The Change Maker

Welcome to today's episode of the Change Maker Podcast. Join Deke as he talks with Dr. Craig Albert about a multitude of topics, including national security and cyber defense, as well as faith and family life. Dr. Albert is a professor of Political Science at Augusta University.

Welcome to today's episode of the Change Maker Podcast. Join Deke as he talks with Georgia State Senator District 10 Candidate Kate Denny about Georgia's political landscape. Kate is running on a platform based on school care assistance, livable wages, accessible health care, and affordable housing.

Join host Deke Copenhaver in this episode of the Change Maker Podcast as he talks with Gabe McGuire. Gabe is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania and serves as the President of the Young Forwardists Committee.

Join host Deke Copenhaver in this episode of the Change Maker Podcast as he talks with Dr. Ralph Turner. Dr. Turner is the President of the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Wellstar, bringing a wealth of experience in clinical leadership, medical education, and strategic growth. *

Join host Deke Copenhaver in this inspiring episode of the Change Maker Podcast as he sits down with Wendy Cocke, bestselling author and founder of Engineering Leadership Solutions LLC. Wendy shares her incredible journey from a successful engineering career to becoming a leading voice in flexible work, career management, and leadership. *

Deke Copenhaver is back with another episode of the Change Maker podcast. This time he interviews Lindsey Drath, CEO for the Forward Party. She tells us all about how much the party has achieved in the last election and how they continue to bridge the divide in our partisan government. Listen & Subscribe: Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Subscribe to The Changemaker Podcast on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. If you enjoyed this episode, give it a thumbs up, leave a comment, and share it with your community!

In this episode of *The Changemaker Podcast*, host Deke Copenhaver sits down with Nick Schreiber, the visionary founder of **Old Barnwell**, a mission-driven golf club in Aiken, South Carolina. Discover how Nick is using golf to bridge communities, foster inclusivity, and create positive social impact. Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/u6obYzgOFKQ **

This week on the Change Maker: David McDonald. David is a pastor who uses his life experience and faith to unite and rebuild communities around the world. He shares his journey from hate to faith and love and how he managed to revive a town in Australia. To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/rN46BxYSKkw

This week on the Change Maker: Tom Fishman returns. Tom is the CEO of Builders, former known as Starts With Us, a movement designed to bridge the political gap in the United States. Tom talks about the name change and how our current politicians measure up to building bridges. Connect with Builders on social media and find out more at: https://startswith.us/builders/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/UihCF6B5M_4

This week on the Change Maker: Ethan and David Sanborn. Ethan, with help form his dad David, is the CEO of Kiid Coffee. Kiid Coffee is just what it sounds like, coffee for kids! Deke hears all about how the company got its start from Ethan breaking his legs (Both of them!) and how the community has come together to support it. Learn more about the Kiid Coffee at: https://kiidcoffee.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/kprVrMLGW4w

This week on the Change Maker: Laura Bonnell. Laura is a former journalist and the founder of the Bonnell Foundation, an organization devoted to raising funds and bringing awareness to individuals with cystic fibrosis. Laura tells us all about her journey and how she and her husband are helping the CF community to live longer, happier lives. Learn more about the Bonnell Foundation at: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/team/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version on our Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/TCbabymh1Pk

This week on the Change Maker: Steve Cassell. Steve is a civil engineer helping with the cleanup in Augusta after the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene. He and Deke discuss how the city came together after the storm and how it will bounce back better than ever after the cleanup is over. To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/kS5xsVNs6Q8

This week on the Change Maker: Dr. Jermaine Johnson. Dr. Johnson is a State Representative in South Carolina, endorsed by the Forward Party, and a former professional basketball player. He chats with Deke about how he, despite being a Democrat, is loved by folks on both sides of the aisle. Learn more about Dr. Johnson at his website: https://johnsonforsc.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/VEy_JoI_B-0

