I Am Refocused Radio

Pastor Vera McEwen is incredibly excited to give an open welcome to all at Love God Ministries! An online community where all truly are welcome, Pastor Vera embodies the Love of Christ through witness and discipleship. She founded Love God Ministries because conversations with people revealed a need for a community of believers where it does not matter how you look but recognize that you are a child of God.

Pastor Vera has been teaching and preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Word of God for over 30 years. Her primary emphasis is spreading God's Love by providing pastoral care, preaching God's Loving Word, teaching God's Light-Filled Word, and implementing God's Living relational group architecture via in home communities.

She is currently reviewing the prospects of a doctorate in religious studies with an emphasis on Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic as encouraged by her professors at seminary. In addition to her vocation as Pastor she ministers as a certified professional and personal coach.

With God's help, she implements 1 Thessalonians 5.11, motivating people to be and do their very best by building one another up. Pastor Vera is a joyous, ever singing sister in Christ who after years of being pursued by God, stopped running and answered the call, halleluiah, הַלְלוּיָה

https://www.lovegod-ministries.org/


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ABOUT COACH BILL COURTNEY AND AN ARMY OF NORMAL FOLKS

Coach Bill Courtney of Oscar-Winning Undefeated launches 'An Army of Normal Folks' Movement and podcast empower Americans to change our country by 'each of us doing what we can.

Business leader and football coach Bill Courtney joins with other "ordinary" Americans doing extraordinary work to solve our nation's problems through the new movement, An Army of Normal Folks. "Our country's problems will never be solved by a bunch of fancy people in nice suits talking big words in Washington, but by An Army of Normal Folks just deciding 'hey, I can help,'" said Courtney.

Based on his own example, Courtney is joining with the nonprofit Iron Light Labs to launch
An Army of Normal Folks. Founder of Classic American Hardwoods, Inc., in 2003, he became a volunteer football coach in America's third poorest zip code and yet 31 out of 32 seniors in his last two seasons went to college. Their success on and off the field was the subject of the documentary film, Undefeated, which won an Academy Award in 2012. "We believe that everyone has the power to create change, no matter how 'ordinary' they or their actions may seem," said Courtney. "And if there's An Army of Normal Folks just doing what we can, imagine how different our country could be." As part of the movement, Courtney hosts the iHeartMedia podcast An Army of Normal Folks. iHeartMedia is the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac.

The podcast features interviews with members of the Army such as Arkansas Police Officer Tommy Norman and Back on My Feet Founder Anne Mahlum. It aims to inspire listeners and present fascinating models that can be replicated in their own communities. All individuals are invited to join An Army of Normal Folks.

AN ARMY OF NORMAL FOLKS - BACKGROUND

America is at a crossroads.

While still having an enviable position in the 21st century, we also suffer from deep divisions, both perceived and very real. From politics and culture to race and religion, Americans seem to disagree on almost everything.

These challenges are complex and multifaceted. And they're not being solved by politicians. Instead, the greatest power lies in the hands of ordinary citizens doing what they can in their own communities. And if each of us does this, just imagine how different our country could be.

Our solution is An Army of Normal Folks.

A grassroots movement led by Coach Bill Courtney, former volunteer football coach of Manassas High School and the subject of the 2012 Academy Award-winning documentary Undefeated, An Army of Normal Folks brings together Americans of all stripes committed to "doing what we can."

Bill and his fellow changemakers believe that by taking action in ordinary but meaningful ways, such as volunteering, donating, and changing even only one other person's life, An Army of Normal Folks can make all of the difference. This is how America can overcome its problems: one life and one community at a time.

Featuring stories of ordinary folks overcoming life's obstacles and their own demons to make an extraordinary difference, the "An Army of Normal Folks" podcast provides a rallying cry for every individual to join a movement that can change the country. The iHeart Radio podcast, which is hosted by Courtney, launched in May 2023 and delivers much-needed inspirational, redemptive, and unifying content. Episodes include fellow members of the Army, such as:

● Tommy Norman, North Little Rock Police Officer known as the "Michael Jordan of Community Policing"

● Anne Mahlum, Back on My Feet founder that's helped over 7,500 homeless Americans secure jobs and independent housing through running

● Luke Mickelson, Sleep in Heavenly Peace founder whose 270 chapters have built over 140,000 beds for kids without them

