An Army of Normal Folks

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.

For our "Shop Talk" series, Coach Bill Courtney talks about Bill Clinton, standing on trophies, and life's true foundations.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard is a Marine veteran who was subject to 4 IED explosions and concussions in Iraq, his best friend being killed next to him, a traumatic brain injury, and post traumatic stress. He came home dealing with a lot and the arts ultimately saved his life. Richard felt called to bring this secret weapon of healing to his fellow veterans and this year alone his nonprofit CreatiVets will serve over 800 veterans!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard is a Marine veteran who was subject to 4 IED explosions and concussions in Iraq, his best friend being killed next to him, a traumatic brain injury, and post traumatic stress. He came home dealing with a lot and the arts ultimately saved his life. Richard felt called to bring this secret weapon of healing to his fellow veterans and this year alone his nonprofit CreatiVets will serve over 800 veterans!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our "Shop Talk" series, Coach Bill Courtney shares the story of Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson yanking his chain and teaching him an important life lesson. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The COVID pandemic led to two problems that strangely existed at the same time. Millions of Americans were going hungry and yet thousands of commercial farmers were literally dumping food when customers such as restaurants and schools shut down. This didn’t make any sense to Ben Collier, Owen Dubeck, and their ragtag group of college friends, so they decided to become the link between these two worlds. Today, The Farmlink Project has delivered over 200 million pounds of food to people who need it!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The COVID pandemic led to two problems that strangely existed at the same time. Millions of Americans were going hungry and yet thousands of commercial farmers were literally dumping food when customers such as restaurants and schools shut down. This didn’t make any sense to Ben Collier, Owen Dubeck, and their ragtag group of college friends, so they decided to become the link between these two worlds. Today, The Farmlink Project has delivered over 200 million pounds of food to people who need it!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a naked and bloody victim of gang violence ran into his Sunday service, Pastor Corey Brooks committed to staying on the rooftop of the motel that was the headquarters of this nonsense until he had enough money to buy it. 94 days later he succeeded and today his $38 million community center is being built there. The Pastor, along with his nonprofit Project Hood, has improved their neighborhood of Woodlawn from Chicago's 3rd most violent one to the 15th. And they're just getting started.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a naked and bloody victim of gang violence ran into his Sunday service, Pastor Corey Brooks committed to staying on the rooftop of the motel that was the headquarters of this nonsense until he had enough money to buy it. 94 days later he succeeded and today his $38 million community center is being built there. The Pastor, along with his nonprofit Project Hood, has improved their neighborhood of Woodlawn from Chicago's 3rd most violent one to the 15th. 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 shares the behind-the-scenes story of the Oscar-winning documentary Undefeated. It’s on Amazon Prime and Esquire named it one of the top 20 sports films of all-time.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Al is our first 2-time guest! After our story about his Christmas charity, Secret Families, Al told us that he and a small army of normal folks also respond to natural disasters. They serve however normal folks like themselves can, but it just can't be fluffy.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Al is our first 2-time guest! After our story about his Christmas charity, Secret Families, Al told us that he and a small army of normal folks also respond to natural disasters. They serve however normal folks like themselves can, but it just can't be fluffy.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our "Shop Talk" series, Coach Bill Courtney pays tribute to his late employee Sam Quinn, who had an extraordinary redemption story.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Owens battled addiction in some of Memphis’ worst dope houses. When they left town to escape this life, Ben felt called to eventually come back to help those whom they left behind. Today, their nonprofit We Fight Monsters owns some of the very houses that they once used in, transforming them into hope houses for 75 people touched by recovery and sex trafficking.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Owens battled addiction in some of Memphis’ worst dope houses. When they left town to escape this life, Ben felt called to eventually come back to help those whom they left behind. Today, their nonprofit We Fight Monsters owns some of the very houses that they once used in, transforming them into hope houses for 75 people touched by recovery and sex trafficking.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran Richard McKinney hated Muslims and after returning from Iraq, he couldn't stand seeing "the enemy" in his community of Muncie, Indiana. He visited their mosque to justify his planned bombing of it, but their love for him completely transformed his heart. Ultimately, Richard converted to Islam and even served as the mosque’s President. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran Richard McKinney hated Muslims and after returning from Iraq, he couldn't stand seeing "the enemy" in his community of Muncie, Indiana. He visited their mosque to justify his planned bombing of it, but their love for him completely transformed his heart. Ultimately, Richard converted to Islam and even served as the mosque’s President. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our "Shop Talk" series, Coach Bill Courtney shares the story of an unlikely hero who inspired the largest collegiate philanthropy event in the country.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After struggling with addiction for almost 2 decades, Scott Strode found hope while ice climbing. The healing power of nature and community radically transformed his life. And Scott couldn’t not share his secret with the rest of the world too. The Phoenix was born and this year their sober movement is expected to serve more than 400,000 people!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After struggling with addiction for almost 2 decades, Scott Strode found hope while ice climbing. The healing power of nature and community radically transformed his life. And Scott couldn’t not share his secret with the rest of the world too. The Phoenix was born and this year their sober movement is expected to serve more than 400,000 people!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.