July 13, 2025 • 27 mins
Welcome back to another purpose-driven episode of the Inspirations for Your Life Podcast! I’m your host, John C. Morley—Serial Entrepreneur and Podcast Coach—and today we’re stepping into the world of unsung champions. These aren't celebrities or millionaires. They're the everyday folks you pass on the street, sit next to in cafés, or teach your children. They don’t have capes, but their actions ripple through lives, changing communities one meaningful step at a time. In this heart-centered episode, we’ll explore how seemingly ordinary people are making extraordinary impacts through mentorship, innovation, compassion, and consistency. Get ready to be inspired, because you could be the next everyday hero someone needs. 1️⃣ 🎯 Ordinary people can create powerful change in their communities.
Change doesn’t always start with a headline or a hashtag. It often begins with a small step taken by someone who simply cares. Everyday heroes are people who see a problem and decide not to wait for someone else to fix it. Whether it’s organizing a clean-up, mentoring a young person, or lending a hand to a neighbor, their consistent actions spark long-term transformation. This episode shines a light on those individuals who remind us that extraordinary impact doesn’t require status—it requires heart and persistence. 2️⃣ 👩🏫 A teacher mentors students after school—boosts graduation rates.
Meet the educator who turned a classroom into a safe haven of growth. After noticing some of her students falling behind, this dedicated teacher created an after-school mentorship program. She volunteered her own time, connected students with peer mentors, and built a culture of accountability and encouragement. The result? A significant increase in graduation rates and self-confidence. Her story is a powerful reminder that investing time in others—especially youth—can shape futures in immeasurable ways. 3️⃣ 🌱 A local gardener grows food for families facing food insecurity.
In a neighborhood struggling with access to fresh produce, one local gardener turned abandoned lots into thriving community gardens. With just a few seeds and a vision, she grew more than just vegetables—she grew hope. Her initiative now supplies dozens of families with healthy food and has become a hub for connection and education. Her story teaches us that nourishment—both physical and emotional—can sprout from the soil of service. 4️⃣ 🤖 A single parent offers free STEM workshops for underserved youth.
When a single parent with a background in tech saw local kids without access to STEM education, he didn’t complain—he created. Using borrowed space and donated equipment, he launched a series of weekend robotics and coding workshops. The impact? Kids who had never touched a computer are now exploring careers in engineering and technology. This everyday hero shows that when passion meets purpose, entire futures can be rewritten. 5️⃣ 💪 Small actions + big heart = real community impact.
It's easy to believe that only big donations or large-scale programs make a difference. But this episode reminds us otherwise. A heartfelt gesture—a meal delivered, a ride offered, a mentorship call returned—can ripple outward with incredible effect. These small, consistent actions build a culture of care and accountability, often sparking long-term transformation in communities that need it most. 6️⃣ 🔄 One person’s kindness inspires others to get involved.
Kindness is contagious. When one person steps up, others often follow. Listeners will hear how one act of service inspired neighbors, friends, and even strangers to contribute in their own way. Whether it's volunteering time, donating resources, or launching new initiatives, these ripple effects illustrate that goodness multiplies. One light can illuminate a whole room. 7️⃣ 🧠 Innovation thrives even with limited resources.
Everyday heroes often work without funding or infrastructure—but that doesn’t stop th
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:18):
Well, hey guys, how are you?
It is John C.
Morley here, serial entrepreneur.
It's great to be with you on a
Sunday early evening here on the Inspirations for
Your Life show.
It's so great to be with you.
Our master topic for the week, which just
kicked off yesterday, is the power to change
(00:41):
life is already in your hands.
And the granular topic for today is Everyday
Heroes, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact, series four, show
29, episode number two.
Welcome everyone.
If you're new here, I want to definitely
extend a warm welcome to you.
If you're coming back, well, of course, welcome
(01:02):
back to you.
Maybe you want to grab yourself something like
some RO water, like I have.
I have some fruit snacks here.
Feel free to do that and head on
back.
If you're new, definitely check out BelieveMeAchieved.com
after the show, of course, a lot of
great stuff to share with you.
And let's get this kicked off, right?
(01:22):
Okay.
So a big welcome, like I said to
everyone, welcome back to another purposeful driven episode
of Inspirations for Your Life podcast.
And I'm your host, serial entrepreneur, podcast coach,
video producer, engineer, graduate student, and a lot
(01:44):
more.
And I want to welcome you to today's
show where we're stepping into the world of
unsung champions.
These aren't celebrities or millionaires, they're the everyday
folks.
You pass on the street, you sit next
to them in the cafes, or they teach
your children.
(02:05):
They don't have capes, but their actions ripple
through our lives every day, changing communities one
meaningful step at a time.
In this heart-centered episode, I'm going to
explore how seemingly ordinary people are making extraordinary
impacts through mentorship, innovation, compassion, and of course,
consistency.
So get ready, everyone, to be inspired because
(02:26):
you could be the next everyday hero someone
needs.
So stay tuned.
