Shows
Spook City - A Horror Movie PodcastThe Toolbox MurdersMatt is discussing 1978's The Toolbox Murders, a grisly exploitation flick which turned out to be director Dennis Donnelly's only feature...Find Spook City on Instagram and TikTok, and email the show to spookcitypodcast@gmail.com!TALE OF THE TAPEDirected by Dennis DonnellyWritten by Neva Friedenn, Robert Easter, and Ann KindbergCinematography by Gary GraverScore by George DeatonCASTCameron Mitchell as Vance Kingsley, Pamelyn Ferdin as Laurie Ballard, Wesley Eure as Kent Kingsley, Nicholas Beauvy as Joey Ballard, Tim Donnelly as Lieutenant Mark Jamison, Aneta Corsaut as Joanne Ballard, Faith...2025-07-251h 03
Heromakers PodcastNelli Kim on How Cancer Clarifies a Call + The Intersection of Fashion & Making Our World BetterIn this episode, Laurie is flying solo and talks with the amazing Nelli Kim, Founder & CEO at RĒDEN, which makes radically comfortable shoes with a purpose, and Founding Board Member of RAISEfashion, a network of fashion industry leaders, providing pro bono consulting to Black-owned brands and individuals, with a mission to advance the equity of Black talent. She is also Co-founder of Embers International, which works to fight the injustice of human trafficking.Nelli talks about how she got into fashion and her climb up the ladder to high-end fashion apparel and shoes, and then the m...2022-03-2347 minHeromakers PodcastMannie Thomas on Changing False Narratives, Reversing Toxic Masculinity, and Lessons Learned After IncarcerationIn this episode, Laurie and Ann talk with Mannie Thomas, co-executive director and director of programming at Success Stories, which "provides an alternative to prisons that builds safer communities by delivering feminist programming to people who have caused harm." Here, Mannie shares his own journey of growing up with false narratives about himself and what it meant to be a man--and which led him down a destructive road to prison. There, Mannie began to see himself, others, and the future differently, eventually earning five degrees and assisting other men to see how broken worldviews impact everything. Mannie s...2022-03-1648 minHeromakers PodcastLatanya DeVaughn on Pursuing Dreams, Launching the Only Mobile Bookstore in the Bronx, and Developing a Love of ReadingIn this episode, Laurie and Ann talk with Latanya DeVaughn, founder of Bronx Bound Books, the only mobile bookstore in the Bronx (and only the second bookstore in that area!), an area of over 1.5 million people. For years, Latanya didn't think it was possible to own her own bookstore, but when her son's recently-retired teacher opened one, something changed in her. Tapping into her savings, Latanya purchased a shuttle bus and began traveling from place to place to bring books to those who would otherwise not have access to new and gently-used books. Here, the three talk a...2022-03-0135 minHeromakers PodcastHope England on The Intersection of Laughter & Trauma and What Covid-19-induced Paralysis Taught Her About Her CallingIn this episode, Laurie and Ann talk with Hope England, a brilliant and funny psychotherapist and comedian who founded Humor for Hope, an organization that prevents and heals trauma by using comedy and improvisation. Hope and her team formed an alternative inpatient therapy for trauma survivors and chronically and terminally ill children and patients. Hope holds a degree in writing and producing for television and sitcoms, has studied education and theater, and is a graduate and former employee of The Second City and The Second City Training Center. She is a practicing psychotherapist who works in trauma and crisis i...2022-02-2243 minHeromakers PodcastCharles Lerner on Growing Up in the Foster Care System, Unconditional Acceptance, and the Lifelong Journey of LoveIn this episode, Laurie and Ann talk with Charles Lerner, Executive Director of At The Crossroads, which reaches out to homeless youth and young adults at their point of need, and works with them to build healthy and fulfilling lives. Charles shares about his own experience in the foster system and then dealing with acute homelessness and how it shaped the person he is today. We talk about the false narratives we tell ourselves and how unconditional love can change everything for kids aging out of the foster system. This episode is an invitation to remember what i...2022-02-0842 minHeromakers PodcastRabbi Dr. Ariel Burger on Tradition, Dialoguing Across Differences, and What He Learned from Elie WieselIn this episode, Laurie and Ann talk with Rev. Dr. Ariel Burger, founding director and senior scholar of The Witness Institute, whose mission is to empower emerging leaders, inspired by the life and legacy of Elie Wiesel. A orthodox-trained rabbi, Ariel is also an author, teacher, and artist whose work integrates spirituality, the arts, and strategies for social change. He is author of Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom.Ariel shares about his own journey in