In the absence of a father, family plays a crucial role in the development of a child. They become a cornerstone of support, providing guidance to help them navigate life’s challenges. - In this episode of our Vanishing Fathers Series, host Jamie Truman is speaking to a very special guest: her father-in-law, Gerald Truman. His life poignantly illustrates the importance of family, who became a major influence on his personal growth and success after losing his father at a young age. - During...

Have you ever heard a song that you related to so much that you felt an immediate connection to it? For many people who have experienced abandonment by a parent, that song is Everclear’s 1997 hit, “Father of Mine.” - In this episode, Everclear lead singer, Art Alexakis, tells his personal story that inspired the song that still resonates with people of all ages. The divorce of his parents and subsequent abandonment by his father affected Art and his siblings in profound ways, but just like...

Childhood serves as a crucial foundation for future learning and behavior, a period of time when children absorb lessons from adults around them, develop their sense of self, and gain confidence in their place in the world. In an inspiring conversation with host Jamie Truman, celebrity chef Ashish Alfred opens up about his complex relationship with his father and the impact of familial instability on his life. - As the owner of several restaurants  Ashish has built a successful career — but...

Does having a different father than your siblings shape one's sense of identity and family bonds? How is your outlook on fatherhood impacted by not knowing your own? - Host Jamie Truman sits down with her brother, Michael Callahan, in this episode to get answers to these questions and more. He shares what it was like growing up with a different father from his siblings, navigating complicated family dynamics and multiple stepfathers. - In a heartfelt conversation, Michael opens up about the...

Even the toughest experiences offer the most valuable lessons and can lead to profound transformation. For today’s guest, survivor educator Annette Mango, her journey from adversity to advocacy epitomizes this truth. - In this episode, Annette shares her harrowing experience as a victim of sex trafficking, struggles with substance abuse, and periods of homelessness. Coming from a family of functional addicts and strained relationships with her parents, her childhood and adolescence lacked the...

Developing a sense of security is an immense challenge when you’ve been betrayed by those meant to protect and nurture you. Today’s guest, Camille Briggs, was an early survivor of abuse at the hands of her stepfather and subsequently went down a path of further exploitation in a search for belonging. - Camille’s descent into addiction and the dark world of sex trafficking was a stark contrast to the life she had envisioned for herself. But in the end, she was able to turn this pain into...

“To be a father was my way of breaking a cycle and starting over.” In this one sentence, today’s guest, Peter Gronvall, insightfully reflects on his journey to fatherhood after growing up in a cult. - During his conversation with host Jamie Truman, Peter discusses his experience living in two distinct worlds: One world where he and his eight siblings were subjected to severe emotional and physical abuse, and another where he was a dedicated student and spent time with friends. He shares how...

Losing a parent at a young age will undoubtedly impact a child, but the presence of a nurturing stepfather can help fill the void left by such a significant loss. Justin Pugh’s story is a testament to this: After losing his father at 13, it was his stepfather who became the father figure he needed, providing guidance, support and stability during this crucial period of development. - In this episode, Justin talks about the loss of his father, his special bond with his family, and the role his...

Keshia LaVett, in her novel Through Her Eyes, puts a spotlight on the often overlooked experiences of the visually impaired. Drawing from her rich background as an educator, LaVett brings to life the story of Hope, a young girl striving for independence while navigating the world with a visual impairment. - In this engaging conversation with host Jamie Truman, Keshia talks about the student that inspired the character of Hope and her passion for bringing more inclusive representation in...

“There’s 10,000 Americans turning 65 in this country every day, but there’s no real federally-based infrastructure to deal with dignity in aging,” says Howard Pearl, CEO of Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS). His organization is stepping up to meet this challenge, offering innovative transportation solutions for seniors and facilitating charitable donations in a way that maximizes their impact across various nonprofit sectors.  In this episode, Howard speaks to host Jamie Truman...

Truman Charities is celebrating another successful year of giving! In this episode, host and co-founder Jamie Truman recaps their achievements in 2023, highlighting the year’s events that helped them raise a record $248,375. She emphasizes the crucial role of sponsors and community engagement for 100% volunteer-based organizations like theirs, helping them to support so many amazing organizations that are making a real difference.  Jamie also teases what to expect in 2024, such as an...

Global Action Institute was founded in 2020 and has already raised over half a million dollars to help communities around the world. What makes this non-profit unique is its 100% volunteer-based framework and transparency with donors, allowing donors to steer their efforts to causes they care about. From sponsoring community gardens to their first project teaching women self-defense in Israel, the organization is dedicated to providing effective, immediate aid.  In this episode, Jamie Truman...

In this episode, host Jamie Truman welcomes Dr. Ludy Green, author and host of the Ending Domestic Abuse podcast.   As the founder of Second Chance Employment Services in 2001, the first and only employment agency in the U.S. for victims of violence, she’s created a service model that’s proven its power in saving lives through employment.  Second Chance Employment Services takes center stage as Dr. Ludy Green shares its impact and inspiring success stories. But her work goes beyond Second...

