This is Oklahoma

This is Wildflower: An Acton Academy

On this episode I sat with Brooke & Jimmy Ogle who've opened up their own school in NW OKC out of a need for better education and opportunities for their three kids.

 

Here's their story,

Jimmy and Brooke are both from Oklahoma and have been married since 2009. Together they have three children, each of whom attends Wildflower: An Acton Academy. As a family, they enjoy traveling, playing games, reading, and discovering new things.

As a mom, I wanted a different education for my children. After trying both a public and a private Christian school, I knew that the education I dreamed of offering my kids could not be found within the walls of traditional education. That is when I turned to homeschool. I loved educating my kids in unique ways, allowing them to flourish without the unneeded pressure traditional schools encouraged. Then one day, while struggling to piece together some curriculum, I felt homeschooling was still missing some critical aspects. The question that plagued me was if a traditional school or even homeschooling was the best education I could provide my children. I didn’t want to settle for just ok – I wanted excellence. In my heart, I believed there had to be a better way! I felt somewhat stuck between recognizing that my kids had outgrown homeschooling but not feeling confident in any school options available.

That is when I found Acton Academy a nonprofit foundation that helps parents open schools worldwide. Acton co-founders Jeff and Laura Sandefer opened the first Acton in Austin Texas in 2008 to create a more robust education for their two sons. They have taken their best practices and learning philosophies and are helping other like-minded families open schools all over the world. It was as if a blurry vision and determination to offer my kids the best education had suddenly become crystal clear.

If you are ready to reinvent education for your family, I encourage you to give me a call or schedule a school tour. I look forward to meeting your family.

 

For more information click here to visit their website:

 

www.wildfloweracton.com

 

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This is Dr George Henderson - Part 1

On this episode myself and Shannon interviewed Dr Geroge Henderson. There's so much to talk about in this episode and so much to share so we've devided it into two parts. This first part Dr Henderson talks about his early childhood up to coming to Norman Oklahoma. In Part 2 we'll dive into his work at OU and his thoughts on the future.

 

Bio

In 1967, Dr. George Henderson became the University of Oklahoma’s third full-time African American faculty member at the Norman campus. In 1969, he became the first African American in Oklahoma universities to be a distinguished professor when he was appointed the Sylvan N. Goldman Professor of Human Relations, Education and Sociology. Later, he was appointed to three other distinguished professorships: David Ross Boyd Professor, Regents’ Professor, and Kerr-McGee Presidential Professor. After he became the Goldman Professor, he founded the Human Relations Department, which he chaired for 20 years. From 1996 to 2000, he was dean of the College of Liberal Studies. Thus, he was the first African American at the University of Oklahoma to create a degree-granting department; and the first African American dean of a degree-granting college on the Norman campus. Although he retired from the University in 2006, he still teaches on a part-time basis.

 

A civil rights pioneer in higher education in Oklahoma, George Henderson has achieved many other notable accomplishments. His awards and honors include being the recipient of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Medal for the Outstanding College and University Professor in 2000; State of Oklahoma Black Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003; induction into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2003 and also induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2003. The Henderson Scholars Program and the Henderson-Tolson Cultural Center on the Norman campus bear his name. The University of Oklahoma awarded him an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Humane Letters) at the May 2011 Commencement. In 2015, Oklahoma Today Magazine named Dr. Henderson one of the forty-five most influential African American Oklahomans.

 

A race relations and civil rights scholar, George Henderson has taught university courses and spoken at conferences and workshops throughout the United States and internationally. In addition, he has written 34 books and 50 articles. In 2011, the Oklahoma Historical Society selected Race and the University as the Outstanding Book on Oklahoma History published in 2010. Also in 2011, Dr. Henderson and his wife Barbara were recipients of the Xenia Institute’s Sam Mathews Social Justice Award. They were the first African American property owners in Norman. Dr. Henderson’s master’s degree in sociology and Ph.D. in educational sociology are from Wayne State University in Detroit.

