Voices of OKC

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

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 City Center champions youth and families in under-resourced communities by creating empowered pathways to relief and restoration.

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 Connect with City Center City Center

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 Live Full Skyward Financial Solutions

Some students are carrying pain they do not yet have words for. They may not know if they are angry, sad, scared, overwhelmed, or simply tired. They just know something feels off. And too often, the adults around them rush to correct behavior before they understand what is underneath it. In this episode of Voices of OKC, Jed Chappell sits down with Jordan Miller and Stuart Bennett from Generation Why, a mental health advocacy team serving students through school assemblies, creative arts, mentorship, media, internships, and purpose-driven programming. Generation Why speaks in schools about mental health, anti-bullying, and suicide prevention. But what makes their work powerful is not only the message. It is the way they deliver it. They use rap, spoken word, dance, live painting, DJing, photography, videography, and storytelling to create an environment where heavy conversations can become a little easier to enter. Jordan shares why vulnerability is central to the work. Stuart talks about the importance of asking better questions and giving students time to answer. Together, they describe what it means to meet young people where they are, help them name what they are feeling, and show them that there are more options than the obstacles in front of them. This conversation is about mental health. It is about purpose. It is about mentorship. And it is about the kind of adults young people need in the room. Not perfect adults. Present adults. In This Episode Jed, Jordan, and Stuart talk about: Generation Why’s mission and school-based work Mental Health Awareness Month Anti-bullying and suicide prevention Why creative arts help open up hard conversations The power of asking students “why” and waiting for the answer Healthy vulnerability in mentorship The WHY Lead program at John Marshall How people can volunteer, sponsor schools, pray, give, and share the work Why students need mentors who help them see more options for their future Links Mentioned Generation Why: https://www.pursueyourwhy.org/ Donate to Generation Why: https://www.pursueyourwhy.org/ Generation Why Instagram: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-health-breakthroughs-for-young-adults-families/id1653016005 Urban Bridge: https://www.urbanbridge.org/ Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County: https://www.bgcokc.org/ John Marshall High School / OKCPS: https://www.okcps.org/ Chicken N Pickle OKC: https://chickennpickle.com/oklahoma-city/ City Center: https://okcitycenter.org About Voices of OKC Voices of OKC is a podcast from City Center featuring thoughtful conversations with people helping shape Oklahoma City through leadership, service, creativity, restoration, and hope. Learn more about City Center: https://okcitycenter.org

Some people feel behind before they have even had a fair chance to begin. Behind in their career. Behind financially. Behind relationally. Behind the version of life they thought they were supposed to have by now. Carey Conley hears that often from young adults. And in this episode of VOICES of OKC, she talks with Jed Chappell about why vision matters so deeply in that season of life. Carey is an author, speaker, and vision leader who helps people create a clear written vision for their lives. Her story also carries deep grief. After losing both her husband and son to suicide, Carey chose to build her life around purpose, hope, and helping others find direction through pain. This conversation moves through grief, mentorship, mental health, young adults, negative self-talk, and the courage it takes to start. Carey shares how a mentor helped her realize she could create a life with intention, and why she now wants young adults to understand that their life can carry purpose even when the path is unclear. For City Center, this conversation matters because so much of our work with students is about helping young people see beyond the pressure of the moment. They need more than instruction. They need vision. They need mentors. They need safe places where someone can help them see what is already inside them. Key themes in this episode: Why many young adults feel like they are already behind The role of written vision in grief, purpose, and healing How negative self-talk can shape a person’s future Why mentorship matters at every age How to take the first step before everything feels clear Why every person’s life deserves vision What gives Carey hope right now Guest: Carey Conley Website: https://www.careyconley.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carey.conley/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/careyconleyinc/ Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2QiVK5LIIA0CeneDEeAcsw Carey’s Podcast: https://www.careyconley.com/podcast Free eBook mentioned in this episode: Vision is Victory https://bit.ly/VisionisVictory Additional resource from Carey Conley: Keep Looking Up: Transforming Grief into Hope After Tragedy https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Looking-Up-Transforming-Tragedy/dp/0996699929/ Watch and follow VOICES of OKC: Podcast Website: https://www.voicesofokc.com YouTube: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-okc/id1847725322 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nUpFLOsHGVtrN8tZz6nlM Podbean: https://voicesofokc.podbean.com Learn more about City Center: https://okcitycenter.org Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide, grief, and mental health. If you or someone you love is in crisis in the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

