An 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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    • Aug 5, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 308 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The An Army of Normal Folks podcast is a refreshing and inspiring show that highlights the stories of ordinary people making an extraordinary impact in their communities. Hosted by Coach Bill Courtney, this podcast is filled with inspirational interviews that showcase individuals who are teaching, inspiring, and changing the lives of troubled young people. The diversity of guests and their messages make this podcast a great platform for anyone looking to be motivated and learn from real-life experiences.

    The best aspect of this podcast is the incredible stories that are shared each week. From teachers to community organizers, each guest brings a unique perspective and shares how they are making a difference in their own way. The discussions are laid back and enjoyable to listen to, but also poignant and filled with powerful moments. It's clear that Coach Bill and his team do a great job of finding normal people who have truly impactful stories to share.

    One potential downside of the podcast is that Coach Bill sometimes jumps in too much during interviews. While his enthusiasm is evident, there are moments where it feels like he could step back more and let the guests fully share their stories. However, it's important to note that he is still learning and improving as a host, and he does a commendable job of elevating these individuals and celebrating their accomplishments.

    In conclusion, The An Army of Normal Folks podcast is a great listen for anyone looking for inspirational stories that highlight the power of ordinary people. The dedication shown by these guests in making a positive impact on their communities serves as a reminder that we can all make a difference no matter our background or circumstances. If you're searching for uplifting content that will motivate you to take action in your own life, this podcast is definitely worth tuning into.



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    Latest episodes from An Army of Normal Folks

    Nancy Carbone: The Best Friend of Firefighters (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 37:08 Transcription Available


    After black snow rained down on her on 9/11, Nancy knocked on the door of local firehouses to see how she could help. When several firefighters told her that they’d need counseling, this non-therapist and normal mom got to work. 24 years later, Friends of Firefighters has provided over 1,000 firefighters and their families with mental health and wellness services at no cost to them! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Nancy Carbone: The Best Friend of Firefighters (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 60:31 Transcription Available


    After black snow rained down on her on 9/11, Nancy knocked on the door of local firehouses to see how she could help. When several firefighters told her that they’d need counseling, this non-therapist and normal mom got to work. 24 years later, Friends of Firefighters has provided over 1,000 firefighters and their families with mental health and wellness services at no cost to them! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Vietnamese Refugees Who Changed America

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 16:07 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, Coach Bill tells the story of An Army of Normal Refugees who changed America... at least in one aspect. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Michelle Penczak: Binders Full of Military Spouses (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 43:13 Transcription Available


    Military spouse unemployment is 21%, which is 5 times the national average, often because employers don't want to hire people like Michelle Penczak who move every 3-4 years. So Michelle started a virtual assistant company called Squared Away where location wouldn't be an issue. And it's skyrocketed to employing 400 military spouses who serve 1,000 clients! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Michelle Penczak: Binders Full of Military Spouses (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 36:40 Transcription Available


    Military spouse unemployment is 21%, which is 5 times the national average, often because employers don't want to hire people like Michelle Penczak who move every 3-4 years. So Michelle started a virtual assistant company called Squared Away where location wouldn't be an issue. And it's skyrocketed to employing 400 military spouses who serve 1,000 clients! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Favorite Nonfiction Books

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 16:50 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, Bill and Alex reflect on 4 of their favorite nonfiction books. What's yours?! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    An Army of Normal Social Workers (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 39:56 Transcription Available


    Dr. Rhonda Smith has assigned the podcast to over 400 of her social work students at the University of Southern Mississippi. In this episode we meet 7 of them, who are sure to inspire you about this rising generation! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    An Army of Normal Social Workers (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 35:21 Transcription Available


    Dr. Rhonda Smith has assigned the podcast to over 400 of her social work students at the University of Southern Mississippi. In this episode we meet 7 of them, who are sure to inspire you about this rising generation! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Our Favorite Books

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 11:39 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, Coach Bill and Alex reflect on some of their favorite books. And want to hear about yours! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Jenn Andrews: I Want To Be The Person That I Needed (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 45:40 Transcription Available


    Jenn had to amputate her right leg due to sarcoma cancer. She committed to helping patients like herself and she soon found her cause in the tragedy of insurance companies not paying for prosthetics for running, swimming, or any other athletic activity. The Move for Jenn Foundation has since paid for 63 activewear prosthetics!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Jenn Andrews: I Want To Be The Person That I Needed (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 46:09 Transcription Available