discovering meaning in life and relationships and how his searches led him to a lifelong commitment to dialoguing across differences for...2022-02-0145 minHeromakers PodcastCole Arthur Riley on Finding Rest and Discovering Yourself in Difficult Times + "This Here Flesh" - Her Upcoming BookIn this episode, Laurie and Ann talk with Cole Arthur Riley, a writer and liturgist who founded Black Liturgies, a project seeking to integrate concepts of dignity, lament, rage, justice, rest, and liberation with the practice of written prayer. In this episode we talk with Cole about her family and upbringing (including her heromaker Dad) and why she was prompted to start Black Liturgies in the summer/fall of 2020. We talk about wrestling with pain and trauma, and why rest and rediscovery may be the answer to our losses and wounds. Cole is honest about the growth o...2022-01-2546 minHeromakers PodcastKevin McDowell on Beating Cancer, Becoming an Olympic Medalist, and Why Our Suffering Can Inspire OthersIn this episode, Laurie and Ann talk with Kevin McDowell, a triathlete who just won a silver medal in the mixed relay triathlon and placed sixth overall in the individual men's triathlon. He was one of the first American men to win an Olympic medal in the triathlon. Kevin talks about not only his journey to the Olympics and his pursuit of sports, but also his journey through being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 18 and how that changed his life and how he sees the world. We talk about organizations fighting childhood cancer and...2022-01-1842 minHeromakers PodcastMike Thirtle on "Doing a Little More," Smart and Good People, and Honoring Those Who ServeIn this episode, Laurie and Ann talk with Mike Thirtle, CEO of the Gary Sinise Foundation, which "serves our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need." We talk with Mike about his 20 years of service in the Air Force, his roles in both the non-profit and for-profit sector, and of course, about Forrest Gump and the life-altering lessons we learn from Lieutenant Dan Taylor (played by Sinise) regarding seeing the value in others.We talk about service and good leadership (hint: smart, good people are the best kinds) and about...2022-01-1141 minHeromakers PodcastLauren McCann on Creating a Positive Difference, Following Your Own Dreams, and Sobriety with OthersIn this episode, Laurie and Ann talk with Lauren McCann, founder of Calliope Advisors, a "mission-driven consulting firm and innovation partner for philanthropists, companies, and nonprofits who want to pilot new concepts and models to solve pressing and urgent societal problems." Lauren shares her own journey into making our world better through her work and what friendship and community has taught her about the world. The three talk proximity and what it means to slow down long enough to be intentional about our choices. Lauren also shares about her latest fundraising goal and what her road to s...2022-01-0341 minHeromakers PodcastLaurie and Ann on The Year Behind, Kindness Creativity, Making Space for Us, Rubik Cubes, Harvesting Apples, and Heromaking in 2022After too long of a hiatus, we are back for Season Three of the Heromakers Podcast! Here, Laurie and Ann talk about some things they learned and noticed in 2021, how kindness creativity is flourishing in some areas, and why friendship and networking are so important. Laurie also talks about the role of self-discovery and fun in heromaking and the two share a few analogies for all of us to consider as we enter 2022. Special invitation: Laurie will be hosting a writer's retreat in May 2022 in the Midwest region of the U.S. More details to...2021-12-2730 min
Heromakers PodcastJulie Anne Kelly on Kicking Cancer in the ___ Through Community, Love, and a Whole Lot of BoxingIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, we talk with Julie Anne Kelly, cancer survivor and co-founder of Haymakers for Hope, which gives everyday men and women the chance to fight back against cancer by training for and competing in charity boxing events to raise money and awareness. Here, we talk about Julie's own journey with a cancer diagnosis at age 22, how boxing was part of her healing journey, and how she merged the two. Building a community of "ass-kicking do-gooders," Julie and the team have helped trained hundreds of everyday people to pick up their boxing gloves for...2021-05-1147 min
Heromakers PodcastNicholas Kristock on Fleece, Thank You, Empathy, Compassion, Confidence, and Many Things in BetweenIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, we talk with Nicholas Kristock, founder of Fleece & Thank You, a non-profit focused on connecting people who want to make blankets for children in the hospital with the heroes who receive them. A former soccer player, Nicholas sought out different volunteer opportunities while not on the field and when his twin sister told him there weren't enough blankets for the children in the hospital where she served, he knew he had found his calling. In this episode, we talk about power of empathy and courage and why curiosity can lead u...2021-04-2834 min
