Happy Grateful Blessed with Tami Tran

Jan Williams: Hope Box Theater Founder/Director, 2024 Athena Award Winner

"The Hopebox Theatre is built on the power of the performing arts to help people heal.  As a four time cancer survivor, our founder Jan Williams has known first hand the struggle and strain that cancer puts on an individual, their family, and their community. It was during her third battle with cancer during an especially difficult treatment that the vision of the Hopebox came to be. A group of her theater students had come to her doorstep one evening to sing some of her favorite broadway show tunes and provide love, support and the hope that Jan would have a better tomorrow. This event changed her life forever! It brought her hope... so much hope that suddenly she didn’t feel sick or even tired. In fact, that night she couldn’t sleep because she was so overwhelmed with the love and hope that she felt! 

 

As a result, Jan was inspired to start the Hopebox Theatre. She wanted to be able to give back to those who were also struggling with cancer by paying it forward. Jan felt like that experience at her doorstep brought her new life, renewed joy and especially a bright hope for her future! So even though she didn’t know whether or not she was going to beat her cancer, she went out with her beautiful bald head and found an amazing partner Curtis Dalton, who also believed in her intended mission. “To Bring Hope to Families Battling Cancer through the Performing Arts!” Curtis' family had also felt the effects of cancer when his mother passed away from cancer when he was nine years old. This theatre has been a perfect way for him to honor and cherish his mother. So with a lot of faith, Jan’s experience with theatre and Curtis’ background in construction, these new partners purchased a vacant church building in Kaysville that Jan had been keeping her eye on. They knew the moment they walked into the space that this is where the Hopebox should be! A couple months later, as renovations were underway for the new theatre, another friend, Derek Raynor came aboard as the third partner in this new adventure. Derek brought unique expertise and experience in theatrical technical design and together they started a not-for-profit organization called "The Hopebox Theatre of the Performing Arts!" It was a dream come true for all of them!

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In Jan’s own words….

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”At times I’ve questioned why God has kept me alive. I’m so thankful to be able to see my vision realized by being able to soften the effects of cancer to an individual and their family! It is truly a dream come true! There is no place I’d rather be, than working at this theatre! We may be small, but our mission is great and we are making a positive impact... one life at a time!  I feel so blessed to be helping families in our community find hope during one of the hardest times in their life!”

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Every person, every production, everything we do at the Hopebox Theatre is driven by our mission as we strive to bring hope and light into the lives of those who are battling dark times. We invite you to join us and be part of our Hopebox Family in whatever way you can. Whether that's on stage, as a part of a production team, behind the scenes, in the audience, or as a sponsor... we want to share our mission with you and those you love." https://www.hopeboxtheatre.com/home

Rachel Terry: A Non- Politico Makes a Splash in the Race for Attorney General

Rachel Terry is a lawyer more at home in the courtroom than in the dog-eat-dog world of politics. As a wife, mother of 13-year-old twins and practicing attorney of 20 years, her life took an unexpected turn when she decided to continue her decade-long work for the state of Utah by running to serve as its next Attorney General. She’s juggling it all right now: working full-time as the Director of the State Division of Risk Management, meeting family obligations and running a statewide campaign (which is more than a full-time occupation by itself!). Through it all, she remains committed to what she sees at Utah’s priorities: immigration, federal overreach and protecting children from criminals and big tech. Rachel knows that big corporations and bureaucracies only understand one language — and it happens to be a language she’s fluent in: litigation. Rachel will continue her successful litigation record for years to come as Utah’s next Attorney General.

John Dougall: Lions & Tigers & State Auditor ’aka’ UT Congressional Candidate - Oh MY!

