Acts of Impact
by Nicholas Hill
Welcome to Acts of Impact, the show where we discuss those who are making a positive difference in the world around us. Season 2 is live now, and is all about Historical Impact! Tune in now to hear about those who made a difference during crucial moments in history. Learn more at http://www.actsofimpact.com
Episodes
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Paws On Ground Zero: The Rescue Dogs Of 9/11
On September 11th, 2001, a group of Al Qaeda terrorists hijack four passenger airplanes and carry out suicide attacks against major U. S. targets, including the World Trade Center in New York City. What followed was one of the largest search-and-rescue missions in history, as FEMA teams and...
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Always Ready: The U.S. Coast Guard Rescue of the FCA Alaska Ranger
When the Alaska Ranger sent a distress call to Communications Station Kodiak in the early hours of March 23, 2008, it set in motion a daring and dangerous rescue mission. Amidst daunting sea and wind conditions, the Coast Guard Cutter Munro coordinated helicopter and plane crews, good samaritan...
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Ignaz Semmelweis, Savior of Mothers
On today's episode, we'll explore the story of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, an obstetrician from the 19th century who discovered the importance of hand-washing for preventing Childbed Fever and started a campaign to change the behavior of the entire medical industry. In so doing, he would be ostracized,...
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Jesus Garcia and the Train of Dynamite
On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Jesus Garcia, a Mexican Railroad Engineer credited with saving the entire town of Nacozari, Sonora in 1907 when he sacrificed himself to drive a train of dynamite away from the town before it exploded. For this episode, I had the privilege...
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Swansea Jack and the North Dock Rescues
On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Swansea Jack, a Welsh rescuer credited with saving the lives of 27 people and 2 dogs from the North Docks of Swansea in the 1930s. For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Berni Hellier, author of 'The True Tail of Swansea...
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Jack Foley and the Sound of Cinema
On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Jack Foley, a film-maker whose inventive style of creating sound effects for movies revolutionized Hollywood. We'll discuss the unique history of how sound effects came to the movies, how Jack's inventive techniques led to some of today's...
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Alice Harris and the King of the Congo
On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Alice Harris, a Victorian missionary whose chilling photographs and relentless advocacy work took down the king of the Congo, King Leopold II. For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Judy Smith, Author of 'Don't Call Me Lady:...
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Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Holocaust
On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Irena Sendler, the Polish social worker who risked everything to save 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust. She worked with secret organizations, rose to the top of the Gestapo's most wanted list, and even withstood torture at the...
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Harold Lowe and the Sinking of RMS Titanic
This year, 2023, marks the 25th Anniversary of one of the most awarded movies of all time, James Cameron's 'Titanic'. On today's episode, we'll explore the life and legacy of Titanic survivor and Fifth Officer Harold Lowe, and the positive impact his actions had on those under his command during...
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Stories of Impact - Elaina Garcia And The Great Mermaid Rescue
On today's episode, we dive into a unique story involving the rescue of a struggling scuba diver by three... mermaids? Along the way, we’ll learn all about the world of professional mermaiding with our guest, Elaina Marie Garcia. Elaina is owner of Catalina Island Mermaids and a scuba instructor...
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Stories of Impact - Dave Jordan and the Case of The Missing Police Medal
On today's episode, we dive into a unique story involving a retired police officer, a magnet fisherman, and a missing retirement medal. Along the way, we'll learn about magnet fishing and the importance of improving the environment around us. Our guest today is Dave Sonik Jordan, a magnet...
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How 'Unbound' Empowers Those Living in Poverty By Connecting Them With Direct Financial Sponsors
Today we interview Tara Hefner. Tara is Market Development Director for Unbound, a non-profit organization that partners with families living in poverty, providing direct cash sponsorship and special funding programs. We’ll talk about the benefits of direct sponsorship, the wonderful…
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How 'Wolf Park' Supports the Research, Education, and Conservation of Wolves
Today we interview Karah Rawlings. Karah is the Executive Director of Wolf Park, a non-profit organization dedicated to the research, education, and conservation of wolves. We’ll learn about the value wolves provide to our environment, discuss a concept called re-wilding, and talk about how you…
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How 'Project Safe' Works to End Domestic Violence Through Intervention, Education, and Support
Today we interview Joan Prittie. Joan is Executive Director of Project Safe, a non-profit organization that is working to end domestic violence. Project Safe believes that everyone deserves to be safe in their homes and in their relationships, and that love shouldn’t come at a cost of abuse or...
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How 'Silent No Longer Tennessee' Empowers Survivors of Sexual Violence Through Creative Expression
Today we interview Greta McClain. Greta is Executive Director of Silent No Longer Tennessee, a non-profit organization empowering survivors of sexual assault to share their story in creative and powerful ways. We’ll talk about the challenges faced by these survivors, the support that Silent No...
