In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Jee Vahn Knight, CEO of Baron Von Opperbean and the River of Time, to explore the intersection of creativity, hospitality, business strategy, and bold civic vision.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews ChangeMaker, Erik Olson, CEO of Dignity Made, about his upbringing in a Scandinavian Lutheran household in rural Minnesota and how his childhood experiences helped shape his values around community and morality. Erik shares his journey from pursuing a business degree to co-founding Dignity Made, which works with communities in the Philippines through various initiatives including education, water filtration, and fair trade coconut farming. Dignity Made offers consumers raw, organic coconut oil that is extracted using their centrifuge method, which preserves more micronutrients than traditional cold-pressed oils. Every 15oz jar of Raw Coconut Oil is hand signed by the person who bottled it, and every jar sold helps transform communities. The interview concludes with Erik discussing Dignity Made’s success in transforming the lives of coconut farmers and their families through ethical business practices and fair trade, while also touching on his personal faith journey and future aspirations for the company.

What if a single meal could nourish more than just a body—but also a soul? In this powerful episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Courtney Johnson, the heart and visionary behind Culinary Care, a nonprofit delivering restaurant-prepared meals and emotional support to cancer patients and their families. Courtney’s story begins with heartbreak: losing her father to stage IV lung cancer while still in high school. Fueled by grief and love, she launched Culinary Care in her early 20s with one goal—to help others facing what her family endured.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Shelby Mounts, who reflects on his 25 years of service with the US Navy and highlights the leadership lessons learned and his journey to becoming Executive Director of NextOp Veterans, a nonprofit organization focused on connecting veterans and military members to career opportunities. NextOp recruits, develops, and places military members and veterans into industry careers. The organization works one-on-one with enlisted service members and veterans to help translate military training and experiences into valued qualifications in the business community, and the organization works with and supports companies to develop and execute their veteran hiring and retention strategies.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Mike Pohlman, who has been a driving force at Pickering Firm, Inc. for more than 45 years, shaping the company's growth, culture and leadership. After graduating from Christian Brothers College (now Christian Brothers University) in 1979 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he joined Pickering and quickly established himself as a leader. From his early days as an energy engineer to his transition into project management, Mike developed a deep understanding of the industry and a leadership style rooted in collaboration, humility, and purpose. His influence helped guide Pickering through transformative milestones, including its transition to an employee-owned firm and a renewed commitment to the company’s core values of Service and Good Work.

This episode of the ChangeMakers podcast, produced by CityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services, features an insightful conversation with Kathy Mull, the Executive Director of The Cocoon, a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence agency located in Wood County, Ohio. Hosted by Jeremy C. Park, the episode delves into the critical issues of domestic and intimate partner relationship violence, highlighting the work of The Cocoon and its innovative programs like Champions of Change.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Monnie L. Bush, Jr., Founder and CEO of V1CTORY PROJECT (Victory, Project, Inc.) in Dayton, Ohio, and author of "Cultural Continuity: How the Victory Project Discerns 'Good' from 'God' and Stays True to Christ’s Calling," who shares how his faith and "through line" of community service led him to serve in the military and become a law enforcement veteran, then launch a nonprofit focused on empowering the next generation and revolutionizing poverty alleviation for inner-city youth through education, entrepreneurship, and enlightenment.

In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Dr. Stewart Burgess, CEO of the Children's Museum of Memphis (CMOM). With over 25 years dedicated to childhood development, Dr. Burgess shares his fascinating journey—from early inspirations in childhood to groundbreaking research in emotional and cognitive processes—and how it all culminates in his leadership at CMOM.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jeremy C. Park sits down with Taylor and Carter English, co-founders of The Rise School of San Antonio, to explore the transformative power of faith, family, and purpose-driven action. Their journey begins with personal challenges—the birth of their daughter Isabelle, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome—and evolves into a mission to redefine inclusion and early intervention for children with special needs.

This episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast was recorded on July 1, 2024. This 100th ChangeMakers Podcast episode honors the legacy, career, and calling of Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, who has been intertwining medicine and ministry for decades to transform lives and communities. Join host Jeremy C. Park as he talks with Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., who announced his retirement in June 2024, after serving as President and CEO of United Way of the Mid-South for more than nine years. Dr. Robinson became President and CEO in February 2015 after nearly 25 years as a volunteer and Board member of United Way of the Mid-South, the region's largest public, exclusively charitable foundation.