All right, guys, so number one, ordinary people
can create powerful change in their communities.
Now, you might not think you can because
you don't have a cape or because you
don't have a big name yet that you
can't, but really you can.
(02:47):
Change doesn't always start with a headline or
a hashtag.
It often begins with a small step you
take, like by caring for someone.
Everyday heroes are people who see a problem
and decide not to wait for someone else
to fix it, whether it's organizing a cleanup,
mentoring a young person, or lending a hand
(03:10):
to a neighbor.
Their consistent actions spark long-term transformations, and
this episode shines the light on those individuals
who remind us that extraordinary impact doesn't require,
well, status.
It requires true heart and persistence.
Number two, a teacher mentors students after school
(03:34):
boosts graduation rates.
Meet the educator who turned a classroom into
a safe haven of growth.
After noticing some of her students falling behind,
this dedicated teacher created an after-school mentorship
program.
She volunteered her own time, connected students with
(03:56):
peer mentors, and built a culture of accountability
and encouragement.
The result?
Well, a significant increase in graduation rates and
self-confidence.
Her story is powerful and an important reminder
that investing time in others, especially youth, can
shape futures and immeasurable ways that we didn't
even know about.
Number three, a local gardener grows food for
(04:21):
families facing food insecurity.
In a neighborhood struggling with access to fresh
produce, one local gardener turned abandoned lots into
a thriving community set of gardens.
With just a few seeds and a vision,
she grew more than just vegetables.
She grew hope.
Her initiative now supplies dozens of families with
(04:44):
health food and has become a hub for
connection education.
Her story teaches us that nourishment, both physical
and emotional, can sprout from the soil of
service.
A single parent offers free STEM workshops for
undeserved youth.
When a single parent with a background in
(05:06):
tech saw local kids without access to STEM
education, he didn't complain, he created.
Using borrowed space and donated equipment, he launched
a series of weekend robotics and coding workshops.
The impact?
Kids who had never touched a computer are
now exploring careers in engineering and technology.
This everyday hero shows that when passion meets
(05:28):
purpose, entire futures can be rewritten.
Number five, guys, small actions plus big hearts
equal real community impact.
It's easy, folks, very easy to believe that
only one big donation or large scale programs
(05:53):
can make a difference.
But this episode reminds us otherwise.
A heartfelt gesture, a meal delivering, a ride,
a mentorship call, return can ripple outward with
incredible effect.
These small consistent actions build a culture of
care and accountability, often sparking long term transformation
(06:15):
in communities that need it most.
Number six, one person's kindness inspires others to
get involved.
Kindness, guys, is contagious.
When one person steps up, others often follow.
Listeners will hear how one act of service
inspired neighbors, friends, and even strangers to contribute
(06:38):
in their own way, whether it's volunteering time,
donating resources, or launching new initiatives.
These ripple effects illustrate the goodness multiplies.
And one light can illuminate a whole room,
and I think that's important to understand.
Number seven, innovation thrives even with limited resources.
(07:01):
Everyday heroes often work without funding or infrastructure,
but that doesn't stop them.
In fact, limitations often become the mother of
invention.
From let's say using recycled materials to leveraging
online tools, these changemakers show how creative problem
solving can lead to sustainable solutions.
(07:21):
It's not about what you have, it's about
what you do with what you have.
Number eight, collaboration, guys, builds sustainable change.
No hero acts alone.
Behind every impactful story is a web of
support, collaboration, and community.
In this episode, I'm highlighting how teamwork amplifies
(07:43):
effort, turning solo ideas into community movements.
From students to seniors, these heroes involve others
in their missions, ensuring that their work not
only succeeds, but it endures.
You don't need a cape to be a
hero, okay?
The powerful quote threads through every story.
(08:06):
These individuals didn't wait for the perfect timing,
ideal funding, or public recognition.
They simply acted, and in doing so, they
became the kind of heroes our world desperately
needs.
They are proof that heroism is not a
title.
It's a mindset and a commitment to show
up for others.
Number 10, call to action.
(08:28):
Start where you are, use what you have,
and do what you can.
After today's episode, I challenge you to look
around your community and ask, what small thing
can I do today to help someone else?
You don't need a grant, a platform, or
permission.
All you need is a sincere intention and
(08:50):
the action.
Whether it's checking on a neighbor, tutoring a
student, or starting a local cleanup, you have
the power to create extraordinary impact.
The next everyday hero might just be you.
So I know you're probably saying, well, John,
I don't know, I'm not very notable.
Well, see, you don't realize that something you
(09:14):
do for someone that can make an impact
can really make a very, very big difference.
So whenever I challenge people to do things,
they're like, well, John, I don't know how
to do that.
And that's always a cop-out, right?
I don't know how to do that.
And so you might be saying, John, what
do I do?
I don't know.
And so I think that becomes a little
(09:35):
bit challenging for some.
But they use that as a cop-out.
So here's the part of the show I
love.
I love the whole show, but I love
this part.
So I'm going to give you a personal
story or lesson for each point today, okay?
