An Army of Normal Folks

This Shop Talk gets into a hard truth: you don’t feel overwhelmed because your schedule is full—you feel overwhelmed because of expectations. We unpack why the very thing many are cutting—service and connection—might actually be the thing holding your life together.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If every part of a community doesn't have the opportunity to flourish, the community can't flourish. Violence will penetrate your safety and all of us will suffer. Greg Spillyards felt convicted to shift from transactional real estate that made him more money to projects focused on transforming Memphis' forgotten places. And his story will show you how to make a deeper impact without leaving your career.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If every part of a community doesn't have the opportunity to flourish, the community can't flourish. Violence will penetrate your safety and all of us will suffer. Greg Spillyards felt convicted to shift from transactional real estate that made him more money to projects focused on transforming Memphis' forgotten places. And his story will show you how to make a deeper impact without leaving your career.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 24-year-old man dies—and over 10,000 people show up to his funeral, revealing a hidden life of quietly showing up for others. This Shop Talk explores how Pier Giorgio Frassati built that kind of life—and how you can too.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2,977 people died on 9/11—but the tragedy didn’t end that day. Since then, over 3,000 people have died from Ground Zero-related illnesses, including 409 FDNY firefighters—more than died on the day itself. Niels Jorgensen was part of a whole Army of Normal Folks who put their own lives at risk by volunteering to clean up Ground Zero for 8 months and he contracted the rarest form of leukemia that nearly killed him. This episode reveals the part of 9/11 that most Americans have never been told: it’s still claiming lives. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2,977 people died on 9/11—but the tragedy didn’t end that day. Since then, over 3,000 people have died from Ground Zero-related illnesses, including 409 FDNY firefighters—more than died on the day itself. Niels Jorgensen was part of a whole Army of Normal Folks who put their own lives at risk by volunteering to clean up Ground Zero for 8 months and he contracted the rarest form of leukemia that nearly killed him. This episode reveals the part of 9/11 that most Americans have never been told: it’s still claiming lives.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Service didn’t disappear—it got outsourced. In this Shop Talk, we unpack the trend of nonprofits shifting from relying on volunteers to paid staff members, how it’s weakening our communities—and why reclaiming responsibility starts with normal folks like you choosing to show up.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people don’t find purpose after losing a child—Joe Herr did. After his 4 year-old son died from complications of having cerebral palsy, he started Logan’s Heart and Smiles, a nonprofit that’s helped 450 other families with disabilities by building wheelchair ramps and home modifications —and showing us how service can bring light to the darkest corners of our lives (and the lives of others).Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people don’t find purpose after losing a child—Joe Herr did. After his 4 year-old son died from complications of having cerebral palsy, he started Logan’s Heart and Smiles, a nonprofit that’s helped 450 other families with disabilities by building wheelchair ramps and home modifications —and showing us how service can bring light to the darkest corners of our lives (and the lives of others).Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Shop Talk, we unpack how Kobe Bryant’s powerful redemption story proves that your worst mistakes don't have to define you. And how An Army of Normal Folks can make a difference, even when our stories aren’t perfect! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Corey Brooks has helped transform the most violent area of Chicago into one that’s not in even in the top 35! And he’s done it by being utterly crazy—sleeping on a rooftop for 343 days in the Chicago winter to raise money, literally walking across America, and building a $40 million community center in the hood because they deserve it. Brooks will teach you how to act crazy (if you need to), as long as it’s just and for a just cause.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Corey Brooks has helped transform the most violent area of Chicago into one that’s not in even in the top 35! And he’s done it by being utterly crazy—sleeping on a rooftop for 343 days in the Chicago winter to raise money, literally walking across America, and building a $40 million community center in the hood because they deserve it. Brooks will teach you how to act crazy (if you need to), as long as it’s just and for a just cause.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zig Ziglar didn’t build his success on hype or shortcuts—he built it on discipline, service, and helping others win first. In this Shop Talk, we break down the simple principles that can improve how you live, work, and serve—and why modern self-help has made them far more complicated than they need to be.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, 25,000 babies experience withdrawal from addictive substances after birth. Jill Kingston saw this up close as the very first 2 babies that she decided to decide to foster were withdrawing from heroin. This normal mom felt convicted to do even more and so she founded Brigid’s Path, which helps both these newborns and their parents to heal. And they’re so successful that when 70% of these babies enter foster care, 85% of their babies remain with their families! You’ll walk away from this episode believing that you don’t have to feel qualified to solve a problem—you just have to start.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, 25,000 babies experience withdrawal from addictive substances after birth. Jill Kingston saw this up close as the very first 2 babies that she decided to decide to foster were withdrawing from heroin. This normal mom felt convicted to do even more and so she founded Brigid’s Path, which helps both these newborns and their parents to heal. And they’re so successful that when 70% of these babies enter foster care, 85% of their babies remain with their families! You’ll walk away from this episode believing that you don’t have to feel qualified to solve a problem—you just have to start.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America’s birth rates have fallen below replacement level—we’re no longer having enough children to sustain the country. In this Shop Talk, we explore why building and supporting families might be one of the most radical acts of hope—and service—there is.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us walk past someone on the street because we don’t know how to help—or if it will even make a difference. Jonathan Kumar built Samaritan to change that, giving normal folks a simple way to offer relational and financial support that empowers people experiencing homelessness. They’ve helped over 5,000 people so far and they need us, An Army of Normal Folks, in the game to serve the over 650,000 people who experience homelessness!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us walk past someone on the street because we don’t know how to help—or if it will even make a difference. Jonathan Kumar built Samaritan to change that, giving normal folks a simple way to offer relational and financial support that empowers people experiencing homelessness. They’ve helped over 5,000 people so far and they need us, An Army of Normal Folks, in the game to serve the over 650,000 people who experience homelessness!