We The Community

Episode Summary In this powerful and timely episode, host Amanda Zahorak sits down with Jordan Vernoy, a national leader in hunger relief and founder of See What I Mean LLC, to unpack the real stories, systems, and stigma behind food insecurity in America. From the classroom to the food pantry, Amanda and Jordan dive deep into how hunger impacts working families, older adults, and immigrant communities—and what it really looks like when people have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. They also break down how large-scale food banks operate, what SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) actually does, and how proposed federal cuts could devastate families and local economies alike. Together, they explore the intersection of policy, compassion, and community action—and leave listeners with tangible ways to make an impact. Key Topics Defining “food insecurity” and busting common myths What hunger looks like in rural, suburban, and urban America How food banks and pantries work behind the scenes The critical role of SNAP and why cutting it hurts everyone The ripple effect of federal policy on local communities How individuals can take action to fight hunger Jordan’s journey as a changemaker and his work with See What I Mean LLC Notable Quotes “For every one meal food banks provide, SNAP provides nine.” “If we’re serious about protecting taxpayer money, we need to look at the real problem—not families just trying to eat.” “Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways we can create change.” About Our Guest Jordan Vernoy is a seasoned nonprofit leader, policy advocate, and the founder of See What I Mean LLC, a consultancy focused on elevating mission-driven organizations through strategy, storytelling, and systems thinking. Jordan’s career has been dedicated to tackling food insecurity and empowering communities to build long-term solutions to hunger. Connect with Jordan: 🔗 See What I Mean LLC 📱 Follow on LinkedIn: Jordan Vernoy Call to Action SNAP cuts are going into effect today—and the impact will be felt immediately in homes, schools, and neighborhoods across the country. 👉 Listen now to understand what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do to help ensure no family goes hungry. 🎧 Stream We the Community wherever you get your podcasts. #WeTheCommunity #FoodSecurity #SNAP #EndHunger #PolicyMatters #CommunityImpact #Podcast SWIM Consulting SWIM Book: Activating Moments for Change

Summary   In this episode of the We the Community podcast, host Amanda Zahorak speaks with Glennette Tilley Turner, a renowned storyteller and historian focused on the Underground Railroad. They discuss the significance of names, the role of storytellers in communities, and the courage it takes to share uncomfortable truths. Glennette shares her extensive research on the Underground Railroad, the surprises she encountered, and the importance of lesser-known historical figures. The conversation also touches on the significance of Juneteenth, the journey to making it a national holiday, and reflections on the 4th of July. Glennette emphasizes the need for community, collaboration, and the importance of understanding history to navigate current challenges.   Purchase Ms. Turner's Books, here!   Takeaways   -Names tell a story and hold significance. -Storytellers are essential for sharing knowledge. -Courage in storytelling often involves uncomfortable truths. -Researching history can reveal surprising gaps. -The Underground Railroad had a significant presence in Illinois. -Juneteenth represents a crucial moment in American history. -Understanding history helps us navigate current challenges. -Community collaboration is vital for progress. -The 4th of July has different meanings for different people. -Legacy is about striving for justice and love.   Chapters   00:00 The Significance of Names 06:55 Influences of Family on Storytelling 10:13 The Journey to Authorship 13:28 The Role of Storytellers in Communities 15:34 Courage in Storytelling 16:03 Courageous Characters and Stories 17:56 Lessons from Pivotal Stories 19:56 Researching the Underground Railroad 22:07 The Quest for Knowledge 24:24 Challenges in Researching History 26:58 The Importance of Historical Context 28:57 Pathways of Freedom Seekers 32:33 Advice for Today's Generation 35:58 Understanding Chicago's Underground Railroad History 39:20 The Legacy of Freedom and Community 42:34 The Legacy of Housing Ordinances 44:40 Historical Figures in African American History 46:51 Indigenous Peoples and the Underground Railroad 49:23 Harriet Tubman's Bravery and Stories 52:22 The Emancipation Proclamation and Its Delays 54:33 The Journey to Juneteenth as a National Holiday 56:50 Understanding the Significance of Juneteenth 57:56 Complex Feelings Around the 4th of July 59:45 Reflections on Justice and Hope 01:00:39 Advice for Future Generations 01:02:30 The Arc of Justice in American History 01:04:11 Personal Stories of Leadership and Legacy 01:07:41 Upcoming Underground Railroad Tours 01:10:06 Introduction to We The Community Podcast

