Live United

Tulsa Area United Way's Tocqueville Society turns 40 this year. In the first episode of our anniversary series, Alison Anthony sits down with two members. Monica Basu, executive director of the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation, started giving to United Way at 22 on a meager paycheck and has given every year since. Paul E. Johnson, Senior Vice President for Corporate Banking at Bank of...

Evan Dougoud started BeHeard Movement after listening to young people experiencing homelessness say they wanted people to understand what life looked like from their side. That listening turned into action. Today, BeHeard Movement brings mobile showers, laundry, haircuts and case management directly to neighbors in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. On this episode of the Live United Podcast, Evan talks abo...

On the latest Live United video podcast, co-hosts Diane Eason Contreras and Matthew Gleason sit down with Eileen Bradshaw, president and CEO of LIFE Senior Services, and Lauren Zeligson, LIFE communications specialist, for a conversation about aging, caregiving, housing, and connection in our community.  They talk about the growing need for affordable senior housing in Tulsa, the support LIFE Seni...

In the latest episode of the Live United podcast, host Janey Kotthoff talks with Karie M. Jordan, President and CEO of Bridges, along with Bridges team member Shameeka Steele and her son Willie, about inclusive employment, self-advocacy, and the power of finding work where you truly belong. Willie shares how his role at Bridges helped him build confidence and independence, while Shameeka reflects...

This week’s episode brings together three women whose stories show what support, connection, and second chances can spark. Michelle Thomas, senior manager of community relations at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, shares how working in service shaped her life and how her sister’s recovery deepened that commitment. Her sister, Melissa Casey, opens up about her journey through addiction, the...

In this episode of the Live United podcast, co-hosts Janey Kotthoff and Matthew Gleason sit down with Lisa Kelly, CEO of The Arc of Oklahoma, and Erin Shepherd, who leads the Arc@School program. Together, they explore how this initiative, supported by a 2023 Tulsa Area United Way Social Innovations Grant, is breaking down barriers in special education and giving families the tools they need to thr...

In this episode of the Live United podcast, hosts Carla Meyer and Chase Mowery sit down with the 2025 Tulsa Area United Way Fundraising Drive Chair Jackie Price Johannsen, of Price Family Properties. Jackie shares her personal journey from practicing law in New York City to returning to Tulsa, explaining what convinced her to take on this vital role and why she believes everyone in the community i...

On this episode of the Live United podcast, Alison Anthony, President and CEO of Tulsa Area United Way, sits down with Lindsay Jordan, Founder and CEO of Write On Fundraising, for a compelling conversation about the future of philanthropy. Write On Fundraising bridges the gap between traditional and innovative fundraising strategies, delivering impactful solutions for mission-driven nonprofits thr...

Watch our latest episode of the Live United Podcast, hosted by Jesse Guardiola and featuring Isabel Flores, a bilingual reporter with 2 News Oklahoma.  The discussion explores how Isabel's cultural background and language skills allow her to connect with and report on stories within Tulsa's Hispanic community, often serving as a crucial voice. She highlights the importance of covering stor...

Welcome to a special milestone episode of the Live United podcast. This is our first-ever simulcast episode, available as both an audio podcast. In this episode, host Matthew Gleason and co-host Madison Cotherman explore the impact of Affinity Groups at Tulsa Area United Way. Affinity Groups like Women United and NextGen United provide donors with opportunities to connect, lead, and give back beyo...

In this episode of the Live United podcast, we sit down with Eileen Ryan Bradshaw, president and CEO of LIFE Senior Services.  Hear about the impact of the Roma Berry Center for Seniors, an innovative hub uniting vital senior services under one roof. We’ll also explore LIFE's Vintage Magazine and get a sneak peek at the upcoming Celebrate LIFE Gala, themed "Thank Our Lucky Stars." Tu...

Join host Matthew Gleason as we dive into Tulsa Area United Way's Social Innovations Grant program. Our guests are Hieu Lê, founder of Empower-Ed, and Kimberly Whayne, co-founder of the Tulsa Black Mental Health Alliance. This episode highlights these two innovative programs that are helping to shape the educational and mental health landscapes in Tulsa. Hear their inspiring stories, groundbreakin...

