Small Talk with Communities Unlimited

Discover how disused rail corridors can transform into vibrant lifelines for rural communities with Eric Oberg, Senior Director of Programs at Rails to Trails Conservancy, as our guide. Eric shares his wealth of knowledge on how trails can foster economic growth and healthier lifestyles by linking people, places, and experiences. You’ll hear how communities like Mountain City, Tennessee, are revit...

Discover how Healthy Flavors is helping to revolutionize school meals and combat health issues with Dan Spatz, co-owner of Healthy Flavors Farms, and Karen Brazil, program manager of the CHEF Program. Listen as Dan reveals their mission to pivot away from industrial food systems towards sustainable farming practices at their farms in Tennessee and Arkansas. By "planting with purpose, harvesti...

What if you started your public service journey at the age of nine? On our latest episode, we sit down with Kenneth Korn, the State Director of USDA Rural Development for Oklahoma, to explore his incredible path from a young public servant to a key figure in rural development. Kenneth shares his unique experience of launching a political campaign from Beijing, China at just 22, and discusses his d...

Discover how Michelle Mobbs turned a modest dream into Atoka, Oklahoma's beloved Truly Favorite Bakery. Michelle reveals the nitty-gritty of establishing her bakery on a shoestring budget to ensure affordability without compromising on quality. Learn how her creative use of recycled materials not only cuts costs but also creates a charming and unique atmosphere that keeps customers coming bac...

Could a small town's dream to revitalize its downtown become a reality? Discover the inspiring story of Atoka, Oklahoma, and the community efforts that have breathed new life into this historic town. We sit down with City Manager Danny Delay and Economic Development Director Carol Ervin, who reveal their strategies for transforming Atoka. From extensive planning to community-driven initiative...

What if your past experiences could shape a brighter future for others? Pam Ware, an inspiring entrepreneur, mentor, and motivational speaker, joins us on Small Talk to share her transformative journey from a licensed mortician and chief death investigator to becoming a guiding light for youth. Her firsthand encounters with the stark realities of life and death have fueled her passion for preventi...

Discover the untold story of America's food heroes—the dedicated individuals revolutionizing school cafeterias. Today's guest, Jiwon Jun from Eat Real, takes us on an inspiring journey into the heart of school food programs. By listening, you'll uncover the challenges and successes that come with integrating nutritious, locally-sourced meals into schools, especially in agricultural-...

When you think hot sauce, you may think scorching heat, but James Louis of Holy Fire Foods marches to the beat of a different drum. His creations are a testament that the secret to a great hot sauce isn't just the heat; it's the harmony of flavors that dance on your palate while still giving that kick you crave. In our intriguing chat, James reveals the roots of his culinary adventure, f...

Discover the pulse of rural prosperity and community welfare with as we join forces with Nathan Ole of the International Economic Development Council and Martha Claire Bullen from Communities Unlimited. Our conversation traverses the intricate landscapes of rural economic ecosystems, highlighting the essential links between economic growth, professional development, and the vitality of communities...

Have you ever considered the power of connectivity? This week, we're honoring AmeriCorps Week with a heartfelt tribute to those dedicated to empowering communities that are lagging behind in our digital world. Joining us on Small Talk, Sylvia Brown, Shruti Machiraju, and Ali Milligan from Communities Unlimited, offer an insider's perspective on the American Connection Corps' endeavo...

Join Trent Neathery, GIS maestro at Communities Unlimited, as he guides us through rural community mapping. We'll discover the pivotal role of high-precision GPS in preserving water systems and local landmarks, revealing how meticulously gathered coordinates are revolutionizing the way small towns manage their most precious resources. Trent's tales from the field illuminate the tireless...

Unlock the secrets of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and how they revolutionize community asset management with our special guest, Don Becker from Communities Unlimited. This episode reveals the crucial role GIS can play in everything from emergency services to water system efficiency. Don sheds light on the 'light bulb' moments communities experience, as they see their operations...

