What does human trafficking look like in our own neighborhoods? In this raw and powerful episode, survivor and advocate Kachia Phillips shares her personal story from early vulnerability and exploitation to healing and leadership at Hub of Hope. You’ll learn how traffickers operate, the signs to watch for, and why education is the most powerful weapon we have to protect our youth and community.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or concerned citizen, this episode is your wake-up call and your guide to action.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The early red flags of trafficking most people overlook
• How traffickers target the vulnerable in schools, homes, and online
• Kachia’s journey through addiction, recovery, and redemption
• Why education and awareness are crucial in breaking the cycle
• Practical tips for parents and communities to protect at-risk youth
• The transformative work being done at Hub of Hope
• How Kachia’s pain became purpose and how you can help

Key Takeaways:

• Traffickers often know their victims and use trust, coercion, and false empowerment
• Vulnerability especially in youth is the most common target for exploitation
• Asking for help is not weakness. It’s powerful and life-saving
• Survivors don’t just need rescuing, they need a voice, a path, and a community
• Local organizations like Hub of Hope are critical, but they need volunteers, advocates, and support

✦ SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES ✦

🔗Hub of Hope Webiste:  https://www.hubofhope.org/

🔗Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubofhopenwa/

🔗Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hubofhopenwa/

✦ LISTEN ON ✦

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cLA6L4hoqFxE21VetsW3P?si=851e12258eba4c28

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-good-influencers/id1822428424

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGoodInfluencersPodcast

✦ CONNECT WITH US ON ✦

Facebook// https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576199604347

Instagram// https://www.instagram.com/thegoodinfluencerspodcast/

How do you lead one of the fastest-growing cities in America… without losing the heart of a small town? 

In this episode of The Good Influencers, I sit down with Mayor Bill Edwards of Centerton, Arkansas, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S to hear how he’s managed 15 years of explosive growth while staying rooted in connection, transparency, and community-first leadership. From his early days as a police officer and JB Hunt manager to overseeing a full-time fire department and championing local development projects, Mayor Bill Edwards reveals how he's done exactly that in Centerton, Arkansas—through hands-on leadership, community connection, and an unwavering focus on people over politics.

If you’ve ever wondered what community-driven leadership looks like in action, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Why listening is a mayor’s most powerful tool
• The story behind Centerton’s population boom and how it’s being managed
• What it really takes to build a walkable, connected community
• How Mayor Bill helped bring Bentonville West High School to Centerton
• Why small-town values still matter in a fast-growing city
• The health scare that shifted his personal priorities
• How Mayor Bill uses Facebook as a modern-day town square

Key Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro — Meet Mayor Bill Edwards

[01:14] From law enforcement to public service: His path to mayor

[04:00] Why community involvement inspired him to run

[05:28] Lessons from 15 years of leadership

[07:10] Using Facebook to stay connected with residents

[10:55] Centerton’s biggest challenges: roads, growth, and funding

[15:01] Community center plans and vision for city amenities

[17:42] What community really means to Mayor Bill

[20:00] The drive to maintain Centerton’s small-town feel

[28:13] Surviving a major health scare and living with purpose

[30:27] Accomplishments he’s most proud of

[33:33] Reflections on legacy and advice to the next generation of leaders

✦ SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES ✦

📍 City of Centerton Website: https://centertonar.us/

📧 Email Mayor Bill Edwards: [email protected]

📞 Mayor’s Office Phone: (479) 795-2750 ext. 101

💬 Follow Mayor Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063626054653

🏛️ Community Center Plans: Visit the city website to view the schematic designs

✦ LISTEN ON ✦

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cLA6L4hoqFxE21VetsW3P?si=851e12258eba4c28

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-good-influencers/id1822428424

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGoodInfluencersPodcast

✦ CONNECT WITH US ON ✦

Facebook// https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576199604347

Instagram// https://www.instagram.com/thegoodinfluencerspodcast/

What if saving a stray cat could spark a wave of healing in your entire community?

In this episode of The Good Influencers, I sit down with Jennifer Pokrandt, founder of MEW Cat Rescue in Northwest Arkansas to unpack how a few stray cats turned into a full-blown rescue that has saved over 4,500 lives. This episode is about cats, yes. But it’s really about purpose, resilience, and stepping into leadership even when you don’t feel ready.

Jennifer didn’t have a blueprint. She had a heart that couldn’t say no—and that was enough to start something that’s now changing lives across Northwest Arkansas. From trauma scenes and heartbreaking rescues to joy-filled adoption stories, this is a raw look at what it really takes to make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

• The real reason MEW Cat Rescue was founded
• Why TNR (trap-neuter-return) is critical to solving cat overpopulation
• How volunteers and fosters truly keep rescues running
• The heartbreaking and hopeful moments behind the scenes
• Why rescue work is as much about people as it is about animals
• What Jennifer learned from saving 4,500+ cats (and counting)
• The truth about burnout, boundaries, and leading with compassion

✦ VISIT MEW CAT RESCUE ✦

https://www.mewcatrescue.com/

✦ LISTEN ON ✦

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cLA6L4hoqFxE21VetsW3P?si=851e12258eba4c28

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-good-influencers/id1822428424

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGoodInfluencersPodcast

✦ CONNECT WITH US ON ✦

Facebook// https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576199604347

Instagram// https://www.instagram.com/thegoodinfluencerspodcast/

What if the moment your life started to change was when everything completely fell apart?

Tommy’s story isn’t just about addiction, it’s about rebuilding your life from ground zero when the world has given up on you… and when you’ve given up on yourself.

In this episode of The Good Influencers, Tommy shares how growing up surrounded by addiction shaped his beliefs, how he hit rock bottom, and the unexpected moment that helped him believe in change. From jail time to becoming a firefighter and recovery center director, this is a raw and honest story of transformation, purpose, and community.

Key Takeaways:

• The impact of growing up in a neighborhood affected by addiction
• Why desperation was the true catalyst for change
• How joining a small-town fire department became a turning point
• What genuine community support looks like
• The truth behind the "choice" narrative in addiction
• Why full commitment is critical to recovery
• The power of tough love and clear boundaries when helping loved ones

✦ LISTEN ON ✦

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cLA6L4hoqFxE21VetsW3P?si=851e12258eba4c28

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-good-influencers/id1822428424

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGoodInfluencersPodcast

✦ CONNECT WITH US ON ✦

Facebook// https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576199604347

Instagram// https://www.instagram.com/thegoodinfluencerspodcast/

The Good Influencers is a podcast about people who are making a difference—whether in quiet ways or on a bigger stage. I’m Ty Manning, a restoration business owner who’s curious about the “why” behind what drives people to do good.

Each week, I sit down for real, laid-back conversations with people from all walks of life—those serving their communities in big ways and small. Some have large platforms. Others have none. But all have a story worth hearing and a sincere desire to make things better.

These honest interviews shine a light on impact in all its forms—and remind us that influence isn’t about popularity, it’s about purpose.

You’ll leave each episode with a fresh perspective, a little inspiration, and maybe even a deeper appreciation for your own community. New episodes drop weekly.