And it is my hope, guys, that this
will solidify in your brains the desire to
(10:00):
want to make positive change in the world.
Change starts with one thing, you.
You don't need a big budget.
You don't need a whole team behind you.
You need a desire.
That's what you need, okay?
I think it's important, and it's important to
(10:23):
realize what this means.
And I know you're probably saying that things
are crazy, right?
I think most people don't realize what's happening.
(10:46):
They don't realize that the impact that they
have on a society is really priceless.
Because they might not actually see the impact
in real time.
I think that's what demotivates some people, because
they don't see the impact in real time,
all right?
(11:07):
So let's get into these, all right?
So number one, ordinary people can create powerful
change in their communities.
I once met a man, I'll call him
Carlos, at a local cafe.
He wasn't a CEO or a public speaker.
He was a janitor at a nearby school.
But when his neighborhood was hit by a
flood, he took it upon himself to organize
(11:28):
a cleanup set of crews using nothing but
a clipboard and community bulletin board.
Every morning, he'd rally neighbors, assign tasks, and
bring coffee.
Within two weeks, streets were cleared, homes were
stabilized, and a sense of unity was born,
all because Carlos decided not to wait for
someone else.
(11:48):
See, the most powerful part is this.
He didn't want recognition.
When I asked him why he did it,
he simply said because it needed to be
done.
Carlos showed me that community change doesn't need
to start big.
It starts with someone who sees a need
and shows up with love, humility, and determination.
(12:11):
Number two, a teacher mentors students after school
boosts graduation rates.
Back in high school, I had a teacher
named Mrs. Reynolds.
She taught English, but more importantly, she taught
self-work.
She started an after-school reading and mentoring
group, not for extra credit, but because she
noticed certain students didn't have support at home.
(12:33):
And, you know, I was actually one of
them.
I struggled with some of the things in
school, and I was very grateful to other
people in a similar situation and a place
that we could make new friends and that
we could learn.
But she encouraged me to write and to
keep persisting and to present them to our
group.
Years later, I ran into her at a
(12:55):
community event, and I told her I knew
a lot of people.
And now that I host a podcast, I
have you to thank for it.
Tears welled down her eyes.
She said, John, you had it in you
all along.
You just need a safe space to grow.
That's exactly what she said.
(13:16):
Her after-school group helped dozens of kids,
including me, a graduate otherwise might not have
been as easy.
Her belief in us changed our trajectories forever.
A local gardener grows food for families and
facing food insecurity.
During a local community fair, I met Tasha,
(13:37):
a retired nurse who transformed a vacant city
into a thriving vegetable garden.
She started small with a few tomato plants
and raised beds, but soon word spread.
Volunteers joined the community, pitched in.
Every weekend, she'd offer free produce to families
who could afford fresh food, often including recipe
(13:59):
cards she made by hand.
She told me her mission wasn't just to
feed people.
It was to nourish their dignity.
I love that.
Quote, unquote, food is love, she said.
And quote, and everyone deserves both.
Quote, that garden became a sanctuary, not just
for food, but for connections, healing and empowerment.
(14:21):
Tasha taught me that even dirt and determination
can blossom into a movement.
That's amazing.
So number four, a single parent offers free
STEM workshops for under-deserved youth.
One of the most inspiring people I've interviewed
(14:42):
was Marcus, a single dad and a former
software engineer.
After losing his job, he realized how few
kids in his neighborhood had access to computers
or STEM, science, technology, engineering, and math.
And so using his severance and a few
donated laptops, he started, quote, unquote, Saturday Code
(15:03):
Club in the basement of a local church.
Kids poured in, eager to build robots, learn
HTML, and tinker with microchips.
Within a year, one of his students won
a scholarship to a STEM magnet school.
Marcus didn't have a budget, a board, or
a curriculum.
He just had passion, skill, and a drive
(15:23):
to see kids succeed.
His story proves that when you match purpose
with resourcefulness, miracles flow.
Number five, small actions plus a big heart
equals real community impact.
There's a man named George who lived in
my town.
And he walks dogs for the elderly neighbors
(15:44):
for free.
It started with one woman who had a
hip injury.
George offered to walk her golden retriever.
Another neighbor asked.
And another, now he's known as the dog
guy, often seen with five leashes and a
giant grin.
George told me it's not about dogs.
It's about dignity.
I'm helping people live their lives.
(16:06):
That small act of service reduced isolation, improved
pet care, and even led to informal neighborhood
watch.
George reminded me the community isn't built on
grand gestures.
It's built on those small, consistent kindness steps
that sometimes are forgotten.
Number six, one person's kindness inspires others to
(16:30):
get involved.
I think these are amazing things.
And this is a really good story that
I have.
During a winter storm, a teen named Rachel
posted on her neighborhood app offering to shovel
snow for free.
Her post inspired others to join.
(16:51):
By the next day, 20 volunteers were clearing
paths for elderly residents and people with disabilities.
The snow squad, they were called.
And they became a successful seasonal staple.
I interviewed Rachel a while back and asked
what made her do it.
