Pod 4 Good Rant9 Productions

Join us as we sit down with Lauren Sivak, Executive Director of the Opportunity Project, to unravel the challenges and triumphs of providing quality afterschool programs for Tulsa's youth. Listen in as we discuss the ripple effects of recent federal funding cuts on enrichment initiatives and share insights into the impactful work of after-school programs. Our chat not only covers the essential role these programs play in youth development but also touches on the city's unexpectedly smooth traffic and spacious parking—a lighthearted contrast to the serious topic at hand.
Venture into the world of after-school enrichment as we reflect on the surprising cultural shift from voluntary to paid programming for educators in Tulsa. With Lauren's guidance, we explore the emotional and financial investment in after-school programs, highlighting the generous support for teachers and the essential need for diverse and inclusive opportunities for students. From cooking clubs to robotics, every activity holds educational value. Amidst the backdrop of our own high school memories and club aspirations, we underscore the challenges non-profits face in sustaining these valuable programs, especially in today's financial climate.
Cap off this enlightening conversation with a look at the big dreams for Tulsa's afterschool scene, including the need for data-driven decision-making and tracking to ensure the safety and success of these programs. We stand up for the importance of social and emotional learning in the face of skepticism, affirming that fostering a sense of safety and inclusion is fundamental for learning. As we navigate the contentious educational landscape, we reaffirm our belief in the power of a well-educated populace to sustain a functioning democracy. So tune in, get involved, and see how you can be a part of empowering the next generation.
And don't forget to go to their fundraiser, Data on Draft on April 25th! Register here: Data on Draft — The Opportunity Project
We also want to recognize Tallgrass Estate Planning LLP, as they are the newest corporate partners with Rant9 Productions. We look forward to continuing our podcast network with their support, and we appreciate their efforts in creating a unique and necessary community service in estate planning today. Learn more about Tallgrass Estate Planning LLP, check out www.tallgrassestateplanning.com or check out their Facebook, www.facebook.com/tallgrassestateplanning.
Please subscribe to Pod4Good wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re not sure where, check out www.Pod4Good.com

Unlock the potential of data to drive social change as we sit down with Aaron Bean and Jess England from Asemio, leading voices in the field of data for good. Their insights shed light on the intricate dance between numbers and narratives, illustrating how nonprofits can harness data for impactful storytelling while meeting the stringent reporting requirements of entities like the United Way. We navigate the challenges of limited resources in the nonprofit sector, demonstrating the critical role that well-presented data plays in painting a powerful picture of change and need.
Data sharing emerges as a crucial, yet complex, endeavor in our quest to solve pressing social issues. Aaron and Jess take us through the pioneering work being done in Tulsa, where anonymization techniques have enabled a secure environment for integrating datasets from multiple sources. This not only safeguards personal information but also fosters a collaborative approach to problem-solving, revolutionizing how organizations manage sensitive data for the greater good. We explore the nitty-gritty of maintaining data integrity, validating its accuracy, and fostering data literacy—vital steps toward impactful analysis and reporting.
As we wrap up our enriching conversation, the spotlight turns to technology's expanding role in amplifying nonprofit missions, with a specific look at the evolving landscape of AI and the ethical frameworks that guide its development. Aaron and Jess highlight the significance of setting clear objectives for AI, addressing inherent biases, and including a diversity of perspectives when setting ethical guidelines. We celebrate the real-world impacts of our guests' initiatives, from bolstering Women in Recovery to Tulsa's broader community advancements, showcasing the powerful fusion of data and technology in creating social impact that resonates both locally and globally.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of Oklahoma's legislative landscape, focusing on women's health, economic development, and some truly unconventional bills. Tommy Yap of Metriarch shares his insights on how policies are affecting women's autonomy, economic mobility, and much more.
**Key Topics Discussed:**
- Women's health and economic development in Oklahoma
- The challenges of childcare access and its impact on family economics
- The Choosing Childbirth Act and why its funds are underutilized
- The surge of legislative efforts to address domestic violence and concerns over over-criminalization
- Odd and unconventional bills in Oklahoma's legislature and their implications
- The lack of public input in the legislative process and how it affects policymaking
- A humanizing look at Oklahoma's legislators and the importance of engaging with them
**Chapter Summaries:**
- **(0:00:01) Women's Health and Economic Development:** Tommy Yap discusses his work with Metriarch, the challenges women face in Oklahoma, and the need for policies that respect women's autonomy and promote economic mobility.
- **(0:13:39) Childcare and Trans Healthcare in Oklahoma:** The chapter addresses the critical issue of childcare access and the struggles faced by single mothers, as well as the importance of inclusive gender-affirming healthcare.
- **(0:19:09) Legislative Focus:** Tommy provides insights into the Choosing Childbirth Act, legislative trends, and the delicate balance of justice for victims of domestic violence.
- **(0:23:06) Insane Bills in Oklahoma Legislative Process:** A discussion on the more bizarre bills proposed in Oklahoma, including Bigfoot hunting licenses and the 'furry bill', as well as the unique quirks of the legislative process.
- **(0:28:22) Limited Public Input in Oklahoma Legislature:** An exploration of the supermajority's disconnect from the state's political leanings and the challenges posed by a limited legislative session.
- **(0:39:22) Legislators as People:** Tommy shares experiences that showcase legislators as accessible individuals who can find common ground with constituents.

