The Do Gooders Podcast

In part four of our series, Walking With Jesus: A Journey to the Cross with Major Dr. Terry Masango, we stand before the empty tomb—the defining moment that separates Christianity from every other faith tradition in the world. The resurrection isn't just an epilogue to the crucifixion—it's the validation of everything Jesus taught and claimed. It's the proof that death has been defeated, that sin has been conquered, and that the devil himself has been overthrown. As we prepare to celebrate Easter Sunday, Major Masango reminds us not to stay fixated on the cross and the darkness of Friday, but to press forward to the empty tomb and the light of Sunday morning. We're invited to move past the suffering and see the triumph. >>> Get your free Holy Week Art Journal here. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

In part three of our series, Walking With Jesus: A Journey to the Cross with Major Dr. Terry Masango, we explore three simple words: "Jesus, remember me."  Spoken by a dying criminal, these words contain within them the essence of our faith journey. As we near Holy Week, Major Masango invites us to consider which of the two thieves we identify with—the one who demanded physical salvation or the one who recognized his need for spiritual redemption. It's a message that speaks directly to those of us who feel unworthy, invisible, or beyond redemption. It reminds us that even at the worst points in our lives—even in our final moments like the thief on the cross—we can turn to Jesus and simply ask, "Remember me." And his answer remains the same: "Today you will be with me in paradise." >>> Get your free Holy Week Art Journal here. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

In part two of our series, Walking With Jesus: A Journey to the Cross with Major Dr. Terry Masango, we turn to one of Jesus' most profound and challenging parables: The Good Samaritan. This story isn't just about helping others—it completely redefines what it means to be a neighbor and challenges our assumptions about who deserves our love and compassion. In our world, we're often divided by differences—political views, cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic status. We build invisible walls between "us" and "them." But in this message, Major Masango asks us a critical question: Who is our neighbor? And more importantly, to whom are we being a neighbor? As he explains, real love gets close. Real love notices people. Real love is willing to be interrupted and inconvenienced. Listen as Major Dr. Terry Masango unpacks the parable of the Good Samaritan and challenges us to cross boundaries with compassion, just as Jesus did. >>> Get your free Holy Week Art Journal here. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Welcome to a new series—Walking With Jesus: A Journey to the Cross. Over the next four weeks, we'll be guided by Major Dr. Terry Masango through a thoughtful exploration of Scripture and its meaning in our everyday lives. In this series, he invites us to walk alongside those who encountered Jesus on his journey to the cross—from the lost sheep being carried home on the shepherd's shoulders, to the Good Samaritan who showed true compassion across social boundaries, to the thief on the cross who found salvation in his final moments, and finally to the empty tomb that changed everything. You'll be challenged to see yourself in these stories—sometimes as the lost sheep, sometimes as the Good Samaritan and always as recipients of God's grace. Today, we'll discover the lengths to which the Good Shepherd will go to find those who have strayed. >>> Get your free Holy Week Art Journal here. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Today, we're closing our Warm Hearts, Warm Homes series with perhaps the most critical need of all: shelter. Recent government data shows homelessness has soared to the highest level on record, with more than 770,000 people experiencing homelessness in the United States—an 18 percent increase over last year. Behind these sobering statistics are real people seeking safety, warmth and a path forward. And The Salvation Army is responding in communities across the West, providing over 3.8 million nights of lodging last year alone. In our final episode of this series, we're exploring how The Salvation Army's sheltering programs serve as more than just a roof overhead—they're often the first step toward rebuilding lives. From emergency overnight shelters in Portland to Santa Monica's Hope Team meeting people where they are on the streets, to warming centers in Pocatello during brutal winter temperatures, these programs are designed not just to provide immediate safety but to create pathways to permanent housing and healing. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

We're back again today with our Warm Hearts, Warm Homes series, and this time, exploring how food assistance helps create warm, stable homes for our neighbors in need. Food insecurity is a big problem in the United States, as 47 million people—including 14 million children—do not have enough to eat and don't know where their next meal will come from. Beyond that figure, many more people—estimated in the millions by Feeding America—do not meet the government's definition of food insecure but still turn to the charitable sector for support. And in Gillette, Wyoming, that includes The Salvation Army. Jenny Hartung, who leads The Salvation Army's Service Extension Unit in Gillette, has witnessed the evolution of need and Salvation Army assistance over the past decade. What started as a single shelf of emergency food has grown into a 15,000-square-foot facility that's warming both hearts and homes through food assistance, social services, and soon, a bridge housing program for women. Today, Jenny is here to share how The Salvation Army in this small town of some 30,000 people is making a big impact—distributing over 2,000 food boxes every month and showing us all what's possible when a community comes together to care for its neighbors. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.  

