Tulsa Area United Way's Tocqueville Society turns 40 this year. In the first episode of our anniversary series, Alison Anthony sits down with two members. Monica Basu, executive director of the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation, started giving to United Way at 22 on a meager paycheck and has given every year since. Paul E. Johnson, Senior Vice President for Corporate Banking at Bank of Oklahoma Financial, grew up watching his parents lead through Tocqueville and recently stepped into membership himself. They talk about why they give through United Way. Learn more about the Tocqueville Society at tauw.org/tocqueville

Evan Dougoud started BeHeard Movement after listening to young people experiencing homelessness say they wanted people to understand what life looked like from their side. That listening turned into action.Today, BeHeard Movement brings mobile showers, laundry, haircuts and case management directly to neighbors in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. On this episode of the Live United Podcast, Evan talks about the start of BeHeard Movement, the Social Innovations grant that helped the work grow, and the new idea now taking shape in Tulsa. The world’s first virtual volunteer vending machine will give people access to basic needs after hours. A person can walk up, request help, and connect with a volunteer by video. That volunteer could be in Tulsa or across the country. For Evan, the goal is simple. Help should be close enough for someone to reach it when they need it most.

On the latest Live United video podcast, co-hosts Diane Eason Contreras and Matthew Gleason sit down with Eileen Bradshaw, president and CEO of LIFE Senior Services, and Lauren Zeligson, LIFE communications specialist, for a conversation about aging, caregiving, housing, and connection in our community. They talk about the growing need for affordable senior housing in Tulsa, the support LIFE Senior Services provides to older adults and caregivers, and the impact of programs like SeniorLine, transportation services, and the LIFE’s Active Senior Center at Roma Berry. You’ll also hear a sweet story about two senior center members who found love after reconnecting later in life. This episode is a great reminder that staying connected, supported, and engaged matters at every age.  Our audio and video podcast is available at tauw.org/podcast and wherever you enjoy podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Vimeo and more.  

In the latest episode of the Live United podcast, host Janey Kotthoff talks with Karie M. Jordan, President and CEO of Bridges, along with Bridges team member Shameeka Steele and her son Willie, about inclusive employment, self-advocacy, and the power of finding work where you truly belong. Willie shares how his role at Bridges helped him build confidence and independence, while Shameeka reflects on what it means to step back as a parent and watch your child’s voice grow. It’s a heartfelt conversation about dignity, opportunity, and the impact of Bridges in our community. Listen wherever you enjoy podcasts. And watch on YouTube and Vimeo. 

This week’s episode brings together three women whose stories show what support, connection, and second chances can spark.Michelle Thomas, senior manager of community relations at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, shares how working in service shaped her life and how her sister’s recovery deepened that commitment.Her sister, Melissa Casey, opens up about her journey through addiction, the impact of Family & Children's Services program Women in Recovery, and her work with the Tulsa County Alternative Court programs. Her story shows how courage and community can rebuild a life.Monica Hartweg, also with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, talks about the moment she called Tulsa Area United Way's 211 Eastern Oklahoma 24/7 helpline and found a path toward stability, healing, and long-term recovery. Her experience shows how one call can change everything.Each story reveals a different doorway into hope. Together, they paint a clear picture of why community resources matter and why united is the way.

In this episode of the Live United podcast, co-hosts Janey Kotthoff and Matthew Gleason sit down with Lisa Kelly, CEO of The Arc of Oklahoma, and Erin Shepherd, who leads the Arc@School program. Together, they explore how this initiative, supported by a 2023 Tulsa Area United Way Social Innovations Grant, is breaking down barriers in special education and giving families the tools they need to thrive.Learn more about the Arc of Oklahoma and Arc@School at www.thearcok.org

In this episode of the Live United podcast, hosts Carla Meyer and Chase Mowery sit down with the 2025 Tulsa Area United Way Fundraising Drive Chair Jackie Price Johannsen, of Price Family Properties. Jackie shares her personal journey from practicing law in New York City to returning to Tulsa, explaining what convinced her to take on this vital role and why she believes everyone in the community is connected to the United Way's work. The conversation also highlights the Downtown Deco Challenge. Join us Saturday, August 23, from 8 am-12 pm for free food and fun for the whole family. For every person or pet that goes under the balloon arch, Price Family Properties will donate $100 (up to $100,000) to help kick off our 101st fundraising drive. Watch to learn more about Jackie's "all in" approach and how much it means to be "pulling on the same rope" for the Tulsa Area United Way.

On this episode of the Live United podcast, Alison Anthony, President and CEO of Tulsa Area United Way, sits down with Lindsay Jordan, Founder and CEO of Write On Fundraising, for a compelling conversation about the future of philanthropy.Write On Fundraising bridges the gap between traditional and innovative fundraising strategies, delivering impactful solutions for mission-driven nonprofits through expert grant writing, donor engagement, strategic training, and capital campaign leadership.Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how nonprofits can forge strong connections with their supporters and create sustainable funding models powered by Write On Fundraising’s deep commitment to equity, access, and amplifying the voices of those leading change in our communities.

Watch our latest episode of the Live United Podcast, hosted by Jesse Guardiola and featuring Isabel Flores, a bilingual reporter with 2 News Oklahoma. The discussion explores how Isabel's cultural background and language skills allow her to connect with and report on stories within Tulsa's Hispanic community, often serving as a crucial voice. She highlights the importance of covering stories that showcase community resilience, collaboration, and Tulsans coming together to support one another, reflecting the core values of Living United.

Welcome to a special milestone episode of the Live United podcast. This is our first-ever simulcast episode, available as both an audio podcast.In this episode, host Matthew Gleason and co-host Madison Cotherman explore the impact of Affinity Groups at Tulsa Area United Way. Affinity Groups like Women United and NextGen United provide donors with opportunities to connect, lead, and give back beyond traditional contributions.We are joined by two special guests who help lead these efforts:Heidi Hartman – 2025 Chair of Women UnitedEmily Underwood – Chair of NextGen UnitedWhat you'll learn in this episode:- What Affinity Groups are and how they empower donors- How Women United fosters leadership and service among women- How NextGen United engages young professionals in philanthropy- The 2025 edition of Time for a Cause is a unique online auction where volunteer hours hold real value- How to get involved in these dynamic groups and make an impact in the Tulsa areaListen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.Learn more about Women United and NextGen United at https://www.tauw.org/affinitygroups/Subscribe to stay updated on how Tulsa Area United Way is making a difference in your community!