An Army of Normal Folks

Amy and her husband Jim adopted 6 kids. And because Amy apparently didn’t have enough on her plate, she then founded ComeUnity Cafe in Jackson, TN. The non-profit, donation-based cafe has a suggested donation amount and if you can’t afford it, you can volunteer there for your meal. This extraordinary model enables everyone to break bread together and be in community with one another. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike kicks off our special series “Supporting Greatness” where we interview those who’ve achieved public greatness about the unsung heroes and normal folks who’ve supported them. He hilariously (and beautifully) pays tribute to his father, grandfather, scoutmaster, and high school music teacher. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike kicks off our special series “Supporting Greatness” where we interview those who’ve achieved public greatness about the unsung heroes and normal folks who’ve supported them. He hilariously (and beautifully) pays tribute to his father, grandfather, scoutmaster, and high school music teacher. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When he saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn, Rodney felt called to pull over and finish it for him. This single act of generosity transformed Rodney's life forever, inspiring him to challenge kids to cut 50 lawns for free for the elderly, single parents, veterans, and those with disabilities. And his "50 Yard Challenge" has been accepted by 4,948 kids from 8 countries! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When he saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn, Rodney felt called to pull over and finish it for him. This single act of generosity transformed Rodney's life forever, inspiring him to challenge kids to cut 50 lawns for free for the elderly, single parents, veterans, and those with disabilities. And his "50 Yard Challenge" has been accepted by 4,948 kids from 8 countries! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arshay grew up on the West Side of Chicago and his life was forever changed when he joined the first all-black high school rowing team in the nation (and became the captain). As an adult, Arshay found success as a chef before returning to his true passion by starting inner-city rowing teams. He’s the author of “A Most Beautiful Thing,” which was made into a critically-acclaimed documentary by Common, Dwayne Wade, and Grant Hill. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arshay grew up on the West Side of Chicago and his life was forever changed when he joined the first all-black high school rowing team in the nation (and became the captain). As an adult, Arshay found success as a chef before returning to his true passion by starting inner-city rowing teams. He’s the author of “A Most Beautiful Thing,” which was made into a critically-acclaimed documentary by Common, Dwayne Wade, and Grant Hill. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arshay grew up on the West Side of Chicago and his life was forever changed when he joined the first all-black high school rowing team in the nation (and became the captain). As an adult, Arshay found success as a chef before returning to his true passion by starting inner-city rowing teams. He’s the author of “A Most Beautiful Thing,” which was made into a critically-acclaimed documentary by Common, Dwayne Wade, and Grant Hill. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2012 Luke was inspired to build and donate a bed after learning about a 6-year-old girl in his community who slept on the floor. Realizing how widespread the need was, Luke founded Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a volunteer-driven nonprofit whose 285 chapters have built around 140,000 beds for kids without them. But there’s many more areas that need chapters and there’s many more kids without beds.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2012 Luke was inspired to build and donate a bed after learning about a 6-year-old girl in his community who slept on the floor. Realizing how widespread the need was, Luke founded Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a volunteer-driven nonprofit whose 285 chapters have built around 140,000 beds for kids without them. But there’s many more areas that need chapters and there’s many more kids without beds.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheri used to be gripped by meth and alcohol. Even during her own struggles with addiction, she helped formerly incarcerated Americans get jobs. Today, Cheri’s been sober for 4.5 years and her second chance staffing agency Cornbread Hustle hired more than 1,000 returning citizens last year. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheri used to be gripped by meth and alcohol. Even during her own struggles with addiction, she helped formerly incarcerated Americans get jobs. Today, Cheri’s been sober for 4.5 years and her second chance staffing agency Cornbread Hustle hired more than 1,000 returning citizens last year. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheri used to be gripped by meth and alcohol. Even during her own struggles with addiction, she helped formerly incarcerated Americans get jobs. Today, Cheri’s been sober for 4.5 years and her second chance staffing agency Cornbread Hustle hired more than 1,000 returning citizens last year. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chavis Daniels played football for Coach Bill Courtney and was one of the accidental stars of the Oscar-winning film Undefeated. But that’s not why he’s a member of the Army. Chavis went on to found The North Memphis Steelers, a mentoring and athletics nonprofit that helps at-risk kids in the same challenging neighborhood where he grew up. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chavis Daniels played football for Coach Bill Courtney and was one of the accidental stars of the Oscar-winning film Undefeated. But that’s not why he’s a member of the Army. Chavis went on to found The North Memphis Steelers, a mentoring and athletics nonprofit that helps at-risk kids in the same challenging neighborhood where he grew up. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our episode with Erin Smith and Thomas already inspired one listener to become a volunteer with CASA! But what if the Army could pay off Thomas’ college debt? After a childhood of physical and sexual abuse, this foster youth deserves to be free from a burden that the state forced upon him.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thomas is a foster child who’s been physically and sexually abused. He never had an adult advocate until Erin Smith stepped in. Erin is the founder of the North Mississippi CASA program – a program which nationwide has 85,000 volunteers who advocate for 260,000 foster kids in the legal system and in life. But there are still 140,000 kids who need the Army's help.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thomas is a foster child who’s been physically and sexually abused. He never had an adult advocate until Erin Smith stepped in. Erin is the founder of the North Mississippi CASA program – a program which nationwide has 85,000 volunteers who advocate for 260,000 foster kids in the legal system and in life. But there are still 140,000 kids who need the Army's help.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 26 years of crime, Jon ironically found hope in prison and committed his life to helping other returning citizens live at levels that they had never dreamed about. His Hope for Prisoners has had over 4,700 clients and boasts a recidivism rate of only 8%, which is over 8 times better than the national average. Most extraordinary is that they've recruited 135 Las Vegas law enforcement officers to mentor returning citizens, which has never been done at this scale before.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 26 years of crime, Jon ironically found hope in prison and committed his life to helping other returning citizens live at levels that they had never dreamed about. His Hope for Prisoners has had over 4,700 clients and boasts a recidivism rate of only 8%, which is over 8 times better than the national average. Most extraordinary is that they've recruited 135 Las Vegas law enforcement officers to mentor returning citizens, which has never been done at this scale before.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.

Anne dives into how she didn't save any homeless Americans. They transformed their own identity through running. And then transformed their lives. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 26 years old, Anne was working through a lot of pain and running was her "cheap therapy". After running by a homeless shelter hundreds of times, one day she had the radical idea of inviting the homeless to run with her. Starting with 9 guys in 1 city, her nonprofit Back on My Feet has since helped over 7,500 former homeless Americans get jobs and independent housing in 15 cities. And they should be in every city across our country. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 3, Tommy shares a devastating loss that's all-too-close to home. In spite of his pain, he continues to keep serving his community. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2, we dive deep into community policing. And just wait until you hear Tommy's version of it. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tommy is the most famous police officer in America, with 2 million followers on Facebook and 1 million on Instagram. His radical and yet simple love for his community accidentally made him famous. However, that's not what motivates him and he's committed to staying in his same beat in North Little Rock, AR. Whatever your calling, his love will inspire you. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our country’s problems will never be solved by a bunch of fancy people in nice suits talking big words on CNN and Fox, but by An Army of Normal Folks just deciding “hey, I can help.” Hosted by Coach Bill Courtney from the Oscar-winning Undefeated, this podcast is building the Army and celebrating its extraordinary members. Starting on June 6th, new episodes are released every Tuesday.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.