Welcome back to The River Foundation Podcast! We are back today with our friend and chaplain, Max Appel. Max has a long history of serving the Kentucky Special Olympics, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Southland Christian Church. In the second installment of this two-part interview, Max speaks to us about how he creates success in his own life and faith. He also shares an important opportunity for our River Foundation members.

Episode Highlights:

[1:00] "Max cares about us, but he doesn't care enough." Max's retirement doesn't go as planned.

[4:03] We learn the most important thing that you can do to promote love and peace in today's world.

[5:09] Max tells us how working with the Special Olympics shaped his life. "I didn't notice it at the time, but it was so clear."

[6:18] "We have an opportunity." Listen to Max's message for our River Foundation members and find out how he can help you.

[8:36] Find out the three things that Max says are important to be successful in your faith and life. "You can't argue with our stories."

[12:22] "We need that to connect with people." What does success mean to you? Max and Dan discuss what it means to them. Episode ResourcesReach out to Max Appel

• Email: [email protected]
• Call: (859) 576-7999

Hello, and welcome to The River Foundation Podcast! We are joined today by our friend and chaplain to the University of Kentucky Men's Basketball team, Max Appel. Over the years, Max has served the Kentucky Special Olympics, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Southland Christian Church, as well as extensive mission work. In the first installment of this two-part interview, Max tells us about his years as a wild child and his journey to faith.

Episode Highlights:

[1:04] In this interesting start to the episode, Max tells us what first drew him to Dan, our host.

[2:03] "If I had stayed there, I would have died." Max speaks about his early years, living a life in sin as a wild child in Sin City.

[4:46] After making a difficult, life-changing decision, Max meets a celebrity who changed his entire perspective on life.

[9:48] "I'm not proud of that fact." Max tried to avoid this for more than four years.

[12:06] After finding his faith, Max found a way to blend his two passions. "I feel like one of the luckiest guys in the world to be able to do that."

[13:36] Max felt called by God to do something that doesn't exactly go as he planned. "Attendance does not mean impact."

Episode Resources:

Pistol Pete

Welcome back to The River Foundation Podcast! We are joined today by our long-time friend, Lyston Peebles. Lyston has an impressive resume and has a passion for Jesus, giving generously, and learning from people around the world. In today's episode, Lyston speaks to us about his personal life, career, and the simple things that have shaped him to be the man he is today. If you've ever been interested in going on a mission trip or learning from those less fortunate than you, you'll want to hear what Lyston has to say.

Episode Highlights:

[0:54] Lyston talks about his 40-year friendship with Dan and what it means to be a net-weaver.

[3:00] "I was actually living the book." We hear about the book that changed Lyston's life.

[4:18] Hear what Dan means when he calls Lyston "a Christian leprechaun".

[5:34] "I fell in love." Lyston discusses his time in Kenya and what kept bringing him back.

[6:40] What is a "vision trip"? Lyston explains what it means and why they are so important.

[12:40] Lyston has an important message for our River Foundation members. If you've ever been interested in a mission or vision trip, you'll want to hear this.

Episode Resources:

Cherokee Gives Back

Compass -Finances God's Way

Your Money Counts (Free eBook)

How To Play Chess While You're Playing Checkers with Tom Darden

Email Lyston

Welcome back to another episode of The River Foundation Podcast! We are excited to be joined today by Cherokee Investment Partners CEO, Tom Darden. Tom has served as Chairman of Cherokee Sanford Group and is dedicated to many causes related to race, poverty, and pollution. In today's episode, we hear about Tom's impressive work portfolio and which steps he says are critical for success. He shares how he balances business, faith, family, and giving back, and leaves members with an important reminder.

Episode Highlights:

[1:40] "I distinctly remember that." Tom introduces himself and shares his first impression of the River Foundation.

[3:49] "Suddenly, I was in two different businesses." Tom describes his workday, the fascinating technology he uses, and how he got started in the business.

[7:20] Do you live an integrated life? We hear what that means to Tom and how the River Foundation helped him navigate challenging times. "There was a huge lawsuit."

[9:35] "It's critical to do these two things simultaneously." Tom shares an important message for our River Foundation members.

[11:40] "We do stumble around a lot… but ultimately we are going to do the right thing." An important reminder about the pandemic and looking towards the future.

Episode Resources:

Cherokee Investment Partners

Your Money Counts

National Christian Foundation

Hello and welcome back to The River Foundation Podcast! Today we are joined by our friend Tom Harmon. Tom is the Director of UTG and Universal Guaranty Life Insurance Company, as well as the owner and President of Harmon Foods, Inc. Mr. Harmon is well known for his charitable activities, including serving as a Board Member with Amigos En Cristo Ministries, an organization serving the disadvantaged Juarez, Mexico. He shares his incredible story of finding faith and leaves us with an encouraging message for all River Foundation members.

Episode Highlights:

[1:00] "I grew up in a broken, non-believer home." Tom introduces himself and talks about how he found his faith and got started with his business.

[2:00] "I had quite a bit of head knowledge, but I didn't have any heart knowledge." A surprising mentor helped Tom to examine and deepen his newly found faith.

[4:30] We hear how Tom was able to build a successful enterprise, and the one thing he centers his business around.

[5:30] "I was thoroughly blown away." Tom talks about how he got involved with UTG, and what made him want to truly get involved.

[7:19] "I've been around a lot of successful people... it's a different type of generosity." Tom highlights the difference between the typical generosity of a 'normal' business compared to the work that UTG engages in.