She said, quote, I just couldn't watch my
neighbor struggle again this year.
(17:12):
Close quote.
Her simple act sparked a chain reaction.
The snow squad eventually expanded into food deliveries
and wellness checks.
One act of kindness lit a spark that
created a moment and movement that was never
conceived before.
Number seven, innovation thrives even when there's limited
(17:33):
resources.
In a small rural town, I met Lisa,
who was a high school student, actually.
And also now the person is a high
school art teacher, actually.
They were a student, but they became an
art teacher who ran out of funding for
supplies.
Instead of canceling her class project, she got
creative, literally.
(17:54):
She organized a junk art program, teaching students
to turn recyclables into sculptures.
Old soda cans became cityscapes.
Broken chairs became photo frames.
Her students not only learned artistic techniques, but
developed problem-solving skills and eco-awareness.
This was really amazing.
One of them even entered their sculpture into
(18:16):
a statewide competition.
And one, Lisa's ability to innovate, okay, under
pressure, shows us that creativity blooms under constraints
when guided by a committed heart.
Columbia builds sustainable change.
(18:39):
And the collaboration itself with this helped make
this take forward.
A local LGBTQ plus support group once needed
a new venue after their community center lost
funding.
Instead of folding, they reached out to local
churches, businesses, and schools.
Surprisingly, a coffee shop owner offered her space
for free.
(19:00):
A yoga instructor donated classes.
A retired counselor joined as a volunteer.
Soon, the group grew beyond anything they had
imagined.
What started as a potential crisis became a
powerful collaboration and the group's reach tripled.
This taught me that when we ask for
help and unite toward a shared mission, the
(19:22):
right people always step forward.
Number nine, you don't need a cape to
be a hero.
Many people think you do, but you don't.
I know television has taught us that from
the cartoons, whether it's Superman or any other
hero, you don't need a cape, okay.
I met an elderly man named Hank who
(19:43):
would sit outside the post office and wave
at every person who walked by, rain or
shine.
He was there greeting people with warmth and
sincerity.
At first, many brushed him off, but eventually
people started stopping the chat.
He became a town favorite.
Hank never volunteered for a nonprofit, started a
program or made the news.
(20:05):
But when he passed, hundreds came to his
funeral, each sharing how Hank's simple hello got
them through dark times.
Hank was proof that you don't need a
title or a trophy, just consistency and kindness
to be someone's hero.
Number 10, guys, call to action.
(20:26):
Start where you are.
Use what you have and do what you
can.
Let me say that again.
Call to action.
Start where you are.
Use what you have and do what you
do.
Start where you are.
Use what you have and do what you
can do.
There was a time in my own life
(20:47):
when I felt stuck, unsure of my purpose.
I didn't have a large platform or huge
network at the time, but I had a
message and a microphone.
So I started, well, this podcast.
It began with a few listeners and then
a few more.
And soon I started hearing from people saying
it helped them through anxiety, career changes, and
loss.
(21:08):
See, that's when I realized impact isn't measured
by scale.
It's measured by sincerity.
If you are waiting for the perfect moment
or the resource to make a difference, stop
right now.
Start with what you have, okay?
You never know whose life you'll change when
you simply take that first step.
(21:33):
I think when we hear the definition, if
we go up to actually Merriam-Webster, which
is where I'm going to go to, Merriam
-Webster, and I look up what a hero
is, which is what I want to bring
to you right now.
So according to Merriam-Webster, a hero is
a noun.
It's a mythological or legendary figure, often of
divine descent, endowed with great strength or ability
(21:56):
and sometimes powers.
An illustrious warrior, a person admired for achievements
and noble qualities, one who shows great courage.
And when we think about hero, hero is
a legendary priestess of an Aphrodite loved by
(22:17):
a Leander.
And so a synonym of a hero, this
might help you guys a little more, an
idol, a classic, an ideal, a nonpareil, an
icon, a model, a paragon, a BO ideal,
a god, an icon, an exemplar, right?
I think a lot of people want to
(22:37):
be a hero, but not for the reason
that hero exists.
Hero exists to make our world a better
place, okay?
But a hero doesn't exist to put you,
unfortunately, at the top of the map.
That's not why a hero exists, right?
A hero exists for the reasons that I'm
(22:59):
sharing with you, for the reason that you
can basically make this difference in your life.
And I know that sounds like something that's
really, really crazy, okay?
But I'm here to tell you that it
(23:22):
can do a lot for you, okay?
It can absolutely do a lot for you.
Sometimes people don't get it.
They don't get what it's for.
They just don't really understand what it means.
(23:44):
And I think that's probably something that a
lot of people will flounder over.
Like, you know, what is this about?
What is it not about?
I think that's a challenge for a lot
of people.
They don't necessarily know why something is happening
a certain way.
(24:05):
They just have really no idea.
And maybe it's the idea that is keeping
people from doing something.
Maybe it's the fact that we want to
be something, but we don't exactly know what
it is, right?
