Inspired Changemakers Podcast

Control What You Can Control | A Conversation with Gary Gilliam (Part 1) 

About the Episode

In Part One of this two-part conversation, Julia Healey sits down with Gary Gilliam — former NFL player, Penn State graduate, and founder of The Bridge Eco Village — to explore how adversity, structure, and belief shaped his path from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to national impact.

Gary reflects on growing up in generational poverty, being sent at eight years old to the Milton Hershey School, and the difficult mindset shift required to move from survival to opportunity. He share...

Beyond the Checkbook | A Conversation with Rick Peck

🎧 About the Episode:

In this episode, Julia sits down with Rick Peck, an independent philanthropic advisor and founder of The Philanthropy Guy, to talk about what really moves giving from good intentions to meaningful impact. Growing up in a service-minded family and later working in fundraising, healthcare, and community foundations, Rick shares how those experiences shaped his belief that every great gift starts with a clear sense of values, purpose, and the change you want to see in the world.

Julia and...

Start Small, Do Something | A Conversation with Corinne Grimaldi

🎧 About the Episode:

In this episode, Julia welcomes Corinne Grimaldi, Manager at Evans, Inc., where she leads corporate social responsibility (CSR) alongside organizational development, change management, and strategic planning. Raised with a service-first mindset, Corinne shares how those early experiences shaped a practical, people-centered approach to giving at work.

Julia and Corinne dig into living your values loudly, building psychological safety so employees feel free to “care out loud,” and simple systems that make participation easy—like crowdsourcing causes, a “March Chari...

🎧 About the Episode:

Rodney McLeod Jr. is a recently retired NFL safety, Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, and 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award nominee. After going undrafted in 2012, Rodney built a 13-year career across four teams, earning recognition not only for his play but for his community service, including the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award. With his wife Erica, he co-founded the Change Our Future Foundation to empower youth through mentorship, education, and exposure.

In this episode, Rodney reflects on his journey from overlooked athlete to respected leader and how adversity, including mul...

🎧 About the Episode:

Dr. Natasha T. Brison, JD, PhD, is a tenured associate professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina, an accomplished attorney, and a leading voice in sport and entertainment law. With professional experience in contracts, licensing, copyrights, trademarks, and sponsorship agreements, Natasha expanded her practice to focus on athlete branding and the legal aspects of marketing—bridging creativity and compliance to create opportunity.

In this episode, Natasha shares her journey from law to academia, and why she embraces being “comfortable being uncomfo...

Stories That Spark Action: A Conversation With Jill Kubit

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About the Episode

Jill Kubit is a social entrepreneur, climate communicator, and the visionary behind DearTomorrow — a 10-year storytelling project that invites people to write letters to their loved ones about climate change and the future they hope to create. With over...

About the Episode
Sophia Chang is a screenwriter, author, and music industry legend who has managed icons like RZA, GZA, and D’Angelo—and now she’s building something even bigger. As the founder of Unlock Her Potential, a mentorship program for women of color, Sophia is creating the kind of support system she never had.

In this episode, Sophia sits down with United Charitable CEO Julia Healey to share her journey from the hip hop clubs of 1980s New York to launching a charitable initiative. She opens up about navigating racism and sexism, being...

Building Community Through the Game | A Conversation with Mike Brown & Evan Makle

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About the Episode

In this episode, Julia Healey sits down with Evan Makle and Mike Brown, teammates on the Virginia Valley Vipers, to talk about how basketball has shaped their lives—and how they’re using th...

Leading with Action: A Conversation with Wayne Applewhite and Sheila Baerenz

Don't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of visionaries transforming lives and shaping a better future. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like Wayne and Sheila’s!

About the Episode

Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a practice, a mindset, and, according to this episode’s guests, a verb. Wayne Applewhite and Sheila Baerenz, co-hosts of the podcast 27 Minutes with Sheila and Wayne, join host Julia Healey to...

From Adversity to Advocacy: A Conversation With John Heath

Don't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of visionaries transforming lives and shaping a better future. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like John’s!

About the Episode

John Heath, adaptive CrossFit athlete and Marine Corps veteran, turned a challenging childhood and life-changing injury into a mission for adaptive athletics. As the founder and CEO of the Adaptive Athletic Foundation of Maryland, he champions innovative adaptive fitness cer...

