer, Yuri was depressed and strangely enough found hope when he created an Instagram account. Posts from Army members Officer Tommy Norman and Rodney Smith lifted his spirits, and he even badgered Rodney to join one of his 50 state tours. Next thing you know these guys have gone on 5 Christmas tours together, with Yuri dressed up as a superhero bringing presents to kids with illnesses or disabilities. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After losing his mom to cancer, Yuri was depressed and strangely enough found hope when he created an Instagram account. Posts from Army members Officer Tommy Norman and Rodney Smith lifted his spirits, and he even badgered Rodney to join one of his 50 state tours. Next thing you know these guys have gone on 5 Christmas tours together, with Yuri dressed up as a superhero bringing presents to kids with illnesses or disabilities. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

67% of America's students aren't reading at grade level. What is An Army of Normal Folks going to do about it? Coach Bill's latest Shop Talk.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the loss of his wife, Daron spiraled out of control and into brawls & cocaine. He found redemption in rehab and eventually dedicated his life to helping others write their redemption stories. Today, Bonton Farms is one of the largest urban farms in the country, but produce is far from its most important fruit. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the loss of his wife, Daron spiraled out of control and into brawls & cocaine. He found redemption in rehab and eventually dedicated his life to helping others write their redemption stories. Today, Bonton Farms is one of the largest urban farms in the country, but produce is far from its most important fruit. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like normal people. So said Coach Bill's daughter... and just wait until you hear his response on the latest Shop Talk. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susan knew almost nothing about foster care. And when the blinders came off at 27 years old, her whole life completely changed. She started what is now National Angels, whose 19 chapters have volunteers doing life with 3,000 kids experiencing foster care and their foster parents! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susan knew almost nothing about foster care. And when the blinders came off at 27 years old, her whole life completely changed. She started what is now National Angels, whose 19 chapters have volunteers doing life with 3,000 kids experiencing foster care and their foster parents! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest Shop Talk, Coach Bill shares a fascinating perspective about these "ragged kids" coming up.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And his goal is 1 million kids. But none of this would’ve happened if a high school teacher didn’t make the effort to teach Orrin chess and show him a better path than his gang life.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And his goal is 1 million kids. But none of this would’ve happened if a high school teacher didn’t make the effort to teach Orrin chess and show him a better path than his gang life.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a time when only 38% of Americans are extremely proud of being American, Mike Rowe tells us about the patriotic tour de force that is his new film "Something To Stand For", which is in theaters everywhere. Coach Bill also surprises Mike with the impact that he's had on one of our Army members.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.