Claim OwnershipAn Army of Normal Folks
Subscribed: 23,288Played: 282,493
Subscribe
2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
Description
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. New episodes are released every Tuesday.
410 Episodes
Reverse
Zig Ziglar didn’t build his success on hype or shortcuts—he built it on discipline, service, and helping others win first. In this Shop Talk, we break down the simple principles that can improve how you live, work, and serve—and why modern self-help has made them far more complicated than they need to be.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every year, 25,000 babies experience withdrawal from addictive substances after birth. Jill Kingston saw this up close as the very first 2 babies that she decided to decide to foster were withdrawing from heroin. This normal mom felt convicted to do even more and so she founded Brigid’s Path, which helps both these newborns and their parents to heal. And they’re so successful that when 70% of these babies enter foster care, 85% of their babies remain with their families! You’ll walk away from this episode believing that you don’t have to feel qualified to solve a problem—you just have to start.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every year, 25,000 babies experience withdrawal from addictive substances after birth. Jill Kingston saw this up close as the very first 2 babies that she decided to decide to foster were withdrawing from heroin. This normal mom felt convicted to do even more and so she founded Brigid’s Path, which helps both these newborns and their parents to heal. And they’re so successful that when 70% of these babies enter foster care, 85% of their babies remain with their families! You’ll walk away from this episode believing that you don’t have to feel qualified to solve a problem—you just have to start.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
America’s birth rates have fallen below replacement level—we’re no longer having enough children to sustain the country. In this Shop Talk, we explore why building and supporting families might be one of the most radical acts of hope—and service—there is.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most of us walk past someone on the street because we don’t know how to help—or if it will even make a difference. Jonathan Kumar built Samaritan to change that, giving normal folks a simple way to offer relational and financial support that empowers people experiencing homelessness. They’ve helped over 5,000 people so far and they need us, An Army of Normal Folks, in the game to serve the over 650,000 people who experience homelessness!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most of us walk past someone on the street because we don’t know how to help—or if it will even make a difference. Jonathan Kumar built Samaritan to change that, giving normal folks a simple way to offer relational and financial support that empowers people experiencing homelessness. They’ve helped over 5,000 people so far and they need us, An Army of Normal Folks, in the game to serve the over 650,000 people who experience homelessness!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Charles Murray’s book Coming Apart revealed a hard truth: we stopped living with people who aren’t exactly like us. This Shop Talk looks at the destruction it birthed and how proximity can bring us back together again.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the American Dream real if you lack access to the Holy Trinity of mentors, education, and capital? The truth is that it's a distant dream for too many Americans. In this episode, Sky’s the Limit co-founder Bo Ghirardelli shares how he built the leading digital platform for connecting 100,000 underrepresented entrepreneurs to all three, including 10,000 mentors! And how the American Dream needs us—An Army of Normal Folks—to be fully realized for all Americans.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the American Dream real if you lack access to the Holy Trinity of mentors, education, and capital? The truth is that it's a distant dream for too many Americans. In this episode, Sky’s the Limit co-founder Bo Ghirardelli shares how he built the leading digital platform for connecting 100,000 underrepresented entrepreneurs to all three, including 10,000 mentors! And how the American Dream needs us—An Army of Normal Folks—to be fully realized for all Americans. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After being captured at the Battle of the Bulge, Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds unexpectedly became the commanding officer of 1,200 American POWs. The Nazis demanded that he present the Jewish American soldiers to them and his heroic response risked his own life—and ultimately saved over 200 Jewish lives! The newly announced Medal of Honor recipient will teach you what real moral courage looks like. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After helping free his childhood friend who spent 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Georgetown professor Marc Howard couldn’t return to his normal life. Instead, he built programs that have exonerated 13 innocent people, educated 250 incarcerated people, helped 150 people return to society, and have brought to normal folks into 30 prisons across the country. This powerful conversation challenges us to rethink justice, redemption, and the role each of us can play in bringing light into broken systems.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After helping free his childhood friend who spent 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Georgetown professor Marc Howard couldn’t return to his normal life. Instead, he built programs that have exonerated 13 innocent people, educated 250 incarcerated people, helped 150 people return to society, and have brought to normal folks into 30 prisons across the country. This powerful conversation challenges us to rethink justice, redemption, and the role each of us can play in bringing light into broken systems.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An 18-year-old clocked into Burger King on his graduation night—not because he had to, but because his teammates needed him to. In this Shop Talk, we unpack how his quiet dedication sparked a viral ripple of generosity and what it can teach all of us about pride, purpose, and work. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most people think success means getting out of the hood. Reverend Kevass Harding chose to stay—and is a highly unusual preacher who will have developed 50 affordable homes by the end of the year and generational change in the very Wichita neighborhood that raised him. In this episode, you’ll learn a practical blueprint for turning your own zip code into a place of opportunity instead of escape.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most people think success means getting out of the hood. Reverend Kevass Harding chose to stay—and is a highly unusual preacher who will have developed 50 affordable homes by the end of the year and generational change in the very Wichita neighborhood that raised him. In this episode, you’ll learn a practical blueprint for turning your own zip code into a place of opportunity instead of escape.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Before Helen Keller changed the world, someone saw her when others didn’t. This Shop Talk is a reminder that how normal people like us can quietly unlock extraordinary potential.