Pocket Change Podcast

What does it mean to give? For Russell and Melinda Kyzar, it meant decades of crossing borders, learning new languages, and embracing unfamiliar cultures to serve communities around the world. Today, their mission continues in Jackson, Tennessee, where they volunteer as ESL instructors – helping newcomers find their voice and their place in our community. In this episode of the Pocket Change Podcast, they share the profound lessons they've learned about faith, family, finances, and the transformative power of giving.

01:05 – What led you to missionary work?

02:32 – Where have you lived, and what were the highlights of those different countries?

04:46 – What was it like to learn so many different languages?

05:44 – What was it like to raise a family in so many different countries?

08:10 – How did you manage your finances amid so many international moves?

11:30 – What did community look like for you in these different countries?

13:27 – What does teaching English as a Second Language look like?

16:28 – How does teaching English impact our community?

19:05 - Out of all the countries you lived in, which had your favorite food?

20:06 – What do you feel giving is important?

21:41 – What advice would you give someone new to giving?

24:44 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

26:26 – 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.

#Podcast #Money #LanguageLearning #Culture #GivingTuesday

How do you support your spouse through different seasons of life? In this episode of the Pocket Change Podcast, Financial Champion Caroline Brown sits down with Shea and Carrie to share what she and her husband have learned through navigating multiple career shifts and cross-country moves over 11 years of marriage.

01:22 – How did you and your husband meet and what were the early years of marriage like?

02:38 – What does it mean to support your spouse well?

05:18 – How do you make big decisions as a couple?

07:18 – How have you managed budgeting as a couple when life circumstances have changed?

08:25 – How do you balance being content in the now while also being hopeful for the future?

10:10 – What would you say to couples in seasons of financial uncertainty?

11:44 – What is the best piece of financial advice you've ever been given?

12:31 – 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.

#Podcast #Money #Marriage #Family #Finance

How do you see conflict in your workplace or personal life? While nobody enjoys conflict, it's a constant issue throughout our lives. Merry Brown, author of How to Be Unprofessional at Work and host of the podcast, Conflict Managed, shares how you can use conflict to your advantage by knowing how to handle it well. Tune in to the Pocket Change Podcast to learn how to begin looking at conflict in a new way.

01:11 – What led you into mediation and workplace conflict resolution?

02:13 – What are the biggest misconceptions about conflict?

03:02 – Do you think workplace conflict is more common now or do you think we're just more aware of it?

04:20 – What are your top tips for employers who want to mediate conflict in their workplaces?

05:32 – What advice would you give managers to help their employees improve?

07:16 – What advice would you give to a person who feels ignored by their supervisor?

08:32 – What is your advice for building strong culture in a tough environment?

09:46 – Can you tell us about your podcast and how you got started podcasting?

11:45 – What projects are you currently working on?

12:33 – Can you share some highlights of your most recent book?

13:50 – What generational shifts have you seen in the workplace?

15:48 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

17:08 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

To learn more about Merry Brown's books or Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services, visit 3pconflictrestoration.com.

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

How can working three jobs in college teach you about finance? Financial Champion Aleah Sidwell shares how balancing multiple jobs during school—and later working as a college admissions counselor—taught her the value of financial education. Listen to our full podcast episode to hear her story and the practical steps behind building financial responsibility through hard work and determination.

01:06 – How did you find your way to Leaders?

02:22 – Why do you feel a personal connection to financial education?

04:18 – Can you tell us about your experience working three jobs in college?

05:26 – Did working three jobs make you feel different from your classmates?

08:12 – Since parents want their children to do better than themselves, how does that look financially?

09:54 – What do you say to people who feel left behind financially?

11:11 – How has your background given you empathy in your role at Leaders?

13:05 – What's unique about the Greater Memphis area?

15:58 – What is the difference between a credit union and a bank?

17:23 – What's your favorite part of teaching financial education?

18:57 – How can someone bring Leaders into their workplace?

20:50 – What's the best financial advice you've ever been given?

22:27 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Need help on your financial journey? Download our free Gen Z Guide to Grown-up Money Decisions.

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

#Podcast #Money #Education #Finance #College

How do community partnerships make an impact in public schools and the overall community? Find out by listening to our newest episode with Jason Sykes, leader at Bartlett City Schools. Sykes shares about his journey into advocating for education, his love for the Bartlett community, and his favorite restaurants spots.

01:15 – Can you tell us about yourself and your role with Bartlett City Schools?

01:45 – What is your background and what led you to Bartlett City Schools?

03:06 – What is your favorite part of your job?

03:59 – Why is it important for you to stay involved in the Bartlett community?

04:55 – What do you think makes Bartlett and the school district special?

09:33 – What's your favorite thing about living in Bartlett and the Greater Memphis area?

10:16 – What's the best place to eat in Bartlett and the Greater Memphis area?

11:37 – As someone who's very involved with Leaders Credit Union, how did you first hear about it?

13:24 – Why do you think partnerships like ours are so important for places like Bartlett City Schools?

16:10 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

17:48 – If you were to find some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Interested in Bartlett City Schools or wanting to learn more about the City of Bartlett? Visit bartlettschools.org.