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How 1,200+ Men’s Sheds Across Australia Provide Social Support, Camaraderie, and Improved Health for Men
Today we interview David Helmers. David is Executive Officer for the Australian Men’s Shed Association, a non-profit organization that supports the men’s shed movement across Australia. We’ll talk about the challenges men face when it comes to finding social support and camaraderie, how these…
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How 'EduBall' Uses Soccer to Keep Ugandan Children in School
Today we interview Kenneth Oroma. Ken is an alumnus of the Teach For Uganda Fellowship and co-founder of EduBall, a community-based organization that uses the game of Soccer to improve educational outcomes for children in Uganda. We’ll talk about the challenges Ugandan children face when it comes...
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How Sangyu Xi's New Dyson-Award-Winning Scoliosis Brace Grows With Its Wearer
Today we interview Sangyu Xi. Sangyu is a designer and programmer who has just received a national Dyson award for her design of an adjustable scoliosis brace named Airy. Airy is the first scoliosis brace to grow with the patient, allowing teenagers to wear it comfortably and confidently. We’ll...
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How the 'TU/ecomotive' Student Team Created a Car That Cleans The Air While Driving
Today we interview Nikki Okkels. Nikki is an industrial design student of the Eindhoven University of Technology and member of the TU/ecomotive student team, which has just created ZEM, a new car that cleans the air while driving. We’ll talk about why this technology is an important step for our...
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How Mike Young And His Volunteer Crews Have Flown Over 8,000 Puppies to Permanent Homes
Today we interview Mike Young. Mike is a dog rescue pilot who has flown over 8000 puppies by private plane from rescues and shelters in the rural south to large urban areas to be put up for adoption. We’ll talk about why these flights are needed, how the puppies are kept safe throughout the…
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How 'Habitot Children's Museum' Helps Parents Raise Creative, Curious, and Confident Children
Today’s guest is Gina Moreland. Gina is Founder and Executive Director for Habitot Children’s Museum, a hands-on discovery museum designed specifically for children under 5 years old. We’ll talk about how parents can connect with their children through creativity and play, the types of activities...
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How 'Wonders and Worries' Helps Children Navigate Parental Illness
Today we interview Meredith Cooper. Meredith is the Co-Founder of Wonders and Worries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and families navigate the challenges of parental illness. We’ll talk about what those challenges are, the effects they can have on both children and...
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How 'Population Connection' Advocates Progressive Action to Stabilize the World Population
Today we interview Hannah Evans, Senior Analyst of Population Connection, about stabilizing the world population at a level that can be sustained by Earth’s resources. We’ll talk about the dangers of unchecked population growth, the connection between sustained growth and women’s rights, and how...
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How Tamara Blazquez Uses Photography to Advocate for the Wildlife Of Mexico City
Today, we interview Tamara Blazquez about her work as a wildlife conservation photographer. We’ll discuss the wildlife of Mexico City, the Zoo Crisis, the protection of land (such as the threatened lake areas of Xochimilco), and how Tamara once got more than she bargained for trying to photograph…
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How 'GREY2K USA Worldwide' Is Ending The Cruelty of Greyhound Racing
Today we interview Christine Dorchak, Co-founder and General Counsel for GREY2K USA Worldwide, about their work fighting the cruelty of dog racing. We’ll talk about the dangers of racing for these Greyhounds, its rise and ongoing downfall in the U.S., and how GREY2K closed the worst dog track in...
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How 'Free2Luv' Supports Youth Mental Health, Celebrates Individuality, And Stands Up To Bullying
Today we interview Tonya Sandis, Founder of Free2Luv, about their work helping our youth. We’ll discuss mental health, bullying, and self-love, how these topics uniquely affect our youth and those in the LGBTQ community, and the work Free2Luv does to empower confidence and self-expression. To...
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How 'Huntington's Disease Society of America' Funds Treatment, Research, Community, and Advocation For Those With HD
Today we interview Louise Vetter, President and CEO of Huntington's Disease Society of America, about the work they do for those impacted by Huntington’s Disease. We’ll discuss the complex symptoms and unique challenges surrounding this disease, the ways in which HDSA helps patients, their...
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How 'Friends of the Earth' Fights The Sale Of Toxic Pesticides To Save Our Pollinators
Today we interview Paolo Mutia, Food and Agriculture Campaigner for Friends of the Earth, about his team's work fighting the sale of toxic pesticides. We’ll discuss the challenges facing pollinators such as bees and birds, the dangerous chemicals in commonly sold products that are to blame, and…
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How 'Art of Recycle' Uses Repurposed Materials to Connect Communities and Support Teachers
Today we interview Chelas Montanye, Co-Founder and Creative Art Director for Art of Recycle, about their unique community center. We’ll talk about their free community arts activities, the unique ways they help teachers, and how they creatively repurpose resources that are destined for the...
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How 'Fistula Foundation' Provides Life-Changing Surgeries for Women With Obstetric Fistula
Today we interview Kate Grant, Chief Executive Officer of Fistula Foundation, about their work treating obstetric fistula, a life-altering condition that can occur during childbirth. We’ll talk about what this condition is, the barriers to treatment for affected women, and the ways Fistula...
