ChangeMakers – Détails, épisodes et analyse

What if a single meal could nourish more than just a body—but also a soul?

In this powerful episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Courtney Johnson, the heart and visionary behind Culinary Care, a nonprofit delivering restaurant-prepared meals and emotional support to cancer patients and their families.

Courtney’s story begins with heartbreak: losing her father to stage IV lung cancer while still in high school. Fueled by grief and love, she launched Culinary Care in her early 20s with one goal—to help others facing what her family endured.

“We had meals at our doorstep almost every day during my dad’s treatment. Those were the bright moments we looked forward to.”

What started with one meal and one handwritten flyer has become a transformative movement across Chicago and Dallas. Courtney explains how malnutrition causes 1 in 5 cancer deaths, and how a perceived sense of community can increase cancer survival rates by up to 25%.

Listeners will learn about:

The emotional and logistical challenges of launching a nonprofit

How Culinary Care fills a vital gap in outpatient cancer care

The importance of providing dignity, joy, and delicious meals

How anyone—from monthly donors to companies—can help feed hope

“We want to be the friend that never goes away… Even if the treatments stop, our care doesn’t.”

Culinary Care’s work is a reminder that community is care—and that acts of kindness, no matter how small, have the power to change lives.

🎧 Listen to the full episode
🔗 Visit CulinaryCare.org to donate, volunteer, or get involved

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Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Shelby Mounts, who reflects on his 25 years of service with the US Navy and highlights the leadership lessons learned and his journey to becoming Executive Director of NextOp Veterans, a nonprofit organization focused on connecting veterans and military members to career opportunities. NextOp recruits, develops, and places military members and veterans into industry careers. The organization works one-on-one with enlisted service members and veterans to help translate military training and experiences into valued qualifications in the business community, and the organization works with and supports companies to develop and execute their veteran hiring and retention strategies.

During the interview, Shelby talks about growing up in a US Navy household and how stories of service inspired him in childhood. He shares how his family’s move from Texas to California and then changing schools in San Diego were challenging at the time, but shaped his future and his ability to adapt, learn and grow, and make friends quickly. Shelby talks about some of the childhood lessons he carries with him today, and then discusses his transition into the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. He shares how he was encouraged and selected to attend US Navy Flight School, something he had always dreamed of, and how he progressed as a pilot and officer to lead a helicopter squadron. He talks about some of training and missions, and lessons learned while deployed, and how those experiences have shaped his ability to support and empower his team.

Shelby then talks about his process of transitioning out of the military, which started when he was on a special assignment as a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow at Shell Oil in New Orleans, LA, and then on tours at the Pentagon, which allowed him to build and leverage his network of personal relationships that opened a door for a new corporate opportunity. He then talks about the important work that NextOp Veterans is doing to help military members and veterans, like himself, with that same transition into industry careers and opportunities. He shares some of this history and growth for the nonprofit organization, talks about some of their key strategies and recent successes, and how they are partnering with other organizations to create a system that benefits the veterans and military members, education institutions and training programs, companies, and our communities. He wraps up with how the community can help support their efforts, the power of hiring veterans and words of encouragement for companies looking to gain a competitive advantage with veterans on their team.

Visit https://nextopvets.org to learn more about NextOp Veterans.

About Shelby Mounts:
Shelby Mounts brings more than 30 years of experience in Defense and Industry leadership roles to NextOp Veterans.

His private industry roles include CEO of Riverside Consulting Services, LLC, a small, independent Government Consulting services company, Chief Commercial Officer and EVP of Sales for Vita Inclinata Technologies, and Director of Defense Aerospace and Maritime Business Development at Allegheny Technologies Inc (ATI). In each case, the focus was development of relationships, positive outcomes and growth.

Shelby’s Government experience included service in the US Navy for 25 years, where he retired as a Captain. After graduating from Annapolis with a Bachelor of Science degree, Shelby served four years as a Surface Warfare Officer, including deployed time in South America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East, then was selected to attend US Navy Flight School.

After earning his wings as a helicopter pilot, Shelby progressed as a pilot and officer, accumulating 2500 flight hours as an operator and two time instructor. This period included numerous deployments to the Middle East and Western Pacific Ocean supporting Navy and Marine Corps operations from San Diego,CA, Guam, and Japan, and a tour leading a helicopter squadron with 500 people and 19 helicopters in Norfolk, VA.

His staff assignments included a joint assignment at US Special Operations Command in Tampa, FL, two tours at the Pentagon in a variety of Navy Staff resourcing and operations positions, and a special assignment as a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow at Shell Oil in New Orleans, LA. Shelby also completed a Master of Science through the University of San Diego Business School.