Welcome to "Happy Grateful Blessed," podcast.. In this episode my guest who needs no introduction....is John "Frugal" Dougall, Utah's current State Auditor and a beacon of transparency and accountability in the political arena. In a field typically dominated by accountants and CPAs, John Dougall brings a refreshing perspective as an engineer with a deep-seated passion for transparency. Despite his impactful tenure as State Auditor, John has made the courageous decision not to seek another term, believing that Utah deserves a Congressional leader with a proven track record. Renowned for his strong leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility, John Dougall's legacy is etched in Utah's political landscape. The Deseret News has even heralded him as "...Possibly the most impactful auditor in Utah history..." https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2024/1/12/24031550/utah-legislative-session-2024-early-filing-deadline But John's journey doesn't stop here. After ten years of dedicated service as State Auditor, he's now setting his sights on representing Utah's Congressional House District 3. With past experience as a Rep for Utah HD 27 and a longstanding dedication to volunteering with the UTGOP, John's commitment to public service is undeniable. Tune in as we delve deeper into The Man behind the moniker, "Frugal Dougall"      

Andrew Van Noy: "Where Some People See...Others Have Vision"

Andrew Van Noy has an incredible life story. He's brilliant, genuine, and incredibly interesting. He's a successful CEO. Andrew founded DeepPower, Inc. in June 2022. Prior to DeepPower, he was the Chairman and CEO of AiAdvertising, Inc. from 2012 to 2022. From 2009 to 2011 Mr. Van Noy served as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for PageTransformer, a company which provided web and software development for iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. Mr. Van Noy has prior experience in digital marketing, private equity and investment banking. During his years at AiAdvertising, Mr. Van Noy led strategic efforts to rebrand and restructure the business and presided over the acquisition of a number of companies and capital raising efforts. Mr. Van Noy graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Listen in to learn why he is truly Happy, Grateful, Blessed!

Hoang for House- District 23: Hoang Nguyen "We can Do Better"

Hoang Nguyen’s personal journey paints the picture of the ultimate American Dream: an immigrant family escapes post-war Vietnam, where they are unsafe as a result of fighting for Vietnam’s freedom alongside Americans, and arrived in the United States in 1983 as refugees.

 

Shortly after arriving, their father was killed during a robbery. Their mother was left to navigate through language and cultural barriers to try and make a life for seven young children. Despite immense hardship and the tremendous pain that comes with loss, the Nguyens overcame every obstacle placed in front of them to find success. “I firmly believe that every Utahn should have equal access to the necessities they need to succeed, as it is through these values that my family and I have thrived.” Hoang grew up on the west side of Salt Lake City in a community that felt far away from that on the east side just a few miles away. Now, as a successful entrepreneur, business owner, and co-founder of Sapa Investment Group, Hoang has become a recognizable public figure and community leader. 

 

As a Utahn who has lived on both sides of the valley, Hoang knows that while progress has certainly been made, We can do better. Hoang seeks to inspire and help Salt Lake residents to build community by creating equity in education and providing opportunities that can be accessed no matter what side of Salt Lake you live on. Hoang is running for House District 23 to spark this change—to ignite conversations that move us into action, working together for the future of our city, our state, and our children. She wants to ensure that the American Dream is possible for all of us no matter who we are, what we look like, or where we come from.

After all, our differences make us stronger. United, we can be the change we want to see.

We can be better.

Rhonda Perkes: Hello 2024!

Welcome, political enthusiasts and curious minds, to a podcast that dives deep into the heart of Utah's political landscape! I'm thrilled to introduce our esteemed guest today, a powerhouse in the world of politics who has navigated the intricate web of campaigns and elections with finesse. Join me in welcoming the incredible Rhonda Perks, a name that has recently become synonymous with political strategy and success.

Best known as the brilliant mind behind Congresswoman Celeste Maloy's victorious campaign, Rhonda Perks is not just a political aficionado but a dynamic force that has shaped the political narrative in Utah. Her journey began as a humble campaign volunteer, catching the eye of Congressman Chris Stewart, who recognized her potential and invited her to join his team. Rhonda not only rose to the occasion but went on to manage Congressman Stewart's final campaign, leaving an indelible mark on the Utah political scene.

