Hello and welcome to The River Foundation Podcast! Today, we are joined by one of the newest members of the First Southern family of companies' counseling team, Tara Ray. We further a broad ongoing discussion of the role of faith in dealing with mental health issues as Tara offers her guidance based on her own professional and personal experiences. Tara sheds light on ideologies and techniques for living a healthier mental life by focusing on balance when treating mental health concerns.

Tara is a mother of three and wife of First Southern board member Michael Ray. She operates from a person-centered perspective, recognizing each person as a unique individual, created in the image of God, and meant to have a relationship with him. She believes that we are also created to exist in community, meaning that we must help each other through the hardships of this life. Her goal is to help her clients grow closer to God and work toward the eternal reward of everlasting life in heaven with Christ. She is most passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health issues in the church and merging the scientific and spiritual schools of thought surrounding mental health. Tara is excited to be available for counsel starting in January 2022.

Episode Highlights:

[0:20] We meet one of the newest members of the First Southern family of companies' counseling team, Tara, as she tells us about herself and her beautiful family.

[1:51] "It's been amazing, the doors that God has opened that I could never have planned for myself." Tara shares how her battle with serious postpartum depression guided her to become a counselor with the goal of helping her fellow Christians combine science and faith in times of need.

[8:02] Tara details her approach to dealing with depression based on three tenets: behavior, counseling, and medicine.

[12:28] "The Lord provided us with Tara Ray!" We learn how Tara fits into the counseling team, and we hear her advice on making mental health a priority heading into 2022.

Episode Resources:

Life Springs Website

Hello and welcome to The River Foundation Podcast! Today, we speak with UTG Insurance Operations Manager Denise Henderson in the second of a two-parter. After learning about her journey up to this point, we hear how Denise flourishes in her role at UTG as she describes the joy she has found being able (and encouraged) to express her faith at work. She also describes how working with UTG and the River Foundation has led her to help better the lives of her co-workers, her family, and herself.

Denise currently serves on the Salvation Army Board, as well as the Kiwanis Club of Danville, and co-chairs the local Downtown River Foundation Committee. She's also served as the assistant director for the Rise and Shine Annual fundraiser for Sunrise Children's Services and is a devoted member of Junction City First Baptist Church where she actively serves on the Personnel Committee. She currently lives in Boyle County with her husband Levi and three children; Logan (14), Lincoln (6), and Lachlan (5 Months).

Episode Highlights:

[0:20] Denise shares the experience of working through nerves and new surroundings on her first day at UTG.

[2:32] We learn what UTG does and how Denise fits into the big picture of life insurance.

[4:35] Denise highlights some of her experiences with River Foundation programs, including, Compass Classes, Journey of Generosity, Financial Freedom, and an upcoming trip to Puerto Rico.

[8:25] Denise describes the initiatives that she and Max Apple have taken to help their life insurance co-workers in dealing with the toll of discussing death on a regular basis.

[11:16] "Every day is a ministry - and I work in life insurance! Who gets to say that?" Denise explains why she prefers working in the openly faith-based environment that UTG and River Foundation provides.

[12:28] Denise celebrates the new addition to her family, her five-month-old son, Lachlan!

[13:26] "Take advantage of the opportunities that are available." Denise shares some parting words of encouragement based on her journey through work and life.

Episode Resources:

For more info on mission trips and other programs, visit https://www.riverfoundation.net/ or email the River Foundation at [email protected].

Hello and welcome to The River Foundation Podcast! Today, we speak with Insurance Operations Manager Denise Henderson in the first of a two-parter about her surprising and challenging journey through personal and professional life. We discuss Denise's path to the happy, fulfilled position she thrives in today, and what it took to persevere through numerous obstacles as a mother, partner, and worker, including raising her infant son while her husband was deployed in the Middle East, as well as multiple professional risks. We learn how, through it all, faith and relationships lit the way.

Denise currently serves on the Salvation Army Board, as well as the Kiwanis Club of Danville, and co-chairs the local Downtown River Foundation Committee. She's also served as the assistant director for the Rise and Shine Annual fundraiser for Sunrise Children's Services and is a devoted member of Junction City First Baptist Church where she actively serves on the Personnel Committee. She currently lives in Boyle County with her husband Levi and three children; Logan (14), Lincoln (6), and Lachlan (5 Months).

Episode Highlights:

[0:20] We meet Denise as she tells us how she found her way to the insurance company, including her "character building" experiences in the food service industry.

[2:37] "Work-life-family balance: out of control in that kind of environment!" Denise details some of the challenges and joys that blossomed out of perseverance in the phone service industry.

[3:45] We learn about life as the wife of a soldier and mother of an infant as Denise remembers and honors the early years of her husband's deployment, in honor of Veterans Day.

