PODCAST · society
Action 2 Impact Podcast with Gwen Jones
by Gwen Jones
Since 2019, host Gwen Jones — a proud Rotarian — has been sharing powerful stories of extraordinary people who turn bold ideas into meaningful impact. While many guests are Rotarians making a difference through service, the heart of the Action 2 Impact Podcast goes far beyond any one organization. Each episode spotlights inspiring individuals from around the world who took a single step to make life better for others — and ended up changing communities, and sometimes the world. Listeners will discover uplifting stories, practical inspiration, and proof that real change doesn’t require perfection or permission — just action. Because impact isn’t reserved for a select few. It starts with one person, one idea, and one step. Listen, subscribe, and get inspired to turn your own actions into impact.
Episodes
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ENCORE SHOW: Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP. 22 A Polio Drop Adventure with Nancy Barbee and Mary Shackelton
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what it's like to go on a Polio drop trip? I mean how do you get there, where do you eat, sleep, wash up? Is it safe? Does it cost alot of money? Face it was always hear the amazing stories, but never the details. Well this week I have both. Join me won't...
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What If Respect Was The New Protest, meet National Unity Day
Send us Fan Mail Division sells, but it doesn’t have to run our lives. We sit down with Adam Mazell from Us United to talk about National Unity Day and the bigger question behind it: how do regular people rebuild trust when politics, media, and social media keep pulling us into smaller bubbles…
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Action 2 Impact podcast: From Nearly Quitting To Leading Rotary with Even Burell
Send us Fan Mail We catch up with Evan Burrell for a third conversation, from his lowest point of depression and nearly quitting Rotary to finishing a tough year as district governor. We talk honestly about criticism, leadership pressure, member experience, and why he still believes in showing up...
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Action 2 Impact Show: Trust And Escape At Ground Zero with Mike Hingson
Send us Fan Mail A building sways, the air turns sharp with jet fuel, and a guide dog wakes up ready to work. Mike Kingson, New York Times best-selling author of Thunder Dog, takes us back to the 78th floor of World Trade Center Tower One on September 11th and walks us through what kept him…
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Action 2 Impact Show: What If Aging Decline Is Mostly A Myth
Send us Fan Mail We talk with Elaine about trading symptom chasing for lifelong well-being built on daily choices that protect independence as we age. We dig into why “normal for your age” is a dangerous story and how simple nutrition, hydration, and authentic movement can change what aging looks...
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AUGUST ENCORE SHOW: Anne Onyango From The World Disability Rotary Group
Send us Fan Mail AUGUST ENCORE SHOW: Today we are talking Adults with Clubfoot with fAnne Onyango from the World Disability Rotary Action Group. Not only does Anne have clubfoot, but she has taught yourself how to make shoes not only for herself but for others . Anne is also helping adults with…
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AUGUST ENCORE SHOW: The Rotary Wine Enthusiasts Fellowship
Send us Fan Mail AUGUST ENCORE SHOW: I'm off to Grapevine TX to talk wine with Presisident of the Rotary Wine Enthusiasts Fellowship Conrad Heede. We're talk all things wine and fun. If you know a little or a lot about wine, this is the show for you! Support the show Join me as I talk to those...