● Rodney Smith Jr., Raising Men and Women Lawn Care founder who's inspired over 4,300 kids to take the "50 Yard Challenge" of cutting 50 lawns for free for those in need

● Arshay Cooper, rower, the protagonist of the critically acclaimed film A Most Beautiful Thing and leader in starting inner-city rowing programs

● Jon Ponder, a three-time convicted felon whose nonprofit Hope for Prisoners has helped over 4,700 returning citizens in Las Vegas, with only an 8% recidivism rate

● Erin Smith, head of the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program in Northwest Mississippi, and Thomas, a former foster care child she mentored

● Chavis Daniels, a former Manassas Tiger football player under Coach Bill's leadership who has since mentored over 1,000 kids in Memphis

● Bob Zaccheo, who offers "therapy under the hood of a car" to over 5,000 at-risk kids through Project LIFT

WILLIAM B. (BILL) COURTNEY BIO

William B. Courtney (Bill), a native Memphian, launched An Army of Normal Folks in 2023 on the belief that if each of us just does what we can in our own communities, we can change the country. Bill doesn't just "talk the talk;" he knows this sentiment to be true. A successful business owner, Bill founded Classic American Hardwoods, Inc. in 2001. He continues to operate the company, which today employs 140 people with a 45-acre manufacturing facility and domestic sales offices in Memphis, Tennessee and international sales offices in Shanghai, China and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. As the son of a single mom who married five guys, Bill had many coaches who were his real father figures and invested in him. Because of this, helping other kids like himself has been a central part of his life.

In 2003, Bill began volunteering as a football coach at Memphis' inner-city Manassas High School in an effort to turn around its underperforming football team of 19 players with a dismal 4-95, 10-year record. The school is located in a neighborhood where young men are three times more likely to be dead or in jail than have a job or be in college. Prior to Bill's involvement, the Manassas Tigers football team had never won a playoff game in its 110-year history. Under Bill's leadership, the team's record improved to 18-2 with 75 players in the 2008 and 2009 seasons. But Bill's involvement went beyond football. "My philosophy on coaching doesn't start with X's and O's. it starts with believing that players win games and coaches win players," he stated. Bill became a mentor to the mostly fatherless young men on the team, teaching them leadership skills, assisting them academically and caring for their physical and emotional needs. During his final two seasons coaching, 31 out of their 32 seniors went to college, which rarely happens in a neighborhood like Manassas.

The story of Bill coaching inspired the Hollywood film, Undefeated, which won the 2012 Academy Award for Best Feature Length Documentary.

While Bill ended his coaching career with the Manassas Tigers in 2012, he continues to coach a variety of teams and support efforts in and around Memphis. He is the co-founder of Man Rise, an organization that gives financial support to help five city schools with their football programs. He previously served on the board of Orphanos Foundation and supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and The North Memphis Steelers, a mentoring and athletics association founded by Chavis Daniels, one of the central figures featured in Undefeated.

Bill's achievements and service have been recognized by several entities. In 2011, he was inducted into Bridge Builders for leadership in diversity, community and justice. He was the 2012 recipient of the Liberty Bowl's Harry Zinn Spirit of 1776 award for distinguished citizenship, recipient of the Carnival Memphis' King's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Business and Industry, and the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Memphis chapter's award winner for the distinguished American for Contribution to Amateur Athletics. In 2013, he was inducted into the prestigious Society of Entrepreneurs for his success in business and community service. He is the author of "Against the Grain: A Coach's Wisdom on Character, Faith, Family, and Love," released in 2014, and is a national speaker on topics of leadership, character and business. He was a keynote speaker at the Paralympics in Colorado Springs, with Nike, PepsiCo, FedEx, and other nationally recognized companies, and has spoken at numerous churches, schools and hospitals.

Bill also hosts "An Army of Normal Folks," a podcast launched in May 2023. Bill is a graduate of The University of Mississippi. He and his wife Lisa have four children and reside in Memphis.

Website:

https://www.normalfolks.us/

An Army Of Normal Folks Podcast:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-an-army-of-normal-folks-115890758/


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Bryson Tarbet is a PreK-6th grade general music teacher just outside of Columbus, Ohio. He received his Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education from Ohio Wesleyan University his Master of Music in Music Education with a Kodály emphasis from Capital University.

Bryson spent his first year out of college as part of an elementary school intervention team and he fell in love with working with students with disabilities. Due to this experience, as well as his personal experience as a neurodiverse individual, Bryson feels very strongly about advocating for sensory and emotionally-inclusive classrooms.

