An Army of Normal Folks

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.

When Jim and Melinda brought presents to a low-income family, they felt off and weird that the relationship would stop there. So they kept coming back to their largely immigrant mobile home park and families asked them to help their kids with homework. Today, their accidental nonprofit Path United operates community centers in 7 mobile home parks and serves 600 kids every week!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Jim and Melinda brought presents to a low-income family, they felt off and weird that the relationship would stop there. So they kept coming back to their largely immigrant mobile home park and families asked them to help their kids with homework. Today, their accidental nonprofit Path United operates community centers in 7 mobile home parks and serves 600 kids every week!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest “Shop Talk”, Coach Bill responds to a listener who is interested in working in government and disheartened by our tagline that our country's problems won't be solved by fancy people in DC.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Rhonda has assigned listening to and reflecting on our podcast to over 400 of her college students. And just wait until you hear her story that led to an extraordinary life of purpose.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Rhonda has assigned listening to and reflecting on our podcast to over 400 of her college students. And just wait until you hear her story that led to an extraordinary life of purpose.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our host brings us a special short episode on his difficult and yet redemptive experience with Father’s Day.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest “Shop Talk”, Coach Bill pays tribute to Ole Miss’ former Dean of Students who changed his life and countless others.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don is on the frontlines of challenging our broken 20th century education system with 21st century innovations. As a teacher, he brought unheard of things like “Genius Time” and “open-source learning” to his classroom. And his latest innovation is the StartedUp Foundation, which has helped Indiana teachers engage over 6,000 students with the most elite entrepreneurship pitch competition!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don is on the frontlines of challenging our broken 20th century education system with 21st century innovations. As a teacher, he brought unheard of things like “Genius Time” and “open-source learning” to his classroom. And his latest innovation is the StartedUp Foundation, which has helped Indiana teachers engage over 6,000 students with the most elite entrepreneurship pitch competition!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She taught me a whole lot about grace. For our latest “Shop Talk”, Coach Bill pays tribute to his Gram.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carly has experienced molestation, prostitution, sex trafficking, addiction, loss, homelessness on Skid Row, and almost every trauma that you could imagine. Her escape and recovery have fueled her radical empathy for the least among us, starting with welcoming the homeless gentleman who appeared in her garden one day. Today, Miss Carly's has fed thousands out of her own home, and most importantly their volunteers walk alongside the homeless, helping 200 people achieve full recoveries and life transformation.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carly has experienced molestation, prostitution, sex trafficking, addiction, loss, homelessness on Skid Row, and almost every trauma that you could imagine. Her escape and recovery have fueled her radical empathy for the least among us, starting with welcoming the homeless gentleman who appeared in her garden one day. Today, Miss Carly's has fed thousands out of her own home, and most importantly their volunteers walk alongside the homeless, helping 200 people achieve full recoveries and life transformation.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not well enough at least. For "Shop Talk," Coach Bill Courtney gets vulnerable. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Ronda Paulson found out that kids entering foster care slept in government offices while they waited to be placed, she got mad at God and heard ‘These are my children, what are you going to do?’ What Ronda did is build a beautiful home to welcome them into and there's now 22 of these Isaiah 117 Houses around the country. And they've loved on over 5,000 kids on what is often the worst day of their lives. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Ronda Paulson found out that kids entering foster care slept in government offices while they waited to be placed, she got mad at God and heard ‘These are my children, what are you going to do?’ What Ronda did is build a beautiful home to welcome them into and there's now 22 of these Isaiah 117 Houses around the country. And they've loved on over 5,000 kids on what is often the worst day of their lives. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our "Shop Talk" series, Coach Bill Courtney gives his hot take on a topic that a listener recommended he address... travel youth sports. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert was the beneficiary of older black men who assigned him to a church, placed him in a job, bought him $2,200 worth of professional clothing, and mentored him. They challenged him to do the same for the next generation and he's doing just that through his initiative called Friends After 5, which hosts happy hours to fix the sad reality that not enough black and white Americans are friends after the work day is done. By doing so, Robert believes that we can grow the middle class of both. