Army of Normal Folks

For Shop Talk, we unpack Robert Putnam's monumental book "Bowling Alone" and the collapse of the civic habits that once held our communities together — from church groups to bowling leagues. And what we as Army members are going to do about it!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 19 years old, King Randall put aside his own self-interest and started taking care of other people’s kids in Albany, Georgia, which has the highest concentrated poverty rate in the state. His summer school program grew into The X School for Boys, a private school that is completely free to 25 families and has hundreds of kids on its waitlist. And King’s social media accounts have gr...

At 19 years old, King Randall put aside his own self-interest and started taking care of other people’s kids in Albany, Georgia, which has the highest concentrated poverty rate in the state. His summer school program grew into The X School for Boys, a private school that is completely free to 25 families and has hundreds of kids on its waitlist. And King’s social media accounts have gr...

For Shop Talk, we dive into the worst ice storm to ever hit the American South. And the Oxford, MS citizens who became a relentless Army of bloody do-gooders! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis has spent 14 years in the NFL as one of its most respected leaders on and off the field. We could have talked with him about how he’s a two-time Pro-Bowler and his team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, but instead we celebrated his own Army of Normal Folks who’ve supported his greatness— a single mom who...

New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis has spent 14 years in the NFL as one of its most respected leaders on and off the field. We could have talked with him about how he’s a two-time Pro-Bowler and his team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, but instead we celebrated his own Army of Normal Folks who’ve supported his greatness— a single mom who...

A mail carrier trusted her gut, made one call, and saved a life. In this Shop Talk, we unpack why paying attention to the people around us is one of the simplest—and most powerful—ways normal folks can make a real difference. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After mixing antidepressants and alcohol, Christie Luther hit someone with her car and they died. She spent 4.5 years in prison, where she discovered her purpose to create Oklahoma’s first cosmetology school inside a woman’s correctional facility. The R.I.S.E. Program has had 286 students and only 1 of them has ended up back in prison, which is unheard of! And while Christie still live...

After mixing antidepressants and alcohol, Christie Luther hit someone with her car and they died. She spent 4.5 years in prison, where she discovered her purpose to create Oklahoma’s first cosmetology school inside a woman’s correctional facility. The R.I.S.E. Program has had 286 students and only 1 of them has ended up back in prison, which is unheard of! And while Christie still live...

For Shop Talk, we bring you Wilma Mankiller's powerful commencement address. No joke, this lady is Coach Bill's spirit animal! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 50 years old, Charlotte Dance had a 2 year old child placed in her lap. And instead of walking away, Charlotte not only legally adopted the child, she also informally adopted his broken family. She even says that they adopted her too! This episode will teach you about finding love in the most unexpected places like no other story.  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omn...

At 50 years old, Charlotte Dance had a 2 year old child placed in her lap. And instead of walking away, Charlotte not only legally adopted the child, she also informally adopted his broken family. She even says that they adopted her too! This episode will teach you about finding love in the most unexpected places like no other story. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudi...

Real change doesn’t start with convincing a majority of the public — it starts with a visible minority. In this Shop Talk, we unpack why movements tip when just 20–25% of people act consistently & visibly, and what that means for transforming our communities. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our Supporting Greatness series, two-time Emmy-nominated cartoonist Marshall Ramsey celebrates the Army of Normal Folks that shaped his life. And how we can be that Army for those around us. Plus, his fascinating stories about Peyton Manning, Barbara Bush, and his cousin Dave (yes, that Dave). Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...

For our Supporting Greatness series, two-time Emmy-nominated cartoonist Marshall Ramsey celebrates the Army of Normal Folks that shaped his life. And how we can be that Army for those around us. Plus, his fascinating stories about Peyton Manning, Barbara Bush, and his cousin Dave (yes, that Dave). Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...

For Shop Talk, we reflect on a dead Greek poet's wisdom, how an alive Salvadoran immigrant is the perfect example of it, and what we need to do be the heroes we're meant to be.  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever wrestle with how our country’s extraordinary wealth and problems co-exist? Or yearn for a deeper sense of community where we have each other’s backs? Then you’re going to cherish this episode with Jordan Schiele, the co-founder of a Catholic intentional community called Jerusalem Farm. These Catholic hippies, as their neighbors in Kansas City originally called them, l...

Do you ever wrestle with how our country’s extraordinary wealth and problems co-exist? Or yearn for a deeper sense of community where we have each other’s backs? Then you’re going to cherish this episode with Jordan Schiele, the co-founder of a Catholic intentional community called Jerusalem Farm. These Catholic hippies, as their neighbors in Kansas City originally called them, l...

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill shares his 3 keys to a successful marriage!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Society tells us that self-care makes us happy, but Melissa O’Neil discovered that it doesn’t. She’s found happiness through building an identity of someone who serves. Sometimes that shows up in large ways like fostering two boys and other times in smaller, yet meaningful ways like helping a nonprofit write thank you notes. Melissa will show you how to find meaning in every seas...

Society tells us that self-care makes us happy, but Melissa O’Neil discovered that it doesn’t. She’s found happiness through building an identity of someone who serves. Sometimes that shows up in large ways like fostering two boys and other times in smaller, yet meaningful ways like helping a nonprofit write thank you notes. Melissa will show you how to find meaning in every seas...

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill pontificates on the bad wrap that the lumber industry gets about chopping down trees. When the reality is that their work leads to more trees and so many other fascinating environmental benefits!  Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pat Hardison was a volunteer firefighter, dad, and small business owner when one call changed his life forever. After literally losing his face in a fire and enduring more than 70 surgeries, Pat took the risk of undergoing the most extensive face transplant in history. This episode will show you how to keep going when facing obstacles…. or in Pat’s case losing almost everything.&...

Pat Hardison was a volunteer firefighter, dad, and small business owner when one call changed his life forever. After literally losing his face in a fire and enduring more than 70 surgeries, Pat took the risk of undergoing the most extensive face transplant in history. This episode will show you how to keep going when facing obstacles…. or in Pat’s case losing almost everything. ...

For Shop Talk, we dive into the origin story of a pencil and what lessons it has for An Army of Normal Folks. We bet you didn’t see that one coming! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#join See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.