Continuing our Warm Hearts, Warm Homes series, today we're tackling a challenge that affects countless families during these coldest weeks of the year—keeping the heat on. For many of our neighbors, the choice between staying warm and affording other essentials is a harsh reality. Did you know roughly 11 percent of Americans live in poverty, which is about 36.8 million people, according to the Census Bureau? Many more still find the cost of managing daily life difficult.  The Salvation Army is active in every zip code in America to feed, shelter, assist and equip those in need. And one of those approaches is assistance with rent, utilities and other vital payments.  In Fairbanks, Alaska, where winter temperatures can plummet well below zero, The Salvation Army is working to ensure no one has to choose between staying in their home and keeping their heat on. Captain Jon Tollerud, the corps officer or pastor of The Salvation Army in Fairbanks, is here today to share how their utility assistance program is warming homes and hearts, offering not just immediate relief, but long-term solutions for families in need. And stick around to the end to hear this week's challenge for you. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

On this show, we like to share stories of everyday people turning hope into action in small, real-life ways right where they are—people like Suzanne Pickering. As a representative of Banner Health, Suzanne started a winter coat and blanket drive in partnership with The Salvation Army in Tucson, Arizona. She knows firsthand what it is like to need a little help—and after seeing people without a warm coat amid freezing temperatures, she said she decided to do something about it. She said, “The Salvation Army once helped me and it was exactly what my family needed—hope.” Now some 20 years later, she organized this Warm Up Tucson drive—doing what she can with what she has right where she is. As part of our Warm Hearts, Warm Homes series, we're asking how we can embolden a spirit of care and community, especially in these coldest weeks of the year. Stick around to the end to hear this week's challenge for you. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

In disasters, we often see something remarkable: how communities come together, how neighbors help neighbors, and how hope persists even in the darkest moments. And notably, it's up to each of us and the little choices we make to keep that spirit of community alive, not just in times of crisis, but every day. Today, I want to share a few stories that capture this perfectly. When we talk about warming hearts and homes, we're talking about more than just physical warmth. It's about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard and cared for. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.  

One of the most powerful tools available to us is our own mindfulness. Dr. Jon Kole is the Medical Director and Senior Director of Psychiatry at Headspace, which calls itself "the mental health app for every moment." From guided meditations to one-on-one coaching, the Headspace team of clinical experts and trained coaches work to offer science-backed care. He's joining us today to explore how mindfulness and meditation can help us navigate life's challenges, whether we're dealing with disaster recovery or everyday stress. New research shows even small amounts of mindfulness practice can significantly reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Dr. Kole will help us understand the science behind these findings and share practical ways to build resilience through mindfulness. Whether you're processing the trauma of a disaster, supporting others through crisis, feeling very much out in the cold, so to speak, or simply looking for ways to better handle life's daily pressures, this conversation offers hope and practical tools to help you love your nervous system. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

What would you take if you had to evacuate your home?  Are you prepared? A study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found less than half of American households had discussed or developed an emergency plan. After hearing the stories of many families I know having to evacuate with little to no warning, I decided it was time to finally get serious and actually make a plan for our family. And today, we're turning that question into action as we walk through, step by step, the 3P's approach to family emergency preparedness: Plan, Pack and Practice. No fancy gear, no doomsday prepping—just practical, affordable steps that any family can take. Get our Quick Guide to Creating Your Family Emergency Plan here. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

In our recent episodes, we've explored what it means to lose home—from the immediate chaos of evacuation to the grief of loss, to the challenging work of supporting a community in crisis.  Today, we're examining the deeper psychological impact of disaster on communities. Dr. David Eisenman has spent more than two decades studying how disasters affect public health and community resilience. As director of UCLA's Center for Public Health and Disasters and a practicing physician, he brings both research insight and frontline experience to our conversation about healing after loss. We discuss how communities can support one another through trauma, what the long-term effects of displacement look like, and how we can build resilience in the face of increasing natural disasters. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Help us love beyond disaster at salarmy.us/socalfire. Last week, we explored what home means—those mental souvenirs we collect, the everyday moments that make a space our own, and the devastating impact when that sanctuary is suddenly gone. We heard about The Salvation Army's immediate response to the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles communities. Understanding, of course, things are changing quickly on the ground—as of this recording, The Salvation Army is serving at multiple area evacuation shelters, meeting physical needs and emotional and spiritual care, or what we like to call a “ministry of presence.” In Pasadena, California, Captains Nick and Becky Helms are adapting to a new kind of ministry. Like many in their congregation, they were forced to evacuate with their four children as the fires approached. As both residents and spiritual leaders in the community, they have a unique perspective on what it means to help others while experiencing the same uncertainty themselves. They join us to share their story and help us understand how we can support those who have lost not just their stuff, but their home. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Help us love beyond disaster at salarmy.us/socalfire. As wildfires burn across Southern California, The Salvation Army is there. We're there before, during and after disasters strike and are committed to serving the whole person—physically, emotionally and spiritually. With thousands of structures burned, so many have lost so much.  What would you take if you had to leave?  I'm sure you too have considered this impossible question. Documents. Photos. Jewelry. Medicine. Heirlooms. Clothing. Chargers.  It doesn't feel like enough. Because there's stuff, and then there's home. Yes, the stuff can largely be replaced. What's not replaceable is home. Come along with me in the back of a Pasadena Police car as we drive through neighborhoods ravaged by the Eaton Fire, and as we consider how we can warm hearts and warm homes in tangible ways for our neighbors in need.  EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