[6:14] Denise outlines how she, in a particular time of need, landed a great job while Levi, her husband, was overseas.

[8:55] "What are the chances?" Denise recalls how a chance family connection led her to connect with Jimmy Rousey.

[13:50] "I mean it's mind-blowing. It really is." We learn how Denise moved from skepticism to enthusiasm as she decided to leave a well-established job at one of the largest employers in her area to take a risk at the insurance company upon Jimmy Rousey's job offer.

Hello and welcome to The River Foundation Podcast! In today's episode, we are joined by Diane Jeffries, Executive Assistant to First Southern National Bank CEO Tommy Roberts. Join us as she discusses her journey through 25 years with the bank and The River Foundation, as well as her and her family's consistent efforts to help those in need. She also highlights some of The River Foundation's programs which have helped her career and life development along the way.

Episode Highlights:

[0:20] We meet Diane Jeffries and hear about her introduction to First Southern National Bank when she was 12 years old.

[1:48] "God-fearing, loyal friends." Diane tells us about her husband, Harold, her parents, and her children.

[6:45] Diane reflects on her winding journey through 25 years with First Southern National Bank, particularly with the Commercial Lending Group.

[9:33] "Your loan officer wants you to make every loan that comes in." We learn what the bank's Executive Loan Committee does and how important it is to the organization.

[10:37] "I just think it's so important to start wherever you are." Diane discusses some of the valuable lessons she has learned in The River Foundation's Compass classes and mission trips.

[13:33] We learn more about Diane's giving nature and how The River Foundation has provided a platform to give to those in need.

[16:09] We close with Diane's parting words of wisdom and encouragement.

Hello and welcome to The River Foundation Podcast! Today we are joined by Candice Brown who has been with the Family of Companies for 36 years and has worked in many different roles throughout her career. She and Dan discuss her long and winding career journey from beginning work as a teen to her current role as Executive Assistant to Jimmy Rousey. She details her work providing support for First Southern Bancorp and UTG, and as Vice-Chair for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and as a Board Member for Heritage Hospice, and, most importantly, as a mother and grandmother.

Episode Highlights:

[0:18] We meet Candice as she explains how she managed to land a job at Lincoln Federal before even finishing high school.

[1:59] Candice details navigating her early career through acquisitions, mergers, and questions about her life path.

[3:54] "Everything I've done, I've been in a servant role." Candice describes the joy and accomplishment she has felt along her journey through motherhood and career.

[4:25] "They believe in me, I can do this." We learn about the many roles Candice takes on at the bank.

[6:41] "This is where I need to be." Candice describes how she finally landed at The River Foundation.

[7:36] We learn about Candice's work as Executive Assistant to Jimmy Rousey and the massive company trip to Spain that she coordinated and attended amid pandemic lockdowns.

[12:19] Candice describes the opportunities that The River Foundation has provided for her and her family during her tenure.

[13:56] "Don't say 'No' to an opportunity." Candice gives advice on following an enriching, fulfilling career path.

Candice's Job Titles Over The Years:

Teller/Customer Service

Insurance Clerk

Accounts Payable

Loan Officer

Branch Manger

Loan/Deposit Receptionist

Loan Clerk

Appraisal Assistant

Commercial Loan Assistant

Loan Compliance Specialist

First Southern Bancorp Receptionist

Retail Loan Assistant

Part-time Housekeeper for The Stanford Inn

Manager for The Stanford Inn

Part-time Customer Service at Kentucky Soaps and Such

Part-time Hostess for the Bluebird

Executive Support for Jimmy Rousey

Hello and welcome to The River Foundation Podcast! Today, in honor of Suicide Prevention Month, Dr. Matthew Sleeth joins us to discuss his new book, Hope Always, in which he explores suicide from a scholarly Christian viewpoint. He discusses his findings from his research of the Bible, and he offers faith-based guidance to those affected by suicide and suicidal thoughts. Join us for a conversation full of faith, challenge, and, ultimately, hope with Dr. Sleeth.

Episode Highlights:

[0:18] We meet Dr. Matthew Sleeth, author, and Biblical scholar.

[1:40] We learn about the process of writing such a challenging book and its reception within the church since Matthew released it in May 2021.

[5:29] The strategic decision a pastor made demonstrates the challenges associated with talking about suicide.

[13:29] What to ask if you're concerned about someone harming themselves.

Episode Resources:

Matthew Sleeth's bio

Info on Matthew's books

Request your copy of Matthew's books through our Book of the Quarter form

Hello and welcome to The River Foundation Podcast! In today's episode, Jimmy Rousey, our special guest host, concludes his discussion with Steele and Lynn Harmon, the Founding Father and Mother of FCA Kentucky (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Jimmy, the Harmons, and FCA family member Max Appel discuss the profound impact they have had on each others' lives, and how Steele and Lynn have been a beacon of faith and love for so many people around the world.