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if the thing that changed someone’s life wasn’t charity — but a purchase? In this episode, Lauren McCann shares the deeply personal story of her brother’s struggles with mental health, addiction, and homelessness — and the $10,000 art purchase that helped spark his transformation. That moment didn’t only restore his confidence, it also inspired Lauren to build Procure Impact, an extraordinary marketplace connecting businesses to mission-driven suppliers such as ones who employ survivors of trafficking, people in recovery, adults with disabilities, and those returning from prison. You’ll learn why opportunity often works better than intervention, how bottom-up solutions outperform top-down programs, and how your everyday spending decisions can become part of your service journey. This conversation might just change the way you think about helping others.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if the thing that changed someone’s life wasn’t charity — but a purchase? In this episode, Lauren McCann shares the deeply personal story of her brother’s struggles with mental health, addiction, and homelessness — and the $10,000 art purchase that helped spark his transformation. That moment didn’t only restore his confidence, it also inspired Lauren to build Procure Impact, an extraordinary marketplace connecting businesses to mission-driven suppliers such as ones who employ survivors of trafficking, people in recovery, and those returning from prison. You’ll learn why opportunity often works better than intervention, how bottom-up solutions outperform top-down programs, and how your everyday spending decisions can become part of your service journey. This conversation might just change the way you think about helping others.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
America wasn’t always this divided or isolated from one another. In this Shop Talk, Coach Bill unpacks Robert Putnam’s fascinating research on the historical forces that pulled us apart — and the simple, local actions normal folks can take right now to bring “we” back to their communities.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if the problem isn’t a lack of compassion—but a lack of expectation? Ruth Thompson was preparing for retirement when a literal dream led her to open Hugs Cafe, an incredible restaurant in McKinney, TX that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this episode, you’ll learn why lowering the bar hurts people, how raising it changes lives, and what happens when normal folks decide to stop clapping for effort—and start training for excellence.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
Where is part 2 of the Kagan Coughlin conversation?
great story... but please stop interrupting your guests. it's very distracting and frustrating.
Wow, this title caught my attention! It's intriguing. I think in a world that often celebrates the extraordinary, we tend to overlook the incredible potential of everyday people coming together. https://citysquares.com/b/cookie-packaging-pros-25404811 An army of normal folks can achieve remarkable things when united by a common cause. I'm eager to read more about this topic and learn how ordinary individuals can make an extraordinary impact. https://find-open.com/brooklyn/cookie-packaging-pros-13912988
I LOVED hearing Amy's story. One suggestion: the constant interruptions by the host made it very challenging to listen and keep the thread. I so want to hear inspring stories, the host is lovely, warm and empathetic, but doesn't allow his guest to speak comfortably.
This is really nice thanks for sharing with us i must say that this is really good please keep sharing more. https://www.adpworkforce-now.com/
The title "An Army of Normal Folks" immediately caught my attention, and I'm eager to dive into this discussion. In a world often focused on extraordinary achievements and exceptional individuals, it's refreshing to consider the power and impact of everyday people coming together. https://www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/westminster/listing/customise-sticker-438577 History has shown that some of the most significant changes and movements have been driven by regular individuals united by a common cause. From civil rights movements to grassroots initiatives, it's the collective efforts of normal folks that can lead to transformative shifts in society. https://folkd.com/user/CustomiseSticker
Good for you for staying on schedule at Saint Cloud state. That’s a hard core party college. Been there many many times.
I understand what he’s saying about not crying. I found my mom (my best friend) dead I. Her home and she had been gone for 5 days. I have not had an easy life but mentally and emotionally it’s the hardest thing I’ve had to work through. She passed away Feb 13th 2021 and I yelled when I found her and was pissed iff but didn’t cry. I felt horrible for a long time because I couldn’t make myself cry. It wasn’t until 18 months later when I found a song that someone dedicated to a loved one that passed away that out of no where it all came out. I’ve never cried like that before in my life and I haven’t cried about it since but holy shit something came out of me and a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I e never felt something like that before. God I miss you momma. You were/are such an amazing women. To this officer stay strong as I know you will. I’m so sorry for your loss.
The heroin epidemic is crushing this country. It’s hitting every community and every walk of life. The new fetty is killing 10s of 1000s and it’s only going to get worse. I’m 5 years clean and thank god for it. I’ve lost 23 people personally and know or know of so so many more. Sorry for your loss.
It’s hard for me to see both sides sometimes because I have respect for what cops do and know that we need them but at the same time don’t trust the institutions that run them or how they are set up. I’ve been that person that got pulled over barely making it by doing everything in my power to keep my head abi e water and got pulled over on my lunch break with no license and insurance. This was just last week. I thought life as I knew it was over. I don’t have any family in this state because my mom passed away last year and the rest of the fam is 2000 miles away. I’m hanging on by a thread trying to survive and keep a roof over my head like so many people are post Covid dictatorship lockdowns. I was two blocks away and was just honest with the cops. I knew in my heart that I was about to lose everything. The new job, the roof over my head, my dog, car, everything. The cop could tell though that I’m doing everything I can be be good and I even told him I hit 5 years clean 3 weeks ago.
I wrote that minutes before you started talking about starting a movement. Man I listen to a lot of podcasts but this is for sure one of them that I hope someday I’ve done something great that earns me a spot on yours!
This is such a great episode. I have been researching how to start a podcast/movement that is based on this same idea. Normal people standing up to everything that’s wrong with this beautiful country and turning it not only into what it use to be but what it can be. So far I think the name is going to be “Indivisible” - (unable to be divided or separated). We are so divided right now and if we could just come together for the better good we could be back on top in every category imaginable again. That doesn’t mean we all have to think the same, far from it. Diversity of thought can and should be our most powerful trait. Thank you for starting this podcast. I’m only on the first episode but I’m loving it.