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How To Think About Living Longer With Purpose w/ Writer James Strole
Send us Fan Mail I’m back after brain surgery and I’m choosing to come back talking about longevity, beauty, and the quality of life we all deserve. James Stroll joins me to explain why living longer is becoming mainstream, why access may widen over time, and why a longer life has to mean more…
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The Power Of Significance With Aaron Sines
Send us Fan Mail We catch up with our friend Aaron Stines as he wraps up his year as district governor and comes home from his first Rotary International Convention in Taipei with his daughter. He shares why he wrote The Power of Significance and how choosing impact over impressions changes the…
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JULY ENCORE SHOW The 5 Points of Conversation with PDG Sidney Smith
Send us Fan Mail JULY ENCORE SHOW: Time to talk, even if it's uncomfortable? Join me as I talk to Sidney Smith. PDG of 5180 who is bringing his "5 Points of Conversation" not only to Rotary but to the world. Support the show Join me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2…
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Rotary In The UAE Proves Misconceptions Fall When We Ask Better Questions
Send us Fan Mail We travel to the United Arab Emirates to learn what Rotary looks like on the ground when your clubs are truly multicultural and your youth programs are built as a pipeline. We challenge common misconceptions about the UAE, then dig into how Interact and Rotaract in Dubai grow…
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How To Build A Longer Life With Science And Self-Trust
Send us Fan Mail We talk with Jean Weidman about radical longevity as a life-oriented mindset, a science-forward health plan, and a humanitarian stance against treating anyone as expendable. We also dig into what’s real, what’s risky, and how to stay skeptical and smart while exploring new tools...
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What It Really Means To Be Cryopreserved After Death with guest Charlie Kam
Send us Fan Mail We talk cryonics with Charlie Kam and treat it like a serious end-of-life option, not a movie trope. We dig into how cryopreservation works, why the brain is the main focus, and what “plan B” means if future medicine can repair what killed you. • what cryonics is and why “legally...
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How A Ugandan Youth Leader Uses Soccer To Heal Trauma And Keep Kids In School
Send us Fan Mail We sit down with David Muhindo, founder of Be Well Child Care Initiative in Uganda, to talk about protecting vulnerable children and using soccer as a doorway into healing, mentorship, and life skills. We also trace David’s path from making bricks to pay school fees to leading a...
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JUNE ENCORE SHOW: Jeff Borek from Seattle 4
Send us Fan Mail WE ARE HEADING WAY, WAY ,BACK TO SEASON 3 FOR THIS MONTHS ENCORE What's it like to be the president at one of the oldest Rotary groups in the world? Meet the President of Seattle 4, Jeff Borek, this week on the podcast Support the show Join me as I talk to those "amazing people...
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A Multi-District Conference Can Save Money And Grow Fellowship
Send us Fan Mail We test a big idea for Rotary district conferences by bringing together four district governors who combine four districts into one event to grow fellowship, strengthen networks, and raise the bar on programming. We share what worked, what cost more than expected, and why...
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Why Throw Away Food When It Can Feed People Twice
Send us Fan Mail We talk dirt with Eric Gardner from Loaves and Fishes and Chuck Corrigan from Rotary, digging into how food waste can become soil instead of methane. We walk through the real numbers, the grant that funded an industrial composter, and the simple composting habits that make the...
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Breaking Democracy’s Chains
Send us Fan Mail We question what “democracy” really means when choices feel filtered and money shapes outcomes more than voters do. We unpack Metin Perkin’s argument that party politics captures democratic institutions and explore a bold blueprint for reform that starts with everyday citizens. •...
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MAY ENCORE SHOW: Robyn Curtis and the Climate Change Action Group
Send us Fan Mail MAY ENCORE SHOW: Join me and my new friend Robyn Curtis from the Rotary Climate Change Action Group. We are talking ECO, we are talking big problems, and even some big solutions. We are talking about one of our 7 areas of focus that maybe doesn't get all the love and attention…
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Rotary And Change a talk with Cindie Kish
Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Cindy Kish to decode what Rotary Membership Coordinator and International Assembly learning facilitator really mean, and why those roles matter when clubs feel stuck. We wrestle with the hard part of change: keeping people feeling seen while still building a…
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From Congolese Filmmaker To Refugee-Led Nonprofit Founder In Uganda
Send us Fan Mail We talk with Wayne Wasagaga in Uganda about building Changia Africa, a refugee-led nonprofit rooted in education, skills, and human dignity. His story reframes refugee life as a place where purpose, leadership, and real community impact can still grow. • Wayne’s life path from…
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ICRC Beyond The Red Vest
Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Jacob Kirchner, senior strategic advisor for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Washington, DC, to unpack what neutral humanitarian work really looks like in modern wars. We connect the ICRC’s principles and legal mandate to overlooked crises like...
