The Illuminate Podcast

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Episode 69: Molly Reeser- Camp Casey Dec 23, 2020

Show notes

Molly Reeser is the founder and executive director of Camp Casey. Camp Casey is a nonprofit organization that provides cost-free horseback riding programs to children with cancer and life-threatening illnesses in Michigan. They offer four unique programs that they offer including horse house calls, cowboy campouts, outlaw outings, and their newest program Lone Star Getaways

Molly started Camp Casey as a one-day event to honor the life of a young girl named Casey who had cancer that Molly met at a horse barn in 2004. 16 years later, Molly continues to run the programs and impact the lives of so many children and their families. They reach 1600 participants a year.

In this episode, Molly shares the story about meeting Casey and the impact that she had on her life, how she started Camp Casey, the programs that they offer and why they started the Lone Star Getaways this year, the story of how Horsey House Calls started, goals and dreams that she has for the organization, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

3:15- Introduction to Molly Reeser and what Camp Casey is

7:25- Who Casey is and how she inspired Molly to start Camp Casey

27:20- Where they put on events and leasing horses and renting barns for the day for events

30:00- How the Horse House Calls Program got started

45:00- The other programs that they have

56:15- How she sets up her and her staff’s schedules to allow for a good work-life balance

59:10- An organization that she partners with and volunteers for; The Buffalo Soldiers

1:01:20- Goals for the organization

1:05:30- Molly’s continue relationship with Casey’s family

1:12:50- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Camp Casey Website

Camp Casey on Instagram

Camp Casey on Facebook

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Girls Positivity Club on Instagram

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Episode 68: Sarah Hillware – Harnessing Power to Achieve Gender Equity Dec 17, 2020

Show notes

Today’s guest is a woman who holds many titles — social entrepreneur, global health strategist, advocate for women and girls and former Miss District of Columbia. Sarah Hillware is a force who has overcome fear to take risks, escaped domestic violence as a child and is breaking down gender inequality. In today’s episode we talk about equity, equality, intersectionality, how she started Girls Health Ed and what she is doing now in her role as Deputy Director of Women in Global Health. Sarah’s background, tenacity, passion and willingness to take risks are all part of her story and have driven her to lead important global change.

This is episode is hosted by Kristin Srour What we talked about: 2:20- Introduction to Sarah Hillware and her career 9:30- Her experience escaping domestic violence and the resources that she wished she had 15:10- What lead her to start her own organization, Girls Health Ed, and what the organization does 23:15- The girls that Girls Health Ed serves in the United States 27:45- The work that she does now with Women in Global Health 41:20- Competing as Miss District of Columbia 45:20- The app that she launched called She Wins 54:00- End of podcast questions Show Notes: Sarah Hillware Girls Health Ed Women in Global Health Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

Episode 67: Melissa Jones – Girls Positivity Club Dec 09, 2020

Show notes

Melissa Jones, founder of the Girls Positivity Club joins me on the podcast today!!

Melissa grew up as an ordinary middle-class girl in Indiana who had loving and supportive parents. Over time, she lost her sense of self when she moved schools, when her dad was diagnosed with brain cancer, and when she stopped taking care of her body thereby losing any self-esteem and confidence she ever had in herself.

It wasn’t until she joined a community of women looking to transform their lives that she finally began to transform hers and she started asking herself why there wasn’t a consistent voice in the community pouring into teaching girls positive habits and confidence techniques while joining them together to form this bigger sense of belonging. There were programs, but nothing that was consistently teaching young girls how to be proactive in confidence and self-worth before adulthood.

Melissa created Girls Positivity Club where she works directly with girls through weekly virtual coaching groups and clubs teaching girls how to have positive habits in self-belief, confidence, and empowerment for themselves and in supporting other girls.

This episode is hosted by Lindsey Hein.

What we talked about:

2:50- Introduction to what Girls Positivity Club is and what lead Melissa to start it

12:50- How she became so passionate about working with young girls as a mom of a 12 year old son

15:20- How Melissa started Girls Positivity Club after having the vision and how it has continued to grow

21:00- The mindset and strengths that she hopes the girls in her programs leave with and stories of girls that she has worked with

26:40- The importance of having an outside person teach your kids about positivity

31:25- The purpose that working with girls gives Melissa

32:10- The research that she has found about girls confidence throughout their life

35:10- Goals for Girls Positivity Club

37:15- Where to find out more information on Girls Positivity Club if you want to learn more

37:40- End of podcast questions

Connect with Melissa:

Girls Positivity Club

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Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam

Episode 66: Megan Myers- Limitless Sense of Wonder Dec 02, 2020

Show notes

Megan Myers is a fine artist and illustrator based in Bend, Oregon. She has her own art business, Megan Marie Myers Art, LLC. Her work is inspired by the outdoors and the connections that we have to both the outdoors and those around us. Megan hopes that her work serves as an entry point into people’s own imaginations and to think about their own relationships to nature, each other, and ourselves.

