Connect For Podcast: Recent Episodes
Emily Henry
Connect For is about building relationships. To do this, your host, Emily Henry, interviews passionate people that are making an impact in our communities. This podcast connects with the people behind the work, how they got there, and why it matters. Join us weekly to learn about the origin stories of our guests and what inspires them to make a difference.
Taylor Toynes is MOVING, MOTIVATING, and constantly CHALLENGING the status quo. He is the co-founder and executive director of For Oak Cliff, which he started with students as a first-year teacher. Challenged by the disparities and inequities his students experienced, and noting that nothing had changed since his childhood, Taylor was compelled to organize the inaugural FOC Back to School Festival for his students and community.
For Oak Cliff has gained tremendous momentum and has become the backbone nonprofit entity supporting the South Oak Cliff community through its four pillars of work: education, advocacy, community building, and the arts.
Taylor is a national board member for the Trust for Public Land and is committed to creating equitable park spaces for his community. For his leadership, Taylor has received awards from the United Nations, the NAACP, and Southern Methodist University (SMU), to name a few. Taylor and the FOC team won Teach For America’s Social Innovation Award and have been recognized by national news outlets. Taylor is a graduate of the University of North Texas and has a master’s degree from SMU. And newly named Echoing Green Fellow.
I hope you follow Taylor's lead and jump into action!
To learn more about Taylor and For Oak Cliff, follow them on their website and on Instagram.
Equest is magical! In this episode, I meet with Ellie Grant to hear about her years of service at the nonprofit and the stories of healing she sees daily. The true healers are the horses. Big or small, these powerful and highly empathetic animals work with people with varying needs to increase physical strength, emotional wellbeing, confidence-building, and many more.
Equest has made such an impact on me and my family that I am committed to donating 1% of my profits from my coaching business (Connect For Business Development) to help support their mission.
You do NOT want to miss this episode. To learn more, go to their website and follow them on all of the social channels.
Robert is a husband, father, and creator of beautiful fine chocolates! He is a fan of economics and working towards solving our community challenges through access to nature.
After graduating from Baylor, then graduating with the highest distinction from the University of Glasgow, Robert sought to pursue his dream job in Washington D.C. When he came home to Texas disappointed, Robert discovered that his home was right where he needed to be. Baylor taught him about the importance of a mission-driven life and he soon jumped into the non-profit world and ultimately, to the Trust for Public Land. Today, he and his colleagues use the tool of access to nature to work towards social, environmental, and economic justice.
You can learn more about Robert and his career and Kent Fine Chocolates on LinkedIn and Instagram
Life is stressful. Balancing work, family, and everything in-between can be overwhelming and exhausting. My next guest, Lourdes Brown, talks about a critical part of living a healthy life that we often overlook. PLAY! It turns out, its not just for kids. Lourdes discusses her passion for play and movement and how it has inspired her to life at home and work. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and watch on YouTube!
storytelling #neverstopmoving #connecttoheal #connecttogrow #connecttolearn #healthandwellness #fitness
I loved this episode so much! My next guest, Kate Cavanaugh, gets real about painful moments in her life that led to connecting with others in a way she never thought possible. Kate's story starts with perseverance from a young age, then to a single mother with two daughters, and advancing her career with focus and precision. What we learn next, is the struggle and pain she endured to get her to where she is today has fueled her passion for investing love, time, and energy to help others beyond her day job.
Are you in pain? Are you struggling to find your way? You do not want to miss this episode!
Tune in Wednesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
You can learn more about Kate on her LinkedIn page.
storytelling #thekukhomaproject #businessdevelopment #relationshipbuilding #comingintofocus #connecttolearm #connecttoheal #connecttogrow #coaching #consulting #emotionalintelligence #podcast
Lily Weiss is a force! She exemplifies what it means to live life with intention, drive, and intense focus. She expects the best from everyone and in turn, that is what she gets.
