What does it look like to help run one of the top zoos in the U.S.? Join Courtney Janney, Chief Zoological Officer at the Memphis Zoo, as she shares a behind-the-scenes look at her role overseeing research, education, conservation, and animal health at this iconic Tennessee landmark. Hear about flying jumpseat with polar bears, catching escaped animals, and the importance of conserving endangered species in our backyard on this episode of the Pocket Change Podcast.

Highlights:

01:23 – Can you tell us about your background and how you came to be at the Memphis Zoo?

06:54 – What does a day in the life look like for you?

10:32 – Where did you get your love of animals?

13:39 – What is your favorite animal that you've worked with?

20:37 – Do you have any wild or crazy stories from working with animals?

24:25 – What does it mean to you that the Memphis Zoo is one of top zoos in the U.S.?

27:50 – Can you tell us about the Memphis Zoo's conservation efforts?

31:29 – What makes the Louisiana pinesnake and the gopher tortoise special?

32:40 – If someone only had a half hour in the zoo, what exhibit would you tell them to go see?

34:53 – What can our members expect at Leaders Day at the Zoo on September 12th?

37:29 – What other events are coming up for fall and winter?

39:58 – What is the best piece of financial advice you've ever been given?

42:23 – Which animals would be the best saver and biggest spender?

44:03 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Want to learn more about the Memphis Zoo? Visit Memphis Zoo | 3500+ Animals, Rides & Exhibits, Dining & More

Interested in learning more about Leaders Credit Union? Visit Leaders Credit Union | West Tennessee Banking, Loans & Education

Are you intimidated about the homebuying process? In this episode of the Pocket Change Podcast, hear from Mortgage Champion Keith Busby as he shares encouragement about why you don't need to be scared when filling out your mortgage application. Discover why some people don't finish their applications, what goes into finding the best mortgage rate, and how quickly you can expect to hear back from a Mortgage Champion at Leaders Credit Union once your application has been submitted.

Highlights:

00:53 – Can you tell us about yourself and how you got to Leaders?

04:05 – What is your role in the mortgage department?

06:21 – Why might someone leave a mortgage application unfinished, and how are you able to help?

08:04 – What common misconceptions do people have about the mortgage process?

09:52 – What advice would you offer to someone who is applying for a mortgage online?

12:29 – What does the workflow look like for a loan application once it has been submitted?

13:44 – Why is it important to give back to the community?

14:25 – What charitable organizations and causes do you care most about?

18:07 – Why is it important to you to work for an organization that gives back to your community?

19:08 – What's the best piece of financial advice you've ever been given?

20:33 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Interested in buying or refinancing a home? Reach out to one of our Mortgage Champions or apply online at leaderscu.com/home-loans.

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.

What does it mean to say yes for good? Hear from #1 bestselling author and inspiration behind the 2025 movie, Soul on Fire, John O'Leary. After getting burned on 100% of his body and given a 1% chance of survival when he was a child, John spent years hiding from his past, until one day he was called to use his story to inspire others and help them in their challenges. On the Pocket Change Podcast, John shares how he got into public speaking, what "yes for good" means, and what it means to be a hero.

01:17 – Can you tell us about your story and how you got to this point in your life?

03:11 – What did the healing process look like in the years after the accident?

05:12 – How were you able to see yourself as not being defined and limited by your past but stronger because of it?

14:24 – What does saying yes to being used for good look like and how would you advise others to live that way?

22:37 – What does the word resilience mean to you?

24:37 – Can you tell us about the movie Soul on Fire and how it came about?

29:33 - What does being a hero mean to you?

32:07 – As our keynote speaker at our EmpowerEd event in September, what can guests expect from the event that night?

35:53 – Why is it important to give back to the community?

38:04 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

40:37 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Want to learn more about John's story? Visit his website: johnolearyinspires.com. Don't miss out on the chance to see John right here in West Tennessee at Leaders Education Foundation's annual fundraising event, EmpowerEd.

Interested in seeing John O'Leary at EmpowerEd? Visit leadersgives.org/events to get your tickets today!

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.

Are you ready to take the first step towards homeownership? With almost 30 years of experience in mortgage lending, Mortgage Champion Kelli Bryan shares her insights into different home loan options, misconceptions she's seen about the mortgage process, and the current housing market. Learn more about the homebuying journey by listening to our newest episode on the Pocket Change Podcast!

Highlights:

01:03 – Can you tell us about yourself and how you got to Leaders?

03:30 – What common misconceptions do people have about the mortgage process?

05:07 – What loan options are out there and what makes them unique?

07:46 – For those looking to buy their first home, what are the first steps?

10:08 – Why is getting pre-approved important?

12:10 – What does the homebuying market look like today?

15:37 – What encouragement would you offer to someone with less than stellar credit, and what options are available to them?

19:00 – Do you have a member success story you'd like to share?

23:38 – Why is homeownership important?

25:17 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

26:51 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Want to begin your own homebuying journey? Visit leaderscu.com/home-loans to schedule an appointment with a Mortgage Champion or to learn more about Leaders Mortgage Services!

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.

Why are the arts important for the West Tennessee community? Join Sherry Freeman, Executive Director of The Jackson Symphony, as she shares the impact The Symphony has made throughout West Tennessee, the way it has grown, and how the arts bring people together. Sherry also shares about the upcoming 2026-2027 season!