    Jenn had to amputate her right leg due to sarcoma cancer. She committed to helping patients like herself and she soon found her cause in the tragedy of insurance companies not paying for prosthetics for running, swimming, or any other athletic activity. The Move for Jenn Foundation has since paid for 63 activewear prosthetics!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    3 Things I Learned From FedEx's Founder

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 23:20 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, Coach Bill reflects on the extraordinary life of Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx who recently passed away. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Father Mark Hanna: The 3 Civilians Who Saved Upwards of 77 Lives (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 41:01 Transcription Available


    An Egyptian engineer, a Hispanic Navy Seal, and an Italian construction manager walk into a building. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it’s the beginning of real-life heroism. The building was the World Trade Center’s North Tower and Father Mark Hanna is the only one of the 3 amigos to survive 9/11.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Father Mark Hanna: The 3 Civilians Who Saved Upwards of 77 Lives (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 30:08 Transcription Available


    An Egyptian engineer, a Hispanic Navy Seal, and an Italian construction manager walk into a building. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it’s the beginning of real-life heroism. The building was the World Trade Center’s North Tower and Father Mark Hanna is the only one of the 3 amigos to survive 9/11.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The 50-Year Old Version

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 14:17 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, we feature Army member Erik Lokkesmoe's reflections on what he wishes someone had told him when he was 30 or 40 years old. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Michael Gosman: Buy A Home, Build A Community (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 41:32 Transcription Available


    When Father Dennis Lewis was assigned to St. Michael’s parish in Milwaukee, he discovered a growing number of Hmong and Laotians seeking refuge from the Vietnam War. Many were subjected to a terrible slumlord and so Father decided to start a homebuying ministry that helped coach them through the process. 33 years later, Acts Housing has helped 4,000 low-income families purchase homes!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Michael Gosman: Buy A Home, Build A Community (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 61:33 Transcription Available


    When Father Dennis Lewis was assigned to St. Michael’s parish in Milwaukee, he discovered a growing number of Hmong and Laotians seeking refuge from the Vietnam War. Many were subjected to a terrible slumlord and so Father decided to start a homebuying ministry that helped coach them through the process. 33 years later, Acts Housing has helped 4,000 low-income families purchase homes!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    For All The 50-Year Old Men Who...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 12:40 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, Coach Bill reflects on Army member Erik Lokkesmoe's powerful article, "For All The 50-Year Old Men Who..." Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kevin Adler: Reuniting 1,100 People Experiencing Homelessness With Their Families (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 41:14 Transcription Available


    Kevin was tired of walking by people experiencing homelessness, not doing anything, and undermining his own humanity and theirs each time. So he finally did something and his accidental nonprofit Miracle Messages has since reunited over 1,100 people with their families!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kevin Adler: Reuniting 1,100 People Experiencing Homelessness With Their Families (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 63:32 Transcription Available


    Kevin was tired of walking by people experiencing homelessness, not doing anything, and undermining his own humanity and theirs each time. So he finally did something and his accidental nonprofit Miracle Messages has since reunited over 1,100 people with their families!Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Experimenting With Local Chapters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 14:14 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, we explore the idea of potentially experimenting with a few local chapters of the Army this year. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    An Army of Normal Teenagers (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 43:48 Transcription Available


    Ginny Manguno, a teacher at Briarcrest Christian School, assigned listening to the podcast in her high school class. And so we decided to interview Ginny and her 15 students! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    An Army of Normal Teenagers (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 35:27 Transcription Available


    Ginny Manguno, a teacher at Briarcrest Christian School, assigned listening to the podcast in her high school class. And so we decided to interview Ginny and her 15 students! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    I Was Miserable On Father's Day, Until...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 7:09 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, Coach Bill shares his deeply personal experience with Father's Day. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tim Brown: 100 Friends Were Murdered on 9/11 (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 40:36 Transcription Available


    9/11 firefighter Tim Brown helped save lives that fateful day, but he also lost 100 friends who chose to save others knowing it would likely be the last act of their lives. His mission is to honor this Army of Normal Folks and make sure that America never forgets them.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tim Brown: 100 Friends Were Murdered on 9/11 (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 74:08 Transcription Available


    9/11 firefighter Tim Brown helped save lives that fateful day, but he also lost 100 friends who chose to save others knowing it would likely be the last act of their lives. His mission is to honor this Army of Normal Folks and make sure that America never forgets them.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    We Are Not What We Do

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 14:38 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, Coach Bill reflects on Army member Andrew Maue's email. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kim Emch: The Only 3 Generation Family ESL Program (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 40:21 Transcription Available