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

We understand the homebuying journey can be overwhelming. If you have questions about the mortgage process, this is the episode for you! Join Leaders Mortgage Champion Kelly Jaunet Jones as she shares her passion for educating people before they make a decision to buy a home and building relationships with the homebuyers she helps.

"When people feel educated, they feel empowered," said Jones.

00:57 – What got you into the mortgage business and why is education so important to you?

02:11 – What are some of the common questions you get about the homebuying process?

03:49 – What are the current mortgage rates and will they go down anytime soon?

07:12 – What is "buying down the rate"?

09:53 – What's it like for buyers and sellers in the Memphis market right now?

11:50 – Can you tell us about the classes you teach?

16:17 – What advice would you give a lifetime renter looking to buy their first home?

18:03 – What is the best piece of financial advice you've ever been given?

20:10 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Wanting to begin your homebuying journey? Reach out to Kelly or one of the other Mortgage Champions at Leaders Mortgage Services.

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

Have you heard the buzz about Dancing with the Stars in Jackson? Tune in to the latest episode of the Pocket Change Podcast featuring Keisha Norwood, Director of Events & Engagement at the STAR Center, and Kyle Barron, a returning dancer. Get an inside look at this exciting community event and learn how it supports the incredible mission of the STAR Center!

00:58 – Keisha, how did your professional journey bring you to the Star Center?

01:46 – Kyle, tell us about your professional journey and how you came to be a two-time dancer with Dancing with the Stars?

03:18 – What impact have you seen through Dancing with the Stars and why should someone support the Star Center through this event?

05:59 – Kyle, how much pressure are you feeling to win this year?

06:53 – Who are this year's dancers?

07:42 – Kyle, who is your dance partner this year?

08:33 – What is the time commitment involved to dance in this event and what do your practices look like?

09:55 – Kyle, what keeps you giving back to the Star Center through Dancing with the Stars?

11:06 – Can you tell us how people can donate, get tickets, or participate in this event?

13:13 – When and where will Dancing with the Stars be held?

13:59 – What does Leaders' support mean to you and the Star Center?

14:46 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

15:41 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

To learn more about the STAR Center or Dancing with the Stars, visit dwtsjackson.com.

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

#Dance #Dancing #DancingWithTheStars #Nonprofit #Community #Give #Podcast

Feeling overwhelmed by your finances—from sticking to a budget to boosting your credit? You don't have to tackle it alone. Tune in to the Pocket Change Podcast to hear advice and practical strategies from Kevin Morgan, AVP of Branch Operations at the North Highland Branch of Leaders Credit Union?

01:03 – Can you share how you came to Leaders?

03:04 – What is your role at Leaders?

03:15 – How did your background working with college students equip you for your current position?

04:50 – What are some common problems you're able to help people in their financial journey?

06:04 – How do you advise people to go about budgeting?

11:42 – What is most important when trying to save or build credit?

13:03 – What is a secured loan or secured credit card?

14:03 – How would you advise someone to build back their credit after it has taken a hit?

16:31 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

18:06 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

If you need help with your monthly finances, check out this smart budgeting tool kit.

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

From chasing severe storms to a close encounter with an alligator, WBBJ News Director Stan Sanders has seen it all. In the newest episode of the Pocket Change Podcast, Sanders shares captivating stories from his years in journalism—revealing how he navigates both breaking news and heartwarming community stories, what keeps him passionate about the industry, and why he believes education is vital to building stronger communities.

00:46 – How did you enter the world of news & broadcast?

01:52 – What was your early career like?

04:03 – What brought you to West Tennessee?

04:48 – How long have you been with WBBJ?

05:15 – What does a typical day at the station look like for you?

06:06 – On slower days, how do you find the news if it hasn't found you?

07:17 – How do you focus on the positive in the news when there's often so much negative?

08:42 – How has the shift from traditional to digital media affected how you do your job?

12:40 – What are the most powerful & memorable stories you've covered?

17:09 –What keeps you coming back every day?

18:01 – What inspired you to help the community by serving on the board of the Leaders Education Foundation?

20:44 – What's the best financial advice you've ever been given?

22:39 – If you had extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

Learn more about WBBJ News by visiting wbbjtv.com.

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

#news #journalism #storytelling #story #newsstory #podcast

Struggling to manage your money? You're not alone — and help is here. Financial Champion Riley Deakins shares practical tips to take control of your finances, from boosting your credit score to cutting unnecessary expenses. Whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen your money skills, this episode has something for you. Tune in to the Pocket Change Podcast and build a stronger financial future.

Highlights:

01:08 – How did your journey lead you to financial services?

03:57 – How has working at Leaders affected your understanding of finances?

05:17 – What is your financial advice for someone entering the workforce for the first time?

05:42 – What is secured credit?

08:22 – What is your approach to budgeting?

09:51 – Which budgeting tools do you recommend?

11:42 – How else have you saved on your monthly expenses?

15:19 – How have you helped our members through their financial journeys?

16:52 – What impact have you noticed following the construction of our South Highland branch?

18:24 – What is the best financial advice you've ever received?

19:28 – How would you use your extra pocket change?

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

#FinancialFreedom #SmartMoney #FinancialWellness #BudgetingTips #MoneyManagement #FinancialTips #MoneyAdvice