Voices of OKC

What Oklahoma City Cannot Lose as It Grows with Brad Carter

Brad Carter, Oklahoma City’s Ward 1 Councilman, joins Jed Chappell to ask what the city must protect as it grows. They discuss transparent public service, listening across political divides, jobs and AI, recovery, homelessness, and the Oklahoma Standard Carter hopes will still define OKC for the next generation.

When Grief Stops Driving the Story: Kristina Mills on Survivor, Loss, and Hope

Kristina Mills did not apply for Survivor because she loved camping. In fact, she had never been camping before. She applied because she felt stuck. After walking through postpartum depression, losing her mother to a fentanyl overdose, and realizing her kids could see the sadness she was carrying, Kristina knew something had to change. So she recorded a simple 60-second audition video and sent it in. That decision eventually took her to Fiji as a contestant on Survivor 49. But the deeper story is not just about a television show. It is about grief, courage, motherhood, mental health, and choosing to move forward when staying stuck would have been easier. In this episode, Kristina shares about her mother’s life, the pain of losing her to addiction, the healing power of telling the truth, and the hope she discovered on the other side of fear. Episode Highlights * Kristina’s path to Survivor 49 * Why she applied in memory of her mom * Postpartum depression and feeling stuck * Losing her mother to fentanyl addiction * The importance of vulnerability * Why addiction can affect any family * A powerful moment in Fiji on her mom’s death anniversary * Her work helping OU graduate business students prepare for their careers * Why grief can be a passenger, but not the driver Guest Kristina Mills Career Coach, University of Oklahoma Graduate Business Program Contestant on Survivor 49 Links Voices of OKC: voicesofokc.com City Center: okcitycenter.org

Relationships Matter More Than Programs: Christian Matthews on Mentoring Oklahoma City Youth

Most people see after-school programs as activities, games, and homework help. Christian Matthews sees something deeper. As Program Coordinator at City Center, Christian spends his days helping students navigate challenges that often have nothing to do with academics. Behind many behavioral issues are stories of loneliness, bullying, family struggles, anxiety, and a longing to be understood. In this conversation, Christian shares how God unexpectedly led him to City Center, what he's learned about loving people unconditionally, and why relationships remain the foundation of lasting transformation. He also opens up about his personal faith journey, his work as an artist and musician, and the difficult decision to step away from growing opportunities in music in order to pursue deeper obedience and spiritual growth. If you're a parent, mentor, teacher, coach, or community leader, this episode offers valuable insight into what young people need most from the adults around them. Episode Highlights • How Christian discovered his calling to work with youth • Why emotional safety matters for young people • Helping students process difficult situations at home • The connection between self-awareness and personal growth • Lessons learned through mentorship and service • Christian's journey from rapper to faith-driven artist • Why self-love and identity matter for the next generation • What gives him hope for Oklahoma City's youth Connect with Christian Instagram: @hecallsmechristian Learn More About City Center 🌐 City Center [https://okcitycenter.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] City Center champions youth and families in under-resourced communities by creating empowered pathways to relief and restoration.

Growing Hope in Oklahoma: Brooke Freeman on Farming, Faith, and Community

Brooke Freeman never planned to become a farmer. After years working as a NICU nurse, she found herself wrestling with a simple question: How do we truly help people become healthier? That question eventually led to the creation of Natural Freedom Farm, a nonprofit farm dedicated to growing fresh, nutrient-dense produce for families who might not otherwise have access to it. In this conversation, Brooke shares the story behind the farm, the vision that launched it, and why education is just as important as the food itself. She also explains regenerative farming, food insecurity, and how healthy food can become a pathway to better health outcomes for children and families. Natural Freedom Farm has become an important partner to City Center, helping provide fresh produce that goes directly into meals served to youth and families throughout Oklahoma City. Guest Information Brooke Freeman Founder, Natural Freedom Farm Website: Natural Freedom Farm [https://naturalfreedomfarm.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Connect with City Center City Center [https://okcitycenter.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

More Than Accounting: Daniel Haynes on Purpose, Community, and Oklahoma City

There’s a line Daniel Haynes says in this conversation that quietly captures the entire heart of the episode: “When something is led by love, no one gets left behind.” Daniel is the founder of Skyward Financial Solutions, a Certified Fraud Examiner, and co-founder of Live Full alongside his wife, Raven. But more than titles, Daniel is someone deeply committed to stewardship, integrity, family, and serving people well. In this episode, Daniel shares the story of growing up in rural Oklahoma, collapsing during a basketball game because of an enlarged heart, losing a close friend, and eventually discovering accounting as a calling at just 16 years old. Jed and Daniel also discuss the rapid growth of Oklahoma City, why exposure changes lives, how families need community around them, and why leadership rooted in love creates stronger cities. This conversation feels deeply Oklahoma City. Thoughtful. Honest. Hopeful. It’s a reminder that the future of a city is shaped not only by development projects and arenas, but by people quietly choosing integrity, generosity, and stewardship every single day. Resources & Links: * City Center [https://okcitycenter.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Live Full [https://ilivefull.org] * Skyward Financial Solutions [https://skywardfs.com]