#31 Doug Burns - VP & co-owner of newspaper the HERALD | Unfiltered Podcast

05/23/22 • 67 min

Unfiltered: Revealing tactics to meet life's demands

As someone who has a career out of chasing and reporting stories, Doug Burns has stories that a 1 hour podcast doesn't have time to contain. This includes how as a reporter he has gotten access to interview several high ranking politicians, INCLUDING a former POTUS.
A decorated and seasoned journalist, Doug Burns also talked in depth about his experience being adopted, and while still not knowing his birth parents, he has peace and contentment about both his past and who he currently is.
He wasn't the only member of his family who was adopted, as he also has a Vietnamese sister.
Being a journalist during times like the present that can be, on occasion, tumultuous and controversial, Doug talks about how his exposure to different races and cultures has been an advantage, and what he is doing in the present to promote racial wellness for anyone who is willing to engage in that conversation.
Listen in and comment your impressions as we dive into a conversation with Doug Burns, Herald newspaper VP and journalist.

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#30 Chris Deal - An Engineer of Opportunity, shares his drive in life & values | Unfiltered Podcast

Since the podcast began nearly 18 months ago, Chris Deal has been on the wish list for guests. His list of accomplishments and accolades would require LOTS of time to tell, he's been places, and done things, including a year long education trip to Uganda, so I was ecstatic he joined us and let us take a peek into what motivates him to achieve and add to his family legacy.
He's been a part of several high-level projects that may not have gotten off the ground without some of his engineering expertise, not to mention he's also part of the hugely successful and regionally known Deal's Orchard family that has built an amazing environment and experience.
But with someone who is a high achiever, I thoroughly enjoyed learning things about him like that he likes baseball. The Lord of the Rings. And he considers himself the "world's worst multi-tasker." He's parenting three young kiddos, and he DOESN'T claim to have parenting figured out, but he's picked the qualities he wants to teach his kids, like how to work hard and problem solve, in order to give them the tools to be successful on their own accord one day.
Chris is exceptionally talented but equally humble.
Anyone would do well to listen and heed his words as he talks through;
-Success tactics,
-Learning through failure and embracing it,
-Not quitting but learning through problem solving,
AND
the history of Deal's Orchard, dating back to Chris' great-grandfather who moved to Greene County and planted trees, and how the family persevered through the storms of 1940 that could've ended the orchard, but thankfully didn't!
Tune in and comment on what sticks out to you!

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#32 Brett Abbotts - Superintendent talks back to school, sports, & informs how vouchers & taxes work

With the Greene County Community School District is Superintendent Brett Abbotts! We dug into Mr Abbotts, his background and journey from growing up in Canada to running the schools here in Jefferson, Iowa.
Not only this but he "schooled me" on topics like the voucher program installed recently in Iowa, and how tax dollars get distributed to the school, specifically local dollars.
He is also passionate about football and golf, occasionally sandwiches get wagered on football games and as a Patriot fan he casually trashed the Vikings (my favorite team, GO Vikes!) but Mr. Abbotts is for sure the man to beat on the golf course, and he tells an interesting story about a student who has risen up to try and take him down.
Mr. Abbotts has completely convinced me the schools are heading in a phenomenal direction. He is both goal orientated and relationship focused, an often tough balance to handle but he is finding ways to do it.
I loved his answer to questions about his goals for this school year, though his answer about a perfect world "utopian" goal is especially memorable - He spoke about each kid being confident in their learning, and elevating our district to an elite status, one where people want to come here and you are certainly proud to have graduated from here.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Mr Abbotts and hope you enjoy this in depth conversation about school matter and beyond.