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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When Vanessa Elias saw a rise of incivility in her Connecticut town, she rallied citizens to host 40 neighborhood block parties that had 1,200 attendees, so that people can get to know their neighbors, realize that they don’t hate them, and even enjoy them. It got so much attention that she started Block Party USA to spread this simple solution across the country! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Shop Talk, we tell the extraordinary story of Madison Park. If freed slaves can figure out how to buy a plantation and build a self-sustaining community, what do you think An Army of Normal Folks in 2025 can achieve?! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At a time when 67% of students are not at grade level, Kellie Lauth is revolutionizing education in America. Her nonprofit MindSpark is spreading an innovative approach called problem-based learning like wildfire across the country. And it’s resulted in over 25 of their students owning patents, starting dozens of companies, and a 15% improvement in STEM and literacy achievement! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At a time when 67% of students are not at grade level, Kellie Lauth is revolutionizing education in America. Her nonprofit MindSpark is spreading an innovative approach called problem-based learning like wildfire across the country. And it’s resulted in over 25 of their students owning patents, starting dozens of companies, and a 15% improvement in STEM and literacy achievement! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You'll have to listen to this edition of Shop Talk to get the answer. Plus, some fascinating data on the impact of family meals on our well-being. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Atticus LeBlanc is the founder of PadSplit, the largest co-living marketplace in America. It’s like the Airbnb for room rentals, which both saves renters an average of $366 a month and can make property owners 2x as much money. Say hello to the solution to our affordable housing crisis that’s hiding in plain sight! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Atticus LeBlanc is the founder of PadSplit, the largest co-living marketplace in America. It’s like the Airbnb for room rentals, which both saves renters an average of $366 a month and can make property owners 2x as much money. Say hello to the solution to our affordable housing crisis that’s hiding in plain sight! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Shop Talk, when An Army of Normal Teenage Protestors inspired the adults to get back into the game. The little known story of The Children's Crusade! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bob Lupton moved into inner-city Atlanta, where he learned the hard lesson that most of his charitable work was toxic. This led him to radically change how he showed up. And to write the bestselling book Toxic Charity that rocked our world and likely will rock yours. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1Bob Lupton moved into inner-city Atlanta, where he learned the hard lesson that most of his charitable work was toxic. This led him to radically change how he showed up. And to write the bestselling book Toxic Charity that rocked our world and likely will rock yours. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Shop Talk, we deep dive into 211, a nationwide helpline which fields over 16 million requests each year and how a brand-new solution is helping to close the loop on these calls. The story offers great lessons for Army members and a way that you might be able to help the 211 system. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adrianne's home of Tulare County has the highest rate of chronically unsheltered homelessness in America, with over 2,500 people experiencing homelessness in a county of 484,000. Despite not wanting to take action, Adrianne felt convicted that she must and her nonprofit Salt + Light built The Neighborhood Village, a brand-new community of 50 housing units with onsite whole-person care. Community changes everything and teaches all of us to love each other better. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adrianne's home of Tulare County has the highest rate of chronically unsheltered homelessness in America, with over 2,500 people experiencing homelessness in a county of 484,000. Despite not wanting to take action, Adrianne felt convicted that she must and her nonprofit Salt + Light built The Neighborhood Village, a brand-new community of 50 housing units with onsite whole-person care. Community changes everything and teaches all of us to love each other better. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Shop Talk, we reflect on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the disturbing share of Americans who think such actions are justified, and what An Army of Normal Folks can do about it. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When 80% of kids aren't reading on grade level in Oklahoma, Chris Brewster believes that they don't love kids in his state. His wife told him "Suck it up princess, get to work" and so Chris did. He founded Santa Fe South Schools, which has an inner-city population of 5,000 students that usually score in the bottom 5-10% in the state, but their elementary and early childhood students are in the top 5-10%! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When 80% of kids aren't reading on grade level in Oklahoma, Chris Brewster believes that they don't love kids in his state. His wife told him "Suck it up princess, get to work" and so Chris did. He founded Santa Fe South Schools, which has an inner-city population of 5,000 students that usually score in the bottom 5-10% in the state, but their elementary and early childhood students are in the top 5-10%! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Shop Talk, we honor the story of Hody Childress, an Alabama farmer whose secret generosity came to light after his death. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sparky Reardon worked in student services for 36 years at Ole Miss, including his final 14 years as the Dean of Students. His stories span the hilarious to the tragic and he is a one-of-a-kind leader who thousands call a mentor and a friend, including Coach Bill Courtney.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sparky Reardon worked in student services for 36 years at Ole Miss, including his final 14 years as the Dean of Students. His stories span the hilarious to the tragic and he is a one-of-a-kind leader who thousands call a mentor and a friend, including Coach Bill Courtney.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For Shop Talk, we dive into yet another column from Andrew Peters. On the magic that happens when we ask for help. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee 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.
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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.