The Tragedy & Triumphs of Transformations with Wally B

On this day, Jan 20th, we celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. King and today on the podcast, I talk to Wally B., an ordained minister, spoken word artist, and the Founder and Executive Director of the Heard Em Say Youth Arts Collective. 

In this episode, Wally shares his reflections on MLK and the influence Dr. King had on his life.  We dig deep into Wally's journey of transitioning from being a full-time artist, to founding his nonprofit back in May 2007 to cultivating Heard Em Say. We also talk about what ultimately led to his decision to transition out of the role of Executive Director and creating a succession plan so that he could continue to grow and serve the community.

You'll hear all about his conversations with God and with his leadership team, and how he redefined what it means to be an artist and a leader. You won't want to miss this episode. 

Heard ‘Em Say was created in May 2007 to identify, cultivate and empower youth in activism and advocacy through artistic education and expression.  The organization serves over 300 young people a year, providing a healthy social outlet for teens to express themselves through spoken word and performance.  His team has competed for years at Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival.

Check out the show notes at www.tomearl.com/wally.  

You can support by visiting their website or Facebook.  

You can listen to past episodes here and here.

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On Being Strong, Smart, & Bold With Niki Kelly

Niki Kelly is the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Bay County and is someone whom I respect and admire so much. Our talk together was a great opportunity to learn from a professional who has been on every side of the nonprofit world - from direct service, fundraising, leadership to the Executive Director role.  

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the challenges facing nonprofit leaders and nonprofits and we discuss what it takes to run a successful business that is inclusive, value-driven, responsive but also business-oriented.  

Niki shares key insights about issues that our community is facing and the evolving world of non-profit work as well as the importance of advocacy and looking at the work differently to improve program delivery. Niki’s education includes a Bachelor's degree in Criminology with a minor in Psychology and a Masters in Management both from the University of South Florida. She spent 12 years working in community mental health and addiction services followed by more than 10 years in refugee and immigrant services.  

Niki Kelly relocated to Panama City Beach in the spring of 2014 and joined the leadership team at Girls Inc. shortly thereafter.  Since then, she has led Girls Inc. on an aggressive growth plan expanding services to more girls in Bay County and putting the organization on a solid footing that enabled them to persevere following the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018.  For her response to the hurricane, Niki was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year award by the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Outstanding Community Leadership award by the Girls Inc. national organization.

I bet you are going to love this episode even if you aren't in the nonprofit world because you will hear thoughtful advice on how to run your own business in an ethical and inclusive way. 

You can learn more about girls Inc. of Bay County by following them on Facebook or visiting their website.

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My Year of Adventure

Each year I set an intention for what my “year of” will be.  In past years, I’ve manifested My Year of Expression, My Year of Balance, My Year of Courage and most recently, My Year of Grace. 

This episode introduces what this year will be - My Year of Adventure! 

To introduce the theme, I take a group of my friends through a writing workshop exploring what adventures this next year will bring.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to set your new year’s intentions and goals - let’s do this.

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My Year of Grace Final Episode

On this week's episode, I reflect upon my year of grace. This is the last episode of 2019, therefore the last episode of the year of grace. Throughout this year, I've had the opportunity to ask some phenomenal people what grace means to them. Not only that, but I also got to hear responses from you sharing what you thought of when you heard my guests reflect upon what grace is. 

All throughout it, I've been journaling and reflecting upon what grace means to me. Here are the 5 things; here are my answers and my reflections upon what grace is. I also share some fun stories from my life and some inspiring stories I've gathered from throughout this past year. 

I hope you check it out! What lessons about grace have you learned this year? I love hearing from you via social media or email at tom@tomearl.com.

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Vulnerability, Manhood and Authenticity with Orlando Deral Wilson

This episode is one of the most powerful stories of the year and listening to this incredible story is a great way for you to wrap up 2019. This week I talked with Orlando Deral Wilson, who shared his extraordinary story of experiencing homelessness and living in his car and his journey of how he created stability in his life as well as in his mind and in his heart. 

He opens up about how he discovered that his experience of rejection had been influencing his decisions and how he was able to transform his reality through becoming vulnerable. We talked about the impact that being vulnerable can have on those around us, and how we can draw positive changes into our lives through opening our hearts.

Fueled by a passion to help others, Orlando began his fitness journey as a form of self-help after he found himself homeless. He had started going to the gym daily – originally only to shower – but slowly used exercise to overcome feelings of helplessness and convert them to feelings of empowerment. As he became stronger physically, he became stronger mentally and shared videos of his journey on social media and built a following of many who were inspired by his story.

Orlando discovered his love for cycling which made an enormous impact on him from both a mind and body perspective. Always focused on growth and knowledge, he quickly moved beyond student to pursuing his own certifications as a fitness trainer and cycling coach. This new career path clearly was Orlando’s calling and he become Certified Fitness Trainer  and earned cycling certifications from Schwinn, Spinning / MadDogg and Stages.

Throughout Los Angeles, Orlando has emerged as one of the most sought-after Cycling coaches, Personal Trainers and Wellness experts. He has built a loyal following based on his ability to connect with students and help them achieve and exceed their potential both physically and mentally.

I recommend this episode to anyone who has experienced serious challenges who would like to learn how to grow through the challenge by looking within and harnessing the power of transformation. Please share this episode with any men who you think can benefit from being part of the conversation that I have with Orlando about vulnerability and opening up our hearts to create a positive change in our lives. 