Join us as we take an intimate look into the world of Amanda Phillips, the resilient owner of Tamp & Grind, who bravely stepped into entrepreneurship following her husband's untimely passing. We embark on this rich journey together, navigating the exhilarating highs and the unexpected challenges Amanda faced. From fixing an old espresso machine to the thrill of securing a loan for a much...

Are you ready to gain an understanding of the innovative strategies transforming rural communities? In today's episode, we sit down with the insightful Jerry Kenney, Program Officer at the TLL Temple Foundation. He gives us a comprehensive look at the foundation's mission for rural capacity-building, regional capacity-building, and community development.  Ever wondered how communities ar...

Ever wonder how small-dollar loans can transform underserved communities and uplift the lives residents? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Michael Rivera, a loan officer for the Nuestra Casa program, who illuminates how this lending initiative is making a significant difference in South Texas Colonias. We uncover the realities of life in these communities, from limited internet access to...

Did you know that water is not just a means of sustenance, but also holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for the Cherokee Nation? Join us for a captivating conversation with Billy Hix, the Senior Director of the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering with the Cherokee Nation, as we journey through the vital world of water and wastewater management in the Cherokee Nation. From...

What if you were told your dreams were out of reach? Would you let the world crumble your aspirations or would you rise above the adversity? Get ready to be inspired by our guest, Isaac Traylor, owner of 3-i Pressure Washing and Detail, as he shares his remarkable journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Isaac's resilience in the face of adversity, couple...

Join us as we pull up a chair with Brenda Williams, Healthy Foods Coordinator at Communities Unlimited. Get ready to unpack the pressing issue of food insecurity in rural communities, and the unique challenges faced by those living off the beaten path. We dive into how Brenda is championing for better access to fresh, nutritious produce from small-scale growers. In our chat, we delve into the worl...

Ever wondered how to leverage your business to build personal wealth? Prepare to unlock the answers with us as we engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Maria Barrero, the brains behind Spaces to Love, a firm devoted to creating spaces that enhance lifestyle and well-being. Maria, in her delightful candor, will share her professional journey, her association with Communities Unlimited, and...

Have you ever stopped to wonder about the unsung heroes behind your tap water? Passionate champions committed to the water and wastewater industry. Join us as we shed light on the importance of water operators in small communities, the array of skills they need, and their impact on the community's health and safety. Water operators are more than just workers; they are chemists, mathematicians...

What does it take to ensure clean water for everyone? We crack open this big question with our special guests from Communities Unlimited, Gaylene Riley and Karen Conrad. Gaylene, who holds the position of Oklahoma State Coordinator, brings us behind the scenes of her job, overseeing technical assistance providers. These unsung heroes assist communities with their water systems, ensuring clean wate...

Ever wondered how water systems in rural communities work, or more importantly, who makes it work? Stride into the world of Tammy McKeon, Lucas Guinne, and Bradley Pittman, from the Oklahoma Environmental team at Communities Unlimited, where they unravel their work on water and wastewater projects. Their tools of choice? The Technical Managerial Financial Assessment tool, board training efforts, a...

Ready to unlock the secrets to small business success and operating sustainability? We promise you an enlightening conversation with Rhett Douglas, a senior management consultant from Communities Unlimited, laying out an array of offerings tailored for small businesses. We traverse through the spectrum of their unique one-on-one client services, educational webinars, and an LMS platform that provi...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of small business success? Join us for an exciting conversation with Rhett Douglas, a senior management consultant at Communities Unlimited's E Team. Rhett shares his valuable insights on how the E Team helps small business owners create a profitable business model and ensures they have the right person driving their venture forward. With 14 members on the...

In Episode 7 we sit down with Carolyn Rudgely from Your Personal Chef, LLC and Rhett Douglas, Senior Management Consultant in Memphis, TN to learn about her experience working with Communities Unlimited's Entrepreneurship Team and the MemShop Program.