THE AMNER MARTINEZ PODCAST

THE AMNER MARTINEZ PODCAST

By THE AMNER MARTINEZ PODCASTSociety & Culture
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THE AMNER MARTINEZ PODCAST episodes

  • Inside Iowa's Watchdog: Accountability, Audits, and Advocating for Public Transparency

    In this insightful episode, we dive deep with Iowa's State Auditor as he discusses the importance of holding government accountable, uncovering public corruption, and ensuring tax dollars are spent wisely. Our guest sheds light on recent challenges, such as new restrictions impacting audit transparency, significant cases of financial fraud, and the contentious topic of school vouchers and tax reform. From public service motivations to the complexities of state budgets, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the intersections of governance, accountability, and public interest.

    Notable Timestamps:

    • 00:00:37 - The role of Iowa’s State Auditor and the importance of financial audits to prevent corruption.
    • 00:02:03 - Discussion on a new law limiting access to audit records and its implications for transparency.
    • 00:13:11 - Investigation into a major fraud case involving the University of Iowa’s machine shop.
    • 00:22:08 - Insight into Iowa’s $6 billion surplus and debates over budget allocation versus tax cuts.
    • 00:28:10 - Iowa’s school voucher program and concerns over private school accountability for public funds.
    • 00:35:06 - Personal motivations for public service and the role of faith in guiding ethical leadership.
    • 00:36:16 - A memorable moment of leadership inspired by John McCain’s commitment to truth.

      • This episode is a must-listen for those interested in how state governance impacts everyday citizens and why transparency remains a cornerstone of democracy.

      39 min
    • Beyond Loss: Embracing Life, Art, and Healing - Part 2

      In this compelling episode, we sit down with Amy Putney, a multi-faceted artist, death doula, and survivor, who takes us on a journey through grief, addiction, and the profound lessons learned from loss. Amy opens up about her transformative path from enduring the pain of a family tragedy to finding purpose in her work as a death doula and creative advocate. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares insights from her book Shapeshifter, discussing how confronting grief and death can lead to a deeper appreciation of life and self-love. Join us as we explore how art, resilience, and connection can reshape the narratives of our most challenging experiences, turning sorrow into strength and tragedy into inspiration.


      You can find more about Amy and buy her book here: https://www.amyputneykoenigart.com

      Meet the Author/Artist Nov.1st more details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2590207811185363

      51 min
    • Beyond Loss: Embracing Life, Art, and Healing - Part 1

      In this compelling episode, we sit down with Amy Putney, a multi-faceted artist, death doula, and survivor, who takes us on a journey through grief, addiction, and the profound lessons learned from loss. Amy opens up about her transformative path from enduring the pain of a family tragedy to finding purpose in her work as a death doula and creative advocate. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares insights from her book Shapeshifter, discussing how confronting grief and death can lead to a deeper appreciation of life and self-love. Join us as we explore how art, resilience, and connection can reshape the narratives of our most challenging experiences, turning sorrow into strength and tragedy into inspiration.


      You can find more about Amy and buy her book here: https://www.amyputneykoenigart.com

      Meet the Author/Artist Nov.1st more details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2590207811185363

      54 min
    • Building Businesses: The Power of Organization, Diversity, and Adaptation

      In this insightful episode, we sit down with Sailu Timbo, a sought-after business adviser, to discuss pivotal moments in business growth and the crucial role of diversity, organization, and adaptation in building long-lasting companies. Sailu shares personal stories of how diversity has impacted his own journey and the businesses he's worked with. We also explore the state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) today, how companies can adapt to change, and why organization and planning are essential for any business looking to thrive. Listen as we uncover strategies that not only boost a company's bottom line but also foster resilience and long-term success.

      Notable Timestamps:

      • [00:00] - Introduction and thanks to Sailu Timbo for his impact on the host's business journey.
      • [03:28] - Discussion on the pushback against DEI and its evolution into Employee Resource Groups (ERG).
      • [06:48] - The fall of Blockbuster and how lack of innovation and diversity in leadership impacted its demise.
      • [17:18] - The importance of organization and planning in taking a business to the next level.
      • [22:05] - Addressing bad business habits that can derail success, including poor tax planning.
      • [32:00] - How to overcome old-school mentality in business and embrace change for continued growth.
      • [48:04] - The significance of health and mindset in achieving success and avoiding burnout.
      • [55:00] - Sailu's life motto: "Fix the problem, don’t start over," as a guide to perseverance in business.

