The Exemplum

By Zac Bales-Henry

We are a podcast dedicated to exploring the thoughts, stories, and opinions of people. We all have a story of an instant that changed our lives, made us question our reality, and made us grow in ways ... more

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about The Exemplum:

How many episodes does The Exemplum have?

The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.

The Exemplum episodes:

June 05, 2025 Ep. 14 Kent Sovern (A life full of stories)
Send us a text
Show Info:
In this episode, I sit down with Kent Sovern. We discuss his life, philosophy, and what brings him happiness. Kent has been a positive force in and around Iowa for decades, and his impact on our community is significant. We talk about his journey, what brings him joy, and the people and places that have influenced him along the way. Join us as Kent shares his story.
More Info about the show:
The Exemplum is a show dedicated to exploring the thoughts, stories, and events that define our lives, from everyday moments to life-changing experiences. We all have a story to tell. So join us as we explore what it means to learn, grow, and change.
The Exemplum (Follow us here):
Facebook
Instagram
www.TheExemplum.com
...more
50min
March 14, 2025 Ep. 13 Hunter Cook (Helping those in need)
Send us a text

In this episode of The Exemplum, I engaged in a conversation with Hunter Cook, the founder of Nancy’s Place. This organization is dedicated to providing affordable housing options for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For further information about Nancy’s Place:
Instagram
Facebook
Website

More Info about the show:
The Exemplum is a show dedicated to exploring the thoughts, stories, and events that define our lives, from everyday moments to life-changing experiences. We all have a story to tell. So join us as we explore what it means to learn, grow, and change.
The Exemplum (Follow us here):
Facebook
Instagram
www.TheExemplum.com
...more
51min
January 27, 2023 Ep. 12 Kristen Anderson (A decision)
Send us a text
Show Info:
On this episode of The Exemplum, I sit down with Kirsten Anderson. An advocate for those facing harassment in the workplace. She took a stand against her former employer: the State of Iowa (on May 17, 2013). In this episode, we learn about how pivotal that moment was and what challenges she had faced leading up to it and after those events. Kistern is a voice for so many. And her story will leave a lasting impact on me for many years to come.

Kirsten Anderson (Follow her here)
YouTube
Instagram
Website
Book

More Info about the show:
The Exemplum is a show dedicated to exploring the thoughts, stories, and events that define our lives, from everyday moments to life-changing experiences. We all have a story to tell. So join us as we explore what it means to learn, grow, and change.