What does peace look like before it becomes a headline? Sometimes it looks like a phone call before a fight turns into a shooting. Sometimes it looks like a trusted person sitting down with two families. Sometimes it looks like fixing an air conditioner because the heat in a house is adding fuel to somebody’s grief. In this episode of Voices of OKC, Jed Chappell sits down with Jabee Williams — artist, Emmy Award winner, entrepreneur, and community advocate — for a conversation about Oklahoma City, violence, art, proximity, and hope. Jabee shares about growing up on Oklahoma City’s Eastside, losing people he loved to violence, and the responsibility he feels to show young people that their world can be bigger than the block, the neighborhood, or the cycle they inherited. He also talks about two major pieces of his work: Live Free Oklahoma, a community violence intervention effort working to reduce gun violence and build safer communities across Oklahoma. With Love OKC, an art initiative helping young people tell their stories through murals, creative expression, and public art. This conversation is about more than programs. It is about presence. It is about why the people closest to the pain often carry the clearest wisdom. It is about what Oklahoma City can become when social development matters as much as economic development. And it is about why hope is not a soft idea. Sometimes hope is the very thing that keeps someone from giving up on their city. In This Episode Jed and Jabee talk about: Growing up on Oklahoma City’s Eastside The reality of violence and incarceration in families and neighborhoods Why credible messengers matter What community violence intervention actually looks like The role of art, murals, and storytelling in healing Why development must include the people most affected by it The future Jabee still hopes to see in Oklahoma City Links Mentioned Jabee Williams: https://www.mynameisjabee.com/ Jabee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mynameisjabee/ Live Free Oklahoma: https://livefreeoklahoma.com/ Live Free Oklahoma on Instagram: https://www.withloveokc.org/ With Love OKC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withloveokc/ Juneteenth on the East: https://www.withloveokc.org/juneteenth STAAR Foundation: https://www.staarfoundation.org/ Urban Bridge: https://www.urbanbridge.org/ Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County: https://www.bgcokc.org/ Millwood Public Schools: https://www.millwoodps.org/ Oklahoma City Public Schools — Emerson South: https://emersonsouth.okcps.org/ City Center: https://okcitycenter.org About Voices of OKC Voices of OKC is a podcast from City Center featuring thoughtful conversations with people helping shape Oklahoma City through leadership, service, creativity, restoration, and hope. Learn more about City Center: https://okcitycenter.org

Some conversations are really about more than the topic on the surface. This is one of them. In this episode of Voices of OKC, Adam Coury joins the conversation to talk about AI, but what emerges is really a deeper reflection on discernment, responsibility, and leadership. As technology moves faster into daily life, work, and education, the question is no longer whether it matters. The question is whether people are willing to understand it before it begins shaping them. Adam speaks honestly about the danger of avoidance. He argues that AI should be treated as a tool, not a voice to follow, and that the people who refuse to engage with it may leave the next generation to carry consequences they did not choose. This conversation matters because it pushes past fear and novelty and asks something more grounded: how do we remain fully human while learning to live wisely in a changing world?

Bryan Fetzer has spent years around elite performance, but this conversation is not really about sports. It is about people. About what pressure reveals, what success can conceal, and how leadership often fails when it becomes too focused on outcomes and not enough on transformation. In this episode, Bryan reflects on his own evolution as a coach and leader. He talks honestly about the tendency to become transactional, the importance of filtering out noise, and the responsibility leaders carry when the people around them are struggling in ways they cannot always see. The conversation moves from athletics into business, schools, churches, and everyday life, with a simple but weighty reminder: no one becomes their best self alone. For Oklahoma City, that kind of conversation matters. Because strong communities are not built by talent alone. They are built by leaders with perspective, humility, and the courage to care about what is happening beneath the surface.

There are careers, and then there are callings. For over five decades, Dr. David Kallenberger lived a life defined by both. As an OB-GYN and fertility specialist, he helped deliver more than 22,000 babies, walking alongside families in their most hopeful and most fragile moments. But what stands out most is not the number. It’s the posture. A quiet humility. A deep belief that no life is more important than another. And a conviction that medicine is not just science — it is deeply human work. In this conversation, we reflect on the evolution of fertility care, the emotional reality of helping families who thought hope was gone, and the growing tension between technology and personal connection in modern healthcare. We also hear one of the most unexpected stories ever shared on this podcast — a moment that captures both the risk and the resolve of a doctor willing to do whatever it takes to care well. This episode is a reminder: The people who shape a city are often the ones you never see. And sometimes, their work lives on for generations. 🔗 https://voicesofokc.org

There is a certain kind of exhaustion that runs deeper than being tired. It is the frustration of knowing something feels off in your body while also feeling like no one is slowing down long enough to help you figure out why. In this episode of Voices of OKC, Jed Chappell sits down with Tiffany Richey, founder of Richey Wellness, for a thoughtful conversation about functional medicine and the deeper work of helping people move toward health. Tiffany shares her story from growing up in Edmond, to working as an ICU nurse, to eventually launching her own practice in Oklahoma City. Together, they explore what it means to look beyond the quick fix. The conversation touches on blood pressure, gut health, hormones, thyroid issues, inflammation, sexual health, discipline, mindset, and the emotional relief that comes when a patient finally feels seen and understood. Tiffany makes the case that healing is often not about chasing symptoms, but about learning how the body works and making changes that actually address the source. More than anything, this episode is about empowerment. It is about helping people reclaim a sense of agency over their health and realize that better habits can ripple into every part of life, from confidence to relationships to leadership. In a city that needs strong, healthy, grounded people, this conversation feels both practical and deeply human.