But Rhonda's story is not just about campaign victories; it's a testament to the power of passion and dedication. A self-proclaimed political nerd, Rhonda Perks has not only earned her stripes in the political arena but also shared her knowledge as a teacher. Her love for learning and teaching has undoubtedly contributed to her strategic prowess and deep understanding of Utah's unique political culture.

What sets Rhonda apart is her proven reputation for excellence. She is not just a campaign manager; she's a political strategist. A leader with a keen insight into the intricacies of Utah politics. Her established relationships and connections throughout the state are a testament to her influence and reach. Today, we'll unravel the layers of Rhonda Perks' journey, exploring the highs and lows of her political career and gaining valuable insights into the political landscape of Utah.

So, buckle up,  as we embark on a riveting exploration of politics, strategy, and leadership with the one and only Rhonda Perks. This is a podcast that goes beyond the headlines, giving you an insider's perspective on the world of Utah politics.

 

Tamara Tran: My Christmas Miracle

I'm delighted to share my Christmas Miracle. Hoping it serves as inspiration for you to embrace the power of prayer and to recognize the miracles unfolding in your own lives.

Thank you for tuning in to my podcast. I'm eager to hear your stories and life lessons, so feel free to reach out if you'd like to be a guest. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

 

 

 

Jen Spencer: She prayed, God listened. This is her journey from homelessness to a life of service!

Here's Jen's story from her website: https://turtleshelterproject.org/jensstory "My addiction led me to being homeless on several occasions throughout my life, and during that time I personally knew seven people who froze to death. When I first learned about this lifesaving technology, my mind flooded with ideas on how many people's lives this could save. I'd recently been homeless during an extreme winter. It had been one of the coldest winters Utah had suffered in a long time, so the misery of surviving the bitter cold was still very fresh in my mind. While I was homeless I remember feeling the chill all the way to my bones. I couldn't even think or function. It completely zapped me of my energy so much that I was losing my will to live. Everything felt beyond overwhelming. Simple tasks, like finding a bathroom, seemed to feel like huge obstacles. The crazy thing about it was: I had a car I was living in; I had a storage unit I could hang out in during the day and at night; and I had an income that was sufficient for my needs. But being homeless completely broke me - even with all of the resources I had available to me.

I began thinking that if homelessness crushed me, even with all that I had, then what would it do to someone who had much less, or even nothing?  I wanted to do something to help people with this burden. When I learned about foam clothing, I knew without a doubt that God was telling me -"THIS IS HOW YOU CAN HELP!"

After a lot of prayer and asking God to put the right people in my path, I started talking to everyone about my desire to make foam clothing for the homeless. Eventually I told the right person and that is how I met Marian Edmonds-Allen. At the time Marian, an ordained minister, was the executive director for the Utah Pride Center. Prior to that she had served as the Executive Director of OUTreach Resource Centers and in 2015 was named a Petra Fellow for her work with LGBTQ homeless youth.   Marian was particularly interested in my idea for getting foam clothing into the hands of the homeless and arranged a meeting to hear more. But it was still just an idea.  The truth is I had no idea how to make the project happen, and at the time I had only been clean and sober for 7 months.  Things were put on hold for a while because Marian took a new job at Parity in New York and resigned from the Pride Center.  I had been in drug rehab, but I needed to finish getting clean, sober, and stable.  My recovery sponsor kept telling me that this was God's project, not mine, and I needed to let go and let God make this happen in HIS time.   

After about 2 years, in January 2017, God led me to Angela Roth.  Angela is someone who not only knows how to create a pattern but can sew like a rock star! Coincidentally, when I met her she had been praying for an opportunity to use her sewing and patterning talents to do something truly meaningful for people with a genuine need.  We teamed up and started the Turtle Shelter Project! We decided to make vests because we thought a simple vest would be able to keep a person's core warm.  If your core is warm, the rest of you stays warm longer.  We came up with a vest pattern that would be fairly easy for volunteers to make and keep production cost down.  After purchasing materials for 50 vests, we had only spent $30 for each one. The goal was to use labor donated by volunteers. This would give people the opportunity to serve in any capacity, whether it be time or money, and to truly do something meaningful that can help save lives. 