Bryson started That Music Teacher, LLC with the goal of sharing different perspectives on issues pertaining to the lives of music educators across the country. He also hosts That Music Podcast, a podcast for elementary music teachers and is the educator behind the Elementary Music Summit.

More information about Bryson and That Music Teacher can be found at www.ThatMusicTeacher.com. Bryson can also be found on Instagram and Facebook @ThatMusicTeacher.

https://www.thatmusicteacher.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thatmusicteacherblog

https://www.tiktok.com/@thatmusicteacher

https://www.instagram.com/thatmusicteacher

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With over a decade in the music industry, renowned country singer Gary Pratt is sharing his unique country sound with the masses. He has already established a name in the US music scene. Performing with artists like Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Ronnie Milsap, Dwight Yoakum, Neal McCoy and Crystal Gale, Confederate Railroad as well as playing notable festivals like the Rocky Gap Music Festival and Tennessee State Fair, Pratt has built a loyal following – a following that continues to grow. Along with his gigging experience, the US-based singer-songwriter has received several accolades being a Josie Music Awards nominee (2021) and an International Singer-Songwriters Association Songwriter of the Year Award Winner (2021). He has recieved The ISSA Male Emerging Artist of 2022, The Hollywood Red Carpet Fair Play Award for his song - "Country to the Bone" and recently IMN Award Winner for Breakout Song Of The Year-"You Gotta Jump In". Gary has been featured in The Hollywood Digest, Skope Magazine, Music Update Central, and New Music Weekly (to name a few publications), Pratt is described as good-natured, anthemic and “…setting the world on fire” (New Music Weekly). Coming off his 2021 album Something Worth Remembering, Gary Pratt is a singer, a songwriter, but most of all, an energetic country entertainer who connects with his audience. His last two songs have hit number one on the International Itunes Chart. He grew up in the small, old coal mining town of Slickville, Pennsylvania. His last recording project, "Something Worth Remembering", was dedicated to his brother who had passed. The album is a combination of Gary's originals and songs written by credited Nashville Writers. The title track was written by Grammy Award Nominee Tony Arata, who wrote Garth Brooks' "The Dance". It was recorded at Tonic Studios with Engineer Doug Kasper, Producer Bryan Cole and Musician/Artist Adam Ernst. Excited about this album, Gary invited MTS Male Vocalist Matt Westin and Female Vocalist Savannah Nider to help out on a few songs. Savannah and Gary recorded the duet he wrote, "To Find Us", at Omni Studios in Nashville. Gary is currently back in the studio working on a new project with Nashville Producer - Adam Ernst. Gary is forever thankful to God for walking with him through life, paving this music journey and for putting the gift of music in his heart. Not only has music been an outlet emotionally and has helped Gary through some rough times, it has brought family together and has introduced him to some of the most amazing people he is proud to call friends.

Gary is proud to work with his stage/music partner Kate Szallar. The year 2022 has been such a busy year and they have added the band Abilene to his large shows and his good friends Tim Bush and Mike Scimmie to the Acoustic Shows! ​ Gary's music albums can be purchased at Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer Itunes, Cd Baby, or call 724-834-7499. His very first CD "Gary Pratt" can only be purchased by calling 724-834-7499 (Le Jardin Shop). Check his videos out on Youtube and ask ALEXA to play his music. ​

https://www.garyprattmusic.com/

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As a Corporate Partnerships Manager for Knights Esports Group, Liam is a leading authority on competitive gaming, event management, league organization, and technology development. Unlike many in the gaming industry, Liam chose the traditional path of pursuing higher education, attending the University of Pittsburgh straight out of high school. During his senior year, he discovered his passion for leveraging gaming as a means of bringing people together, particularly during the pandemic. Liam joined the Knights immediately after graduation, bringing a unique perspective on the future of gaming, including its potential impact on education, health, and artificial intelligence. He excels at building bridges between brands, gamers, fans, and influencers, and is available to share his expert insights on the ways in which gaming and esports will shape the future of industry and society.

https://pks.gg/nacl

https://www.facebook.com/Knightsgg/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamesports/

https://www.instagram.com/knights/

https://twitter.com/KnightsGG

https://www.youtube.com/PittsburghKnights

https://www.tiktok.com/@knightspk





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As an energetic normal boy of nine, Steven W. Wilson would not have guessed that the most horrifying day of his life was lurking just months ahead.

