Join Harry Pacheco on Open Book as he reconnects with childhood friend Dominic Agatep (@dom_brady1) for a warm, honest conversation about growing up, the twists and turns life hands us, and the lessons that stick. This episode is all about friendship, reflection, and the small moments that shape who we become — plus practical insights and stories that will make you laugh, think, and maybe call an old friend.

What you'll hear:

• Heartfelt stories from Harry and Dominic's childhood and how those experiences shaped them

• Candid life lessons on resilience, relationships, and staying true to yourself

• Real-talk about career choices, pivots, and the value of long-term friendships

• Practical takeaways you can apply to your own life and relationships

Listen & Subscribe:

Watch on YouTube or find Open Book with Harry Pacheco on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app.

Follow & Connect:

Dominic Agatep — @dom_brady1

Harry Pacheco — https://harrypacheco.com (books, events & more)

If this episode resonated — please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who'd appreciate a reminder about the power of friendship and staying authentic. New to Open Book? Start here and follow along for more inspiring, real conversations with everyday people doing extraordinary things.

In this moving episode of Open Book with Harry Pacheco, Harry sits down with Sheryl Chestnutt from the Boys & Girls Club to explore how local youth programs change lives every day.

Sheryl shares frontline stories about mentoring, after-school programming, volunteer opportunities, and the real wins (and struggles) that come with serving kids and families in our community.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How Boys & Girls Club programs support academic success, social skills, and emotional resilience

• Real-life mentoring stories that show how a caring adult can change a child's trajectory

• Practical ways families, volunteers, and local businesses can get involved and make an immediate impact

• How community partnerships and donations help expand access to safe places, tutoring, and enrichment activities

• Sheryl's advice for parents and caregivers who are worried about school, behavior, or resources

Why listen:

Whether you're a parent, teacher, nonprofit supporter, or local business owner, this episode offers actionable ideas and inspiring stories that will motivate you to support youth in meaningful ways.

Learn how small acts of time, money, or advocacy turn into lifelong opportunities for children.

Resources & links:

• Harry Pacheco — author & host: https://harrypacheco.com

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America — find local clubs & volunteer: https://bgca.org

• Subscribe to Open Book with Harry Pacheco on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform — like, comment, and share to help spread the positive!

Call to action: If Sheryl's story moved you, please share this episode, consider volunteering at your local Boys & Girls Club, or donate to support programs that help children thrive. Every hour of mentoring and every dollar donated helps change a life.

Ready to homeschool (or make your current homeschool life a little easier)? In this episode of Open Book with Harry Pacheco, homeschool veteran Regina Heasley breaks down approachable, real-world strategies for families who want learning to feel joyful, sustainable, and effective. Regina walks us through how to choose curriculum, design daily routines, handle socialization & co-ops, navigate assessments and state requirements, and balance parental work + teaching — plus tips for kids with unique learning needs.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How to pick a curriculum that fits your child's learning style and your family rhythm.

• Simple, repeatable daily schedules that reduce overwhelm and boost consistency.

• Smart ways to provide socialization (co-ops, activities, community groups) without over-scheduling.

• Practical guidance on record-keeping, assessments, and meeting state requirements.

• Tips for balancing homeschooling with work and family life.

• How to support kids with special needs and different learning paces.

• Real-life examples, resources, and mindset shifts that make homeschooling sustainable long-term.

Why listen: Regina shares hands-on advice for both new and experienced homeschoolers — no fluff, just actionable ideas you can start using this week. Whether you're curious about getting started or need better systems to make your days run smoother, this episode has something for you.

🔗 Show notes & resources: Full transcript, curriculum links, co-op directories, and Regina Heasley's contact info are in the episode notes.

🎧 Subscribe to Open Book with Harry Pacheco on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app so you don't miss upcoming guests and practical guides.

🌐 Learn more about Harry and his projects at harrypacheco.com.

If this episode helped you, please:

👍 Like & share the episode

⭐ Leave a rating or review on your podcast platform

📣 Tag someone who's thinking about homeschooling

Join Harry Pacheco on the newest episode of Open Book as he sits down with Ron Bronson — aka "The Santa Guy" — a local community leader, longtime volunteer, and the man behind the beard bringing holiday joy across Rutherford County. 🎅

In this heartfelt conversation Ron shares:

• how he became Santa and what "being Santa" really means beyond the suit

• unforgettable moments and stories from holiday visits and community events

• why service, faith, and family drive his work in the community

• the emotional side of the role — connecting with kids, seniors, and families during meaningful moments

• practical tips for event organizers, volunteer Santas, and anyone curious about holiday outreach

This episode is perfect for anyone who loves community stories, behind-the-scenes looks at local heroes, and the real-life impact of showing up for others — especially during the holidays.