Empowering Athletes Beyond the Game | A Conversation with Hannibal Navies

Don't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of visionaries transforming lives and shaping a better future. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like Hannibal’s!

🎧 About the Episode:

Hannibal Navies is a 9-year NFL veteran, social entrepreneur, and the Vice President of Development at Athletes Charitable, where he leads initiatives that create lasting change in underserved communities. As the founder of 360 Sports Academy and the Hannibal Navies Foundation, Hanni...

🎧 About the Episode:
Anthony Flynn is a seasoned leadership advisor, CEO mentor, and accomplished author who has worked with Fortune 100 companies like Coca-Cola, FedEx, and Pfizer. Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Anthony overcame significant challenges in his youth, from economic struggles to personal trauma, to become a leader driven by purpose, discipline, and adaptability.

In this episode, Anthony shares his inspiring journey—how pain and purpose shaped his leadership philosophy, the importance of self-discipline and vulnerability in achieving success, and why helping others unlock their barriers is central to his work. From navigating personal failures to de...

Breaking Silos, Building Community | A Conversation with Staci Reidinger

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🎧 About the Episode:

Staci Reidinger is a 24-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Ironman triathlete, and the leader of Cause San Diego, a fiscally sponsored program of United Charitable dedicated to uniting businesses, nonprofits, and communities to tackle pressing soc...

Don't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of changemakers who are transforming lives and shaping a better future. Your support helps us continue bringing stories of impactful changemakers like Tina Stevens-Culbreath to light!

🎧 About the Episode:

Join host Julia Healey on the Inspired Changemakers podcast as she sits down with Tina Stevens-Culbreath Tina Stevens-Culbreath, Founder/Executive Director of I’m Just Me Movement, Team Market Owner of the Valley Vipers, and Councilwoman on Stephens City Town Council. Tina is a train...

From Burnout to Balance | A Conversation with Dr. Joy

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🎧 About the Episode:

Join host Julia Healey on the Inspired Changemakers podcast as she sits down with Dr. Barbara Joy Jones-Parks, a dually board-certified family medicine physician. Throughout the episode, Dr. Joy shares her jou...

🎧 About the Episode:

Join host Julia Healey on the Inspired Changemakers podcast as she sits down with Eti Lazarian, a dynamic entrepreneur and philanthropist. Eti Lazarian is a former Staff Sergeant in the Israeli Defense Forces and currently the General Operations Director overseeing real estate projects at Insignia LLC. Beyond her successful career, she's a passionate philanthropist, inspiring her daughters to give back through projects like food distribution during COVID crises and helping children in shelters, all guided by a simple philosophy of "Be Kind." 

In this episode, Eti shares her remarkable journey of b...

Giving Back | A Conversation with Jonny Rosch

Join host Julia Healey in an insightful conversation with Jonny Rosch on the Inspired Changemakers Podcast. Discover Jonny's profound journey driven by a core value instilled by his family: service. From early inspirations to becoming a CPA specializing in not-for-profit organizations, Jonny shares how his career path aligns with his passion for making a difference. With a wealth of experience in audit, assurance, and navigating complex accounting and tax issues unique to the not-for-profit sector, Jonny illuminates the pivotal role CPAs play in empowering these organizations.

...

The Impact of Empowerment | A Conversation with Fred Baerenz

🎧 About the Episode:

Join host Julia Healey on the Inspired Changemakers podcast for a conversation with Fred Baerenz, President and Chief Executive Officer of AOG Wealth Management, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Reston, Virginia. 

In this episode, Julia and Fred discuss their personal and professional journeys. Hear more about the value of having a common purpose, the impact of empowering people, the power of philanthropy, and more in the full episode! Like, share, and leave a comment belo...

The Leader's Edge | A Conversation with Kristin Lytle

🎧 About the Episode:

Join host Julia Healey on the Inspired Changemakers podcast for a conversation with Kristin Lytle, the CEO of The Leader’s Edge. With a wealth of experience in talent assessment, leadership development, and organizational design, Kristin brings a unique perspective to the table.

Drawing from her extensive career at renowned companies such as Vanguard, Kohler Company, Whirlpool, and Target, Kristin shares invaluable insights on unlocking talent potential and aligning HR solutions with business priorities. Her mission-driven approach has helpe...

Most People Don’t | A Conversation with Bart Berkey

🎧 About the Episode:

Join host Julia Healey on the Inspired Changemakers podcast as she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Bart Berkey, the renowned TEDx motivational storyteller and bestselling author. Together, they explore the art of activating change, applying it to philanthropy, and dive into Bart's inspiring personal and professional journeys.