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How 'The Pollination Project' Drives Social Change Through Daily $1,000 Funding Grants
Today we interview Carolyn Ashworth, Executive Director of The Pollination Project, about the $1000 seed-funding grants they give out daily to drive social change. We’ll talk about the benefits of microgrants vs. traditional social funding, hear stories of grassroots change from the Philippines,...
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How 'No Limits for Deaf Children and Families' Uses Education and Theater to Support Children With Hearing Loss
Today we interview Dr. Michelle Christie, Founder and Executive Director of No Limits for Deaf Children, about their work teaching, promoting, and advocating for the deaf community. We’ll talk about the challenges that children with hearing loss experience, the education and work that No Limits...
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How 'Wild Animal Sanctuary' Rescues Captive and Neglected Exotic Animals
Today we interview Austin Hill, Guest Relations Manager of Wild Animal Sanctuary, about their work rescuing neglected and captive wild animals. We’ll talk about the captive wildlife crisis and how public attitudes have changed over time, discuss the habitats and successful programs they have in...
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How 'Oliver Scholars' Helps Black and Latinx Students Achieve Future Success
Today we interview Dr. Danielle Moss, Chief Executive Officer of Oliver Scholars, about their work preparing high-achieving Black and Latinx students for future success. We’ll talk about the societal challenges and obstacles facing these students (both in their initial education and professional...
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How 'Give Back Yoga' Brings the Therapeutic Benefits of Yoga to Underserved Populations
Today we interview Rob Schware, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Give Back Yoga, about bringing the benefits of yoga to all who want to practice. We’ll talk about how Give Back Yoga is breaking stereotypes on who can access yoga, hear testimonials from those who participate, consider changes…
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How 'Rollin From The Heart' Uses Skateboarding to Encourage Positive Lifestyles for Disadvantaged Youth
Today we interview John Barry, Executive Director of Rollin' From the Heart, about their work promoting a more active lifestyle and encouraging positive choices for disadvantaged youth. We’ll talk about the inspiration behind Rollin’ From The Heart, how their after-school skate camps teach...
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How ‘SALT Foundation’ Fights Food Scarcity While Reducing Food Waste
Today we interview Claudia Wheeler, Founder and Executive Director of SALT Foundation, about the problems of food scarcity and food waste. We’ll talk about the partnerships they’ve developed with supermarkets to rescue food, how Claudia and her team helped during the Covid-19 Outbreak, and the…
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How 'Second Wind Dreams' is Changing the Perception of Aging and Making Dreams Come True for the Elderly
Today we interview P.K. Beville, Founder and CEO Emeritus of Second Wind Dreams, about changing the perception of aging. We’ll talk about how they make dreams come true for those in elderly care, how their Virtual Dementia tour improves caregivers' understanding of dementia, and how their Gifts…
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How 'Austin Guinea Pig Rescue' Has Saved Over 1300 Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Hamsters, and More!
Today we interview Kim Meyer and Lucia Summers about Austin Guinea Pig Rescue and their successful efforts to save, care for, and rehome over 1300 animals to date. We’ll talk about things you may not know about guinea pigs, as well as a few important things to consider before getting one as a…
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How 'Gunnar's Wheels' Provides Wheelchairs and Mobility Options to Pets in Need
Today we interview Jason Parker, Founder of Gunnar's Wheels, about the wheelchairs, carts, and mobility options they provide to pets in need. We’ll talk about Jason’s dog Gunnar, how Gunnar’s Wheels got started, how technology such as GoFundMe played a role in their growth, and all of the animals...
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How 'Knowbility' Creates a more Inclusive Digital World for People with Disabilities
Today we interview Sharron Rush, Executive Director of Knowbility, about creating an accessible and inclusive digital world. We’ll talk about the importance of digital accessibility in the modern age, the ways a website can become more inclusive, and the Knowbility programs promoting…
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How 'Patriot PAWS' Works with Inmates to Train Service Dogs for Veterans
Today we interview Terri Stringer, Assistant Executive Director of Patriot PAWS, about the service dogs they provide for our veterans. We’ll talk about the physical and emotional support these dogs provide, the ways in which Patriot Paws partners with Texas Prisons to provide service dog…
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How 'Child's Play' Uses Video Games to Improve Pediatric Care
Today we interview Travis Eriksen, Executive Director of Child's Play about the video games, technology, and education they provide to serve children in healthcare facilities. We’ll talk about how Child’s Play was able to turn around negative bias towards gaming in the media, the ways in which...
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How 'Well Aware' Fights Water Scarcity in Africa With a 100% Success Model
Today we interview Kareece Sacco, Executive Director of Well Aware, about the water crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa. We'll hear why previous attempts to solve this problem have failed to last, how a state-of-the-art mobile app is putting ownership in the hands of African communities, and how Well...
About this show
Welcome to Acts of Impact, the show where we discuss those who are making a positive difference in the world around us. Season 2 is live now, and is all about Historical Impact! Tune in now to hear about those who made a difference during crucial moments in history. Learn more at http://www.actsofimpact.com
Hosted by
Nicholas Hill