Claim OwnershipAn Army of Normal Folks
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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.
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For Shop Talk, we unpack Robert Putnam's monumental book "Bowling Alone" and the collapse of the civic habits that once held our communities together — from church groups to bowling leagues. And what we as Army members are going to do about it! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At 19 years old, King Randall put aside his own self-interest and started taking care of other people’s kids in Albany, Georgia, which has the highest concentrated poverty rate in the state. His summer school program grew into The X School for Boys, a private school that is completely free to 25 families and has hundreds of kids on its waitlist. And King’s social media accounts have grown to over 1 million followers for the same reason that he’s our guest, this dude will teach you about being all-in like no one else! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At 19 years old, King Randall put aside his own self-interest and started taking care of other people’s kids in Albany, Georgia, which has the highest concentrated poverty rate in the state. His summer school program grew into The X School for Boys, a private school that is completely free to 25 families and has hundreds of kids on its waitlist. And King’s social media accounts have grown to over 1 million followers for the same reason that he’s our guest, this dude will teach you about being all-in like no one else! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Shop Talk, we dive into the worst ice storm to ever hit the American South. And the Oxford, MS citizens who became a relentless Army of bloody do-gooders!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis has spent 14 years in the NFL as one of its most respected leaders on and off the field. We could have talked with him about how he’s a two-time Pro-Bowler and his team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, but instead we celebrated his own Army of Normal Folks who’ve supported his greatness— a single mom who gave birth to him at 16, a grandmother who helped raise him, a chaplain who dared to ask him the hard questions, and a wife who has been his rock. His story will show you how your greatest impact just might be some radical love to those surrounding you!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis has spent 14 years in the NFL as one of its most respected leaders on and off the field. We could have talked with him about how he’s a two-time Pro-Bowler and his team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, but instead we celebrated his own Army of Normal Folks who’ve supported his greatness— a single mom who gave birth to him at 16, a grandmother who helped raise him, a chaplain who dared to ask him the hard questions, and a wife who has been his rock. His story will show you how your greatest impact just might be some radical love to those surrounding you!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A mail carrier trusted her gut, made one call, and saved a life. In this Shop Talk, we unpack why paying attention to the people around us is one of the simplest—and most powerful—ways normal folks can make a real difference.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After mixing antidepressants and alcohol, Christie Luther hit someone with her car and they died. She spent 4.5 years in prison, where she discovered her purpose to create Oklahoma’s first cosmetology school inside a woman’s correctional facility. The R.I.S.E. Program has had 286 students and only 1 of them has ended up back in prison, which is unheard of! And while Christie still lives with extraordinary regret and shame, she will show you how to keep living and transform your worst pain into unstoppable purpose. To learn more about R.I.S.E, visit riseprograminc.comSupport the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After mixing antidepressants and alcohol, Christie Luther hit someone with her car and they died. She spent 4.5 years in prison, where she discovered her purpose to create Oklahoma’s first cosmetology school inside a woman’s correctional facility. The R.I.S.E. Program has had 286 students and only 1 of them has ended up back in prison, which is unheard of! And while Christie still lives with extraordinary regret and shame, she will show you how to keep living and transform your worst pain into unstoppable purpose. To learn more about R.I.S.E, visit riseprograminc.comSupport the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Shop Talk, we bring you Wilma Mankiller's powerful commencement address. No joke, this lady is Coach Bill's spirit animal!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At 50 years old, Charlotte Dance had a 2 year old child placed in her lap. And instead of walking away, Charlotte not only legally adopted the child, she also informally adopted his broken family. She even says that they adopted her too! This episode will teach you about finding love in the most unexpected places like no other story. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At 50 years old, Charlotte Dance had a 2 year old child placed in her lap. And instead of walking away, Charlotte not only legally adopted the child, she also informally adopted his broken family. She even says that they adopted her too! This episode will teach you about finding love in the most unexpected places like no other story.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Real change doesn’t start with convincing a majority of the public — it starts with a visible minority. In this Shop Talk, we unpack why movements tip when just 20–25% of people act consistently & visibly, and what that means for transforming our communities.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For our Supporting Greatness series, two-time Emmy-nominated cartoonist Marshall Ramsey celebrates the Army of Normal Folks that shaped his life. And how we can be that Army for those around us. Plus, his fascinating stories about Peyton Manning, Barbara Bush, and his cousin Dave (yes, that Dave).Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For our Supporting Greatness series, two-time Emmy-nominated cartoonist Marshall Ramsey celebrates the Army of Normal Folks that shaped his life. And how we can be that Army for those around us. Plus, his fascinating stories about Peyton Manning, Barbara Bush, and his cousin Dave (yes, that Dave).Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Shop Talk, we reflect on a dead Greek poet's wisdom, how an alive Salvadoran immigrant is the perfect example of it, and what we need to do be the heroes we're meant to be. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you ever wrestle with how our country’s extraordinary wealth and problems co-exist? Or yearn for a deeper sense of community where we have each other’s backs? Then you’re going to cherish this episode with Jordan Schiele, the co-founder of a Catholic intentional community called Jerusalem Farm. These Catholic hippies, as their neighbors in Kansas City originally called them, live together without salaries and have completed over 300 home repair projects in the last 5 years alone! Learn more: jerusalemfarm.orgSupport the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you ever wrestle with how our country’s extraordinary wealth and problems co-exist? Or yearn for a deeper sense of community where we have each other’s backs? Then you’re going to cherish this episode with Jordan Schiele, the co-founder of a Catholic intentional community called Jerusalem Farm. These Catholic hippies, as their neighbors in Kansas City originally called them, live together without salaries and have completed over 300 home repair projects in the last 5 years alone! Learn more: jerusalemfarm.orgSupport the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Shop Talk, Coach Bill shares his 3 keys to a successful marriage! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Society tells us that self-care makes us happy, but Melissa O’Neil discovered that it doesn’t. She’s found happiness through building an identity of someone who serves. Sometimes that shows up in large ways like fostering two boys and other times in smaller, yet meaningful ways like helping a nonprofit write thank you notes. Melissa will show you how to find meaning in every season of life!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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.