🎧 Listen now to hear Ron's inspiring journey and the lessons he brings from decades of service. Don't forget to check the show notes for links and resources mentioned in the episode.

• Warm, emotional storytelling that makes a great shareable clip

• Insight into community outreach and how small acts can create big impact

• A feel-good holiday episode that's also full of practical tips for organizers and volunteers

If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• Subscribe to Open Book with Harry Pacheco on YouTube and your favorite podcast app

• Leave a rating/review — it helps more local stories get discovered

• Share this episode to spread the positive!

Join Harry Pacheco for a powerful conversation with Rachel Wheat, Executive Director of Last Call For Grace in Murfreesboro. Rachel shares her heart for community service, the mission behind Last Call For Grace, and how local action is changing lives for people who need it most.

In this episode you'll hear:

• Rachel's journey to nonprofit leadership and what motivates her every day.

• How Last Call For Grace serves vulnerable neighbors in Rutherford County and beyond.

• Real-world examples of community rescue, compassion-focused programs, and volunteer impact.

• Practical ways you can get involved — volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word.

• Insights on building partnerships between nonprofits, local businesses, and schools.

This episode is for anyone who believes in community-first solutions, compassionate leadership, and the power of local nonprofits to transform lives.

Whether you're a volunteer, fundraiser, business leader, or someone looking for ways to help — Rachel's story is both inspiring and actionable.

🔔 Subscribe to Open Book with Harry Pacheco for more interviews with community leaders, authors, and change-makers.

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.) or watch the full episode on YouTube.

📚 Learn more about Harry Pacheco and his anti-bullying children's books at: harrypacheco.com

🌐 Find Last Call For Grace — search "Last Call For Grace Rutherford County" to find their website, volunteer opportunities, and donation info.

If you found this episode valuable, please like, share, and leave a review — it helps amplify the message and supports local organizations doing important work.

Join Harry Pacheco on the premiere episode of Open Book featuring Claire Maxwell, head of the Rutherford County School Board. Claire pulls back the curtain on what school leadership looks like in real life — from supporting teachers and protecting student safety to building stronger community partnerships and addressing student mental health. Whether you're a parent, educator, community leader, or just care about the future of our kids, this episode is packed with practical insights, heartfelt stories, and actionable ideas for making schools better for everyone.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Claire's journey into school leadership and what motivates her work.

• How local school boards balance budgets, safety, and student success.

• Real-world strategies for improving student mental health, classroom support, and anti-bullying initiatives.

• Tips for parents and community members who want to get involved and make a difference.

• The importance of transparency, communication, and trust between schools and families.

Why listen: Claire's leadership is a powerful example of community-first education. This conversation cuts through the headlines to explore how everyday decisions at the local level shape student outcomes — and how we can all play a role.

Resources & connect:

• Learn more about Harry Pacheco and his anti-bullying children's books at harrypacheco.com.

• Subscribe to Open Book with Harry Pacheco on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform so you never miss new episodes.

• Like, comment, and share this episode to help spread the positive — especially with parents and educators who will benefit most.

If you found this helpful, please leave a rating and tell us what topics or guests you'd like to hear next. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to the very first episode of Open Book with Harry Pacheco! In Episode 1 Harry sits down with Kerri Ireland Kairdolf — community steward, church leader, and vocalist with the retro tribute ensemble Ultimate Rewind. Tune in for a warm, wide-ranging conversation about how music, service, and community intersect in Kerri's life. From joining a multi-decade tribute band to the small everyday ways she serves her neighbors, Kerri's story is full of heart, humor, and inspiration.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Kerri's journey into music and what drew her to Ultimate Rewind (50s–80s tribute).

• How performing vintage hits connects people across generations.

• Her role in community and church stewardship — serving locally with purpose.

• Behind-the-scenes band moments, tour stories, and what it takes to keep a decades-spanning setlist fresh.

• Practical advice for anyone wanting to get involved in community service or join a performance group.

• Harry and Kerri's candid reflections on faith, family, and the power of music to heal and unite.

Listen & Support

• Buy Harry Pacheco's anti-bullying children's books and learn more: https://www.harrypacheco.com

  (Find titles like Gladys's Glasses, Stanley No Stripes, Willie's Wheelchair, Cyrus the Cyberbully and more on the site.

Follow Ultimate Rewind

• Facebook: @UltimateRewindBand

• Instagram: @UltimateRewindBand

• YouTube / Channel search: Ultimate Rewind

  (If you can't find them by handle, search "Ultimate Rewind tribute band" on your preferred platform.)

Connect with Harry Pacheco

• Website / Books: https://www.harrypacheco.com

• Follow Harry for updates, events, and anti-bullying initiatives @harrypacheco20

If you loved this conversation, please:

👍 Like the episode

🔁 Share with friends and community members who love music or serve locally

⭐ Subscribe to the Open Book podcast for more stories from change-makers and creators