From that terrifying day when he was at the theater, to his suicidal ideations, his attempt to kill his father and his subsequent hospitalization, Teetering on a Tightrope sweeps the reader headlong into the abyss of bipolar disorder. Wilson propels the reader into his sometimes out-of-control mind, inability to perform sexually and overwhelming anger. Despite all that, Wilson gushes about the monumental times when he was in a state of normalcy and could enjoy life's golden moments, all centered around his family and friends. Teetering on a Tightrope shows that those who suffer from bipolar disorder can experience a full and productive life.

Get the book Teetering on a Tightrope: My Bipolar Journey:

https://www.amazon.com/Teetering-Tightrope-My-Bipolar-Journey/dp/B0BSRJPNYT


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Navigating a ferociously challenging upbringing, while bravely moving forward as an adult to face ingrained, outdated, and patriarchal programming head-on, Susan now shares a unique perspective in viewing life challenges as occasions for transformation. She’s excited to help others all over the globe transform their traumatic experiences into peace.

Through her book, Toxic Family: Transforming Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom, Susan turns the standard paradigm on its head courageously leading others through her own journey of abuse, addiction, and surviving narcissism all while creating a distinctly empowering personal and professional life.
LONG A BIO: Susan Gold was raised in a challenging and chaotic family system, the middle child of five. To fully thrive, she bravely chose to meet the demons of her upbringing that were continuing to repeat. Her book, "Toxic Family: Transforming Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom" is about that journey.

Professionally, Susan became known for attaching celebrity talent to projects in NYC which led her to produce for television and film and on to Los Angeles. She convinced modern art legend Andy Warhol to do an on-camera commercial for Pontiac, a talent deal American TV personality Donny Deutsch still claims as one of his best, helped launch Fox News Channel at the request of Chair, Roger Ailes, and on behalf of Disney Channel persuaded A-list celebrities including Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Taylor Swift, David Beckham and more to be interviewed by cartoon characters…Phineas & Ferb.

Susan is a decorated endurance athlete competing in three marathons, and dozens of triathlons and has the distinction of finishing third in her age group at the treacherous Escape from Alcatraz event.

After living with force on both coasts of the United States, Susan heeded an intuitive call for a quieter life and now resides in the northwest corner of the mystical state of Montana with her beloved partner and their pets. Keen on leaving a legacy to help others heal from challenges she’s successfully met, Toxic Family: Transforming Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom, is part of that quest. With the same magic Susan created in her entertainment career, she is now leading retreats, webinars, workshops and private sessions to help others drop outdated storylines and programming in exchange for living from the heart in authentic freedom as adults.

Supporting homeless animals, especially dogs, and cats, and helping others up the ladder are her joys. Her pride is her son, a political science major at the University of the Pacific.

https://www.susangold.us/

https://www.facebook.com/susan.gold.988

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susangoldconsulting/

https://www.instagram.com/susangoldismagical/

https://twitter.com/sgoldconsulting



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ABOUT ARTHUR SMITH AND REACH

Blackstone Publishing is thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of Critics Choice award winning producer known for creating some of the longest-running unscripted series in history Arthur Smith's book, REACH: HARD LESSONS AND LEARNED TRUTHS FROM A LIFETIME IN TELEVISION.

One of the most daring, creative, and influential minds in nonfiction television, Arthur Smith draws on the most exciting moments of his pioneering career as a producer to show how far you can go when you reach for your dreams.

Arthur Smith is famous for his innovation and audacity, and as the man behind some of the longest-running unscripted series in television history. His groundbreaking hit Hell's Kitchen forged the modern food competition reality genre, while his Emmy-nominated American Ninja Warrior has spawned a cultural movement, with Ninja-inspired gyms in every major American city.

In Reach, Smith shares adventures, triumphs, and hard-won lessons from his astonishing career, beginning with his unprecedented ascension from the ranks of sports production to become the youngest-ever head of CBC Sports. Never one to rest on his laurels, Smith moved from Canada to the United States to produce a wide variety of entertainment programming with his mentor, television icon Dick Clark. Years later, he spearheaded an entirely new approach to sports television at FOX Sports Net, helping to grow the fledgling business into a true industry powerhouse. In 2000, Smith made the biggest reach of his career with the launch of A. Smith & Co. Productions, which has produced over two hundred television shows on more than fifty networks. Across genres, formats, and platforms, Smith and his A. Smith & Co. team have earned a reputation for original, emotional, buzz-worthy, and deeply personal storytelling.