Bart's unique "Most People Don't" approach has transformed countless lives by empowering individuals to tap into their hidden potential and take meaningful action. In this episode, he shares insights from...

🎧 About the Episode:

In this episode, Inspired Changemakers is honored to host Knox Singleton and Rachel Schaefer, two remarkable individuals dedicated to making a difference in their community. Knox Singleton, Vice Chair and Founder of Inova Health System, brings over 35 years of experience in healthcare leadership and philanthropy. Despite technically retiring, Knox continues to serve people in various capacities, co-founding Opportunity Scholars and serving as Executive in Residence for Healthcare Management at Shenandoah University School of Business, among other roles. 

Rachel Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Opportunity Scholars, has dedicated her life to help...

🎧 About the Episode:

 In this episode, Inspired Changemakers is honored to host Darnerien McCants, a true inspiration in every sense. From his roots in Baltimore, Maryland, to a standout high school athlete across three schools, Darnerien's journey took a pivotal turn when he walked on scholarship to Delaware State University, excelling in both football and track.

As a fifth-round draft choice to the Washington Commanders where he played for four years before joining the Eagles for an additional year, Darnerien's NFL career was marked by achievements on and off the field. Notable accolades incl...

🎧 About the Episode:

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Joe Cope. Joe Cope is the co-founder of Cope Corrales, a multi-family office based in Washington, DC and C4M, an equity long/short hedge fund. With over two decades of experience advising high net worth and institutional clients, Joe specializes in comprehensive, multi-generational wealth planning and philanthropic strategies. Join us as Joe discusses his personal, professional, and philanthropic journeys. 

Tune in to explore Joe Cope's expertise, his role in founding and leading influential institutions, and how an abundance mindset and confidence in y...

Don’t Stop Fighting | A Conversation with JR Redmond

🎧 About the Episode:

In this episode, we're honored to welcome JR Redmond, a former American football running back in the NFL and founder of the JR Redmond Silverback Foundation. JR won Super Bowl XXXVI as a member of the Patriots over the St. Louis Rams. Five years into retirement, JR battled depression and was eventually diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder with Psychosis, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-concussion Syndrome, and Chronic Pain Syndrome. The next phase of his life was challenging as JR...

Don’t Do Nothing | A Conversation with Jonathan Smith

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🎧 About the Episode:

As the Owner of Brush Arbor Homes and the visionary behind Buy One Build One, Jonathan is committed to bringing about positive change on a global scale. Throughout the episode, Julia and Jonathan delve into themes of leadership, innovation, and the profound impact of philanthropy. Gain a deeper underst...

The Ability to Change | A Conversation with Ryan McNeil

🎧 About the Episode:

 Ryan McNeil, Founder and CEO of SportsID, Inc
joined us on the Inspired Changemakers Podcast. SportsID is a data driven sports-technology company that focuses on providing modern mobile and web based products and services to the sports market through one digital platform.  McNeil has received awards for his contributions to entrepreneurship in the sports industry. Additionally, Ryan serves as a Board Member of United Charitable. Throughout the episode, Julia and Ryan discuss discipline, the power of both techn...

Using Your Superpower | A Conversation with Lisa Geraci Rigoni

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🎧 About the Episode:

Lisa Geraci Rigoni is the Founder of The Organizing Mentors and the author of the Amazon #1 Best Selling Book, 17 Spatulas and the Man Who Fried an Egg. Lisa has helped hundreds of people discover why they hold onto their stuff, break through unhealthy connections, and get to the peace...

Leaning Into Adversity | A Conversation with Hubert Payne

Don't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of changemakers who are transforming lives and shaping a better future. 

🎧 About the Episode:

With his infectious enthusiasm, unwavering dedication, and innate ability to connect with individuals, Hubert Payne stands as a true inspiration and role model. His journey from the world of music to the realm of personal development and wellness exemplifies his unwavering commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their full potential, find harmo...

The Need for Structure | A Conversation with Kirk Cassidy

Don't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of changemakers who are transforming lives and shaping a better future. 
 

🎧 About the Episode:

Kirk Cassidy is the President and CEO of Senior Planning Advisors and Strategic Investment Advisors. He is a fiduciary who holds a Series 65 securities license, as well as a life insurance license in Michigan and many other states. In addition, Kirk is an advisory board member for a $6.5 billion insti...