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ENCORE SHOW: I'm A Rotarian Podcast Season 10 EP. 26 Peace Fellow and Cellist Diego Carneiro
Send us Fan Mail APRIL ENCORE SHOW: Can we find Peace though music? Can we find understanding? Can music be a bridge to understanding the world we live in...why not. This week meet Rotarian Peace Fellow Diego Carneiro,as we ask some of these questions and more. Support the show Join me as I talk…
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Peace Building Through Football (Soccer)
Send us Fan Mail Soccer becomes a practical pathway to peace when we pair skills training with family-focused lessons on respect, safety, and belonging. Ron and Marcos share how a “Soccer Plus” model that began in 1994 now scales through Rotary to serve kids from Cabo San Lucas to communities...
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From Delinquents To Dream Team With Less Moose Hats NEPELS PT2
Send us Fan Mail We meet four first-time district governors stepping into leadership across the Northeast and hear what they want clubs to feel when the year is done. Then we check back in with the outgoing “delinquents” to learn what their big swing for change actually looked like after twelve...
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Voices From Rotary President-Elect Training Part 1
Send us Fan Mail We hit the road to Northeast PELS and hand the mic to presidents-elect, district leaders, and longtime Rotarians who are stepping into big roles. The stories range from hilarious name-tag moments to serious talk on membership, global service, and leading from peace instead of...
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 2 EP.6 Why Community Arts Matter And How To Support Them
Send us Fan Mail We get honest about why the arts feel easier to ignore than roads or schools and why that choice costs us empathy, creativity, and shared community life. Brian Rodolfo, president and CEO of The Cabot, explains how a historic theater stays open by blending commercial shows with...
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ENCORE SHOW!! I'm A Rotarian Podcast Season 8 EP.15 PE Gordon McInally
Send us Fan Mail Encore Presentation — March Join us for a special encore: an intimate conversation with Past RI President Gordon McInally, recorded before his term. Hear his vision to spotlight mental health and inspire global hope. Listen to Gordon McInally today on the podcast. Support the…
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Food Security Starts In The Soil
Send us Fan Mail We talk with Eduardo Tavar Lopez from the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project in Beverly about how new farmers get trained and why sustainable farming depends on real systems like land access, education, and distribution. We also connect the dots between organic standards, food...
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 2 EP. 3 The Peace Pole Project
Send us Fan Mail We talk with Larry Strober about why Peace Poles still matter in a world full of conflict and how Rotary can turn a simple public marker into real peacebuilding momentum. We trace the movement back to Hiroshima in 1955, then follow its evolution into the Oregon Peace Trail, the...
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 2 EP.2 When Women Lead, Rotary Grows with Celia Cruz De Giay
Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Celia Cruz de Shi to trace a life of service shaped by family, faith in community, and bold leadership, from a childhood moment of empathy to steering Rotary’s first global virtual convention. Two new books capture three decades of women’s impact and the path…
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ENCORE SHOW: I'm A Rotarian Podcast Season 8 EP.10 POA Champions of Inclusion Award Winner, Anderson Zerwes
Send us Fan Mail THIS MONTHS ENCORE SHOW : Out of 1.4 million Rotarians six were chosen by RI as "People of Actions, Champions of Inclusion" and one of those six Rotary members is our friend Anderson Zerwes. join us as I talk to Anderson about how winning this award has changed his life and how...
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 2 EP.2 Time to learn about "Bedlessness" with Sleep in Heavenly Peace founder Luke Miklenson
Send us Fan Mail Time to learn about "Bedlessness" maybe a made up word, but it's not a made up problem, kids with no beds, or safe places to sleep. Luke joins me to tell of how a simple project in his garage turned into a program that made more then 90,000 beds just last year for kids....