(24:26):
And I know that can sound, well, that
could sound a little bit crazy.
But I'm here to tell you that it
is absolutely doable, all right?
And so when you think about, like, where
your world is right now, and you think
about the fact of where it could be
(24:48):
tomorrow, all because you decided to take one
small step.
That's it.
One small step.
That's it.
One small step.
(25:09):
And I know you're probably telling me, John,
like, this makes sense.
But then again, it doesn't make sense, right?
And I want to tell you that there
is a lot of potential in people when
you think about things.
But again, it's not something that happens overnight.
(25:30):
It's something that really takes time, okay?
I think that's an important piece.
I think the more people think about that,
the more that they can have the potential
(25:51):
of going somewhere in life, okay?
I know you're probably saying to me, John,
like, this stuff is impossible.
I'm here to tell you that it is
very, very, very, very possible, okay?
(26:14):
I mean, very, very possible.
You might say to me, John, that, you
know, this is great.
But then how do you make a change
from that?
How do you go from somewhere?
Like, how do you change where you're going
from?
(26:34):
I think that's a very, very, like, different
thing.
You know, how do you move from one
step to another?
I think that will probably confuse a lot
of people, right?
How do we do that?
(26:54):
And that's probably the biggest thing I could
tell you right now, is that it's all
about what you're seeing, what you're doing.
But when you have a purpose for something,
that's when the world is going to take
off and support you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm John C.
Morley, serial entrepreneur.
Do check out BelieveMeAchieved.com for more of
(27:14):
my amazing, of course, inspiring creations.
I'll catch you real soon.
Be well, everyone.
And remember, you too can be a hero.
Just because you don't wear a cape doesn't
mean anything.
Well, hey guys, how are you?
It is John C.
Morley here, serial entrepreneur.
It's great to be with you on a
Sunday early evening here on the Inspirations for
Your Life show.
It's so great to be with you.
Our master topic for the week, which just
kicked off yesterday, is the power to change
(00:41):
life is already in your hands.
And the granular topic for today is Everyday
Heroes, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact, series four, show
29, episode number two.
Welcome everyone.
If you're new here, I want to definitely
extend a warm welcome to you.
If you're coming back, well, of course, welcome
(01:02):
back to you.
Maybe you want to grab yourself something like
some RO water, like I have.
I have some fruit snacks here.
Feel free to do that and head on
back.
If you're new, definitely check out BelieveMeAchieved.com
after the show, of course, a lot of
great stuff to share with you.
And let's get this kicked off, right?
(01:22):
Okay.
So a big welcome, like I said to
everyone, welcome back to another purposeful driven episode
of Inspirations for Your Life podcast.
And I'm your host, serial entrepreneur, podcast coach,
video producer, engineer, graduate student, and a lot
(01:44):
more.
And I want to welcome you to today's
show where we're stepping into the world of
unsung champions.
These aren't celebrities or millionaires, they're the everyday
folks.
You pass on the street, you sit next
to them in the cafes, or they teach
your children.
(02:05):
They don't have capes, but their actions ripple
through our lives every day, changing communities one
meaningful step at a time.
In this heart-centered episode, I'm going to
explore how seemingly ordinary people are making extraordinary
impacts through mentorship, innovation, compassion, and of course,
consistency.
So get ready, everyone, to be inspired because
(02:26):
you could be the next everyday hero someone
needs.
So stay tuned.
All right, guys, so number one, ordinary people
can create powerful change in their communities.
Now, you might not think you can because
you don't have a cape or because you
don't have a big name yet that you
can't, but really you can.
(02:47):
Change doesn't always start with a headline or
a hashtag.
It often begins with a small step you
take, like by caring for someone.
Everyday heroes are people who see a problem
and decide not to wait for someone else
to fix it, whether it's organizing a cleanup,
mentoring a young person, or lending a hand
(03:10):
to a neighbor.
Their consistent actions spark long-term transformations, and
this episode shines the light on those individuals
who remind us that extraordinary impact doesn't require,
well, status.
It requires true heart and persistence.
Number two, a teacher mentors students after school
(03:34):
boosts graduation rates.
Meet the educator who turned a classroom into
a safe haven of growth.
After noticing some of her students falling behind,
this dedicated teacher created an after-school mentorship
program.
She volunteered her own time, connected students with
(03:56):
peer mentors, and built a culture of accountability
and encouragement.
The result?
Well, a significant increase in graduation rates and
self-confidence.
Her story is powerful and an important reminder
that investing time in others, especially youth, can
shape futures and immeasurable ways that we didn't
even know about.
Number three, a local gardener grows food for
(04:21):
families facing food insecurity.
In a neighborhood struggling with access to fresh
produce, one local gardener turned abandoned lots into
a thriving community set of gardens.
With just a few seeds and a vision,
she grew more than just vegetables.
She grew hope.
Her initiative now supplies dozens of families with
(04:44):
health food and has become a hub for
connection education.
Her story teaches us that nourishment, both physical
and emotional, can sprout from the soil of
service.
A single parent offers free STEM workshops for
undeserved youth.