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert was the beneficiary of older black men who assigned him to a church, placed him in a job, bought him $2,200 worth of professional clothing, and mentored him. They challenged him to do the same for the next generation and he's doing just that through his initiative called Friends After 5, which hosts happy hours to fix the sad reality that not enough black and white Americans are friends after the work day is done. By doing so, Robert believes that we can grow the middle class of both. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our "Shop Talk" series, Coach Bill Courtney talks about why he calls his kids delicious. And promises that he's not into cannibalism. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turkish immigrant Hakki Akdeniz ended up homeless in New York City after a friend didn't keep his promise to help him settle there. Through hard work and a ton of normal folks supporting his greatness, Hakki has built a food empire with 20 restaurants that includes Champion's Pizza and frozen pizza that's in 1,600 stores! This walking billboard of the American Dream has 35 million followers on Instagram and it’s largely because of his incredible generosity. We celebrate all of this as part of our Supporting Greatness series.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turkish immigrant Hakki Akdeniz ended up homeless in New York City after a friend didn't keep his promise to help him settle there. Through hard work and a ton of normal folks supporting his greatness, Hakki has built a food empire with 20 restaurants that includes Champion's Pizza and frozen pizza that's in 1,600 stores! This walking billboard of the American Dream has 35 million followers on Instagram and it’s largely because of his incredible generosity. We celebrate all of this as part of our Supporting Greatness series.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our "Shop Talk" series, Coach Bill pontificates on vacuums and when they can hurt you. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott is the founder of Church Health, the largest faith-based privately funded health clinic in the country. Over 1,000 doctors volunteer to serve 80,000 underinsured patients in Memphis!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott is the founder of Church Health, the largest faith-based privately funded health clinic in the country. Over 1,000 doctors volunteer to serve 80,000 underinsured patients in Memphis!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our “Shop Talk” series, Coach Bill tells the inspirational story of Paralympic gold medalist Katie Holloway. And what we can all learn from her. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 16 years old, Jeff was wrongfully convicted of raping and murdering a classmate. And after sixteen years in prison, he was finally exonerated. Rather than being dominated by victimhood that no one would have blamed him for, Jeff went to work fighting to free others who’ve been wrongly convicted and he's already freed 11 folks! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 16 years old, Jeff was wrongfully convicted of raping and murdering a classmate. And after sixteen years in prison, he was finally exonerated. Rather than being dominated by victimhood that no one would have blamed him for, Jeff went to work fighting to free others who’ve been wrongly convicted and he's already freed 11 folks! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adrien and his bride felt called to foster and adopt three boys. And then came another calling of building a technology platform that connects families whose kids shouldn't be in foster care, but are at-risk because they can’t afford basic needs, with churches and individuals in their area who want to serve those needs. CarePortal has helped 265,000 kids to date and they're just getting started! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adrien and his bride felt called to foster and adopt three boys. And then came another calling of building a technology platform that connects families whose kids shouldn't be in foster care, but are at-risk because they can’t afford basic needs, with churches and individuals in their area who want to serve those needs. CarePortal has helped 265,000 kids to date and they're just getting started! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our “Shop Talk” series, Coach Bill Courtney talks about the necessity of dreams, how they’ve built America, and the danger of unrealistic dreams.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pat Koch and an army of figurative elves respond to upwards of 30,000 letters per year that are addressed to Santa Claus and miraculously arrive in their town of Santa Claus, Indiana. No one is paying them to do this, they're just normal folks doing the right thing because they can. And Pat is officially the "Chief Elf" of the town!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pat Koch and an army of figurative elves respond to upwards of 30,000 letters per year that are addressed to Santa Claus and miraculously arrive in their town of Santa Claus, Indiana. No one is paying them to do this, they're just normal folks doing the right thing because they can. And Pat is officially the "Chief Elf" of the town!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.