What are your plans for the New Year? As we step into 2025, many of us are thinking about resolutions, goals and what lies ahead. But what if planning for the year ahead was less about our own agendas and more about trusting God's plans? In this timely rebroadcast, we're revisiting our conversation with Megan Fate Marshman, who continues to serve as a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and the Director of Women's Ministries at Hume Lake Christian Camps. She recently released a new book, "Relaxed: Walking with the One Who Is Not Worried about a Thing," but her insights from her book "Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God's Plans for You" feel especially relevant as we begin a new year. So listen in as Megan shares in this past conversation how to practically trust God's plans, even when the path isn't clear, and discover why this trust might still be the most important thing you plan for in the new year. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Welcome to this special presentation of "Army of Stars," a radio program that captured the spirit of giving during the golden age of radio. From the 1930s through the 1990s, this series brought together some of entertainment's brightest stars in support of The Salvation Army's mission. And today, we're traveling back to December 25, 1949, for a particularly memorable Christmas broadcast. Hear from a best-in-class lineup of operatic talent—including Lawrence Tibbett, Kirsten Flagstad, Lisa Albanese and José Berling—a Nativity story reading by Jean Hersholt, beloved by radio audiences as "Dr. Christian," and a message from The Salvation Army's then National Commander Commissioner Ernest Pugmire.   While much has changed since 1949, The Salvation Army's commitment to serving those in need remains constant. So let's return to Christmas Day, 1949, as an Army of Stars salutes The Salvation Army. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.  

As you well know, Christmas is a time like no other in The Salvation Army.  There's the red kettles, the Angel Trees, the holiday meals and so much more.  Christmas is a season of giving, which for many of us means showering those we love with gifts. But it's also about giving to those most in need.  And in Juneau, Alaska, board members, donors and volunteers help to make sure inmates at Lemon Creek Correctional Center can send their children a gift, too.  Each year, The Salvation Army in Juneau sets up an inmate toy store, offering incarcerated individuals the chance to shop for a gift specifically for their child and write a personalized note in their own handwriting.  And as you might imagine, the stories are heartwarming. Through this effort, one inmate even reconnected with his family after being estranged for many years.  And Cathy Muñoz has the stories to tell.  Cathy is the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in Alaska, and has served as a Salvation Army Advisory Board member in Juneau for some 25 years.  Having long been involved in this ministry, Cathy is on the show today to share more about this seasonal effort to bring the spirit of giving behind bars and a chance to play a direct role in making the holiday season a little brighter for families. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

When we think about Christmas, we often think about love—love that came to Earth as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, and love that compels us to give freely to those around us. And today, we're exploring how The Salvation Army is brightening the holidays by sharing that love across the Western United States. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Everything feels a bit more whimsical this time of year. And maybe you're after a little more of it? As bestselling author Bob Goff will tell you, we can't catch what we don't chase. Which is why he's out with a new devotional next week called “Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility.” In it, he offers daily thoughts to help you chase after a more meaningful life, experience a more engaged faith and approach the challenges that will likely come your way with greater intention and confidence than perhaps you have experienced in the past. And with a short daily entry, it's an adventure to last you a full year. Bob spent decades as an attorney, became the Honorary Consul to Uganda, and gave up his law firm to pursue writing and speaking full time. He's a New York Times bestselling author several times over, runs a popular weekly podcast, and will tell you life is too short to just go through the motions. Whimsy, he says, shows up as joy and hope and generosity and selflessness and endless amounts of curiosity. And some things, like whimsy and wonder and passion and the ability to give and receive extravagant love are worth catching. You might be just a decision or two away from a more beautiful and winsome life. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Chances are, if you've been online at some point over the past decade, you've probably watched a TED Talk. You know the format—world-renowned speakers, experts and innovators on various topics take center stage to present one great idea in 18 minutes or fewer. TED Talks often challenge conventional thinking and offer new perspectives. They can be inspiring, thought-provoking, and even controversial—sometimes sparking spirited discussions and debates.  More than one billion TED Talks are viewed every year. And chances are, you know the name TED, in large part, because of a man named Chris Anderson. As the curator of TED, Chris helped transform TED from a small, annual conference in Monterey, California, into the global phenomenon it is today. His TED mantra—"ideas worth spreading"—continues to flourish around the globe. It's created a platform for people from all walks of life to gain access to new ideas and research on virtually any topic they find interesting, for free. Today, we're talking with Chris about generosity and his recent book, “Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading.” In it, he explores the power of human kindness and its potential to transform the world. He explains why simple acts of generosity can have a profound impact on individuals and communities, and how the spread of kindness can create a more connected, compassionate society. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

