Acts of Impact

On September 11th, 2001, a group of Al Qaeda terrorists hijack four passenger airplanes and carry out suicide attacks against major U. S. targets, including the World Trade Center in New York City. What followed was one of the largest search-and-rescue missions in history, as FEMA teams and first-responders descended on ground zero in search of survivors. Many heroes would arrive on scene to help, with one unique group arriving on four legs instead of two - The FEMA Canine Search-and-Rescue dogs. On today's episode, we'll speak with canine handlers Bob Deeds, Sarah Atlas, and Cindy Ehlers, as well as veterinarian Dr. Cindy Otto. We'll discuss what it was like that day at ground zero, the challenges these dogs faced on the ground, the long-term health effects of the rescue operation, and the emotional impact of the event. I hope you enjoy today's episode. If you'd like to get involved with canine search-and-rescue, there are many ways to do so. You can reach out to the following organizations for more information:Penn Vet Working Dog Center - https://bit.ly/4aHS8eYHope Animal-Assisted Crisis Response - https://www.hopeaacr.org/Deeds Canine Connection - https://www.deedscanineconnection.com/Search and Rescue Dog Foundation - https://bit.ly/3RKDVW2To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to our guests for their time and insight. Music by Alex Grohls.

When the Alaska Ranger sent a distress call to Communications Station Kodiak in the early hours of March 23, 2008, it set in motion a daring and dangerous rescue mission.  Amidst daunting sea and wind conditions, the Coast Guard Cutter Munro coordinated helicopter and plane crews, good samaritan ships, and more in a race against time to save 47 lives. On today's episode, we'll explore the events leading up to the sinking, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard's incredible rescue operation in the frigid, unforgiving waters of the Bering Sea.For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing three individuals who participated in the rescue operations first-hand, including Flight Commander for the Jayhawk helicopter Brian Mclaughlin, flight mechanic for the Dolphin helicopter Al Musgrave, and communications station watchstander David Seidl. I also had the privilege of interviewing author Kalee Thompson, who literally wrote the book on the rescue operation. Their stories bring to life the intense challenges and split-second decisions faced on this trying night.I hope you enjoy today's episode. For more information on this historic rescue, I highly recommend Kalee's book 'Deadliest Sea: The Untold Story Behind the Greatest Rescue in Coast Guard History'. You can find it on Amazon below:https://www.amazon.com/Deadliest-Sea-Untold-Greatest-History/dp/0061766305Also available on Audible at:https://www.audible.com/pd/Deadliest-Sea-Audiobook/B083ZHTGVMTo learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to our guests for their time and insight. Music by Alex Grohls.

On today's episode, we'll explore the  story of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, an obstetrician from the 19th century who discovered the importance of hand-washing for preventing Childbed Fever and started a campaign to change the behavior of the entire medical industry. In so doing, he would be ostracized, villainized, ignored, and committed to an insane asylym where he would be beaten and ultimately die as this preventable disease continued to kill thousands of mothers. For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing:Dr. Leslie S. Leighton, Medical Historian and Instructor for the Department of History at Georgia State UniversityDr. Elif Vatanoğlu-Lutz, Professor of Ethics and History of Medicine at Yeditepe University Medical FacultyDr. Justin Lessler, Professor for the Department of Epidemiology at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Public HealthI hope you enjoy today's episode. For more information about the story of Ignaz Semmelweis, I hope you'll consider the book ‘Genius Belabored' by Theodore G. Obenchain, which you can find at bit.ly/45RJ04WTo learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comVoiceover work by Peter SzocsMusic by Alex Grohls.