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 2 EP.1 Catching up with Stephanie Urchick!
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Season Two of the Action 2 Impact podcast and round two for 2024/25 RI President Stephanie Urchick. She's BACK! Stephanie is back to talk about her life as RI President, what Impacted her life the most, and where she is going from here. It's a wonderful chat with...
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP. 24 Rotary is Growing in Africa...WHY?
Send us Fan Mail Rotary is Growing in Africa...WHY? Well let's head to Nigeria to talk to my friend and Rotary Foundation Trustee Pearl Okoro. Pearl has some real straight forward talk about why Rotary is growing in her country, and slipping in others. But before you rolls your eyes about another...
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GREAT ANCORE SHOW TIME FOR SOME ROTARY HISTORY: Season 9 EP.18 The Paul & Jean Harris Home Foundation Chair Cheryl McIntyre
Send us Fan Mail Get your Rotary history geek on as we talk to the Chair of the Paul & Jean Harris Home Foundation Cheryl McIntyre. We talk about the restoration of the Harris's house, how you and your club can be a part of this amazing project, and even how Paul and Jean met. So join us for a…
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP. 23 Meet Russian Rotarian Anna Tumanova
Send us Fan Mail Rotary has Rotary clubs and Rotarians in Russia? Yes,Yes we do! And they are doing great work all over the world. Today meet Anna Tumanova, as she tells me about all thge wonderful work being done by Russian Rotarians. Support the show Join me as I talk to those "amazing people...
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP. 21 Meet Fedele, A Rotarian bringing human dignity to the people of Uganda
Send us Fan Mail Time to meet Fedele, A Rotarian bringing human dignity to the people of Uganda. I talk to Fedele from a refugee camp somewhere in Uganda. Everyday this young Rotarian is bringing food, water, skills, and human dignity and maybe hope for the future to a camp where people from more...
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HOLIDAY SHOW SO GOOD WE HAD TO BRING IT BACK THIS YEAR! Fighting Bed-less-ness this Holiday season with Rotary and Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Send us Fan Mail HOLIDAY SHOW SO GOOD WE HAD TO BRING IT BACK THIS YEAR: Join me for my first Holiday show where I introduce you to 7870 DG Bill Stevens and Sleep in Heavenly Peace member David Sodders. We talk about the sad fact of how many kids have no beds to sleep in at night, and how a team…
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AMAZING ENCORE SHOW: I'm A Rotarian Podcast Season 9 EP.8 Dr Nischal Pandey
Send us Fan Mail AMAZING ENCORE SHOW : Dr Nischal Pandey is one of the most inspirational Rotarians I have ever met. Join us as we talk about his wonderful work with children all over India and around the world. Support the show Join me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2...
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP. 20 RI Director for Zones 28&32 Chris Etienne
Send us Fan Mail Chris Etienne may be known for her trademark black glasses, but she is much more then that. Join me as i talk to Chris about her Zone job, and as she wraps up her position, what is next. Support the show Join me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2 Impact…
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP. 19 Past RI Vic-President and Truly Amazing Rotarian Dean Rohrs
Send us Fan Mail Some times you get to interview a Rotarian who's adventures in Rotary are simply a cut above the rest, and this week we have that Rotarian. Join me as I talk to the one and only Dean Rohrs. Support the show Join me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2 Impact...
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP. 18 Rotary E-Club of World Peace founding member Rudy Westervelt
Send us Fan Mail Time for "Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Man"...and Woman.lol Who better to see how Peace in the World is doing then to talk to Rotary E-Club of World Peace Founding Member Rudy Westervelt. Rudy and I talk about the good news out there about how our world is looking more peaceful...