 

This episode is presented by the oklahoma hall of fame. Telling Oklahoma's Story Through Its People Since 1927. Follow them on instagram @oklahomahof and online www.oklahomahof.com

 

Voices of Oklahoma Interview 

https://www.voicesofoklahoma.com/interview/henderson-george/

 

Shannon Rich Interview

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-shannon-rich/id1387331955?i=1000467234333

 

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This is Tom Coyne - Oklahoma Golf #16

On this episode of This is Oklahoma Golf myself and Blake interviewed legendary golf writer Tom Coyne. Tom recently completed his latest book traveling around the country for 8 months playing 250 golf courses including every single US Open venue. One of which was in Tulsa at Southern Hills Country Club. Tom talks about his experience in Tulsa and all of the memories from his 8month journey across the country. Tom's book released Spring of 2021. If you don't want to wait till then you can tune into his Youtube channel and watch his vlog series "The Links Life" capturing his journey across the country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65coIBIaQSw&list=PLe7hpdYG3UAiJEcqUIke7q5Pm52PxZ-qm

The People. The Stories. The Community.

Follow Tom on Instagram and twitter @coynewriter and listen to the Golfers Journal Podcast. The Golfer Journal where Tom is the Senior Writer is a beautiful publication and worth its weight on your coffee table. @golfersjournal

www.tomcoyne.com

Tom Coyne is the author of the novel A Gentleman’s Game, which was named one of the best 25 sports books of all time by The Philadelphia Daily News.  He wrote the film adaptation of the novel, which starred Gary Sinise, Philip Baker Hall, Dylan Baker, and Mason Gamble.  His second book, Paper Tiger: An Obsessed Golfer’s Quest to Play with the Pros was released June 2006, and was an editor’s pick in Esquire Magazine and USA Today, and a summer reading selection in The New York Times.   His third book, A Course Called Ireland: A Long Walk in Search of a Country, a Pint, and the Next Tee, was published by Gotham Books in February, 2009, and it chronicles his quest to walk and golf the whole of Ireland.  The book was a New York Times, American Booksellers Association, and Barnes & Noble bestseller, and won a silver medal from the Society of American Travel Writers in the category of Best Travel Book of the Year. 
 
His anticipated follow-up to A Course Called Ireland was released by Simon & Schuster in 2018: A Course Called Scotland was an instant New York Times bestseller, and chronicles Tom’s quest to play every links course in Scotland, searching the highlands for the secret to golf and a tee time in the oldest championship in sports.

Tom is a regular contributor to The Golfer’s Journal, and has written for Golf Magazine, Golfweek, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, and numerous other publications.  He is also a host and writer for the travel television series, “Golfing the World.”  Tom earned an M.F.A. in fiction writing from the University of Notre Dame, where he won the William Mitchell Award for distinguished achievement.  He lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two daughters, and he is an associate professor of English at St. Joseph’s University.

This is Royce Young

On this episode myself and Eric Granado @eric.granado interviewed NBA writer Royce Young. Royce is Oklahoma born and bread, he grew up in Mustang where he still lives today. Went to SWOSU for a short period and when signing up for school there was asked to declare his major. At that time he and a buddy were told, "if you sign up for journalism you only have to take one math class" That was all he needed to hear, after one year at SWOSU Royce left to attend OU where his girlfriend and later wife studied. Royce continued in journalism, wrote about the Sooners and then when the thunder came to town he started a blog called Daily Thunder. After graduating Royce took a part time job with OU and later accepted a full time position to be their first Social Media Specialist. Shortly after accepting that position CBS called and offered Royce less money but an opportunity to write for the NBA. No brainer there!

That started a career in writing for CBS, then ESPN where he's at today. Still covering The Thunder and traveling around the country writing for the NBA. Royce dives into his career, the ups and downs, the fan moments and the moments he has had with the best basketball players in the world. 

Royce is currently working for ESPN and ready for the season to start back up. Follow him on all social media platforms @royceyoung especially on twitter. 

Thanks to my cohost Eric for the awesome Thunder questions.

IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE AND WANT TO HEAR MORE SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A REVIEW

Cheers.

#thisisoklahoma

This is Gray Frederickson - Oklahoma Hall of Famer & Oscar Winning Producer

On this episode myself and Lance McDaniel interviewed Oklahoma film legend and producer of movies like Apocalypse Now, The Godfather I and II, Mr Gray Frederickson. Gray talked a lot about his history in Hollywood. How he studied in Italy and built long lasting relationships which would help him in the future. His work with Clint Eastwood during his years in Italy where they filed The Good The Bad & The Ugly.