This week on the Change Maker: Eric Settle. Eric is a lifetime political enthusiast and a member of the Forward party, currently running for attorney general in Pennsylvania. He talks with Deke to talk about his life in politics, the problems with division in the system, and how we can bring the country back together. Learn more about Eric at his campaign website: https://ericsettle4ag.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the episode on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/ETRaMUF3rwY

This week on the Change Maker: Linnea Miller. Linnea is a county council member for Suwannee County. She goes into all the ways that your local government matters and how important it is to take an active part in it. To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/3NGRFihUjD8

This week on the Change Maker: Charles Knox. Charles is the Director of Youth Ministry at Trinity on the Hill. They talk all about how young people are coming back to church and the ways that the churches can bring them back. Learn more about Trinity on the Hill at: https://www.trinityonthehill.net/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video episode of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/nRob-rrVEnk

This week on the Change Maker: Max Mayblum. Max is the founder and CEO of Givers, an organization dedicated to helping full-time Caregivers for loved ones. He tells Deke all about how he got the idea to start this business and how it helps those society often forgets about. Learn more about Givers at: https://www.joingivers.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/QJfoHDHBiCA

This week on the Change Maker: Kerry Healey. Kerry is the former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts and the current Executive Chair for the Forward Party. Deke sits down with her to talk about how the two current main political parties aren't cutting it anymore and something needs to change. Learn more about Kerry and the Forward Party at: https://www.forwardparty.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/vBTE3MfzyxY

This week on the Change Maker: Katy Byrne. Katy is a therapist and author specializing in creating communication spaces that lead to conflict resolution. She tells us all about the necessity of listening and how breaking norms will lead us to better cooperation. Learn more about Katy and her work at: https://conversationswithkaty.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/3Mvwv7EnAoE

This week on the Change Maker: Gabe McGuire. Gabe is the president of the Young Forwardists, a committee of the Forward Party designed to get young people involved with politics and creating a third party option that people can get excited about. Learn more about the Young Forwardists at: https://home.forwardparty.com/young_forwardists To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/PUFJh6UwnU0

This week on the Change Maker: Charmain Zimmerman Brackett. Charmain is not only an award-winning author but also the publisher of Augusta Good News which is exactly what it sounds like covering positive news in Augusta Georgia. We discuss how important positivity is in the media and how "if it bleeds it leads" is something we've been conditioned to think but isn't true. Check out Augusta Good News and learn more about Charmain at: https://augustagoodnews.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/nZF3M5fYlYY

This week on the Change Maker: The Bergamot - Nathaniel and Jillian. These two are a husband and wife music duo as well as the minds behind the documentary "State of the Unity". They're sharing their story of how their music career became so much more to help heal the divides in our country. Find out more about The Bergamot and "State of the Unity here: https://www.thebergamot.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker

This week on the Change Maker: Mayor Garnett Johnson returns. He and Deke are discussing the successful campaign to give the Mayor a vote. On the heels of an over 70% majority victory they talk about the tactics of the opposition and what lies ahead to make Augusta better. Find out more about Mayor Johnson here: https://www.augustaga.gov/3112/Mayor-Garnett-L-Johnson To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/miW6uo4cM20

This week on the Change Maker: Emily Garcia Green. Emily is the high school outreach coordinator with BridgeUSA an organization devoted to bridging the political divide in our society. Emily and Deke have a great conversation about how the path to healing the deep political divisions in our society starts early. Find out more about Emily and BridgeUSA at: https://www.bridgeusa.org/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/cvxTbZusPT8

This week on the Change Maker: Zoe Wiseman. Zoe is an artist and photographer whose new book: Sunkissed 85 unconventionally uses film to create striking photos. Find out more about Zoe's book at: https://zoephoto.myshopify.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/bOAPpC_G84k

This week on the Change Maker: Mayor Garnett Johnson. Garnett is the current Mayor of Augusta, GA. He and Deke discuss local politics and how a vote for the mayor would change how local government is run. Find out more about Mayor Johnson here: https://www.augustaga.gov/3112/Mayor-Garnett-L-Johnson To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/pe1qrpNrE2U