It's no secret having a safe and stable place to live is at the very foundation of overall health and well-being. That's why, in The Salvation Army, there's no such thing as no place to go. We uniquely understand the statistics on those experiencing homelessness—which by the latest counts means tonight in America more than 421,000 people are without a place to call home. We also know that number doesn't provide a full picture of need. With one in 10 people living in poverty today, housing insecurity is not limited to a certain “type” of person. Need can affect anyone. That's why each year, The Salvation Army provides over 10 million nights of shelter to those in need. From emergency shelters to utility assistance or permanent supportive housing, we are working to meet the need for refuge. And in Seattle, Linda Byrd is one of the people helping to welcome those guests and make them feel more at home. But for Linda, being a shelter monitor for The Salvation Army is more than a job. As she says, it gave her a purpose. It gave her a reason to live. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has a long history of serving those who have served our country. It all began with donuts and coffee for soldiers during World War I, and it only grew from there. Today, The Salvation Army offers a range of veterans services, providing comfort, support, counseling and a home to thousands of veterans in need each year. Did you know veterans make up 8 percent of the population of those experiencing homelessness in the U.S.? In many cases, housing insecurity, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-medication and substance abuse disorders can cause those who gave everything to lose everything. It happened to Eric Yanes—but Eric didn't give up hope. And it wasn't the end of his story. Eric got connected to The Salvation Army Veteran Grants Per Diem program in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which provides individualized case management and furnished apartments for veterans and their families. Like many of The Salvation Army's programs, it aims to address the immediate symptoms of food insecurity, poverty and homelessness but is also designed to help identify and treat its root cause and find healing. This Veterans Day, allow me to introduce to you a veteran who will tell you he is embracing the magic of every mundane moment in his ordinary, beautiful life. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Hope is what propels us through the uncertainty and chaos of our slumps and our challenges.  But in our broken, imperfect world, a lot of people are finding their peace is constantly under threat, and because of that, it's harder to experience genuine hope for the future. Irwyn Ince is a pastor, author and coordinator of Mission to North America for the Presbyterian Church in America. In his new book, “Hope Ain't a Hustle: Persevering by Faith in a Wearying World,” he explores the true nature of hope and its transforming power. Irwyn reminds us that true hope isn't fleeting. It's rooted in something much deeper: our faith in God and his promises. Using the book of Hebrews as a framework, he shows us how to place our confidence in the finished work of Jesus and how that can change the way we think and live. He reminds us that even in—and especially in—the midst of suffering and disappointment, we can find hope and persevere. This is a conversation about the source of true hope, the instructions for hopefulness we find in Hebrews, and the role community plays in our ability to sustain hope over time.  EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Have you noticed our culture tends to treat cynicism as though it's the price of being right? But cynicism is a contagion infecting our society—creeping into every corner of our lives, corroding our connections and obscuring our hope for a brighter tomorrow. That's according to Stanford Psychologist and Director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, Dr. Jamil Zaki. Dr. Zaki is the author of a new book, “Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness.”  He says cynicism is an understandable response to a world full of injustice and inequality. But in many cases, cynicism is misplaced. His research sheds light on something surprising: people are kinder, more generous, and more open-minded than we often think. And by embracing what he calls 'hopeful skepticism,' the realization that people are often better than we expect, we can think critically about people and problems while simultaneously acknowledging our power. Far from being naïve, he says hopeful skepticism is a more precise way of understanding others and paying closer attention. And Dr. Zaki is here today to share an excerpt from his new book, “Hope for Cynics.” So, if you're ready to explore a new way of seeing the world—one that acknowledges the problems we face while staying open to human potential—this episode is for you. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Today we're focusing on a topic that hits close to home for many families across the country: food insecurity. With rising prices, the struggle to put food on the table has become a reality for more and more people in recent years. And many people are turning to charitable food resources to make ends meet. That's where organizations like The Salvation Army come in. In the western U.S. alone, The Salvation Army provided over 9 million meals last year. And in some areas, is partnering with local schools to fight hunger. In Yakima, Washington, for example, The Salvation Army has partnered with 16 local schools to provide food assistance. Kandie Spaet is a volunteer who came to The Salvation Army through a community job placement program. For months, she worked 20 hours a week at the Yakima Corps helping pack backpacks and in the food pantry. And now, she comes back to volunteer. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

I'm always paying attention to what's going on in the lives of our listeners—you—and I guess I've spotted this idea because I am you. A lot of people with hope for a better world let it end there. Why is that? You're here so I know you're one of the hopefuls, someone who knows where there's movement there's hope—and you're willing to do something. You want to see your community, your family, your kids be resilient and good. To you, it's not a pipe dream to want a world that works better for everyone—but it can feel daunting. Impossible even. Just look at the stories of impact: the billboard-worthy personal transformation. The lifetime of service. The gift that comes with building naming rights. Surely, they knew or possessed something you don't. Right? Maybe you feel a gap between your vision and your daily reality. Because your days? They're filled to the brim with laundry-loads, meetings, shuttling kids between activities and squeezing in a little “time for you” too, whatever that means. How do you actually move from believing something with all your heart—let's call it your “why”—to actually doing something about it? How do you turn hope into action? EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Last week, we celebrated a major milestone—our 200th episode! We replayed the very first episode, an interview with our good friends, now retired Commissioners Dave and Sharron Hudson. And yes, I interjected my thoughts about what's changed and what's stayed the same in the years since. We've shared so many powerful stories and meaningful conversations with you, and today, we're looking back at some of your favorite episodes and reliving some of the most impactful lessons we've learned together. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Welcome to the 200th episode of The Do Gooders Podcast. It feels wild to say that. Over some five years, I have interviewed hundreds of authors, academics, experts, people doing the work and people whose lives have been transformed by it.   They've brought so many good ideas and new ways to think about this goal of ours to keep on doing good.   I wanted this episode, number 200, to be a special one. To look around and reflect on where we've been and where we're going. So today, I want to invite you to reflect with me as we try something different. We are going to listen to the very first episode of The Do Gooders Podcast together. Think of it as a listening party, if you will.  I'm going to drop in throughout the episode and share what I'm thinking and feeling as I'm listening with you. And together, we'll unpack what has changed and what has stayed the same through the years. So to set the stage, I recorded this episode in mid-2019 with Commissioners Dave and Sharron Hudson. At the time, the pair were national leaders of The Salvation Army. Whether you are hearing episode number one for the first time ever, or this is the first time in a long time, just imagine me sitting next to you listening too. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