It was an honor to sit with two gentlemen who have done so much for The Oklahoma Film Industry and Deadcenter Film Festival. 

The full video interview is now live on our YouTube & Facebooks pages.

Special thanks for Deadcenter for hosting us as part of their 20th anniversary film festival. 

 The episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in partnership with Deadcenter Film Festival. Follow them both online www.oklahomahof.com and www.deadcenterfilm.org @oklahomahof on Instagram and @deadcenterfilm

Gray Fredericksons Oklahoma Hall of Fame Biography. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thU956LKySc 

Thanks for listening and if you'd like to watch the full episode it is now live on our Facebook and youtube channels.

www.youtube.com/thisisoklahoma

www.facebook.com/thisisoklahoma 

@thisisoklahoma on all platforms. 

#thisisoklahoma

Cheers. 

This is Brian Bogert - Social Order Dining Collective

On this episode I talked with Brian Bogert. You probably know of Brian but if you don't you'll definitely know the restaurants and bars he and his business partner Manny own. They started with Texadelphia but have recently sold it. Currently the have The Jones Assembly, Fuzzys, Seven 47 and soon Spark. 

Here's a little about their story. "We have been bringing social hospitality to Oklahoma for close to two decades. We are a group of fun-seekers, game-changers and food enthusiasts. We play hard, but work harder, always keeping our head on a swivel.

After graduating from SMU and quitting their corporate jobs, best friends Brian Bogert and Manny Leclercq brought one of their favorite college hangouts to Norman, OK. Texadelphia opened on the corner of Lindsey & Berry in 2003. From there, Seven47 was born and has turned into a landmark on OU’s Campus Corner. In 2010 we franchised the Fort Worth based, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. 10 years and 7 locations later, Fuzzy’s quickly turned into our bread and butter. The same year Fuzzy’s became part of our brand, a second Texadelphia location was added to the landscape of Lower Bricktown.

But it wasn’t until 2016 when The Social Order really came to life. With The Jones Assembly on the verge of opening it was time to bring these individual concepts together as one family. The Jones Assembly put us on the map as it is the largest concept and biggest endeavor we have undertaken yet. While concepts have come and gone (Texadelphia was sold back to Texas corporate in 2020), we are proud of the community The Social Order has created in Oklahoma. We are invested in the renaissance and continued growth of our great state of Oklahoma. Whether it’s creating a new concept or furthering the success of an existing brand, we believe in raising our standards and never settling for less than the best. Every Restaurant. Every Team. Every Time."

Brian was a pretty decent tennis player in Highschool winning state championships in his sleep but decided to pursue a career and not tennis, going to SNU in Dallas. He's recently stepped down as their coach after winning I believe its 8 state championships for Heritage Hall. He had to step down to focus more on the business and as you can imagine COVID19 has all of his attention. 

Really appreciate Brians time and what he and Manny have done for Norman and OKC in the restaurant industry. Go follow him on Instagram @teambogie and also all their other businesses for news, events and more 

@socialorderdiningcollective @thejonesokc @fuzzysokla @seven47norman @eatatspark 

#thisisoklahoma

This is Ryan Broyles - OU | NFL | Real Estate Investor

On this episode I chatted with OU Football star receiver and retired Detroit Lions NFL player Ryan Broyles. Ryan is born and raised Oklahoman. Born in OKC, attends high school in Moore and accepted a scholarship to OU. But not till late in the year. He received the call late from OU and had many offers to go elsewhere. Especially OSU, as he mentioned in the podcast. OSU had been in touch since high junior year and he'd committed to go there before OU swooped in and stole him away. 

Ryan talks about entering OU with a chip on his shoulder, all the naysayers doubting his height, his ability and his size. His first game after a redshirt freshman year he set a freshman record and continued to break records all through college. Ryan broke the all time receiving record in the NCAA in senior year and unfortunately had to sit on the sidelines after a torn ACL cut his season short. He's currently still the 3rd all time NCAA receiver. 

It was at the moment that he realized this could be the end, and that it could end at anytime. Ryan started to plan for his future. Knowing he's probably going to the NFL he planned to make his signing bonus and contract last for a long time.

