Puerto Rico's beaches hold both breathtaking beauty and heartbreaking reality. With an estimated 650,000 stray dogs struggling to survive, The Sato Project has become a beacon of hope. In this episode of Impactually, we share the powerful story of a grassroots movement born on "Dead Dog Beach" and how it grew into a national model for sustainable animal rescue and community care.

Our Guests:

• Chrissy Beckles - Founder & President, The Sato Project

• Samuel Prieto Pulido & Natalia Rivera - Beach Rescue Coordinators

• Dr. Nell Gridley, DVM - NYC Veterinarian

Major Topics / Highlights:

• The stray dog crisis in Puerto Rico: scale, context, and history

• Dead Dog Beach and the early days of The Sato Project

• Community outreach, Freedom Flights

• OperationSato: spay/neuter initiatives

• Disaster relief and long-term sustainable change

• How this model can inspire animal welfare efforts

Want to Take Action?

• Give: The Sato Project — Official Website

• Learn:

  • Wings of Rescue

  • Pulitzer Center Feature: No Dogs Left Behind

  • People.com Rescue Flight Article

Featured Music:
A very special thanks to the Kadencia Orchestra for sharing their songs "Puerto Rico Te Extrano" and "Diaspora Puertorriquena" off their LP 'En Otro Barrio'. We have a link to their website and social media in our show notes, and their music is available on all major streaming platforms.

Support This Work:
This episode is made possible by the generous support of Humm Productions donors and listeners like you.
Join our community and donate.

Connect with Us:
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Tags:
#TheSatoProject #AnimalRescue #Impactually #StoriesForGood #StrayDogs #PuertoRico #SocialImpact #Sustainability #DeadDogBeach #WingsOfRescue #DogAdoption #OperationSato

Discover how wrestling is transforming lives beyond the gym in this inspiring episode about Beat the Streets Chicago. Through the discipline, grit, and mentorship found on the mat, this nonprofit is empowering Chicago's youth to become Life Champions on and off the mat. Join us as we explore how wrestling is being used as a powerful tool for character-building, education, and community resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal Growth: Through Wrestling: Learn how wrestling instills accountability, perseverance, and integrity—skills that carry far beyond competition.

• Educational Impact: Explore Beat the Streets' academic enrichment programs and how they bridge the gap between athletics and classroom success.

• Mentorship and Mental Health: Hear how caring coaches and mentors create safe spaces for young people to build confidence, discipline, and emotional strength.

• Community Leadership: Discover how the organization is training the next generation of leaders within Chicago's neighborhoods through inclusive programs for both boys and girls.

• Legacy and Future: Examine how Beat the Streets is revitalizing Chicago's historic wrestling culture and building a sustainable ecosystem for youth development.

Guests:

Beat the Streets Chicago

Mike Powell: Executive Director, Beat The Streets Chicago

Sammi Barientos: Head Women's Wrestling Coach, Beat the Streets Chicago

Adam Lemke-Bell: Assistant Enrichment Coordinator, Beat the Streets Chicago

James "Taki" Miller: Wrestling Coach, Beat The Streets Chicago

Mia Vazquez: Female Wrestler, Beat the Streets Chicago

Call(s) to Action:
Share this episode and spread the word about the amazing work that Beat the Streets Chicago is doing!

Support the mission of Beat the Streets Chicago by exploring ways to volunteer, coach, or donate. Your involvement helps provide transformative opportunities for youth to step confidently into the ring—and into life. Visit Beat the Streets Chicago to learn more.

Donate to Humm Productions so we can continue telling impactful stories like this!

Additional Resources:
Beat the Streets Chicago Annual Report – Impact and Programs Overview

Thank You to Our Financial Sponsors:
We would like to thank April Collins Potterfield, David Johnson and Christine O'Neil, JLB Images, and listeners like you.

Connect with Us:
www.hummproductions.org

Facebook: Humm Productions

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Episode Summary:

A storm hits harder than expected. You reach higher ground, but safety is fleeting. Then comes the sound that changes everything.

The story follows the Ground Force Humanitarian Aid Organization—a volunteer-powered, data-driven response team born from the chaos of Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey. With speed and precision, Ground Force mobilizes nationwide to rescue and support the most vulnerable communities in the wake of natural disasters. Their story begins where the storm leaves off.

Special Thanks to our guests:

• Rob Gaudet, Founder and Executive Director of the Ground Force Humanitarian Aid
• Bruce Ling, musician (co-founder along with his wife Becca of the Hawks and Owls string band) for his featured song "Diamonds in the Rough".
• Special mention to Gordon Ramsey's National Geographic series "Uncharted" for sparking the idea for this show.

Want to Take Action?

•  Support citizen-led disaster relief: Ground Force Humanitarian Aid

•  Learn how Ground Force delivers $12 of aid per $1 raised

• Explore tech-powered humanitarian response

• Ready to volunteer your time or skills? Join Ground Force today

Sponsors:

This episode of Impactually is brought to you by the generous financial support of April Collins Potterfield, David Johnson and Christine O'Neil, JLB Images. And listeners like you! Thank you!