The Do Gooders Podcast is back with a fresh batch of inspirational stories just for you. Tune in on September 30. ABOUT THE SHOW If you care about making an impact for good then the Do Gooders Podcast from The Salvation Army's Caring Magazine is the show for you. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Christin Thieme, listen in for real-life inspiration, expert insight, evidence of transformation happening in communities across the U.S. through The Salvation Army, and ideas from change-makers so you can join in right where you are and be the reason somebody believes in goodness.

We're back with our final highlight episode from the 2024 Testify Congress. Yes, last month, in Pasadena, California, The Salvation Army from around the Western Territory joined for an event focused on teaching, training and motivating Salvationists to tell the story of Jesus more often and to more people. And The Salvation Army's international leaders, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, traveled from London to be part of it all. You've heard the General speak from this event a couple times now—in Episode 193 and 197. Today, we bring you his final appearance of the Congress before some 3,000 attendees at the Pasadena Convention Center Civic Auditorium. This is his public charge to the new lieutenants. Over the weekend, the Defenders of Justice Session of cadets were commissioned as Salvation Army officers, or pastors, and in this meeting were given their very first ministry assignment. In fact, they don't find out the location until they are standing on stage! And this is the battle cry, if you will, for each one of them from The Salvation Army's international leader. Listen in and be encouraged in your eagerness to serve, too. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

We're back with more highlights from the 2024 Testify Congress. Last month, in Pasadena, California, The Salvation Army from around the Western Territory joined for an event focused on teaching, training and motivating Salvationists to tell the story of Jesus more often and to more people.  And the sessions featured, you guessed it, testimonies from programs and ministries of The Salvation Army across the West.  Today, we're sharing two: First, you'll hear from Monte Mansfield, a one-time professional athlete whose life was forever altered by substance abuse. Eventually, he found The Salvation Army through the Adult Rehabilitation Center program. Then, Sthephania Mihilii, who moved to the U.S. from Mexico in second grade when her single mom married. She rebelled in her teenage years and then became a lifeguard at a Salvation Army Kroc Center. So allow me to introduce to you today, Monte Mansfield and Sthephania Mihilii—who each took to the stage live after the screening of their video testimony. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

We're back with more highlights from the 2024 Testify Congress. Last month, in Pasadena, California, The Salvation Army from around the Western Territory joined for an event focused on teaching, training and motivating Salvationists to tell the story of Jesus more often and to more people. And The Salvation Army's international leaders, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, traveled from London to be part of it all. You may remember the General from episode 178, where we chatted about why your testimony matters (and how to use it for good). And in Episode 193, we shared his message from the first main session of the Congress with some 3,000 attendees at the Pasadena Convention Center Civic Auditorium. Today, we bring you his preaching from the third main session, focused on holy living. Listen in and be encouraged to embrace your identity in Christ. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

We're back with more highlights from the 2024 Testify Congress. Last month, in Pasadena, California, The Salvation Army from around the Western Territory joined for an event focused on teaching, training and motivating Salvationists to tell the story of Jesus more often and to more people.  And the sessions featured, you guessed it, testimonies from programs and ministries of The Salvation Army across the West.  Today, we're sharing two: First, you'll hear from Envoy Kevin Nagasaki. If that name sounds familiar, it is! Envoy Kevin was on the show in Episode 190 talking about living and serving through the Maui fire disaster. This is his testimony. Then, Dalton Low and his mom, Angela. Dalton was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at a young age. He found a place of belonging at The Salvation Army, and helps lead worship today. So allow me to introduce to you today, Envoy Kevin Nagasaki and Dalton Low—who each took to the stage live after the screening of their video testimony. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

We're back with more highlights from the 2024 Testify Congress. Last month, in Pasadena, California, The Salvation Army from around the Western Territory joined for an event focused on teaching, training and motivating Salvationists to tell the story of Jesus more often and to more people.  And The Salvation Army's international leaders, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, traveled from London to be part of it all. You heard from the General a couple episodes ago, and today, we're sharing Commissioner Bronwyn's message from the second main session of the Congress with some 3,000 attendees at the Pasadena Convention Center Civic Auditorium. Commissioner Bronwyn, a Salvation Army officer since 1990, now serves as World President of Women's Ministries. Listen in as she celebrates our stories, shares a bit of her own and encourages you in testifying to yours. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.  