On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Jesus Garcia, a Mexican Railroad Engineer credited with saving the entire town of Nacozari, Sonora in 1907 when he sacrificed himself to drive a train of dynamite away from the town before it exploded. For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Ernesto Ibarra, president of the Nacozari de Garcia Historical Association. We'll discuss the history of Nacozari, Jesus's rise to Engineer, the events of the day leading up to the explosion, and the aftermath of Jesus's incredible decision. I hope you enjoy today's episode. To purchase Ernesto's book (Spanish language) visit:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nacozari-de-garc-a-ernesto-ibarra/1123703107To learn more about the Nacozari de Garcia Historical Association, visit:https://historiadenacozari.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Ernesto for his time and insight. Music by Alex Grohls.

On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Swansea Jack, a Welsh rescuer credited with saving the lives of 27 people and 2 dogs from the North Docks of Swansea in the 1930s. For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Berni Hellier, author of 'The True Tail of Swansea Jack', and Gayle Simmonds, illustrator of the book and long-time friend of Berni's. We'll discuss Jack's 7-year career which included charity work, festivals, and more, the attempts to discredit his work as a hoax, and the legacy he leaves behind in Swansea. I hope you enjoy today's episode. To purchase 'The True Tail of Swansea Jack', visit:https://swanseajack.co.uk/shop/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Berni and Gayle for their time and insight. Music by Alex Grohls.

On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Jack Foley, a film-maker whose inventive style of creating sound effects for movies revolutionized Hollywood. We'll discuss the unique history of how sound effects came to the movies, how Jack's inventive techniques led to some of today's most creative sounds, and how Foley Artists use everyday objects to sensationalize the stories we see on screen.I hope you enjoy today's episode. To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comVoiceover acting by Art Brown.  Music by Alex Grohls.

On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Alice Harris, a Victorian missionary whose chilling photographs and relentless advocacy work took down the king of the Congo, King Leopold II. For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Judy Smith, Author of 'Don't Call Me Lady: The Journey of Lady Alice Seeley Harris'.  We'll discuss the horrific ways King Leopold extorted labor from the Congolese people, how Alice's photos turned the hearts of even King Leopold's appointed friends, and ultimately how Alice left a legacy of reform and cultural understanding. I hope you enjoy today's episode. To purchase 'Don't Call Me Lady: The Journey of Lady Alice Seeley Harris', visit:https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Call-Me-Lady-Journey/dp/1458212890To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Jack for his time and insight. Voiceover acting by Mattie.  Music by Alex Grohls.

On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Irena Sendler, the Polish social worker who risked everything to save 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust. She worked with secret organizations, rose to the top of the Gestapo's most wanted list, and even withstood torture at the infamous Pawiak prison. Her story was buried for 60 years, until three Kansas teens uncovered her legacy in 2004. For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Jack Mayer, Author of 'Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project'.  We'll discuss how Jack learned of Irena and became involved, the powerful stories Jack encountered during his interviews with her and the children she rescued, and the importance of Irena's story to changing the national conversation in Poland.Throughout today's narration, you'll also hear eyewitness accounts from Holocaust survivors that have been given in interviews since the tragedy. I hope you enjoy today's episode. To purchase 'Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project', visit:https://bit.ly/3J9SQoCTo learn more about the 'Life in a Jar' play and foundation, visit:https://irenasendler.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Jack for his time and insight. Voiceover acting by Quentin Vo.Music by Alex Grohls.

This year, 2023, marks the 25th Anniversary of one of the most awarded movies of all time, James Cameron's 'Titanic'. On today's episode, we'll explore the life and legacy of Titanic survivor and Fifth Officer Harold Lowe, and the positive impact his actions had on those under his command during the tragedy. Commander Lowe, as he would later be known, took quick and decisive action during the sinking of the Titanic that would save countless lives. He was also the only person to return to the Titanic to look for survivors, and many survivors credit Lowe with their life.  For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Inger Sheil, Author of 'Titanic Valour: The Life of Fifth Officer Harold Lowe'. We'll discuss Harold's early life and remarkable career rise that led to the Titanic, his actions during the sinking, his return and rescue, and the legacy he leaves behind. Throughout today's narration, you'll also hear eyewitness accounts from Titanic survivors that have been given in interviews since the tragedy. I hope you enjoy this very special episode. To purchase 'Titanic Valour: The Life of Fifth Officer Harold Lowe' visit:https://amzn.to/3iO4IDGTo learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Inger for her time and insight. Music by Alex Grohls.