In these pages, Smith takes us behind-the-scenes of dozens of pivotal moments in sports and television history, ranging from the high-intensity control room at the Olympics to the development of The Titan Games with Dwyane ("The Rock") Johnson. We learn about a show that never was with Donald Trump, as well as a super-far-fetched idea that became the bizarro-classic genre-buster I Survived a Japanese Game Show. Through winning anecdotes involving a disparate cast of famous characters, including Marlon Brando, Gordon Ramsay, Magic Johnson, Little Richard, Wayne Gretzky, Simon Cowell, and Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, Smith illustrates just how far you can go when you work hard, take risks, and reach for your dreams.

ARTHUR SMITH BIO

Arthur Smith, the chairman of A. Smith & Co. Productions, is a pioneering veteran of nonfiction television, known for creating and producing some of the longest-running unscripted series in history, including Hell's Kitchen and American Ninja Warrior. Smith was honored as one of Variety's "Titans of Unscripted TV" in 2022, inducted into the Realscreen Awards Hall of Fame in 2021, awarded Broadcasting & Cable's "Producer of the Year" in 2020, nominated for several Emmy Awards, and received dozens of awards, including NAACP Awards, Realscreen Awards, and Critics Choice Awards. Smith embarked on his career in television as a twenty-two-year-old wunderkind, talking his way into sports production at CBC in his native Canada. He quickly distinguished himself as a rising star at the network, where he produced three Olympic Games among countless other high profile events. At the age of twenty-eight, Smith was named the youngest-ever head of CBC Sports.

His successful run at the network ended when American broadcasting icon Dick Clark lured him to Hollywood to develop and produce a wide variety of entertainment programming. Then as the head of programming and production at FOX Sports Net, Smith played an instrumental role in the launch and growth of this massive entity, before the biggest reach of his life-the creation of his eponymous production company that has since thrived for more than twenty years and counting. He lives in Los Angeles.

Get the book Reach: Hard Lessons and Learned Truths from a Lifetime in Television:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B67WYVGG?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_XRF2S98G6QBS5X515HB9

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National Best Selling Author and Book. A decorated combat veteran with multiple deployments, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Pike, served 31 years in the United States Army as both an enlisted and officer, including nine years overseas in five countries. Jason earned over 30 service awards & badges and survived a wicked amount of Military training. Thrown under the bus and ghost lighted by his own superiors, arrests and investigations are big stories here.

His book A Soldier Against All Odds compiles all his life events in an inspiring storytelling format with the ups and downs of a life in uniform. His diversity of Army jobs, assignments, and schools from age 17 to 48 sets this military memoir up differently than most.

Jason’s brutal honesty on how he did it while disclosing many sacred secrets about how he survived is unique. With a straightforward account of one man’s journey, he inspires audiences nationwide at speaking events and shows how to be resilient and to persevere no matter what disadvantages and life struggles may happen.

https://www.jasonpike.org/

A Soldier Against All Odds: A Memoir by LT. COL. Jason G Pike Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Against-All-Odds-Memoir/dp/B0BV1F28LK/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682872190&sr=8-1


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Brandon C. White is an accomplished entrepreneur with a track record of success, boasting two exits under his belt. With a diverse background that includes angel investing, venture capitalism, and marketing at America Online, Brandon has made significant contributions to the technology industry.

Brandon embarked on his professional journey in 1996, emerging as a trailblazer in the internet realm as the Founder and CEO of Worldwide Angler, Inc. Recognized as the premier social networking and e-commerce platform for sport fishermen, the company attained remarkable success. In 2001, Brandon repurchased the company from investors and skillfully guided it towards a lucrative exit a decade later, ultimately selling it to a prominent public media corporation.

Residing in Half Moon Bay, CA, Brandon shares his life with his wife and beloved dogs. When he's not captivating audiences through his speeches or engaging in thought-provoking written work, Brandon can be found indulging his passion for cycling along the scenic California coast, effortlessly maneuvering his road bike.

Back of the Napkin to... Business Plan in 11 Slides: So easy you can do it on a flight from San Francisco to New

Get the book on Amazon:

www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1DBTDZG?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

brandoncwhite.com

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