When a single parent with a background in
(05:06):
tech saw local kids without access to STEM
education, he didn't complain, he created.
Using borrowed space and donated equipment, he launched
a series of weekend robotics and coding workshops.
The impact?
Kids who had never touched a computer are
now exploring careers in engineering and technology.
This everyday hero shows that when passion meets
(05:28):
purpose, entire futures can be rewritten.
Number five, guys, small actions plus big hearts
equal real community impact.
It's easy, folks, very easy to believe that
only one big donation or large scale programs
(05:53):
can make a difference.
But this episode reminds us otherwise.
A heartfelt gesture, a meal delivering, a ride,
a mentorship call, return can ripple outward with
incredible effect.
These small consistent actions build a culture of
care and accountability, often sparking long term transformation
(06:15):
in communities that need it most.
Number six, one person's kindness inspires others to
get involved.
Kindness, guys, is contagious.
When one person steps up, others often follow.
Listeners will hear how one act of service
inspired neighbors, friends, and even strangers to contribute
(06:38):
in their own way, whether it's volunteering time,
donating resources, or launching new initiatives.
These ripple effects illustrate the goodness multiplies.
And one light can illuminate a whole room,
and I think that's important to understand.
Number seven, innovation thrives even with limited resources.
(07:01):
Everyday heroes often work without funding or infrastructure,
but that doesn't stop them.
In fact, limitations often become the mother of
invention.
From let's say using recycled materials to leveraging
online tools, these changemakers show how creative problem
solving can lead to sustainable solutions.
(07:21):
It's not about what you have, it's about
what you do with what you have.
Number eight, collaboration, guys, builds sustainable change.
No hero acts alone.
Behind every impactful story is a web of
support, collaboration, and community.
In this episode, I'm highlighting how teamwork amplifies
(07:43):
effort, turning solo ideas into community movements.
From students to seniors, these heroes involve others
in their missions, ensuring that their work not
only succeeds, but it endures.
You don't need a cape to be a
hero, okay?
The powerful quote threads through every story.
(08:06):
These individuals didn't wait for the perfect timing,
ideal funding, or public recognition.
They simply acted, and in doing so, they
became the kind of heroes our world desperately
needs.
They are proof that heroism is not a
title.
It's a mindset and a commitment to show
up for others.
Number 10, call to action.
(08:28):
Start where you are, use what you have,
and do what you can.
After today's episode, I challenge you to look
around your community and ask, what small thing
can I do today to help someone else?
You don't need a grant, a platform, or
permission.
All you need is a sincere intention and
(08:50):
the action.
Whether it's checking on a neighbor, tutoring a
student, or starting a local cleanup, you have
the power to create extraordinary impact.
The next everyday hero might just be you.
So I know you're probably saying, well, John,
I don't know, I'm not very notable.
Well, see, you don't realize that something you
(09:14):
do for someone that can make an impact
can really make a very, very big difference.
So whenever I challenge people to do things,
they're like, well, John, I don't know how
to do that.
And that's always a cop-out, right?
I don't know how to do that.
And so you might be saying, John, what
do I do?
I don't know.
And so I think that becomes a little
(09:35):
bit challenging for some.
But they use that as a cop-out.
So here's the part of the show I
love.
I love the whole show, but I love
this part.
So I'm going to give you a personal
story or lesson for each point today, okay?
And it is my hope, guys, that this
will solidify in your brains the desire to
(10:00):
want to make positive change in the world.
Change starts with one thing, you.
You don't need a big budget.
You don't need a whole team behind you.
You need a desire.
That's what you need, okay?
I think it's important, and it's important to
(10:23):
realize what this means.
And I know you're probably saying that things
are crazy, right?
I think most people don't realize what's happening.
(10:46):
They don't realize that the impact that they
have on a society is really priceless.
Because they might not actually see the impact
in real time.
I think that's what demotivates some people, because
they don't see the impact in real time,
all right?
(11:07):
So let's get into these, all right?
So number one, ordinary people can create powerful
change in their communities.
I once met a man, I'll call him
Carlos, at a local cafe.
He wasn't a CEO or a public speaker.
He was a janitor at a nearby school.
But when his neighborhood was hit by a
flood, he took it upon himself to organize
(11:28):
a cleanup set of crews using nothing but
a clipboard and community bulletin board.
Every morning, he'd rally neighbors, assign tasks, and
bring coffee.
Within two weeks, streets were cleared, homes were
stabilized, and a sense of unity was born,
all because Carlos decided not to wait for
someone else.
(11:48):
See, the most powerful part is this.
He didn't want recognition.
When I asked him why he did it,
he simply said because it needed to be
done.
Carlos showed me that community change doesn't need
to start big.
It starts with someone who sees a need
and shows up with love, humility, and determination.
(12:11):
Number two, a teacher mentors students after school
boosts graduation rates.
Back in high school, I had a teacher
named Mrs. Reynolds.
She taught English, but more importantly, she taught
self-work.