On today's episode, we dive into a unique story involving the rescue of a struggling scuba diver by three... mermaids? Along the way, we'll learn all about the world of professional mermaiding with our guest, Elaina Marie Garcia. Elaina is owner of Catalina Island Mermaids and a scuba instructor for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) who tells us all about it. To learn more about mermaiding and see some really great pictures and videos, you can view Elaina's Instagram page here:https://www.instagram.com/catalinaislandmermaids/To learn more about the services offered by Catalina Island Mermaids, visit their website at:https://catalina-island-mermaids.com/Special thanks to Elaina for her time. Music by Alex Grohls.

On today's episode, we dive into a unique story involving a retired police officer, a magnet fisherman, and a missing retirement medal. Along the way, we'll learn about magnet fishing and the importance of improving the environment around us. Our guest today is Dave Sonik Jordan, a magnet fisherman, YouTube creator, and environmentalist who tells us all about it. To learn more about magnet fishing, support Dave's channel, and see some really great videos, check out his channel here:https://www.youtube.com/c/AdventureswithSonikFriends314To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Dave for his time. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Tara Hefner. Tara is Market Development Director for Unbound, a non-profit organization that partners with families living in poverty, providing direct cash sponsorship and special funding programs. We'll talk about the benefits of direct sponsorship, the wonderful relationships that form between sponsors and sponsees, and some of the great successes Unbound has witnessed as a result of their programs. To support Unbound, become a sponsor, or discover more ways to help, visit: https://www.unbound.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Tara and the Unbound team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Karah Rawlings. Karah is the Executive Director of Wolf Park, a non-profit organization dedicated to the research, education, and conservation of wolves. We'll learn about the value wolves provide to our environment, discuss a concept called re-wilding, and talk about how you, or even your dog,  could help with conservation efforts.To support Wolf Park and discover more ways to help, visit: https://wolfpark.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Karah and the Wolf Park team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Joan Prittie. Joan is Executive Director of Project Safe, a non-profit organization that is working to end domestic violence. Project Safe believes that everyone deserves to be safe in their homes and in their relationships, and that love shouldn't come at a cost of abuse or control.To support Project Safe and discover more ways to help, visit: https://www.project-safe.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Joan and the Project Safe team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Greta McClain. Greta is Executive Director of Silent No Longer Tennessee, a non-profit organization empowering survivors of sexual assault to share their story in creative and powerful ways.   We'll talk about the challenges faced by these survivors, the support that Silent No Longer Tennessee provides, and how the entire community is involved in the effort to end sexual violence.To support Silent No Longer Tennessee and discover more ways to help, visit: https://silentnolongertn.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Greta and the Silent No Longer Tennessee team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview David Helmers. David is Executive Officer for the Australian Men's Shed Association, a non-profit organization that supports the men's shed movement across Australia. We'll talk about the challenges men face when it comes to finding social support and camaraderie, how these sheds support men's mental and physical well-being , and how David and the Australian Men's Shed Association are helping out. To support the Australian Men's Shed Association and discover more ways to help, visit: https://mensshed.org/about-amsa/To find sheds in the U.S., visit:https://usmenssheds.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to David and the AMSA team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Kenneth Oroma. Ken is an alumnus of the Teach For Uganda Fellowship and co-founder of EduBall, a community-based organization that uses the game of Soccer to improve educational outcomes for children in Uganda. We'll talk about the challenges Ugandan children face when it comes to literacy and staying in school, how Soccer teaches crucial skills for success, and how Eduball has brought together  students, parents, and the communities at large.To support EduBall and discover more ways to help, visit them on Twitter at: https://mobile.twitter.com/eduballugTo learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Kenneth and the EduBall team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Sangyu Xi.  