Heromakers PodcastIan Hockley on Lessons of Loss from Sandy Hook and Building Communities of HeromakersIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, we talk with Ian Hockey, co-founder and executive director of Dylan's Wings of Change and the Wingman program. In December 2012, Ian's life changed forever when he lost his son, Dylan, in the Sandy Hook shooting. Here, Ian shares about those early moments, the butterfly effect, and why grief is powerful but love more so. Grief, Ian says, is love with nowhere to go.In this episode, we dive into some of the hero traits like authenticity, courage, and empathy, and talk about the incredible initiative Ian is leading to empower a...2021-04-2046 min
Heromakers PodcastKatie Spotz on Endurance Sports and Pushing Yourself to Do the Impossible to Raise Awareness of Those in NeedIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Katie Spotz, endurance athlete and clean water advocate. Katie has completed a number of significant physical fitness challenges--being the youngest person to row across the Atlantic Ocean (70 days, over 1 million strokes), biking across America, and being the first person to swim the Allegheny River to name just a few feats. She is currently working on a bike down the coast of Maine for H2O for Life. And if that's not enough, Katie is hoping to complete a trip around the world within the next t...2021-04-1342 min
Heromakers PodcastDorris Walker-Taylor on Finding Joy After More Than Two Decades of Pain, and Why a Place Called Thistle Farms Is So AmazingIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Dorris Walker-Taylor, Senior Ambassador of Thistle Farms. Here, she opens up about the painful incident of seeing her father murdered and how that led to a lifestyle of drugs and selling herself on the streets of Nashville. Dorris shares openly about her decades of feeling lost and alone and how the prayers of her mother and the love of a friend finally led her to safety. In her 50s, she finally found freedom, and with it, great joy. A newlywed, Dorris now goes around sharing h...2021-04-0645 min
Suffer the Little ChildrenEpisode 55: Hoss BenhamOn March 11, 2014, a young woman and her older boyfriend entered the emergency room in Cullman, Alabama, carrying the lifeless body of her one-year-old son, Hoss Benham, who they said had drowned in the bathtub of their mobile home. Hoss’s injuries did not match up with the couple’s story, and after the results of an autopsy were released, both would face multiple charges, including capital murder and sexual torture.This is a story of a little boy who endured unfathomable cruelty at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend. It’s also the story of a sweet, happy...2021-03-2443 min
Suffer the Little ChildrenEpisode 54: Maddilyn-Rose StokesOn May 25, 2017, two-year-old Maddilyn-Rose Stokes was rushed to the hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, unresponsive and suffering from infected third-degree burns that had been inflicted in the family’s bathtub five days prior. Her parents, Shane Stokes and Nicole Moore, had not sought medical care for their little girl’s worsening condition, calling emergency services only when she stopped breathing. Several hours later, Maddy was dead.This is a story of bad decisions, selfishness, mental illness, and medical neglect. It’s also the story of a tiny, defenseless toddler who suffered unimaginable pain for five days with severe, untreated burns...2021-03-1741 min
Heromakers PodcastDarcy Olsen on Using Every Available Means to Give Voice to the Children Unheard and Unseen in the Foster Care SystemIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Darcy Olsen, founder and CEO of Gen Justice, which "works to mend the child protection system and bring a permanent end to innocent children enduring violence." A foster parent to 10 and now having adopted 4 children, as a single mom Darcy has thrown herself into caring for kids who are sometimes forgotten on both a micro and a macro scale. Gen Justice is committed to changing federal and state laws and allowing children to have a voice when they are being harmed and overlooked. In this e...2021-03-1645 min
Heromakers PodcastDion Dawson on Dreaming Big for His Englewood Community and How One Person Can Put Hopes into MotionIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Dion Dawson, founder and visionary of Dion's Chicago Dream. Growing up in Englewood on the south side of Chicago, Dion later spent time in the Navy, serving as a journalist and communications specialist. When his time of service was up, Dion returned to his neighborhood in the hopes of helping the people there. In this episode, we talk about Dion's path to launching his Chicago dream (which was not at all easy) and about the work he is tirelessly pursuing to bring fresh food and u...2021-03-0943 min