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On this episode, we have the pleasure of diving into the world of community transformation with Dr. Chris Lambert, a visionary who's redefining nonprofit success and neighborhood revitalization.

Dr. Chris Lambert is the founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, an award-winning author of "Next Level Nonprofit," and founder of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system. His journey began far from the nonprofit sphere, with aspirations of law school and dreams of a lucrative career in real estate development. However, during his junior year at Indiana University, a profound spiritual awakening redirected his path towards a more service-oriented life.

After earning his MDiv and a doctorate in preaching, Chris, along with his wife, moved to Liberia where they played a pivotal role in helping a village drill a well, acquire farm animals, and build their very first school. This transformative experience in Liberia set the stage for what would become his life's work. Upon returning to the U.S., Chris founded the church Ekklesia and shortly thereafter, in 2010, launched Life Remodeled. This impactful organization focuses on repurposing vacant school buildings into vibrant community centers and spearheading sustainable neighborhood revitalization projects. Dr. Lambert's work has not only earned him recognition on platforms like TEDx and accolades such as Crain’s 40 Under 40, but also the admiration of communities and leaders around the nation. Yet, for Chris, the true excitement lies in the journey ahead and the people who join him in making a lasting difference. 

In today’s episode, Dr. Lambert shares invaluable insights into creating scalable, sustainable, and impactful nonprofit organizations. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of turning abandoned structures into thriving community hubs, the importance of community involvement in revitalization projects, and how other nonprofit leaders can apply the principles of his Next Level Nonprofit system to magnify their impact. 

Join us as we explore the transformative power of dedication, community, and innovative thinking with Dr. Chris Lambert on ChangeMakers. 

Visit https://liferemodeled.org/ to learn more about Life Remodeled or https://www.nlncoaching.org.

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William B. Courtney (Bill), a native Memphian, founded Classic American Hardwoods, Inc. in 2001. Today, it employs 120 people with a 45 acre manufacturing facility and domestic sales offices in Memphis, TN and international sales offices in Shanghai, China and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In 2007, Classic American Hardwoods, Inc. won the Memphis Business Journal’s Small Business of the Year Award based on its growth and commitment to community service.

In 2003, Bill began volunteering at Memphis’ inner city Manassas High School in an effort to turn its underperforming football team around. In 2003, the team had 19 players with a dismal 4-95, 10-year record. In the 2008 & 2009 seasons, the team’s record improved to 18-2, with 75 players. The story inspired a Hollywood film—Undefeated—which won the 2012 Academy Award for Best Feature Length Documentary.

In 2011, Bill was inducted into Bridge Builders for leadership in diversity, community, and justice. He was the 2012 recipient of the Liberty Bowl’s Harry Zinn Spirit of 1776 award for distinguished citizenship, recipient of the Carnival Memphis’ King’s award for outstanding achievement in Business and Industry, and the National Football Foundation and College Hall of fame Memphis chapter’s award winner for The distinguished American for Contribution to Amateur Athletics. In 2013, he was inducted into the prestigious Society of Entrepreneurs as a result of his success in business and community service.

Today, Bill still operates as the President and CEO of Classic American Hardwoods. He speaks at a variety of events from the Para Olympics in Colorado Springs, with Nike, PepsiCo, FedEx, and other nationally recognized companies, to churches, schools, and hospitals. His first book, Against the Grain, was published by Weinstein Books in May 2014, and can be purchased here→ http://www.coachbillcourtney.com/

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Dr. Sarah Petschonek is founder and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey. She founded Volunteer Odyssey based on two landmark projects. In 2012, Sarah began Mission Memphis: 30 consecutive days volunteering with 30 non-profits, chronicled on her blog, Confessions of a Volunteer. Afterwards, she launched Volunteer Bound – a cross-country volunteer tour researching volunteerism in 9 US cities spanning from Portland, Oregon to Jacksonville, Florida. Volunteer Odyssey has grown to include 40+ non-profit partners, the most comprehensive Calendar of Volunteer Opportunities in Memphis and the country’s first virtual volunteer fair called Volio.
Dr. Petschonek earned her PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology, an MS and an MBA from the University of Memphis. Her academic research and work experienced focused on employee satisfaction, employee well-being, organizational culture. In the past she has worked for the US Navy and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Dr. Petschonek also consults with local non-profits on how to improve their volunteer experience and teaches as an Adjunct Professor of Business in the MBA program at Christian Brothers University.

Memphis Flyer named Sarah as one of the 20 Under 30 and in 2014 Sarah was honored as one of the 50 Under 40 Social Entrepreneurs in the US by American Express.