What happens when a state begins to rethink justice, not just as punishment, but as restoration, accountability, and public safety working together? In this episode of Voices of OKC, Jed Chappell sits down with Tricia Everest, Oklahoma's Secretary of Public Safety, for a deeply human conversation about leadership, reform, trauma, forgiveness, and the future of Oklahoma. Tricia shares how personal loss shaped the urgency with which she now lives and leads. She reflects on the systems Oklahoma inherited, the changes now underway, and why real reform requires more than bureaucracy. It requires people with vision, courage, and a deep belief that lives can change. Together, Jed and Tricia explore the tension and connection between justice and redemption. They talk candidly about incarceration, rehabilitation, victim impact, officer wellness, intergenerational harm, and the need to build systems that do more than warehouse pain. The conversation also highlights something often missed in public dialogue: healing is needed not only for those who offend or those directly harmed, but also for the many people who stand in the middle of tragedy every day, including law enforcement, judges, first responders, and even camera operators documenting a crisis. This episode is ultimately about Oklahoma. About what kind of state it can become. And about the leaders, neighborhoods, and organizations quietly helping shape that future right now. Learn more at voicesofokc.org

Some stories begin with a plan. Others begin with curiosity. Mike Hearne's story started with a plane ticket. Originally from South Wales, Mike arrived in Oklahoma in 2011 to play college golf at Southern Nazarene University. What he didn’t expect was that Oklahoma City would eventually become home — and the place where he would begin documenting the stories of an entire community. Today, Mike hosts the This is Oklahoma podcast, a platform that has recorded hundreds of conversations with entrepreneurs, civic leaders, artists, and everyday people shaping the city's future. In this conversation, Mike reflects on: The transition from Wales to Oklahoma • The unexpected start of his podcasting journey • Why curiosity is the most important trait for a storyteller • How community carried him through personal loss and divorce • Why documenting stories today matters for the generations that follow Along the way, Mike shares a powerful reminder: success rarely comes without hardship, and the people who thrive are often the ones who choose community when life gets difficult. For the students producing this show — and for the city listening — his message is simple: Stories connect us. And connection changes cities.

Episode 16 | Derrick Sier There is a difference between living in a community and being formed by one. In this episode, Derrick Sier joins Voices of OKC to discuss the power of present fathers, the importance of positive adults outside the home, and the responsibility our city has in shaping young lives. Raised in North Tulsa, Derrick shares how his father didn't just show up — he intentionally surrounded him with other men who reinforced his identity and confidence. We explore: • The nuance behind fatherhood in Black communities • Research on why multiple adult mentors matter • How community ecosystems change outcomes • The role Restore OKC plays in workforce exposure • Why hope is intrinsic before it is external This conversation reflects the heartbeat of Oklahoma City — relationships that lead to restoration. Learn more about City Center at: https://okcitycenter.org

Mayor David Holt on Leadership, Youth, and the Future of Oklahoma City | Voices of OKC In this episode of Voices of OKC, student host Jordan Arnett interviews Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt inside City Hall for an honest conversation about leadership, civic responsibility, and investing in the next generation. Mayor Holt discusses: His journey from Putnam City North to the White House Winning a third term with 86.5% of the vote Leading Oklahoma City through COVID The decision to build a new arena to keep the Thunder Why real change takes patience and persistence How MAPS is investing in youth centers across the city Why he replaced portraits of former mayors with photos of Oklahoma City kids This episode is a masterclass in thoughtful leadership and a reminder that Oklahoma City's future belongs to those willing to show up, stay engaged, and think long-term. 🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation shaping our city. Volunteer today at City Center! Email [email protected]

In this deeply personal episode of Voices of OKC, we sit down with Victoria Haggard—a former City Center student whose journey reflects resilience, discipline, faith, and the quiet power of choosing a different future. Growing up in Oklahoma City, Victoria faced anger, loss, and moments of hopelessness that could have easily defined her story. Instead, she made a decision that changed everything. Through wrestling, mentorship, and the support of City Center, she transformed hardship into purpose. Now pursuing a future in law while raising a young family, Victoria shares how discipline, faith, and community opened doors she once thought were closed. This conversation is about more than one student's story. It's about what becomes possible when someone notices, when hope is offered, and when a young person decides to believe it. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in Oklahoma City and navigating early challenges How wrestling became a turning point for discipline and identity The role of mentors and safe spaces like City Center Overcoming grief after the loss of her brother Faith, perseverance, and finding hope again Her journey into college, pre-law studies, and future legal ambitions Why places of belonging matter for the next generation Key theme: Hope is not a feeling. It’s a decision made one hard day at a time.

