Stories That Move

What makes some organizations thrive for decades while others fade away after a promising start? Jesse Oxford, founder and creative director of Ox Creative, has spent years pondering this question—not just as the leader of a successful creative agency, but as someone fascinated by the intersection of longevity and impact.Jesse's creative journey began not with heavy metal (despite his joking claims about ACDC and Black Sabbath shaping his infant years) but with craft projects that provided a sense of belonging as he moved between eight different schools before eighth grade. These early experiences taught him how creativity could serve as a bridge when words failed, especially in unfamiliar environments. Later, through an internship at a Chicago megachurch, Jesse discovered filmmaking and began developing the skills that would eventually lead to founding his own creative agency.The most compelling revelation from our conversation comes from Jesse's current research project examining century-old nonprofit organizations. Working with Baylor University researchers, Jesse discovered approximately 7,000 nonprofits worldwide have survived for 100+ years. His investigation revealed six crucial principles these enduring organizations share, with perhaps the most fundamental being an enduring founding mission. "If your mission is built around something that may not last in a hundred years," Jesse explains, "you may need to revise it to be something that will still be a clear need without people questioning your identity every time there's a huge change or innovation."Throughout his career, Jesse has helped cause-based organizations harness creative storytelling to illuminate their work. He observed how innovative nonprofits like Invisible Children and TOMS pioneered film-based communication strategies while other established organizations struggled with outdated approaches. This experience informed Ox's mission to elevate nonprofit messaging to match the quality of profit-driven companies.For those feeling the pressure of instant success, Jesse offers sage wisdom: "Just because something isn't happening instantaneously doesn't mean anything's wrong." He points to Colonel Sanders starting KFC in his late 50s and Christopher Nolan directing Memento at 40 as reminders that meaningful impact often requires patience and persistence.Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn or follow @OxCreates on social media to learn more about his upcoming book "Here for Good" and discover how your organization can achieve both lasting endurance and meaningful impact.FIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

What happens when your identity is shattered on national television? When strength fails you at the moment you need it most? For Angela Gargano, six-time American Ninja Warrior competitor, Miss Fitness America, and founder of the Pull-Up Revolution, that moment became the catalyst for her most meaningful work.Angela's path from biochemist to fitness icon wasn't linear or predictable. After college gymnastics, she found herself in a lab coat working on prostate cancer research, yet feeling lost without the structure and purpose sports had given her. That search for identity led her to fitness competitions, where persistence through countless failures eventually earned her the Miss Fitness America title.But it was her devastating ACL tear on American Ninja Warrior—a moment of public failure when she was at peak strength—that forced her to completely reimagine what resilience looks like. "I was flying through the course. I'm looking at the sidelines, seeing people who are OG Ninja Warriors being like 'who is this girl?'" Angela recalls. "And then I just remember completely blacking out." That rock-bottom moment became the foundation for what she now calls the RIGHT framework for navigating life's most challenging setbacks.The framework begins with giving yourself permission to feel pain rather than masking it. "Strong leaders and strong women, we mask. We don't want people to see that we're in pain," Angela shares. "But if you keep resisting feeling those things, you're going to get stuck." This vulnerability, combined with identifying what you can control and asking "what if it all goes right?" transformed her recovery and eventually became her message.Today, Angela's Pull-Up Revolution has helped thousands of women achieve what they once thought impossible, and her keynote speaking brings these lessons to audiences worldwide. Her story isn't just about physical comeback—it's about discovering that our deepest vulnerabilities often become our greatest platforms for impact. As she puts it, "It's so much less about actually making it to that destination... it's so much more about who you're becoming on that journey."Ready to redefine what's possible in your life or business? Join us at the Warsaw Growth Summit on November 6th where Angela will share her full framework for turning setbacks into comebacks.FIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