Sangyu is a designer and programmer who has just received a national Dyson award for her design of an adjustable scoliosis brace named Airy. Airy is the first scoliosis brace to grow with the patient, allowing teenagers to wear it comfortably and confidently. We'll talk about the challenges of traditional scoliosis braces, how Sangyu approached this problem from a design perspective, and ultimately the improvements that Airy provides.To learn more about Airy and Sangyu's design process, visit:https://www.sangyuxi.com/ind/airyTo learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Sangyu for her time. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Nikki Okkels. Nikki is an industrial design student of the Eindhoven University of Technology and member of the TU/ecomotive student team, which has just created ZEM, a new car that cleans the air while driving. We'll talk about why this technology is an important step for our environment, the filter they've created to remove carbon from the air, and the challenges they faced in creating this exciting new car.To learn more about the TU/ecomotive team, visit: https://www.tuecomotive.nl/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Nikki and the TU/ecomotive team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Mike Young.  Mike is a dog rescue pilot who has flown over 8000 puppies by private plane from rescues and shelters in the rural south to large urban areas to be put up for adoption. We'll talk about why these flights are needed, how the puppies are kept safe throughout the flight, and how volunteer crews and pilots are coordinated to bring these puppies to their forever homes.To see videos and learn more about Mike's operations, visit:https://vimeo.com/showcase/2205554To support and learn more about Alabama Rescue Relay, visit: https://arr.lifeTo learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Mike and the Alabama Rescue Relay team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today's guest is Gina Moreland. Gina is Founder and Executive Director for Habitot Children's Museum, a hands-on discovery museum designed specifically for children under 5 years old. We'll talk about how parents can connect with their children through creativity and play, the types of activities that work great for children in this age group, and how Habitot museum creates amazing experiences for those who visit. To support Habitot Children's Museum and discover more ways to help, visit: https://www.habitot.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Gina and the Habitot team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Meredith Cooper. Meredith is the Co-Founder of Wonders and Worries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and families navigate the challenges of parental illness. We'll talk about what those challenges are, the effects they can have on both children and patients, and how Wonders and Worries educates and provides supportTo support Wonders and Worries and discover more ways to help, visit: https://wondersandworries.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Meredith and the Wonders and Worries team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Hannah Evans, Senior Analyst of Population Connection, about stabilizing the world population at a level that can be sustained by Earth's resources. We'll talk about the dangers of unchecked population growth, the connection between sustained growth and women's rights, and how Population Connection plays a role in driving long-term solutions. To support Population Connection and discover more ways to help, visit: https://populationconnection.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Hannah and the Population Connection team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today, we interview Tamara Blazquez about her work as a wildlife conservation photographer. We'll discuss the wildlife of Mexico City, the Zoo Crisis, the protection of land (such as the threatened lake areas of Xochimilco), and how Tamara once got more than she bargained for trying to photograph a ring-tailed cat. To support Tamara, see her amazing photographs, follow her on social media, and discover more ways to help, visit her linktree.To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Tamara for sharing her time and stories. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Christine Dorchak, Co-founder and General Counsel for GREY2K USA Worldwide, about their work fighting the cruelty of dog racing. We'll talk about the dangers of racing for these Greyhounds, its rise and ongoing downfall in the U.S., and how GREY2K closed the worst dog track in the world.To support GREY2K USA Worldwide and discover more ways to help, visit: https://www.grey2kusa.orgTo learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Christine and the GREY2K USA Worldwide team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Tonya Sandis, Founder of Free2Luv, about their work helping our youth. We'll discuss mental health, bullying, and self-love, how these topics uniquely affect our youth and those in the LGBTQ community, and the work Free2Luv does to empower confidence and self-expression. To support Free2Luv and discover more ways to help, visit: https://free2luv.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Tonya and the Free2Luv team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Louise Vetter, President and CEO of Huntington's Disease Society of America, about the work they do for those impacted by Huntington's Disease. We'll discuss the complex symptoms and unique challenges surrounding this disease, the ways in which HDSA helps patients, their families, and caregivers, and the research grants and legislation HDSA is supporting to bring progress and relief. To support HDSA and discover more ways to help, visit: https://hdsa.