        • Tune in to gain valuable business advice and practical tips that can transform how you approach leadership and growth.

        57 min
      • Raising the Bar: Creating Change with Joshua Barr

        In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Barr, founder of Raising the Barr LLC and former member of the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission. Joshua shares his journey of promoting human rights, community dialogues, and cultural transformation. He talks about his role in creating policies that promote respectful cultures within organizations and his thoughts on housing solutions, economic inequality, and the power of constructive conflict. His bold, solution-oriented approach to addressing societal divisions is inspiring, making this a must-listen for anyone passionate about social justice and policy reform.

        Notable Timestamps:
        [00:00:13] – Introduction to Joshua Barr and his transition to North Carolina.
        [00:01:00] – Discussion on cultural transformation and public speaking.
        [00:03:05] – The importance of addressing societal divides through honest dialogue.
        [00:07:07] – Joshua discusses housing solutions and the need for stable housing.
        [00:11:22] – Insights into capitalism and how it affects social issues.
        [00:25:15] – On the delicate balance of critiquing the country and expressing love for it.
        [00:33:02] – Tackling the fear of socialism and public safety nets.
        [00:41:00] – Embracing conflict as a necessary part of growth and progress.

        50 min
      • Balancing Acts: Leadership, Stress, and Success with Katherine Harrington

        In this episode, we sit down with Katherine Harrington, CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber, to discuss her dynamic career journey, leadership insights, and personal growth. From running a World Music Festival to navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Katherine shares her unique perspective on resilience, energy management, and the importance of mental and physical well-being. She offers practical advice for aspiring leaders and reflects on the art of staying grounded amid chaos. Discover how her experiences as a ballerina shaped her leadership style and learn the secrets behind her success in managing a diverse and ever-evolving community.

        Notable Timestamps:

        • 00:00 - 00:13: Introduction and sponsorship by Infinite Resources.
        • 00:19 - 01:03: Katherine shares her experience running the World Music Festival and how it shaped her leadership journey.
        • 06:09 - 06:44: Katherine's involvement with the Latino Trade Network and her work with the West Des Moines Chamber.
        • 10:30 - 11:38: Reflections on how the pandemic has changed the concept of time and work dynamics.
        • 16:17 - 17:05: The importance of mental and physical health in maintaining energy and clarity.
        • 18:07 - 19:18: Tips for managing stress and navigating tough decisions in leadership roles.
        • 27:04 - 28:29: Strategies for team building and assembling the right people for organizational success.
        • 30:54 - 32:13: Katherine's approach to cold sales and building authentic connections.
        • 35:57 - 36:52: Advice for women aspiring to leadership roles and overcoming challenges.
        • 39:26 - 40:13: Katherine's life motto and how it has guided her career path.
        • 44:48 - 45:53: Katherine highlights the 100th anniversary of the West Des Moines Chamber and upcoming events.

          • This episode is packed with valuable insights and is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and personal growth strategies.

          47 min
        • From Newsroom to Boardroom: Claire Brehmer on the Evolution of Media and Public Relations

          In this episode, Claire Brehmer, a seasoned professional in media, public relations, and corporate communications, joins the host to discuss her career journey from TV news to PR and the evolving role of media. Claire shares insights on how traditional media like radio and print still play a critical role despite the rise of digital platforms, and how social media strategy is essential for modern businesses. The conversation also explores the importance of storytelling in PR, and how Claire’s role at a real estate development company involves sharing impactful stories, such as their work on community-building projects like the "Extreme Builds" for families facing brain trauma.

            Claire also reflects on how podcasting has revolutionized media, giving organizations and individuals a platform to tell stories that wouldn’t fit into traditional news formats. The episode touches on leadership in the Midwest, corporate evolution, and how businesses must adapt to avoid stagnation.

            Notable Timestamps:

            00:00:13 – Introduction of Claire Brehmer and her transition from TV news to PR.

            00:02:42 – Breaking down the differences between PR, media relations, and communications.

            00:07:34 – The conversation around how technology reaches different regions at different speeds.

            00:12:05 – Storytelling through social media and press releases: combining old and new strategies.

            00:17:47 – Discussion on the evolution of roles like social media managers and graphic designers in the current business landscape.

            00:25:06 – The impact of podcasting on media and storytelling, with Claire reflecting on her experience as both a listener and content creator.

