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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Enrique’s 3-year-old daughter Arianna was diagnosed with an incredibly rare brain cancer and they were told that she would never turn 4. Arianna was then accepted as a patient by St. Jude, the leading childhood cancer hospital where families don’t pay a dime, and they gave her an additional 4 years of life. Enrique is so grateful to St. Jude that he’s now working for their awareness and fundraising organization. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Enrique’s 3-year-old daughter Arianna was diagnosed with an incredibly rare brain cancer and they were told that she would never turn 4. Arianna was then accepted as a patient by St. Jude, the leading childhood cancer hospital where families don’t pay a dime, and they gave her an additional 4 years of life. Enrique is so grateful to St. Jude that he’s now working for their awareness and fundraising organization. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kagan’s Base Camp Coding Academy trains high school graduates in rural Mississippi to become software developers in 12 months, and it’s 100% free to them! Their over 100 graduates have gone on to work for major corporations such as FedEx, Cspire, and CoreLogic. They’re helping solve the opportunity deficit in rural America, while at the same time solving a talent deficit for companies not based in major tech hubs like Silicon Valley. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Gina’s son was stillborn, she asked Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep for one of their volunteer photographers to capture her only moments with David at the hospital and this remembrance photography is her most cherished possession. There’s 1,700 volunteer photographers around the world who’ve given free portrait sessions to 70,000 families like hers and Gina is now the CEO of this nonprofit that means so much to her. But there’s still many communities without volunteers and hopefully the Army can help. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Gina’s son was stillborn, she asked Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep for one of their volunteer photographers to capture her only moments with David at the hospital and this remembrance photography is her most cherished possession. There’s 1,700 volunteer photographers around the world who’ve given free portrait sessions to 70,000 families like hers and Gina is now the CEO of this nonprofit that means so much to her. But there’s still many communities without volunteers and hopefully the Army can help. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the World Trade Center was struck on 9/11, Sonia promised her husband, an NYPD officer who responded to the attack, that she wouldn’t go to the site to help. But she couldn’t keep that promise and volunteered as a recovery worker at Ground Zero on overnight shifts. In addition to grieving their losses, the Agrons soon began to deal with various illnesses brought on by exposure to Ground Zero’s toxic environment. In spite of this, Sonia has continued volunteering by leading tours at the 9/11 Tribute Museum and 9/11 Memorial. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the World Trade Center was struck on 9/11, Sonia promised her husband, an NYPD officer who responded to the attack, that she wouldn’t go to the site to help. But she couldn’t keep that promise and volunteered as a recovery worker at Ground Zero on overnight shifts. In addition to grieving their losses, the Agrons soon began to deal with various illnesses brought on by exposure to Ground Zero’s toxic environment. In spite of this, Sonia has continued volunteering by leading tours at the 9/11 Tribute Museum and 9/11 Memorial. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wendy was frustrated that many women weren’t able to participate in female philanthropy that was usually time-based such as bake sales and events. So one day she dreamt up a whole new world called Impact 100—where 100 women each give $1,000 and together they’d make a transformative gift of $100,000 in their community. Today, there’s Impact 100 chapters in 60 cities and they've collectively given away more than $123 million! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wendy was frustrated that many women weren’t able to participate in female philanthropy that was usually time-based such as bake sales and events. So one day she dreamt up a whole new world called Impact 100—where 100 women each give $1,000 and together they’d make a transformative gift of $100,000 in their community. Today, there’s Impact 100 chapters in 60 cities and they've collectively given away more than $123 million! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tiani found herself navigating uncharted territory as a single mother to three children. After struggling for years, she found stability as a real estate agent and felt called to help single mothers like herself, leading her to create Little Miracles. The nonprofit has helped 86 families with home improvements and has inspired an army of over 1,800 volunteers.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tiani found herself navigating uncharted territory as a single mother to three children. After struggling for years, she found stability as a real estate agent and felt called to help single mothers like herself, leading her to create Little Miracles. The nonprofit has helped 86 families with home improvements and has inspired an army of over 1,800 volunteers.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amy and her husband Jim adopted 6 kids. And because Amy apparently didn’t have enough on her plate, she then founded ComeUnity Cafe in Jackson, TN. The non-profit, donation-based cafe has a suggested donation amount and if you can’t afford it, you can volunteer there for your meal. This extraordinary model enables everyone to break bread together and be in community with one another. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amy and her husband Jim adopted 6 kids. And because Amy apparently didn’t have enough on her plate, she then founded ComeUnity Cafe in Jackson, TN. The non-profit, donation-based cafe has a suggested donation amount and if you can’t afford it, you can volunteer there for your meal. This extraordinary model enables everyone to break bread together and be in community with one another. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mike kicks off our special series “Supporting Greatness” where we interview those who’ve achieved public greatness about the unsung heroes and normal folks who’ve supported them. He hilariously (and beautifully) pays tribute to his father, grandfather, scoutmaster, and high school music teacher. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mike kicks off our special series “Supporting Greatness” where we interview those who’ve achieved public greatness about the unsung heroes and normal folks who’ve supported them. He hilariously (and beautifully) pays tribute to his father, grandfather, scoutmaster, and high school music teacher. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When he saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn, Rodney felt called to pull over and finish it for him. This single act of generosity transformed Rodney's life forever, inspiring him to challenge kids to cut 50 lawns for free for the elderly, single parents, veterans, and those with disabilities. And his "50 Yard Challenge" has been accepted by 4,948 kids from 8 countries! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When he saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn, Rodney felt called to pull over and finish it for him. This single act of generosity transformed Rodney's life forever, inspiring him to challenge kids to cut 50 lawns for free for the elderly, single parents, veterans, and those with disabilities. And his "50 Yard Challenge" has been accepted by 4,948 kids from 8 countries! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Arshay grew up on the West Side of Chicago and his life was forever changed when he joined the first all-black high school rowing team in the nation (and became the captain). As an adult, Arshay found success as a chef before returning to his true passion by starting inner-city rowing teams. He’s the author of “A Most Beautiful Thing,” which was made into a critically-acclaimed documentary by Common, Dwayne Wade, and Grant Hill. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Arshay grew up on the West Side of Chicago and his life was forever changed when he joined the first all-black high school rowing team in the nation (and became the captain). As an adult, Arshay found success as a chef before returning to his true passion by starting inner-city rowing teams. He’s the author of “A Most Beautiful Thing,” which was made into a critically-acclaimed documentary by Common, Dwayne Wade, and Grant Hill. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Arshay grew up on the West Side of Chicago and his life was forever changed when he joined the first all-black high school rowing team in the nation (and became the captain). As an adult, Arshay found success as a chef before returning to his true passion by starting inner-city rowing teams. He’s the author of “A Most Beautiful Thing,” which was made into a critically-acclaimed documentary by Common, Dwayne Wade, and Grant Hill. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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.