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Believing in the importance of the “two Cs” – culture and communication – Stacy has developed a strong internal culture at ServiceMaster by Stratos through open communication channels based on core values like integrity, accountability and respect. She strives to achieve a firm balance between being a headstrong CEO and a true friend to her employees, and she continues to lead Stratos to new heights, through continued growth and the introduction of technological advancements throughout the organization, while servicing venues in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.

Since 2008, Stacy has served on the ServiceMaster Clean Regional Council, as well as a Southeastern Conference Council Representative on the ServiceMaster Clean National Franchise Council, eventually serving as vice chairman and chairman. After taking majority ownership in the company, Stacy applied for and received the Women’s Business Enterprise Certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

A Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club member, Stacy plays an active role in the Memphis business community. As a result, she has received many honors over the years, including 2013 Memphis Business Journal’s Super Woman in Business and, most recently, 2015 Memphis Business Journal’s Small Business of the Year. She participates as an activate mentor to young business women in the Memphis Business Journal’s Bizwomen Mentoring Monday series through several events annually.

Stacy sits on the board of directors for the Chickasaw Council of Boy Scouts of America and serves as a commissioner for Memphis City Beautiful. Furthermore, she and her Stratos team give back together by providing in-kind janitorial services to many of Memphis’ nonprofit organizations and events, such as Memphis Charitable Foundation’s Blues Ball and Jingle Bell Ball; MIFA’s annual Feed the Soul event; and Downtown Memphis’ RiverArtsFest.

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Daphne Large is President and CEO of the Memphis based Data Facts, which provides trusted information to make sound hiring, lending and other business decisions.

In 1989, at age 27, she founded Data Facts. A native Memphian and Briarcrest grad, Daphne's driven mindset has awarded her CEO of the Year, a member of the Society of Entrepreneurs, and countless other Top Workplaces awards for her company. Daphne is passionate about serving her community and others and as you'll hear in this podcast, that is why we are so excited to share this episode with you.

Learn more about Daphne Large here: http://info.datafacts.com/daphne-large

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Reverend Marlon Foster is the founder and executive director of Knowledge Quest, a Memphis nonprofit that equips youth to maximize their potential through intellectual and character development.

Responding to youth gun violence that caused the death of his childhood best friend, Pierre Ramond Henderson, Marlon struggled for three years after obtaining his undergraduate degree in a relentless effort to make his vision a reality, establishing the organization in 1998.

As a native South Memphian, Marlon reflects on his roots, what shaped his faith, and working, living, and investing in his community.

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Michael Drake is the founder, chairman and CEO of masterIT. As a native Memphian, Michael reflects on his roots, what he learned as a young professional, and his mission of inspiring young professionals, providing opportunity to those who need it most, and shining a light on mental health.

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Welcome to this inspiring episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, where we dive into the importance and power of community colleges, civic engagement, and mentorship with one of host Jeremy C. Park's closest friends from grade school in Weatherford, Texas, Dr. Molly M. Harris, Vice President of Community Engagement at Grayson College.

Dr. Harris has been a beacon in higher education for over 21 years, deeply committed to enriching lives and fostering community ties. Dr. Harris also is the one responsible for introducing Jeremy to his wife, Meredith, so this ChangeMakers episode offers a lot of fun, personal backstories between host and guest.

Dr. Harris's academic journey began with a spark of passion for drama at Weatherford College, leading her to earn an Associate of Arts. She expanded her horizon at Texas A&M-Commerce, where she claimed both a BS in Theatre and an MS in Higher Education Administration. Her pursuit of educational leadership peaked with a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Mississippi State University.

Today, Dr. Harris is the Vice President of Community Engagement at Grayson College, where she’s a major force behind initiatives that range from foundational work and strategic communications to overseeing grants and the South Campus. Her role is crucial in integrating the college’s resources with the community’s growth, bringing education and community service together.

Dr. Harris's dedication stretches into numerous community boards, from the Denison Area Chamber of Commerce to the United Way of Grayson County, showcasing her belief in the ripple effect of civic engagement.

Living in Denison with her husband, Mark, and their daughter, Parker, Dr. Harris is a proud community member, a Mississippi State athletics fan, and a devoted family woman.

In our conversation, Dr. Harris shares her personal and professional evolution, her pivotal role in shaping community college initiatives, and her insights on how mentorship and civic engagement can dramatically uplift careers. She believes community colleges are not just educational institutions but launchpads for societal contributions and personal growth.

Join us as Dr. Harris enlightens us on making significant impacts, both in our careers and communities, through the nurturing grounds of community colleges. It’s a journey of empowerment, engagement, and finding one's voice in the vast world of opportunities that community colleges provide.

Visit www.grayson.edu to learn more about Grayson College and email harrism@grayson.edu to connect directly with Dr. Molly Harris.

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