An Army of Normal Folks

For Shop Talk, we reflect on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the disturbing share of Americans who think such actions are justified, and what An Army of Normal Folks can do about it. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When 80% of kids aren't reading on grade level in Oklahoma, Chris Brewster believes that they don't love kids in his state. His wife told him "Suck it princess, get to work" and so Chris did. He founded Santa Fe South Schools, which has an inner-city population of 5,000 students that usually score in the bottom 5-10% in the state, but their elementary and early childhood students are in the top 5-10%! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When 80% of kids aren't reading on grade level in Oklahoma, Chris Brewster believes that they don't love kids in his state. His wife told him "Suck it princess, get to work" and so Chris did. He founded Santa Fe South Schools, which has an inner-city population of 5,000 students that usually score in the bottom 5-10% in the state, but their elementary and early childhood students are in the top 5-10%! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, we honor the story of Hody Childress, an Alabama farmer whose secret generosity came to light after his death. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sparky Reardon worked in student services for 36 years at Ole Miss, including his final 14 years as the Dean of Students. His stories span the hilarious to the tragic and he is a one-of-a-kind leader who thousands call a mentor and a friend, including Coach Bill Courtney. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sparky Reardon worked in student services for 36 years at Ole Miss, including his final 14 years as the Dean of Students. His stories span the hilarious to the tragic and he is a one-of-a-kind leader who thousands call a mentor and a friend, including Coach Bill Courtney. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, we dive into yet another column from Andrew Peters. On the magic that happens when we ask for help. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Flynt got kicked off his college football team for one too many fist fights and lived with the regret of letting down his team for decades. Until, he forged one of the greatest redemption stories you will ever hear, becoming the oldest linebacker in NCAA history at 59 years old! And he's now the subject of Angel Studios’ latest film The Senior. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Flynt got kicked off his college football team for one too many fist fights and lived with the regret of letting down his team for decades. Until, he forged one of the greatest redemption stories you will ever hear, becoming the oldest linebacker in NCAA history at 59 years old! And he's now the subject of Angel Studios’ latest film The Senior. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill is joined by his son Max to talk about the day that he flatlined, their full-circle moment that's about to take place, and their friend who asked Max, "Is it well with your soul?" Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz Scott's 4 year-old daughter Alex was fighting neuroblastama cancer and yet Alex decided to host a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research. From her first stand that raised $2,000 to raising $1 million by the time she died at age 8, Alex inspired a movement that has raised $350 million, with a literal Army of Normal Folks hosting lemonade stands for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz Scott's 4 year-old daughter Alex was fighting neuroblastama cancer and yet Alex decided to host a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research. From her first stand that raised $2,000 to raising $1 million by the time she died at age 8, Alex inspired a movement that has raised $350 million, with a literal Army of Normal Folks hosting lemonade stands for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill dives into a powerful column from Andrew Peters that's titled "The Standard, Or How You Do One Thing". It'll move you to reflect on how you do everything in your life! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Mutabazi is a Ugandan immigrant didn’t accept the cultural narrative that only white married people can foster and adopt kids. So far, this single dude has fostered 47 kids, adopted 3 of them, and he’s in the process of adopting 2 more of them! His radical love also happened to go viral, making him the most famous foster dad in America, with 2.5 million followers across social media. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Mutabazi is a Ugandan immigrant didn’t accept the cultural narrative that only white married people can foster and adopt kids. So far, this single dude has fostered 47 kids, adopted 3 of them, and he’s in the process of adopting 2 more of them! His radical love also happened to go viral, making him the most famous foster dad in America, with 2.5 million followers across social media. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Shop Talk, Coach Bill reflects on US News and World Report's recent article titled “New Poll: Americans Say the U.S. Is in a Leadership Crisis”. And offers a solution to this crisis. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After large events like weddings, the flowers are too often thrown away. But Stephanie Simpson had an idea, couldn't we repurpose these flowers and bring joy to folks at nursing homes, cancer centers, and schools? 901 POP (Petals of Purpose) has their own Army of 580 volunteers who've donated 25,000 arrangements! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For "Shop Talk", Coach Bill tells the story of his hilariously unconventional experience watching Undefeated for the very first time. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pam was a member of National Service League, where moms and daughters do service projects. But she's got 3 sons, so she thought why not start something for moms and sons to do this too?! 24 years later, Young Men’s Service League has 199 chapters with 33,000 moms and sons serving together! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pam was a member of National Service League, where moms and daughters do service projects. But she's got 3 sons, so she thought why not start something for moms and sons to do this too?! 24 years later, Young Men’s Service League has 199 chapters with 33,000 moms and sons serving together! Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.