Some stories don't just inspire you. They quietly change the way you see hope. In this episode of Voices of OKC, the roles flip as 16-year-old City Center student Jordan Arnett steps into the host seat and interviews Jed about redemption, purpose, and the road that led to City Center. But the conversation quickly turns into something deeper. Jordan shares his own story. Growing up with instability. A season of drifting in eighth grade. And the moment that became a turning point—August 20, 2023. With remarkable honesty and wisdom beyond his years, Jordan talks about faith, community, and what to do when life feels low. His reminder is simple but powerful: "Happiness doesn't equal joy." This is a conversation about resilience, redemption, and the reality that hope is still possible—no matter your past or your age. What listeners will hear in this episode: Why the hardest chapters of life can still become turning points The difference between temporary happiness and lasting joy How faith, community, and honest relationships shape resilience Practical steps for navigating seasons of doubt, drift, and discouragement A powerful reminder that your story is not finished Listen now and discover why the next generation may be carrying more wisdom than we realize.

What You Will Hear in This Episode • Eliud Villarreal’s upbringing in Oklahoma City and growing up in Yukon • How martial arts, sports, and discipline shaped his early years • Meeting his wife through the car business and building a family together • Fatherhood, racing, and discovering his daughter’s natural driving talent • The origin story of Exotic Motorsports and stepping into entrepreneurship • Taking the leap into a niche luxury market despite doubt and discouragement • Why online presence and vision matter more than local limitations • Lessons learned through risk, rejection, and long-term commitment • The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people • Why tracking numbers and building the right team is essential in business • Handling rejection, pressure, and failure without quitting • Eliud’s “holy grail” cars and love for automotive artistry • Building a business while maintaining faith, integrity, and responsibility • A major crisis involving a stolen Ferrari and facing a seven-figure loss • Choosing to do what’s right even when it costs everything • Finding hope, purpose, and peace through faith during the hardest moments • Why Eliud believes perseverance and calling matter more than comfort Key Quotes “Don’t listen to the naysayers.” “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” “If your dashboard isn’t solid, you don’t know what’s happening.” “I didn’t know how to run a business—I learned by doing.” “God is bigger than anything that tries to steal, kill, or destroy.”

What You Will Hear in This Episode • Growing up as a pastor’s kid and moving from a small town to inner-city Dallas • Navigating faith, skepticism, and rebellion before making belief personal • College years, athletics, and formative leadership experiences • The moment of personal encounter that reshaped everything • Why faith cannot be inherited and must be owned • Saying “no” to ministry before eventually saying “yes” • Leaving higher education to step into pastoral leadership • Discovering purpose in the place of greatest fear • Leading Victory Church through growth, challenge, and restoration • The reality that life is a series of hopeless moments • Why hope must be anchored to something greater than circumstance • The vision behind City Center and choosing partnership over control • Planting something healthy, then releasing it to the community • Defining hope as believing for what cannot yet be seen • Writing Half the Battle and ReLeader and helping rebuild broken organizations • A call to not just experience hope, but bring it to others Key Quotes “You can’t have faith through someone else, you have to have your own encounter.” “Life isn’t one hopeless moment, it’s a series of them.” “If Jesus were in Oklahoma City, He’d be in War Acres.” “God will chase you down if you’re willing to be found.” “Hope is believing for something you can’t yet see.”

Voices of OKC hosts Ashonte Winston, Program Director at City Center, as she shares her journey from Spencer, OK, to leading youth programs after experiences with college setbacks, mentorship, and AmeriCorps. The episode highlights her philosophy of showing up for young people, the collective impact model of partnering with community nonprofits, and success stories of students who have turned their lives around. The conversation also touches on Ashonte's clothing line, Revelations Clothing (inspired by faith and resilience), and emphasizes the message that the past does not define the future. Listeners are invited to connect with City Center for tours and volunteer opportunities at [email protected].   What You Will Hear in This Episode • Ashonte Winston's roots growing up in Spencer and Midwest City • How sports, grit, and family shaped her leadership and work ethic • Navigating college setbacks, injuries, and financial hardship • Pivotal moments that reshaped her purpose and perspective • Entering City Center through AmeriCorps and stepping into leadership • What a real day in the life of youth programming looks like • Why presence matters more than perfection in mentorship • Creating safe, consistent spaces for youth from diverse backgrounds • Measuring progress one small win at a time • The power of collective impact and community partnerships • A powerful transformation story of a student named Orion • Why showing up consistently can change a young person’s trajectory • How one mentor can alter the course of a life • Defining hope as freedom from the past • Ashonte's creative outlet through her Revelations Clothing line Key Quotes "It only takes one person to be present in your life." "Progress looks different for every kid." "Your past doesn't define who you are." "Being present is where the real work happens." "Sometimes just showing up is the miracle.”