[10:00] Tom has an important and encouraging message for our River Foundation members. "When it's darkest outside, it's easier to reach them."

Episode Resources:

UTG Insurance

Amigos En Cristo Ministries

Welcome back to another episode of The River Foundation Podcast! We are joined today by Julie Abel whose impressive credentials include CPA, Vice President & Treasurer at UTG, and most importantly, our friend. She talks to us about work-life balance, finding the right workplace, and growing in her faith. Don't miss the valuable career tips, and the inspiring message from Julie directly to our members.

Episode Highlights:

[1:20] We hear about Julie's early life. She tells us what it was like to grow-up in central Illinois, how she met her husband, and how she found her calling.

[3:27] "The job was aggressively consuming your time." Julie tells us how she navigated her career as a new mom, and how she knew she'd found her forever job.

[6:35] "Did you eat a horseshoe?" Find out what Julie is referring to, and other fun facts in this question round.

[7:55] Julie recalls why UTG made an impression on her, and what makes the organization unique.

[10:30] "I've certainly grown in my faith." Hear how Julie continues to grow in her faith, and how her career has enriched her life.

[11:51] "I would challenge you to..." Julie has an important message and task for all of our River Foundation members. Listen to find out how you can connect with Julie.

Episode Resources:

Local Springfield Charities the River Foundation Supports:

Contact Ministries

Washington Street Mission

Living Hope Counseling

Ground of Grace

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Christian Student Fellowship

Hello and welcome to The River Foundation Podcast! In today's episode we are speaking with the Team Modern owners, Mickey and Michael Ray. This father and son duo share some fun stories about how they first came to know First Southern, and what they are doing to give back to the community. Be sure to listen to the end to hear the poignant advice they have for our River Foundation members.

Episode Highlights

[1:01] Mickey starts off by giving us some background about what brought his family to the area, and how they got involved with The River Foundation.

[4:09] "They didn't seem that pleased with having us as an account." Mickey talks about his initial exposure to the First Southern bank.

[7:24] "You're going to be off the board." We are introduced to Mickey's son, Michael, and he talks about how he first got involved with First Southern and The River Foundation.

[10:22] We hear how the board of First Southern differs from other banks, and how that impacts the clients and employees. "That is not a business of the bank. I think it's a pretty unique environment."

[11:43] "It was unusual and unreal." Michael and Mickey speak about their experience with The River Foundation, and how it impacted them.

[14:35] "In our community it has become a pretty big deal." We hear what Mickey and Michael are doing to give back to their community, and how you can help.

[17:45] Hear Michael and Mickey's heartfelt message for The River Foundation members. "Know that you're surrounded by good people."

Episode Resources

Ray Correll: UK Athletics Hall of Fame

Modern Fund

Team Modern

Welcome back to another exciting episode of The River Foundation Podcast! Today we are joined by Bowling Green area counsellors, Dr. Rick & Dr. Kathy Roepke. This husband and wife duo are the founders of The Christian Family Institute, and are here to share some important advice for our River Foundation Members. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or just generally finding life stressful during the pandemic, then this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights

[0:40] "The first time I saw Kathy was in a locked facility." We are introduced to Rick and Kathy Roepke with the story of how they met in an unlikely location.

[3:06] Rick and Kathy speak about their early experiences as therapists and a young married couple.

[5:18] "God gives us a dream a size too big for us to grow into." Noticing that the clinical focus at their work often ignored the patient's relationship with God, Rick and Kathy started their own clinic with an emphasis on faith and healing.

[6:03] After 25 years in service, Rick and Kathy have many stories of victories and how they've helped clients work through their everyday struggles. "It's through the process that we grow."

[9:00] If you are struggling with insecurity, fears, doubt, or self-sabotage then you need to hear this advice from Rick and Kathy.

[10:04] With all the challenges that 2020 has brought upon us, Rick and Kathy want to invite you to connect with them and build the tools you need to cope and thrive. Hear about their newest service available to our River Foundation members.

[13:08] Rick tells us about his new book, Rethink for a Change, and how it'll help readers build the toolkit they need to feel free from fear, doubt, and anxiety. Hear how River Foundation members can get a copy of this valuable book today.

Episode Resources

Christian Family Institute

Dr. Kathy Roepke, LMFT

Dr. Rick Roepke, CCMFT, CCBT

Rethink for a Change

Hello and welcome back to another episode of The River Foundation Podcast! We are joined today by our friend and fellow River Foundation member, Alysia Glover. In this fun and inspiring episode, Alysia shares the highlights and challenges of her life, insights as a career woman, and inspirational advice for our members. Don't miss the high school pictures of Alysia and Dan!

Episode Highlights

[1:07] Alysia tells us about her early years, her iconic style, and how she came to be at the River Foundation.

[3:10] "That was really scary for a first-time mother… it was devastating." We hear about the circumstances that Alysia faced as a young mother and the one thing that helped her feel supported.

[5:24] Although she was content with her role at work, Alysia was prompted to take the leap to a new position, and her trajectory forever changed. "I wanted to be in the role that they needed me to be in."

[8:00] "I had leaders here who believed in me more than I believed in myself." Hear the biggest take-aways Alysia has learned through her work experience and leadership training.

[9:22] Looking back over twenty years with The River Foundation, Alysia shares her highlights and lessons. "It's your time, your knowledge, your energy, it's everything."

[11:10] Listen to this special message from Alysia to our River Foundation members. She has advice for both new members and those of us who have been with The River Foundation for years. "There is always room to grow here."