Welcome to the Live United podcast, brought to you by Tulsa Area United Way, proudly celebrating 100 years of service to our community. I’m your host, Matthew Gleason. In this episode, we’re exploring the TAUW Legends video series, a project that captures the voices and stories of the people who helped shape the last century of United Way’s impact. Our guest is Jesse Boudiette, president of Propel...

In this moving episode of the Live United Podcast , host Matthew Gleason and co-host Wendi Fralick, CEO of The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, revisit the extraordinary life story of Adam Moore. Fifteen years ago at the Tulsa World, Matthew chronicled Adam's remarkable resilience after a life-altering accident at a Cub Scout camp in 1987 left him with a severe brain injury. Today,...

In this compelling episode of the Live United podcast, host Matthew Gleason sits down with Deneisha Johnson, the Associate Development Director for Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK), one of Tulsa Area United Way’s awesome nonprofit partners. Deneisha’s passion for advocating mental health, providing housing solutions, and supporting individuals affected by homelessness is deeply personal....

In this episode of the Live United podcast, Matthew Gleason sits down with Dr. Laura Latta, Executive Director of the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium. With a mission to create pathways for students to achieve post-secondary degrees, Dr. Latta discusses the Consortium's work in empowering students through aligned support, especially adult learners, transfer students, and those facing economic cha...

In this inspiring episode of the Live United podcast, host Matthew Gleason sits down with Jameelah Stuckey, Program Director of the African American Leadership Academy in Tulsa. Jameelah shares the origin story of AALA, a 2023 TAUW Social Innovations Grant recipient, born from a vision to develop and empower African American leaders in the community. Jameelah offers a powerful look at how targeted...

In this moving Live United episode, guest host Mike Brose speaks with Josh Christner, who bravely shares his family's experiences with mental health struggles and loss. Then, Audrey McCraw, executive director of the Grief Center, offers insights on coping with grief and the support services available in our community. This honest discussion sheds light on important but often overlooked issues. By...

Our latest Live United podcast episode features two inspiring stories of community impact. Listen as Jon Lawrence of ONEOK shares why he volunteers with the Parent Child Center of Tulsa. The episode also highlights Melanie Anderegg's powerful story of resilience. As President and CEO of the Parent Child Center of Tulsa, Melanie's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a community leader...

Check out the latest episode of the Live United Podcast presented by Tulsa Area United Way, featuring an insightful conversation between our President and CEO, Alison Anthony, and Phil Lakin, Jr., CEO of Tulsa Community Foundation.  In this episode, Phil shares his experiences leading TCF since its founding in 1998 and discusses the ways TCF and TAUW have collaborated to strengthen Tulsa's com...

 ​Join us on the latest episode of the Live United Podcast as we celebrate United in Faith Week (Sept 22-29). This week, we are honored to have Aliye Shimi, Executive Director of Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry, and Pastor Jamaal Dyer from Friendship Church as our special guests. They share their passion for faith, unity, and mutual respect as nearly 60 diverse faith groups in our community come toget...

Join host Matthew Gleason as he sits down with Stephania Grober, President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Tri-chair of Tulsa Area United Way's 100th annual fundraising drive! Highlights: Stephania's inspiring 27-year journey with United Way Behind-the-scenes look at visiting 50+ nonprofit partners Heartwarming stories from Global Gardens, Wagoner Area Neighbors, and more The...

Join host Matthew Gleason as he sits down with Mimi Martinez Herrera, president of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations (COHO), to discuss the upcoming 8th Annual Back to School Resource Fair in Tulsa. Learn about the free services and supplies available to families, including backpacks, haircuts, and immunizations. Mimi shares insights on the event's growth, community partnerships, and the...

Welcome to the Live United podcast, presented by the Tulsa Area United Way. In this episode, co-hosts Matthew Gleason and Diane Eason Contreras​ delve into the inspiring story of La Cosecha, one of the recipients of the Tulsa Area United Way's Social Innovations Grant. Joining them are La Cosecha's CEO, Rita Gallardo, and Deputy Director, Edel Rangel. Discover how La Cosecha, which started...

Join our host, Matthew Gleason, as he sits down with Paul Davis, Executive Director of our nonprofit partner, City Year Tulsa, to celebrate a decade of educational transformation in partnership with Tulsa Public Schools. In this episode, you'll dive deep into the powerful work being done in Tulsa's neighborhoods. Discover how City Year Tulsa AmeriCorps members are making a real difference,...