The Change Maker

Today on The Change Maker: Dr. Mark Ghoulston. Originally a UCLA professor of psychiatry for over 25 years, and a former FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer, Dr. Mark Goulston’s expertise has been forged and proven in the crucible of real-life, high stakes situations. An influencer who helps influencers become more influential, his unique background has made him an indispensible and sought after resource and change facilitator to Fortune 500 leaders, entrepreneurs and educators across the nation. He lives with his wife in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Ghoulston and Deke talk about topics such as: mental health, recognizing and dealing with trauma, leading through tough times, and ways to lead with vulnerability - including some examples in both of their lives.

To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker

Today on The Changemaker: Justin Wheelon (@justinWheelon). This episode features Justin Wheelon. Emmy® Award-winner Justin Wheelon is a professional director and actor who's appeared in numerous films and television shows. Justin's commercials on-line have generated millions of views. His work has been featured in national television commercials for major clients, including directing two Super Bowl commercials. His films have played at multiple Oscar® qualifying film festivals around the world.

He is the Founder and President of the SOUTHERN CITY INSTITUTE® which hosts filmmaking classes and workshops for kids and adults. The Southern City Film Festival takes place annually and has been rated inside the "Top 100" film festivals via FilmFreeway. He is also a partner and co-founder of the Emmy® winning Oak Film Co., a film production company which produces movies and national commercial work for clients.

The Changemaker is hosted by Deke Copenhaver. When Deke took over as mayor of his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, the city’s politics were broken and riven along racial lines. Half of the city commissioners were white, half were African American. Neither group trusted the other, so nothing got done.

Against all reasonable odds, Deke and a band of enthusiastic twenty- and thirty-somethings who knew little about running a political campaign won the election. He had his first commissioners meeting as mayor on December 20th, 2005, and began the work of being a Changemaker.

From 2005 through 2014 Deke was a catalyst in helping to transform Augusta, attracting businesses to spur economic development, implementing social programs that impacted the lives of Augustans on a daily basis and developing communities that, for many years, had been neglected by the city’s leadership.

Amid all the challenges and setbacks, tragedy and strife, Deke never lost hope. Instead, he’s always been inspired to serve. Since the grassroots days of his campaign of hope and change to currently serving as the Principal of Copenhaver Consulting, Deke remains committed to being a Changemaker while helping others realize the potential they have to be leaders in their community and their lives.

He’s been recognized on multiple occasions by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians and has spoken at many national conferences on topics including city design, economic development, healthcare, veterans’ issues, and the nonprofit industry.

Deke currently authors a monthly column on leadership published by the Georgia Municipal Association. Deke earned a BA in Political Science from Augusta College and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and the Mayors’ Institute on City Design.

A passionate athlete, Deke has completed five Ironman 70.3s and several half marathons. He and his wife, Malisa, reside in Augusta with their dogs Sarah Bet, Buddy, and Johnny.

Today on The Changemaker: Deanna Brown (@JamesBrownGirl). Not only is Deanna the daughter of the late James Brown, but she is also a dear friend to Deke and the after the passing of her father in 2006, Deanna picked up the reigns of her father’s good will and continued his legacy of giving thru The Brown Family Childrens Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports creating music scholarships and programs for students and schools who have a interest in learning music and the music industry; provide health awareness to impoverished families; and continue to support The Annual James Brown Turkey and Toy Giveaways, www.jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org. Deanna has many positions but the two she holds dearest is mother and wife. She believes in the family unit being strong and encouraging to one another.

The Changemaker is hosted by Deke Copenhaver. When Deke took over as mayor of his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, the city’s politics were broken and riven along racial lines. Half of the city commissioners were white, half were African American. Neither group trusted the other, so nothing got done.

Against all reasonable odds, Deke and a band of enthusiastic twenty- and thirty-somethings who knew little about running a political campaign won the election. He had his first commissioners meeting as mayor on December 20th, 2005, and began the work of being a Changemaker.

From 2005 through 2014 Deke was a catalyst in helping to transform Augusta, attracting businesses to spur economic development, implementing social programs that impacted the lives of Augustans on a daily basis and developing communities that, for many years, had been neglected by the city’s leadership.

Amid all the challenges and setbacks, tragedy and strife, Deke never lost hope. Instead, he’s always been inspired to serve. Since the grassroots days of his campaign of hope and change to currently serving as the Principal of Copenhaver Consulting, Deke remains committed to being a Changemaker while helping others realize the potential they have to be leaders in their community and their lives.

He’s been recognized on multiple occasions by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians and has spoken at many national conferences on topics including city design, economic development, healthcare, veterans’ issues, and the nonprofit industry.

Deke currently authors a monthly column on leadership published by the Georgia Municipal Association. Deke earned a BA in Political Science from Augusta College and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and the Mayors’ Institute on City Design.

A passionate athlete, Deke has completed five Ironman 70.3s and several half marathons. He and his wife, Malisa, reside in Augusta with their dogs Sarah Bet, Buddy, and Johnny.

In this first episode of The Changemaker show, you are introduced to your host: Deke Copenhaver. He recalls his time as mayor of Augusta, Georgia and how those experiences led him to think the way he does today which he ultimately wrote in The Changemaker. 

Deke's style is to be totally transparent. "Walking around naked," he calls it. This episode is just that. A chance to get to know who Deke is and understand the main pillars of being a change maker.

Episode Produced by Augusta Podcasts, LLC.

Narrated by David Bash