Army of Normal Folks

Steve Wanta is the co-founder of JUST, a nonprofit lender to 14,000 black and brown female entrepreneurs in Texas. And because they’ve built an unheard of system based on trust and community, they’re achieving unheard of results such as loaning money to 100% of applicants while also being repaid 99% of the time!    Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See o...

Steve Wanta is the co-founder of JUST, a nonprofit lender to 14,000 black and brown female entrepreneurs in Texas. And because they’ve built an unheard of system based on trust and community, they’re achieving unheard of results such as loaning money to 100% of applicants while also being repaid 99% of the time!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystud...

For Shop Talk, we dive into Victor Frankl's monumental book, which he wrote in just 9 days after being liberated from a Nazi concentration camp!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transracial adoption is a term that we didn’t know, until we met the Taylors. The black couple adopted 2 white kids and 1 black kid. And we have a fascinating conversation about love, hate, stereotypes, and redemption!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transracial adoption is a term that we didn’t know, until we met the Taylors. The black couple adopted 2 white kids and 1 black kid. And we have a fascinating conversation about love, hate, stereotypes, and redemption!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, we bring you fascinating data and wisdom from the righteous troublemakers known as Jonathan Haidt, Lenore Skenazy, and Zach Rausch.  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Vanessa Elias saw a rise of incivility in her Connecticut town, she rallied citizens to host 40 neighborhood block parties that had 1,200 attendees, so that people can get to know their neighbors, realize that they don’t hate them, and even enjoy them. It got so much attention that she started Block Party USA to spread this simple solution across the country!  Support the show: htt...

When Vanessa Elias saw a rise of incivility in her Connecticut town, she rallied citizens to host 40 neighborhood block parties that had 1,200 attendees, so that people can get to know their neighbors, realize that they don’t hate them, and even enjoy them. It got so much attention that she started Block Party USA to spread this simple solution across the country!  Support the show: htt...

For Shop Talk, we tell the extraordinary story of Madison Park. If freed slaves can figure out how to buy a plantation and build a self-sustaining community, what do you think An Army of Normal Folks in 2025 can achieve?!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a time when 67% of students are not at grade level, Kellie Lauth is revolutionizing education in America. Her nonprofit MindSpark is spreading an innovative approach called problem-based learning like wildfire across the country. And it’s resulted in over 25 of their students owning patents, starting dozens of companies, and a 15% improvement in STEM and literacy achievement!  Suppor...

At a time when 67% of students are not at grade level, Kellie Lauth is revolutionizing education in America. Her nonprofit MindSpark is spreading an innovative approach called problem-based learning like wildfire across the country. And it’s resulted in over 25 of their students owning patents, starting dozens of companies, and a 15% improvement in STEM and literacy achievement!  Suppor...

You'll have to listen to this edition of Shop Talk to get the answer. Plus, some fascinating data on the impact of family meals on our well-being.  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atticus LeBlanc is the founder of PadSplit, the largest co-living marketplace in America. It’s like the Airbnb for room rentals, which both saves renters an average of $366 a month and can make property owners 2x as much money. Say hello to the solution to our affordable housing crisis that’s hiding in plain sight!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio...

Atticus LeBlanc is the founder of PadSplit, the largest co-living marketplace in America. It’s like the Airbnb for room rentals, which both saves renters an average of $366 a month and can make property owners 2x as much money. Say hello to the solution to our affordable housing crisis that’s hiding in plain sight!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio...

For Shop Talk, when An Army of Normal Teenage Protestors inspired the adults to get back into the game. The little known story of The Children's Crusade!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Lupton moved into inner-city Atlanta, where he learned the hard lesson that most of his charitable work was toxic. This led him to radically change how he showed up. And to write the bestselling book Toxic Charity that rocked our world and likely will rock yours.  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Lupton moved into inner-city Atlanta, where he learned the hard lesson that most of his charitable work was toxic. This led him to radically change how he showed up. And to write the bestselling book Toxic Charity that rocked our world and likely will rock yours.  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, we deep dive into 211, a nationwide helpline which fields over 16 million requests each year and how a brand-new solution is helping to close the loop on these calls. The story offers great lessons for Army members and a way that you might be able to help the 211 system.  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adrianne's home of Tulare County has the highest rate of chronically unsheltered homelessness in America, with over 2,500 people experiencing homelessness in a county of 484,000. Despite not wanting to take action, Adrianne felt convicted that she must and her nonprofit Salt + Light built The Neighborhood Village, a brand-new community of 50 housing units with onsite whole-person care. Community c...

Adrianne's home of Tulare County has the highest rate of chronically unsheltered homelessness in America, with over 2,500 people experiencing homelessness in a county of 484,000. Despite not wanting to take action, Adrianne felt convicted that she must and her nonprofit Salt + Light built The Neighborhood Village, a brand-new community of 50 housing units with onsite whole-person care. Community c...

For Shop Talk, we reflect on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the disturbing share of Americans who think such actions are justified, and what An Army of Normal Folks can do about it.  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When 80% of kids aren't reading on grade level in Oklahoma, Chris Brewster believes that they don't love kids in his state. His wife told him "Suck it up princess, get to work" and so Chris did. He founded Santa Fe South Schools, which has an inner-city population of 5,000 students that usually score in the bottom 5-10% in the state, but their elementary and early childhood students are in the top...

When 80% of kids aren't reading on grade level in Oklahoma, Chris Brewster believes that they don't love kids in his state. His wife told him "Suck it up princess, get to work" and so Chris did. He founded Santa Fe South Schools, which has an inner-city population of 5,000 students that usually score in the bottom 5-10% in the state, but their elementary and early childhood students are in the top...

For Shop Talk, we honor the story of Hody Childress, an Alabama farmer whose secret generosity came to light after his death.  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sparky Reardon worked in student services for 36 years at Ole Miss, including his final 14 years as the Dean of Students. His stories span the hilarious to the tragic and he is a one-of-a-kind leader who thousands call a mentor and a friend, including Coach Bill Courtney. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.