This week on the Change Maker: Will Dyer! Will returns to the podcast to discuss how to embrace the new and how being a true servant leader is the best way to heal the political divide. You can learn more about Will Dyer at his website: https://www.willdyer.org To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/tgfNPTffOp0

This week on the Change Maker: Wendi Swanson. Wendi is a Change Manager specializing in helping teams and managers adjust to change. She and Deke discuss how the world is changing and if you don't change with it you're doomed to fail. You can connect with Wendi at her website: https://etymongroup.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/NkfynrSaHHY

This week on the Change Maker: Rob Feld. Rob is a Filmmaker and Journalist whose film Jesters and Fools discusses how comedy reflects the hidden truth of American politics: most people are in the middle. Deke and Rob also discuss how we can bring this silent majority forward to help heal the divide in our country. You can watch the documentary at: https://www.jestersandfools.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of the podcast at: https://youtu.be/yQvCNXysp5M

This week on the Change Maker: Scott Mackey. Scott is an author and activist and former member of President Obama's campaign team. He talks with Deke about his time in the "belly of the beast" and his new book: Love Is Not The Answer released on February 6, 2024. You can preorder Scott's Book at: https://www.loveisnottheanswernovel.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version at: https://youtu.be/wK5jdRpSvyA

This week on the Change Maker: Skot Waldron. Skot is a Communication Strategist who has worked with Fortune 500 companies to get their leaders to communicate with their teams effectively to unlock their hidden potential. He talks with Deke about how effectively talking to each other can help bridge the gap in our country. You can connect with Skot at: https://skotwaldron.com/ You can listen to his podcast "Unlocked" on his Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCOJlfolBPegykJ9LJkLnkWw To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Subscribe to the audio version of the podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-change-maker/id1575963576 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WiHAHCuSxc5TrAc7cFGAh?si=bd3952d473f347d8

We are rebroadcasting a classic episode of the Change Maker this week, it's the world's most interesting man Dov Baron! Today on The Change Maker: Dov Baron. Dov has been named one of Inc. Magazine's Top 100 Leadership Speakers to Hire, and has traveled the world speaking to every kind of group imaginable. He was named as one of the Top 30 Global Leadership Gurus and is also the bestselling author of several books, including One Red Thread and Fiercely Loyal: How High Performing Companies Develop and Retain Top Talent. Inc. Magazine named his podcast, Leadership and Loyalty™ Now the Dov Baron Show), as one the top podcasts listened to by C-Suite execs of Fortune 500 companies and he has recently released a new show: Curiosity Bites, where he has conversations with the world's most interesting people in the widest range of professions imaginable. Dov is a Change Making leader. He has interviewed and worked with the world's top leaders, including those featured on: Oprah, Ellen, CNN, Fox, MSNBC, CBS, Huffington Post, Larry King, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and more. To find out more information and to connect with Dov: DovBaron.com Find him on Social Media and Youtube: @Dov Baron To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker

This week on the Change Maker: Dr. Mark Goulston. Mark is a professional psychiatrist, leadership coach, and host of the podcast "My Wakeup Call". Mark was recently diagnosed with leukemia and given a few years to live. As a result, he has devoted the time he has to dying well so that he can live well. You can connect with Mark at his website: https://markgoulston.com/ You can find his "Dying To Tell You" videos on his Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@markgoulstonmd/featured To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/A68Xp3Amqlw

This week on the Change Maker: Chris Cooper. Chris is a leadership coach strategist and author who wants to elevate business owners and their teams to their full potential. Deke and he discuss how he broke the mold by leaving his steel-working town in the UK and becoming the first in his family to attend university. They also break down how divisions here and abroad are affecting our lives. You can connect with Chris at his website: https://chriscooper.co.uk/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/5DAlJVEdmU4

