Episodes

Join us as welcome Margaritte Arthrell-Knezek, the visionary founder and principal and Amber Gates, Instructional Leader for the Under the Canopy School. We explore their inspiring journey from running an after-school program to launching an innovative charter school under Tulsa Public Schools. Discover how Under the Canopy has transformed from a dream into a reality. Margaritte shares insights into the enrollment process and the excitement of offering spots to eager families, while Amber emphas...

Join us as we welcome Kuma Roberts, the CEO and President of the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, for an insightful conversation about the vital role chambers of commerce play in fostering business growth and community engagement. We'll explore the historical context and the unique missions of the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, shedding light on how they support black entrepreneurs both locally and nationally. Kuma provides a compelling perspective on how these chambers navigate th...

Matt Carney, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Pickup, takes center stage as he discusses the creation of a fresh, Alt Weekly-inspired website dedicated to Tulsa's vibrant cultural scene. Transitioning from his role at The Root, Matt shares the mission behind The Pickup, a platform that combines event listings with deep-dive journalism to fill the void left by previous alternative publications. From exploring the economics of Tulsa's galas to the quirky future of a local adult superstore, Ma...

ivic engagement consultant Amanda McCellon joins us on Pod4Good to spotlight the transformative power of grassroots activism in Oklahoma. Through her insightful experiences, Amanda sheds light on the impact of participating in local governance, from city councils to school boards. We dive into the significance of community involvement, with Amanda emphasizing how local elections often come down to just a handful of votes, making each voice critical in shaping essential services and policies. Thi...

Unlock the secrets of city governance as we engage with Nathan Picard, Tulsa's City Auditor, who transformed his career from art major to city auditor. Nathan details his unexpected journey and sheds light on the critical function of his role, made even more challenging by new charter requirements for candidates to be CPAs or certified internal auditors. He explains the nuances between external and internal auditing, offering a fresh perspective on financial accuracy and performance processes. E...

Join us for an inspiring conversation about aging with dignity and independence as we delve into the transformative work of Life Senior Services in Tulsa. Our guest, Eileen Bradshaw, executive director, shares how the organization is reshaping senior care through innovative programs and community support. Discover how seniors in Tulsa are staying active, engaged, and connected through dynamic activities and volunteer opportunities. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Life Senior Services (0:00:...

Uncover the secrets to transforming education in Tulsa as we spotlight Olivia Martin and Lisa Shotts, two remarkable leaders dedicated to closing the literacy gap. Learn how their organizations, Reading Partners and Gaining Ground, are breaking down barriers with innovative approaches such as science-based reading curricula and community-driven mentorship. Olivia and Lisa share inspiring stories of overcoming the summer slide and fostering a love for reading among underserved youth, bringing to ...

Join us on this heartwarming journey as we sit down with Evan Taylor and Cindy Webb from Pause 4 Paws, an organization that bridges the gap for individuals needing treatment for addiction, mental illness, or homelessness by fostering their beloved pets. Discover the significant barriers faced when treatment facilities can't accommodate animals and learn how Pause 4 Paws offers a lifeline by temporarily caring for these pets. Listen in as Evan and Cindy share touching stories of pet-owner reunion...

In this episode, we explore Devon Laney's journey as a leader in promoting entrepreneurship in Tulsa. He talks about his vision to change the city's innovation scene through his work at Gradient, a hub for entrepreneurs. Devon's experience at 36 Degrees North set the stage for his current efforts to build a strong business community. Listeners will learn about his plans to make Tulsa a key player in innovation and business growth. Devon is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and outlines ...

When Andrew and Sally Whitney poured their hearts into Good Cause Brewing, they didn't just create another brewery—they stirred up a movement. Their story, which we're thrilled to share with you, is a testament to the power of combining passions: Andrew's brewing artistry and Sally's nonprofit acumen have birthed a business that's as refreshing to communities as their beer is to palates. Their spirit of philanthropy shines through in every aspect, from the eclectic local art gracing their cans t...

Join us as we sit down with Lauren Sivak, Executive Director of the Opportunity Project, to unravel the challenges and triumphs of providing quality afterschool programs for Tulsa's youth. Listen in as we discuss the ripple effects of recent federal funding cuts on enrichment initiatives and share insights into the impactful work of after-school programs. Our chat not only covers the essential role these programs play in youth development but also touches on the city's unexpectedly smooth traffi...

Unlock the potential of data to drive social change as we sit down with Aaron Bean and Jess England from Asemio, leading voices in the field of data for good. Their insights shed light on the intricate dance between numbers and narratives, illustrating how nonprofits can harness data for impactful storytelling while meeting the stringent reporting requirements of entities like the United Way. We navigate the challenges of limited resources in the nonprofit sector, demonstrating the critical role...

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of Oklahoma's legislative landscape, focusing on women's health, economic development, and some truly unconventional bills. Tommy Yap of Metriarch shares his insights on how policies are affecting women's autonomy, economic mobility, and much more. **Key Topics Discussed:** - Women's health and economic development in Oklahoma - The challenges of childcare access and its impact on family economics - The Choosing Childbirth Act and why its f...

Imagine opening your door each day, not to a home, but to uncertainty. In our heartfelt discussion with Maggie Hoey, the beacon of hope at Lindsey House, we journey through the stories of women and children taking brave steps towards stability. This episode peels back the layers of hardship, from the sting of domestic violence to the struggle against substance abuse, revealing the unspoken trials and triumphs of those fighting for a fresh start. We celebrate the successes that warm our hearts an...

Are you looking for ways to make a difference in your community? We've got you covered! Join us as we engage in an enlightening conversation with Moises Echeverria, the dynamic President and CEO of the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. Learn how this transformative organization is building a stronger community by supporting public education in Tulsa. Moises walks us through the foundation's impactful initiatives, from funding programs within regulatory constraints to coordinating with companies for ...

On this engaging podcast episode, join us as we sit down with Victor, author of the recently released book 'Built From the Fire'. Victor walks us through the narrative he has built around the Goodwin family, owners of the Oklahoma Eagle in Greenwood since 1914. We explore how the Goodwin family and the Greenwood District have experienced white supremacy and Jim Crow laws, and how the community was rebuilt following the Tulsa Race Massacre. Victor shares the unique tools and processes he used to ...

Welcome to a brand new episode of our podcast! In this episode, we discuss the current accreditation crisis facing Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) with Ana Barros, a seventh-grade geography teacher at Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences and an active leader of the Protect TPS movement. Key points discussed in this episode include: - An in-depth look at the complex issues surrounding the accreditation of Tulsa Public Schools (0:00:15). Anna explains the different levels of accreditation, the potential...

Prepare to unlock the wonders of nature education as we take a fascinating exploration into the outdoors with our special guest, Margaritte Arthrell-Knezek, the innovative founder and executive director of Under the Canopy. She’s passionate about bringing the natural world to students across Tulsa Public School campuses. We'll wander the paths of this nature explorer program, skimming across their homeschool and summer camps initiatives, and the engaging activities that range from circle times t...

Imagine a world where every child in foster care has a dedicated advocate to fight for their permanency, a world where all foster children have a voice. This episode brings you a compelling discussion with Elizabeth Fisher and Comfort Keidel, key members of the Tulsa CASA team, who give us an inside look into this world where they tirelessly work to make a difference in children's lives every day. We delve into the life of a court-appointed special advocate, exploring the rigorous training they...

In this episode of the Pod 4 Good podcast, Dwayne Sheridan, the community engagement education manager for the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, discusses the work of the food bank and its efforts to address food insecurity. He highlights the organization's focus on serving rural communities, providing volunteer opportunities, and partnering with various organizations to distribute fresh food. He emphasizes the importance of education and outreach programs to break down the stigma surrounding food ...

In one of our most high level conversations, we talked to Cecilia Wessinger, Director for Global Community for the Global Entrepreneurship Network about ecosystem building, rainforest verse plantations, and why you should join her for some soup. By soup we mean join us at Tulsa Soup on May 23rd. Tulsa SOUP is a microfunding initiative that supports local community projects and helps bring them to life. We believe that small ideas can lead to big change, and we're here to help make that happen. ...

Dr. Jabraan Pasha, Vice President of Health Equity and Tulsa Market Medical Director for Juno Medical, recently joined the hosts of Pod 4 Good to discuss Juno's unique care model, the importance of health equity, and building trust with marginalized groups in the community. In between multiple rants from both Jesse and Chris on how frustrating it is to go to your doctor and how opaque our current healthcare system is, Dr. Pasha explains that Juno's model prioritizes patient relationships, preve...

Chris and Jesse are joined by Crystal Patrick and Jenni Yoder from Global Gardens. Global Gardens is a local nonprofit that works in public elementary and middle schools to use a garden as a vehicle to teach science, peace, and to empower students to become agents of change in their communities. Through the gardens, students learn to work with their peers and think critically in order to solve problems and make changes. The program also encourages students to take ownership of their own learning...

Jesse and Chris are joined by the Podmother herself, Marcia Bruno-Todd. We talk about how we should normalize the word "gestating" as Marcia approaches the birth of her next child, how many issues we are facing in America today about who feels seen or who does not, and what does leadership look like in our new hybrid work environment. Make sure to stay up to date on Leadership Tulsa as they celebrate their 50th birthday this September! We also want to recognize Tallgrass Estate Planning LLP, a...