Between September 2017 and January of 2018, with the help of many volunteers, we produced 50 TSP vests.  We handed some out to people experiencing homelessness to do some field testing for us and let us know how they worked.  The response has been excellent!  As a result of their feedback, we have made improvements to the vests.  We have added hoods, pockets, and a sturdy belt to help them fit better. We have also used some of the vests to do field testing by ourselves and friends and family who were willing. The results have been very encouraging!!! We want these vests to go to people living outdoors or who don't have access to shelters, because they are the ones who need this technology the most.  The vests are called "Turtle Shelters" because they are a portable shelter - just like a turtle taking its shelter with it.  Wearing a Turtle Shelter Vest makes having a source of heat a nicety, but not a necessity because the foam insulation in the vest will harness the body's heat and conserve it.  The vests are very well made to provide durability, wind resistance, insulation, and comfort.  They are a very effective way to help provide life-saving warmth."  

Mike Shultz: Utah House Speaker, 2024 Legislative Priorities

Meet Mike Shultz, Utah's House Speaker, who, in his almost four weeks on the job, finds himself receiving calls from Governor Cox seeking his insights on crucial policies. Despite his newfound popularity, Speaker Shultz remains humble, attributing it to his leadership role and expressing a genuine love for serving the people of Utah. Driven by a desire to give back to his state, Shultz's policy priorities revolve around Federalism, Energy, and Water, with an unwavering commitment to putting Utah first in every decision. Anticipating the 2034 Olympics, he is enthusiastic about policies strengthening families and communities, alongside smart strategies to address growth. Speaker Shultz's direct approach and steadfast commitment to his word make him a respected figure in Utah's political landscape.

Amy Shumway: Farmington City Council Woman,

It is my privilege to introduce Amy Shumway whose dedication to public service has not only transformed her local community but serves as an inspiration to all who value perseverance and community engagement. Amy Shumway, a proud resident of Farmington, embodies the spirit of civic responsibility and positive change. Amy's journey into public service began with a simple desire – the wish to enhance the trails in her hometown of Layton. This passion for outdoor spaces and community connectivity took root during her time in Germany, where she and her family fell in love with biking through the picturesque countryside. It was during this time that the seeds of advocacy were planted, and they would eventually blossom into a commitment to making a tangible difference in her community. Married to her supportive husband and a devoted mother to five boys, Amy's dedication to public service is deeply intertwined with her love for her family. A decade ago, she embarked on a mission to advocate for pedestrian access over Park Lane, with the goal of creating a leisurely path to Station Park, less than a mile away from her home. Her journey began by rallying her neighbors and community, collecting signatures, and presenting the need to various governmental bodies, from the city to Davis County, UDOT, WFRC, and even the legislature. Amy's commitment to her cause went beyond words; she engaged her community by involving her family in a heartwarming initiative. Selling 1,000 loaves of homemade bread, with a dollar from each sale earmarked for the project, she not only raised funds but also garnered the support of local businesses that matched those contributions. Her approach was a testament to her understanding that change requires both collaboration and grassroots efforts. Through it all, Amy's key to success has been a combination of patience and persistence. Her unwavering dedication to the cause has paid off, as the pedestrian crossing project is now funded and set for construction in 2024. Amy's vision wasn't just for her own family but for all residents of Farmington, showcasing a selflessness that is truly commendable. As we stand on the brink of seeing her vision come to life, Amy eagerly anticipates the upcoming construction for the Pedestrian Crossing. This moment is not just the culmination of 10 years of hard work; it is a testament to the power of one individual's dedication to making a positive impact on her community.