What happens when artistry meets community service in a small Midwestern town? The story of Kira Lace Hawkins and the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts reveals the extraordinary magic that unfolds when creativity takes root.Kira describes theater as "mental floss" that helps us see the world with fresh eyes—a perfect metaphor for the transformative work happening at this unique theater-in-the-round in Warsaw, Indiana. As the Outreach and Education Director, Kira nurtures both emerging talent and seasoned performers while building bridges throughout the community. From her conservatory classes that welcome everyone from second-graders to adults to professional summer productions that rival Broadway quality, her work epitomizes how the arts can become the heartbeat of a community.The Wagon Wheel's seemingly modest venue belies its outsized impact. With 836 seats circling performers in an intimate arena, productions require innovative staging solutions—actors crawl through underground tunnels nicknamed "Shawshank" and elaborate sets emerge from beneath the stage floor. But what truly distinguishes this organization is its legacy of launching careers. Alumni have gone on to perform on Broadway stages (including a current Eliza in Hamilton), creating a remarkable artistic pipeline between rural Indiana and the nation's theater capital.Kira's own journey weaves together unexpected threads. Growing up in a musical Minnesota family (the "Von Laces"), she found her way to Indiana after meeting her husband, whose fourth-generation family farm now operates alongside her theater career. This intersection of sustainable agriculture and performing arts creates a unique perspective on creativity—as her husband says, "the farm has truly become his symphony."With an exciting season ahead featuring Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, South Pacific, Sister Act, Steel Magnolias, and Grease, now is the perfect time to experience the Wagon Wheel's community-centered magic. Subscribe to their newsletter or visit wagonwheelcenter.org to discover how this nearly 70-year institution continues to prove that the arts aren't just entertainment—they're essential to helping us connect with our shared humanity.FIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

In this conversation, Jesse Cody shares his journey from a successful athlete to founding Hike the Good Hike, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health through nature. He discusses his personal struggles with mental health, the impact of nature on well-being, and the importance of storytelling in inspiring others. A pivotal moment during his 40th birthday party led him to seek help and commit to change, emphasizing the power of community and love in the healing process. In this conversation, Jesse Cody shares his transformative journey from the restaurant industry to hiking the Appalachian Trail, highlighting the importance of self-discovery, mental health awareness, and the healing power of nature. He discusses the challenges of opening up about his struggles, the impact of childhood trauma, and the significance of taking small steps towards personal growth. Jesse emphasizes the need for community support and encourages others to share their stories as a means of healing.Keywords:mental health, hiking, storytelling, Jesse Cody, Hike the Good Hike, nature therapy, personal journey, mental health awareness, self-discovery, resilience, mental health, self-discovery, hiking, Appalachian Trail, personal growth, trauma, inspiration, nature, resilience, storytelling, Appalachian Trail, mental health, hiking, community, personal growth, nature, Hike the Good Hike, documentary, Jesse Cody, transformationhttps://www.hikethegoodhike.org/@hikethegoodhikeFIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

In this conversation, Todd Elliott shares his journey from a childhood immersed in church activities to becoming the president of Fusion Productions and the founder of the FILO Conference.  He discusses the importance of building trust between tech teams and church leaders, the challenges faced by tech personnel, and the evolution of church productions. He shares insights on writing his book, the impact of technology on church services, and the need for authentic engagement in church missions. Todd emphasizes the significance of leadership in guiding tech teams and the potential of technology to enhance church outreach and community involvement.FILO Conference, church production, Todd Elliott, Fusion Productions, community, technical artists, nonprofit, AV, church leadership, encouragement, trust, technology, church production, leadership, communication, book writing, church events, tech advancements, community, future aspirationsFIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

In this engaging conversation, director Corry Wiens shares his journey from making goofy high school films to becoming a successful filmmaker in Los Angeles. He discusses the importance of leadership in film production, emphasizing empowerment and collaboration. Corry also reflects on his significant move from Chicago to LA, driven by a desire to pursue his dreams in the entertainment industry. The conversation highlights his award-winning short film 'Defy the Odds,' which tells the inspiring story of Bill Lester, a trailblazing NASCAR driver. Corry shares insights into the challenges and experiences of filming, showcasing the passion and dedication behind his work. Keywordsfilmmaking, leadership, Defy the Odds, Bill Lester, Los Angeles, short film, production, creativity, empowerment, storytelling, NASCAR, filmmaking, short films, feature films, perseverance, challenges, creative problem solving, Bill Lester, Defy the Odds, film industryFIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