In this episode, Emanuel Rivera shares his journey from Southside Chicago to Oklahoma, his mixed martial arts and ballroom background, and how he founded The Come-Up Foundation to bring martial arts, discipline, and mentorship to kids in schools and community centers. We hear how the program builds leadership and emotional control, the anti-bullying and life-skills curriculum, school partnerships, and a win story that shows how young people’s lives are being transformed.   What You Will Hear in This Episode • Emmanuel Rivera’s journey from South Side Chicago to Oklahoma • Growing up without discipline, direction, or consistent role models • Early trouble, hard lessons, and the turning point that changed his path • Competing in mixed martial arts and how discipline reshaped his life • How heart issues ended his fighting career and opened the door to purpose • The origin of The Come Up Foundation and why mentorship comes before martial arts • Why boxing and MMA reduce violence instead of increasing it • Teaching emotional control, leadership, and resilience through training • Partnering with City Center, schools, and community hubs instead of opening gyms • Bringing The Come Up Foundation into Oklahoma City Public Schools • The role Emmanuel’s mother played in instilling hope and accountability • Practical steps for changing your life by changing your environment and habits • The long-term vision for The Come Up Foundation across OKC neighborhoods • A powerful success story of a young man whose life was completely redirected • Why small moments of mentorship can shape a lifetime Key Quotes “Mixed martial arts is the worm on the hook. The real change is the mentorship.” “Discipline and emotional control will take you further than talent ever will.” “If you hang out with five losers, you’ll be the sixth. If you hang out with five winners, it’s inevitable.” “There’s no gratification like changing someone else’s life.” “Sometimes you’re doing more impact than you even realize.”

What you will hear in this episode: In this episode of Voices of OKC, Jed sits down with Dr. Wayne Chappelle, a licensed clinical and sports psychologist whose work spans elite military units, professional athletics, and high-performance leaders across the country. Dr. Chappelle currently serves as a Sports Psychologist for the OKC Thunder and previously led the Aeromedical Operational Psychology Program for the Air Force Research Laboratory, where he studied what he calls the Psychology of a Hero. His work focused on identifying the mindset, resilience, and personality traits required to succeed in extreme, high-stakes environments. Together, they explore why hardship can become a hidden advantage, how mindset shapes outcomes over time, and why people who endure difficult seasons are better equipped for long-term success. This conversation challenges the idea that comfort leads to growth and offers a grounded, hopeful perspective on resilience, purpose, and personal responsibility. If you’ve ever wondered why some people keep moving forward when life gets heavy, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways from the Conversation • Why mindset is often the deciding factor between potential and performance • How experiencing hard things can actually increase resilience and long-term success • What elite military operators and professional athletes have in common mentally • Why discomfort, pressure, and adversity often sharpen clarity and purpose • How self-awareness and mental discipline shape outcomes over time Memorable Quotes "You don't become resilient by avoiding hard things. You become resilient by going through them.” "Pressure doesn't create character. It reveals it.” "Mindset is the filter through which everything else passes.” About the Guest Dr. Wayne Chappelle is a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). With over 20 years of experience, he has worked at the intersection of psychology, performance, and resilience, serving elite military personnel, professional athletes, and high-performing leaders. His work blends psychological testing, behavioral analysis, and real-world observation to understand what allows people to thrive under pressure. Call to Action Voices of OKC is produced at City Center, a nonprofit in the heart of Oklahoma City that empowers youth and families through mentorship, resources, and opportunities. If this episode challenged or encouraged you: • Subscribe to Voices of OKC • Share this episode with someone who needs it • Learn more about City Center and how you can support the work happening in our community   Real PEOPLE. Real HOPE. Real OKC.

What You Will Hear in This Episode • The launch of Voices of OKC and why spotlighting local difference makers matters. • Jeff Morfield's upbringing as a military brat, moving constantly, and attending six different schools. • Living overseas during the Cold War, growing up in Germany, and witnessing life behind the Iron Curtain. • A terrifying encounter in East Berlin and how it shaped Jeff’s understanding of freedom. • Returning to Oklahoma just before the OKC bombing, and how that moment propelled him toward law enforcement. • Serving 22 years as a police officer and deploying with the Oklahoma Army National Guard to combat zones. • The unseen toll of law enforcement and military service, exposure to hundreds of critical incidents. • How trauma compounds over time and why first responders often lack healthy outlets. • The coping mechanisms no one talks about, drinking, gambling, infidelity, and silent suffering. • A defining officer-involved shooting in 2021 and realizing something had to change. • The reintegration struggle after deployment and wearing the uniform for decades. • Discovering a massive gap in transition support for retiring first responders. • Research showing first responders die 5–7 years earlier than the general population. • Why Jeff chose to create a nonprofit instead of a for-profit solution. • The vision and symbolism behind the On Call Project name and logo. • Launching the Thriving Responder course focused on personal development, not just tactics. • The Beyond the Badge program helping first responders transition into civilian careers. • Addressing identity loss, mental health, finances, physical health, and spiritual wellbeing. • Building pathways, resumes, certifications, and real employment opportunities. • What hope truly means for first responders standing at the edge of retirement. • Separating role from identity and learning it’s okay to take the uniform off. Key Quotes “Freedom isn’t something you understand until you see a world without it.” “Police officers see 600 to 800 critical incidents in a career. Most people see four or five in a lifetime.” “You weren’t meant to carry all of that and walk away untouched.” “When the uniform comes off, it’s not ‘see you later.’ It shouldn’t be.” “We onboard people intentionally, then throw them to the wind when they’re done.” “The tattered ‘O’ represents the life we lived. The ‘Project’ is the path forward.”“Hope is understanding there is a pathway forward.” “Police officer was my role. Husband and father are my identity.” “It’s okay to take it off. Nobody thinks less of you.” “God can redeem the hardest experiences and use them to bring life to others.”

