It’s a celebration of collaboration and empathy as Isn’t it Lovely? welcomes community leader Rich Merkouris to the podcast! After reflecting on a childhood that encouraged outreach, Rich identifies the life-changing moment a casual joke to a college professor set him on a trajectory to engage with his community in a personal way. Rich and Tracy discuss the notion of holy discontent and the ways the entrepreneurial spirit thrives in the nonprofit/service sector — and when it’s equally vital to set individual ideas down to creatively partner with others. Rich and Rachel explore the importance of humanizing social issues, preserving dignity, and challenging personal biases to compassionately acknowledge the complex dynamics of addiction, mental health, and accessibility. In an inspiring call to action, Rich reminds listeners that the core issue for so many individuals is hope and that success doesn’t have to be either/or; it can be both/and. Rachel and Tracy conclude the episode with a years in the making love letter to Sioux Falls, its people, and…its airport.

Episode Mentions:

Rich Merkouris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmerkouris/

Empower Sioux Falls Website: https://www.empowersiouxfalls.com/

Randell Beck

Sioux Falls Hope Coalition - https://www.sfhopecoalition.org/

211 Helpline Center - https://www.helplinecenter.org/

Jacky’s Restaurant - http://www.jackysrestaurants.com/

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls Regional Airport -https://www.sfairport.com/