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!

In this episode of the Live United podcast, we sit down with Eileen Ryan Bradshaw, president and CEO of LIFE Senior Services. 

Hear about the impact of the Roma Berry Center for Seniors, an innovative hub uniting vital senior services under one roof. We’ll also explore LIFE's Vintage Magazine and get a sneak peek at the upcoming Celebrate LIFE Gala, themed "Thank Our Lucky Stars."

Tune in to hear heartfelt stories, impactful insights, and why Eileen believes in the power of living united.

Join host Matthew Gleason as we dive into Tulsa Area United Way's Social Innovations Grant program. Our guests are Hieu Lê, founder of Empower-Ed, and Kimberly Whayne, co-founder of the Tulsa Black Mental Health Alliance. This episode highlights these two innovative programs that are helping to shape the educational and mental health landscapes in Tulsa. Hear their inspiring stories, groundbreaking initiatives, and how they are building a stronger, united community for tomorrow.

Learn more at:

Tulsa Empower-Ed: https://tulsaempowered.org/

Tulsa Black Mental Health Alliance: https://tulsablackmha.org/

Welcome to the Live United podcast, brought to you by Tulsa Area United Way, proudly celebrating 100 years of service to our community. I’m your host, Matthew Gleason.

In this episode, we’re exploring the TAUW Legends video series, a project that captures the voices and stories of the people who helped shape the last century of United Way’s impact.

Our guest is Jesse Boudiette, president of Propeller Consulting and a member of TAUW’s Centennial Committee, who led this extraordinary effort. Jesse interviewed 22 remarkable individuals to bring their inspiring stories to life.

We’ll dive into some of the most powerful moments from these interviews—stories of resilience during the pandemic, lifelong dedication to giving back, and the connections that inspire us to keep building stronger communities. Together, we’ll reflect on where United Way's been, celebrate what we’ve accomplished, and look toward the future of creating lasting impact.

Want to Celebrate a Legend?
Make a gift in honor of your favorite TAUW Legend at give.tauw.org/legends. Your support ensures that life-changing services will continue for generations to come.

Watch the Full Series
Check out all the TAUW Legends interviews at tauw.org or https://centennial.tauw.org/tauw-legends.