Origin Stories

In this episode, Rita chats with Dave Noble – teacher, apiarist & bee champion. Dave started his career as a beekeeper over 20 years ago, after studying with Ohio State’s Honeybee Research Lab. That was back before the mid-2000s, when Colony Collapse Disorder sent honeybee populations plummeting. His life’s work has been in caring for these important pollinators…currently he has 50 hives across central Ohio, with the majority of them at his home base of Stratford Ecological Center. Additionally Dave is a talented teacher and his impact over the decades has reached thousands of people. He’s got a unique teaching style – a knack for demystifying the bees & creating empathy for them which creates a larger impact on his students & our community.

In this episode, Rita chats with Anne and Walker Evans - news pioneers, small business champions & community builders. Walker and Anne are the creators behind Columbus Underground – a web-based, community news platform that was established back in 2001 – when news wasn’t really consumed online yet. Flash forward almost 20 years, and of course, media sources have dramatically changed and Columbus Underground has grown – with close to 2 million annual visitors currently. Tune in & hear us chat about:• Commodore 64s, Compute Gazette and other early seeds for Columbus Underground• Jack & Benny’s and the inspiration to aid local businesses through Metropreneur• Their advice for new businesses, including how to minimize risk & fail fast• Their growing community events, like the Coffee Festival, which are bringing new business owners to Columbus

In this episode, Rita chats with Jamie Foltz, fundraiser, storyteller & publisher of Do Gooder magazine. We explore the seeds of her recent entrepreneurial venture…business-owning parents, a love of writing and a desire to connect people to all the good that is being done. Tune in & hear us chat about:  Jamie’s decade-long career at Ronald McDonald House of Columbus, where she stepped into a role meant to be hers, learned how to fundraise and made an impact on thousands of families in need. Her superhero - Ashton Zari, a young writer with an inspiring story Early entrepreneurial lessons, like leaning into a fluid schedule and creating partnerships to compliment your strengths KIND KAMP & how Jamie’s vision for doing good extends way beyond the magazine

In this episode, Rita chats with Adam Brouillette, artist & community builder. Adam shares what shaped his creative pursuits – all the way back to his love of Legos & punk rock music. Through a defining class at CCAD, Adam cultivated his unique style & learned the importance of staying true to himself. Since then, Adam has toggled between his self-described “selfish” pursuit to create art and help others. As founder of events like Independents’ Day & spaces like Blockfort, Adam shines a spotlight on other artists to give them exposure within central Ohio & beyond.Tune in & hear us chat about:The genius of Bill Waterson & the magic of Calvin & HobbesThe sources of creativity & if it can be taughtThe professor Adam describes as Mr. Wizard & his influenceAdam’s latest project, In Between Everywhere – a exhibit in print, highlighting Columbus artists

In this episode, Rita chats with Laurie Stein Marsh, champion of Columbus & servant leader. Laurie candidly describes her a battle with alcoholism, “hitting bottom” and finding the path to sobriety. Laurie sought out support from resources like fellow-AA members and compassionate employers, who taught her about the power of self-acceptance and vulnerability. Those attributes, along with her strong sense of empathy and even humor, have helped her help others across central Ohio. In her current role as Executive Director of Leadership Columbus, Laurie has mentored hundreds of participants to become greater trustees of Columbus.Tune in & hear us chat about:- Laurie’s childhood passion for acting & trips to the Shaker Heights’ library- Vulnerability, asking for support and the help of Alcoholics Anonymous- The tradition of tzedakah & the concept of servant leadership- The power of humor & Crosby, Stills & Nash’s Wooden Ships- Columbus as a “velcro community”

In this episode, Rita chats with Tim Moloney – the Pied Piper of the Outdoors. As a kid, Tim was happiest outside - making mud pies, caving, fishing & creekwalking. Today, as the Director of Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks, he wants to help others find that same special connection with the outdoors. That comes in the form of making parks more accessible through new parks & trails and innovative programming. As Tim says ““We have to play song to attracts people to come to us & reintroduce another generation to the outdoors.”Tune in & hear us chat about:Why Tim hates the local weather forecastRisk taking, removing barriers & giving golf away for free at Blacklick Metro Park:The benefits of nature & The Nature FixOpening up fire hydrants & knocking on doors to invite people outdoorsThanks for tuning in to Origin Stories! If you like our podcast we'd be grateful if you left us a review. Visit https://www.forthtalent.com to learn more about Origin Stories, Rita Volpi and how purpose helps people and organizations thrive.

In this episode, Rita chats with Julie Wilkes – corporate leader, entrepreneur, wish-granter. Julie’s passion for fitness, wellbeing and helping others started at a young age. Born without a heartbeat, Julie shares how she defied doctor’s predictions to live a healthy & purpose-filled life. In discovering the power of her own heart, Julie became inspired to help others do the same.Tune in & hear us chat about:· The airplane ride that resulted in Julie’s 10-year vision· Hitting the delete button after writing her book· Jim Collins’ Good to Great& Julie’s flywheel· The power of yoga with women inmates· The role of Chief Possibilities Officer· Wonder Woman & Julie’s superpowerThanks for tuning in to Origin Stories!If you like our podcast we'd be grateful if you left us a review.Visit https://www.forthtalent.comto learn more about Origin Stories, Rita Volpi and how purpose helps people and organizations thrive.