She started an after-school reading and mentoring
group, not for extra credit, but because she
noticed certain students didn't have support at home.
(12:33):
And, you know, I was actually one of
them.
I struggled with some of the things in
school, and I was very grateful to other
people in a similar situation and a place
that we could make new friends and that
we could learn.
But she encouraged me to write and to
keep persisting and to present them to our
group.
Years later, I ran into her at a
(12:55):
community event, and I told her I knew
a lot of people.
And now that I host a podcast, I
have you to thank for it.
Tears welled down her eyes.
She said, John, you had it in you
all along.
You just need a safe space to grow.
That's exactly what she said.
(13:16):
Her after-school group helped dozens of kids,
including me, a graduate otherwise might not have
been as easy.
Her belief in us changed our trajectories forever.
A local gardener grows food for families and
facing food insecurity.
During a local community fair, I met Tasha,
(13:37):
a retired nurse who transformed a vacant city
into a thriving vegetable garden.
She started small with a few tomato plants
and raised beds, but soon word spread.
Volunteers joined the community, pitched in.
Every weekend, she'd offer free produce to families
who could afford fresh food, often including recipe
(13:59):
cards she made by hand.
She told me her mission wasn't just to
feed people.
It was to nourish their dignity.
I love that.
Quote, unquote, food is love, she said.
And quote, and everyone deserves both.
Quote, that garden became a sanctuary, not just
for food, but for connections, healing and empowerment.
(14:21):
Tasha taught me that even dirt and determination
can blossom into a movement.
That's amazing.
So number four, a single parent offers free
STEM workshops for under-deserved youth.
One of the most inspiring people I've interviewed
(14:42):
was Marcus, a single dad and a former
software engineer.
After losing his job, he realized how few
kids in his neighborhood had access to computers
or STEM, science, technology, engineering, and math.
And so using his severance and a few
donated laptops, he started, quote, unquote, Saturday Code
(15:03):
Club in the basement of a local church.
Kids poured in, eager to build robots, learn
HTML, and tinker with microchips.
Within a year, one of his students won
a scholarship to a STEM magnet school.
Marcus didn't have a budget, a board, or
a curriculum.
He just had passion, skill, and a drive
(15:23):
to see kids succeed.
His story proves that when you match purpose
with resourcefulness, miracles flow.
Number five, small actions plus a big heart
equals real community impact.
There's a man named George who lived in
my town.
And he walks dogs for the elderly neighbors
(15:44):
for free.
It started with one woman who had a
hip injury.
George offered to walk her golden retriever.
Another neighbor asked.
And another, now he's known as the dog
guy, often seen with five leashes and a
giant grin.
George told me it's not about dogs.
It's about dignity.
I'm helping people live their lives.
(16:06):
That small act of service reduced isolation, improved
pet care, and even led to informal neighborhood
watch.
George reminded me the community isn't built on
grand gestures.
It's built on those small, consistent kindness steps
that sometimes are forgotten.
Number six, one person's kindness inspires others to
(16:30):
get involved.
I think these are amazing things.
And this is a really good story that
I have.
During a winter storm, a teen named Rachel
posted on her neighborhood app offering to shovel
snow for free.
Her post inspired others to join.
(16:51):
By the next day, 20 volunteers were clearing
paths for elderly residents and people with disabilities.
The snow squad, they were called.
And they became a successful seasonal staple.
I interviewed Rachel a while back and asked
what made her do it.
She said, quote, I just couldn't watch my
neighbor struggle again this year.
(17:12):
Close quote.
Her simple act sparked a chain reaction.
The snow squad eventually expanded into food deliveries
and wellness checks.
One act of kindness lit a spark that
created a moment and movement that was never
conceived before.
Number seven, innovation thrives even when there's limited
(17:33):
resources.
In a small rural town, I met Lisa,
who was a high school student, actually.
And also now the person is a high
school art teacher, actually.
They were a student, but they became an
art teacher who ran out of funding for
supplies.
Instead of canceling her class project, she got
creative, literally.
(17:54):
She organized a junk art program, teaching students
to turn recyclables into sculptures.
Old soda cans became cityscapes.
Broken chairs became photo frames.
Her students not only learned artistic techniques, but
developed problem-solving skills and eco-awareness.
This was really amazing.
One of them even entered their sculpture into
(18:16):
a statewide competition.
And one, Lisa's ability to innovate, okay, under
pressure, shows us that creativity blooms under constraints
when guided by a committed heart.
Columbia builds sustainable change.
(18:39):
And the collaboration itself with this helped make
this take forward.
A local LGBTQ plus support group once needed
a new venue after their community center lost
funding.
Instead of folding, they reached out to local
churches, businesses, and schools.
Surprisingly, a coffee shop owner offered her space
for free.
(19:00):
A yoga instructor donated classes.
A retired counselor joined as a volunteer.
Soon, the group grew beyond anything they had
imagined.
What started as a potential crisis became a
powerful collaboration and the group's reach tripled.
This taught me that when we ask for
help and unite toward a shared mission, the
(19:22):
right people always step forward.