Heromakers PodcastSamantha Tan on Racing Fast Cars and Trailblazing as a Young Female in a Male-dominated SportIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Samantha Tan, a 23-year-old phenom who is setting the stage for a new generation of women in race car driving. At the age of 14, with the encouragement of her father, Samantha began her love for driving fast. Today, she owns her own race car team (ST Racing) and just won her first 24-hour race in Dubai. Here we talk about racing cars, what got her to where she is, and the obstacles she has faced along the way. Her encouragement to others? Don't let failure s...2021-03-0228 min
Heromakers PodcastMark White on "Home", Physical Proximity, and Gratitude as Values That Build a Joyful LifeIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Mark White, founder of Run Grateful and Your Town, about the power of community and why we all need physical proximity even as we continue to communicate virtually. Mark shares his own journey of recovery and how those around him stood with him as he took his life back. We talk about fatherhood, finding your calling, and how to make time for gratitude in your daily routine. You can find Mark on IG @MarkWhite_0602 and Run Grateful @1gratefulrun. You can find Run Grateful on...2021-02-2349 min
Heromakers PodcastChris Fields on Three Decades of Being a Firefighter, the Iconic Oklahoma City Bombing Photo, and Why Trauma Doesn't Have to Have the Final WordIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with retired Oklahoma City firefighter Chris Fields. Best known around the world for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, where he was featured in the iconic photo carrying 1-year-old Baylee Almon, Chris served for 31 years before retiring to now be a mentor and guide for other first responders dealing with trauma. In this conversation, we talk about what it takes to be a firefighter and the (sometimes silent) toll it can sometimes take on those serving. We also talk about Chris' journey with PTSD and d...2021-02-1642 min
Heromakers PodcastKellie Haddock on Hope After Tragedy, the Power of Music, and a Thank You Project 10 Years in the MakingIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Kellie Haddock, a Christian singer-songwriter who has an incredible story of hope. Losing her husband in a car accident while also having her baby's life saved, Kellie has lived through tragedy and found hope and joy on the other side. Through that horrific event, however, Kellie has learned much about hope and life, and 10 years after the accident, Kellie's story was documented in The Thank You Project, a short film in which she seeks out the doctors and nurses who helped save the life of...2021-02-0941 min
Heromakers PodcastTeresa Goines on Building Heromakers in Vulnerable Populations, Her Vision Behind Old Skool Cafe, and the Power of CommunityIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Teresa Goines, the founder of Old Skool Cafe, a faith-based, violence prevention program that provides job training, employment, and a second chance by way of a 1920’s speakeasy, jazz restaurant run by at-risk, formerly incarcerated, and foster care youth.As a youth, Teresa grew up taking care of her father and learning how to be a caretaker and notice those on the margins of society. As a juvenile detention officer, she developed a deep compassion and empathy for young adults who come from difficult backgrounds. 2021-02-0235 min
Heromakers PodcastAli Llewellyn and Nick Skytland on Looking at What Comes Next & Innovating at NASA and in LifeIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Nick Skytland and Ali Llewellyn about working at NASA, finding your calling, helping others to dream big, and of course, their new book, What Comes Next?: Shaping the Future in an Ever-Changing World - A Guide for Christian Leaders. Nick is an author, consultant, technologist, innovator, and triathlete. He is cofounder, along with Ali, of Quite Uncommon, a strategy and consulting firm that helps ministry leaders navigate the future. He also works at NASA in the Exploration Technology Office helping usher in the...2021-01-2642 min
Heromakers PodcastAalia Lanius on Authentically Being You, Overcoming Obstacles, and the Power of Loving YourselfIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Aalia Lanius, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Unsugercoated Media, which seeks to help survivors of trauma through media and works of art that address the critical issues facing society today. As a survivor of homelessness, domestic violence, and cancer, Aalia shares openly about what got her through those times and how the power of self love can have a tremendous impact on our lives and those around us. Here we discuss what it means to have vision and passion, and why it's never too late t...2021-01-1942 min