In this episode, we hear about Lily's belief in arts education and how it is essential to the demands of the modern workforce. Inspired by her mentor, Paul Baker, Lily was instrumental in the creation of Booker T. Washington Magnet School and its rise to one of the Top 8 Magnet Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Creative thinking, discipline, and goal setting empowered Lily and the original faculty to develop a school that expects excellence and instills that belief in the students.
Today, Lily serves as the Executive Director of Dallas Arts District, the largest Arts District, per capita, in the United States. This episode is rich with lessons learned and inspirational stories of expecting the best.
You can learn more about Lily on the Dallas Arts District website.
These two are twin souls. Many people talk about soulmates and debate whether that is real or fabricated. After talking with my friends, Haylee and Amanda, I am certain that their friendship is unique and has empowered them to live their best lives. We discuss how they met and how they knew they would be best friends for life.
They are both extremely creative and entrepreneurial and their friendship has provided each of them the support and encouragement needed to seek what makes them happy and dedicate their lives to doing things that most people are afraid to do, follow their hearts.
Haylee Ryan is an accomplished painter and muralist. You can follow her work on her website or on Instagram. Amanda Walker has an incredible floral company called, Zephyr Floral. Learn more on her website. Finally, together, they are in a band called Sister. You can listen to their latest album on Spotify. They also lead the Dear, Friend Podcast that you can find here.
In this episode, we break all the rules and talk about religion. I get pretty raw and share spiritual experiences that I have had in some of the most difficult times in my life.
My guest, Wes Keyes, is the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, Brother Bill's Helping Hand. From a Mississippi teenager going down the wrong path to leading an organization that serves 91 zip codes in North Texas, Wes Keyes tells me his story about how his Christian faith led him to serve people who need it most. We talk about the unique history of Wes's hometown and his initial aspirations to be a sports evangelist to the challenges organized religion has faced over centuries and today. Wes is engaging, honest, and a fantastic storyteller. I hope you enjoy this episode!
You can learn more about Wes and his work on the Brother Bill's Helping Hand website or on LinkedIn.
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” – Scott Adams
My next guest, Marianne Gargour, is working with people like you to uncover the creativity that lives within all of us. She holds workshops and works one-on-one with professionals who are seeking a new direction in their life, either personally or professionally.
In this conversation, we discuss the beauty of life that is often born out of pain and the healing journey we are all on. We discuss leadership and the shift from one single leader to a collaboration of many. We discuss her cancer journey and how that shifted her mindset from "I am not enough" to "I am enough" and the freedom that followed.
This conversation is rich and we go deep!
Learn more about Marianne and her work on her website and join Marianne at her art show THIS SATURDAY, November 20th from 11am-6pm at the Tin Ranch Collection Art Open House: 1419 Griffin Street E, Dallas, Tx 75215
This episode is about passion and commitment to reinvesting in communities. Whether through development efforts or through personal, one-on-one mentorship, my guest is committed to investing his time and money in efforts that lead to thriving neighborhoods.
Terrence Maiden, the CEO of Russell Glen, a real estate development firm. Terrence is an identical twin, a former TCU football player, and an Oak Cliff native who was introduced to real estate early in his career and has never looked back. We talk about family, investing in what matters most, and his aspirations for the future.
Terrence and his company are reinvesting in the places he used to visit as a young boy. His vision is inspiring and a conversation you do not want to miss!
You can learn more about Terrence and his company on LinkedIn or his website.
Smart Cities are utilizing technology to anticipate and solve problems, like potholes, before they occur. Our city's infrastructure (roads, sewer systems, internet, etc) when paired with community needs (education, housing, jobs, etc) is a complicated system. Jennifer Sanders, the Executive Director at Dallas Innovation Alliance, joins me to discuss how her work is utilizing innovative ways to integrate technology into our cities to solve these issues in real-time.
Jennifer talks about her tireless dedication to her career and how her work ethic, if it isn't balanced with self-care and rest, can lead to burnout and sometimes illness. Thanks to her puppy dog and the support of good friends, she is constantly reminded to slow down and focus on her health even if that means she has to put a project on hold (for a day ;)).