01:10 – Can you share how you got involved with The Jackson Symphony?

03:03 – Have you always had a passion for the arts?

04:24 – How have you seen The Symphony grow while you've been a part of it?

07:42 – How did your career in education prepare you to lead the Jackson Symphony?

09:34 – Why is including the arts in education important?

11:06 – Can you tell us about the Regional Music Centers?

16:38 – Why do you think it's important to support the arts?

20:51 – What can we expect in the upcoming season?

25:16 – If someone wants to support the arts in their community, what advice would you give them?

30:04 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

30:56 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Want to learn more about The Jackson Symphony and their 2026-2027 season? Visit https://www.thejacksonsymphony.org/ to get your tickets today!

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.

Why is building relationships essential for trust with banking? Hear from Financial Champion Graci Miller as she shares tips about the car-buying process, explains getting pre-approved for an auto loan, and what you should do if you're trying to build your credit.

Highlights:

01:09 – Can you tell us about yourself and how you got to Leaders?

01:40 – What does a day in the life of helping members with loans look like?

02:32 – Why do you think building relationships is important when it comes to finances?

03:35 – What are common misconceptions about car buying, and what advice do you offer?

04:48 – How can someone get started borrowing money for a car?

06:42 – What does the preapproval process look like?

07:52 – How can someone build their credit to get a better interest rate?

09:52 – How would you advise someone to use debt wisely?

11:27 – What is the best financial advice that you've ever been given?

12:10 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Interested in buying a new vehicle? Visit leaderscu.com/auto-loans to see our rates.

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.

What do good leadership and good chicken have in common? In this episode, Chick-fil-A owner/operator and Army veteran, Allen Arant, shares what he has learned about leadership, teamwork, and perseverance through years of serving and leading others. Plus, he's got a Chick-fil-A menu hack or two to share!

Find Allen's Chick-fil-A restaurants at Bartlett – The Shoppes at Bartlett | Chick-fil-A and Memphis – Austin Peay Highway | Chick-fil-A

Want to find out more about Leaders? Visit Leaders Credit Union | West Tennessee Banking, Loans & Education

Highlights:

01:24 – Tell us about your background and how you got to Chick-fil-A.

05:46 – What makes your restaurants unique and what are you most proud of?

09:24 – What does good workplace culture mean to you?

17:29 – How did the Army prepare you for where you are now?

24:07 – What does leadership mean to you?

27:37 – What advice do you share with younger team members?

31:52 – How have your team members taken the initiative and become leaders themselves?

34:05 – Is there any financial advice you give to your team members?

38:31 – What's your go-to Chick-fil-A order?

39:35 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

40:50 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

How can ordinary people make an extraordinary impact for the underdogs in their community? In our newest episode, football coach and Memphis native Bill Courtney shares his journey from underdog to mentor, serving students as a coach and inspiring others— leading to the Oscar-winning documentary Undefeated.

Bill is the host of An Army of Normal Folks podcast, where he interviews everyday people making an impact in their communities. This is a conversation you don't want to miss!

01:15 – How did your journey begin?

04:22 – What aspect of coaching made it such a passion for you?

08:56 – Can you tell us about the Oscar-winning documentary, Undefeated, made about you?

14:00 – Can you tell us about your podcast, An Army of Normal Folks, and the service clubs that go with it?

18:40 – What defines great leadership?

27:34 – Why is financial literacy important?

32:40 – What encouragement would you give to people who want to help but don't know where to start?

36:10 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

41:34 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

To listen to An Army of Normal Folks podcast, visit https://www.normalfolks.us/. For more information about Bill Courtney, visit https://www.coachbillcourtney.com/.

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.

Why is having honest money conversations so important for newlyweds? In this episode, Jackson and Amy Glas reflect on their first year of marriage, share real-life stories, and offer practical tips for saving money, building trust, and keeping your relationship with each other and your money transparent.

01:26 – Tell us about your story. How did you two meet?

03:28 – In many relationships, someone is a saver and someone is a spender. Which are each of you?

07:11 – As the spender, what do you like to spend your money on?

08:40 – What are your smart saving tips?

17:10 – Did you experience any struggles combining finances when you got married?

18:42 – What tips do you have for people who are about to get married?

21:42 – You mentioned that you like to travel. Do you have any fun trips planned for 2026?

26:15 – What's the best financial advice you've ever been given?

30:32 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.

Do you own a business and are looking for someone to champion you along the way? Hear from our Business Champion, Tanner Spencer, as he shares how Leaders Business Services supports businesses of all sizes — from side-gigs to local businesses. Listen to the full episode to discover how Business Services could help you, how to get connected, and what characteristics build a great team.

Highlights:

01:02 – Tell us about yourself and how you got to Leaders.

03:03 – What did you enjoy about managing a Leaders branch?

04:10 – What does great teamwork look like to you?

05:05 – What does a day serving members in Business Services look like?

06:04 – What kind of businesses does Leaders serve?

06:28 – What are some common problems our business members face and what solutions do you offer?

08:27 – What does a new business need to get started?

09:55 – How can someone go about meeting with Leaders Business Services?

10:44 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

11:50 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Wanting to get connected with Leaders Business Services? Call 731-664-1784 to book an appointment or learn more at leaderscu.com/business-accounts.

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.