Inspired Changemakers Podcast

About the Episode Sophia Chang is a screenwriter, author, and music industry legend who has managed icons like RZA, GZA, and D'Angelo—and now she's building something even bigger. As the founder of Unlock Her Potential, a mentorship program for women of color, Sophia is creating the kind of support system she never had.In this episode, Sophia sits down with United Charitable CEO Julia Healey to share her journey from the hip hop clubs of 1980s New York to launching a charitable initiative. She opens up about navigating racism and sexism, being embraced by Wu-Tang Clan, and the power of being her authentic self in every room she enters.Sophia also reflects on motherhood, reinvention at 50, and how building community means showing up—for yourself and for others. Whether you're an artist, activist, or changemaker in the making, Sophia's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to unlock your potential—and help someone else do the same.Connect with Unlock Her Potential: Website: www.unlockherpotential.com Instagram: @unlockherpotential LinkedIn: Unlock Her Potential Join our community of Inspired Changemakers! The Inspired Changemakers Podcast is a platform that showcases inspiring individuals who are making a difference in the world. Each episode features a new guest, sharing their journey, insights, and projects aimed at creating positive change in their communities and beyond. Join us as we learn from these changemakers and get inspired to take action in our own lives! You can find us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeBuzzSproutSupport the show

Building Community Through the Game | A Conversation with Mike Brown & Evan MakleDon't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of visionaries transforming lives and shaping a better future. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like Mike's and Evan's!About the EpisodeIn this episode, Julia Healey sits down with Evan Makle and Mike Brown, teammates on the Virginia Valley Vipers, to talk about how basketball has shaped their lives—and how they're using the game to give back.Evan Makle, a Shenandoah University graduate with a degree in media & communications and a minor in coaching, found his love for basketball as a toddler. Today, he channels that early passion into mentoring the next generation, from training kids during the week to coaching at local camps.Mike Brown, a Winchester native and University of Mount Olive alum, is just as committed to community as he is to the game. A dedicated husband and father, Mike balances family, work, and professional basketball—all while staying focused on making an impact through youth engagement, charity events, and leading by example.They open up about overcoming injuries, setbacks during COVID, and the mental discipline it takes to keep showing up — for themselves, their teammates, and their fans.Connect with Mike, Evan, and the Virginia Valley Vipers:Evan's Instagram: @evanmakleMike's Instagram: @_miikeb_ Website: https://virginiavalleyvipers.com/Instagram: @va_viperstblJoin our community of Inspired Changemakers!The Inspired Changemakers Podcast is a platform that showcases inspiring individuals who are making a difference in the world. Each episode features a new guest, sharing their journey, insights, and projects aimed at creating positive change in their communities and beyond. Join us as we learn from these changemakers and get inspired to take action in our own lives!You can find us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeBuzzSproutSupport the show

Leading with Action: A Conversation with Wayne Applewhite and Sheila BaerenzDon't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of visionaries transforming lives and shaping a better future. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like Wayne and Sheila's!About the EpisodeLeadership isn't a title—it's a practice, a mindset, and, according to this episode's guests, a verb. Wayne Applewhite and Sheila Baerenz, co-hosts of the podcast 27 Minutes with Sheila and Wayne, join host Julia Healey to explore what leadership really looks like in action.Drawing from decades of experience in education, military service, counseling, and business, they share powerful lessons on letting go, building self-efficacy, and the importance of listening and learning as a leader. With warmth and wit, this conversation invites us to rethink how small shifts in language—and mindset—can inspire big change.Connect with Sheila and Wayne:27 Minutes with Sheila and Wayne: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/27-minutes-with-sheila-and-wayne/id1660085600Sheila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-baerenz-11b33120/Wayne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-applewhite-9660668/

From Adversity to Advocacy: A Conversation With John HeathDon't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of visionaries transforming lives and shaping a better future. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like John's! About the EpisodeJohn Heath, adaptive CrossFit athlete and Marine Corps veteran, turned a challenging childhood and life-changing injury into a mission for adaptive athletics. As the founder and CEO of the Adaptive Athletic Foundation of Maryland, he champions innovative adaptive fitness certifications, advocates for prosthetic policy change, and builds inclusive fitness communities. In this episode, John shares how resilience, self-care, and community empowerment have redefined his journey—and how they continue to inspire lasting change for individuals with disabilities. Connect with John:Instagram: carbonfiber_john_Adaptive Athletics Foundation of MD's Instagram: adaptiveathletics_md 

Empowering Athletes Beyond the Game | A Conversation with Hannibal NaviesDon't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of visionaries transforming lives and shaping a better future. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like Hannibal's!

Breaking Silos, Building Community | A Conversation with Staci ReidingerDon't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of changemakers who are transforming lives and shaping a better future. Your support helps us continue bringing stories of impactful changemakers like Staci to light!

Don't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of changemakers who are transforming lives and shaping a better future. Your support helps us continue bringing stories of impactful changemakers like Tina Stevens-Culbreath to light!

From Burnout to Balance | A Conversation with Dr. JoyDon't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of changemakers who are transforming lives and shaping a better future. Your support helps us continue bringing stories of impactful changemakers like Dr. Joy to light!

