An Army of Normal Folks

75% of the world's carpets and rugs are produced in Dalton, Georgia. For our latest "Shop Talk", Coach Bill tells the community's powerful assimilation story that's made it possible. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After losing his mom to cancer, Yuri was depressed and strangely enough found hope when he created an Instagram account. Posts from Army members Officer Tommy Norman and Rodney Smith lifted his spirits, and he even badgered Rodney to join one of his 50 state tours. Next thing you know these guys have gone on 5 Christmas tours together, with Yuri dressed up as a superhero bringing presents to kids with illnesses or disabilities. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After losing his mom to cancer, Yuri was depressed and strangely enough found hope when he created an Instagram account. Posts from Army members Officer Tommy Norman and Rodney Smith lifted his spirits, and he even badgered Rodney to join one of his 50 state tours. Next thing you know these guys have gone on 5 Christmas tours together, with Yuri dressed up as a superhero bringing presents to kids with illnesses or disabilities. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

67% of America's students aren't reading at grade level. What is An Army of Normal Folks going to do about it? Coach Bill's latest Shop Talk. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the loss of his wife, Daron spiraled out of control and into brawls & cocaine. He found redemption in rehab and eventually dedicated his life to helping others write their redemption stories. Today, Bonton Farms is one of the largest urban farms in the country, but produce is far from its most important fruit. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the loss of his wife, Daron spiraled out of control and into brawls & cocaine. He found redemption in rehab and eventually dedicated his life to helping others write their redemption stories. Today, Bonton Farms is one of the largest urban farms in the country, but produce is far from its most important fruit. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like normal people. So said Coach Bill's daughter... and just wait until you hear his response on the latest Shop Talk. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susan knew almost nothing about foster care. And when the blinders came off at 27 years old, her whole life completely changed. She started what is now National Angels, whose 19 chapters have volunteers doing life with 3,000 kids experiencing foster care and their foster parents! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest Shop Talk, Coach Bill shares a fascinating perspective about these "ragged kids" coming up. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And his goal is 1 million kids. But none of this would’ve happened if a high school teacher didn’t make the effort to teach Orrin chess and show him a better path than his gang life. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And his goal is 1 million kids. But none of this would’ve happened if a high school teacher didn’t make the effort to teach Orrin chess and show him a better path than his gang life. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a time when only 38% of Americans are extremely proud of being American, Mike Rowe tells us about the patriotic tour de force that is his new film "Something To Stand For", which is in theaters everywhere. Coach Bill also surprises Mike with the impact that he's had on one of our Army members. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Jim and Melinda brought presents to a low-income family, they felt off and weird that the relationship would stop there. So they kept coming back to their largely immigrant mobile home park and families asked them to help their kids with homework. Today, their accidental nonprofit Path United operates community centers in 7 mobile home parks and serves 600 kids every week! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Jim and Melinda brought presents to a low-income family, they felt off and weird that the relationship would stop there. So they kept coming back to their largely immigrant mobile home park and families asked them to help their kids with homework. Today, their accidental nonprofit Path United operates community centers in 7 mobile home parks and serves 600 kids every week! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest “Shop Talk”, Coach Bill responds to a listener who is interested in working in government and disheartened by our tagline that our country's problems won't be solved by fancy people in DC. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Rhonda has assigned listening to and reflecting on our podcast to over 400 of her college students. And just wait until you hear her story that led to an extraordinary life of purpose. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Rhonda has assigned listening to and reflecting on our podcast to over 400 of her college students. And just wait until you hear her story that led to an extraordinary life of purpose. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our host brings us a special short episode on his difficult and yet redemptive experience with Father’s Day. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest “Shop Talk”, Coach Bill pays tribute to Ole Miss’ former Dean of Students who changed his life and countless others. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.