Our Local Heroes

Rescue: Freedom International exist to empower the rescue and restoration of those in sexual slavery and to prevent exploitation. Join Shawn and Rescue Freedom International CEO, Jeremy Vallerand as they discuss the issue of sex trafficking in today's world.Support the show (https://talkourmayberry.com)

We are on-the-road for this show as Shawn sits down with Jessie Schmidt, Executive Director of the Sioux Falls Better Business Bureau to talk about business, community and life in Sioux Falls. Support the show (https://talkourmayberry.com)

Joe Fain is the President and CEO of the Bellevue Chamber. He previously served two terms in the Washington State Senate where he worked extensively on economic development, transportation, and education issues.He was a leading negotiator of Washington’s 2015 statewide transportation package. He also led the negotiations and prime-sponsored Washington’s Paid Family Leave legislation, which passed in 2017.Joe has also worked managing a boutique law and consulting firm in Seattle specializing in technology and healthcare; at the University of Washington office of technology transfer and commercialization; as a prosecutor for King County; and as Chief of Staff to a member of the King County Council.Joe was selected in 2012 as one Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 under 40 and was a 2017 Rodel Fellow with the Aspen Institute.He has a Joint JD/MBA from Seattle University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington.Support the show (https://talkourmayberry.com)

Shawn sits down with Robin Byrne - Author, Actor and Executive Director The Sioux Empire Community Theatre. Byrne trained and worked as a theatre professional in the United Kingdom, ran operations for Xerox in the North of England and was nominated for a United Nations Peace Award for delivering positive outcomes into non-profit organizations.Originally from England but now a US citizen, Byrne is a member of Equity the actor’s union and well known to audiences at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Sioux Falls. He has performed in many shows but as Director of the recent productions of Steel Magnolias and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Byrne has delivered high quality entertainment that has showcased the true professionalism possibilities of community based theatre.Support the show (https://talkourmayberry.com)

Dan Kristiansen is a former American politician of the Republican Party. He was a member of the Washington House of Representatives, representing the 39th district, and the former House Minority Leader.Support the show (https://talkourmayberry.com)

Shawn sits down with Dan Kristiansen, Businessman and Former Washington State Representative & GOP Minority Leader. In Part 1, Shawn and Dan discuss how business has changed for better or worse in the State of Washington and where things are heading.Support the show (https://talkourmayberry.com)

Whether truly altruistic or merely aspirational, the majority (84%) of consumers say it is important to them that a company supports charitable causes, with some willing to take it a step further when corporate giving aligns with their own beliefs. Half (50%) of Americans say that they would switch to a company that supports a cause they believe in.Support the show (https://talkourmayberry.com)

A study by The Boston Consulting Group found that millennial consumers, taught to recycle at a young age, believe that “collective action” can make a difference. They also believe that working for causes is a part of life and are drawn to big issues, the study found.Support the show (https://talkourmayberry.com)

Today’s consumers carry lofty expectations for charitable and ethical initiatives of the companies and brands they choose to support. Nearly two-thirds believe it is a company’s responsibility to give back (65%) and to have a moral or ethical viewpoint (64%)Support the show (https://talkourmayberry.com)