Imagine opening your door each day, not to a home, but to uncertainty. In our heartfelt discussion with Maggie Hoey, the beacon of hope at Lindsey House, we journey through the stories of women and children taking brave steps towards stability. This episode peels back the layers of hardship, from the sting of domestic violence to the struggle against substance abuse, revealing the unspoken trials and triumphs of those fighting for a fresh start. We celebrate the successes that warm our hearts and confront the sobering truth of limited resources in the face of overwhelming demand.
Money—it's not just currency; it's an emotional tapestry woven from our past. As we unravel our own interwoven fears and behaviors around spending, we transition to a broader canvas, painting the stark realities of homelessness. This candid conversation not only reflects on the developmental scars it inflicts on children but also shines a light on how organizations like Lindsay House are striving to stitch together a community where dignity and stable housing are accessible to everyone. Through the lens of our shared experiences, we uncover the layers of community effort and the impediments faced in creating a spectrum of housing opportunities.
We close with a critical examination of the housing crisis, questioning how we can cultivate fertile ground for affordable living in a world where policy and practicality often clash. Maggie shares insights into the uphill battle for those transitioning from places like Lindsay House, hoping to plant roots in a place they can call their own. And as we highlight collaborations with groups such as Habitat for Humanity, we're reminded that it's not just about the physical structures we erect, but about cultivating a society that values each of its members, providing more than just shelter, but a chance to thrive. Join us for a conversation that's as much about building homes as it is about laying the foundation for societal change.
We also want to recognize Tallgrass Estate Planning LLP, as they are the newest corporate partners with Rant9 Productions. We look forward to continuing our podcast network with their support, and we appreciate their efforts in creating a unique and necessary community service in estate planning today. Learn more about Tallgrass Estate Planning LLP, check out www.tallgrassestateplanning.com or check out their Facebook, www.facebook.com/tallgrassestateplanning.
Please subscribe to Pod4Good wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re not sure where, check out www.Pod4Good.com

Are you looking for ways to make a difference in your community? We've got you covered! Join us as we engage in an enlightening conversation with Moises Echeverria, the dynamic President and CEO of the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. Learn how this transformative organization is building a stronger community by supporting public education in Tulsa. Moises walks us through the foundation's impactful initiatives, from funding programs within regulatory constraints to coordinating with companies for in-kind donations. He reveals how the foundation serves as a crucial link, connecting the district's needs with potential donors.
Moises not only shares his valuable insights but also his inspiring experiences. Hear the stirring story of a valedictorian who, through the foundation, received a full-ride scholarship. Discover how the foundation is fostering stronger relationships with local universities, creating more opportunities for students. Moises underscores the significance of everyone's contribution, big or small, in shaping the future of our students. This episode will inspire you to play your part in supporting public education and making a lasting impact on your community. Tune in and witness the power of collective action in transforming lives!
Donate here: Donation Form (donorperfect.net)

On this engaging podcast episode, join us as we sit down with Victor, author of the recently released book 'Built From the Fire'. Victor walks us through the narrative he has built around the Goodwin family, owners of the Oklahoma Eagle in Greenwood since 1914. We explore how the Goodwin family and the Greenwood District have experienced white supremacy and Jim Crow laws, and how the community was rebuilt following the Tulsa Race Massacre. Victor shares the unique tools and processes he used to create a narrative spanning over a hundred years, painting Greenwood as a microcosm of the Black American experience.
Our conversation takes a fascinating turn as we discuss Victor's motivations behind writing his book and how he challenges the depiction of black history in pop culture. We dive into the dynamic between true-to-life Greenwood figures and their lack of involvement in the production of multiple depictions of the Massacre in popular culture and discuss the historical role of the KKK and their influence on the Black community. Victor also shares his perspective on race relations in the US, which has evolved since writing his book, and some of the inspiring stories and individuals he encountered during his research.
Lastly, we touch upon the influence of technology and media on urban renewal, discussing the impact of the Oklahoma Eagle newspaper and the government's role in the Greenwood area's development. We uncover the hidden stories of Greenwood entrepreneurs and business owners, like AJ Smitherman, Lula Williams, and Alfonso Williams. Towards the end, we talk about Victor's upcoming book-related events and his views on the intersection of Greenwood's history with pop culture. Tune in to learn more about Victor's fascinating insights into the Greenwood District's history and the stories that have shaped it.