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Louise and the HDSA team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Paolo Mutia, Food and Agriculture Campaigner for Friends of the Earth, about his team's work fighting the sale of toxic pesticides. We'll discuss the challenges facing pollinators such as bees and birds, the dangerous chemicals in commonly sold products that are to blame, and how we as consumers can make more environmentally-friendly decisions. To support Friends of The Earth and discover more ways to help, visit: https://foe.org/To tell Lowe's and Home Depot to stop selling Roundup, visit: https://action.foe.org/page/25910/action/1?ea.tracking.id=WebsiteTo learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Paolo, Kerry, and the Friends of the Earth team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Chelas Montanye, Co-Founder and Creative Art Director for Art of Recycle, about their unique community center. We'll talk about their free community arts activities, the unique ways they help teachers, and how they creatively repurpose resources that are destined for the landfill. To support Art of Recycle and discover more ways to help, visit: https://artofrecycle.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Chelas and the Art of Recycle team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Kate Grant, Chief Executive Officer of Fistula Foundation, about their work treating obstetric fistula, a life-altering condition that can occur during childbirth. We'll talk about what this condition is, the barriers to treatment for affected women, and the ways Fistula Foundation maximizes donations to provide the life-changing surgeries that are needed to help. To support Fistula Foundation and discover more ways to help, visit: https://fistulafoundation.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Kate, Mike, and the Fistula Foundation team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Carolyn Ashworth, Executive Director of The Pollination Project, about the $1000 seed-funding grants they give out daily to drive social change. We'll talk about the benefits of microgrants vs. traditional social funding, hear stories of grassroots change from the Philippines, Ghana, and Ukraine, and explore a new philosophy of giving called ‘Heartivism'.To support The Pollination Project and discover more ways to help, visit: https://thepollinationproject.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Carolyn and the Pollination Project team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Dr. Michelle Christie, Founder and Executive Director of No Limits for Deaf Children, about their work teaching, promoting, and advocating for the deaf community. We'll talk about the challenges that children with hearing loss experience,  the education and work that No Limits does to build confidence and life skills for deaf students, and the success stories they've seen with theater productions, technology and more.To support No Limits for Deaf Children and discover more ways to help, visit: https://www.nolimitsfordeafchildren.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Michelle and the Well Aware team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Austin Hill, Guest Relations Manager of Wild Animal Sanctuary, about their work rescuing neglected and captive wild animals. We'll talk about the captive wildlife crisis and how public attitudes have changed over time, discuss the habitats and successful programs they have in place to help, and explore what we can do to ensure that wild animals can live natural and improved lives.To support Wild Animal Sanctuary and discover more ways to help, visit: https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Austin and the Wild Animal Sanctuary team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Dr. Danielle Moss, Chief Executive Officer of Oliver Scholars, about their work preparing high-achieving Black and Latinx students for future success. We'll talk about the societal challenges and obstacles facing these students (both in their initial education and professional careers) and the skills and development being taught in Oliver Scholars programs to address them.To support Oliver Scholars and discover more ways to help, visit: https://oliverscholars.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Danielle and the Oliver Scholars team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Rob Schware, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Give Back Yoga, about bringing the benefits of yoga to all who want to practice. We'll talk about how Give Back Yoga is breaking stereotypes on who can access yoga, hear testimonials from those who participate, consider changes in perception over time and more.To support Give Back Yoga and discover more ways to help, visit: https://givebackyoga.