Jennifer is doing incredible work! Follow her on LinkedIn or on the Dallas Innovation Alliance Website.
In this episode, Ben Magill, the Associate Vice Chancellor of Economic Opportunity at Dallas College, discusses the collection of experiences that led him to where he is today. From his time in Argentina as an exchange student, his short musical career in Austin, to the passionate work dedicated to the anchor institution he represents at Dallas College.
We talk about Ben's compassionate leadership style and how empathy is at the center of his work. The Community College is no longer a destination for a few, it is now a catalyst to address social determinants of health beyond its campus. Ben is so approachable, smart, funny, and talented. This episode is so rich!! Enjoy.
You can learn more about Ben and his work on LinkedIn or the Dallas College website.
Listening and learning. This episode is all about opening ourselves to the honest and difficult conversations around racism and how we all play a part, consciously and subconsciously.
Brittani Hite is the Founder and Strategic Director of Ethos Equity Consulting, a social impact firm rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this episode, we talk about the disparities that exist in our neighborhoods, our communities, and our places of work, and how just admitting that those exist, is a step towards social equity.
We break all the rules and talk about politics, religion and share personal stories about life that are both hilarious and devastating.
The work Brittani is doing is very challenging and deeply personal. She approaches her work with love, empathy, compassion, and grace.
You can learn more about Brittani and her work on her website, on LinkedIn, or on Instagram.
Do you ever push yourself to exhaustion? Are you on the brink of breaking on a regular basis? In this special edition of the Connect For Podcast, Valerie and I discuss burnout and how our society's definition of success is all wrong.
Tune in to hear how a guest's no-show taught me an important lesson about rest. We are taught that 100% attendance and pushing when the going gets tough are the best ways to prove your worth. After further reflection, this can actually keep us from reaching our full potential.
My ultimate goal with these conversations is to get to the core of what makes us human. In this episode, my guest puts that all into perspective.
Dana Compton, Director of Business Development for Ridgemont Construction, tells us her story and how it is divided into "before" and "after" her life-changing diagnosis. Dana is a bright light whose contagious optimism lifts your mood with every encounter.
Many may turn down a dark path after receiving the same diagnosis, but Dana has taken a different approach. With the advice of a close friend, Dana is not focusing on her pain but instead on all the beautiful things she has yet to see.
An example of this is Dana's hobbies including golf and performing. Dana co-hosts a hilarious podcast called "Scandalous Diamonds" where she and her friend, Jennifer Lusk, dissect Jackie Collins' novels and share lavish jewelry.
Get the tissues ready!
If you want to learn more about Dana, follow her podcast on Instagram or her career on LinkedIn.
In this episode, Andrew Harper discusses his unlikely journey into a creative career. Growing up with expectations of following a definition of success that did not match his own, Andrew talks about the emergence of the "creative class" and how veering from the paved path in front of him changed his life for the better.
We also discuss his family's commitment to broadening their worldview through fostering and how that has fulfilled them in ways that never imagined. This episode is so special. I was so inspired by Andrew's story and his outlook on life: "happiness is not based on circumstances."
If you want to learn more about Andrew and his work, you can find him on the PMG website or on LinkedIn.
She was born with ambition and a clear vision. My next guest, Kourtny Garrett, the President & CEO at Downtown Dallas Inc, is determined to work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the community. In this episode, we learn when she fell in love with cities and why she has made it her life's work to transform Dallas. Although she has struggled with mental health issues such as anxiety, Kourtny approaches it the same way she would any other challenge in her life, with intention, strategy, and grit. We not only learn about her work ethic and the impact it's had on Dallas but we also learn important lessons about rest and restraint.
You can follow Kourtny and her work at Downtown Dallas Inc on their website or on a variety of social platforms.
