Pocket Change Podcast

How can you become a more impactful leader in your local community? Join Jake Bynum, Chief of Staff at UT Martin, former Weakley County mayor, and self-described "leadership junkie," as he shares how he and the WestStar and WestTeach Leadership Programs are empowering current and future leaders in our West Tennessee communities. If you're interested in learning more about making a difference in your community, or are a leadership junkie yourself, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Highlights:

01:02 – Can you tell us about yourself and how you got to UT Martin?

02:52 – What makes you so passionate about leadership?

06:29 – What is your favorite leadership quality?

08:13 – What is the thread that ties all your former roles to where you are now?

11:43 – Why is the WestStar Leadership Program important for West Tennessee?

17:18 – How can someone apply to be a part of WestStar?

20:19 – Can you tell us about the WestTeach Program for educators?

24:01 – What leadership challenges are students and young people facing?

27:11 – What is the biggest lesson you learned in managing county government?

30:14 – What is the best piece of financial advice you've ever been given?

31:53 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

To learn more about the WestStar Leadership Program, visit WestStar Leadership | UT Martin

Interested in the WestTeach Program? Visit WestTeach Program | UT Martin

To learn more about UT Martin, visit The University of Tennessee at Martin

To learn more about Leaders Credit Union, visit Leaders Credit Union | West Tennessee Banking, Loans & Education

Why is it so important to have honest and open conversations about money? Hear from our Financial Champion, Graham Boykin, as he shares how he approaches money conversations with members, why people avoid their finances altogether, and what steps to take if you are in a tough financial situation. Also, hear about his own personal story of how he faced a financial hardship and was able to persevere through it while his wife battled cancer.

01:00 – Tell us about yourself and how you got to be at Leaders?

02:03 – What does a day in the life look like for you?

02:44 – How do you walk members through financial patterns they can improve?

04:03 – Why do people sometimes avoid looking at their finances?

05:52 – What's the most memorable financial turnaround you've ever witnessed?

08:35 – How would you advise something to help them get out of a tight spot financially?

10:05 – How do you teach your kids about money?

12:29 – What's the best piece of financial advice you've ever been given?

13:31 – If you had some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Don't walk through a financial hardship alone. Stop by one of our branches to speak with a Financial Champion or book a financial counseling appointment with our Certified Financial Counselor!

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

Why is a vibrant workforce so vital for our community? We sit down with Jeanette Jones from the Greater Memphis Chamber as she shares why she is passionate about the impact manufacturing has on the Memphis community, why the workforce matters for economic development, and how workforce education can set students up for success.

Highlights:

01:08 – Can you tell us about yourself and your role at the Greater Memphis Chamber?

03:51 – Why are you so passionate about manufacturing and developing the workforce in Memphis?

05:56 – What products are made in Memphis?

07:08 – How do you and the council connect students to these jobs and employers in Memphis?

15:49 – How is the Advanced Manufacturing Council impacting the manufacturers and workforce pipelines in Memphis?

22:30 – Why do you think it's important to support the manufacturing industry in our region?

23:32 – What is the council doing to celebrate Manufacturing Month this October?

27:58 – What is the best piece of financial advice you've ever been given?

29:01 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

To learn more about the Greater Memphis Chamber, visit memphischamber.com.

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

Have you ever been in a season of transition? Maybe you were moving cities, changing jobs, or, like today's guest, doing both at the same time! Join Financial Champion Steve Williams as he shares what he has learned about managing finances while moving, starting a new job, and navigating life as a young adult.

Highlights:

00:55 – Can you tell us about yourself and how you got to Leaders?

02:44 – What's your favorite thing about the Memphis community, and what do you enjoy about being there?

04:37 – How did your background as an enrollment counselor prepare you for your current role?

06:23 – How do you handle sensitive topics like finances when meeting someone for the first time?

07:51 – What did you learn about managing your finances during this recent season of transition?

09:20 – What advice would you give to someone considering moving or changing jobs?

10:34 – How would you prepare for unexpected expenses and transitions?

12:04 – What advice would you give other young adults about managing their finances?

17:39 – What are you most enjoying about serving the Memphis community?

18:42 – What is the best piece of financial advice you've ever been given?

20:05 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

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

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.