Marcus Jackson recounts his path from a music-loving kid in Northeast Oklahoma City to co-founding the Bridge Impact Center (Urban Bridge), a holistic youth center. He explains how mentors, music education, and community support shaped his vision. The episode highlights the Bridge’s practical approach—incentives like Bridge Bucks, hands-on stations, mental health supports, and community partnerships—that helped secure a brick-and-mortar space and serve over 200 teens, creating pathways for leadership and hope across OKC. What You Will Hear in This Episode • Marcus Jackson’s upbringing in Northeast OKC, being the youngest, feeling awkward, and getting in trouble outside the house • Being diagnosed with ADD in third grade, and how “having the info” didn’t mean having support • A real picture of neighborhood life, “busy” summers, latchkey days, and uneven access to good vs. bad • The turning point, how a band teacher recognized Marcus’ talent, pulled him toward Classen, and possibly saved his trajectory • Why mentors matter, not 24/7, but showing up consistently in their lane • How music became Marcus’ pathway to confidence, discipline, and purpose, plus the “ADD as a superpower” idea when you lock in • The role of strong parenting, boundaries, respect, and a mom who didn’t play • The deeper question behind hope, what are you looking forward to, do you know what you love, do you know what you’re good at • How society can talk people out of their calling, “too old,” “too young,” “get a real career” • Marcus’ path into faith-based music, then youth leadership, then full-time community work • Meeting Vernon Dees, building momentum through youth ministry, and scaling a school-based model from 6 schools to 31 • Compassion fatigue, family pressure, and doing what he had to do, including commercial plumbing, while still serving kids • The night Marcus realized “filling a room” wasn’t the same as transformation, “cutting yards vs landscaping” • The birth of the Bridge vision, more time, holistic support, and a space built around what teens actually need • The Bridge “buffet” model, choice-based stations, adult-led programs, incentives, and autonomy that actually moves the needle • The gritty early days, coffee shop whiteboards, working at Ross at 4:30am, no money, no team, just faith and grind • The miracle moments, a church buying a building to make the youth center possible, and a six-figure check that forced infrastructure to level up • A powerful story from the ice storm, meeting a kid walking 10 blocks for Wi-Fi, and how the Bridge became a lifeline • The long game, five years to open the doors, serving 200+ teens annually, and building leaders from the teens themselves • Why OKC is uniquely positioned to innovate in youth and community development, and why it’s a city-wide effort Key Quotes “This is a team sport.” “Living where I lived, you just never know who’s gonna walk up, what they’re gonna say, what kind of scheme they got going on.” “It was easier for me to join a gang than it was for me to find a mentor.” “She told me, I see who you hang out with and you’re too talented. You need to go somewhere else.” “He expected excellence because he believed I could do it.” “ADD can be a superpower. When you lock into something you love, you can really lock in.” “We were cutting yards, but we weren’t landscaping.” “We need more time, and we need to stop the silo of ministry focus and start looking at the whole person.” “We’re going to be the buffet. The trickiest thing about a buffet is you think you chose what you ate, but it was already cooked.” “Five years is what it took for us to open those doors.” “Oklahoma City is prime for being leaders in innovating how we serve young people, families, and communities.”