This week on the Change Maker: Taylor Anna Garrett. Taylor, a leadership coach, decided to get on the frontlines of change after living in seven different countries. Deke and she discuss how to bridge the gap in our divided country and how you can learn a lot on an Uber ride. You can connect with Anna at her website: https://tayloredcoaching.life/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/2UUEL3BMFZ4

This week on the Change Maker: Nick Sonnenberg. Nick is an entrepreneur, Inc. columnist, guest lecturer at Columbia University, and the author of Come Up for Air: How Teams Can Leverage Systems and Tools to Stop Drowning in Work. He is the Founder and CEO of Leverage, a leading operational efficiency consultancy that helps companies implement his CPR® Business Efficiency Framework. Deke and Nick break down all of the ways business and politics is changing, and how the world can rise to the challenge and meet those changes head on. You can find more information about Nick's book, Come Up for Air: How Teams Can Leverage Systems and Tools to Stop Drowning in Work, at it's website: https://comeupforair.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of this podcast at: https://youtu.be/BJC4CjBpgpE

This week on the Change Maker: John Wood Jr. John is an ambassador for Braver Angels a former nominee for Congress, former Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, a musical artist, and a noted writer and speaker on subjects including racial and political reconciliation. Deke and John discuss the recent gathering in Gettysburg arranged by Braver Angels, the difficulties dividing our nation today, and how we might overcome them. You can find more information about John Wood Jr. and Braver Angels at: https://braverangels.org/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/G0kWMIuS0hU

This week on the Change Maker: Cameron Atlas. Cameron is a musician and speaker who blends the two to provide insights on high performance, leadership, creativity, and innovation. In their conversation Cameron and Deke talk about the things that keep us apart and how inspiration can strike you when you least expect it, like at 2AM. You can find more information about Cameron Atlas at: https://cameronatlas.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of this episode on our youtube channel at: https://youtu.be/sFzBBla3NUU

This week on the Change Maker: Gloria Squitiro. Gloria is an author and wife to former Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser (she calls him Funk). Gloria talks with us about how local politics is a dirtier battlefield than you might think, and how upsetting the status quo can lead to losing an election. You can find more information about Gloria and her books at: https://gloriasquitiro.com To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of this episode on our youtube channel at: https://youtu.be/EPTAWAugOL4

This week on the Change Maker: Layla Zaidane. Layla is the CEO and President of the Millennial Action Project. Layla works with over 1600 millennial and get z elected officials to help bridge the divide. We deep dive into the challenges faced by younger lawmakers currently serving or looking to serve their communities. You can find more information on the Millennial Action Project at: https://www.millennialaction.org/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of this episode on our Youtube Channel here; https://youtu.be/aHVw8n3Fb-w

This week on the Change Maker: Ariana Pekary. Ariana is formerly an award-winning journalist, current Yoga instructor, and future podcast host. She has worked in the media for years and brings an insider perspective on how the news works and how it creates division in its viewers. She's also the future host of her own podcast and founding member of Starts With Us and organizes with the hopes of increasing transparency in news. You can find Ariana on Twitter and Instagram at: @arianapekary To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/FVGs1BboeO4

This week on the Change Maker: Ariana Pekary. Ariana is formerly an award-winning journalist, current Yoga instructor, and future podcast host. She has worked in the media for years and brings an insider perspective on how the news works and how it creates division in its viewers. She's also the future host of her own podcast and founding member of Starts With Us and organizes with the hopes of increasing transparency in news. You can find Ariana on Twitter and Instagram at: @arianapekary Find us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FVGs1BboeO4 To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker

This week on the Change Maker: Jackie Ferguson. Jackie is the Co-Founder of The Diversity Movement, a consulting firm that helps educate businesses, schools, and other organizations on how to manage and integrate diversity. She talks about how the world can benefit from learning how to overcome our differences and how not overcoming those differences are harming overall business and society. To learn more about The Diversity Movement you can go to: https://thediversitymovement.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/C4MlM_XmW_s