Number nine, you don't need a cape to
be a hero.
Many people think you do, but you don't.
I know television has taught us that from
the cartoons, whether it's Superman or any other
hero, you don't need a cape, okay.
I met an elderly man named Hank who
(19:43):
would sit outside the post office and wave
at every person who walked by, rain or
shine.
He was there greeting people with warmth and
sincerity.
At first, many brushed him off, but eventually
people started stopping the chat.
He became a town favorite.
Hank never volunteered for a nonprofit, started a
program or made the news.
(20:05):
But when he passed, hundreds came to his
funeral, each sharing how Hank's simple hello got
them through dark times.
Hank was proof that you don't need a
title or a trophy, just consistency and kindness
to be someone's hero.
Number 10, guys, call to action.
(20:26):
Start where you are.
Use what you have and do what you
can.
Let me say that again.
Call to action.
Start where you are.
Use what you have and do what you
do.
Start where you are.
Use what you have and do what you
can do.
There was a time in my own life
(20:47):
when I felt stuck, unsure of my purpose.
I didn't have a large platform or huge
network at the time, but I had a
message and a microphone.
So I started, well, this podcast.
It began with a few listeners and then
a few more.
And soon I started hearing from people saying
it helped them through anxiety, career changes, and
loss.
(21:08):
See, that's when I realized impact isn't measured
by scale.
It's measured by sincerity.
If you are waiting for the perfect moment
or the resource to make a difference, stop
right now.
Start with what you have, okay?
You never know whose life you'll change when
you simply take that first step.
(21:33):
I think when we hear the definition, if
we go up to actually Merriam-Webster, which
is where I'm going to go to, Merriam
-Webster, and I look up what a hero
is, which is what I want to bring
to you right now.
So according to Merriam-Webster, a hero is
a noun.
It's a mythological or legendary figure, often of
divine descent, endowed with great strength or ability
(21:56):
and sometimes powers.
An illustrious warrior, a person admired for achievements
and noble qualities, one who shows great courage.
And when we think about hero, hero is
a legendary priestess of an Aphrodite loved by
(22:17):
a Leander.
And so a synonym of a hero, this
might help you guys a little more, an
idol, a classic, an ideal, a nonpareil, an
icon, a model, a paragon, a BO ideal,
a god, an icon, an exemplar, right?
I think a lot of people want to
(22:37):
be a hero, but not for the reason
that hero exists.
Hero exists to make our world a better
place, okay?
But a hero doesn't exist to put you,
unfortunately, at the top of the map.
That's not why a hero exists, right?
A hero exists for the reasons that I'm
(22:59):
sharing with you, for the reason that you
can basically make this difference in your life.
And I know that sounds like something that's
really, really crazy, okay?
But I'm here to tell you that it
(23:22):
can do a lot for you, okay?
It can absolutely do a lot for you.
Sometimes people don't get it.
They don't get what it's for.
They just don't really understand what it means.
(23:44):
And I think that's probably something that a
lot of people will flounder over.
Like, you know, what is this about?
What is it not about?
I think that's a challenge for a lot
of people.
They don't necessarily know why something is happening
a certain way.
(24:05):
They just have really no idea.
And maybe it's the idea that is keeping
people from doing something.
Maybe it's the fact that we want to
be something, but we don't exactly know what
it is, right?
(24:26):
And I know that can sound, well, that
could sound a little bit crazy.
But I'm here to tell you that it
is absolutely doable, all right?
And so when you think about, like, where
your world is right now, and you think
about the fact of where it could be
(24:48):
tomorrow, all because you decided to take one
small step.
That's it.
One small step.
That's it.
One small step.
(25:09):
And I know you're probably telling me, John,
like, this makes sense.
But then again, it doesn't make sense, right?
And I want to tell you that there
is a lot of potential in people when
you think about things.
But again, it's not something that happens overnight.
(25:30):
It's something that really takes time, okay?
I think that's an important piece.
I think the more people think about that,
the more that they can have the potential
(25:51):
of going somewhere in life, okay?
I know you're probably saying to me, John,
like, this stuff is impossible.
I'm here to tell you that it is
very, very, very, very possible, okay?
(26:14):
I mean, very, very possible.
You might say to me, John, that, you
know, this is great.
But then how do you make a change
from that?
How do you go from somewhere?
Like, how do you change where you're going
from?
(26:34):
I think that's a very, very, like, different
thing.
You know, how do you move from one
step to another?
I think that will probably confuse a lot
of people, right?
How do we do that?
(26:54):
And that's probably the biggest thing I could
tell you right now, is that it's all
about what you're seeing, what you're doing.
But when you have a purpose for something,
that's when the world is going to take
off and support you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm John C.
Morley, serial entrepreneur.
Do check out BelieveMeAchieved.com for more of
(27:14):
my amazing, of course, inspiring creations.
I'll catch you real soon.
Be well, everyone.
And remember, you too can be a hero.
Just because you don't wear a cape doesn't
mean anything.
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