We're back with more highlights from the 2024 Testify Congress. This month, in Pasadena, California, The Salvation Army from around the Western Territory joined for an event focused on teaching, training and motivating Salvationists to tell the story of Jesus more often and to more people.  And the sessions featured, you guessed it, testimonies from programs and ministries of The Salvation Army across the West.  Today, we're sharing two: First, you'll hear from Lt. Do-Hyun Kim, who was commissioned over the weekend as a Salvation Army officer or pastor. A cadet in training from the Korea Territory, Lt. Kim completed his second year of training at the College for Officer Training at Crestmont in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, and will now return to the Korea Territory for his first appointment. Then, Davrah Williams, who met The Salvation Army through the Lambuth Family Center, a short-term emergency shelter that houses up to 20 families at a time in Denver. While keeping families together, the center helps them break the cycle of poverty and homelessness and begin building a sustainable, self-sufficient life. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

We're back with more highlights from the 2024 Testify Congress. This month, in Pasadena, California, The Salvation Army from around the Western Territory joined for an event focused on teaching, training and motivating Salvationists to tell the story of Jesus more often and to more people.  And The Salvation Army's international leaders, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, traveled from London to be part of it all. Today, we're sharing his message from the first main session of the Congress with some 3,000 attendees at the Pasadena Convention Center Civic Auditorium. Listen in as the General shares a four-part formula for life in Christ: Connect with God and know him, share the good news of Jesus Christ, demonstrate care and concern for those in need, and pursue holiness. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.  

This past weekend, in Pasadena, California, The Salvation Army from around the Western Territory joined for an event focused on teaching, training and motivating Salvationists to tell the story of Jesus more often and to more people—the 2024 Testify Congress. The annual celebration includes the commencement, commissioning, ordination and appointment of cadets as they've completed two years of training at the College for Officer Training at Crestmont to become Salvation Army officers. But this year was bigger than ever as The Salvation Army's international leaders, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, traveled from London to be part of it all. Now, we're dedicating our next few episodes to sharing the highlights with you, starting today with the commencement address by Dr. Sharon Docter. Dr. Docter is a professor of communication at California Lutheran University and a member of the Board of Governance for the College for Officer Training. She's also a lay leader, the Corps Sergeant Major, of the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps.  This session of graduating cadets is named the Defenders of Justice. Listen in as Dr. Docter shares three superpowers cadets need when beginning their life as officers from a soldier's perspective: authenticity, presence and seeing people as they really are.  EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

No one expects to evacuate from their home in the middle of the night, wading through chest-deep water to find a way out of an emergency. We just don't think it'll happen to us. But for Shamrock Steele and her husband, Dave Lanphear, it did. Shamrock and Dave survived the Skagit floods in November 2021. They made it out in the middle of the night, in their pajamas, with their young grandkids and pets. Their completely remodeled house that they were just about to move into, however, did not. Then days turned to months as they figured out what to do next and how to rebuild. And that's when they met The Salvation Army. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

We've said it before: The Salvation Army's disaster relief operation never sleeps. Perhaps that could not be more true than in the case of Envoy Kevin Nagasaki who is in-charge of the Lahaina Lighthouse Corps in Maui, Hawaii. You'll remember last August, the Lahaina Lighthouse Corps burned along with historic Lahaina town in the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. For Envoy Nagasaki, this disaster was personal: The corps complex contained spaces for worship, social services and a thrift store, along with the home he shared with his wife as ministry leaders in the community for nearly 30 years.  So not only was the community he loves leveled, and he himself directly impacted by the fires, he was on the frontlines of service responding to them too. Less than 24 hours after the fires, he was delivering food across shelter sites and serving first responders as part of The Salvation Army's coordinated effort on the island of Maui that is still ongoing. In this episode, guest hosted by Managing Editor Hillary Jackson, Envoy Kevin Nagasaki shares a glimpse of what it's like to respond to a disaster when you're truly in it yourself. He shares the hope he has for his community, and how it's finding renewal. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Building resilience is a lengthy process, but it's an investment that pays off. By focusing on preparedness, mitigation and adaptation, more communities can ensure that they too build and sustain resilience after a natural disaster. Todd De Voe is a true authority on all things resilience and emergency management. Todd is the Editor in Chief of The Emergency Management Network newsletter, a published author in the reference book "Campus Crisis Management," and has penned numerous whitepapers and studies.  He hosts The EMN Newsletter Podcast and The Leader's Cafe. He even delivered a TED talk on building and sustaining resilience. Todd holds a Masters in Public Administration and another in Emergency Management, and he's a graduate of the National Emergency Management Executive Academy. Today, we're diving into what resilience truly means in emergency management, the the role of community organizations and programs in building a culture of preparedness, along with strategies communities can use to strengthen their bonds and resources in the face of adversity. Most importantly, Todd will share insights into the common challenges communities face during recovery and how they should be approached. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Every disaster scenario creates its own unique circumstances and special needs. In each case, The Salvation Army is there with other agencies to offer relief in the form of food services, emergency communications, donations management, social services and more. Perhaps most uniquely, The Salvation Army deploys specially trained individuals to offer emotional and spiritual care to rescue workers and disaster survivors alike. That ministry of presence is all we do and say—a collective action of words, touch, listening and presence. Collectively, those actions work together to express the love and compassion of God. Major Tammy Ray, who currently serves as the corps officer in Redding, California, has a long history of responding to disasters as part of The Salvation Army's disaster relief team. And she helps prepare people to serve in this emotional and spiritual care role—to discern and offer what someone might need, even if they can't state for themselves—to create the "transforming place." As she says, It's more being than doing. It's a quiet servanthood, a calm presence. It's not about fixing but it is a gift of connection with another person at a critical time in their life. It might be exactly what St. Francis of Assisi meant when he said, "Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