Kelli Masters is an attorney, sports agent, author, and speaker known for breaking barriers in sports and law. A former National and World Champion baton twirler and Miss Oklahoma 1997, she earned her Juris Doctorate with Honors from the University of Oklahoma. After beginning her legal career in litigation, she became a Certified NFL Sports Agent in 2005 and founded KMM Sports. In 2010, she made history as the first woman to represent a top-five NFL Draft pick. Today, Kelli leads KMM Sports, heads High Impact Life Ministries, and inspires audiences nationwide through her book and speaking. What You Will Hear in This Episode • How Kelly Masters grew up as an Oklahoma native and lifelong OU football fan • The childhood drive that began with baton twirling and perfectionism • Kelly’s breaking point in law school and the moment she truly discovered hope • Surrendering fear, identity, and achievement to God • How winning Miss Oklahoma opened the door to law school • Building a law practice focused on service to ministries, foundations, and missions • The unexpected introduction to sports agency work • Becoming the first woman to represent a drafted NFL player • Launching KMM Sports in Oklahoma City when everyone told her it was impossible • Growing a nationwide agency representing 30+ athletes • The underdog story of Cooper McDonald making the Kansas City Chiefs roster • Kelly’s practical steps for discerning purpose, hearing God’s voice, and walking in obedience • Why spiritual mentors matter and how fear tried to shape her life • A powerful encouragement for listeners who feel overlooked, weary, or forgotten Key Quotes "Hope didn’t get real for me until the moment I surrendered and realized God’s love was actually for me." "When you're driven by fear, nothing you accomplish is ever enough. Surrender changes everything." "I told God, whatever You ask me to do, the answer is yes, even if it means scrubbing toilets." "I didn’t think I belonged in the sports agent world, but that’s exactly where God called me to be." "Everyone told me starting an agency in Oklahoma City was crazy, but I had peace. I knew what God said." "God has not forgotten you. His promises are for you. He is an on-time God, even when it feels delayed." "He will bless you, and until then, He will keep you."  

Ron "Spinozi" Benton: From a 250 Dollar Bet to a Christmas Movement In this inspiring and wildly entertaining episode of Voices of OKC, Jed sits down with Ron "Spinozi" Benton, beloved radio   host from The Morning Animals on The Sports Animal, and the unexpected heart behind one of Oklahoma City's most powerful holiday traditions, 12 Days with Spinozi. What began as a lost $250 college football bet turned into a chain reaction of generosity that now provides Christmas gifts for thousands of kids every year through City Center. Ron shares the unbelievable story of how Mike Gundy mailed him a personal check, how listeners flooded him with donations, and how driving around OKC picking up envelopes of support became a holiday movement. You will hear hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, deeply emotional encounters, and the story of how Spinozi unknowingly became Santa to Jed’s young daughter at a moment her little heart desperately needed hope. Through laughter, storytelling, and heartfelt honesty, Ron reveals why he feels called to show up for people, whether through Christmas fundraising, reading to schoolkids, or picking up strangers on freezing bus stop days, because “if you do not see the miracle, be the miracle.” What You Will Hear in This Episode • How Spinozi accidentally became Santa to a City Center child • The OSU football bet that sparked a massive Christmas outreach • Mike Gundy's handwritten check that started it all • How Facebook and Twitter exploded the moment Ron said, "I will come pick it up." • The birth of 12 Days with Spinozi • Donors climbing off ladders, stopping at work, and lining up to be part of something meaningful • OG&E drivers volunteering and becoming part of the tradition • A wish list from a child asking for one bed to share with two siblings • Bob Stoops is calling the show in tears, asking, “How can I help?" • Why Ron believes everyone wants to help, they just need someone they can trust Why This Episode Matters This episode captures the heart of OKC: neighbors helping neighbors, small gifts turning into big miracles, and one man using his platform to bring hope during the holidays. Spinozi's story shows how generosity multiplies and how one person's yes can change thousands of lives. Key Quote “If you do not see the miracle, be the miracle.”

Toby Brown: Entrepreneur, Investor, and Purpose-Driven Leader In this empowering episode of Voices of OKC, Jed sits down with Toby Brown, Founder and CEO of The Brown Group, whose portfolio spans real estate, fitness, spirits, automotive, banking, private lending, and more. Toby’s journey is a powerful example of discipline, faith, and transformation. Raised in Arkansas before moving to Oklahoma, Toby shares how he went from an eight year corporate job to discovering real estate and how one commission check changed the direction of his life. He explains the principles behind building long term wealth, including buying distressed homes, leveraging assets, reinvesting into new verticals, and staying committed to growth. Toby also talks about the importance of mentorship and exposure, recalling his early experiences seeking guidance and vowing to become the kind of mentor he never had. His authenticity, leadership style, and people first mindset have made him a respected voice in Oklahoma City and a powerful example for young entrepreneurs. One of the most impactful parts of this episode is Toby’s vulnerable story of hitting rock bottom at nineteen, dropping out of college, getting involved with the wrong crowd, and feeling lost. A former referee and friend, James Booth, stepped in when no one else did and helped redirect Toby’s life. From there, Toby rebuilt himself through education, hard work, and a renewed commitment to purpose, eventually earning his associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees while working multiple jobs. Today, Toby invests back into the next generation. Through leadership classes at City Center, he has inspired students to launch businesses, build confidence, and see a future far bigger than their circumstances. This conversation is full of wisdom, honesty, and practical steps for anyone navigating purpose, business, or personal growth. What You Will Hear in This Episode • Toby’s journey from Arkansas to Oklahoma City • Leaving corporate America to become an entrepreneur • Building wealth through real estate and strategic leverage • Why authenticity and people skills matter in business • How mentorship and exposure change young lives • Toby’s lowest moment at age nineteen and the mentor who helped redirect his future • Rebuilding his life through education, discipline, and faith • Why discomfort is essential for growth and purpose Key Quotes “You do not go from success to success. You go from failure to success.” “The comfort zone is where dreams go to die.” “God has a promise for you, but you cannot reach the promise without the process.”

