“If you take a chance on us, we’ll take a chance on you.” Those were the words that first led Carlos Guajardo to join forces with Think Tank over a decade ago, and ultimately to contribute his story and insights to the creation of the Cost of Poverty Experience. Now a published author of a book about his life story, Carlos shares his deep and honest reflections in this episode about what it took for him to journey out of poverty, and the unanticipated redemption he has found along the way.
Unanticipated Redemption by Carlos Guajardo
Over the past two decades, all facets of the American health system have come to understand the deep connection between social and environmental factors and health outcomes, including lifespan. Tracey Stute, a dedicated advocate and practitioner in behavioral health, joins me in this episode to delve into our evolving understanding and explore ways communities can assist those who've endured trauma and confronted health disparities.
In this episode, we are joined by our very own Andrea Carter, with Think Tank. Andrea invites us beyond the scarcity and pain of poverty to the hidden abundance found in people, families, and neighborhoods. Andrea connects listeners to our common humanity and the ways we both cope with hardships and pursue well-being. Today’s listeners will find themselves inspired to reconnect with the most profound gifts of life - relationships, simplicity, and spirituality.
In this episode, our guest is Thomas White, a seasoned entrepreneur in the Gig Economy. Thomas speaks from his own lived experience on the benefits of gig work, the pitfalls and how entrepreneurs and everyday people can leverage their skills for cash through current platforms. Thomas also speaks to how each of our communities can better support entrepreneurs and those choosing to make a living through non-traditional approaches to work and business.
In today’s episode, I am joined by Amy Riegel, a leader on housing in the state of Ohio. Amy shares with us stories of what led her to dedicate her life to helping Ohioans find safe and affordable housing. She sheds light on the current housing situation in our nation and offers insights into how each of us can become more supportive neighbors for those facing challenges with finding a place to call home.
“If you take a chance on us, we’ll take a chance on you.” Those were the words that first led Carlos Guajardo to join forces with Think Tank over a decade ago, and ultimately to contribute his story and insights to the creation of the Cost of Poverty Experience. Now a published author of a book about his life story, Carlos shares his deep and honest reflections in this episode about what it took for him to journey out of poverty, and the unanticipated redemption he has found along the way.
Unanticipated Redemption by Carlos Guajardo
Decades ago when Pastor Ken Moss’ prison term ended and he became a returning citizen, conversations were just getting started about the challenging realities of life with a prison record. Now an instrumental leader in developing and facilitating the Reentry Cost of Poverty Experience, Pastor Ken Moss shares more of his story: What it took to rebuild his life outside prison walls, and the radical relationships that helped him find a place to flourish.
Today Melissa Massey is a powerful supporter and advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Like many working in her field, her story is rooted in the firsthand experience of rebuilding life on the other side of addiction, poverty, and domestic violence. In this episode, Melissa reflects on where life has taken her and how she’s using that experience as a platform to help others.
Poverty is much more than an issue, and more than a statistic. It’s a condition experienced by real human beings, each with their own unique story. Guest Kristin Hicks first shared her experience of poverty with Think Tank over a decade ago, to help shape the Cost of Poverty Experience. Today she reflects on that experience, the wisdom she has gained, and the relational and emotional support that helped her make the journey out of poverty.
Time. Honor. Authenticity. Relationship. These are key ingredients for organizations that want to Build Together with those with lived experience - but sometimes they feel difficult to manage within the pressures of outcomes, deadlines, and budgets. Dr. Jimeka Holloway has spent years as a guide to organizations and communities seeking change. In this episode she shares her personal experience and insight about how organizations can persevere through these tensions, and the practices and beliefs that need to guide those who truly want to Build Together to see their communities thrive.
Karin VanZant is a leader who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo, especially when it comes to the systems intended to help those at the margins of poverty. Karin’s own proximity to the realities of poverty and to people who have navigated it have shaped her views on what it means to lead and what it looks like to build together to create systems that work for everyone.
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