Heromakers PodcastGurdeep Pandher on The Joy of Bhangra Dance and How to Truly Love Those of Other Cultures and BackgroundsIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann kick off Season 2 with a fun and engaging conversation about joy, diversity, dance, and it's like to live way up in the Yukon, the land of the midnight sun. Gurdeep Pandher travels the world (and now via Zoom) to teach the lively and joyful dance called Bhangra, which was developed by rural Sikh farmers in India.We talk about his journey from India to becoming a Canadian citizen and the lessons he's learned about people and cultures from his time traveling throughout Canada. Gurdeep believes deeply in...2021-01-1236 minHeromakers PodcastCol. Jim McDonough on Lessons on Humility, Vulnerability, and Selfless Leadership Learned from 26 Years in the MilitaryIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann wrap up Season 1 of the Heromakers Podcast with an incredible conversation with Col. Jim McDonough (USA, Ret.), Executive Director of Headstrong, an organization dedicated to healing the hidden wounds of war among our active duty military, veterans, and their families. Jim shares lessons he learned from his 26 years of active duty along with other positions he has held in civilian and non-profit sectors. Jim was previously Director of Veteran Affairs for the state of New York. You can find his bio here: https://getheadstrong.org/jim-mcdonough.Jim...2020-12-3047 minHeromakers PodcastLaurie & Ann Reflect on the First 26 EpisodesWow! We made it to 27 episodes--and have had a great time doing so.Nearly four months into the launch of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann discuss memorable moments and walk through each heromaking trait and share which episode highlighted each so well. We want to thank all of our listeners for making the first months of the podcast so fun, and for all of our guests, who shared with vulnerability and authenticity their own stories so that others could be encouraged and moved to openly consider how they too have an indelible place in o...2020-12-2438 minHeromakers PodcastDarrion Cockrell on Finding a Forever Family, Normalizing "Above and Beyond," and Being Named Missouri Educator of the YearIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann have a lively conversation with Darrion Cockrell, a PE teacher from the St. Louis area who recently was named "Missouri Educator of the Year." The three talk about Darrion growing up bouncing from foster home to foster home until he found a couple of people who went above and beyond to care for him. Darrion credits his middle school coach (and surrogate "dad") to allowing him to believe in himself and to dream big. Darrion shares honestly about his history, why we should all consider ways to g...2020-12-2140 minHeromakers PodcastJay Shifman on Overcoming Substance Misuse, The Power of Family, and Choosing Life and HopeIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Jay Shifman, author, speaker, podcast host, and founder of Choose Your Struggle. As we bear down on 10 months of Covid-19 shaking up our lives, Jay talks about his own struggle with depression and anxiety and attempted suicide. We discuss the all-too-common problem of substance misuse and how good things can go bad quickly. Jay has been sharing his story for years in an effort to educate others on how to care for and advocate for yourself when being diagnosed with a mental health illness. Jay's o...2020-12-1645 minHeromakers PodcastKhristi Adams on Parable of a Brown Girl & Seeing and Listening to the Next Generation of GirlsIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Khristi Lauren Adams, a speaker, author, youth advocate, and minister who authored the Parable of the Brown Girl, which highlights the cultural and spiritual truths that emerge from the lives of young black girls. She works as the Firestone Endowment Chaplain and an Instructor of Religious Studies and Philosophy at The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and as Interim Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Hill School. She is the Founder & Director of “The Becoming Conference”, an annual conference designed to empower, educate & inspire girls between the...2020-12-1141 minHeromakers PodcastMegs Yunn on Celebrating Birthdays, Building Joy, and Speaking Dignity to ChildrenIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Megan (Megs) Yunn, founder of the Pittsburgh-based organization Beverly's Birthdays, which provides birthday cheer and critical baby care items for children experiencing homelessness and families in need. Each year they make sure over 30,000 children who may not be celebrated on their birthday get the love and attention they deserve.Megs talks about how Beverly's Birthdays got started, why joy is not a luxury, and how one positive memory can change a life forever. We talk about how laughter and joy are necessities and how all...2020-12-0741 minHeromakers PodcastJeff Sparr and Matt Kaplan on Finding Peace & Love Through Creative ExpressionIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Jeff Sparr and Matt Kaplan, co-founders of PeaceLove, a movement that encourages creativity, self expression, community, and storytelling via the arts. After struggling himself with debilitating OCD, Jeff was encouraged to engage in the arts and it changed his life. He was soon visiting hospitals and encouraging and training others to use the arts to build mental health and deal with difficult situations. The movement has grown to training thousands of people in all different contexts. In this episode we talk with Matt an...2020-12-0137 minHeromakers PodcastLisa Vischer on Understanding Yourself as a Heromaker Through the Lens of the Enneagram TypesIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Enneagram coach and spiritual director Lisa Vischer. For over 20 years Lisa has been digging into the Enneagram and helping others to understand themselves through the nine lenses. Here, Lisa gives us a crash course in these lenses:Type 1: Reformers: GoodnessType 2: Helpers: CompassionType 3: Performers: PotentialType 4: Embracers: BeautyType 5: Observers: ReasonType 6: Defenders: SecurityType 7: Planners: PossibilityType 8: Challengers: JusticeType 9: Mediators: HarmonyWe talk about the power of understanding ourselves in order to become better heromakers and how each trait fits loosely into each Enneagram type:Type 1: Reformers: Goodness...2020-11-2448 minHeromakers PodcastJulie Schwietert Collazo on Reuniting Families Seeking Asylum, Micro and Macro Change, and Why Freedom Is PreciousIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Julie Schwietert Collazo, founder of Immigrant Families Together, an organization dedicated to reuniting and supporting families separated at the U.S./Mexico border. In 2018, after hearing the story of a mother seeking refuge from Guatemala was detained at the border and separated from her children, Julie went on a mission to reunite them, pulling in volunteers from around the country to help through giving to raise money for her bond and physically transporting her to see her children.Two years later, IFT has helped over 120...2020-11-2045 minHeromakers PodcastAngela Hurtado and David Araya on Creating Hope, Purpose, and Community for Hispanic StudentsIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Angela Hurtado and David Araya, the founders of HoPe (Hispanic Organization Promoting Education), which seeks to provide community and support for Hispanic students around the country. The idea began when both were in college and had been experiencing the need for fellowship with other Hispanic students. From a yellow napkins and a pen came an organization that now brings together thousands of students to find friendship and hope for a brighter tomorrow."If you have a pulse, you have a purpose. If you have a...2020-11-1746 minHeromakers PodcastJudy Isaacson Elias on Caring for Our Veterans, Moral Injury, and How Faith Can Heal WoundsIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Judy Isaacson Elias, founder of Heroes to Heroes Foundation, which provides spiritual healing and peer support for veterans who have attempted suicide or are on a path to self-destruction due to moral injury. With Veteran's Day just passed, Judy gives an inside look at growing up in a family of veterans and how it impacted the way she sees the world.Judy set out to help encourage, heal, and bring community to American heroes who are struggling with the trauma of war. We talk about t...2020-11-1429 minHeromakers PodcastAndy Helmer on Changing Our Bias, Combatting Situational Homelessness, and Empowering Those Around UsIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Andy Helmer, CEO of Shelters to Shutters, which transitions individuals and families out of homelessness to economic self-sufficiency. Having spent his career in the for-profit world, Andy came in with a lot of preconceived notions about both the non-profit world and about people who are homeless in general. All of his assumptions were crushed once he actually began to see the strength and grit of so many who find themselves homeless due to situations beyond their control. Here we talk about those biases, what it l...2020-11-1144 minHeromakers PodcastAllen Langford on the Connection Between Sports and Character Formation and the Role of Mentoring Our Youth TodayIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Allen Langford, former collegiate athlete and founder of Think Y Organization, which focuses on positively impacting youth from different backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses, with the main goal of guiding them into manhood. In this episode, Allen talks about growing up in Detroit and the role of his mentor to help him become the person he is today. We talk fatherhood and why sports is a natural connection to character and life skills development. You can find ThinkY on IG at @thinkyorganization or on Fa...2020-11-0635 minHeromakers PodcastCarrie Boren Headington on