Join our community and donate

Connect with Us!

www.hummproductions.org

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IG: Humm Productions

Discover the transformative power of green roofs as we explore their environmental, social, and economic impact on urban landscapes. Join us as we interview Tonya Gayle, Executive Director of Green City Force, and Amy Falder, Co-founder of New York Green Roofs, to learn about their innovative strategies and the inspiring stories behind this movement.

Key Takeaways:

• Environmental Impact: Green roofs contribute to air purification, stormwater management, energy conservation, and biodiversity.

• Social Impact: Green roofs create community spaces, improve mental health, and contribute to social equity.

• Economic Impact: Green roofs can generate revenue through food production, tourism, and property value increases.

• Technological Innovation: Explore different types of green roofs and their potential for integration with other sustainable technologies.

• Policy and Advocacy: Learn about the role of government, nonprofits, and businesses in promoting green roofs.

Guest Bios:

Tonya Gayle: Executive Director of Green City Force

Amy Falder: Co-founder of New York Green Roofs

Call to Action:

Discover the potential of green roofs to enhance your community. Explore sustainable initiatives by supporting organizations like Green City Force and New York Green Roofs, and delve into green roof design and installation.

Additional Resources:

Sina Razzaghi Asl study - Rooftops for Whom? Some Environmental Justice Issues in Urban Green Roof Policies of Three North American Cities

Thank You to Our Financial Sponsors: We would like to thank April Collins Potterfield, David Johnson and Christine O'Neil, Julie Ambrose, JLB Images, and listeners like you.

Connect with Us:

www.hummproductions.org

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Target explores the unexpected world of disc golf and its positive impact on a beloved Chicago community. We meet Tommy Ingles, the founder of Hyde Park Disc Golf, who discovered a passion for the sport during the pandemic and used it to revitalize Jackson Park, an historically rich and local green space.

Key Takeaways:

• Disc golf is a fun, accessible, and environmentally friendly activity for all ages and skill levels.
• Public parks offer numerous benefits but can be underutilized. Initiatives like Hyde Park Disc Golf demonstrate how communities can revitalize public spaces and foster social connection.
• We can all play a role in keeping parks safe and accessible by donating to relevant causes, joining advocacy groups, or participating in clean-up days.

Call to Action:

• Want to try disc golf? Visit UPlayDiscGolf.org to learn more and find a course near you.
• Need discs? Discmania.net offers a wide selection for beginners and experts. Use code "Humm20" for 20% off your order.
• Inspired by Tommy's story? Learn more about Hyde Park Disc Golf at hydeparkgolf.org and see how you can support their work.

Special Thanks:

We extend our sincerest gratitude to our guests: Tommy Ingles, Founder and Executive Director of Hyde Park Disc Golf; Louise McCurry, President of the Jackson Park Advisory Council Board; Dana Vicich, Sales Manager at Disc Mania and former pro disc golfer; and Dustin Leatherman, Executive Director of The Paul McBeth Foundation. A very special thanks to our featured musician, Sean Miller, for providing his single "Midwest States". His music is available on all streaming platforms.

Sponsors:

This episode of Impactually is brought to you by the generous financial support of April Collins Potterfield, David Johnson and Christine O'Neil, JLB Images. And listeners like you! Thank you!

Join our community and donate:

www.hummproductions.org

Facebook: Humm Productions | Impactually

IG: Humm Productions | Impactually

Description:

This episode explores the challenges and opportunities faced by formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering society. We meet Philip Cooper, a force for good who is changing the reentry landscape through his organization, Operation Gateway.

Key Takeaways:

• Second Chances Matter: Philip's story highlights the importance of providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Barriers to Reentry: Returning citizens face numerous obstacles, including lack of housing, employment opportunities, and access to public services.
• The Power of Mentorship: Philip's experience with mentors in prison demonstrates the positive impact of peer support during recovery.
• Breaking the Cycle: Operation Gateway helps equip individuals with the resources and support needed to successfully re-enter their communities.
• We Can All Be Change Agents: This episode encourages us to shift our perspectives on reentry and advocate for change within the system.

Call to Action:

• Learn More: Follow Operation Gateway on social media
• Support Resources: Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) or NAMI (text "HELPLINE" to 62640) for confidential support.
• Shift the Conversation: Talk about reentry and addiction with empathy and openness.

Special Thanks:

Special thanks to Ben Berry from Mtn Craft for nominating Operation Gateway and Philip Cooper for the show. We are grateful to Philip Cooper for sharing his powerful story and insights, and to Andrea Morris for her valuable perspective on addiction and recovery. We appreciate the musical contributions of GangstaGrass whose song "You Can Never Go Home Again" perfectly captured the essence of the episode.

Sponsors:

This episode of Impactually is brought to you by the generous financial support of April Collins Potterfield, JLB Images. And listeners like you! Thank you!

Join our community and donate:

www.hummproductions.org

Facebook: Humm Productions | Impactually

IG: Humm Productions | Impactually