Lessons From the Mat
Impactually
Discover how wrestling is transforming lives beyond the gym in this inspiring episode about . Through the discipline, grit, and mentorship found on the mat, this nonprofit is empowering Chicago’s youth to become Life Champions on and off the mat. Join us as we explore how wrestling is being used as a powerful tool for character-building, education, and community resilience. Key Takeaways: Personal Growth: Through Wrestling: Learn how wrestling instills accountability, perseverance, and integrity—skills that carry far beyond competition. Educational Impact: Explore Beat the...
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Swift Intervention
Impactually
Episode Summary: A storm hits harder than expected. You reach higher ground, but safety is fleeting. Then comes the sound that changes everything. The story follows the Ground Force Humanitarian Aid Organization—a volunteer-powered, data-driven response team born from the chaos of Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey. With speed and precision, Ground Force mobilizes nationwide to rescue and support the most vulnerable communities in the wake of natural disasters. Their story begins where the storm leaves off. Special Thanks to our guests: Rob Gaudet, Founder and Executive Director of the ...
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Rooftop Revolution
Impactually
Discover the transformative power of green roofs as we explore their environmental, social, and economic impact on urban landscapes. Join us as we interview Tonya Gayle, Executive Director of Green City Force, and Amy Falder, Co-founder of New York Green Roofs, to learn about their innovative strategies and the inspiring stories behind this movement.
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Target
Impactually
For one man during COVID, his local park offered a virus-safe place to share time and camaraderie with others where few places existed. Armed with a frisbee and a few new friends, he found a calling to serve his diverse community in need of good clean (and green) fun. It’s called Target and our story starts here.
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Change Agent
Impactually
We want our kids (and ourselves for that matter) to emulate positive role models - people who inspire us to be better humans. Their influence affects the way we view the world around us and ultimately impacts decisions we make on how we conduct ourselves and live our lives. For one man growing up in the rural ghetto, he was drawn into a world of crime, quick cash, addiction, and incarceration. It’s a story about hard knocks, about finding unlikely role models in unlikely places, and about second chance
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Crēdo
Impactually
For one woman in Illinois watching the horrors of 9/11 on her television sparked her own personal call to action. Surely, she thought, New York City hospitals would be in great demand for blood donations and as a young, physically active mother of four – donating blood was the least she felt she could do. But an unexpected low-grade fever turned into something much worse, changing her life and bolstering her promise to help others in need. It’s called “Crēdo” and our story starts here.
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Rescued
Impactually
What animals bring to society – to our families, into our homes or our work – is priceless. But sometimes, their lives don’t start out or end up so great. From Houston to Wisconsin, for two women, their passions in life have come as a calling and they care for souls, both two and four-footed, with a love and patience focused to bring, heal or resurrect life. It’s called Rescued and our story starts here.
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Dumpster
Impactually
For one woman in Teton County, Wyoming, education exposed her to concepts and truths about nutrition’s roll in the health of our communities. A most unconventional date with a guy named Alex piqued her interest – refocusing her life’s work path to non-profit food rescue. It’s called Dumpster and our story starts here.
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The Jennie Effect
Impactually
For one couple, the quest for a little extra space turned into an improbable journey that centers around the tucked away history of a small house with a captain, and a very special young girl. This episode shares the benefits of historic preservation through the story of the Captain Timothy Hill House on Chincoteague Island, VA. It’s called The Jennie Effect and our story starts here.
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Take Me Home
Impactually
There is a group of passionate volunteers who feel SO strongly about the Mountain State finding hope that they are collectively writing a new narrative and bolstering their imagination from the inside out.
info_outlineDiscover how wrestling is transforming lives beyond the gym in this inspiring episode about Beat the Streets Chicago. Through the discipline, grit, and mentorship found on the mat, this nonprofit is empowering Chicago’s youth to become Life Champions on and off the mat. Join us as we explore how wrestling is being used as a powerful tool for character-building, education, and community resilience.
Key Takeaways:
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Personal Growth: Through Wrestling: Learn how wrestling instills accountability, perseverance, and integrity—skills that carry far beyond competition.
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Educational Impact: Explore Beat the Streets’ academic enrichment programs and how they bridge the gap between athletics and classroom success.
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Mentorship and Mental Health: Hear how caring coaches and mentors create safe spaces for young people to build confidence, discipline, and emotional strength.
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Community Leadership: Discover how the organization is training the next generation of leaders within Chicago’s neighborhoods through inclusive programs for both boys and girls.
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Legacy and Future: Examine how Beat the Streets is revitalizing Chicago’s historic wrestling culture and building a sustainable ecosystem for youth development.
Guests:
Mike Powell: Executive Director, Beat The Streets Chicago
Sammi Barientos: Head Women’s Wrestling Coach, Beat the Streets Chicago
Adam Lemke-Bell: Assistant Enrichment Coordinator, Beat the Streets Chicago
James “Taki” Miller: Wrestling Coach, Beat The Streets Chicago
Mia Vazquez: Female Wrestler, Beat the Streets Chicago
Call(s) to Action:
Share this episode and spread the word about the amazing work that Beat the Streets Chicago is doing!
Support the mission of Beat the Streets Chicago by exploring ways to volunteer, coach, or donate. Your involvement helps provide transformative opportunities for youth to step confidently into the ring—and into life. Visit Beat the Streets Chicago to learn more.
Donate to Humm Productions so we can continue telling impactful stories like this!
Additional Resources:
Beat the Streets Chicago Annual Report – Impact and Programs Overview
Thank You to Our Financial Sponsors:
We would like to thank April Collins Potterfield, David Johnson and Christine O’Neil, JLB Images, and listeners like you.
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