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ENCORE SHOW: I'm A Rotarian Season 4 Ep.1 For The Love Of Rotary Pins
Send us Fan Mail THIS WEEK WE GO WAY, WAY BACK TO TALK ABOUT THE JOY OF A GREAT ROTARY PIN! This week is all about the history, the trading, the controversy, and the love of Rotary pins. With return guest Ed Book of the Rotary Pin Fellowship, and Ron Mabry Rotary pin superfan! Support the show…
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP. 17 Catching up with the Rotary WASH E-Club,with Bob Chagrasulis
Send us Fan Mail Bob Chagrasulis joins me to catch me up on all the wonderful goings on in the world with clean water and sanitation. We also chat about the drastic cut in aide world wide by the US government and how Rotary needs to help fill in the gaps. Join us for a great chat. Support the…
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP. 16 Humberto Silva and the Rotary HEP Project
Send us Fan Mail We are so close to ending Polio but then what's next? What will Rotary's next big project be? What if it's the silent killer Hepatitis? My new friend Humberto Silva is here to talk about what he would like Rotary's next big world project to be. HEP PROJECT WEBSITE:...
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP. 15 Rotary Environmental Fellowship
Send us Fan Mail This week I'm off to India to talk to the Rotary Environmental Fellowship. We are talking about two sides of pollution we don't think about all that much,light and noise pollution. Join us! Support the show Join me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2 Impact...
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ENCORE SHOW : I'm A Rotarian Podcast Season 7 EP.19 One Step Closer Polio Walk
Send us Fan Mail ENCORE SHOW! Time to meet Helen Hankins and Micheal Mauser, two Rotarians who are walking over 300miles from Florance to Rome. All to raise awareness and money to help stop the spread of Polio. They start their trip September 8th, and you can help! Support the show Join me as I...
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP.14 Nan Mc Creadie and Stephanie Urchick are back to tell us all about this years Rotary Poetry Contest
Send us Fan Mail Welcome back Nan Mc Creadie and Stephanie Urchick ! Their here to tell us all about this years Rotary Poetry Contest. Grab a pen or pencil, some paper too and try your hand at poetry . The Contest starts Nov.1st 2025 Support the show Join me as I talk to those "amazing people...
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Action 2 Impact Podcast Season 1 EP.13 PT.2 Rotarians are Having Trouble With Tough Conversations with Brian Rusch
Send us Fan Mail Part 2 here we go! Brian Rusch and I are back with the rest of the amazing conversation we had about hard conversations in Rotary and beyond. If you missed part 1 last week, check it out, and then join us for part 2. Friend of the show Brian Rusch joins me to talk about some of…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Since 2019, host Gwen Jones — a proud Rotarian — has been sharing powerful stories of extraordinary people who turn bold ideas into meaningful impact. While many guests are Rotarians making a difference through service, the heart of the Action 2 Impact Podcast goes far beyond any one organization. Each episode spotlights inspiring individuals from around the world who took a single step to make life better for others — and ended up changing communities, and sometimes the world.
Listeners will discover uplifting stories, practical inspiration, and proof that real change doesn’t require perfection or permission — just action. Because impact isn’t reserved for a select few. It starts with one person, one idea, and one step.
Listen, subscribe, and get inspired to turn your own actions into impact.
HOSTED BY
Gwen Jones
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Action 2 Impact Podcast with Gwen Jones have?
Action 2 Impact Podcast with Gwen Jones currently has 328 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Action 2 Impact Podcast with Gwen Jones about?
Since 2019, host Gwen Jones — a proud Rotarian — has been sharing powerful stories of extraordinary people who turn bold ideas into meaningful impact. While many guests are Rotarians making a difference through service, the heart of the Action 2 Impact Podcast goes far beyond any one organization....
How often does Action 2 Impact Podcast with Gwen Jones release new episodes?
Action 2 Impact Podcast with Gwen Jones publishes regularly with 328 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Action 2 Impact Podcast with Gwen Jones?
You can listen to Action 2 Impact Podcast with Gwen Jones on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Action 2 Impact Podcast with Gwen Jones?
Action 2 Impact Podcast with Gwen Jones is created and hosted by Gwen Jones.
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