🎧 About the Episode:
Hannibal Navies is a former NFL athlete who played 10 years in the league. He now serves as Vice President of Development at United Charitable and spearheads the Athletes Charitable division. Athletes Charitable works to help professional and retired athletes make a positive impact on the world through social entrepreneurship. He is joined by Charlie Batch, a 15-year NFL veteran and founder of the Best of the Batch Foundation, in this episode to speak with Julia about their experience in philanthropy and their upcoming podcast, Giving Legends.  Please remember to like, share, and leave a comment belo...

The Mental Game | A Conversation with Alexis Belton


🎧  About the Episode:
Alexis Belton is a Professional Athlete, Media Personality, and Golf Innovator. 
Alexis's journey to golf is a unique story. She has played professionally for over 6 years on the LPGA Epson Tour, Australian Ladies Tour as well as sanctioned European Ladies Tour Events.
 She also took her strength on the course as a long hitter to the big stage by becoming a Professional Long Driver. She ended her career as #1 American and #3 in the World. 
As she is transitioning career, you can follow...

Servant Leadership and Being Your Best Self | A Conversation with Dr. Mindy Milavsky

🎧 About the Episode: 

Dr. Mindy Milavsky is the principal of Lawrence Middle School in Mercer County, NJ. Since Dr. Milavsky began serving as principal, Lawrence Middle School has received 9 Promising Practice Awards from the Character Education Partnership and has been identified as a NJ State School of Character. Beyond the school day, Dr. Milavsky serves as an instructor for the Foundation for Educational Administrators’ nationally recognized NJEXCEL program, inspiring future administrators to lead with heart. Throughout the episode, she ref...

🎧 About the Episode:
Larry Asante is a former NFL safety and current social entrepreneur. Throughout the episode, he opens up about his background, the pivotal moments that led him to become a changemaker, how his father’s legacy has influenced his philanthropy, and the power of creating bridges to create impact. Please remember to like, share, and leave a comment below to support Larry and his impactful work.

 🔗 Connect with Larry:
Instagram
Website

🎙️Join our community of Inspired Changemakers! 

The Inspired Changemakers Podcast is a platform that showcases inspiring individuals who are making...

🎉 Don't forget to subscribe to the Inspired Changemakers Podcast to stay updated with the latest stories of changemakers who are transforming lives and shaping a better future.  

🎧 About the Episode: 

In this episode, we dive into the lives of two inspiring individuals, Tammy Highley and Meagan Zawistowski, who have created positive change in their communities and have a powerful mutual connection- CrossFit. 

Tammy Highley, also a wife and mother of two, is a CrossFit Coach at Shenandoah CrossFit in Winchester, VA. Her own transformative CrossFit journey inspired her to change her life and help othe...

About the Episode:
Valerie Pisierra is a 35-year military wife who landed in Loudoun County, Virginia and has been Executive Director of Loudoun Cares since October 2017. She led the organization through the COVID 19 pandemic to eventually earn the Nonprofit of the Year and Small Business of the Year awards by the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce in 2021. Throughout the episode, she opens up about her background, the
pivotal moments that led her to become a changemaker, and how powerful community and connection can be.
Please remember to like, share, and leave a comment below to...

About the Episode:
Rennie Curran is a former professional athlete who currently serves as an active Keynote Speaker,
Author, and the CEO of Game Changer Coaching. Throughout the episode, he opens up about his background, the pivotal moments that led him to become a changemaker, and how identifying your passions can be the key to learning what your calling is and unlocking your activation.
Please remember to like, share, and leave a comment below to support Rennie and his impactful work.

Connect with Rennie:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Website Duration: 00:33:52

About the Episode:
Charlie Batch is a retired NFL quarterback and social entrepreneur who is passionate about giving back.
He is the Founder of the Best of The Batch Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit focused on unlocking potential in communities to build the best future for kids and families by providing choices, motivation, and education. Throughout the episode, he opens up about his background, the pivotal moments that led him to become a changemaker, and what it means to ‘be more than’. Please remember to like, share, and leave a comment below to support Charlie and his im...

A Podcast about all the amazing things people are doing to make the world a better place - all about creating change and the moments that inspired our guests to activate.
Stay tuned to be inspired!

Inspired Changemakers Podcast hosted by Julia Healey

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