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Rob and the Give Back Yoga team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview John Barry, Executive Director of Rollin' From the Heart, about their work promoting a more active lifestyle and encouraging positive choices for disadvantaged youth. We'll talk about the inspiration behind Rollin' From The Heart, how their after-school skate camps teach confidence, teamwork, and resilience to the children that participate, and a few of the success stories that stand out to John from his work. To support Rollin' From the Heart and discover more ways to help, visit: https://wellawareworld.org/get-involved/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to John and the Rollin' From The Heart team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Claudia Wheeler, Founder and Executive Director of SALT Foundation,  about the problems of food scarcity and food waste. We'll talk about the partnerships they've developed with supermarkets to rescue food, how Claudia and her team helped during the Covid-19 Outbreak, and the ways in which SALT Foundation fills hunger gaps in the community with drive-thru food pickups, community fridges, and more.To support SALT Foundation and discover more ways to help, visit: http://www.thesaltfoundationinc.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Claudia and the SALT Foundation team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview P.K. Beville, Founder and CEO Emeritus of Second Wind Dreams, about changing the perception of aging. We'll talk about how they make dreams come true for those in elderly care, how their Virtual Dementia tour improves caregivers' understanding of dementia,  and how their Gifts of Light bring compassion during the holidays. To support Second Wind Dreams and discover more ways to help, visit: https://www.secondwind.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to P.K and the Second Wind Dreams team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Kim Meyer and Lucia Summers about Austin Guinea Pig Rescue and their successful efforts to save, care for, and rehome over 1300 animals to date. We'll talk about things you may not know about guinea pigs, as well as a few important things to consider before getting one as a pet, and some of the interesting stories Kim and Lucia have encountered along the way.To support Austin Guinea Pig Rescue and discover more ways to help, visit: http://www.austinguineapigrescue.com/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Kim, Lucia and the AGPR team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Jason Parker, Founder of Gunnar's Wheels, about the wheelchairs, carts, and mobility options they provide to pets in need. We'll talk about Jason's dog Gunnar, how Gunnar's Wheels got started, how technology such as GoFundMe played a role in their growth, and all of the animals they've provided help for along the way. To support Gunnar's Wheels, visit their GoFundMe at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gunnar039s-wheelsYou can also view the many stories and animals they have helped on their Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/people/Gunnars-wheels/100064944003897/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Jason and the Gunnar's Wheels team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Sharron Rush, Executive Director of Knowbility,  about creating an accessible and inclusive digital world. We'll talk about the importance of digital accessibility in the modern age, the ways a website can become more inclusive, and the Knowbility programs promoting accessibility through contests, conferences, consulting, and more.To support Knowbility and discover more ways to help, visit: https://www.knowbility.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Sharron and the Knowbility team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Terri Stringer, Assistant Executive Director of Patriot PAWS, about the service dogs they provide for our veterans. We'll talk about the physical and emotional support these dogs provide, the ways in which Patriot Paws partners with Texas Prisons to provide service dog training, and how each dog chooses the veterans they are paired with on graduation day. To support Patriot PAWS and discover more ways to help, visit: https://patriotpaws.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Terri and the Patriot PAWS team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Travis Eriksen, Executive Director of Child's Play about the video games, technology, and education they provide to serve children in healthcare facilities. We'll talk about how Child's Play was able to turn around negative bias towards gaming in the media, the ways in which Child's play provides equipment to facilities and assistance to Child's Life staff members, and the Child's Play gaming guide, which provides recommendations to staff and parents on games suitable to a variety of situations. To support Child's Play and discover more ways to help, visit: https://www.childsplaycharity.org/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Travis and the Child's Play team. Music by Alex Grohls.

Today we interview Kareece Sacco, Executive Director of Well Aware, about the water crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa. We'll hear why previous attempts to solve this problem have failed to last, how a state-of-the-art mobile app is putting ownership in the hands of African communities, and how Well Aware maintains a 100% success rate in providing clean, sustainable water to this region. To support Well Aware and discover more ways to help, visit: https://wellawareworld.org/get-involved/To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit:https://www.actsofimpact.comSpecial thanks to Kareece and the Well Aware team. Music by Alex Grohls.