Before starting her own art business, Megan attended Seattle University and majored in Visual Arts. After graduation, she worked in art administration for a decade, including working for the world-renowned glass artist, Dale Chuhuly. Following that, she worked at Trader Joe’s in Portland, Oregon as a sign maker.

She has now worked with brands including Hydro Flask, Visit Bend, The Environmental Center, and so many more.

In this episode, Megan talked about taking the leap to start her own art business, her careers post college, what she hopes that people see when they look at her art, the joys that art brings her, her love for trail running and the outdoors, and so much more!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

3:40- The outdoors culture in Bend, Oregon

5:40- Introduction to Megan Myers

14:40- The importance of providing art opportunities in schools and for kids

16:55- Her career goals growing up and while in college

21:40- Her work in art administration for Dale Chihuly

27:05- Her work as a sign maker at Trader Joe’s in Portland

34:45- How her career at Trader Joe’s lead to her starting her own art business

37:05- The journey of launching her art business and some goals she has going forward

43:55- The process of hiring an employee in her business

47:55- Megan’s dream company/brand to work with

50:15- What she hopes that her art represents when people look at it

53:45- Where she pulls her inspiration from for her art

56:25- Her favorite outdoor activities to do in Bend, Oregon

1:00:10- What her typical day looks like with her own art business

1:05:35- End of podcast questions

Show notes:

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

The Creative Pep Talk Podcast

American Civil Liberties Union

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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Episode 65: Amanda Ensor – The Lifeline of Education Nov 25, 2020

Show notes

Some heroes wear capes, but today’s guest on the show is a quiet, local hero who has used her role as an educator and community leader to serve others. Most recently she has been working tirelessly behind the scenes serving an immigrant population on the eastern shore of Maryland as they face the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s guest is Amanda Ensor, a 17-year educator, who has used the power of education and the connection of schools to improve the wellbeing of and empower families within her community.

This episode is full of inspiration and a reminder of the power of education. Amanda talks about how living overseas inspired her to go into teaching. We discuss how schools serve as a lifeline for many families, and the impact of COVID-19 on that lifeline. She humbly shares about the work she has been facilitating during the pandemic, including food and supply drives and keeping families supported and connected. You will also learn about great children’s literature! Amanda’s wisdom, compassion, and leadership will leave you feeling that the future is bright because of heroes like her supporting the community and teaching our youth.

This episode is hosted by Kristin Srour.

What we talked about:

2:30- Introduction to how Amanda Ensor and Kristin know each other

4:00- Why Amanda chose to be a teacher

6:30- Various places that Amanda lived while growing up

7:15- What she saw in the education systems in other countries that surprised her

8:20- Why Amanda thinks there is a different value placed on education in other countries

10:20- How to instill a feeling of excitement and value on education in our children in the United States

13:00- Her experience as a teacher

15:30- Top books that she recommends for a 4^th grader

19:55- Her transition out of the classroom and what her new role as a Family Engagement Specialist is

36:00- How their school district handled food distribution to the community during COVID-19

45:30 – Advice that Amanda has for people that want to help their community in the current times

50:35- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

The Real McCoy series

The Mooncatcher Project

All American Boys By Jason Reynolds

Episode 64: Yuri Williams- A Future Superhero and Friends Nov 18, 2020

Show notes

Yuri Williams is the founder of the nonprofit organization, A Future Superhero And Friends. Yuri started the nonprofit after his mom passed away from cancer in 2009 and in this episode, he shares all about what his mom taught him and the kind, compassionate and giving traits that she passed on to him. His nonprofit is really unique because it isn’t tied to just helping one group or community, he really strives to make an impact on the lives of many. This includes the elderly, children, veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, kids in hospitals, individuals with disabilities, and so many more! Within his nonprofit, he has put together so many projects and events including blood drivers, movie nights, toy drives, feeding and clothing the homeless, and he even has visited all 50 states while doing a good deed in each state along the way.

Yuri is one of those people that gives everything he has, time, money, resources, and so much more to help others and make this world a better place. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Yuri and leave the conversation ready to do your own acts of kindness in your community as well!