You can connect with Orlando on Instagram; and as personal trainer and cycling coach at Equinox Clubs and elite studios throughout the Los Angeles area. 

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How to Fund Your Nonprofit with Laura Ferretti

In today's episode, I talk to Laura Ferretti, a seasoned fundraising professional and family advisor, with particular expertise in social change organizations.  We talked about the business side of nonprofits and the tactical ways that non-profit owners can secure resources for their organizations. Laura provides a rare glimpse into the economics of fundraising, philanthropy and explains the role of the board and staff in fundraising. You won't want to miss this fascinating and deep dive into how to keep funds flowing through your non-profit organization. Bring your notepad because there are some key takeaways about different avenues of fundraising and possibly some information you didn't know. 

Laura has worked with 60+ organizations locally, nationally and internationally; from start-ups to $30M annual operating budgets; and with missions ranging from poetry-based peacemaking to creating a strong, inclusive, shared society in Israel, healing the Santa Monica Bay and reforming criminal justice laws in California. 

Laura's credentials include graduating from Smith College and she earned an MBA from UCLA; she’s also a Brittingham Fellow with USC’s Social Enterprise Lab and volunteer Co-Founder and Board Co-Chair of Los Angeles Advisors in Philanthropy with a commitment to seeing more money come into philanthropy through the intergenerational wealth transfer in support of social change leaders in LA.

You can connect with Laura on Linked In if you'd like to discuss fundraising with her.

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Superstition, Rituals and Reflection

In this week's episode, we begin the process of closing out this decade with grace. We do that by talking about how you can release blame, how you can regain control of your life through taking personal responsibility, and how you can release some of the disempowering superstitions that are holding you back - the superstitious thoughts may not be what you think!

Join me in this solo episode where I share some awesome stories that have led to my biggest breakthroughs this year. 

I'd love to hear what superstitious beliefs you become present to as you listen to this episode. I love hearing from you via social media or email at tom@tomearl.com. 

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Alignment Is The New Hustle With Jodi-Kay Edwards

On this week's episode, I talk to Jodi-Kay Edwards, the founder of Alignment Is The New Hustle, a business strategy and personal development brand helping entrepreneurs build wildly profitable businesses in a flow state. She is a firm believer that when your inner work meets your outer work you’re on your way to creating magic.

Jodi takes us on a deep dive into how she sees alignment and the key differences between alignment and hustling. We talked about some phrases that you may be using subconsciously that could actually be triggering shame around money. Jodi shares some tactical things you can do today to live a happier and more lucrative life, to live a journey that's transformative and take your business to the next level. 

You can connect with Jodi on Instagram at @jodikayedwards.

Listen to "Alignment Is The New Hustle With Jodi-Kay Edwards" on Spreaker.

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A Q&A Session With Close Friends

In this week’s episode, I host a special Q&A session with some of my awesome friends for an intimate and engaging opportunity. I allow my friends to ask any questions they like - including questions around politics, privilege in the coaching space, how to grow an audience as a musician, advice for creatives about how to get over the feeling of vulnerability when you’re putting out new work, how to decide which social media platforms to leverage if you have limited time and more. 

What I love about Q&A sessions is that you are sure to find some clarity related to questions that you’ve also been wondering. 

Q&A is my favorite form of content because instead of general advice, I can provide specific and nuanced feedback according to the asker’s concerns. I enjoy hearing the range of topics my friends are working on.

If any questions come up for you be sure to reach out on social media or email me at tom@tomearl.com.  

For our next Live Q&A session, visit - www.tomearl.com/events 

Guests: 

Sadiya Sassine IG - @sadiyasassine

@yummy.online

Samia Bano

Grant Hartwell IG - @grantsyourguy

Women’s Mosque

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Youth Development and Public School Education Expert Dr. Jenn Earl Foss

Today I talk to Dr. Jenn Earl Foss, a passionate public school educator with a strong background in advocating for ALL students.  Working in the field of education since 1995, Dr. Earl’s career spans across multiple states and school districts, but she has always served Title I communities. 

Dr. Jenn Earl Foss is also my sister! 

After completing her doctorate at Arizona State University, Jennifer began her adventure in California where she became the proud Principal of Herbert Hoover High School (HHS) in Glendale, California.  

Under Dr. Earl’s leadership, HHS has received many accolades and special recognitions.  Hoover High School was named a 2015 California Gold Ribbon School, including recognition for exemplary Arts program and Title I Academic Achieving High School.  HHS has Silver recognitions from both U.S. News and World Reports and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Dr. Earl was named Secondary Principal of the Year in 2018 by Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and Mayor’s Commendation via the Character and Ethics Committee for her work with the Special Olympics in Glendale Unified School District (GUSD).

In her roles as coach, teacher, Student Council advisor, student advocate and administrator, Jenn has continuously maintained a growth mindset for herself and those she serves.  She has been trained by Gender Spectrum to create gender-sensitive and inclusive school environments.  Her strong belief in ALL students is evidenced in the many clubs and programs that have been developed under her leadership, such as UNICEF and “Sneaker Culture Club”.  Dr. Earl’s students are taught to leave their legacy by creating programs and clubs that they feel fit their needs. 

A lifetime learner and health fitness enthusiast, Jenn is currently working towards becoming a Pilates Instructor.  She shares her passion with athletes at her school and has hopes of sharing with the community on a larger scale.   

Jenn’s motto is to Choose Joy & Share Joy whenever possible.

I hope you enjoy this week’s episode.

You can follow Dr. Jenn on Instagram @docjae.

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