In this episode of Stories That Move, hosts Matt Deuel and Alexis Grant, interview Tyler Thompson, a writer and executive producer of the hit series The Chosen. They explore Tyler's creative journey, his upbringing in a storytelling culture, and the early days of The Chosen's production. Tyler shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of bringing the series to life, the importance of humanizing biblical stories, and the impact of audience reception on the show's evolution. The discussion highlights the impact of personal experiences on creativity and the need for artists to engage with the world around them.KeywordsTyler Thompson, The Chosen, storytelling, filmmaking, creative journey, production, audience reception, biblical stories, writing, creativity, storytelling, The Chosen, character-driven, emotional connection, writing process, audience impact, future projects, unique perspectives, filmmaking, personal experiencesFIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

In this episode of Stories That Move, hosts Matt and Erica Deuel engage with Sea Grandon, a contemporary art advisor and director of Atelier, an art gallery in Warsaw. They explore the significance of art in shaping community culture, Sea’s journey from law to art, and the challenges and opportunities in making art accessible. Sea shares her insights on fostering creativity, the organic growth of her advisory business, and the vibrant community engagement surrounding her gallery. This conversation explores the transformative power of art within communities, focusing on the importance of immersive experiences, the empowerment of young artists, and the role of art in emotional processing and mental health. Keywordsart, community, creativity, contemporary art, Warsaw, Sea Grandon, Atelier, art advisory, cultural impact, accessibility, art, community, creativity, mental health, young artists, immersive experiences, empowerment, accessibility, exhibitions, WarsawFIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Todd and Cindy Schoenbarger, who redefine what it means to transition into retirement. With a compelling narrative around their journey into "Life 2.0," they showcase how a new phase of life can be filled with purpose, growth, and innovation. From their well-established careers in IT and engineering, the Schoenbargers made a conscious decision to seek deeper meaning beyond the corporate world. Influenced by the thought-provoking book "Halftime," Todd began to search for significance over success, prompting both Todd and Cindy to reevaluate their paths and set intentional goals for the next chapter.In this engaging conversation, we explore their planning process, emphasizing the necessity of intentionality in navigating life’s transitions. From developing a strategic document outlining their aspirations to pursuing volunteer opportunities with Operation Mobilization, they illustrate how purpose-driven living can foster incredible impacts. Their innovation in elder care, especially during the pandemic, highlights the power of creativity born from personal experience and passion.Mentorship plays a pivotal role in their story, where they share the importance of fostering relationships and seeking guidance from others who can inspire and support growth. Todd and Cindy reflect on how their journey encourages listeners to consider their own legacies and the impact they wish to leave behind.This episode provides a rich tapestry of insights into navigating life’s transitions with intention, fostering a spirit of service, and embracing the continual journey of growth. Don’t miss out on this heartfelt discussion that invites everyone to reflect on their purposes, aspirations, and the legacy they wish to create! Tune in and be inspired to craft your own "Life 2.0."FIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

In this episode of "Stories that Move," we’re talking all about trust in the nonprofit world with James Bladel, Chief Strategy Officer of Historic. James shares his years of experience helping nonprofits tackle challenges and make a real impact.He breaks down the two types of trust every nonprofit needs: relational trust, which builds collaboration and understanding within teams, and functional trust, which focuses on accountability and getting things done. Balancing both is key to long-term success.Plus, James dives into how nonprofits can thrive by using empathy and smart strategy, and why a design thinking approach is a game-changer when it comes to connecting with beneficiaries and donors.If you’re ready to rethink trust in your own organization and learn practical steps to drive change, this episode’s for you. Hit play, subscribe, and drop a review—let us know what you think!FIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/