    When Kim found out that thousands of kids in her suburban community were going hungry in the summer, she couldn’t look away from the problem. Her nonprofit Festa now feeds over 800 children in the summer, but as Kim puts it, they don’t just want to help people live in poverty a little bit better. So they serve 1,166 people with America's only 3-generation family English as a Second Language program, to help their families escape poverty. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kim Emch: The Only 3 Generation Family ESL Program (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 64:47 Transcription Available


    When Kim found out that thousands of kids in her suburban community were going hungry in the summer, she couldn’t look away from the problem. Her nonprofit Festa now feeds over 800 children in the summer, but as Kim puts it, they don’t just want to help people live in poverty a little bit better. So they serve 1,166 people with America's only 3-generation family English as a Second Language program, to help their families escape poverty . Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 13:52 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, Coach Bill reflects on some fascinating studies that show people are far more willing to help us than we might expect. And what this means for the Army. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    John Norman: 160 Platelet Donations (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 40:36 Transcription Available


    John Norman is a normal dude who made a blood platelet donation one day. When his colleague told him that donated platelets helped save her life, John decided to keep rolling with the donations. He donates every other week, which is now over 160 times! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    John Norman: 160 Platelet Donations (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 34:36 Transcription Available


    John Norman is a normal dude who made a blood platelet donation one day. When his colleague told him that donated platelets helped save her life, John decided to keep rolling with the donations. He donates every other week, which is now over 160 times! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    When I Learned About "Church Schools"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 15:38 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, Coach Bill tells the story of learning about "church schools" from his football players. It's a sad history that is not well known. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tanya Rae Piper: The Cake Lady (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 40:22 Transcription Available


    Tanya is a hairstylist who decided to bake some cakes for some firemen. And next thing you know, she’s baking over 450 cakes a year for firemen on their birthday! We cannot wait for you to meet “The Cake Lady”. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tanya Rae Piper: The Cake Lady (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 43:33 Transcription Available


    Tanya is a hairstylist who decided to bake some cakes for some firemen. And next thing you know, she’s baking over 450 cakes a year for firemen on their birthday! We cannot wait for you to meet “The Cake Lady”. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Could Potluck Dinners Save America?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 20:33 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, we feature portions of Eboo Patel's powerful talk "Could A Potluck Dinner Save Our Democracy?". Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Erin Steele: When Seniors and Children Help Each Other (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 35:32 Transcription Available


    When Erin Steele saw seniors light up around children, she had an idea for combining a senior living facility and a childcare center into one place! And there's all kinds of benefits for both generations by being with one another everyday. Meet The Heritage Home in Alma, Kansas. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Erin Steele: When Seniors and Children Help Each Other (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 43:04 Transcription Available


    When Erin Steele saw seniors light up around children, she had an idea for combining a senior living facility and a childcare center into one place! And there's all kinds of benefits for both generations by being with one another everyday. Meet The Heritage Home in Alma, Kansas. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    On Being A Junkman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 12:39 Transcription Available


    For Shop Talk, Army member Charlotte Dance shares a beautiful tribute to her late dad that's titled, "On Being A Junkman". And how it relates to the Army. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Supporting Greatness: Scottie Pippen, Sugar Ray Leonard, Top 100 Golfers (Pt 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 34:08 Transcription Available


    For our special series “Supporting Greatness”, where we typically interview those who’ve achieved public greatness about their own Army of Normal Folks that supported them, this time we interviewed award-winning sportswriter Michael Arkush. He's written books with Scottie Pippen and Sugar Ray Leonard, about the top 100 golfers in history, and he celebrates each of their Army of Normal Folks that supported them. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Supporting Greatness: Scottie Pippen, Sugar Ray Leonard, Top 100 Golfers (Pt 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 37:41 Transcription Available


    For our special series “Supporting Greatness”, where we typically interview those who’ve achieved public greatness about their own Army of Normal Folks that supported them, this time we interviewed award-winning sportswriter Michael Arkush. He's written books with Scottie Pippen and Sugar Ray Leonard, about the top 100 golfers in history, and he celebrates each of their Army of Normal Folks that supported them. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Giving $5,000 To Your UPS Driver

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 25:51 Transcription Available


    UPS driver Tim Daniels and his customers in the East Lake neighborhood of Atlanta truly love each other. So when Tim had a surgery that took him out of commission for a few months, his customers stepped up and showed him just how much they love him. And "The Dancing UPS Man" decided to surprise all of them. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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