Ryan went in the second round to the Detroit Lions and lived off a 60k budget as an NFL player. Putting his money in investments and later real estate. 

A friend’s family introduced him to real estate, so he bought his first flip home for 19k. Put 20k into it and rented it out. He refinanced and made double his initial investment. He was hooked. As he continued to play in Detroit he bought properties and then once he retired he and his wife Mary Beth went all in to real estate. Ryan currently has 50 rental properties; they have a college bar in Norman and have just started the selling side of real estate as licensed realtors. 

Follow Ryan here @ryanbroyles and his new website www.ryanbroyles.com

This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall Of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's Story Through It's People Since 1927. Follow them online www.oklahomahof.com and on social media @oklahomahof 

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This is Justin Moose - Oklahoma Golf #15

On this episode I chatted with Justin Moose the #6 Ranked Professional Long Driver in the World. Justin and I played a tournament together down in Arteisa NM last year and have remained friends. He finished runner up in 2018 at the World Long Drive Championship held at Winter in Thackerville Oklahoma. Justin talks a lot about his experiences, how he prepares for each event, the workouts, the yoga and of course Brysons new found length. 

Follow Justin on Instagram @mooselong412 and fingers crossed we'll see him at this year Oklahoma Open here in Edmond Oklahoma in August. 

@thisisoklahomagolf 

 

This is Christina Chicoraske

On this episode I sat with friend Christina. She's has Oklahoma City "home" since 2003. As a Water Conservation Coordinator for the City of Oklahoma City's Utilities Department, Christina oversees the department's outreach and public education programs. Previously, Christina served as Executive Director for Oklahoma City's Historic Uptown 23rd District. As Executive Director, she oversaw the organization's committees, events, programs, and maintained Uptown's contract with the City of Oklahoma City.  Before her work with Uptown23rd, Christina was the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Oklahoma City University, overseeing the admission and recruitment of the university's first-time freshman population.  An alumnus of Oklahoma City University and holds a Masters in Public Administration from The University of Oklahoma, Christina is committed to growing and cultivating local organizations, economic development for local business, and community involvement.  An avid reader and baker, Christina is married to Tim Chicoraske, a network systems architect at Integris Health.  The couple has two corgis and enjoys Sooner Football, OU Women's Gymnastics, and OKC EnergyFC! Christina is a proud member of the OCU Alumni Board, Junior League of OKC, and Leadership OKC's LOYAL Class X.

Follow her here:

www.christinachicoraske.com 

Instagram @cmchicoraske

Twitter #cmchicoraske

Follow us @thisisoklahoma

Host @mikehearne_

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This is Deanne Brodie-Mends

On this episode myself and Taryn interviewed longtime college friend of mine. Deanne Brodie-Mends @theladydeanne on all socials. Links below. Deanne's family is from Ghana and moved to the states before she was born. She grew up in Moore Oklahoma in an education focused house. Her mom would always have her and her siblings reading, speaking on stage and learning new words. As many immigrants will know, immigrant parents push education as the way to succeed from a young age. Many friends of mine have had the same experience, as Deanne said "there's a small window of what you can be as an immigrant child. Doctor, Lawyer etc." Deanne's mom put her on stage from a young age which now is the reason she is so comfortable performing, speaking and sharing her work. 

Deanne is currently working full time and has a masters degree in education but her passion and the reason for our podcast was to share her stories, poems and the fire that she has inside of her to spread the word throughout the community. 

Deanne is incredible on stage, spoken word, poems really anything. Her delivery, the weight of the words that come from her writing. Its just a joy to see a friend do so much with the gift she's been developing for years. 

Deanne has only been doing this on stage for 3/4 years but a lifetime of moms backing to go on stage, write assignments and participate in all kinds of social settings has developed this skill. Her latests poem and piece is called "The Single" its about single women and how they feel. You can watch it here its POWERFUL! This is just the start of Deanne's projects for 2020, there's a book coming and many more performances. Follow all of Deanne's big projects here.

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vr-OGye3EM

Instagram @theladydeanne

www.

PRESENTED BY THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME. TELLING OKLAHOMA'S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE SINCE 1927. FOLLOW THEM ONLINE WWW.OKLAHOMAHOF.COM AND ON SOCIAL MEDIA @OKLAHOMAHOF