Keywords:   change work, community engagement, authenticity, leadership, listening, political conversations, core values, humanity, social justice, personal identity   Takeaways Change work requires authenticity and vulnerability. Listening is crucial for effective change making. Building relationships is key to working across party lines. Core values should never be compromised for progress. Personal stories can bridge gaps in understanding. Navigating tension requires empathy and patience. The future of leadership lies in shared humanity. Progress can be incremental and still meaningful. Community engagement is essential for lasting change. Leadership is about serving others, not seeking power. Summary:   In this conversation, Amanda Zahorak and Jen Guzman explore the intricacies of change work, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, listening, and building relationships across political divides. They discuss personal identity, core values, and the role of humanity in leadership, while also sharing insights on navigating tension in conversations and the significance of community engagement. The dialogue culminates in a message of hope for the future, highlighting the power of collective action and understanding in creating meaningful change.   Links:   Bestola Collective PODER  RISE Chicago   Titles: Bridging Divides: The Art of Change Making Authenticity in Leadership: A Personal Journey Sound Bites "Your power is in your humanity." "Don't be your own villain." "Change work is an act of love." Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Jen Guzman and Her Background 08:56 Embracing Intersectionality: The Mexiju Experience 13:25 The Power of Authenticity in Leadership 17:22 The Essence of Change Making 21:13 Listening and Understanding in Leadership 24:32 Working Across Party Lines and Building Bridges 29:31 The Challenge of Change 31:27 Building Relationships for Progress 33:42 Listening to Your Body 37:29 Core Values and Boundaries 40:33 Defining Progress 44:00 The Importance of Bipartisanship 47:17 Leadership Standards and Accountability 49:48 Dealing with Opposition and Self-Care 56:17 Navigating Life's Messy Paths 57:33 Understanding Different Perspectives 01:00:02 Bouncing Back from Power Loss 01:02:42 The Importance of Resilience 01:05:08 Building Relationships Across Sectors 01:07:40 Embracing Diverse Opinions 01:08:44 Inquiry as a Tool for Change 01:09:25 Lessons from Leadership 01:11:14 Using Voice for Good 01:12:09 Legacy of Humanity and Love 01:13:31 Finding Hope in Humanity 01:14:31 Engaging with Community Initiatives 01:15:52 Introduction to We The Community Podcast

Summary   In this episode, Kelly Wynne shares her journey from journalism to becoming a therapist, emphasizing the importance of mental health advocacy, community engagement, and self-care. She discusses redefining leadership in therapy, the significance of listening, and the need for boundaries in advocacy work. Kelly highlights the importance of finding hope and good in the world, especially during uncertain times, and encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being while making a positive impact in their communities.   Keywords   Mental health, therapy, community engagement, self-care, leadership, anxiety, resilience, boundaries, hope, legacy   Takeaways Kelly Wynne's journey began with a viral blog post on anxiety. She transitioned from journalism to therapy to help others. Leadership in therapy is about guiding clients, not saving them. Listening is a powerful form of leadership. Community needs vary; understanding them is crucial. Self-care is essential for advocates and change-makers. Rituals can ground us in times of uncertainty. Boundaries are about how we respond, not changing others. Finding good in the world can combat feelings of fear. Legacy is about helping others find their worth. Links: Micro Activism by Omkari Williams Find Mental Health Resources at: Psychology Today 

Summary In this episode of the We The Community podcast, Amanda Zahorak interviews Dexter Mason, the executive director of the Change Collective. They discuss Dexter's journey to leadership, the mission of the Change Collective, and the importance of investing in local leaders. The conversation highlights the significance of community engagement, the selection process for changemakers, and the curriculum designed for local leaders. Dexter shares insights on humility in leadership, the role of local solutions in addressing societal issues, and the importance of building diverse networks. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions about leadership inspirations and future aspirations.   Takeaways Dexter Mason emphasizes the intertwining of service and leadership. The Change Collective aims to redefine civic life in the 21st century. Investing in local leaders is crucial for long-term systemic change. Local leadership impacts daily life significantly. The selection process for the Change Collective values diverse experiences. Curriculum for local leaders includes both hard and soft skills. Humility is essential in leadership roles. Building community is vital for changemakers. Ego can hinder effective leadership and collaboration. Hope for the future lies in the next generations' commitment to change. Chapters 00:00 Dexter's Journey to Leadership 04:57 The Change Collective: Mission and Vision 07:40 Career Path and Finding Change Collective 14:52 Advice on Career Paths and Change Making 18:36 Investing in Local Leaders 22:14 The Importance of Local Politics 24:52 Getting Involved Locally 26:41 The Change Collective Selection Process 31:41 Diversity in Leadership and Community Building 35:07 Curriculum for Local Leaders 39:48 The Importance of Local Solutions 45:02 Gatekeepers in Community Politics 53:06 Networking with Community Gatekeepers 01:01:13 Promoting a Flexible Work Culture 01:02:31 The Importance of Transparency in Leadership 01:03:18 Ego and Leadership: A Stoic Perspective 01:05:54 Working Across the Aisle: Checking Ego for Collaboration 01:07:40 Pathways to Public Office: From Local Change Makers to Leaders 01:11:09 Finding Community: Overcoming Loneliness in Activism 01:12:48 Inspiring Leaders: Role Models in Public Service 01:14:29 Future Aspirations: Balancing Change Making and Personal Dreams 01:16:36 Staying Hopeful: Humanity's Capacity for Positive Change 01:18:25 Connecting with Change Collective: Opportunities for Engagement 01:22:54 Introduction to We The Community Podcast Links: Learn More about Change Collective Read King: A Life    

We the Community is a podcast hosted by Amanda Zahorak, focused on social justice, civic engagement, and community-driven solutions. Each episode spotlights real people making real change—from local leaders to national advocates. Subscribe/follow to stay informed, inspired, and engaged. Let’s build stronger, more inclusive communities—together. Find us on instagram @wethecommunitypod.

Join Amanda on We the Community—a podcast about people, purpose, and progress. From social justice to civic action, we’re talking with changemakers to explore real issues and real solutions. Subscribe now to stay updated and follow us on Instagram @wethecommunitypod. Let’s build stronger communities, together.