TTP EP.17 Community, Courage & HYROX: Madeline Haak’s Journey of Service

TTP EP.17 Community, Courage & HYROX: Madeline Haak’s Journey of Service

In this episode of the Taboo Texarkana Podcast, I sit down with Madeline Haak from RRCU Gives for a conversation about resilience, purpose, community, and the challenges that shape who we become. We talk about growing up in Texarkana, navigating the loss of her mother at a young age, finding healing through fitness, competing in HYROX, and why serving others has become such a meaningful part of her life. Madeline also shares what it’s like working with RRCU Gives and how local organizations, businesses, and individuals can make a lasting impact throughout our community. Whether you’re passionate about endurance sports, personal growth, mental health, or simply making Texarkana a better place, this conversation is full of honest stories and valuable perspective. Connect with Madeline Haak: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BVPQePdU4/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/1BVPQePdU4/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Learn more about RRCU Gives and apply for a community grant: https://www.rrcu.com/gives [https://www.rrcu.com/gives]

TTP EP. 16 The Pole Runner: Michael Pickings’ Incredible Transformation

In this powerful episode of the Taboo Texarkana Podcast, I sit down with Michael Pickings — a man whose story stopped me in my tracks. I first saw him running in the rain carrying a 70lb pole, and I knew there had to be something deeper behind that level of discipline. Michael opens up about surviving one of the darkest moments of his life, nearly ending it all with a gun to his head, and how that moment became the turning point that transformed him into the man he is today. We talk about pain, purpose, mental toughness, Navy life, endurance running, suffering, healing, motivation, and why he pushes himself so hard. This is a raw and inspiring conversation about choosing life, choosing growth, and becoming stronger through adversity. If you’ve ever struggled, felt lost, or needed motivation to keep going… this episode is for you. Follow Michael on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AvHUfS7T4/?mibextid=wwXIfr His TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepolerunner?_r=1&_t=ZT-95gVCNxUwFZ Follow his gym bro Demarcus Hamilton here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AsfzQDaaV/?mibextid=wwXIfr #TabooTexarkana #Motivation #MentalHealth #Transformation #Running #Veteran #Discipline #Podcast #MensMentalHealth #Inspiration

TTP EP.15 Local Legend Joe Teel on Faith, Doubt & His Agnostic Bible Study

In this episode of Taboo Texarkana, I sit down with local legend Joe Teel to talk about his new show Agnostic Bible Study—where he dives into the Bible every Tuesday and Thursday… without claiming to have all the answers. We get into some real, raw conversations about faith, doubt, interpretation, and what it actually means to question everything you’ve been taught. Joe shares what inspired him to start the show, what he’s learned from breaking down scripture in an open-minded way, and why you don’t have to be religious to explore the Bible. This one gets deep. If you’ve ever struggled with belief, questioned religion, or just want a new perspective—you’re going to love this conversation. ⸻ 🔗 FOLLOW JOE TEEL 📺 YouTube Agnostic Bible Study: https://youtube.com/@agnosticbiblestudy?si=-knAISFKQHMl78x9 🎧 Spotify: Joe Teel Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5A81KmzGbQ700GOVMb5cGa?si=iF_onAS_Q3eoI79lS6ktMA 🎧 Spotify Agnostic Bible Study: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tepJqm2PQrzh9Ieg0WsOj?si=qZz3XsdyShWTlNE_osQx4A 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bp9iRmJ3c/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.facebook.com/share/17u9nYefR8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

TTP EP.14 Becoming the Vibe - Part Two

In this solo founder episode, I dive deeper into what drives me to create Universal Vibe and the journey that led me here. I talk about motivation, purpose, and how plant medicines like Kambo helped shape my path toward healing, growth, and building community. This is an honest look at the vision behind the vibe and why I’m committed to bringing people together.

TTP EP.13 Raising Leaders, Not Followers | Inside Texarkana Future Leaders.

What do teenagers really think about leadership, accountability, and the way adults see them? In this powerful episode of Taboo Texarkana, we sit down with Laking Harris, founder of Texarkana Future Leaders, along with two inspiring youth leaders — Ender Robinson and Kailani Beard — for an honest, eye-opening conversation about confidence, discipline, connection, and personal growth. Texarkana Future Leaders is a mentorship and youth leadership development program focused on building confidence, strong character, communication skills, and accountability in the next generation. In this episode, we ask: • Has this group changed how you handle conflict? • Why is connection so important for teens right now? • How do you hold each other accountable? • What advice would you give adults? • What do grown-ups get wrong about teenagers? Their answers may surprise you. This conversation dives deep into: ✔ Youth leadership development ✔ Teen mental health and connection ✔ Discipline and accountability ✔ Mentorship in small communities ✔ Building confidence in teenagers ✔ Positive youth programs in Texarkana If you’re a parent, mentor, coach, teacher, or community leader — this episode will challenge and inspire you. Texarkana’s future is in good hands. ⸻ 🔗 Connect with Laking Harris: https://www.facebook.com/share/17xMdQ8Tpm/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🔗 Learn more about Texarkana Future Leaders: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Arm1a2DLo/?mibextid=wwXIfr