A good start to disaster preparedness is knowing the risks you should be prepared for based on where you live. That's a big part of Jonathan Sury's work. Jonathan is the Project Director for Communications and Field Operations at the National Center for Disaster Preparedness. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Population and Family Health at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.   Jonathan leads a project called the Natural Hazards Index, which maps local vulnerability to various disasters at the sub-county level. Everything including extreme heat, earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes, and floods. The project's interactive map allows users to zoom in and assess climate, weather and geological hazards in their vicinity. That way, people can learn to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves and their families.  Today we're talking with Jonathan about the Natural Hazards Index, the importance of preparedness, how data can help individual households and communities alike, and what we should be paying attention to amid the changing disaster landscape. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Where would you go if you could live anywhere you wanted? For a lot of Americans, the answer is Phoenix. In fact, Maricopa County, Arizona, which includes Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale, has held the title of "fastest growing county in the U.S. by numeric growth" for much of the past decade. But, Maricopa isn't just one of the hottest places in terms of popularity. It's also the literal hottest metropolitan area in the U.S. Summertime, in particular, is dangerously hot in Maricopa County, and getting hotter every passing year. Last year, in 2023, Maricopa County identified a total of 645 heat-related deaths—a 52 percent increase from the previous year and the most heat-related deaths ever recorded.  The Salvation Army runs a network of heat relief stations throughout Maricopa County to help residents stay safe and hydrated, and out of the record-breaking temperatures.  Lt. Colonel Ivan Wild, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Southwest Division, is on the show to talk about The Salvation Army's heat-related disaster response efforts and how the organization plans to better serve its communities amid more extreme weather events. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

The U.S. experienced a record number of billion-dollar weather disasters in 2023, and it's not a one-year fluke but the new trend. In the face of this changing disaster landscape, there's one organization consistently on the frontlines, bringing aid and hope to those in need: The Salvation Army, whose disaster relief operation never sleeps. Last year alone, The Salvation Army served nearly 600,000 people across a staggering 4,300 disaster events. Thanks to the generosity of donors and corporate partners, The Salvation Army was able to provide these survivors with a warm meal, a safe haven for the night, and in some cases, something just as essential: a listening ear and a moment of prayer. John Berglund, The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services Director in the West, is helping us set the stage for our ongoing conversation about the current state of disaster relief.   He's sharing more on the dynamics of serving throughout another record-breaking disaster year, the importance of cleverly adapting to meet needs, and some of the common misconceptions around disaster relief. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

We see stats about addiction. We see substance abuse portrayed in film and in TV shows. We might even know someone who's personally faced addiction to drugs or alcohol. But most of us don't really understand what causes addiction, and why our brains respond the way they do to drugs. Dr. Judy Grisel has made it her life's work to unravel the mysteries of addiction, striving to uncover its root causes. A distinguished behavioral neuroscientist whose expertise spans the fields of pharmacology and genetics, Dr. Grisel's groundbreaking research draws from her insights into addiction. These insights aren't just academic though; they're also deeply personal.  Dr. Grisel's journey has been shaped by her own experience with addiction, which has given her a unique vantage point on the subject.  Her passion for understanding the neuroscience behind addiction led her to deliver a powerful TED Talk titled “Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction,” which captivated audiences around the world. She wrote a book of the same name. With a career dedicated to advancing our understanding of addiction, Dr. Grisel is on the show to share her knowledge, insights and research findings, shedding light on this complex and often stigmatized topic. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