The Exemplum (Follow us here):
Facebook
Instagram
www.TheExemplum.com
...more
31min
August 17, 2022 Ep. 11 Ed Fallon (Service)
Send us a text
Show Info:On this episode of The Exemplum, I sit down with Ed Fallon, host of The Fallon Forum. We talk about his life of service and how he found activism. The conversation touches on supporting your community and the world. Making your voice heard and becoming an advocate for things you're passionate about. Ed has a gift for storytelling, and that comes through in this episode.Ed Fallon (Follow Him here)YouTubeFacebookWebsiteMore Info about the show:The Exemplum is a show dedicated to exploring the thoughts, stories, and events that define our lives, from everyday moments to life-changing experiences. We all have a story to tell. So join us as we explore what it means to learn, grow, and change.The Exemplum (Follow us here):FacebookInstagramwww.TheExemplum.com
...more
34min
August 10, 2022 Ep. 10 Jason G. Grams (Helping People)
Send us a text
Show Info:
On this episode of The Exemplum, I sit down with Jason Grams, an insurance agent at Bishop White. We talk about life, business, and service. Jason re-frames a career that is often considered a sales role and turns it into a conversation about providing exceptional service through the idea of helping them—forming genuine and legitimate connections with his clients; while escaping grind and hustle culture. It's a great conversation about the fundamentals of business and life.
Jason Grams (Follow Him here)
Google
Facebook
Website
Linkedin
More Info about the show:
The Exemplum is a show dedicated to exploring the thoughts, stories, and events that define our lives, from everyday moments to life-changing experiences. We all have a story to tell. So join us as we explore what it means to learn, grow, and change.
The Exemplum (Follow us here):
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
www.TheExemplum.com
...more
45min
August 02, 2022 Ep. 9 Mike Draper (Little Things)
Send us a text
Show Info:
In this episode, I sat down with Mike Draper, Founder and owner of RAYGUN. Mike blinds humor and wet combined with an exception business mind. He truly is a uniquely passionate individual. RAYGUN is known nationwide and has given us so many wonderfully hilarious quotes, worn by thousands. His story is uniquely powerful, and one well worth listening to. Today we discuss how RAYGUN began, what it is today, but more importantly what it means to Mike Draper.
Mike Draper (Follow Him here)
Twitter
Facebook
website
More Info about the show:
The Exemplum is a show dedicated to exploring the thoughts, stories, and events that define our lives, from everyday moments to life-changing experiences. We all have a story to tell. So join us as we explore what it means to learn, grow, and change.
The Exemplum (Follow us here):
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
www.TheExemplum.com
...more
30min
May 17, 2021 Ep. 8 Matt McCoy (Addiction)
Send us a text
Show Info:
In this episode, I sat down with Matt McCoy, Polk County Supervisor, representing the Fifth District in Iowa. Matt is known for his passion, charisma, and progressive ideals. It's clear that through his leadership, he's fostered a more welcoming and accepting community, propagating positive change throughout Iowa. We discuss the subject of addiction. And how through the most challenging years of Matt's life, he was able to find peace with himself and inevitably becoming a more complete person.
His story is touching on so many levels, and it shines a light on how difficult addiction can be. How it can bring you to your knees and make you question your vary existence. But more importantly, through Matt's story, we're able to see that many of us live lives of quiet desperation. That behind our public persona, there is a human who struggles with life, self-acceptance, and personal demons.
Matt McCoy (Follow Him here)
Twitter
Facebook
website
More Info about the show:
The Exemplum is a show dedicated to exploring the thoughts, stories, and events that define our lives, from everyday moments to life-changing experiences. We all have a story to tell. So join us as we explore what it means to learn, grow, and change.
The Exemplum (Follow us here):
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
www.TheExemplum.com
...more
30min
February 20, 2021 Ep. 7 Brooks Ferguson (Moments)
Send us a text
Show Info:
In this episode, I sat down with Brooks Ferguson, climber, hiker, and an amazing all-around individual. We delve into what brought him into the world of climbing and how it provides balance to his life. We also cover the overarching theme of living in the moment and being truly alive, committed to the moment at hand, and experiencing every second life has to offer. Brooks view of the world is uniquely beautiful, and in this interview, it's easy to see what makes him so unique. To know Books is to know this place and these mountains. Out interview is as much about him as it is about the surrounding environment.
Brooks Ferguson (Follow Him here)
Instagram
More Info about the show:
The Exemplum is a show dedicated to exploring the thoughts, stories, and events that define our lives, from everyday moments to life-changing experiences. We all have a story to tell. So join us as we explore what it means to learn, grow, and change.
The Exemplum (Follow us here):
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
www.TheExemplum.com
...more
34min
January 28, 2021 Ep. 6 Sarah Jorgenson (The North)
Send us a text
Sarah Jorgenson (Bio)
In this episode of The Exemplum, we're introduced to Sarah Jorgenson; A true northerner. We delve into what makes the North so uniquely beautiful. But more importantly, Sarah's ability to take us through this story is a sign of her love for this place. There's something spiritual here, and it's nice to be able to share in these moments together as we cover community, friendship, and the outdoors.
Sarah Jorgenson:
Be sure to follow Sarah on Instagram (Here)
Follow Java Moose on Instagram (Here)
Check out the Java Moose website (Here)
More Info about the show:
The Exemplum is a show dedicated to exploring the thoughts, stories, and events that define our lives, from everyday moments to life-changing experiences. We all have a story to tell. So join us as we explore what it means to learn, grow, and change.
Social Links (Follow us here):
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
www.TheExemplum.com
...more
52min
December 17, 2020 Ep. 5 Rob Sand (Dedication)
Send us a text
Show Info:
In this episode, I sat down with Rob Sand, Iowa State Auditor. We delve into the reasoning behind his running for office and what keeps him motivated to be a proactive leader in our state. Rob brings a unique and diverse background to his role as an elected official. His passion and commitment to transparency as well as leadership equality are apparent from the second you sit down with him. Rob legitimately cares about the people he serves, and his position has become that of a beacon in an era of heightened political partisanship. He strives to represent people of all political backgrounds. Rob's focus, determination, and commitment to the process make him one of the state's most influential leaders.

Rob Sand (Follow Him here)
Twitter
Facebook
website

More Info about the show:
The Exemplum is a show dedicated to exploring the thoughts, stories, and events that define our lives, from everyday moments to life-changing experiences. We all have a story to tell. So join us as we explore what it means to learn, grow, and change.

The Exemplum (Follow us here):
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
TheExemplum.com

...more
42min

FAQs about The Exemplum:

How many episodes does The Exemplum have?

The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.