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Murray’s book Coming Apart revealed a hard truth: we stopped living with people who aren’t exactly like us. This Shop Talk looks at the destruction it birthed and how proximity can bring us back together again.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the American Dream real if you lack access to the Holy Trinity of mentors, education, and capital? The truth is that it's a distant dream for too many Americans. In this episode, Sky’s the Limit co-founder Bo Ghirardelli shares how he built the leading digital platform for connecting 100,000 underrepresented entrepreneurs to all three, including 10,000 mentors! And how the American Dream needs us—An Army of Normal Folks—to be fully realized for all Americans.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the American Dream real if you lack access to the Holy Trinity of mentors, education, and capital? The truth is that it's a distant dream for too many Americans. In this episode, Sky’s the Limit co-founder Bo Ghirardelli shares how he built the leading digital platform for connecting 100,000 underrepresented entrepreneurs to all three, including 10,000 mentors! And how the American Dream needs us—An Army of Normal Folks—to be fully realized for all Americans. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After being captured at the Battle of the Bulge, Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds unexpectedly became the commanding officer of 1,200 American POWs. The Nazis demanded that he present the Jewish American soldiers to them and his heroic response risked his own life—and ultimately saved over 200 Jewish lives! The newly announced Medal of Honor recipient will teach you what real moral courage looks like. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After helping free his childhood friend who spent 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Georgetown professor Marc Howard couldn’t return to his normal life. Instead, he built programs that have exonerated 13 innocent people, educated 250 incarcerated people, helped 150 people return to society, and have brought to normal folks into 30 prisons across the country. This powerful conversation challenges us to rethink justice, redemption, and the role each of us can play in bringing light into broken systems.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After helping free his childhood friend who spent 18 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Georgetown professor Marc Howard couldn’t return to his normal life. Instead, he built programs that have exonerated 13 innocent people, educated 250 incarcerated people, helped 150 people return to society, and have brought to normal folks into 30 prisons across the country. This powerful conversation challenges us to rethink justice, redemption, and the role each of us can play in bringing light into broken systems.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An 18-year-old clocked into Burger King on his graduation night—not because he had to, but because his teammates needed him to. In this Shop Talk, we unpack how his quiet dedication sparked a viral ripple of generosity and what it can teach all of us about pride, purpose, and work. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people think success means getting out of the hood. Reverend Kevass Harding chose to stay—and is a highly unusual preacher who will have developed 50 affordable homes by the end of the year and generational change in the very Wichita neighborhood that raised him. In this episode, you’ll learn a practical blueprint for turning your own zip code into a place of opportunity instead of escape.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people think success means getting out of the hood. Reverend Kevass Harding chose to stay—and is a highly unusual preacher who will have developed 50 affordable homes by the end of the year and generational change in the very Wichita neighborhood that raised him. In this episode, you’ll learn a practical blueprint for turning your own zip code into a place of opportunity instead of escape.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before Helen Keller changed the world, someone saw her when others didn’t. This Shop Talk is a reminder that how normal people like us can quietly unlock extraordinary potential.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the thing that changed someone’s life wasn’t charity — but a purchase? In this episode, Lauren McCann shares the deeply personal story of her brother’s struggles with mental health, addiction, and homelessness — and the $10,000 art purchase that helped spark his transformation. That moment didn’t only restore his confidence, it also inspired Lauren to build Procure Impact, an extraordinary marketplace connecting businesses to mission-driven suppliers such as ones who employ survivors of trafficking, people in recovery, and those returning from prison. You’ll learn why opportunity often works better than intervention, how bottom-up solutions outperform top-down programs, and how your everyday spending decisions can become part of your service journey. This conversation might just change the way you think about helping others.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the thing that changed someone’s life wasn’t charity — but a purchase? In this episode, Lauren McCann shares the deeply personal story of her brother’s struggles with mental health, addiction, and homelessness — and the $10,000 art purchase that helped spark his transformation. That moment didn’t only restore his confidence, it also inspired Lauren to build Procure Impact, an extraordinary marketplace connecting businesses to mission-driven suppliers such as ones who employ survivors of trafficking, people in recovery, and those returning from prison. You’ll learn why opportunity often works better than intervention, how bottom-up solutions outperform top-down programs, and how your everyday spending decisions can become part of your service journey. This conversation might just change the way you think about helping others.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America wasn’t always this divided or isolated from one another. In this Shop Talk, Coach Bill unpacks Robert Putnam’s fascinating research on the historical forces that pulled us apart — and the simple, local actions normal folks can take right now to bring “we” back to their communities.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the problem isn’t a lack of compassion—but a lack of expectation? Ruth Thompson was preparing for retirement when a literal dream led her to open Hugs Cafe, an incredible restaurant in McKinney, TX that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this episode, you’ll learn why lowering the bar hurts people, how raising it changes lives, and what happens when normal folks decide to stop clapping for effort—and start training for excellence.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the problem isn’t a lack of compassion—but a lack of expectation? Ruth Thompson was preparing for retirement when a literal dream led her to open Hugs Cafe, an incredible restaurant in McKinney, TX that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this episode, you’ll learn why lowering the bar hurts people, how raising it changes lives, and what happens when normal folks decide to stop clapping for effort—and start training for excellence.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/premiumSee 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/premiumSee 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/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.