It's 2024, and the opioid crisis is showing no signs of slowing down. Overdose deaths from opioids, including prescription painkillers and synthetics like fentanyl, continue to rise. The statistics paint a chilling picture.  According to the CDC, an estimated 187 people in the U.S. die every day of opioid overdoses, most involving illicit and dangerous versions of fentanyl.  What's perhaps more alarming, is this crisis is now affecting every age group. In fact, overdose is now the third leading cause of death in American children. From 2019 to 2021, adolescent overdose deaths more than doubled. To help us better understand the crisis, Dr. Ricky Bluthenthal is on the show today. At the University of Southern California, Dr. Bluthenthal is a Professor and Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Department of Populations and Public Health Sciences, and Associate Dean for Social Justice in the Keck School of Medicine. He's well versed on the opioid crisis and its devastating effects on families and communities. He's been published more than 190 times in peer-reviewed scientific journals and is on the editorial board of the International Journal of Drug Policy. Dr. Bluthenthal has received numerous awards including the John P. McGovern Award for Excellence in Medical Education from the Association for Multidisciplinary Education & Research in Substance Use & Addiction. On this episode, he joins to give us more insight on the opioid crisis and what he believes needs to happen to make change. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Did you know every 39 minutes, someone dies in a drunk-driving accident in the United States? That's about 37 people a day. We know drinking and driving is deadly, yet it continues to happen across the country. According to one estimate, on average, those who drive drunk will be intoxicated 80 times before being caught. In addition, studies show the odds of being involved in a fatal auto accident increase with each additional DUI arrest.  It's a fate Shauna Zeuske tempted again and again. In 2015, she was arrested for driving under the influence. That DUI was her third. Within a month, she'd received two more and ended up with a three-year jail sentence. She was able to get some time shaved off her sentence, but within six months of returning home, she got her sixth DUI. When she went back to jail, she told her public defender she wanted to go to The Salvation Army. They allowed it, so she entered the Adult Rehabilitation Center program. These residential programs provide spiritual, emotional and social assistance to individuals who are experiencing a variety of social, emotional and spiritual challenges, including issues relating to substance abuse. Shauna feared she wouldn't be able to get sober, but she stuck with it, because as she said, “she desperately wanted to stop drinking.” And in 2021, she graduated from The Salvation Army San Diego Adult Rehabilitation Center.  She went on to manage the Transitional Living Center at The Salvation Army Door of Hope Rady Campus in San Diego, helping other women looking for transformation too. And today, she works as a financial controller for a construction company. She recently married and continues to sponsor and mentor others through their own challenges. Shauna is on the show to share more about her own experience on the road to recovery. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

It's said when an individual is rehabilitated from their addiction, some 50 people around them are positively affected.  For The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center program across the western U.S., that equates to some 50,000 people a year.  And more than only addressing issues of substance abuse, these centers offer life rehabilitation for those who need it, according to Major Mark Nelson, ARC Commander in the West.  It's a story that goes back to William Booth telling his son in Victorian England to "do something" to help the men living under the bridge.  Now, for more than 100 years, The Salvation Army has operated rehabilitation facilities across the U.S. that provide help and hope to those with a variety of problems, including issues relating to substance abuse. These residential programs offer spiritual, emotional and social assistance in an environment designed to help participants live healthy, fulfilling lives. But it doesn't stop with them. That ripple effect is helping restore families. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

One in 7 Americans reports experiencing a substance use disorder, according to the CDC.  Some people may use drugs to help cope with stress or trauma. Others may use them to deal with mental health issues. Others still may even develop opioid use disorder after misusing opioids they are prescribed by their doctors for ailments like back pain.  In any case, using drugs over time makes it easier to become addicted. Yet for those that become addicted, just one in 10 people will receive treatment. The reasons for this low rate range from stigma to difficulty actually accessing treatment services.  It's something Steve Adami is keeping a close watch on.  Steve spent two decades in and out of jails and prison. Today, he is Executive Director of The Way Out, a recovery-focused homeless initiative of The Salvation Army. Ultimately, Steve wants to make sure it's easy for anyone who wants to get treatment to get treatment. And he's on the show to share more about the effort to do just that. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.  

We've heard church attendance is down globally in the wake of the pandemic. Per Gallup, in the United States, just 22% of people say they attend church every week. That's down from 32% in 2000. We talked last week to General Lyndon Buckingham, the international leader of The Salvation Army, about this trend and what he makes of it. And while The Salvation Army hasn't been wholly immune to this—there are locations where we're seeing the opposite. And we want to take you to one of them today. The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps and Community Center in Phoenix saw a 112% increase in Sunday morning meeting attendance from 2019 to 2023. So what's going on at the Kroc? Captains Dustin and Caroline Rowe are the corps officers, or pastors, of the Phoenix Kroc Center. They're on the show today to share more about their community, their congregation and their perspective on growing a church. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.

Are you prepared to give an answer, a reason for the hope that you have? We're told in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be ready—and maybe, especially now. Maybe the world needs that hope more than ever. It's part of what makes The Salvation Army what it is. As General Lyndon Buckingham will tell you, we are visible which signals that we are available. And why? Well, Salvation is in the name. General Buckingham is the international leader of The Salvation Army, having assumed the office in August 2023. He has served alongside his wife Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham in appointments from New Zealand to Canada to Singapore. He is focused on finding ways for The Salvation Army to be more effective in fulfilling its mission, starting with our own personal testimony. And he's on the show to share more about how we can be ready and be looking.  EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. STUDY SCRIPTURE. Get inside the collection. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. FIGHT FOR GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.