Episode Highlights:

[0:29] Steele discusses seeing eye-to-eye with officials (begrudgingly) through common faith.

[1:51] "The Lord had the right people there." We hear how generous donors inspired Steele and Lynn during their first money-raising drive.

[3:22] "He loves Jesus and he loves people." We learn how State Director Max Appel came to be a crucial part of the FCA family.

[5:03] Max and Jimmy marvel at the struggles and triumphs they've faced building a strong foundation of givers, and how God has always pushed them through.

[8:30] Steele shares some of his favorite stories of working with legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry.

[11:17] We close out the show with remarks from the heart of Lynn, Steele, Max, and Jimmy.

Episode Resources:

Email Steele Harmon to get involved with FCA

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Hello and welcome to The River Foundation Podcast! In today's episode, the first of a two-part series, our special guest host, Jimmy Rousey, is joined by Steele and Lynn Harmon, the Founding Father and Mother of FCA Kentucky (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Join us as the Harmons share stories of their careers, family, and personal calls to deeper faith with wit and care, and Jimmy explains how Steele and Lynn have impacted the lives of so many people around the world through their passionate work.

Episode Highlights:

[0:37] Jimmy introduces us to Steele and Lynn Harmon.

[0:56] Jimmy recounts the powerful impact that Steele and Lynn have had on his life and many others.

[2:57] Steele recounts mentors, influences, and experiences from his (sometimes rowdy) football days at Centre College.

[4:27] We learn how Lynn and Steele met and kicked off their marriage of 62 years and running, as well as their beautiful family.

[6:01] "Lord, I just can't do this. Can you send somebody?" We hear how Steele's prayers were answered in his time of deep need.

[7:20] Lynn shares how her family's struggle led her to commit herself to her faith.

[8:02] "I couldn't outrun God." Steele details his journey to deep faith at the Youth Institute in Kentucky.

[10:43] Steele reminisces about his coaching careers at Centre University and Danville High School.

[12:12] Lynn and Steele discuss taking their leap of faith into ministry.

Episode Resources:

Email Steele Harmon to get involved with FCA

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Welcome to another episode of the River Foundation Podcast! Ryan Lanigan serves as the manager of the marketing and public relations team for the First Southern Family of Companies and has spent time prior to that managing his own business as a freelance designer. However, like all good design, there's more to Ryan than meets the eye. From working on his own artwork to managing the ups and downs of foster care, Ryan shares why the good things in life aren't always the easy things, especially when God is calling you into them.

Episode Highlights:

[1:12] One special reason to stop by and see the marketing department.

[2:42] How Ryan became interested in art and graphic design.

[3:30] "Creative problem-solving." How Ryan describes himself and his work.

[6:01] Ryan's path to building the marketing department at First Southern Family of Companies and the River Foundation.

[7:39] Why Ryan was able to go to three proms in high school.

[9:00] From adoption to foster care: Ryan's journey fostering kids of all ages.

[10:30] "...because it cost you!" The reason Ryan would come into work exhausted.

[11:36] "A lot of companies talk about philanthropy and charity." The difference Ryan has working with the First Southern Family of Companies.

Episode Resources:

Email Ryan to find out how you can get involved in fostering and adoption.

Hello and welcome back to another episode of The River Foundation Podcast! Today we are joined by Cynthia Bourne Woodcock, Executive Assistant to Chairman of the Board, Jess Correll. Cynthia tells us what it is like to work so closely with Jess and how she feels playing such an important role within the ministry. We also hear about Cynthia's early life, her unforeseen journey to marriage and family, and what she encourages all River Foundation members to explore. If you've ever been interested in knowing more about Jess Correll, or the inner workings of our fantastic organization, you won't want to miss this episode!

Episode Highlights:

[1:05] "I've never been the big dreamer type." Cynthia chats about her early years and how her life diverged from her plan early on.

[2:37] "I saw the holy spirit work in your heart right at that moment." Dan encourages Cynthia to tell the story of her first mission trip.

[5:01] "I felt a love for the missionary ladies..."

[6:55] "We met, and within six months we were engaged, and within nine months we were married." Seemingly all of a sudden, Cynthia has a whirlwind of change blowing through her life.

[9:25] Find out why Dan refers to Cynthia as the air traffic controller at the busiest airport on Thanksgiving day.

[11:15] Cynthia reflects on her many years working within the ministry. She tells us how it's different working in a job of faith.

[12:39] "You have to invest in that, too." Cynthia shares her advice for anyone searching for their place.

[14:04] "Titles don't define you." Hear these special words just for our River Foundation members.