This week on The Change Maker: Aida Murad. Aida is known for her unique approach to painting in which she only paints with her fingers. Aida shares with us her inspiring journey to being an artist after being diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis when she was 20 years old and semi paralyzed for four and a half years. We delve into her creative process and how she has adapted her painting technique to accommodate her physical challenges. Aida also shares with us how she uses her art to express herself and bring awareness to important social issues. We talk about her experiences as a working artist, the challenges she faces, and the joy that comes with creating art that makes a positive impact in the world. Join us for this engaging and uplifting conversation with artist Aida Murad on The Change Maker Podcast. You can find more information on Aida's art at: https://www.aidamurad.com/ or follow her on Instagram at: muradaida To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/dZYRpiavIJg

This week on the Change Maker: Joshua Freedman. Joshua is the CEO of Six Seconds, a company dedicated to helping businesses and organizations increase their emotional intelligence to perform better. He tells us just how important it is to engage in empathy and understand one another so that we can continue to create an environment of compassion and tolerance. To learn more about Joshua and Six Seconds you can go to: https://www.6seconds.org/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of the Podcast here: https://youtu.be/GbAQ8YIbNGY

This week on the Change Maker: Aidan McCullen. Aidan is a speaker at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, host of the Innovation Show Podcast, and author of the book “Undisruptable”. Our conversation is all about how we can use empathy to overcome our resistance to change, how people don't see their privilege, and how even the worst things in life have a potential for greatness. To learn more about Aidan you can follow him on Linkedin at: linkedin.com/in/aidanmccullen/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Check out the video version of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/5jFS_zQ7Jlw

This week on the Change Maker: Aidan McCullen. Aidan is a speaker at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, host of the Innovation Show Podcast, and author of the book “Undisruptable”. Our conversation is all about how we can use empathy to overcome our resistance to change, how people don't see their privilege, and how even the worst things in life have a potential for greatness.  To learn more about Aidan you can follow him on Linkedin at: linkedin.com/in/aidanmccullen/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker Watch the video version of the podcast here: https://youtu.be/5jFS_zQ7Jlw

Today on The Change Maker: Heather Parady once again. Heather is a former mental health specialist turned online entrepreneur and podcast host. Heather talks keeping true to the purpose that you have in life, and how inclusion and creativity are key to building bridges in society. Heather is an online entrepreneur and podcast host of "The Heather Parady Show” She also offers online coaching and courses to help people achieve their podcast dreams. Find her online at: https://www.heatherparady.com or on Twitter and Instagram @heatherparady and find her podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker

This week on the Change Maker: Clint Bryant. Clint is the former Athletic Director for August University and coach for the men's basketball team. We have a great conversation about his life on college campuses, how divided this country seems, his new charitable organization, and how important it is to pass on the mantle of leadership to the young people of today. You can listen to Clint's new Podcast as soon as it is available! To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker

This week on the Change Maker we welcome back: Lou Diamond. Lou is a mentor and consultant at the head of his business - Thrive Loud, which is a consulting firm that helps bring together people and ideas to create maximum success! He is also the host of the Thrive Loud podcast and the Authors that Thrive Podcast. As our first repeat guest, we catch up with Lou about his new book, the importance of creating a good conversation, what makes the journey of creating and continuing a podcast so wonderful, and more. To find out more information and to connect with Loud: ThriveLoud.com Find him on Social Media @ThriveLoud To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker You can watch the video version of our conversation on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/CD6OGDWSERY

This week on the Change Maker: Robin Dreeke. Robin is a retired FBI agent, who is now an author, speaker, executive coach, and host of the Forged by Trust Podcast. We talk about his time in the FBI recruiting Russian spies, the current situation in Ukraine, and how trust and mutual understanding is the key to building successful relationships. To learn more about Robin or contact him visit his website: https://www.peopleformula.com/ To find more information on this show: https://www.augustapodcasts.com/thechangemaker