Human Impact Stories: Recent Episodes
Eileen Sweeney and Amy Maguire
"Storytelling for Good" is our mantra. We feature stories that move beyond human interest to human impact. Our guests are making communities better, around the neighborhood and around the globe. From grassroots leaders, to business execs, to athletes and academics, all share their innovative approaches to helping humankind.
Hear from three extraordinary people who are having an impact on the homeless community in Tampa, Florida. They each started working because they saw the need. Bruce is a storyteller who has been profiling people in the community and their needs through his You Tube Channel and his amazing ability to network among individuals and agencies for good. Lisa started the non-profit "Hope on the Horizon" that has an active Facebook group where she collects household items to bring goods to people getting back on their feet. And Beth recognized that a warm blanket, even in Florida, can make a difference for a person who is homeless and she started the charity www.BlanketTheHomeless.org. Listen as these three "regular" people make an impact.
THOUSANDS OF WOMEN IN FLORIDA WILL COME TOGETHER VIRTUALLY ON DECEMBER 4TH TO RESET, REFOCUS AND RESTART DURING THIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE. This year's conference features Keynotes, breakouts and panels that will help women in this extraordinary time. Hear about the speakers and the opportunities for women to connect with their peers and be inspired.
We have already done a podcast on the Southeastern Guide Dogs and learned about their work with Veterans and others, from Amber Watt, a leader at the non-profit. Now we meet Morgan Watt, her husband and he tells his first person story of living with PTSD and the incredible work his service dog does to help him every day. This inspiring story is being published for Veterans Day with the knowledge that so many our Veterans are dealing with PTSD, mental illness, and other challenges. This story inspires us all to remember members of our military and gives our listeners a chance to help those who are still suffering long after their time on active duty is over.
Dr. Kerry Szymanski, author, small business expert and practitioner, and stand-up comic, visits with Eileen to talk about her new role at the Tampa Bay Women's Business centre and the upcoming webinar featuring Nele Galan scheduled for November 6th at 1PM. Tickets are still available at the centre.org.
TV Producer, writer, visionary and yes, Maven. All apply to Jessica Rivelli. She launched a women's group that was different than networking, that was generous in spirit and has been successful for over a decade. "There are no scorecards" in WWOTB...instead women help other women with their dreams of business ownership and ultimately empowerment.
This week we hear from Rogan Donnelly, President of Tervis, the makers of drink-ware who have made a commitment to sustainability and recycling. Their goal is to be a "Zero Waste to Landfill" facility by 2022, this means they will send nothing to a landfill. He talks about how they reduce, reuse, or recycle all waste produced at their factory. And how they launched a program called #fillthisnotoceans campaign.
It's August... but in 2020 the NHL is still playing hockey! Meet Kevin Brown, Director of the Detroit Red Wings Foundation as he tells us about how his team had big plans for their community outreach with a $1M commitment to bring street hockey to inner-city Detroit... and then the pandemic hit! Learn how this storied sports franchise continues to be winners on and off the ice. Hear from Kevin about their work and how sports can make a difference. His favorite word is "Reach" and he tells us why it guides his work. Let's Go Red Wings!
This week we get to hear Part 1 of a fascinating story of perseverance, resilience and hope where one woman takes her job home with her to great results. Amber Watt is an executive with Southeastern Guide Dogs and her husband Morgan is an Air Force veteran and has a career as an airline pilot. Then their world is shaken when Morgan's PTSD causes him to lose his job. Enter a Service dog named Foley...Listen to hear what happens next!
Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America tells how the non-profit that has raised $50M over its history through hosting fundraising swims throughout the US. This year, with the Covid -19 pandemic, swims have been cancelled, but fundraising continues with other community engagement efforts.
In this episode Amy Maguire and I visit with the artist Jane Bunker as she tells us about her project The Woodson Warriors. Jane decided to take on a project of creating paintings over a two-year period that would be auctioned to raise funds for scholarships. What happened next surprised her and inspired others to help her reach her goal.
A shower brings dignity to those experiencing homelessness thanks to the non-profit, Mr. Bubblez founded by our guest Marcia Hall. We hear how her idea has become a reality that is being held up as a national model.
This week Eileen and Amy interview Tim Marks , the CEO of Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa Florida. Tim talks about the word "Hope" and what it means to him and Met Min. He shares stories of hope and of impact. From the holiday tent to the year-round services, Met Min, is vital to Tampa Bay.
In this episode Eileen and Amy interview Thomas Mantz, CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay. Thomas shares his personal journey from Wall Street success to a life of commitment to non-profits. We hear about not only what FTB is doing but how they are responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and making dramatic changes to their service delivery systems. Each guest gets a word to focus on to get the conversation going. Thomas got the word "Serve". He talks about its meaning in all phases of his work. He also gets to tell the hosts his favorite word and tells us why. The show was produced by Joe D Lauck and edited by Kevin Theis,