            00:43:11 – An overview of Hubble’s "Extreme Builds" project, including their work for brain trauma patients and children with disabilities.

            00:47:16 – How Claire’s role involves telling meaningful stories about the company’s community efforts and volunteer projects.

            This episode is packed with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of media, PR, and corporate storytelling, making it a must-listen for professionals in the field.

            51 min
          • "Fighting for Dignity: The Battle Against Criminalizing Homelessness in Des Moines"

            In this episode, host Amner Martinez dives deep into the urgent issue of homelessness in Des Moines with Ben Lynch and Tim Nelson discussing the controversial city ordinance that could criminalize homelessness. They explore the upcoming city council vote, the broader implications of the ordinance, and the efforts being made by community members to oppose it. Through personal stories, legal challenges, and civic engagement, this episode is a call to action for listeners to understand the human impact of these policies. The conversation emphasizes the moral and practical reasons behind providing long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.


            More information about the Ordinances and where to contact your representatives here:

            https://www.desmoinesblm.org/homelessness


              55 min
            • Scaling Success: The Entrepreneurial Mindset with Steve Walsh

              In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey with Steve Walsh, a seasoned entrepreneur, mentor, and author of Make the 10x Leap. Steve shares his experience and wisdom on overcoming common challenges entrepreneurs face and how to shift your mindset to achieve exponential success. Below are some notable moments from the conversation:

              • [00:00:13] - Introduction to Steve Walsh: A mentorpreneur, angel investor, and author, Steve Walsh shares what inspired him to write Make the 10x Leap and how his entrepreneurial journey began.

              • [00:02:25] - The Writing Process: Steve discusses the challenges he faced while writing his book and the disciplined approach he adopted to complete it.

              • [00:04:04] - Mindset and Scaling: Steve emphasizes the importance of having the right mindset when scaling a business, sharing a pivotal moment when he realized the need for a mental shift.

              • [00:09:21] - The Role of Mentorship: Steve highlights the value of having good mentors and how they can help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles and make strategic decisions.

              • [00:14:00] - DNA Success Formula: Steve introduces his DNA Success Formula, focusing on discipline, no distractions, and taking action to drive business success.

              • [00:25:32] - Investment and Passion: Steve explains how he evaluates potential investments, placing a strong emphasis on the passion and drive of the business owners.

              • [00:32:00] - Branding and Marketing: The conversation shifts to the importance of branding and marketing, using examples of successful brands and how they managed to stand out.

              • [00:45:56] - The Impact of Lack of Capital: Steve discusses the consequences of insufficient capital and the importance of having the right financial backing to grow a business.

              • [01:09:44] - The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Steve and the host explore what defines the entrepreneurial spirit and how to recognize if you have it.

              • [01:14:11] - Steve’s Life Motto: Steve shares his evolving life motto, emphasizing continuous learning and pushing oneself to new limits.

                • Join us for a conversation filled with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will resonate with entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.

                1 hr 20 min
              • Empowering Abilities: Melissa Clark Wharf's Journey with Can Play

                In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Melissa Clark Wharf, co-founder of Can Play, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing adaptive sports and recreation opportunities for children with physical and emotional challenges. Melissa shares the story behind Can Play, the impact of their programs, and the importance of focusing on children's abilities rather than their disabilities. She also discusses the challenges of running a nonprofit, the importance of community partnerships, and her vision for expanding Can Play's reach in the future. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone passionate about making a difference, this conversation offers valuable insights into the power of inclusive play and community support.

                Notable Timestamps:

                • [00:01:12] – Introduction of Melissa Clark Wharf and the founding of Can Play.
                • [00:03:22] – Focusing on children's abilities, not disabilities.
                • [00:10:22] – Challenges and barriers faced by children with disabilities and their families.
                • [00:16:16] – Empowering communities through adaptive recreation programs.
                • [00:24:20] – The importance of staying grounded as a nonprofit leader.
                • [00:30:42] – The emotional impact and fulfillment of working with Can Play's participants.
                • [00:34:00] – Melissa's life motto: Doing the best with what you have.

                  • Join us for a heartfelt discussion on making a real difference in the lives of children and families through the power of play and community.

                  35 min

                About THE AMNER MARTINEZ PODCAST

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                Thought provoking conversation with Des Moines locals and places nearby. We discuss culture, social issues, politics, their individual stories and everything in between. follow us and share this with…