Giving Back | A Conversation with Jonny RoschJoin host Julia Healey in an insightful conversation with Jonny Rosch on the Inspired Changemakers Podcast. Discover Jonny's profound journey driven by a core value instilled by his family: service. From early inspirations to becoming a CPA specializing in not-for-profit organizations, Jonny shares how his career path aligns with his passion for making a difference. With a wealth of experience in audit, assurance, and navigating complex accounting and tax issues unique to the not-for-profit sector, Jonny illuminates the pivotal role CPAs play in empowering these organizations.Beyond his professional achievements, Jonny's commitment to community service shines through his roles as Board Treasurer for Pathway Homes and his past service with Leadership Fauquier. The VSCPA recognized his dedication with the prestigious Top 5 Under 35 award, celebrating his contributions to the profession and the not-for-profit community. Through engaging anecdotes and practical insights, Jonny discusses how each challenge presents an opportunity to innovate and support organizations in achieving their missions.In the full episode, hear more from Julia and Jonny about their professional and philanthropic journeys! Like, share, and leave a comment below to show your support. 

The Impact of Empowerment | A Conversation with Fred Baerenz

The Leader's Edge | A Conversation with Kristin Lytle

Most People Don't | A Conversation with Bart Berkey

Don't Stop Fighting | A Conversation with JR Redmond

Don't Do Nothing | A Conversation with Jonathan SmithDon't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of changemakers who are transforming lives and shaping a better future.  

The Ability to Change | A Conversation with Ryan McNeil

Using Your Superpower | A Conversation with Lisa Geraci RigoniDon't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of changemakers who are transforming lives and shaping a better future.  

Leaning Into Adversity | A Conversation with Hubert PayneDon't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of changemakers who are transforming lives and shaping a better future.  

The Need for Structure | A Conversation with Kirk CassidyDon't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of changemakers who are transforming lives and shaping a better future.  

The Mental Game | A Conversation with Alexis Belton

Servant Leadership and Being Your Best Self | A Conversation with Dr. Mindy Milavsky 

About the Episode:Valerie Pisierra is a 35-year military wife who landed in Loudoun County, Virginia and has been Executive Director of Loudoun Cares since October 2017. She led the organization through the COVID 19 pandemic to eventually earn the Nonprofit of the Year and Small Business of the Year awards by the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce in 2021. Throughout the episode, she opens up about her background, thepivotal moments that led her to become a changemaker, and how powerful community and connection can be. Please remember to like, share, and leave a comment below to support Valerie and herimpactful work.Connect with Valerie and learn more about Loudoun Cares:LinkedInLoudoun Cares WebsiteJoin our community of Inspired Changemakers!The Inspired Changemakers Podcast is a platform that showcases inspiring individuals who are making adifference in the world. Each episode features a new guest, sharing their journey, insights, and projectsaimed at creating positive change in their communities and beyond. Join us as we learn from thesechangemakers and get inspired to take action in our own lives! You can find us on:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeBuzzSproutAre you creating an impact in the world? Do you want to share your message with our community of Inspired Changemakers? Email creative@unitedcharitable.org or DM us on Instagram!Support the show

About the Episode:Rennie Curran is a former professional athlete who currently serves as an active Keynote Speaker,Author, and the CEO of Game Changer Coaching. Throughout the episode, he opens up about his background, the pivotal moments that led him to become a changemaker, and how identifying your passions can be the key to learning what your calling is and unlocking your activation. Please remember to like, share, and leave a comment below to support Rennie and his impactful work.Connect with Rennie:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteJoin our community of Inspired Changemakers!The Inspired Changemakers Podcast is a platform that showcases inspiring individuals who are making adifference in the world. Each episode features a new guest, sharing their journey, insights, and projectsaimed at creating positive change in their communities and beyond. Join us as we learn from thesechangemakers and get inspired to take action in our own lives! You can find us on:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeBuzzSproutAre you creating an impact in the world? Do you want to share your message with our community of Inspired Changemakers? Email creative@unitedcharitable.org or DM us on Instagram!Support the show

About the Episode:Charlie Batch is a retired NFL quarterback and social entrepreneur who is passionate about giving back.He is the Founder of the Best of The Batch Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit focused on unlocking potential in communities to build the best future for kids and families by providing choices, motivation, and education. Throughout the episode, he opens up about his background, the pivotal moments that led him to become a changemaker, and what it means to ‘be more than'. Please remember to like, share, and leave a comment below to support Charlie and his impactful work.Connect with Charlie Batch and learn more about Best of the Batch Foundation:Charlie's InstagramLinkedInBest of the Batch WebsiteBest of the Batch InstagramJoin our community of Inspired Changemakers!The Inspired Changemakers Podcast is a platform that showcases inspiring individuals who are making adifference in the world. Each episode features a new guest, sharing their journey, insights, and projectsaimed at creating positive change in their communities and beyond. Join us as we learn from thesechangemakers and get inspired to take action in our own lives! You can find us on:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeBuzzSproutAre you creating an impact in the world? Do you want to share your message with our community of Inspired Changemakers? Email creative@unitedcharitable.org or DM us on Instagram!Support the show

A Podcast about all the amazing things people are doing to make the world a better place - all about creating change and the moments that inspired our guests to activate.Stay tuned to be inspired!Inspired Changemakers Podcast hosted by Julia HealeySupport the show