Pod 4 Good

Under the Canopy: A Nature-Based Education Revolution

Join us as welcome Margaritte Arthrell-Knezek, the visionary founder and principal and Amber Gates, Instructional Leader for the Under the Canopy School. We explore their inspiring journey from running an after-school program to launching an innovative charter school under Tulsa Public Schools. Discover how Under the Canopy has transformed from a dream into a reality. Margaritte shares insights into the enrollment process and the excitement of offering spots to eager families, while Amber emphasizing the school's unique nature-based, Public Waldorf approach that integrates academic learning with holistic human development. We continue the conversation by discussing the challenges and strategies of opening a new charter school. Learn about the school's creative use of an old school building and the aesthetic upgrades required for its transformation. We highlight community engagement efforts that extend beyond the Red Fork neighborhood, involving collaborations with local events and partnerships to increase the school's visibility. Discover how marketing efforts target preschools and homeschool communities to draw interest, while the school's funding model is compared to traditional public schools, highlighting the unique financial landscape charter schools navigate. Finally, immerse yourself in the innovative educational approaches that set Under the Canopy apart. The school's Waldorf-inspired curriculum includes practical skills like woodworking, cooking, and knitting, along with unique specials such as nature and garden classes. Don't miss this chance to connect with a school that's redefining education by nurturing students' connections to nature and fostering a comprehensive learning experience. Check them out online at https://www.underthecanopy.org/ and if you are interested in enrolling your child, the next window ends at the end of May.

Honoring History, Fostering Growth: The Future of Black Wall Street with Kuma Roberts

Join us as we welcome Kuma Roberts, the CEO and President of the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, for an insightful conversation about the vital role chambers of commerce play in fostering business growth and community engagement. We'll explore the historical context and the unique missions of the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, shedding light on how they support black entrepreneurs both locally and nationally. Kuma provides a compelling perspective on how these chambers navigate the intricacies of business advocacy while honoring the legacy of the original Black Wall Street. In our discussion, we address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce. With limited resources, this chamber finds itself competing with larger organizations, yet it remains steadfast in its mission. We highlight potential growth strategies, such as state appropriation for tourism, revenue-sharing agreements, and partnerships that could bolster Greenwood's revitalization. Additionally, Kuma shares details about the chamber's programming, including the NEST entrepreneurship program and collaborations aimed at supporting startup entrepreneurs. As we explore the operations and strategic planning behind running a Chamber of Commerce, you'll gain a better understanding of the complexities involved in managing diverse groups and aligning with community values. We also tackle the nuances of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work within organizations and emphasize the importance of genuine commitment over superficial efforts. Finally, learn how you can support the Black Wall Street Chamber through various membership levels and partnerships, reinforcing the chamber's impactful initiatives in Tulsa and beyond. Check them out online at : https://www.bwschamber.com/

Cultural Chronicles: Exploring Tulsa with The Pickup

Matt Carney, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Pickup, takes center stage as he discusses the creation of a fresh, Alt Weekly-inspired website dedicated to Tulsa's vibrant cultural scene. Transitioning from his role at The Root, Matt shares the mission behind The Pickup, a platform that combines event listings with deep-dive journalism to fill the void left by previous alternative publications. From exploring the economics of Tulsa's galas to the quirky future of a local adult superstore, Matt provides a glimpse into the captivating stories that await readers. Unravel the intricate process of naming a publication with "The Pickup" as we discuss its ironic ties and cultural significance in Tulsa. We navigate the evolving landscape of journalism, where advertising gives way to subscription-based models, and community engagement becomes the cornerstone of content direction. Alongside anecdotes from Matt's journalism journey, we humorously ponder the potential transformations of local businesses, all while emphasizing the power of subscriber-driven storytelling. Journey into the world of modern journalism and social media dynamics with insights from Matt's personal experiences. Discover how The Pickup crafts an ad-free, serene reading haven that aligns with changing consumption habits. From the growing preference for email over social media to the innovative freemium model, we explore sustainable journalism strategies and the aspirations for impactful storytelling. Join Matt as he shares the future vision, where engagement, events, and authentic narratives forge the path for a thriving journalism business that resonates with its community.

Spiteful Optimism: Finding Hope in Local Politics with Amanda McCellon

ivic engagement consultant Amanda McCellon joins us on Pod4Good to spotlight the transformative power of grassroots activism in Oklahoma. Through her insightful experiences, Amanda sheds light on the impact of participating in local governance, from city councils to school boards. We dive into the significance of community involvement, with Amanda emphasizing how local elections often come down to just a handful of votes, making each voice critical in shaping essential services and policies. This episode is packed with practical steps for those who feel daunted by the national political climate, empowering listeners to find hope and agency through localized action. We celebrate a historic milestone with Amanda Sandoval's election as the first Latina mayor of Bethany, Oklahoma, illustrating a growing shift towards inclusivity in traditionally conservative areas. Her success story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to break barriers and engage deeply with local communities. Amidst rising skepticism in democratic processes, our conversation delves into advocating democracy's value to those focused on pressing social and economic issues. Through "spiteful optimism," we embrace the resilience required to drive change, even when facing setbacks, and reinforce the belief that meaningful progress is attainable anywhere. This episode also tackles the modern challenges of digital activism, featuring a TikTok creator who found their voice during the pandemic. We explore the complexities of navigating social media ethics while maintaining mental health and joy amidst activism. Our discussion underscores the powerful role of unconventional media in connecting and mobilizing communities, especially in areas with limited access to mainstream platforms. Finally, we express our gratitude to the Pod4Good community, encouraging listeners to support our mission by liking, subscribing, and sharing feedback to help us amplify these crucial conversations. Follow Amanda on all of her social media feeds: https://linktr.ee/amandamccellon [https://linktr.ee/amandamccellon]

Navigating City Challenges with Auditor Nathan Picard

Unlock the secrets of city governance as we engage with Nathan Picard, Tulsa's City Auditor, who transformed his career from art major to city auditor. Nathan details his unexpected journey and sheds light on the critical function of his role, made even more challenging by new charter requirements for candidates to be CPAs or certified internal auditors. He explains the nuances between external and internal auditing, offering a fresh perspective on financial accuracy and performance processes. Explore how Nathan is building on his predecessor’s legacy while championing community engagement to boost city operations. Discover the strides Tulsa has made in government efficiency and employee retention, guided by a mission to listen, evaluate, and inform. Our conversation uncovers the importance of a feedback loop that connects residents and city employees, ensuring transparency and accountability. Nathan delves into the successes and hurdles of implementing a new financial system, and highlights the vital role of continuous auditing and data analytics in identifying inefficiencies and tackling waste. Mayor GT Bynum's dedication to performance and employee engagement is applauded, as we reflect on the city's improvements since 2006. Engage with the complexities of civic participation and city planning as we discuss the challenges of aligning public input with practical outcomes. Nathan shares insights into participatory budgeting, the intricate dance between federal, state, and local authorities, and creative revenue generation strategies. From downtown Tulsa's parking dilemmas to the aspirational role of a city auditor, Nathan offers a comprehensive view of the interconnectedness of community engagement and efficient city governance. Follow "Tulsa City Auditor" on social media for ongoing updates and direct interaction with Tulsa’s dedicated public servant. https://www.facebook.com/tulsacityauditor [https://www.facebook.com/tulsacityauditor] https://www.tiktok.com/@tulsacityauditor [https://www.tiktok.com/@tulsacityauditor] https://www.instagram.com/tulsacityauditor [https://www.instagram.com/tulsacityauditor]