I am so happy to introduce you to the very talented and intelligent, Dr. Veronica Bordes Edgar, a bilingual neuropsychologist who focuses on treating children with various neurodevelopmental disorders. In this episode, we learn about why she is a unicorn in her field and how cultural differences impact your brain, and the way psychologists assess patients. We also learn about how the most prevalent disorders are evolving as we learn more about the brain and the research she is doing to advance treatments for her patients. I stumbled through this episode trying to keep up with her and I learned so much!
You can learn more about Dr. Bordes Edgar and her practice here or here.
Have you ever considered how design impacts your life on a daily basis? My next guest has built his architecture practice on designing spaces that complement function versus designing something simply because that is what people expect. For example, have you ever thought about how your kitchen is laid out or about the shape of your kitchen table? How would you design that differently if you were able to erase all that you know about traditional kitchen design and focused simply on how you use it?
Patrick Craine is an architect, creative thinker, problem-solver, and artist. In this episode, we learn about his life and the experiences that have shaped it.
You can learn more about Patrick and his architecture firm on his website.
Inspired as a teenager, Kristen Miller always dreamed of owning her own shop. She bounced from an assistant job to a corporate job and finally took the leap to open the doors to All Good Things, a warm and inviting shop nestled in Dallas's Bishop Arts District. Kristen tells us about her journey to get there and the experiences she had and the people she met along the way that turned a wish into reality.
You can follow All Good Things on:
Pinterest: @allgoodthingsshop
Facebook: @allgoodthingspaper
Instagram: @allgoodthings.shop
Website: https://www.allgoodthingspaper.com/
Sometimes you don't know what you are capable of until you throw yourself into the deep end. For Jeremy Stewart, this meant risking everything to fly across the world to work 7 days a week and learn how to reinvent his company's strategy when opportunity knocked.
As the Co-Founder of Dallas hometown favorites, Hari Mari, we get to the root of what motivates him, what inspires him, and the journey it took to create a successful lifestyle brand.
Follow Hari Mari on their website (https://www.harimari.com/ ), on your favorite social media platform (@HariMari), or shop online, in stores across the country, and in their hometown retail store on Knox Street in Dallas, Tx.
In this episode, I visit with the highly motivated and driven Asheya Warren. From starting school at a very early age to give her the challenge she craved to breaking out on her own to start her business in 2012, Asheya discusses what pushes her to constantly push herself to the next level.
Asheya is focused on excellence and passionate when collaborating with her clients and is always pushing them to meet their full potential. If you want to learn what it takes to make a difference in your community and hear trade secrets from a marketing and communications expert, this is the episode for you.
Follow Asheya on her website or on several social platforms including Instagram (@praxispsm) and LinkedIn.
Molly Magill and I dig deep in this episode! From small-town family pride to spiritual awakenings, we discover what fuels her passion for art and the nontraditional career path that led her there. We discuss the social pressures on women to "follow the rules" and the consequences (ahem, gifts!), if broken. Molly, Founder of Cliff and Callahan, is a creative force whose spirit and energy are contagious! Do not miss this fun and inspiring episode!
To learn more about Molly and her work, follow her on Instagram @cliffandcallahan or on her website at https://linktr.ee/CliffandCallahan.
Maggie Parker, the Founder of Innovan Neighborhoods breaks down the importance of developing community with the community. In 2019, she started her own development company, embarking on a partnership with Matthews Southwest to execute her vision: ..."to transform neighborhoods..."
In this episode, we learn about her early success, hopes for Innovan's future, and the challenges with being a young Black woman in a traditionally white male-dominated industry.
You can learn more about Maggie on her website at https://innovanneighborhoods.com/.
This is it! The VERY first Connect For Podcast. In this episode, I am joined by my best friend, Dr. Valerie Johnson. Not only is Valerie a great listener but she always laughs at my jokes. The perfect first guest.
More importantly, Valerie (ahem, Dr. Johnson) is also an amazingly talented Physical Therapist who specializes in treating Parkinson's Disease, dizziness, and imbalance. Listen in to hear stories about how we met, when I grew out of my favorite pants, and why she loves the Senior community. Learn more at https://balancetherapytoday.com/ and follow her work on Instagram @balancetherapyllc.