The Key and the Kite

Bill Novelli has spent his career focused on driving positive social change. The blue-collar kid from Pennsylvania grew up to be the co-founder of Porter Novelli, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care. Bill has also been an executive at CARE and CEO at AARP. We talk about his career taking on some of America's toughest public policy fights, the values that have stayed at the center of his...

In 1989, when Ingar Kristiansen attended” The Ultimate Event” in Oslo (a concert featuring Liza Minelli, Sammy Davis Jr, and Frank Sinatra), he knew instantly that he wanted to be a part of the crooning experience, one way or another. However, ten years passed by before he started performing songs with different big bands in the Oslo area. And this, he claims, was a most treasured learning experience. In 2000 he formed his own sext...

Jim McCorkell is the founder and former CEO of College Possible, a national nonprofit organization making college admission and success possible for low-income students through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support.  He currently consults with a variety of clients, with an emphasis on helping social entrepreneurs create, grow and scale their efforts. As CEO at College Possible, Jim was responsible for leading strategic o...

“It’s been a while since a vocalist gave me the chills. Grouws digs deep and you can’t turn away. She’s a belter with deep rooted soul.” (Martine Ehrenclou/ Rock and Blues Muse)

Jeni Grouws writes roots and Americana music for Avey Grouws Band as well as for her solo project. Working as a songwriter and performer, Jeni released her solo EP “Scenic Route” in 2008. In 2017, Jeni co-founded Avey Grouws Band. Avey Grouws Band went on t...

Julie Becker is the CEO of Saint Francis House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where they help people transition from homelessness to hope.  Every day, Julie helps people find their new path in life.  She told KELO TV, "That’s kind of what my job is to show them that they have abilities. They are good people; they’ve maybe made some bad decisions or life circumstance have led them down the wrong path. I’m here to let them know that th...

As we approach the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we visit with Kevin Tuerff.  Kevin's experience of being stranded in Gander, Newfoundland was one of the true stories that inspired the Tony award winning musical, "Come From Away."  It is also the basis for his book, "Channel of Peace, Stranded in Gander on 9/11.  Kevin is using his experience now to inspire others though his kindness focused charity, Pay It Forward 9.11.  

 Crystal Echo Hawk is an indigenous leader working to advance authentic, contemporary stories of Native Americans in an effort to shift public perception and increase support for Native peoples and issues.

Crystal directs IllumiNative, an organization that is turning research into action and building a movement of Native leaders and non-Native allies working to drive narrative change around Native Americans. She previously co-led t...