Straight From The Heart

E26 - A $100K Career, No Degree and No Debt

Harold Fears is back, and this time the plan he laid out on Episode 12 isn't a plan anymore. It's running. Harold sits down with Kim Davis to share what's happening at Ares CDL Institute right now. He's already working inside the Topeka Correctional Facility and Lansing with eight students who'll walk out with a real CDL in hand. He says it's the first program in the country that lets people actually drive and earn their license while they're still incarcerated, not just study for the permit. Four weeks of training, and within a year, a graduate can be making close to $100,000. This conversation goes deeper than trucking, though. Harold and Kim get into what a second chance really takes: housing that will actually rent to someone coming home, employers like FedEx who hire on skill instead of stigma, and his partnership with Stacy Landis at Property Plus Construction to build housing for returning citizens. It's also an honest look at building a business with no safety net. Harold talks about knocking on doors, sending emails at 3 a.m., and fighting to get licensed across the Kansas-Missouri line while most of his students come from the Missouri side. If you've ever felt like a one-man band trying to grow something that matters, you'll hear yourself in this one. And he isn't stopping at training. Harold wants to build a trucking company staffed entirely by people coming home, plus an "Aries Promise" that helps strong drivers become truck owners. Ownership, not just a job. Big love to Mary Ricketts of Turning Point, who Harold credits as the mentor and connector who showed up when Aries was still finding its footing. 🎙 Straight From The Heart is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube 🎧 Listen Now: here [https://straightfromtheheart.transistor.fm/] 🔗 Connect with us: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heartlandblackchamber/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heartlandblackchamber/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heartland-black-chamber-a3bb7b1b7/]

E25 - The System Isn’t Broken : It’s Working Exactly as Designed

In this episode of Straight From the Heart, host Kim Davis sits down with Eric Murray, entrepreneur and candidate for the U.S. Senate in Kansas, for a conversation about leadership and the future of Kansas communities. He grew up in Wyandotte County, built businesses, and advocated for community investment. Eric shares the experiences that shaped his vision for public service. Together, they explore the challenges facing small businesses, including access to capital and infrastructure, and the growing wealth gap affecting communities across Kansas and beyond. This conversation is about empowering entrepreneurs and ensuring that future generations have a seat at the table where decisions are made. This episode offers valuable insights into the connection between policy and community impact. Support Erik Murray: https://www.erikforkansas.com/ [https://www.erikforkansas.com/] 🎙 Straight From The Heart is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube 🎧 Listen Now: here [https://straightfromtheheart.transistor.fm/] 🔗 Connect with us: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heartlandblackchamber/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heartlandblackchamber/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heartland-black-chamber-a3bb7b1b7/]

E24 - Cancer Didn’t Win: God Kept Me Here

On this episode of Straight From The Heart, we sit down with Patricia Stouffer, better known as Patti Cakes a breast cancer survivor and creator of Three Ts and a Nana. Patty shares her journey through an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis and the emotional, physical battles of treatment. She also shares the unwavering faith that carried her through the darkest moments. This conversation is about healing and recognizing God’s presence even in life’s hardest seasons. Patti also opens up about the inspiration behind her upcoming play Three Ts and a Nana, a heartfelt comedy celebrating friendship and faith. If you’ve ever questioned your strength or needed a reminder that joy can still exist in the middle of pain, this episode is for you. Connect with people: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pattikakesproductions/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586411117668] Website [https://www.pattikakes.com/] 🎙 Straight From The Heart is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube 🎧 Listen Now: here [https://straightfromtheheart.transistor.fm/] 🔗 Connect with us: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heartlandblackchamber/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heartlandblackchamber/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heartland-black-chamber-a3bb7b1b7/]

E23 - Epstein Made Headlines : But This Happens Every Day

In this episode of Straight From the Heart, we continue our discussion of Epstein, shifting the focus from headlines to home. Joined by Brandy Williams of MOCSA, we talk about what sexual abuse really looks like beyond high-profile cases and into our everyday lives. We’re really talking about how abuse doesn’t just happen in extreme or obvious situations; it can happen in places people trust the most. And a lot of the time, it’s hidden in plain sight because it’s tied to power and relationships people are supposed to feel safe in. But this isn’t just about becoming aware of it. It’s about really understanding how deeply it affects survivors, and realizing that as a community, we all have a responsibility to speak up and do something when something doesn’t feel right. We dive into the realities many people don’t talk about: why abuse is often never reported and what it takes to create safe spaces where people feel heard and protected. Connect with Brandy Williams: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-williams-lcsw-msw-9668211b2/] 🎙 Straight From The Heart is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube 🎧 Listen Now: here [https://straightfromtheheart.transistor.fm/] 🔗 Connect with us: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heartlandblackchamber/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heartlandblackchamber/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heartland-black-chamber-a3bb7b1b7/]

E22 - The Dangerous Line Between Church & State : A Pastor Speaks Out

In this episode of Straight From the Heart, we sit down with Bishop Mark Tolbert, pastor, entrepreneur, educator, and civic leader for a conversation about what happens when faith is lived out beyond Sunday and into the community. From building churches and founding schools to influencing policy and sitting at decision-making tables, Bishop Tolbert shares what it means to serve both God and community. But this isn’t just about influence, it’s about responsibility and the weight that comes with leadership when the lines aren’t always clear. We dive into the tension between church and state, why pastors can’t afford to stay silent on civic issues, and what really happens behind closed doors in leadership spaces. Bishop Tolbert also opens up about the personal cost of serving at a high level and what it looks like to love a city beyond Sunday mornings. This conversation goes deeper than religion. It’s about impact and showing up for people, even when the lines between faith and community begin to blur. 🎙 Straight From The Heart is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube 🎧 Listen Now: here [https://straightfromtheheart.transistor.fm/] 🔗 Connect with us: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heartlandblackchamber/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heartlandblackchamber/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heartland-black-chamber-a3bb7b1b7/]