How We Are Really Doing and Finding Joy in Times of FearIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Carrie Boren Headington, founder of the Good News Initiative and Canon of Evangelism in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. Growing up in the Governor's Mansion in Oklahoma and having family serving in both Democratic and Republican seats, Carrie shares what it was like to have politics be so integral to her upbringing. She talks about the wise words of now Presidential Candidate Joe Biden about what happens when you climb the wrong ladder of hope.Carrie talks about her journey through depression, the r...2020-11-0453 minHeromakers PodcastHector Guadalupe on Life After Incarceration and Why All of Us Need Second ChancesIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Hector Guadalupe, founder of A Second U Foundation, which empowers formerly-incarcerated individuals with a second chance at life through career training, employment, and community. Growing up in a poor family in Brooklyn, Hector found himself on the street much of the time, eventually getting involved in drugs. By 23, he was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 10 years to life in prison. By 33, he was up for parole. With a newfound vision for wellness and personal training, he was hopeful, but soon found that no one would...2020-10-3033 minHeromakers PodcastSasha Wolff on Fighting the Stigma of Mental Illness Through Running and FriendshipIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Sasha Wolff, founder of Still I Run, which raises awareness for mental health. Sasha shares about her own journey with depression and how that led her to found an organization whose sole purpose is to help those with mental illness to find courage and strength. Still I Run focuses on utilizing physical activity as a way to health while also providing support and community for those who have dealt with any type of mental illness.We highly encourage you to check out their website and...2020-10-2734 minHeromakers PodcastDaron Babcock on Being an Instigator for Good and Hope in Places of Despair and IsolationIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Daron Babcock, Founder/Executive Director of Bonton Farms, which is located just outside of Dallas, TX. Their website reads: "Our community was, not so long ago, one of the last places you’d go to find hope for a better tomorrow. The people here were sick and experienced high rates of diabetes, stroke and cancer. Having faced a long history of oppression, including racially motivated fire-bombings and a population wherein 48% of the people lived in poverty, we knew this community needed help cultivating change."2020-10-2247 minHeromakers PodcastAbel Gonzalez on Believing in Yourself, Overcoming Obstacles, and Dreaming BigIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with American Ninja Warrior Abel Gonzalez about what he has had to overcome to become the person he is today. Growing up homeless and in a violent setting, he learned early the importance of family and the need for resiliency. Abel's story traverses many obstacles - both physical and emotional - and yet through it all he has come to understand how to truly sacrifice and to fight even when things seem impossible. Break out a box of tears. You'll be smiling and crying by the...2020-10-1946 minHeromakers PodcastSusan Agel on Debunking the Myths of Homelessness and Providing a Positive Tomorrow for Today's Homeless ChildrenIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Susan Agel, President and CEO of Positive Tomorrows, about homelessness and its effects on children. Positive Tomorrows is based in Oklahoma City and is Oklahoma's only school dedicated just to serving children who are homeless. Susan and her team and doing incredible work in providing a solid education for the kids while also addressing all the issues that come with being homeless, including systemic pains such as hopelessness and helplessness. Susan has dedicated her life to this work and is changing lives for the better.2020-10-1540 minHeromakers Podcast"Tiny Ninja" Pauline Avila on Being a Frontline ICU Nurse and Finding the Courage to Try Big ThingsIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Pauline Avila, aka the "Tiny Ninja" on American Ninja Warrior, but more importantly, an ICU nurse who is on the frontlines of fighting Covid-19. Pauline talks about how things have changed in the past six months and what it's like to care for patients who are unable to have their families present. We talk about her hero and what it was like to go on American Ninja Warrior, inspiring many to go for their dreams despite any real or perceived limitations. We hope th...2020-10-1231 minHeromakers PodcastRebecca Bender on Being Trafficked to Being Triumphant and What We Can Learn from TraumaIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Rebecca Bender, human trafficking survivor and founder of the Rebecca Bender Initiative and