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about

2:50- Yuri’s childhood and what his mom taught him growing up

3:30: The impact that Yuri felt from losing his mother

5:50- How he initially got involved with helping the homeless

10:30- Why he decided to start the nonprofit rather than continue to do what he was doing for people independently

12:55- How he decided on the name for the nonprofit

14:00- Why he is involved in helping so many different groups of people

16:00- How he fundraises for the nonprofit

16:55- Some of the projects that he has recently worked on

20:20- The work that he does as a correctional officer outside of running the nonprofit

21:40- Plans to work full time for his A Future Superhero nonprofit

22:05- Travelling to all 50 states to do good deeds in each state along the way

27:30- His goals for the nonprofit in the next 5 years

28:30- What he did to help others during COVID

32:15- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

A Future Superhero and Friends on Instagram

A Future Superhero and Friends on Facebook

A Future Superhero and Friends on Twitter

A Future Superhero and Friends Website

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One Thousand One City Website

Episode 63: Casey Crouse and Trevor DeWitt – One Thousand One City Nov 11, 2020

Show notes

Casey Crouse and Trevor DeWitt are on the show today. Back in June they started a project called One Thousand One City and completed this September.

One Thousand One City started as a project aimed at connecting the city of Indianapolis by running 1000 miles through its neighborhoods in 100 days. The goal is to meet its citizens, listen to their stories, and share what they have to say.

When the world often seems too big and disconnected, sometimes the best thing a person can do is to set out on their own two feet and simply meet people where they are at.

At its core, OTOC is about taking on a difficult challenge in order to achieve growth towards a better sense of connectedness and understanding to those around us. Through OTOC, another project – New Shoe Day was formed and you’ll hear all about that and their vision for turning it into a non profit in this episode!

Casey is a passionate ultra runner, passionate about movement, self-betterment, connecting to people and sharing personal stories of impact. Both Casey and Trevor work for Edge Mentoring – an organization that pairs young professionals with community leaders, EDGE provides the space for whole-person development while connecting generations in meaningful mentoring relationships.

Trevor is the logistics guy and not only did he run every mile with Casey for this project but he mapped out much of it and made sure the planning was all figured out.

This is a Cross Over Episode- it is also being aired on I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein!

What we talked about:

4:15- When they started One Thousand One City and what drove them to do this

5:15- Introduction to Trevor DeWitt

16:50- Introduction to Casey Crouse

19:50- Casey’s running history

28:18- What One Thousand One City is and why it got started

34:50- The purpose and mission behind One Thousand One City

43:15- What the next steps are for One Thousand One City and what New Shoe Day is

49:50- Fundraising money throughout the project and where the money went

52:05- Their plans for their New Shoe Day nonprofit

1:00:30- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

Edge Mentoring

Monumental Kids

We talked about A LOT of books – here they are:

Big Potential Shoe Dog The Ride of a Lifetime The 5am club Rules of Civility The Monk who sold his Ferrari The Alchemist The Great Alone

Music to Check Out:

Maggie Rogers

Connect with Casey & Trevor:

One Thousand One City on Instagram

New Shoe Day on Instagram

Casey on Instagram

Trevor on Instagram

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Indiana Recycling Coalition Website

Episode 62: Allyson Mitchell- Indiana Recycling Coalition Nov 04, 2020

Show notes

Allyson Mitchell is the executive director of the Indiana Recycling Coalition. The Indiana Recycling Coalition is a nonprofit in the state of Indiana that was founded in 1989. They focus on the education and advocacy to inspire the Indiana community, businesses, institutions, and governments to encourage waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. Their mission is “to strengthen the circular economy in Indiana through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting.”

In this episode, Allyson shares her path to becoming the executive director of the Indiana Recycling Coalition, some ways that you can improve your own recycling habits, how recycling impacts jobs, the economy, and the environment, and what the organization is currently working on.

This episode is hosted by Emma Benner.

What we talked about:

2:40- Introduction to Allyson Mitchell and what lead her to becoming the Executive Director at the Indiana Recycling Coalition

7:10- How her law degree benefits her work in the Indiana Recycling Coalition nonprofit organization

9:15- Current global events happening in the recycling industry that is causing the United States as well as local organizations (such as the IRC) to rethink and restructure how they recycle

13:50- The history of the Indiana Recycling Coalition

18:55- Creative ways to reduce your waste

22:50- The truth behind if and how items get recycled and how to maximize the chances of your items being recycled

33:15- How recycling can become contaminated and how to best clean your recyclables

36:50- How we can encourage people within our communities to recycle and what to say to someone that doesn’t believe that recycling works

40:05- Other things that recycling benefits beyond the environment

44:45- The obstacles that people face with recycling and what leads to people not recycling

49:45- What a day in the life looks like for Allyson as the executive director at the Indiana Recycling Coalition

52:40- How their organization is making structural and organizational changes to confront racism in the recycling community

58:45- End of podcast questions

Show Notes:

Indiana Recycling Coalition on Facebook

Indiana Recycling Coalition on Instagram

Allyson’s Book Recommendation: White Fragility

4Ocean

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