When people come together, they have the power to make a true impact in their communities. That’s why on this Giving Tuesday, host Jamie Truman invites listeners to join in the spirit of generosity because even the smallest donation can make a real difference.  In this special episode, Jamie looks back at some of her favorite charitable organizations featured on The Truman Charities Podcast and shares how your donation can help in their life-changing missions. She highlights various...

Four years ago, Truman Charities raised just $17,000 at their annual Halloween Party. This year, they’ve raised over $65,000 for Main Street! One thing they attribute to their growing success is the marketing expertise of board member Julie Schumacher.  In this episode, host Jamie Truman is talking to Julie, the founder of Sasse Agency, about the dos and don’ts of event marketing. She shares three critical aspects of event marketing, ways to utilize partnerships for promotion, and how to use...

When a service member is seriously wounded and hospitalized, their journey to recovery can be hard, lonely, and filled with challenges that test their body, mind and spirit. Having a loved one there to support them can have a huge impact on their healing process, but most families cannot afford to fly back and forth during their long recovery. This is where organizations like Luke's Wings come in, providing flights to family members to ensure that wounded, ill, and injured service members are...

We often hear stories about people whose lives have been changed by a great mentor, but what’s even more inspiring are the stories of people who use their experience to make an even bigger impact on the world. Today, host Jamie Truman introduces us to one of these remarkable people as she talks to the founder of Mentoring Through Athletics, Ashley Montgomery. In this episode, Ashley shares his first experience of mentorship with his beloved childhood coach, why he became a coach himself, and...

The Truman Charities Annual Halloween Party is back! On October 28th from 6 to 10 PM, Truman Charities is hosting their spectacular event to support Main Street, an organization that’s changing the lives of people with disabilities and inspiring change within the community and beyond. After her son reached adulthood and lost access to many programs offered to people with disabilities, Main Street founder Jillian Copeland was troubled by the lack of opportunities available to him and decided...

Fitness is a crucial element to the health of every human being, but many of us need a push to get active, relying on a gym, fitness class or online videos to guide us in our fitness journey. However, these kinds of exercise programs aren’t designed for those with disabilities, and they’re often left feeling out of place and discouraged. People with disabilities also have higher rates of conditions like diabetes and obesity, so it’s especially important for them to have access to physical...

Remember that heartwarming moment when my five-year-old, Dominic, set up a cookies and hot chocolate stand for charity? Well, prepare to be inspired as I revisit that tale, sharing how Dominic raised an impressive $3,446 for JUST TRYAN IT  which supports families in our community dealing with pediatric cancer. This venture wasn't just about fundraising, but an opportunity to instill vital lessons about money, hard work, business, and empathy in my young son. But Dominic's story doesn't end...

For 60 years, the United States has been fighting poverty but the number of people in poverty has only increased. Why is this, and what can we do to finally make an impact?  Co-founder of The Shared Humanity Project, Mark Bergel, is joining host Jamie Truman on this episode to answer these questions and more. He says that we’ve been addressing the poverty crisis all wrong, addressing the symptoms instead of the cause, exploiting those in poverty, and spending money on programs with no...

Have you ever heard a song that you related to so much that you felt an immediate connection to it? For many people who have experienced abandonment by a parent, that song is Everclear’s 1997 hit, “Father of Mine.” In this episode, Everclear lead singer, Art Alexakis, tells his personal story that inspired the song that still resonates with people of all ages. The divorce of his parents and subsequent abandonment by his father affected Art and his siblings in profound ways, but just like the...

Truman Charities has raised over $1.7 MILLION since its founding, and we’re excited to do even more for our community. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce another fundraising event for JUST TRYAN IT on August 12th, from 3 to 6PM at the Truman House! After her son was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at a young age, Mollie Darby has friends and family rally around them to support his 3.5 year treatment journey. Not all children and families are lucky enough to have the same kind...

Can you imagine sharing your home with a Benji-lookalike too scared of his own shadow? That's just one tale from our guest, France, who is a devoted animal lover and an integral part of Pet Connect Rescue. Join us for an enlightening and heartwarming discussion, where France unravels her journey with Pet Connect Rescue, sharing stories of the numerous animals she's fostered and adopted. From the shocking reality of 6.5 million animals being sent to shelters each year to the tale of a...

Join me on a compelling journey with Lindsay Gill, a devoted mother, and founder of The Napkin Network. With a history of a successful TV production career and leading a military nonprofit, Lindsay is a force to be reckoned with. She takes us through her inspiring story of switching gears and creating The Napkin Network, a beacon of hope for local moms struggling with affording diapers and baby essentials. Yes, you heard that right, the diaper crisis is real and it's affecting one in three...