the Elevate Initiative. Rebecca talks about how she went from growing up in a smaller community in Oregon to being the victim of sex trafficking and how, after 6 years, she finally was able to escape. Her story is one of courage and grit as she openly shares her story so that others would be encouraged. Today she trains law enforcement to combat trafficking and helps survivors to take back their lives and pursue their...2020-10-0947 minHeromakers PodcastClint Baldwin on What We Can Learn from Those Who Are Marginalized and How You Can Be a Waymaker to OthersIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with Clint Baldwin, executive director of Word Made Flesh, which works to care for and love those in the most neglected communities of our world. The three talk about why it is we sometimes overlook those unlike us and what we can learn from those not usually considered heroes. Covid-19 has devastated many who live in poverty and in unhealthy conditions, and yet Clint has found heromaking to be an everyday event, with compassion and hope in full force.We hope this episode encourages you to...2020-10-0743 minHeromakers PodcastBelinda Bauman on Empathy, Rhetoric, and How to Love Well When Apathy Is All Around UsIn this special episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk to Belinda Bauman, founder of One Million Thumbprints and author of Brave Souls: Experiencing the Audacious Power of Empathy. After last week's U.S. Presidential debate, many are left feeling upset, angry, and unsure of where to go from here. Belinda suggests that we go to the only place that can bring true life--to empathy. Here, the three dive into what it means to be a person of empathy and why anyone can be that person.We hope this episode encourages you to step into...2020-10-0553 min
Heromakers PodcastSheridan Richards on Running for Public Office; Being a Black, Female Leader; and Balancing Home, Work, and the Campaign TrailIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk to Sheridan Richards, a mom and full-time HR leader who is also running for City Council in Little Rock, Arkansas. The three talk about juggling many responsibilities, why Sheridan made the move from HR to public service, and what it's like to be an under-40 black woman with a strong leadership mindset. Sheridan helps us understand why we can all fight for those on the margins and those who need housing, education, food security, and more. We hope this episode encourages you to say yes to...2020-10-0239 min
Heromakers PodcastDave Shurna and Tom Lillig on Discovering What's Within You and Why Vision for Our Lives MattersIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk to Tom Lillig and Dave Shurna, authors of the newly-released What's Within You: Your Roadmap to Living Life with No Barriers. The two talk about what it means to find your vision for your life, walk in community with others, and to face the barriers in front of you head on. The two are leaders in the No Barriers movement, which helps people discover what they are passionate about and how to get there. We hope this episode encourages you to not let obstacles stop you...2020-09-2941 min
Heromakers PodcastBen Chan on Being a Living Kidney Donor, Racism, and Compassion FatigueIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk with ultrarunner, IT guy, and justice pursuer Ben Chan on Black Lives Matter, what it's like to experience racism, how we can fight compassion fatigue, and why it was a no-brainer to offer his kidney to a friend in need of one. We hope this episode encourages you to both keep fighting for those who face injustice as well as well dig deeper in yourself to discover what you really believe about those around you and how to do the hard work of self-reflection. ...2020-09-2249 min
Heromakers PodcastChuck and Hannah Keels on Thriving Through Cancer, How to Embrace Joy, and Why Your Story MattersIn this episode of the Heromakers Podcast, Laurie and Ann talk to Chuck & Hannah Keels, founders of the Living Hope Cancer Foundation, on what it looks like to thrive through Stage 4 cancer and why your story matters. Chuck and Hannah have been through many trials and yet today they encourage thousands of people to seek joy as they live with losses of health, income, relationships, and more. We hope this episode encourages you to get up and live each day to the fullest and to find ways to fill other people with joy as well. You are i...2020-09-2243 minHeromakers PodcastWhy Are We Doing This, and What Is a Heromaker, Anyways?Welcome to Episode #1 of the Heromakers Podcast. In this first episode, co-hosts Laurie Nichols and Ann Chow talk about why a Heromakers Podcast is just what we need today. We'll talk about the nine heromaking traits and why they can change our world if we let them.Want to take the grit test we talk about? You can find it here. Heromakers can be found on IG @heromakersmovement and on FB @heromakersmovement. Or you can head to the website. 2020-09-1939 min