Jack and Jay Evans: Twin Brothers, Builders, Developers, and Breakers of Generational Cycles In this inspiring episode of Voices of OKC, Jed sits down with Jack and Jay Evans, identical twins, successful Oklahoma developers and homebuilders, and longtime supporters of City Center. Their story is one of resilience, family, hard work, and breaking generational cycles that often repeat themselves. Jack and Jay share openly about growing up with deaf parents, navigating childhood poverty, relying on the Salvation Army for Christmas gifts and basic needs, and experiencing many of the same struggles faced by City Center youth today. They talk about the emotional weight of empty refrigerators, utilities being shut off, and the embarrassment of inviting friends into a home their parents struggled to maintain. Despite these challenges, the brothers made a conscious determination to build a different kind of future. They worked full time while taking night classes, completed associate degrees through Enid’s Higher Education Center, and eventually transferred to UCO to finish their education. They often commuted from Enid just to attend class. Their journey is a masterclass in grit, discipline, and refusing to stay stuck in generational patterns. Today, Jack and Jay lead respected companies across the Oklahoma City metro. Jay is the owner of Two Structures Homes, focused on building quality homes that give families dignity and generational opportunity. Jack oversees Caris Holdings, a vertically integrated development group that includes land development, homebuilding, rentals, and construction services. Both are deeply committed to using their influence to strengthen the community. The brothers also share how they became connected with City Center, first through the Spinozi Christmas campaign, then through attending the annual gala, hearing powerful stories, and touring Santa’s workshop. They were moved by the dignity-based giving model, where parents choose their kids’ gifts, and by how much City Center maximizes impact with limited overhead. Their support has been transformative, and their story deeply resonates with families who have lived similar experiences. What You Will Hear in This Episode • Jack and Jay's upbringing with deaf parents • Childhood poverty, empty refrigerators, and help from the Salvation Army • How they broke out of generational patterns • Working full-time and taking four night classes each week • Commuting from Enid to UCO to finish their degrees • Starting and growing Two Structures Homes and Caris Holdings • Why they believe homeownership creates generational change • Their first impressions of City Center and why they chose to support it • The importance of dignity, stewardship, and hope Key Quotes "We did not just grow up without money. We grew up in poor ways." "You can change your situation incrementally. A little today, more tomorrow." "There is no balance in business. You do what needs to be done." "Hope is dreaming, then acting on those dreams."

Julie Chappell: Co-Founder of City Center, Mother of the Center, and Builder of a Culture of Dignity In this powerful opening episode of Voices of OKC, Jed sits down with his wife and City Center co-founder, Julie Chappell. She is the heart, the glue, and the steady voice behind the culture of dignity that defines everything City Center does. Julie’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and lived experience. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be a young mother struggling to survive. She also knows exactly what it feels like to receive help, both the right way and the wrong way. Julie shares her early life in Jones, Oklahoma, becoming a single mom in her early twenties while working, attending college, and battling food insecurity. She describes the painful day she visited a local food pantry, a day that shaped her entire philosophy of leadership. After being interrogated, judged, and handed moldy bread in a Ziploc bag, Julie walked away with a promise: no one should ever feel this way when asking for help. That vow is now the foundation of City Center's culture. Julie runs operations with a relentless commitment to dignity, making every visitor feel seen, respected, and valued. Whether she is planning a community block party, reorganizing the resource center, or personally shopping for Christmas gifts for thousands of kids, her mission is simple: to help kids succeed. Restore dignity and remind people they matter. She tells meaningful stories of families whose lives have changed because of City Center's approach, including the growing list of moms, dads, and young people who return years later as volunteers. Julie also shares one deeply moving success story. A young woman who was once affiliated with a gang discovered hope, graduated from college, earned a wrestling scholarship, and is now headed to law school to fight for kids just like her. What You Will Hear in This Episode • Julie's upbringing in Jones, Oklahoma • Becoming a single mother while in college • Navigating poverty, food insecurity, and stigma • The dehumanizing food pantry experience that changed everything • Why is dignity at the core of City Center • How the Christmas program was built from Julie’s lived experiences • Behind the scenes of more than seven thousand Christmas gifts • What makes block parties, resource centers, and events so impactful • A powerful redemption story of a once meanest kid in the building, now becoming a future attorney Key Quotes “It was not about the food. It was the way I was treated.”